NOVELETTE (FANTASY) Flight of a
New Era written by: Miya/Eurlo/Brandy CONTENT UNDER CONSTRUCTION
1/3/19 Summary: A Fantasy, about a ranch and it's owner. The horse goes by the name Regal Moon. His owner's name is Max, he has two caretakers that care for Regal named Greg and Oliver. ART/PRICE PAID FOR First/814k(virtual money). Second/510k (virtual money). Third/100k(virtual money) Forth/Free(virtual money) Fifth/1.3mill(virtual money). Sixth/300k(virtual money) Seventh/300k(vitual money) Eighth/100k(virtual money) MORE art pieces to be posted...Stay tuned... NEW UDATE: 4/8/17. UPDATED on 3/7/13. PROLOGUE: The sound of thunderous hooves pound the ground and pierce the silence. My breath can be seen in the cold autumn air. I slide around the corner of my stable near the house. The stable was fenced in with 6 foot high railing... Which for me could easily be jumped if I wanted but before now chose not to jump. I kicked and neighed loudly as I ran from my care takers, they was chasing me but as to why...I had no clue. Flight of a New Era~ My name is Regal Moon and I had just got back from a championship jumper show, I had aced it without trouble. I was the first colt from the most prized bloodlines known to mankind, the royal heir to the Colonial King and Princess Ruby owned by the richest couple of all the United States. They had competed jumping shows since the age of 3, and at the age of 5 had won 15 shows easily, but not without harsh training they had endured over the years to make them the best. I had just finished my 4th show all like my parents I had won. Today breaking my highest jump record of 5' and setting the competition to a whole new level. I had jump a amazing height of 6' clearly surpassing my past record. I was now free to rest till tomorrow when my training intensified, in which it usually did when setting new records. I now stood in my fenced stabling area and pasture of 50 acres, I had been left out to roam for the night after having been fed and watered for the night. It was typical Autumn weather outside at night, cold and windy. But I was well use to the weather as it had been bred into my blood lined parents. I simply trot about the pasture enjoying the free space I had to run, I stop and look around. It was so quiet at night, I go in a full out run to the fence at the other end near the woods. As I slow to a trot once again I hear something in the woods, it stops me in my tracks and I stare warily out towards the woods. I strain to hear the noise again, but as time ticked by I heard it no more. I finally allow my body to relax, it was probably just a rabbit or deer. Before I have time to react Something jumps at my right flank and bites me, but it doesn't let go immediatly, it holds on. I kick and buck trying my best to knock it off, finally I kick it and it runs back off into the woods and I am left bleeding. I begin neighing hoping my caretakers would come running, but no one comes, I was too far from the stables for them to hear me calling for help. So I ran back to the stables neighing wildly trying to get someone up and out of the house. I was running madly in the pasture, something had bitten me and I was scared. "Get a rope around him!" yelled Greg my main caretaker as he cornered me. The other guy's name was Oliver, he was new to the barn. "I'm trying, he won't stand still!" Oliver yelled back a reply as he attempted again to get a rope around me. This time he got it, when I realized a rope was on me I began to take off in fear of being put down like many of my friends had after serious injuries. But then Greg got his rope around me, I had no choice now but to stay. Yet I still kicked and jumped in a last attempt to get loose. suddenly Max come running from the house, at that very moment I quit my wild act and pulled on the rope towards my owner. He was nicely dressed in a suit and tie with shiny waxed shoes. As he latched the gate behind him I reared in excitement, he was the one who had raised me and organized my training. When he finally reached me he stroked my head, in the mean time Greg had ran off to the stables, but I cared nothing of it at the time. My black shiny coat reflected the morning light as I was calmed down by Max. Next thing I knew a sharp pain hit my right wounded flank, I spun my head around and snorted, Greg was standing there placing a cap on a needle he held in his hand. I soon feel drowsy and fall to my knees as I am affected by the drug, I had been sedated with a heavy dose. My vision blurred and I laid to my side soon everything faded to blackness... The morning light had waken the world as it topped the distant mountain tops. I was still lying there knocked out by the medicine. They had called Blake my doctor since I was a baby. Blake took a look at my wounds on my right flank. "Max...this horse won't make it to the hospital, he's in bad shape..." Blake then looked at max with a blank face. My wounds were deep and wide, the teeth marks indicated the creature had an abnormally large jaw size and long teeth, it had barely missed my hip bone by a mere inch. "Then what are you waiting for?!" yelled Max as a tear ran down his cheek. Blake pulled his cell out of his coat pocket and called for a specially trained team to come on site for an immediate surgery procedure. When they arrived they piled out and threw a cloth over me for surgery, they quickly fixed torn and punctured blood vessels and patched me up. Max cared nothing about how much it cost or the bills, he only cared about my well being. Not because I was a well trained jumper and young, but because I was his baby. I was then given another dose of sedative and some pain killers for when I woke up I could be pain free. During the hour long surgery Greg and Oliver had set the stable with comfy straw, clean feed and water. A good thirty minutes