its called Duel World and yes it's Yu-Gi-Oh

“I summon Blade Knight (atk1600 def1000) to attack mode.” I said as I watch my monster come alive in front of me. His sliver armor shined bright and it looked way to real to me. Then shook my head and got ready for the next part.
“And now I activate Torrential Tribute (trap) to destroy every monster on the field now.” I told my opponent now watching my knight and his monsters go to the grave. “And then use The Warrior Returning Alive to put Blade Knight in my hand. Then I end my turn with two face downs.”
I watch him draw his card and thinks. I’m pretty sure I saw a smirk on his face. Was there a chance he just got a good card? Who knew this game was about skill and a lot of luck.
“Ok first I play a monster face down and activate Jar of Greed (trap) which allows me to draw a card.”
“Yeah I know what it does. Is that all? I was hoping for a challenge.” I told him
“My turns not over yet. Next I play Heavy Storm (spell) which destroys all spells and traps on the field. So say good bye to your two face downs. And I end my turn.”
“Wow that it? Whatever… I draw and summon Blade Knight in attack mode. Now I attack your face down with Blade Knight.”
“To bad for you it’s Wall of Illusion(atk1000 def1850). Now his effect comes in, the monster that attacks him is sent back to the owners hand. And you lose 250 life points.”
I look at my duel disk and watch my LP go from 5300 to 5050. We’ve been at this for about 20 minutes by now and I brought his LP from 8000 to 3400. But he has a good defense and traps. He was really a trickster at dueling.
“Fine I’ll end my turn.”
“You’re not much of a duelist are you? But who cares I summon Dark Blade (atk1800 def1500) and attack you directly.”
I watched as his warrior completely in black armor charged at me and swung his sword down at my head. It went right through me as all holograms do. Then I saw my LP go down to 3250. Great he was now beating me.
“I end my turn. You better do something quick.”
I draw and look at the card and then at my hand. “Don’t worry I will. With this spell Soul Exchange (spell). And I think ill pick your Illusion Wall as my sacrifice for my Summoned Skull (atk2500 def1200).” I said smiling. “I think I’ll put to cards down and end my turn.”
“I draw and play Fissure (spell) which destroys the lowest monster on the opponent’s field.”
“Well that’s to bad I just put down Magic Jammer (trap) which if I discard a card I negate a magic card and using it now.” I said interrupting him taking a card from my hand and putting it in my grave.
“Fine I place Blade knight in defense and place a face down and end my turn.”
“Sweet my turn and I’ll summon Blade Knight again and attack with him.”
“Wait I activate Mirror Force (trap).”
“Hey lookey there I activate Trap Jammer (trap) which stops one trap activation. Wow how lucky was I to play both of those last turn.” I said and laughed but he didn’t say anything his mouth was just open
“So I attack Dark Knight and then again directly with Summoned Skull for 2500. So go ahead and draw your last card.”
He glared at me then drew his card but then his face became a frown and he looked away. I waited for his next move but he just put his hand on his deck and said. “I forfeit.”
“Wow really? Man lucky day for me.” I said throwing a fist in the air.
“Yeah you got lucky so forget you.” he said and walked away.
“What that’s it? Oh great I’m late for school now.” I said and took off running the other direction

“Well look who’s late.” My 1st period teacher says as I open the door.
I don’t say anything I just go to my desk and sit there. I knew the questions and insults were coming soon.
“So why are you late this time? Alarm didn’t go off? Get lost on your way to school?” he asked
“No. None of those.” I told him looking down
“Then what can make you late to my class? If you don’t pass English you cant pass high school. Do you know that?” he asked
“Yes I know that. But hey how about you teach the class so we can learn something instead of you questioning me all the time. I got caught up in something.” I said
“I take it since your cards are still in your duel disk you were dueling again. That’s not an excuse to be late for class so go to the office and get a pass if they let you.” He said walking away
I get my stuff and head for the door and open it. I know I shouldn’t do this but he was really getting on my last nerves and I didn’t deserve this.
“So are you just mad that I use to hang with Katrina? Is that why you hate me?”
“That’s it get out and go to the office! I will be calling ahead to let them know why!” He yelled pointing to the door.
I didn’t say anything or look back I just left the room. I was pretty sure that was the wrong thing to say but I really wanted to know. I still can’t believe that I pick this normal boring school over a dueling school. I guess it was mostly for my brother and my friends. I didn’t want to leave them. Then again getting a regular education was a good idea to. Then again they teach it over there, and then I remember the last reason. I stopped and thought about it. I haven’t really thought about it for awhile and I realize why now. It was painfully boring.
“Hey where are you supposed to be?” some random teacher asked me
“What? Oh the office.” I told her
“Then go.”
“Ok I know hold on.”
She didn’t say anything she just walked away with after giving me this look. I didn’t know what was wrong with all the teachers today but I felt like the day was going to get worse. So I walked up to the office taking my time and just stand in front of the principles door. The door opened and a woman’s head looked out. She looked at me and before she could say anything I raised my hand smiled and sat down on a chair across from her door. She raised an eyebrow and went back in her room. I had a bad feeling about the meeting I was about to have. Then again my motto is “I will take on any challenge that confronts me.” Though my friends laugh at it I still follow it, though I know it’s a little bogus. Then the door opened and she waved me in. So I walked in and she pointed to a chair. So I sat down next to muscular guy so I look at him. He was wearing a black short sleeve shirt and some dirty pants. He had a chain on his pants and had a hat on his knee. After looking at him I turn back to the principle then you could see the horror that struck my face as I turn back and looked at my dad. Only one term popped into my head. “Fuck my life.”
“So, son how are you? What a surprise seeing you here.” He said with a smile
“I’m pretty good dad. Umm what are you doing here?” I asked with my voice cracking
“I was going to just ask you that.” He said leaning over to me and I could feel sweat start to slide down the side of my cheek.
I sat there and wondered why he was here, did he find out about my morning duel or what I said to my teacher. Or that I didn’t take out the trash or wash the dishes and my younger brother ratted me out I just know it. All I knew is that I was in deep shit.
“I was sent up because I was late and I need a pass.”
“Really? They sent you to the principle for a pass?”
“Oh yes and because I had a message.” I say and then turn to my principle. “We are out of toilet paper in the boys bathroom.”
“You really suck at lying.”
“Yeah I know.” I said leaning back in the chair then continuing “So how much you know?”
“Everything.” He said looking at the principle.
“Well he deserved it. He just hates me cause of what happened before.” I said looking away holding my duel disk in my arms. “You can’t take these from me please.”
The principle and my dad just stared at me. It felt like they were watching me for hours but never said anything. I kept looking away from them but I knew they were there. It annoyed me that they keep staring at me. Why couldn’t they just go away? With out saying anything I got up and before they could say something I ran out the room. I let the door close but I just stood there not knowing what to do next. The worst part was I could still hear them talking.
“So has it been like this since his brother left?” I heard the principle ask
“It was worst at first but it’s been getting better. That’s why he won’t give me those cards, they used to be his brothers.” My dad said
“So he’s still thinks his brother will come back?”
“With everything in him. He really thinks he’s going to come back.”
Whatever else was said I blocked out. I stood there looking at the duel disk in my hands not knowing what to do. This was my brother’s deck and I took it from his room when he left so I could be close to him again. He taught me how to play duel monsters in the first place so I could impress this girl I liked. Then she left betraying me and taking my first card given to me from the maker of duel monsters. I haven’t heard or seen of her since then but I know she’s out there with my card. I’ll find her someday though and take back what is mine.Then I looked at the duel disk again in silence. I once thought I could live a normal life with out duel monsters but I just couldn’t stop playing it.So I shake my head and walk away trying to forget everything.

I stayed at home for two days mad at the world. My dad tried getting me out of the house but I just stayed in my room. I didn’t even touch my duel monster cards. I was too depressed to even look at them. I guess this is what every one wanted from me wasn’t it? To give up on the only thing I really liked in this world. They might as well cut off my hand while they were at it if they wanted the full effect. Why should I give up what makes me happy and who I am for other people? What do they know when it comes to my life? About all the things I had to go through or my dreams destroyed in front of me.
“Hey what are you doing?” my little brother asked as he walks into my room.
I look at him then stare back at the ceiling. He was the only one who could calm me down now but I really didn’t feel like talking to anyone.
“Well it doesn’t seem like you need these anymore huh?” He said picking up the duel disk and looked at me. When I didn’t say anything he walked out the room
I wait for a second then sighed. It was like everything just got better really fast. Then I felt this hole being dug in my chest like something wasn’t right. So I sit up and stare at my open door and just waited. After a couple of minutes my brother came back in and just shook his head.
“I can’t believe you didn’t come after me for these.” He said holding the duel disk up. “So what?You giving up on it or something?”
“Don’t be stupid of course I’m not giving it up.”
“Really?Kinda seems like you don’t want these anymore.”
“No everyone else wants me to give it up but I don’t want to.” I paused. “Well not yet a least, I have something to do first.” I said standing up now going to my closest and grabbing my jacket.
“And what could that be?” he asked holding out my disk.
“Fulfilling some promises and taking care of some serious business. Then I think I’ll be good leaving it all behind.” Now putting the duel disk on my arm.
“Well good luck I’m always behind you. Even when I think you’re wrong.”
I pat his head and say. “Thanks for that. It’s what I need most.” And with a smile I left.

