Poem: Flames of Heart

FLAMES OF HEART

Searing, agonizing, licking painfully between each beat,

explaining, expressing this kind of pain is not an easy feat.

Set aflame and tossed into the depthless dark,

Still the flames make sure to leave their mark.

The flames, with the pain, make a wavy light,

I almost wonder "I deserve this, right?"

With the flames I always know where my heart does lie,

Even when as I wait for endless tears to dry.

I know what I am, I know my own heart,

My heart has no need to restart.

Bring the flames, leave me in the dark,

My heart will shine brightly as it leaves its mark!

Reversing Retribution Pt. 4 is here!

--NOTE: from here, it gets a little more graphic, though I'll be editing the occasional language on the blog--

Aidan’s eyes were starting to adjust to the darkness.  Instead of nothing, he could see dim, vague outlines of his surroundings.  Aidan stood perfectly still, his breathing halted as he listened for the sound of breathing.  He wasn’t disappointed.  It was very soft and shallow, but audible to Aidan’s sharp ears.

The twisted monster was just to the left of the doorway, waiting to attack.  Aidan took a silent breath, switching the knife to his left hand the pot to his right, and quietly set the duct tape on the floor.

Then he took a quick step in, already holding the knife to block an attack to the face or neck.  The man was already sending his fist at Aidan’s face before he realized he’d be hitting a sharp knife.  The knife cut deep between his knuckles.  As he recoiled, clutching his hand, Aidan swung the pan hard into the man’s head, knocking him out instantly and down to the floor.

            Aidan tossed the bloody knife and the pan to the back of the room as he turned to get the duct tape he’d left at the doorway.  Aidan quickly taped him securely to the wooden chair in the back of the room, finishing by taping his mouth shut.

            He stood just in front of the chair, waiting for consciousness to return to the inhuman murderer.  No doubt he’ll be nothing but the picture of repentance and remorse when he’s awake.  Nothing makes a person fill with regret as much as death, because of the permanency of it, and the mystery of what’s beyond it.

            In a short while the thing in the chair started moving a small amount and its eyes slowly started opening.  Aidan’s eyes narrowed as his hands subconsciously formed into fists.  Once it seemed to fully awake, he smashed his jaw with a left hook.  There was little reaction, to which Aidan ripped off the tape suddenly.

            The hell spawn spat out blood along with a tooth, and just as it started to open its mouth to speak – no, to beg – Aidan’s right fist connected with it’s stomach, and it spat out a little more blood.  When Aidan punched the damned man full in the face, with a satisfying crunch as his hand crushed his nose, the chair fell over backwards.

            Aidan’s mind blanked out, and when it returned, there was singinificantly more blood on him and over the floor, but the ------ was definitely still alive and kicking.  Aidan’s eyes widened as his brain registered the mess in front him.

            What the hell am I doing?  Am I really… am I really about to take yet another human life?  Aidan collapsed to the floor as memories he’d thought erased slowly seeped into his mind.




--2nd note: please remember to leave a comment or two on what you like and dislike in my writing.  Thank you very much for reading!--

Darkness of Heart (pt 3)

  “Names and event or events you are participating in?” the worker asked.

  “Lesion Rayne. Death bout” The small man looked up at him, muttered something that gave Lesion the impression the man was surprised they'd made it to the right room. The irritated shorty turned to face Rukioh.

  “And you?” he asked. Rukioh shifted a little, then answered. “I'm here with Lesion is all.” He scowled at Rukioh and ushered him out of the room, telling him he must leave the premises. Rukioh shouted 'don't lose' and 'good luck' to his brother as he was escorted out.

  'Good luck?' Lesion sighed. He's wishing you well. Take it as it was meant. Lesion shook his head, then held it tightly with his hands. He let go, and saw several people staring at him. He swore at them and walked out of the room, almost walking into the little man. Lesion stopped and turned around as he passed him.

  “Where do I sleep?” Lesion said loud enough to know that he would be heard. Without turning around, the small man said, “Not my problem. Figure it out yourself.” He sure was a lot of help... Lesion thought darkly as he turned around and walked out of the coliseum, where Rukioh stood, tapping his foot.

  “Let me guess. We've gotta find our own place to stay the night?” Rukioh asked sardonically.

  “You could have just said, 'I told you so'.”

  “Aw, but that wouldn't have been as much fun.” Rukioh grinned. Lesion smiled back and walked over to him.

  “I take it this means you found a place, right?” Lesion asked. Rukioh feigned shock.