had passed after the surgery and I began to wake up. When I woke, Max could be seen sitting next to me in his nice expensive suit on the grass. He was stroking my neck, his eyes glazed over. "I thought I was going to loose you..." he said The winds blew through the pasture and time seemed to stand still. "Greg" max called as Greg cut his chat with Oliver to attend my owners call. "We need to get this horse up and into the stable, later we will see if he can walks some of the stiffness off." Greg ran to the stables to grab my halter and lead rope. When he got to me, he fell to his knees and put it on gradually as I raised my head long enough for him to tighten it. I was then pulled up and walked to the stables where a nice bed of straw laid. They took my tack off and allowed me to lie down and sleep in the silence of the morning. I could hear birds chirping their noises bothered me and I flicked my ears as if that would make it all go away. But it didn’t it only drove me crazy. My owner had since left me alone, as well as Greg and Oliver. I roll over feeling hungry as I had not eaten since afternoon yesterday. I lean over to the oats in the bucket hanging on a hook on the stall wall near the floor. It tasted so wonderful, I had never loved food so much as I did today. As I lied on the stall floor eating I heard the fence open, I flicked my ears in it’s direction all while chewing upon the remains of oats I had in my mouth. I stared at the stall door waiting to see who would open it, it was Max and he had come to my stable door and called my name, I only laid in the floor and looked up flicking my tail in happiness. I was glad he came back, I was now able to relax as he opened the door and sat beside me, this time in more appropriate attire. “Hey Regal, how are you doing buddy?” he said in a soft tone, almost a whisper. I bob my head up and down letting him know I felt good and continued eating my oats as he stroked my neck once again as he did after my injury. All that was left of the wound was a couple of stitched lines where the wounds had been, it would surely leave a hideous scar, one that may cause me to not begin my dressage training that was going to start next Spring. After finishing the food I drank some water and laid my head on Max’s lap. He petted my head and kissed me on my blaze, I soon fell asleep, and didn’t wake up until late afternoon. Max had also went to sleep laying his head on my side, I was now curled up. When I woke up Max was gone and the gate was left open, the sun began setting, the sky turning a bright pink and orange. I was since feeling much better and decided to get up. Upon getting to my feet I was rather scared to go out again at night, why had they not locked me up for the night? I had no clue, I was only aware that night had approached and I was alone again, I dared not stray to far from the barn. As I exit the stall I look around looking for my attacker, it was probably waiting to ambush me. I trot around the field and stretch my legs, I had been in the stall for hours, I was all stiff. The night approached soon after and I was engulfed in the darkness of the night. As I stopped to eat some grass I felt a sharp pain hit my flank again I let out a cry…no response from my people. My vision begins to change, I was seeing things in heat vision. What is going on? I think to myself as things for me change permanently. I get the feeling of sickness in my stomach. I started running frantically hoping it was all a dream, but I quickly realized it was not, I took off running directly at the fence near the woods… I was going to jump the fence for the first time. The midnight air was cold, I had trouble breathing it, the chill stung my lungs. I head through the woods in an attempt to find my new home, but what were my caretakers to think of my disappearance? Surely, they would send out a search party for my whereabouts…if that were the case I could be caught or worse. I had to get out of the town, and by tomorrow night. I slide around a big tree, it was a tall and thick pine, the scent was strong and the same smell covered the forest. Wait!! Strong smell, covering the forest? I am clever, hide my sent from hounds that might try sniffing me out. So I lay on my side and roll around in the pine needles that lay everywhere in thick piles. After bout an hour of rolling around and being sure to cover my self in the smell, I get up and view my surroundings for any sign of trouble. The forest was as silent as the wind. I had to hurry and find a better place to hide, even if it is deeper in the forest… As I trotted around in the woods I caught glimpse of something shiny in the forest, so I cautiously went over to investigate. Upon discovering it I pawed at the ground trying to dig up the dirt and reveal it’s beauty. After clearing the dirt it began to shine, I pick it up with my teeth and toss it in the air and it falls around my broad neck. It soon faded black, but why I had no clue, I just know it looked cool. Forgetting about it I keep walking about the forest looking around for other jewels. The night went by undisturbed for a long time. I had found no more jewels and gave up my search, I had been staring at the ground for so long I did not keep up with my directions, I was lost… With no sense of where home was, I was too scared to move. I laid where I stood and rested, the night had been very stressing and not to mention an emotional wreck for me. Before I knew it I had fallen asleep. The morning’s rays shine through the gaps of the trees I was now surrounded by, no longer was it the safe solid walls of my stable. My eyes open to the suns blinding rays and my eyes quickly adjust as I am completely blind for brief moment. I stagger to my feet and embrace the morning’s heat as I stand in it and warm up from the cold night before.