There was one place I had to be at this moment and it’s been calling for me for a while now. I still can’t believe I abandoned this place I spent my childhood. I now look up at the building reading the name in my head. Then I take a breath and walk in.
“Hey I’m looking for the second best of this shop!” I say walking in
“I’m not second best you monkey!” A kid around my age yelled jumping up
“Well I’m not a monkey! I have business with you.”
“Yeah and what could that be? Kissing my feet?” he said laughing
“Why would anyone kiss the feet of the joker and not the king like myself.” I said pointing at him
“Those are fighting words. You here what I think you’re here for?” he asked
“Yeah, the duel that I promised you. This will be the last time we play each other so no holding back.” I told him raising my duel disk.
“Last time huh? Well this time I’ll finally win. I’m going to take your title today.” He said putting on his duel disk.
“I’m sorry my friend but not today.”
That’s when the game owner Mr. Matos walked over to us. “Ok I want a nice clean duel but lets do this out front. And of course have fun.”
“Yes sir.” We both said at once smiling.
We walk out side and stand away from each other. Then I said “You ready Charlie?”
“Born ready!” he yelled at me
“Then let’s get this over with! I’ll go first.” I said drawing my first card. Knowing this was it for me against all other duelist.

I walk up to my house and just stare at it remembering everything that has happened here. Loved and lost would be the right phrase I think. I lasted dueled my brother right here for him to stay but nothing ever works out the way you want it when you really want it. Now I knew what I had to do. I couldn’t keep holding on to the past like I’ve been doing all this time. I would give this all up and let that weight on my shoulder fall off.
“So how was it?” my little brother asked me as I walked into the living room
“Good. It was a good duel between friends.” I said smiling
“So two more duels right?”
“Huh two? Why do you say that?” I asked walking over to him afraid of what he was going to say
“Well you need to get your card back. Plus you need to beat ------- and bring him home. Only you can do it.”
“Nope little bro. I won’t go after those two. Their in the past now and I only have one more thing to do.” I said walking away now
“No! You always said you’d bring him back! Now you’re just going to give up?” he screamed at me now standing and pointing at me
“I’m pathetic aren’t I? But it’s for the best plus if he wanted to come back he already would have.” I said walking up the stairs not waiting for a response.

I woke up that next morning earlier then anyone else in my house for once in my life. I didn’t want my little brother this morning. He would just try and stop me anyways. So I walked to school and when I got there I just stopped and looked at it. Life would be pretty boring here now after today. Then after a while of watching the school I walked into it with my goal almost at hand. I heard the bell to go to class start but I went to my locker and just sat in front of it. I knew this idea would help but hopefully in the way I needed.Then after a while I show one of the narks walking about so I got up opened my locker looked in till she passed. I stare into my locker forgetting the pictures that I placed in there. Pictures that were holding me back in my goal so I closed the locker door slowly and took a deep breath then turned on my hills and walked to my class.
“Well why am I not surprised to see you come into my class late?” he says from behind his desk
First I looked around the class and everyone stared at me or him. “I don’t have time for your stupid remarks.” I told him
“What did you say to me?” he said standing up now
I heard the kids saying things to each other but I ignored them. “Your words mean nothing to me. If you have something to say, say it with your cards.” I said holding up my duel disk.
“Who do you think you are? How dare you talk to me that way!”
“If I win you won’t bother me anymore but if I lose you can expel me or I’ll just leave this school.” I said waiting
He looked at me then to his desk at a picture sitting on in it. Then I said “So you ready or what Mr. Crew?” I said walking to the door.
“We’ll duel at brunch so every one will know who beats you and you leave for ever.” He said looking back at me now.
“Deal. I’m going to go to the school library for first today and I’ll see you at brunch in the quad.” I said and left.
As soon as the door closed I released the biggest puff of air ever. I was shaking now, I’ve never done anything like that. It was kinda fun too, I might just have to stand up more often. So I walked over to the library and sat down at a table and took out my cards. I went threw everyone reading and thinking about them. I knew this was it the last timeI would be using this deck and I was going to make sure it was perfect. For the next 40 minutes I sat there quietly and sorted my deck then the bell rung. I got my cards and knew it was time. I walk over to the quad and wait nervous on how this would turn out. I stared out the window think about the future after this and what I would do. It was a rough thought, not knowing if I would stay or not. As I turn back around I see Mr. Crew walking over to me now.
“You ready?” I yelled over to him
“Lets just get this over with.” He said raising his duel disk.
“You better be ready for this.” He said then summoned Shining Angel (atk1400 def800) and played a face down card.
“Whatever. I play a monster face down and end.” I said
“Really that’s it? I play Sliver bow and Arrow (spell/equip).” He equipped it to make his Shining Angel attack power 1700. Then he went on. “I attack your face down.”
“Well to bad it’s Fortress Warrior (atk600 def1200) it takes two attacks to destroy it.”
“So you’re still using your brother’s deck huh? When are you going to grow up?”
I don’t say anything at first, I just played Reinforcement of the Army (spell) to bring Marauding Captain (atk1200 def400) to my hand then summoned him and I use his effect to let me summon a warrior monster level 4 or lower and I picked X-Saber Anu Piranha (atk1800 def1100) in attack mode. “I attack your Shining Angel with my X-Saber.” He takes 100 from his LP but he gets to summon a light monster with the attack points of 1500 or less and he picked Hecatrice (atk1500 def1100) and places it in attack mode.
“First I play Swords or Revealing Light (spell) so you can’t attack now for three turns.” He said then he uses Monster Reincarnation (spell) to bring Shining Angel to his hand and summon it. Then he uses Hecatrice to attack Marauding Captain making me take 300LP.
[turn1 for Swords] “Not bad I guess. Looks like you’ve been practicing.” I said and played two face downs and ended my turn
I watched as he tribute summon both his monsters for Splendid Venus (atk2800 def2400) then as he attacks my X-Saber I use Magic Cylinder (trap) to reverse his attack back at him and he takes 2800.
“Damn brat. Just lose.” He yelled at me
“No way in hell will I’ll ever lose to you.” I said and drew my card
[turn2 for Swords] “I play Lightning Vortex (spell ) to destroy all your face up monsters.” I told him as I discard a card to the grave because of Lightning Vortex. Then I ended. “Hahahaha. I think I don’t even have to try anymore huh?” I added pointing at him
He drew a card looked at his hand but ended his turn with out doing a single thing.
[turn3 for Swords] “What’s wrong you done already?” I said then ended my turn
Instead of saying anything he played a face down monster and ended.
“I attack your face down with my X-Saber.” But as my warrior attacked his face down I saw it was Kelbek (atk1500 def1800) so not only does his monster not die any monster that attacks it is sent back to the hand. So I summon X-Saber Anu Piranha again in attack mode.
He only smiled and played a face down card and end. Which was starting to piss me off.
“Just the card I needed.” I said to myself “I use Hammer Shot (spell) to destroy Kelbek.” But then I heard. “Wait I play Magic Jammer (trap) to destroy Hammer Shot.” He said interrupting me
He only played a face down again and ended. This was turning into a pretty boring duel.
“Running out of cards old man?” I asked and ended
“I can ask the same to you.” He said back and ended too
I drew and told him. “Ok this is boring do something already.”
“Ok fine I will. But don’t be mad.” He plays Beckoning Light (trap) to bring back light monsters equal to the cards he discards to the grave which is 4. Then he removes from play two light monsters to summon Soul of Purity and Light (atk2000 def1800) in attack mode. Then he discards Zeradias Herald of Heaven (atk2100 def800) to bring The Sanctuary in the Sky (spell) to his hand from his deck then plays it. “So what do you think now?” he said in a tone like he already won the game so I answered “I guess it’s alright. I’ve seen better.” He snarls at me then he attacks X-Saber with Soul of Purity making me lose 500LP because the cards effect is that my monster loses 300 attack points during the battle phase.
I drew then used Mystical Space Typhoon (spell) to destroy his Sanctuary in the Sky. I look at my hand and made a plan so I then I tribute Fortress Warrior to summon Summoned Skull (atk2500 def1200) and attack his Soul of Purity. He takes 200. He just ends his turn. So I play a face down monster and I attack his Kelbek with my Summoned Skull which is returned to my hand.
“Thanks for that.” He said and activates Valhalla Hall of the Fallen (spell) which lets him summon any fairy type monster from his hand if he has no monster on his field. So he summons Splendid Venus and he attacks my face down monster.
“Ha wow what a loser! Thanks for attacking my monster.” I said laughing now
“Huh? What do you mean?” he asked
“Well my face down is Man-Eater Bug (atk450 def600) and when it’s flipped over it destroys a monster on the field and I pick your Splendid Venus.” I told him pointing at the beautiful angel monster floating in front of me. I just watch as my bug jumps on it and drag it to the graveyard.
“I summon Field-Commander Rahz (atk1600 def1200) in attack mode and use his effect which lets me put a warrior monster level 4 or lower on top of my deck.” I told him looking threw my deck. “And I picked Junk Synchron.” And I attack you for 1600 and end.
I watched the frustration on his face but then he uses Valhalla to summon Spirit of the Harp (atk800 def2000) in defense mode. Then he played a face down monster.
So I summon Junk Synchron in attack mode and used his effect to bring back a level 2 monster from my grave and I picked Man-Eater Bug. “I hope your ready for this” I told him paused then continued when he didn’t say anything. “I synchro summon Junk Synchron and Man-Eater to make Junk Warrior (atk2300 def1300) I then play a card face down then attack his face down monsters. It was Shining Angel so he uses his effect to summon Nova Summoner (atk1400 def800).
So he puts Nova Summoner in defense mode the summons The Agent of Creation-Venus (atk1600 def0) to defense mode and uses its effect to summon Mystical Shine Ball (atk500 def500) and ends his turn. I could really see the hatred in his eyes now.
“Well it looks like its over for you huh?” I said shaking my head now. I then tribute Field-Commander Rahz to summon Summoned Skull and use Monster Reborn to bring back X-Saber Anu Piranha. I attack Shine Ball with X-Saber, Venus with Summoned Skull, and Nova Summoner with Junk Warrior. Nova Summoner lets him summon a fairy monster with 1500 or less power and he picked Shining Angel.
“It’s not over yet!” he screams then summons Tethys Goddess of Light (atk2400 def1800) in attack mode.
“I’m sorry but this is the end. You are the first to see this card I want you to know that. But I will end this with it.” I tell him and sigh then summoned Dark Resonator (atk1300 def300) then tuned it with Summoned Skull to synchro summon Hundred Eyes Dragon (atk3000 Def2500). I watch my dragon come forth and roar with his head high then I used it to attack his Tethys he takes 600, then I attack with Junk Warrior for 2300 and I finish him off with X-Saber for 1800. “I win. Like I said I would.” I said pointing at him. Me-7200 Him-0.
“There’ no way I can lose to you again…” he said scathing his head
“Dude you’re the one who has to grow up. Yeah I use my brother old deck but you use your daughters deck still.” I told him walking over to him now
“You no nothing of why I do this!” he yelled right into my face.
“Really? You don’t think I know of the girl who broke my heart then stole my card? Your daughter ruined my life by taking my brother away.” I screamed at him trying to hold back the water I felt building up in my eyes.
“You’re the one who corrupted her in the first place! She would have never left if it wasn’t for you guys.” He said now crying
“Hate me all you want but it wont change anything. Plus these was my last duel ever so don’t worry about me running anybody else’s life.” I said looking down then turning away and walked out the school ignoring anything being said to me.