  “I can't believe you would actually ask that!” They both grinned. “It's the Kasian Inn. The only place that still had any open rooms. Which is because, I'll add, it's your kind of place.” Lesion smirked and told him to lead the way.

  They arrived at the inn, which, though devoid of people for the most part, was very loud. Lesion and Rukioh looked at each other, nodded, then turned around and walked out.

  Nothing was spoken as they searched for a place to make camp. After several long minutes, they found a spot they agreed on. They quickly got everything set up, then fell asleep.

  Lesion's eyes flashed open, but he remained motionless, listening closely for any sound of movement nearby. Something, or someone, must have made a sound to wake him up. Then he heard it. A muffled footstep on the grass, and it didn't sound far away. As the seconds passed, he could hear a few more steps. By the sound of it, he figured there were at least three of them. Lesion silently slid his hand beneath his pillow and grabbed the handle of his knife tightly.

  The person from whom Lesion first heard the footsteps stopped. Lesion lashed out with his knife, cutting deep from the man's shoulder and up across the neck. Blood sprayed from his neck as he fell to the ground, his eyes wide, bewildered and filled with fright. Lesion hurried to his feet as two more men threw themselves at him.

  Lesion quickly jumped out of the way, then threw his knife into the further opponent's chest. The remaining man glanced down at his fallen comrade that was writhing in pain on the ground. He glared at Lesion, who returned the favor. Lesion brought up his fists as his opponent pulled out a sword with a dark and malicious grin.

  Lesion held his position as the man dashed forward, thrusting the blade at his chest. Lesion quickly stepped to the side and brought his knee up sharply into his stomach. As his assailant started to double over, Lesion kicked his knee. A loud crack and a piercing scream immediately filled the air. Lesion quickly silenced the screaming by snapping his neck.

  Surprisingly, there was no major reaction from the nearby town. Lesion shrugged, figuring that if people didn't notice or care about why those sounds were made, he needn't make a bigger deal out of it. He turned over to check on Rukioh, who was looking at him through eyes filled with tears and pain.

  “Lesion, why did you kill them?” Tears continued to fall from Rukioh's eyes as he spoke sofly, yet harshly. Lesion put his hand to his face, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

  “It was self defense. Their intentions were to kill, so I handled the situation accordingly.”

  “That doesn't mean you have to kill them!” Rukioh shouted as he walked quickly over to Lesion. Lesion stood still, facing his brother and looking at him square in the eye.

  “Look, you should know life isn't some happy fantasy! Either they died, or we died. I mean, if I let them live, I'm sure there are others they would have gotten to join up with them so they could try again later. All I did was end a bad situation quickly and decisively.” Rukioh stared at Lesion, and for a moment, Lesion expected tears to leak out. Instead, he just turned from Lesion and walked over to his belongings.

  Lesion sat down, pondering. I don't get him. We came here for me to participate as a gladiator in a death bout. He knew the whole time I'd be killing people, and he didn't raise this kind of a fuss about it. Besides, these people were murderers, not people trying to make some money to buy food and survive in this hell longer.

  Lesion closed his eyes and meditated. After a few minutes, his eyes popped open as he realized what must be the reason Rukioh was upset that Lesion killed them. Why didn't I see it before?! If we had kept at least one alive, we could have found out exactly as to why they were trying to kill us. Now we won't be able to find out until we're attacked again.

  “Lesion? What do you intend to do with the bodies?”

  He looked over at Rukioh. This is for you big brother, he thought as a feeling of peace settled inside him. “Well, I imagine they had friends or family. We'll take them closer to town while everyone is still asleep so that they'll be found in the morning.” Rukioh nodded, with a look of relief in his eyes

Reversing Retribution pt. 3

            Aidan drove around, not caring where he went so long as it was unfamiliar and open.  Maybe it’s overkill, Aidan thought, but I’m starting over.  New life, new apartment, might as well get a new stargazing spot too.  He drove towards a canyon that had come into view.  It was maybe another forty minutes to it, and hopefully it would have a nice spot for him to lie back and watch the beauty of the night sky.

            He turned on the music, listening to his car blast the music on his CD.  For the first time that he could remember, he had a real smile forming on his face.  “Tonight really is a turn for the better,” Aidan whispered to himself, “It must be.”

            It was a peaceful drive.  Only on rare occasion did he see another car on road.  He reached the canyon and continued.  It was a sight to behold as he drove.  The mountains, the changing trees, a small river just off the road… all of it was breathtaking even in the darkness of the night.  This would be a night to remember.