The necklace from the previous night was still hanging from my neck, still faded as it was after I slipped it on my neck. But now lost my destiny was wherever I pleased. So I begin heading to my left, having no clue where it would lead. My head held high and my ears flipping back and forth in search of any sound that may come my way. The sound of leaves as the slide across one another and the sound of pinecones falling from above, hitting the ground were of the only sounds my ears picked up. I walk over some fallen trees and down a hill. It was rather steep and I mostly slid down it letting out a mild neigh as I about took a tumble. I had caught my grounding before I had that chance though. My hoof struck water and caused a splash, spooking me out of my wits. Taking off in a full run up the next hill barely gaining traction. Half sliding once again as I hauled myself up the hill. I stopped myself and looked around, nothing was there. If there was, I probably just scared it off. Then again it was probably me, I lower my head and begin liking my front legs and it turns out I could taste water on my left leg. How did I manage to scare myself?! Being out here by myself was obviously scaring me out of my wits, I’m becoming paranoid. I throw the thought out of my mind and continue traveling. The forest was dead silent again, except random whistles of the wind as it cuts through the trees. I pick up speed to a trot. Then I hear that dreadful sound of those dogs pursuing me once again. Rearing I flail my legs and land with a thud, thundering through the forest at full speed now. The dogs are gaining on me now, their barks only strides from where I was now. I can hear my masters yelling at the dogs to track me down, they were usually my friends, running around the pasture with me in play. But now they pursue me as if they would game. I was probably being cased after by Greg and Oliver, their guns in hand if the need would rise that they would need to use them. Sliding around trees and debris, jumping over fallen trees. I can now see them as I glance back behind me. I can hear a distant neighing behind me, it must have been Greg. I can hear him whistling and hollering at his horse to go faster. “Come on!! Just alittle closer!!” I turn my head and see him with a rope in hand and it whirling in the air above him. I knew right then I was going back to the stables. Next thing I know is I’m being yanked back by the ropes restraint. It was worth a try, but I know once I’m tied, there’s no escaping. Oliver soon catches up, gun lowered and the dog wagging his tail and barking at me. I simply stand there, sides heaving as I gather my breath. “What possessed you to run off Regal?” Greg asked, both of them frowning at me, little did myself or them know I am actually possessed. “Geez, you cause a lot of trouble for us and we are not even getting a extra pay for this…” He turns me around by the rope and the three of us head back on the long trek back home. Silence filled the forest once more. Only the sound of horses trudging through the forest, Greg had mounted my back and had been riding most of the way back. The dog was with his nose to the ground and sniffing away leading them back home. The stable came into sight and the dog took off barking madly, announcing our arrival to anyone listening. We were soon upon the fence’s entrance. Oliver dismounted and unlatched the gate, it swung open hitting the fence and it freely bounced back. Oliver was defiantly pissed at me. He removed the rope from around my neck and gave me a smack on my flank, closing the gate after I was inside. Greg didn’t even come over, he had headed to the house I assumed to alert Max. I would surely receive punishment from him, either by less of my good food, or harder workouts. After nibbling at some grass, I head to my stall which was still standing wide open. Greg soon heads back over to the fence and talks to Oliver some before he puts the other horse inside the fence as well. Greg and Oliver leave and head back to the house. I lay down in my stall and let myself drift off to sleep for a while. I wake to the sound of Greg and Max yelling at one another off to the side of my stall where I can not see them. Greg comes storming over as I get to my feet. With my halter in hand he quickly fits it over me and goes to fetch my saddle. This is not good I can tell, he looks rather irritated. To avoid more trouble I stand there quietly and wait for him to pull me out, put my saddle on and lead me to the jumping course we had. The jumps had been placed higher since I last trained, looks like training is about to begin for me once again. Greg gets on my back and gives me the go command with his heels to my sides. No one ever used spurs on me, but I am more than aware of what they are. He had them on this time, but why? I was already regretting what was coming to me today. He kicked me into a faster gate and soon I was in a full gallop. Around the outer edge of the training field we went, warming up as usual. He turned me towards the first jump, usually it was 3’ but today it is closer to 5’. I clear it rather easy and head to the next which is 5’5” and barely clear it. This is not good, what was to greet me at the end of the day? A bullet perhaps due to a broken leg from extreme training? We continue jumping, each time barely clearing the height of the jumps. I am now at an amazing height of 6’2” as I jump it my rear legs clip it and knock it off. Oliver heads over to set it back up and we begin all over again. Greg always made me jump the ones I knock off till I can clear it, then he makes me do it over and over again. My sides heave as they extract air and soon exhale it heavily. My rear legs especially burned from the effort I was being made to put into these jumps. We near the 6’2” jump again he kicks my sides and I jump it, clearing it the width of a piece of paper. He leads me away and back to the edge of the course to do a cool down before doing it anymore, he knew I was exhausted, and preferred not to cause me to pass out. Greg soon hopped off me and handed me to Oliver. He leads me to the pasture to graze and relax a bit before locking me in the stall for the night. He unhooks me from my lead rope and allows me to run off kicking out and bucking, glad to be free once again. I lower my head and begin nibbling at the sweet, moist grass. I hadn’t noticed before now, but I had lost the necklace I had found earlier this morning. It was gone, I had lost it in my struggle in the woods. I shake my head, attempting to make a fly quit buzzing around my ears, one of the most annoying sounds. I take a few steps forward, still eating at the grass begging me to eat it. I stomp at the ground, my head raised a little. Flaring my nostrils and neighing, throwing a fit. I begin trotting around mid pasture, in overlapping circles, picking up speed. I charge at the west side of the fence, stopping abruptly digging up the ground with my hooves. I turn around sharply, galloping full speed within strides. I am getting out of here, something inside me is telling me to run, to be free. I bound back the other direction. Heading straight for the fence once again, getting my stride right to jump it in time. As if gravity was gone, I easily sore over the fence and thunder across the ground on the other side. Eyes wide with terror of what will be waiting out there for me. The fence and barn had soon left my view and I slowed to a trot once again. Rustles in the woods here and there, as creatures creep around in the cloak of darkness. My ears twitching at every little noise. A voice out of nowhere spoke up, “Come to me, follow my voice, find me…” instinctively I look around me, thinking it was a human of mine. Both nothing in sight, I lay my ears back. Who is speaking to me? And why did I have to find the source of this voice? The questions were good ones at that. I slow once again, this time to a decent walk. Something in me is leading me to the unknown, to the voice which now echoed in my mind. I