Katrina was the girl I wanted to be with. She was a duelist so I had my brother teach me so I could have more things in common with her. Then we started to date and her dad Mr. Crew didn’t like me then either. Then my brother left me and she took my prized card from me and left with him. That really messed with me for a while but now that I’m done dueling I guess shouldn’t even really think of them anymore. It’s been a month since the duel with my teacher and things are a little awkward but I choose not to speak to him at all. Life was fine I hung with my friends, played video games and tried my chances with some girls. I even gave my cards to my dad to get rid of. It was going nicely till the Monday we had to back to school. I thought it would be another boring day in school but walking into my first period was the worst thing that ever could have happened to me. As I walked in I saw Mr. Crew hugging some girl which I thought was really weird so I started to my seat but my friend Zack came up to me.
“Hey dude we should go.” He said standing in my way
“What are you talking about? Were already in class.” I said trying to get around him but he still blocked me.
“Trust me come on.” He said pushing me now.
“Dude back off. I’m not trying to be late.” I told him trying to get around him and I finally do and bump into someone
“Sorry.” I said looking at her
“It’s ok. How are you?” she said and I froze
I watched her smile then open her arms like she wanted a hug. I almost did the same but then it hit me who it was. I pointed at her and said. “If you were a guy I’d hit you right in the face.”
“Is that how you treat old friends?” Katrina asked me
“You’re no friend of mine. Now get out of my way.” I told her
“That’s so mean.” She said and moved out of my way
“So why you here my brother dump you off somewhere and left?” I asked
“No we came back for your little brother.” She said and smiled
“What do you mean?” I said standing pulling out my phone
“What does it sound like? We have your little brother and I just wanted to say hi but now I’m leaving.” She said and started walking for the door.
“Like hell you are!” I yelled then I jumped over a desk and stood in front of the door pointing at her again “Tell me where my brother is now!”
“Calm down. Do you really think your brother would hurt his own flesh and blood?”
“Yes!” I said already knowing the answer
“Oh I know duel me and if you win I’ll tell you.”
“I quit dueling. Now tell me or I’ll call the cops.” I told her
“You did what?” she asked completely unfazed about me calling the cops
“I quit dueling. Your father was the last one I dueled. And hey he’s using your old deck.” I told her
Before she could say anything her phone rang so she picked it up. She started to talk into it so I grabbed it and put it to my ear and said “Who is this?”
“Well hello it’s been awhile hasn’t it?” was all I heard and I dropped the phone and walked back into the wall.
Katrina just picked up the phone softly slapped my cheek twice and left still talking to my older brother. The whole class was looking at me so I ran out the room and ran off the school campus and ran all the way home. I almost break the door down trying to open it and ran to my little brothers room and he wasn’t there so I called his school and they said he wasn’t there either so I finally called my dad but he wouldn’t pick up. There was only one way to get him back and I knew it. I walked into my dads room and looked for my deck but couldn’t find it. So I called him again and this time he answered so I told him everything that happened.
“I need my deck.” I told him
“Why?”
“It’s the only way she’ll tell me where he is.” I told him
“I can’t give you that deck.”
“Dad I need it!” I yell into the phone
“Listen. You need to make your own deck. You gave up dueling once and that was with your brothers deck so now you need a new deck if you want to duel again.” He told me
“I don’t have time for that. Plus I know how to use that one better.” I said walking in circles now
“Just relax.” Was all he said then I heard the door open so I ran down stairs hoping it was my brother and this whole thing was a bad joke but see my dad walk in.
“Here.” he said tossing me a backpack.
“What’s in here?”
“All the cards you tried to get rid of when your brother left. I’ve also collected some more for you. Now get to work.”
“You sure you’re ok with this? Plus we can just call the cops.” I asked
“The police will take to long to do this.” He answered one of my questions
“But are you ok with this?” I asked again holding up the bag
“Who am I to say that you can’t do what makes you happy. Plus you were born to play. So hurry up you have people waiting on you.” He said
“Yes sir.” Was all I said and ran up stairs and emptied the backpack on my bed and didn’t leave the room till the next morning.

“You sure it’s done?” my dad asked me as I walked into the kitchen
“Yeah. But now what? I don’t know where to start looking.” I told him
“You’ll go to school and I’ll call you if anything comes up.”
“That’s it? We need to go out looking for her.”
“I have people out look around if they see her. You’ll be the first person to know if they do.”
I didn’t know what to say or do. I felt so useless right now. Everything I didn’t want to happen was happening. I think the phrase I was looking for this time was life sucks. But I did what my dad said and got ready for school. As I was leaving my dad stopped me at the door.
“Here I believe this is yours.” He said holding out my duel disk
“Thank you.”
“Yeah I thought you said it brought you good luck.”
“No I mean thank you for everything. My new deck, getting me back into the game… just thanks dad.”
“It’s what I’m here for now hurry up or you’ll be late.” He said and I left.
I was hopping I would be so I didn’t have to be in Mr. Crews class and I thought about asking him about Katrina but he wouldn’t tell me plus I don’t even think he knows where she is. When I got to school I saw the kids looking at me and when I turned towards them they looked away. I figured the news about my brother already got around school. That was a problem I really didn’t want people to know what was going on. So I ignored all of them and went on with my day like it was the same as any other. Mr. Crew didn’t say a thing to me but I know he wanted to because he kept staring at me but I played it off. In each class I sat with my phone on my desk and during brunch my friends tried to talk to me but I wasn’t really there with them. I was thinking about every card in my new deck and thinking of combos and strategies that would work. I didn’t get any calls till the middle of lunch.
“She’s downtown. I already called the office and told them you have permission to leave.” My dad told me
“Got it, on my way now.”
“Good luck. And no holding back.” He told me
“Come on you no me.” I told him as I ran to the front of the school where one of my friends sat for lunch
“I need a ride downtown it’s for my brother please.”
“You don’t even have to ask.” He said got up and we went to his car. He drove as fast as he could through the back way then he sped up on the main road. We drove around for a little bit then I say her in the little square thing near the fountain.
“There she is!” I said pointing out the window so he cut off some car and pulled up the curve and I got out.
“Thanks.” I said as I jumped out then jumped over a small wall which was the back to some stone seats. Then I ran around the other side of the fountain and almost fell over stopping in front of her.
“Don’t move.” I told her as she almost tripped when she saw me.
“So you found me huh?”
“Yeah, last chance to tell me where he is.”
“You know what you have to do.” She said pulling out a duel disk
“If that’s what it takes.” I said looking down at mine
“What’s wrong? You don’t up to this.”
“I’m ready whenever you are!” putting it on my arm and letting the auto shuffle began
“Ok good. Wouldn’t be any fun if you weren’t really into it.”