            Aidan started searching for roads trailing off to a more open area so he could have a nice view of the sky.  Soon enough he spotted a small road trailing off to the left, curving upwards to what might be that open area he’d been hoping for.  He turned left and followed the road up.  The smile that was on his face widened as he saw that it was just as he hoped, possibly better.

            He parked his car in the middle of the open area, a little off where the road was, and turned off the car.  He reached in the back and pulled out the blanket he’d brought with him to keep warm in the chilly autumn air.  It was only when he stepped out of the car that he noticed he wasn’t the first one here.  Aidan decided to go say hi to whomever he’d be sharing this wonderful night stargazing with.

            “Hey, do you come here often?” Aidan called out while he was still a ways away, so as to not scare the person he was approaching.  The figure was lying on the car and looked at Aidan.  It was a girl, but he couldn’t tell much more than that.

            “Just whenever I feel like getting away for a while,” she said with a bit of laugh, “What brings you up here? I’ve never seen anyone else around this spot.”

            “Same as you I imagine.  Get away from things for a night, watch the stars from a beautiful spot.” He smiled as he stopped just a couple of feet away from her car.  The girl sat up and faced him.  She took a moment looking at him.  Her eyes on the blanket, she smiled.

            “I don’t suppose you’d share that blanket with me would you?” she asked with a shiver.  Aidan laughed.

            “Of course.  By the way, I’m Aidan.” He stepped forward and offered his hand.  She reached and shook it.

            “Aubrey.  So, you coming up or what?”  Aidan grinned and climbed up, quickly wrapping the blanket around them, as they lied back, gazing up into the starlit night.

Reversing Retribution pt. 2

(Connects to where I left off).  The door slammed behind the man.  Aidan heard the distinct click of the door locking just as he got onto the porch.

            Nothing will stop me! Aidan’s brain was screaming as he readied to kick down the door.

            Time froze at that moment.  There wasn’t any hesitation, but the moment just seemed to not end.  Every detail was being burned into Aidan’s memory as it was happening. Her expression, that impossibly amazing smile, the brightness in her face, the joy beaming from her eyes, all of it was perfect for this too short of an endless moment.

            Aubrey’s lips parted as she took a quick breath, then screamed like a giddy little girl “Yes!”  Aidan grinned and slowly slid the ring onto her finger.  On cue, fireworks went off.  Aubrey jumped with excitement and held onto Aidan.  As they both watched the small firework show Aidan had set, Aubrey leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed happily.

            “This is perfect Aidan.  I love you, I always will.”

            With a sudden, loud crack Aidan kicked the door in.  No one was in sight in the dark house.  His ears immediately took charge, listening for the slightest of sounds.  He stood motionless, eyes closed, waiting for the vile coward to move.

            Long seconds ticked by.  Then the quiet creak of wood floor reached Aidan’s ears.  The man was upstairs.  Aidan started to go up the stairs, then stopped suddenly.  The few seconds of standing still let his mind get back to thinking instead of just acting.  Aidan found his way to the kitchen, and grabbed a long straight-edged knife.  He also took a frying pan and checked the drawers until he found duct tape, still listening intently for any further sounds from upstairs.

            Treading lightly Aidan made his way up the stairs quietly, lucky to not step anywhere that would make the floor creak.  At the top, Aidan’s heart began to throb as it continued to race.

His emotions and thoughts were spiraling into a heavy feeling.  Hate drove out the impending fear that the killer would kill him before he could take his justice, his revenge, giving this man true retribution.

            The sound had been directly above him when he heard the squeak from downstairs by the now broken front door.  Aidan turned to face the room where another person would be dying this night, and went forward slowly.  His breathing became progressively more shallow and slow until he was close to not breathing at all.  The door was already open.  Aidan had only one step to take to be in the room.

Woe of the Heart

The heart beat, strong yet fleeting,

goes as time wears on, ticking away,

the countdown to its last day. 

Each beat keeping it breathing,

but drawing it ever closer,

to the reaper's front door. 

Ironic, or simply misleading?

That the only way to stay alive,

is to bring itself closer to that final dive.

Another Poem

Delusion

What lies beneath the skin,

At the core of us all?

A soul twisted with sin,

Hidden behind a fancy wall?

Perhaps simply nothing is there,

Nothing beyond a body and brain,

Devoted to escaping that final snare

And shallow pleasure to keep them sane.

It's interpreted in so many ways,

the most common: to be ignorant,

Afraid of an answer to clear the haze,

And accept change always as incipient.