soon came to a halt, the voice had become hush, then a blinding green light nearly blinds me. It laid there, the string torn, it glowing, I didn’t know how to retie knots. So I simply pick it up, its glow disappears like the last time I picked it up. I start walking off, quickly recognizing my terrain and heading back to where I lay the night before. I kneel down making it my bed of choice for yet another lonely night. Why I chose to be alone was a mystery that even I didn’t know. I gently lay the necklace on the ground beside me, immediately it begins glowing again. Weird, every time it is in contact with me, it lies dormant. But immediately after being put down it lights up like a flame to gas. I will surely be caught again if I reside here for the night, I will leave as soon as the sun rises. Sleep finds it’s way to my eyes rather fast. The tree frogs croak away during the night, my ears soon ignore the sounds allowing complete silence to pour over me. Greg and Oliver head out to check on me, and place me in my stall as they do every night. Oliver whistles, it echoes for miles away, I simply can not hear it though. Greg yells out my name, his hands cupped around his mouth to carry the sound further…yet again I don’t hear it. Greg heads to the stable and tacks the horses, setting off once again to search for me. “Oliver, go get the hounds!” Greg hollers over to him, he was standing nearby staring out at the field, looking for me to return their calls. Oliver runs to the house and lets the dogs out, they was trained when young for tracking. Great blood lined hounds, they run out barking and wagging their tails. They knew they was about to do their job and they love every moment of it. My ears twitch at the faint sound and I wake to soon realize it’s the dogs once again, they had discovered my disappearance. I had too move and fast, or surely I would be found again. I stagger to my feet, grabbing the necklace and take off at a steady trot, still adjusting to the darkness around me. Dirt is being thrown into the air behind me. I begin galloping, causing the ground to shake as I thunder over it. My ears swivel back and forth at the barking dogs that were gaining on me. I could hear whistles and yelling. The breeze blowing my mane and tail back behind me, it was whipped around violently like a flag in heavy winds. The necklace dangling from my mouth flopping around, occasionally slapping my face. I have to lose them! Or I’ll be back in the pasture before the sun rises. Oddly my necklace begins to glow green again, this time while I’m still holding it, this was defiantly odd. I could tell I was running faster as if it granted my thoughts, allowing me to lose sight of them. Once again it fades to blackness, I realize there’s a river ahead, morning had not reached the horizon yet. Only the moon shining through the patches where their leaves did not reach and cover the sky above me. I walk slowly into the cool water, it’s a shock to my body that is warm from my run. The river drops off and soon only my head sits above it. Dead trees around me, one with a rather large hole at the bottom as if something lived in it. The moon light reflected the trees and bushes around me onto it’s surface, but as I swim across it the images become distorted and barely visible. My leg hits land and I wad out of it dripping wet, I was sure the water would wash away my scent and the dogs would lose my trail. Little did I think they would bother to go across as well and pick up my scent once again. I am dripping wet, the breeze blowing sends chills down my spine. The best way to dry and warm up is to continue fleeing from my caretakers and the dogs. So without another wasted minute I take off running again, further from my comfy bed and roof that protects me from the elements. Further from the food I got served daily in my stall, further from everything I knew. The barking rages again behind me they had caught up and had no intention of stopping till they caught me. I can’t get caught! Please just leave me alone…I think to myself, the weird glowing from the necklace in my mouth happens again.
“Woah boys!!” I can hear Greg yelling. “Come on Oliver lets all go back home and try again tomorrow, it’s getting late and dark out…” he suggests as they turn the horses around and call the dogs to fallow, who with down tails and some random barks soon follow. Once again the jewel fades to blackness. How many times would this luck happen? I ask myself and peaking through the tree branches as they swayed slightly from the wind.
I lower my guard and stop for a short rest, looking down at a random patch of grass. It is the first bit of food I actually had time to eat, so I took the opportunity and nibbled on it’s sweet crunchy texture. My mouth waters as it is being chewed in my mouth. A cracking noise is soon heard and I jerk my head up and take off, eyes wide with fear and ears straight up. I turn around and stand still, looking toward the direction of the noise. A branch lay motionless on the ground. My state of solitude had me so paranoid, that even branches falling would cause me to flee. The strong and bold horse I am is slowly fleeing me. But I chose this route, or did I? Maybe it was the presence inside the necklace that hangs from my mouth. Either way I had chosen my path when I jumped that fence. It head forward, my destination unknown. Neck level with the ground and head hanging, I continue to walk on the pine covered forest floor. Jumping over fallen trees and holes from where trees had been uprooted, leaving deep holes. The forest was once again silent, A squirrel up ahead darts up a tree stopping out of reach and stares at me as I pass, his tail flickering before taking off again up the tree. Another night alone, no warm bed and no food waiting in the morning. A big Oak tree was up ahead, the branches and leaves will provide decent cover for the night. Circling below its branches I lay down for the night. My hooves curled below my body, slightly out to the side of me. I stretch my muzzle to Lick my wound, the stitches caused me annoying itching, the wound was also slightly bloody. All this running is sure to rip the wound back open. Sleep soon falls upon my eyes and tired body as I slip into darkness. The sun rises and shines through the gaps in the trees high above where I lay. I open my eyes to a blend of purple, pinks and oranges in the sky. The sunrise is stunning, I had no time to stall, they will surely pursue my trail again this morning and everyday at least till they find me. I leave the Oak behind and head further from home. Traveling on little food will effect my distance traveled, but despite this fact, I set my pace at a gallop. The trees wiz by in shades of greens and grays, becoming thinner and dispersed further from one another. Grass appears in patches here and there, I am clearly exiting the woods to another property beyond my own fenced home. I begin up a hill, trees now barely visible, and had basically stopped before the hill. I top the hill, mane flowing freely, wide eyed and pumped with excitement. The sunrise behind me as it illuminates the grass below me in shades of purples and reds. Shadows formed from tall bushes and tall patches of grass. It is nice to be out in the open once again, a sense of freedom befalls me. I slow to a trot and take the chance to eat a full meal. I have been neglected the chance or food availability. I quickly clear out a small patch where I stand. A loud neigh sounds off in the distance. I jerk my head up high, the sun reflecting from my black coat. Sure it was less clean now, but not enough that I was dull. Ears standing straight forward. Nothing in my sight, but I definitely heard a beautiful sound. Swishing my tail and rearing I let out a load, deep cry in response. Thudding on the ground as my feet reach the surface. A neigh in the distance sounds once more, her voice like a finger being ran around the top of a whine glass. Beautiful and a call for company, she had the barn to herself apparently.