I draw and play a face down then activate Nightmare’s Steelcage (spell) so we cant attack till the end of the opponents second end turn summon a facedown then end
[turn1 for Steelcage]She plays two cards facedown then summons Luster Dragon (atk1900 def1600)in attack mode and ends
I draw and look at my hand but end turn
[turn 2 for Steelcage] “I use Jar of Greed (trap) which lets me draw another card then I’ll summons Twin-Headed Behemoth (atk1500 def1200) and end. Now Nightmare’s Steelcage is gone.” She said
“Fine I summon a facedown monster then play Swords of Revealing Light (spell) which stops your attacks for three turns.”
[turn1 for Swords] “Whatever.” She said and plays a face down and ends
“I tribute summon one of my face downs and summon another monster in facedown and play a face down card.”
[turn2 for Swords]Shesummoned baby dragon and ended just looking at me
“I summon Victoria (atk1800 def1500) and now I flip Ally of Justice Cycle Reader (atk1000 def1000) and synchro summon to bring out Ancient Fairy Dragon (atk2100 def3000)” I told her now remembering getting it from my dad and said it was my mothers and I cant believe I tried to get rid of it. but in the middle of that thought she activatesRaigeki Break (trap) which after discarding a card in the grave form your hand you can pick a card on the field and destroy it but I chain it with my Seven Tools of the Bandit (trap) which allows me to pay 1000LP to negate any trap. “So now I attack your baby dragon!” I said as I watched my dragon eat hers, she loses 900LP
[turn3 for Swords] “I play a face down then activate the Dragons Bead (trap/continuous) which allows me to discard a card to negate any traps targeted at my dragons.” She told me then tributes both of her monsters to summon Red-Eyes B. Dragon (atk2400 def2000) ends her turn and Swords is gone.
I just put Fairy Dragon in defense mode and ended. I knew she was just going to start blasting away all my monsters soon.
Then she plays Tribute to the Doom (spell) which if she discards a card she can destroy one of my cards on the field and she picks Fairy Dragon and as I watch it glow and fall then disappear she attacks my face down which is Reaper of the Cards (atk1380 def1930) and when its flipped it can destroy one trap on the field so I pick Dragons Bead she ends
I draw but no card I can use I end
She attacks me for 2400 with Red-Eyes and leaves it at that
I play a face down and end
She plays a face down and attacks but I use Kuriboh’s effect which if I discard it I take no damage from one attack.
I played a facedown and ended.
She attacks my facedown then says. “This isn’t your brothers deck.”
I play a face down and end without answering her.
“Fine if you’re not going to say anything I’ll summon Mirage Dragon (atk1600 def600) in attack mode and attack with it.” “To bad.”I interrupted as I activate Mirror Force (trap) which destroys all of her monsters. So she just plays two face downs and ends.
“I summon Kelbek (atk1500 def1800) and attack you directly.”
Then she summoned Lord of D. (atk1200 def1100) and then activated Call of the Haunted (trap) to bring back Red-Eyes B. Dragon from the grave but then I use Dust Tornado (trap) to destroy Call of the Haunted and it goes back into the grave. She looked frustrated but ended.
I played a face down then tribute summon for Vampire Lord (atk2000 def1500) then equip it with Junk Barrage (spell). “When I destroy a monster my opponent takes half the destroyed monsters attack points.” I told her as I attack Lord of D. but she uses Waboku to make all battle damage 0 this turn but use Vampire Lords effect and I call Monster, Trap or Spell and she discards one from her deck to the grave so I call spell and she threw one away.
She just plays Scapegoat (spell) which lets her summon 4 tokens in defense mode then ends her turn.
I play a face down card then attack one of her tokens and end.
[3 tokens] She drawsbut ends her turn.
“If you won’t do anything I will. I summon Warrior of Zera in attack mode (atk1600 def1600) and attack two more tokens with both my monsters.”
[1 token] “Well lucky day.” She said and plays Swords of Revealing Light (spell) smiles and ends
[turn1] I just ended
[1 token] She played a face down monster then ended
[turn2] I sorta had a plan but couldn’t do anything yet so I ended.
[1 token] Then shesummoned Armed Dragon LV3 (atk1300 def900) and ended
[turn3] “I use Monster Reincarnation to bring Kelbek to my hand and now I’ll summon him. Next I’ll XYZ him with Warrior of Zera to summon Number 39: Utopia (atk2500 def2000) then end so Swords will be done with.
[1 token] “Fine I use Armed Dragons effect to special summon Armed Dragon LV5 (atk2400 def1700) from my deck.” “Well I use Threatening Roar (trap) so you can’t attack this turn.” I told her so she uses Armed Dragons effect to discard a card and a monster with the same attack or less is destroyed and discards Armed Dragon LV7 (atk2800 def1000) to destroy Utopia and ends.
“I summon Second Booster (atk1000 def500) and use its effect to tribute it so Vampire Lord can gain 1500atk points. Then I attack Armed Dragon LV5 and you take 1100LP plus half of Armed Dragons attack. Then I called monster so she discarded another card from her deck and I ended.
[1 token] She just summons a face down monster and ends.
I play a face down monster and then attack her face down to the left which is Divine Dagon Ragnarok (atk1500 def1000) so she loses 750LP and I call spell card, another discarded.
[1 token] she looks at her hand for a while and before I can say anything she plays a face down monster and ends.
Then I tribute summon my face down for Ally of Justice Clausolas (atk2300 def1200) and then I attack the left with Clausolas but the monster is Twin-Headed Behemoth so at the end of the turn it will come back with 1000 attack and defense and use Vampire Lord to destroyed Masked Dragon (atk1400 def1100) so she loses 700LP but gets to summon a dragon type monster with 1500 attack or less and she chooses Golem Dragon (atk200 def2000) I call trap, another card discarded.
[1 token] She just plays another face down card and ends.
I attack Behemoth with Vampire Lord but she activates Draining Shield (trap) to gain the attack of my monster to add to her Life Points which is 2000, so I attack Golem Dragon with Clausolas and end.
“Seems Like you’ve got better then the last time we dueled.” She said
“New deck new skill.” Was all I said and watched her draw acard.
[1 token] She smiles, the same smile that she always does when something good happens, then she plays Monster Reincarnation (spell) to get Lord of D. in her hand again then uses Polymerization (spell) to fuse it and Divine Dragon Ragnarok to make King Dragun (atk2400 def1100) and as she commanded I watch her dragon wrap its tail around my vampire and squeezed it till it exploded I took 400LP damage.
I knew I didn’t have a chance but I placed a facedown monster and attack her token with Clausolas.
Then she did something I hadn’t seen in years she kissed the card she drew then plays a face down card and I knew what her next move was. Then as I thought she would she tribute summons both her monster to summon my dragon card she stole from meGandora the Dragon of Destruction (atk0 def0) and uses its effect to pay half her life points to remove form play all other cards on the field and it gains 300 attack points for each card 5 on my field and 2 on hers it has 2100atk points then pauses and tries to read my expression but then she attacks me directly but at the end of the turnGandora is destroyed the same turn its summoned
“That was my card! And I want it back now!” I yelled at her pointing.
“Take it if you can.” She said holding it up then put it in her grave.
“Fine I summon Trident Warrior (atk1800 def1200) and attack you directly.”
“Got to do better than that.” She said then played Luster Dragon (atk1900 def1600) and attacks my warrior, I lose 100.
I play Luster Dragon too and ended.
“Another lucky draw.” She told me and tribute summons Curse of Dragon (atk2000 def1500) and attacks my Luster Dragon for 100LP
I play Fissure (spell) to destroy the monster with the lowest attack on her field and its Curse of Dragon then I end.
She must have run out of cards to because she ends too.
I play two facedown cards and end.
Then she summons Armed Dragon LV3 and attacks me directly.
“This time it’s my win.” I said as I special Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight (atk2300 def2100) from my hand because I have no other cards in my hand and attack her Armed Dragon LV3 for 1100 she has 50LP left.
She just looks at her hand then tilts her head upward and puts her hand on her deck and says. “I forfeit.” And with that I won. I finally beat the girl who helped ruin my life. She just looked at me like she wanted to say something but her eyes looked away. I waited for a second then walked over to her and held out my hand and she raised her but I moved mine away and nodded at her deck.
“Want your card back huh?” she asked
“Yeah hand it overand now tell me where my brother is!”
“Here.” She said handing me Gandora the Dragon of Destruction.
“My Brother now!”
Without looking answering me she just pulls out her phone and messes with it then looks up. “Your brothers fine. He should be at home by now.”
“Home?” then I turned on my hills and ran to where my friend was parked and jumped in. “I need to get home like now.”
“Be careful.” I heard her call out but didn’t care.
“Got it.” was all and he raced down the street over the hill and passed the hospital so I could make sure my brother was safe.
“Thanks.” I said as I ran out the car up to my house and opened the gate saw my brother at his window but looked at the door and saw someone standing in front of it. He turned towards me and smiled. I watched in horror as my older brother who ran out on us or mostly me, stood in my way. I froze, I always thought what I would do if I ever saw him but I couldn’t remember anything I told myself. I didn’t no either to hit him or ignore him but before I had time to act he spoke to me. “Well hello there. Looks whose home.” From there everything faded away.

Warm Ice

The sound of skin hitting skin rung throughout the deserted courtyard, but the accompanying scream was even louder.

            On a leisurely walk through the gardens, a young man paused at the unexpected noise. As he lifted his head to pinpoint its source, the light of the waning moon illuminated the sharp lines of his chin and jaw. They were the lines of a born and bred warrior.

            When he could not find anything suspicious he began to continue on his way. An azalea bush rustled ahead and his blue eyes narrowed. With a silent grace, he crept up to the bush, parted the branches and crouched down to see a disturbing scene unfold before him.

            “Did I stutter?” a furious male voice snarled.

            A man, cloaked in darkness hovered over a sobbing young girl who was only just rising to a sitting position. Her cheek glowed pink in a sliver of moonlight.

            She replied to the angry question with merely a whimper and the man lunged forward and yanked her to her knees by her long dark hair.

            “Eh? What was that? I couldn’t hear you,” he leaned forward, until his lips brushed the girl’s ear.

            Her sobs broke down into quick gasps. With a growl of disgust, he released her hair and she collapsed back onto the damp grass.

            Frown his hiding spot, the young man’s intelligent gaze observed every minute detail as the exchange continued. What was going on exactly? He was determined to solve the riddle.

            With his victim too distraught to answer, the man had begun pacing. But, finally he turned around and took a menacing step towards the girl.

            “You know where it is! Tell me!”

            “I- I have no idea what you’re talking about!” she protested through her tears. “P-please… j-just let me go!”

            “Where is the necklace?!” The man’s hand disappeared inside his coat and a smirk crawled to his face. “If you won’t spill then you’re useless to me-!”

            There was a glint of metal as he withdrew a handgun and the smirk spread into a grin.

            He pulled the trigger the same time the girl screamed and a gust of wind blew through the courtyard gardens.

            The explosive gunshot continued to echo through the night, but when the confusion had ceased no blood had been spilled.

            Eyes widening, the man looked down to see a drawn sword pressed against the gun and as he watched, the blade continued its swing, slicing easily through the gun’s barrel.

            Its metal remnants fell from the man’s slack grip with a soft thud.

            “Wha-?” he stuttered and tried to back away once his weapon was rendered useless.

            The young man immediately straightened from his crouch, but only to point the tip of his sword at the cloaked man’s throat.

            His blue eyes appraised the man’s face without a shred of mercy and his lips curved into a mirthless smile. “Not so old-fashioned are we?”

            He flicked his sword in the direction of the destroyed handgun.

            “P-please! Don’t kill me-!”

            The young man’s voice cut through the plea like a freezing knife, cold and deadly, “Why? You say I should spare you like you were going to with this girl?”

            With the sword bearing closer, the man glanced fearfully at the young girl, still sprawled upon the grass. She was now watching the exchange with uncertainty in her eyes, tears stopped, but unable to see if the danger was truly over.

            His trembling gaze returned to the young man, “I was only acting on someone else’s orders! I swear-!”

            A wave of unyielding steel passed clean through the man’s neck and his begging was cut off with a gurgle. His head toppled to the ground, twitched once, and then was still.

            As casually as if he had just finished beheading fish for dinner, the young man flicked the remaining blood from his sword and slid it back into an ornate sheath at his hip with a satisfied chink. He gave the man’s felled body a cursory glance, before turning toward where the girl was.

            Or had been. He stepped back in surprise as someone leaped into him and slender arms encircled his waist.
            He nearly drew his sword until he heard the soft sobs and looked down to see a head of long dark hair.

            “T-thank you, sir!” she cried and stared up at him, wearing a small smile.

            He smiled back, but without the malice that had been directed at her attacker, “For what?”

            Her eyebrows furrowed, but she didn’t end her embrace.

            “For saving me!”

            “Ah, well…” he scratched the back of his head in an embarrassed fashion. “It’s all right. You’re safe now…”

            The man suddenly stiffened and his eyes widened for a mere second. The following movements were too fast to see, but when they were over…

            Both young man and girl glanced downwards. Blood steadily dripped from where the man had caught the blade of a dagger in his hand before it would have lodged in his stomach, its silver hilt held by the girl.

            She pulled back her hand in revulsion, whether at the man’s blood or her failure to kill him it was hard to tell.

            “Why did you save me?!” she demanded. “You had no idea who I was, yet you risked your own life-!”

            The man’s breathing was coming in short gasps and she hesitated. He held his hand pressed to his left side, where crimson was now blossoming through his vest. He had avoided death by ensnaring the dagger, but he hadn’t escaped unscathed.

            He coughed, but forced a smile, “It’s a curse…” A line of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. “When I see someone in trouble… I can’t stop myself from trying to help them…”

            Unable to speak, the girl stood paralyzed with shock as the young man sunk to his knees, his blood staining his hand and the very atmosphere of the garden.

            Yet as he crouched there, betrayed by the very one he’d saved, he stared up at the night sky and the waning moon before glancing at the young girl. He ensnared her eyes in his blue ones and for a moment her heart stopped.

            Because those eyes weren’t possible- a sight she could’ve never predicted to see.

            In all their iciness was real warmth.

            Who would have thought there was such a thing as warm ice?

           A.N: A character of mine who I wanted to explore more in-depth and who also happened to be an idiot. Oh well... It also fit a couple of the items for the biweekly prompt. And even if you ask who the 'young man' is, I won't tell you. ;)

Prologue of Ashes with Blood

Blood splattered the walls, the empty picture frames; the stone pedestal… everything- the world was reds, blacks and whites. Bodies lay contorted and broken beyond repair, their faces unseen for the darkness wreathing them. The sole object that stood out among the garish display of gore was the pedestal situated in the dead center of the circular room and upon it, a single goblet.

            The goblet shimmered and shined as bright or brighter than the blood, but it seemed empty. Until, the picture tilted sickeningly and its contents were shown to be-

            With a cry of pain and horror, the man jerked awake, nearly falling out of his chair. Dim light fell on a desk cluttered with scribbled notes and drawings, but he saw nothing besides the room of red and that terrible goblet… He only stifled the rising panic in his chest by biting down on his knuckles, already covered with sores and barely healed cuts.

            It was just in time as a door creaked open and light spilled in, framed around a black silhouette. But the man didn’t turn around, even when a smooth voice cut through the silence.

            “Hey Malin, you didn’t fall asleep working again did you?”

            When the man didn’t answer or even twitch, the figure moved to his side and raised a hand to place on his shoulder. Only then did he finally wheel around, wearing the expression of one who has seen hell.

            The second man stepped back, stammering, “Goddess Mark… what the hell-“

            “I’m sorry. I just didn’t sleep well last night.”

            At Malin’s return to normality, his face rearranged into a semblance of business, the other man had to wonder if what he had seen was just his imagination.

            Finally, he shook his head.

            “I told you not to work late. If you’d listen to me now and then…” he trailed off as the man stood and walked towards the door.

            He followed only to find Malin unmoving.

            “Hey, get moving! We have lots to do-“

            “What do you need me for?” the man’s eyes held a seriousness that demanded the same from his companion.

            And he obliged, both his expression and tone somber, “The preparations have been made.”

            Mark Malin nodded as though he’d expected as much.

            “So, they are ready for me.”

            The second man moved out of the doorway, holding the door open. “Yes, it’s time.”

            He stepped outside of the room and the door slammed shut.

          

only for you. i sent this into a contest its had to be only 600 words

Today I deiced I was going to tell this girl I liked her no mater what. I just thought about how I was going to let her know my feelings. I usually see her in the morning but not today of course. None of my problems started till second period. I was in class when I got a pass to the office but I was confronted by this kid in the hall way.

“Dude you cant have her.” Was all he said

“What are you talking about?” I asked really confused

“You know who I’m talking about back off she’s mine even if she has a boyfriend.”

It was at that moment I knew who he was talking about. I’ve never even seen this guy before and didn’t know how he knew.

“Well to bad for you I wont be giving up that easy.” I said and kept walking past him

I just waited for brunch and met up with my friend and told him what happened. We stood there thinking about it when this kid ran up to me and push me.

“Dude what’s with you?” I asked then saw his fist going for my face.

It connected with my cheek but I already lifted my leg and kicked him in the face. Then put my foot behind his and punched him while pulling back my leg dropping him.

“What’s your problem?”

“Nothing just getting you suspended.” He said and laughed

He was with that other guy. Then I looked and saw one of the yard ladies walking over. This guy was taking this too seriously but I had to get out of there then take care of him. I ran to my next class hoping my friend would take care of this for me. So I waited for them to come get me but they never did so I stayed paranoid for the next two periods till lunch. That’s where everything went wrong. First while walking through the forum I was jumped. I wasn’t going to take that so I fought back and barley won that. So I just waited for the next thing to happen and it was pretty bad. I was going to class when the cops came up to me. We went up to the office and to the principles room. They told me to stay outside so I did. That’s when I saw him, the one messing up my day.

“What’s your problem?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. But I heard there were drugs and a weapon in your locker. Wonder how those got there.”

“You have problems… This is checkmate.” I said then took a step forward and using all the power I had to hit him. He fell and didn’t move after that.

So I walk down from the office not caring who was in my way or calling for me. I walked down the hall and turned left then took a right and stood in front of her class. I walk in ignoring the teacher. I sit down next to the one I fought and am probably getting expelled for.

“Hey Kayla.” I said and she turned towards me and smiled I always liked her smile

“Kelly I like you. I’ve liked you for a while now and I wanted you to know. I know you have a boyfriend and I don’t care you might not like me but I really just wanted you to know this.” I say and smile and stare into her eyes not caring about anything else. Then she said my name. “Kev…”

For twisted Christmas contest

Charity Ain't For Everyone

I was there. I saw. I remember this day specifically because it was the busiest day of the year, and the most dreadful day in all the years I've "lived".

It started on Christmas Eve, and by Christmas Day, everyone was dropping like peanuts. I'll zoom in, particularly, about a life of a curious, young boy nick-named Pibble. Why him, specifically? Because he was the only one to survive and to witness what happened to his family. What happened to all the poor families who received gifts from the charity named 'Save Lives.' His family had plenty of problems, let alone the teasing from school about the financial issues his family faced. He witnessed only little of the deaths than what I had witnessed.

A house practically built with cardboard boxes in an alley in the bad part of town. That's what the family lived in. They dug in trash bins for leftover clothes and food, anything they could find. Pibble lived with two older brothers, an older sister, and a younger sister. His father was a heroine addict while his mother was a drunkard. Jeff, the eldest brother, spent too much money on prostitutes, leading him to lose everything to an, what I thought personally, ugly, sly woman with a moustache. She basically stole everything right under his nose, the idiot. Sarine, the second eldest, had gambling addictions. She would gamble her ass off if she wanted to, which she did once, but thank God she won that bet. Dickey was put into Juvenile Hall until he turned into an adult at eighteen because he was accused of kidnapping and raping a six-year-old. The family rejoiced at that time because there was one less mouth to feed. Pibble and his little sister, Tabby, were the only ones left who were innocent. Pibble was six at the time while Tabby was three.