Off to a brisk trot I go her direction. Soon changing gates to a gallop. The wind making my rather knotted mane and tail whip back behind me madly. Once more I cry out to the female as a fence comes into view. Slowing to a trot yet again as I near the fence boarder. Majestic, an appaloosa I assume, cream colored hair laying on her neck. Blue eyes lay upon her face, a pink nose and mouth gave her a delicate look. A dappled grey rump added to her beauty. She meets me at the fence and our noses touch slightly. The sun was now putting off heat, at it's beginning peak. Not yet high in the sky, but almost there. Time stood still for a moment, I had sense forgotten I was being pursued. An uproar begins off near the barn, some guy was shouting, but at who I had no idea. He runs in the house as my gaze is fixed on him. He comes stumbling out the door with his gun, “Hey! Get out of here you filthy beast!!” he loads the gun and stops bringing the gun at his eye, I take off at full speed away from the fence. BANG!! The gun is fired and the bullet whizzes by my face only mere inches, a warning shot I assume. The next one would probably kill me where ever I get hit. I run back over the hill from which I came. I don’t stop there...back to the edge of the woods, where I felt safer. I realize soon after I had dropped the necklace once again, a clumsy fool I am. But I surely will not go back for the next few days and risk my life all together. Back over the hill and to the east I go, the man was still there ready to aim and fire if need be. But I am no threat and hope he saw this as well. Through wild flowers that lay scattered about the ground and to the unknown. I stop for a bit having lost sight of the barn and that precious horse. I look to the sky, the temperature was dropping slightly, I could tell by the chill in the air. No longer was it warm and sunny, clouds roll in from the west, it is about to become a down pour, but I make no attempt to run for cover. I need a good shower, plus the cool water is a welcome on my part after a the heat of this morning. Rain begins sprinkling the ground becoming harder and harder as I stand there waiting for it to soak me. The ground is bare of anything . Nothing but short grass strewn about the ground. The downpour I patiently wait for had finally come. Standing there, my neck level with the ground, feeling the weight on my mane and tail increase as they became drenched with raindrops from the sky above me. I drop my head and enjoy the pleasant massage it gives as it pounds at my skin. Rain begins running down my neck and over my closed eyes creating a crying look on my face. But I was not crying whatsoever. What reason would I have to cry, this is what I wanted, freedom…at least I thought. Could it be this demonic whatever controlling my thoughts as well as my actions? I am at it’s mercy if it is indeed controlling me. Even right now I don’t posses it, but deep within me I can still feel it’s presence. In no time at all I was standing in inches of water. It is raining so hard it looked as if I was standing on some massive body of water like a lake or pond. The skies grey and barely a light source came forth from it’s unrelenting downpour. I take a step, splashing up the water as my hoof hits it. Walking slowly in this cold downpour, head hanging low, that mare was one of the most beautiful things I had seen in a long time. And I ran off like a coward, but I’ll come back one day, she most likely isn’t going anywhere. Heading for the cover of the woods once again and soon the rain slows to a decent shower. By the time I reach the edge of the woods it is barely sprinkling just as it was before. Entering the forest the rain barely comes through. The constant pattering on the leaves above me. What am I doing? Beating myself over one mare? Snap out of it, you’re better than that!! I ask myself in my own mind. I hold my head up high once again, determined not to beat myself up over it. I head back out of the woods and walk into the rays of sun that are beginning to come through the clouds. I have the perfect chance to eat a decent meal, might as well take it while I can. I make my way to the grass and nibble away bare patches. A crow lands nearby and is making a tremendous uproar. The site of a crow after a downpour is said to be bad luck, this alone is causes my body to begin trembling everywhere. He stops and stalls for a long time before crowing at me again. I rear in terror and go galloping off past it and towards the farm once more. Neighing loudly and bouncing my head up and down as I go. That mare in the fence trots over to the edge of the fence. I run to the back of the farm and head North far away from danger. No one ever came after me, I never saw a soul. Not a bird, rabbit nor snake. Everything had become silent suddenly, no crickets… not even any wind. The evil is upon us, I need to go back!! If I in it already, I’m not leaving that mare alone to witness this on her own.