So it was Christmas Eve. 'Save Lives' charity was walking around, delivering toys to all the poor families who had children. One by one, I watched them drop dead. Not just the children, but the adults as well. Witnesses watched and ran to tell the police what was happening, but little did they know about the 'Saves Lives' charity. When they came to Pibble's "house", the family was in a rage. Pibble's father was high once again, staring at the ceiling while his mother was throwing up all over the place from the hangover. Sarine was home and yelling at her parents, blaming them for what they did to her life. She mainly took care of Pibble and Tabby, but there was no one to show her down the road of how to be a mother. Her new boyfriend, Harold, helped her with her gambling addictions and agreed to help her with the family. She lived with him, but it was Christmas, and the family wouldn't budge from their "perfect home". Jeff was sitting in an old rocking chair, looking at old porn magazines in the corner.

The charity came and delivered four toys. A one-eyed doll, a greasy, blue truck, a shaved, fluffy cat, and a minature eraser that was a shape of a teddy bear. The father came and collected the toys from the gloved woman, trying to seem normal. When the woman left, the creep chugged down the teddy bear eraser. He gave the one-eyed doll to Harold, who passed it to Sarine, who gave it to Tabby to play with. Tabby started chewing on its arm, hoping to fill her always hungry belly. The father then dumped the truck on Jeff's head. Jeff grabbed it and chucked it through the roof, making it land in the middle of the street outside. The father then dumped the cat in his wife's lap, telling her that she got the pet she always wanted and that it was a christmas gift from him. She threw up on the poor toy, chucking it outside.

All of a sudden, the father stood stock still, his back completely straight, and his face in shock. His tongue lolled out of his mouth as he stood there, drooling. Pibble got up and went over to his father, patting his leg and asking if he was okay. Sarine was making her way over there when he collapsed on the floor in a seizure. Sarine squealed as she watched her father twitch still once again, his eyes glazed. She ran outside and screamed for help. Pibble ran outside to Sarine, his eyes wide with fright. He wanted to ask her what was going on, but when he caught up to her, he saw the same face on Sarine that his father had. She stood still and then collapsed, the process restarting before Pibble's young eyes. Pibble cried out as tears started rolling down his cheeks. He sprinted inside as Jeff sprinted outside, and saw Harold on the ground still. Tabby started the process, her mouth foaming, her hands at her stomach as she cried. She looked at Pibble, crying out to him, her hands held out before she, too, stood absolutely still before she fell to the ground. Pibble heard Jeff outside yelling as Pibble watched his mother glance up at him. She mouthed 'I love you. I always will.' She then dropped dead.

It was then when the streets were silenced from Jeff's calls, and that's when Pibble knew he was gone also. Pibble went down on his knees and cried. The poor boy cried until the police came to take him away. Surprisingly, (well, not really) Dickey was caught up in a fight at Juvy, and bled to death. That was why the police came in the first place. When they saw everyone dead, they took the boy and put him in an orphanage.

The next day, the media was talking about the poisoned toys distributed by the 'Save Lives' Charity. The FBI found out that the charity was a fraud and that it was made up of a group of people who wanted to get rid of all the poor in their cities. They didn't want their cities to be polluted with, as they called them, 'hobos', 'filthy lowlives', or 'dangerous animals'.

Pibble grew up to become a rich man, surprisingly, since Harold's fortune went to him. Little did anyone know that Harold won the lottery the day before and wanted to tell the family on the day of Christmas. What luck, huh? Well, death works in funny ways, no pun intended. My job is a very serious one to take, having to guide those lost souls to purgatory. Pibble's job? He grew up to become a hunter, and not just any hunter. A 'Save Lives' charity manhunter. He searched and killed almost all the members of the charity. Those who got away weren't as lucky. You know why? Because they all were eventually caught by me.

And, did you know, there still is a bigger reason why I chose Mr. Pibble's life? Because I haven't even caught him yet. Supposedly, he believes he's invincible, being that he's dead now, and his ghost remains. I heard he watches over those who are poor, being the St. Nick for them. Don't worry, I haven't ended my search because no one escapes death.

While Visions of Sugarplums Danced in their Heads~~

There was something there. I was sure of it. Christmas eve, could I be hearing things? But no—there it was again. The shuffling and flopping. Surely it was Santa filling stockings!! Tanya better be getting coal this time. Creeping down the stairs, I peek around the corner. A pale white face greets me. His troll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and he seemed to emit an underworldly glow. That is, his skin glows such a pale white that it is akin to the blanket of snow outside, gleaming in the streetlamp, reflecting through the windows so it almost seems like day.

Through the windows. They are open, both of them.

This is not Santa. Santa comes down the chimney. He must be a midget burglar. He must be eliminated. Where is that trusty broomstick when you need it? Using my x-ray vision, just like Superman, my eyes dart around for something long, something sharp, anything to defend myself with. All the empty space, all the silver ornaments and sparkly tinsel glittering gloatingly.

In the moment my eyes leave the thing that was flopping on the floor, it is suddenly, silently, nearer. The teeth are pointed, the jaw strong, the eyes wide. A whimper escapes my lips instead of the Superman shout I had hoped for.

I can’t look away. Its eyes bore into me, searching for something it can’t quite find. Through my mask of fear it wants nothing more than my blood. I need to get rid of him before Mum and Daddy are hurt. Because once his vampire teeth are done with me, who knew what would come next.

I asked for hand grenades for Christmas. In fact, I dreamed of them, before coming down here. I dreamed they were in my bed with me and I would launch them at some foreign attacker. I would rescue my family. Now, they must be here somewhere. That big box on the other side of the tree, standing on its end, right next to its base? Could that be it?? Weighing my chances, I skirt the figure, and the tree, and launch myself on the box from a flying leap, just like Superman would.

The part I misjudged was the corner of the box. I realize suddenly that my head is less than a foot from the wooden edge. Hopefully the grenades’ll go off from the impact.

~~~~ The boy fly-tackles a tall wooden box, cracks his head on the top corner of it, and is promptly unconscious. The box tips over onto the overburdened Christmas tree, which sways dramatically and falls. The star atop the tree is flung, glittering, into the air, and pirouettes in perfect circles until colliding with the creature’s head. He falls unconscious for a moment as well.

In this instant, the real evil of the night emerges. A soft splat in the ashes, and the hand, bloody and pale in the eerie light, twitches a bit and begins to crawl. A sudden wind ravages the house, and the lamplight outside flickers out. Slinking across the floor, it sets to work. The small figure in the middle of the room is queer; not quite human. Its blood is purple, and quite tart. Quite a specimen to show the boss waiting on the roof. All others in the house are much easier to decapitate, seeing as their necks are quite unprotected and flimsy. The humans went first, and finally the mouse which had emerged in hope of company, or a bit of the cookies spread so tantalizingly close. But no. The boss would have no mercy.

‘Twas the night before Christmas

And all through the house

Not a creature was stirring

Not even a mouse.

Duty done, satisfied with its fill for the night, the hand swiped a stocking from the mantelpiece, shoved the cookies into it, hooked this over his pinky finger, and proceeded in slinking up the chimney through which it entered. ~~~~~~

And The Clock Struck Midnight

Entry for December contest theme

Shoppers frantically searching for the perfect gift, strings of sparkling lights blinking cheerfully, couples underneath the mistletoe, the sharp scent of a noble fir and friends and family snuggled together with the warmth of eggnog spreading to their toes.

            Christmas is certainly a season of giving, but in the midst of good will towards man there are children who become too greedy, too absorbed with their own selves and who have lost the true spirit of Christmas. These children are the ones that will see the darker side as penance and by then… it’ll be far too late…

            Shake! Shake! Jingle!

            Little hands clasped the brightly wrapped package and turned it this way and that. When a pleasing sound was discerned, a smile rose to the child’s face before the pattern began all over again.

            “Keith!”

            The little boy glanced up from his investigation. A head popped out from behind the doorway down the hall, and when it saw what the child was up to the face quickly creased into a frown.

            In a matter of moments, the present had been taken away and the boy was being rebuked. “Keith! How many times do I have to tell you? The next time you mess with the presents under the tree I’ll have to hide them until Christmas!”

            “But Mum-!” He hung his head for only a second before switching to a plea.

            The tall, dark-haired woman tucked the gift up on a high shelf out of reach and tsked, “No buts!” She looked as if she was going to say more when there was a sharp ring and she let out a long sigh. “It’s probably your father… Be good while I’m on the phone, Keith and go play with your brother.”

            With that, she was brushing by unpacked moving boxes and piles of Styrofoam to reach the persistent ringing. The little boy, Keith, was left staring after her, arms crossed and lips pursed.

            His gaze roamed the walls around him, devoid of any decoration. Past the room he was in the desolation only continued with the occasional oasis of comfort and familiarity. He pouted further. He hated moving and he hated this new empty house. It wasn’t home.

            Eventually, he decided that his whims would not be tended to and there would be no more gifts shaking and he dashed up the staircase. The railing went on across the landing above before branching off to a short hallway with four doors. One was wide- open, sunlight pouring in and turning the spun-gold hair of his twin brother almost pure white.

            Keith’s pout immediately faded as he pranced into the circular room. “Kam! Kam!”

            The boy didn’t pause in playing with a bucketful of plastic soldiers that lay strewn across the rug, and another soldier fell victim to enemy gunfire and fell to the floor. It wasn’t until Keith laid a hand on his brother’s shoulder that he turned around.

            Their faces were identical, uncanny mirror images of one another.

            Kam’s eyes held a note of exasperation, as did his voice. “What is it this time?”

            “Bleh!” Keith stuck out his tongue and plopped down across from his twin. “You don’t have to be so mean…”

            “I wasn’t I was just asking a question,” Kam sighed and knocked over an entire squadron of soldiers with one flick of his wrist.

            But, Keith continued to look anywhere but him, his bullheadedness plain in every part of his body. He was in a decidedly bad mood already and wasn’t up to his brother placating him as usual.

            Time ticked by agonizingly slow as Kam continued playing god, ignoring Keith much to the boy’s displeasure. It had to have been a mere five minutes when Keith huffed and clambered to his feet.

            “Fine! If you’re going to be this dull I’ll find something else to do in this stupid house!” Keith made to stomp out of the sunroom.

            However, a small voice stopped him.

            “I found a door in the attic.”

            The boy looked back at his twin, who hadn’t lifted his blonde head. But he was indeed the one who had spoke.

            A grin spread across Keith’s face and he walked over to Kam again.

            “Really? There’s a door in the attic?”

            Kam nodded.

            “Well, come on and show me then!”

            Finally, Kam looked up and rose to his feet. But as he took a step forward there was a distinct crack beneath his shoe. Both brothers glanced down as Kam lifted his foot revealing a plastic lieutenant who had been cracked clean in half.

            With a peculiar air of solemnity, and Keith watching, Kam bent down and plucked both halves of the toy. For a moment he gazed at the pieces laying broken in the palm of his hand before dropping them into his trouser pockets.

            “Follow me,” he stated quietly and walked out of the room.

            Keith followed with a mutter of, “It was a piece of crap toy anyway…”

            The brothers swiftly scaled the ladder that was still down from when their father had been moving stuff into the attic, and came out into a wide space of nothing but packing boxes.

            Eyes scanned the room and came up empty. “So, Kam… I don’t see any door. Are you sure you aren’t imagining things-?”

            His implication was cut short as Kam stepped back from the far right wall to reveal a miniature door. A door that Keith was sure hadn’t been there a minute ago.

            “W-what? Where’d that come from?” he stuttered.

            Without replying, his twin grasped the door handle and pushed inward. The door swung in silently, revealing a gaping mouth of darkness. Kam took a step over the threshold and into the abyss when he noticed his brother wasn’t following.

            He raised a thin eyebrow. “What’s wrong? Are you scared?”

            Keith scowled. “Of course not!” But his protest came out weak, especially since Kam had seen him jump a little at hearing his voice.

            No matter, Keith brushed past his brother angrily and plowed ahead.

            Sometimes he wanted to wale on the prick and nearly did so. But every time, something stopped Keith. It was as if he was receiving a warning from inside him, saying that it was bad luck to strike a face identical to your own; that nothing good would come of it. But, still!

            When Kam opened his mouth, something blunt and neutral would surely come out. Normally, this wouldn’t cause one offense, but it did to Keith. It was because, even with his normal speech, free of suspicion to strangers, it seemed as though his twin was faintly implying that he was stupid, that he was unimportant, that he was so childish that it was embarrassing to be seen with him. Despite, Keith actually being the older of the two.

            This kept Keith so occupied that when the path they’d been walking on, having to bend ever so slightly even with their 8 year old bodies, opened up, he was steaming and didn’t notice.

            That is, until the toe of his shoe caught on something and he tipped forward.

            “Wah!” Keith just managed to catch himself, but as he opened his eyes that had squeezed shut in bracing for impact, a dim light shone on what was in front of him.

            “Ack!”

            He scrambled backward, breathing hard at what had given him quite a fright. Then, he heard the soft laughter and turned around to glare at Kam. Who was holding a small flashlight that pointed straight ahead and trying to muffle his amusement.

            “Damn it, Kam! Whatcha you do that for?”

            His brother abruptly stopped laughing. “I wasn’t the one who tripped and nearly ruined everything?”

            “Ruined everything? What are you talking about…?”

            Kam pointed and Keith’s gaze followed. To the glassy eyes of porcelain doll with curled hair that had startled him and past that to shelf upon shelf holding a wide assortment of toys from aeroplanes to dollhouses. They continued along the entire side of the wall of the tiny room past the door they had entered and around the corners to cover all the walls.

            Keith had to suppress a shudder as he stared, wide-eyed at the odd assortment of playthings. It wasn’t the toys so much that bothered him, but the nature of the objects and the very room. First of all, there was not one toy that wasn’t covered in a fine layer of dust. They were in various stages of neglect, a teddy bear with the stuffing sticking out and the same porcelain doll, with a closer look, had spider webs spun into her curls.

            And from each and every one of them, Keith sensed a mournful air, as if they knew of something that he did not or of something to come…

            He brushed off his trousers right then and walked briskly back the way they had come, completely ignoring the odd, questioning look Kam was giving him. The boy continued in that way up to when they finally exited the secret room and passageway, the musty smell of the attic replacing the scent of mothballs behind the door.

            “Keith! Kam!”

            Both boys started when they heard their father’s voice coming from below, before gathering the wits to close the door and hurry down to welcome him home from a long day’s work.

*  *  *

            The next day the discovery of the secret room in the attic filled with its collection of toys had all but disappeared from the twins’ minds amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

            Their excited voices rose through the chilly air as they piled into the backseat of the car. No child could resist the magic of Christmas, and even the calmer of them, Kam was exclaiming loudly about the pleasures to come, his cheeks flushed red from the cold.

            For several days, their parents had planned taking them out to see the sights of their new town decked out in holiday cheer. As soon as they had settled in more and the boxes were becoming scanter, they finally gave in to the twins’ pleas and set off for the plaza where most of the shops were located.

            Merely passing the light poles decorated with wreaths, elicited sharp intakes of breath. Keith was particularly high-spirited on this day.

            “Ah! Look horses pulling a sleigh! Oh! And carolers right there! We must be getting close, right?”

            “It’s not like Christmas is going anywhere, Keith,” his brother muttered as he stared out the window a slight smile on his lips.

            Keith shrugged. “It’s still fun and I know just what I want too…”

            Resigning himself to his brother’s rambling, he hunkered down to listen none too attentively to the wish list he railed off. And it was long too.

            Their mum and dad had been listening as well, though and they chuckled just a tad nervously.

            “Ah, Keith…” their mother started, wiping a tear of mirth from the corner of her eye. “You have big dreams… but I hope you know Santa won’t be able to get you everything you want.”

            There was a pause in Keith’s rapid talking as he considered this. A familiar pout began to form on his full lips. “But you and dad can get the other things, right Mum?”

            “That’s not how it works, son,” their father intoned lightly, but with just a touch of irritation worming its way in.

            “Wha-?!” Keith’s eyes grew as big as saucers. “But I want everything!”

            Their mother turned in her seat to give Keith a smile. “You don’t get everything you want honey, but I’m sure you’ll get some nice things-“

            Unfortunately, Keith only seemed to hear the first part.

            “That’s not fair!” he wailed and Kam was sure that his brother would stomp his foot if they weren’t currently in the car. But, perhaps he would anyway…

            “Keith! You are not allowed to speak to your mother that way! Nor are you going to get any presents for Christmas if you continue behaving in this way!”

            Kam and Keith both froze and Keith didn’t utter another word during the rest of the drive. Their father was usually a very mild-mannered man and he hardly ever got angry with the boys, so when his temper did break… they knew his punishments would be followed upon.

            Arriving at the plaza, with its giant, marvelously decorated tree in the very center and the Christmas spirit everywhere he glanced, eased the family back into a light-hearted mood.