Running everywhere from the shooting and now this, I am sure I looked crazed. I don’t even slow at the fence, right over it with ease. I rub against the mare’s side and begin leading her to the gate to free her. Rearing I paw at the air before finally slamming my weight at the lock, over and over, till it finally gives way and swings open. I take lead and the two of us run off before evil destroys the farm and anything on it. Blind to the mare’s details, fleeing to the north at great speeds. Our manes and tails blowing behind us. Up to the mountains beyond. Climbing, rising, slipping and sliding. One of us falling every now and then. It was steep for sure. Treacherous, muddy slopes and sharp rocks scattered about. Assuming we have reached safety we slow at a bare cliff. The skies had once again become grey and lightening bolted down from them. The mare was off looking around. She came trotting over and dropped something around my neck. But it was tore!! How, when? Once more I feel the power of it. Could it be that such a thing can never be destroyed? It could explain the perfect condition it seems to be in. Thunder vibrates the sky and the ground right below my own hooves. The mare comes galloping over to my side, pressed tight up against me, she was far from home. We continue north, bound once more for the unknown. What will I do with this mare, more importantly…what about the necklace? Could her touching it effect her as well?
“So precious…Do you have a name?” Regal asks her politely as they walk across the high mountain plains. “Yes, of course I have a name, why did you come and bring evil upon my home and owner?” She asks rather confused, yet curious. “It was not my intent ma’am, you see I’m….” A loud pop interrupts him before he has the chance to finish. The two rear at the noise, wide eyed and startled. “We need to get off this mountain top, we are in more danger here…” he states with great reason. Back down the treacherous decline the two of us go. Nearly toppling during the process. As we reach the bottom I ask once more, “ Do you have a name miss?” She walks slightly ahead and looks at me, “My name is of Royal Heir, I am amongst the most elite Dressage horses in the world. I go by the calling of Ivory. Very rare does my breed compete, but my bloodline compete from young ages, training hard and with great reward.” Her icy orbs stare at me for some while before my gaze is broke by the sound of an eagle flying above her head, a symbol of freedom and peace. She doesn’t flinch a bit, a sign of bravery and great training by her owner to only make the moves they asked for. No matter the cause of fear or distraction... “…So why did you come with me Ivory.” regal asks watching as the eagle disappears off in the distance.
“Because I saw you had dropped your necklace.” Ivory swishes her tail and walks over to Regal and places the necklace around his broad, muscular neck. She seemed hypnotized by it’s shinning beauty. Thanks, but you should have held it for me…now look at the chaos you have brought to your home and human. Do you realize what this jewel is I wear? It’s a cursed item of the demonic world, yet do I know of it’s full power. I have only witnessed a few features of this cursed item I wear…” he spoke softly and slow, heartache and anger clearly in his voice.
“…I had no idea, are you blaming me? I was trying to do you a favor…” her voice trailed off as she looked off in the distance towards what was her home, never again. She turn around and begins to go her own way, feeling unwanted and stupid for even getting involved with a demonic horse such as Regal. “Where are you going? To die off in the wilderness alone? You can do that or stay with me and help me find a way to get rid of my curse…” his voice sounded of confidence, as if he could read my mind. “Where else could I go, either way I may die…” At least I die unscathed from your curse, my soul forever free and holy.” Her words lingered before she trotted off out of sight down the mountain side we had just traveled upon. Assuming she would be back before night strikes, I simply lie down for a well needed rest. Before I realize I had fallen asleep something hits me and wakes me up. Confused and sleepy eyed I look around to see a good bit of tall grass lumped up on the ground. “Come on hurry up we got to go, I seen humans few miles from here… “Humans?!” Regal scrambles to his feet, wide eyed and awake all of a sudden. Eating as quick as he could he looked around and glanced at Ivory. Peering down the mountain side he could see two men on horses spurring them up the hill. Whispering to himself, “No way, how did they find me again?” then dogs began to go insane with their barking as they neared the top. “Lets go!” Regal yells and takes off without seeing if she follows. As Regal glances over his shoulder while half sliding down the hill, Ivory can be seen and the others as Greg swirls his lasso in the air, there was no way he was turning back. She knew the risks when she came to him. A shrill whine came from her as he assumed they had captured her, refusing to look back and pretend to not hear what was going on. She continues whining and soon it fades and disappears. The dogs and everyone was gone again. But I don’t stop regardless, I had to make some ground. Wide strides covering miles as my muscles begin to ache and I slow down to a canter. Still out in open fields, I was sure to be spotted if I stayed. Heading off to the woods once more hiding in fear from my previous owners. Finally I bed down beneath the trees. I roll to my side and let sleep fill my eyes and sweep me away into blissful dreams. Dawn hit’s the horizon and shines it’s lights into the gaps of the trees, my eyes flutter open and adjust as I sit up. Pine needles and things cling to my hair as I get to my feet. Shaking it off the best I can readjusting my leg to counter balance my weight. Taking a few small steps forward I stretch my legs.
Then a loud snap and crunch is heard, struck by fear I don’t move. Then it hits, searing pain up my right front leg. A metal toothed snare piercing my ankle. Insanity strikes me as I lift my leg and half dance around hoping it will release me. Whining like mad at the top of my lungs, I cry for help. Eyes wide with terror as I continue holding up my leg, having now realized I was going nowhere today. Heavy breaths escape me as I try to calm down and think how to get this thing to release. I had seen many times my owners bring home dead animals with these things clamped to them as well, it was some sort of trap for sure. But why way out here? As I look around I see off in the distant hills a house. Surely it had to of been placed here by them. But surely my owners would be back here soon to continue their search for me. Unable to lay down I stand with my right leg barely propped on the ground, by now it was soaked in blood and numb. The ground glistening in red liquid as I bled out from the wounds. A constant pattering of hooves on the ground caught my attention and I gaze behind me to see Oliver out alone. Without care I would surely die, I had to get his attention. Letting out a loud neigh I attract his attention my way and he rides over at a canter. Jumping of quick, grabbing his rope he walks over my way. Stepping over branches and things he finally slips the rope around me. Before he has a chance to lead me away I rattle the chain by lifting my leg. He curiously looks down. His eyebrows raise and he begins rubbing his face. “Regal how did you get into this?” Oliver bends over and pries the snare open and throws it off to the side as it snaps shut once more. Unable to use his leg to trek home on. Oliver pulls out his cell, letting it ring before Max picked up with a rather decent mood, “Hello! Hey did you find Regal?” he questions the caretaker on the other end. A pause causes Max to raise his eyebrows waiting eagerly for a reply. Sounds of the wind muffle the phone from Oliver’s side, before he finally speaks again, “Max, we need the trailer over by Mr. Rupert’s house…and you may wanna fly over here…” he paused for a moment, dreading saying anything further. “What’s wrong Oliver?” Max asks with great concern. “He’s stepped in a trap and crushed his leg right above the ankle…” Oliver could hear the phone crash to the floor before hanging up. Oliver walked back over to Regal, all the while holding to the rope that was around his neck. Making slow movements toward Regal Oliver stroked his neck slowly and bent closer to kiss him on the nose before following with, “I love you Regal, hang in there buddy…” a mere whisper, that could quite possibly keep him fighting till they reached home. Minutes had turned to almost half an hour… Regal had by this point dropped his head low, tired and weak, unable to bare it’s weight upon his shoulders. Soon Regal crashes to the ground, rolling over to his side to avoid falling on the injured right leg.
“S**t! Regal, hang in there!!” Oliver shouts with great concern and holds back the tears sitting in his eyes, waiting to fall. Knowing Regal is unable to rise on one leg alone, he doesn’t try making him. Regal lays his head upon the ground, fighting for life and waiting on Max to get here with Greg and the trailer. Regal was fading far faster than originally thought. Now beginning to close his eyes, the trailer comes rumbling over nearby. The doors slam and Greg grabs a rope out of the back and throws it to Max. between the three of them they had to get him up and into the trailer. Oliver drops his rope and helps Greg lift Regal so that Max can wiggle the rope underneath. Eventually the three manage after 15 minutes to get them around him and immediately call him to get up. Whistling and calling his name as they pull and he attempts to rise himself. Finally, he gets up. Oliver pulls the rope around his neck, leading him to the trailer in which he hops and hobbles into. The two caretakers stay in and keep him safe, while Max rushes the group to the closest equine vet specialty center. Regal, with the two caretakers help with his balance, stayed on his hooves for the duration of the bumpy ride. Once there, Max pulled into the large barn and parked the car halfway through the corridor in order for there to be enough room for Regal to get out. Vets came rushing into the barn, asking what was wrong with the horse. Max walks around to the back of the trailer and pulls the doors open, pulling the ramp down to make it easier for Regal to transfer the weight as his body moved. “Regal escaped our stable some days ago and we couldn’t catch him, but then Oliver here caught up to him. Only to discover he had stepped in a coil spring foot trap consisting of rather large spikes. Regal was in bad condition when I received the urgent call to get the trailer and rush over near Mr. Rupert’s house. Which is a good hour from our house. From there to here was close to hour and a half.” he told them, a worried expression written into his features. The vets nodded, “Alright, please move out of the way. We can take care of it from here.” a female spoke, climbing into the trailer to assist the two other, more practiced, vets with the severely injured horse. Dr. McGriff held onto Regal’s harness and slowly applied pressure to push him backwards down the ramp, while Greg pressed on his chest to make the motive more obvious to the waning horse’s strength. Regal hesitantly stepped backward, and not gracefully either, and a few attempts later, the horse was on the ground of the barn. “Now, Max, pull the truck out of the barn and go park. We’ll need you back.” Dr. McGriff spoke. Max put the truck in drive and drove off a little ways off into a parking space. He got out and ran as fast as her could back to the barn to see what else the doctor wanted of him. After Max left to go park the truck, the vet’s assisted Regal into a stable where they set to work. They strapped a harness onto him that would support him above ground so he wouldn’t have to stand on his sore legs, tightening the straps until they hugged the horse securely. They then connected him to a series of chains and clips that attached to the harness, that was then attached to a sort of crane that would raise him above ground at the top of the stall. McGriff held onto Regal’s head as Greg went to raise him off his feet. Regal tossed his head and thrashed a bit as he was lifted off of his feet, but Dr. Bates soothed him. Regal calmed and held his head high, watching what the vets were doing. After Regal as off of his legs to spare him the stress, Dr. McGriff left the stall to retrieve some medical supplies for the animal. He returned with a small cart with fluids and intravenous needles, along with an assortment of bandages and gauzes, disinfectants, stitches, and most importantly, a sedative. He walked over toward Regal with a syringe in hand, and placed the needle into the horse’s shoulder, pressing down the back of the syringe to inject the sedative into the horse’s muscle. Regal, after a few minutes, started to become more relaxed, allowing his head to droop down to almost the floor. Once he was completely out, McGriff placed two links on his halter and attached them to the crane, so his head would remain level to his back. They then set to work. McGriff went to the horse’s leg to assess the complete damage, which was a crushed ankle due to a wildlife trap he had accidentally stepped on. The vet began clearing out the laceration, glad that Regal was under during this, otherwise it would sting and be painfully uncomfortable. After cleaning it, Dr. McGriff cleaned around the injury, to ensure that there would be no infection to make it worse. He then set to work on stitching it together, which was a long, grueling task. After the vets stitched Regal up, they began to heavily bandage the leg to keep it from moving. First they applied gauze to the surface of the injury, then wrapped a light, almost ACE like bandage to the leg, before wrapping it in a heavier, whiter material that would keep it safe from infection and make it hard for Regal to move it. Dr. McGriff stepped back with Dr. Bates, and took a deep breath. Their jobs were done, for now. They left Regal in the stall and slid it shut behind him. The female doctor, Dr. Jesse began preparing some charts for the horse, to have the medical bill paid. Max signed off and headed to the stall with his two caretakers to accompany Regal Moon while his sedative wore off more. Regal lay there, unmoving for quite some time before Max walked out of the stall to get some fresh air and let out some emotions he had been hiding from everyone. As he stepped outside the barn he was greeted by some rather strong, brief winds. His short hair was barely effected by it, he let out a single tear, which was soon blown off his face and onto the dirt behind him. Fear had broken him finally, he could take no more. What would his future be? Lame and nothing but a pasture horse or even worse, not at the barn at all?