            Yet, the mood only lasted for so long and extended so far for Keith.

            Though, window shopping wasn’t as fun as real shopping where you actually purchased what you were looking at, it was still mesmerizing to look at all the displays, especially for one young, blonde boy whose hands were on the glass and a dreaminess to his features.

            Whirling scenery of winter wonderland, soaring stacks of Christmas sweets and endless ensembles of toys greeted his wondering gaze and he often stopped as his family went ahead to see something new. It was during one such time, that Keith was startled out of his gumdrop fantasies.

            The oversized toy soldier in front of him was back to normal and the bear’s head turned back to its original position. It had just been his imagination. Nothing had moved, it was impossible for toys to move on their own.

            Shaking his head, Keith hurried to catch up with his family.

            However, the entire time they spent in the plaza he couldn’t shake the feeling that the toys were staring at him; watching him as one would to make sure someone behaves accordingly. Yet, every time he swiped his head around to catch their eyes following him or their immobile bodies moving they were the same as they were before.

            Toys, they were just toys, childhood playthings that couldn’t move on their own.

            Had they learned their lesson the first time he’d caught them?

            The thought sent chills down Keith’s spine much like the feeling of the room of toys in their attic. Finally he could stand it no more and walked faster so that he right beside his brother.

            “Kam.”

            No reply.

            “Kam?”

            This time he got a bored glance.

            “Kam!”

            Their parents turned and his brother relented.

            “What is it?” he hissed, obviously having been disturbed by his oh-so-important thoughts.

            Keith looked around to make no one was listening and ducked his head low. “Have you noticed anything strange about the shop windows?”

            Curiosity appeared briefly in Kam’s eyes. “Like what?”

            He dropped his voice to a whisper.

            “Like the toys staring at you.”

            There was a silence where Kam said nothing for several seconds and when he did it was decidedly unhelpful.

            “Are you mad?”

            “Did you see them or not?” Keith hissed.

            His brother blinked as though he’d been sprinkled with frigid water.

            “No.”

            Keith slumped forward and lapsed into silence for the remainder of their outing.

*  *  *

            Was he mad? Keith found himself repeating Kam’s question not only immediately after the incident at the plaza, but for days afterward.

            His answer if it had not been applying to his own sanity would’ve been a definite yes.

            Hearing voices probably qualified as being unhinged.

            It began the night they returned and Keith was having trouble falling asleep. He would toss and turn, incapable of ridding his mind of unwelcome thoughts. He was moderately surprised that he didn’t wake his brother, as they shared a room- a twin bed on each side with a lamp in between.

            The voices weren’t loud. They were whispery, spidery things, speaking in murmurs that he neither understood nor wanted to understand. But, he understood that he was the only one who could hear them and so Keith spent many sleepless nights with the covered pulled over his head, knowing no one would believe him.

            Then, miraculously, three days before Christmas, they stopped.

            And though, one would think Keith would be grateful and spend the nights after in blissful rest, they would be wrong. For, his muscles trembled at every little sound and his mind screamed out that those shadows must be the owners of those suddenly silenced voices.

            Keith would wake up in the morning with bloodshot eyes and dark circles that announced he had not slept a wink. His parents worried and fussed, proclaiming he needed to eat better meals and go to sleep earlier. His twin brother, usually so reserved, offered to read him a story before bed and often watched him with justifiable concern.

            Then, the time came. Christmas Eve, the most awaited evening of the year for all the children of the world who celebrated it and of which Keith would normally be a joyful part of.

            If only he wasn’t so haunted.

            But, he had tried to heed his family’s advice and as he climbed into bed that night, his cheeks were a little less pale and his movements a little less weary. For tomorrow would be glorious, and his paranoia would not diminish his love for this holiday, not even if he was right in being so cautious.

            Keith had barely drifted into the realm of dreams when he heard them. The voices. They were back and they were louder than ever. Even covering his head with the blankets, pulling a pillow over his ears and plugging them with his fingers wouldn’t block the incessant murmuring.

            And now, it wasn’t just murmuring.

            He caught snatches of words among the indistinguishable nonsense.

            “Help us…. Please… Keith…”

            The order would be jumbled around, but he continued to hear those words beating into his eardrums. His name, how did they know his name? And who were they?

            Finally, the blonde boy could take it no longer, rolled over and let his feet touch the cold floorboards. He needed help. He didn’t care if his mum, dad, or Kam didn’t believe his tale, as long as they could be there with him.

            He shuffled over to Kam’s bed, not wishing to startle him. But, as he reached the bed he saw that the covers were thrown back and the sheets were cold. Kam wasn’t there and he hadn’t been for a while.

            His breath caught in his throat right then and he forced himself to take several deep breaths before turning and running as fast as he could.

            Keith didn’t know where he was going, only that his heart was thumping madly in his chest and the sound of his feet on wood echoed in the empty hallways of the house. When he came to a breathless halt, an unimpressive white door with a wooden handle squatted before him, somehow smaller than the last time, but no less terrifying.

            Somehow, his reckless flight had taken him here. Back to the place he never wanted to return and the place that, he abruptly realized, the voices were coming from.

            He didn’t hesitate as he flung open the door and bent over raced down the passage, clutching a flashlight he kept on the table beside his bed, just in case. Its light was meager compared to the oppressive darkness, but at least it was something.

            Yet, even that tiny hope was shot into pieces as a pain pierced both his wrists and he tumbled to the floor. Keith immediately struggled to get back up and searched desperately for his flashlight.

            There! It lay mere feet from him, the light flickering alarmingly, but holding on tenaciously. He lifted his hand to reach for it when a bolt of pain shot through his wrist.

            Wincing, he glanced at what bound him and saw two wooden nails, one in each wrist and tied to those nails were thin pieces of white string, nearly invisible. He followed the line of the string to where it vanished into the darkness his flashlight could not penetrate.

            From which, eerie laughter twisted and curled, making Keith’s hair stand on end and going on and on and on. Though the agony of the nails made him whimper, Keith tugged at them, trying to pry them from his flesh. But they were impaled deep.

            The laughter began to quiet into chuckles and something stirred among the shelves of toys.

            Those accursed toys that had transformed from mournful into figures of the utmost despair; mouths were open, eyes were trained wide and unblinking on him, glass hands gestured wildly, all pleading.

            Their voices were the ones he had heard and now they were desperately loud. So loud, that Keith felt the warm trickle of blood coming from his ears.

            “Keith!”

            “Danger!”

            “Please!”

            “Run!”

            “Hurry!”

            “All will be lost!”

            Keith struggled against his bounds again, a burst of adrenaline allowing him to pry one nail free, but as he set to work on the second… a monstrosity appeared.

            It was a thing of nightmares. A twisted vision of the court jesters that entertained the kings of old with a frilly shirt, puffy pants, white tights and black, buckled shoes. The traditional outfit was splattered with colors of bright crimson, dark purple and a green almost akin to black. But the worst part was its face, grotesque and deformed with a wide forehead, pointed chin, bulging eyes without pupils and a red painted mouth from which the chilling laughter still came. The creature’s face was painted with white make-up and blue diamonds over the eyes. Its jester’s hat was lopsided and the bells at the ends jingled as he slowly approached Keith.

            “Caught another one did we? Now won’t the master be pleased.”

            The boy all but forgot his struggles to escape when the deformed jester spoke- its voice high and darkly amused. He felt the shadow of hopelessness pass over him.

            “The Jester needs new faces for his collection yes? My darlings, you are in need of repair, but we desire the very best. The very greediest,” the creature cackled as it continued speaking, whether to Keith or itself, or, he was beginning to think, the toys watching the scene fearfully.

            Slowly, the creature was inching closer to him, and its left arm gradually rose.

            Thok!

            “AHHHHH!”

            The agony was even worse than before as the Jester, or whatever it was called, drove another wooden nail into the wrist Keith had removed the last from, and, if that wasn’t enough torture for the young boy it hammered them in so far they pierced the ground. Keith was effectively rendered immobile with no means of escape and the toys seemed to realize this as their screams turned into moans.

            As the Jester hummed to itself, pulling more threads like the ones attached to the nails out of his sleeves, Keith worked up the courage to speak.

            “What are you? What are you doing?” he demanded, trying to keep the fear out of his voice.

            The creature tilted its head so its chin was on top and its eyes were on bottom impossibly. “Jester is nothing and everything. Doing the job we do best, the best toys from the worst boys and girls.”

            Keith choked on the insults he had been planning to hurl at the thing. What was it talking about? Toys? It made toys? These toys? He glanced anxiously at the groaning specimens.

            Toys did not move and speak as if they were alive.

            He was staring at the strange toys, anything but the Jester when a new figure stepped into view in the flickering light.

            A familiar figure and an identical face that made Keith gasp.

            “Kam! What are you doing here? Are you okay? Kam!”

            Yet, his twin brother, dressed in nothing but his pajamas like Keith, only looked straight ahead, eyes blank and emotionless, going right through him.

            “Kam!” with his brother still not responding, Keith jumped to a conclusion and turned to look at the Jester who was humming jauntily.

            “You! What did you do to my brother?” he cried, tears beginning to run down his cheeks.

            The Jester turned his head upside down again. “Brother? What brother?”

            Keith growled through clenched teeth, propelling all his terror, fury and hatred at the blasted creature with the primal sound.

            It laughed.

            The boy swore he heard something snap in his head and body when it laughed. Then, it was scooted so it was right next to Kam and grabbed his arm as one might a stuffed animal’s.

            “This is your brother?” The Jester didn’t wait for an answer and instead lifted Kam’s arm and stared at Keith with its pupil less eyes. “This isn’t your brother anymore.” He dropped the arm and it went limp, flopping back down like a lifeless fish.

            “Yes, he is! Kam! KAM!” Keith tried again even louder. “What did you do to him?!”

            “Me?” It pointed to itself. “I did nothing.”

            “You-“

            “He sold his soul to me.”

            Keith’s eyes bugged and he almost swallowed his tongue.

            “You’re lying!”

            The Jester’s grin spread wider, showing sharp, pointed teeth. “No~! He wanted this to happen and became my puppet to get to you.” The teeth glinted menacingly. “He didn’t like you very much.”

            “What?! You lunatic! Let him go! Let me GO!”

            He struggled again and it seemed to provide more amusement for the Jester. In one deliberate movement, he took his hand and pushed Kam forward.

            As he fell, Keith could do nothing and as he fell the Jester suggested, “Why don’t you take a look-see?”

            He did, though he desperately wanted to look away as Kam made a clattering sound as he hit the ground. When Keith looked into his brother’s face, all he saw was a wooden doll, a puppet with familiar, but dead features.

            Keith couldn’t tear his eyes away, couldn’t stop himself from trying to reach out to his twin brother and a wordless sound of despair and sorrow clawed its way up his throat.

            “Kam…Kam… Kam… Kam!”

            Cheerful laughter contrasted starkly with his grief and the Jester spread out the threads on its fingers, grinning its maniac grin.

            “It’s your turn now! Have a merry Christmas!” The creature bore down.

            And the clock struck midnight.