Sniffles and whimpers came forth from Max as he backed up to the wall and slid down it. Crying and letting the sounds of his pain be heard by the world around him. All he could do was wait for Regal’s recovery and see how he does in training him all over. Greg looks to the stall door, he swore he heard a faint crying sound, sure it was max, naturally, Regal was a beloved pet and show jumper. One of the best, and now may have to retire and simply be a horse. Then there is the fact they may have to put him down due to the damage he was caused. Regal finally stirs, letting out a soft, weak grunt. Greg jumps up and runs out the stall to Max. “Sir! He’s awake finally!!” a happy grin faces Max, who was wiping the tears off his face. Greg offered his hand to his master and helped him to his feet. The two ran in Regal’s stall and Max bent down on one knee to stroke his neck and speak kind words to him. Letting Regal know he was there for him till the end, whenever that may be, if it even comes. Night soon approached and Regal had only sit up his lower right leg covered in a red cast. And he was on a morphine drip hung from the stall wall. He was not in any pain, but nor would he bother getting up, completely satisfied laying there, half sluggishly looking around. With a few snorts and weak whines, he bobs his head up and down in joy. Regal surely needed food, but with his injury is unable to retrieve it from the netting on the wall. “Greg, reach up there and pull out some hay, let’s see if Regal is hungry.” as requested, Greg walks over and pulls some out laying it in front of his body. He arches his neck and inhales the sweet smell of the food he had not had since he fled from home. Slowly, as if he had never seen such feed, he opened his mouth to bit off a bit and begins to chew it. Laying his ears back, he eats some more. Oliver reaches over and pulls out more this time, and lays the heaping bunch in front of him. Hungrily he swallows it all down. Seeing Regal is eating and alert, max stands up, says his goodbyes to his horse and the three leave to head back home. The sun was setting, and was visible at the very tops of the trees. They still had other animals to go home and attend to. The truck arrives in the driveway and comes to a stop, the trio step out and head inside to talk for a bit. They had to figure out how to retrain Regal once he got better. As dinner was eaten and they had discussed the matter they all head to bed and would drive back up there tomorrow afternoon. The morning light shines through the windows, giving a heads up it is time to wake up. The three rise shortly after and head off to begin their stable and farming chores as quick as possible. They wanted to go check up on Regal’s recovery back at the stables near the equine veterinarian. They finish them as the afternoon approaches and they clean up before going. Getting into the truck they leave just the dirt dust behind them. A long rather hot day on the road, the windows rolled down and their hair flapping in the wind’s merciless grip. Rolling up the windows they pull into the parking area and get out. Walking into the stall from the previous night they are shocked beyond belief at the sight before them. Regal was standing there on all four eating the hay on the wall. He turns his head their way and perks his ears. Standing there motionless the four make not a sound. A moment worth silence. Max walks slowly as if in slow motion over to Regal, softly placing his hand on his chook, moving it upward. He carefully places his face onto Regal’s and the two stand together in the stall. He pulls back slowly and kisses hiss muzzle before whispering, “I thought I was going to lose you…Why did you run off and get hurt? Why did you ignore our pleads to come back?” A slow blink was his only reply, before pulling away and eating again. A pure miracle he was standing so soon. Looking down at his leg, once more stunned at his recovery so far. “Oliver, fetch the Docter…” he requests not even looking up. A blank look covered his face. “Sir, are you ok? Sir?” Greg asks walking in front of Max, trying to get his attention. Max once more focuses himself to Greg, who was now looking relieved. “Greg go get trailer hooked up at the house and come back.” he demands Greg, sounding distracted and in deep thought. Max really didn’t need or want the trailer, he simply wanted Greg out of the stable. Something was odd around here, and Max intended to find out. Regal stomps at the ground, baring all his weight on his previously wounded leg. A reflection of something shiny gleams as light touches it. Max reaches out to tough it, a shiny black jewel of some sort, hanging from around his neck. Question was where did he get such a trinket? Perhaps someone found him and gave it to him as a luck charm? Come upon an abandoned house and found it laying about the yard? Then there is the question of what it is. Is it a valuable gem? Worth fortunes? A family hair with an interesting history? A painful past? All these questions buzzed through his head nearly at the speed of light. About the time he begins removing it steps can be heard heading toward the barn, it must be the doctor. He lets it drop back to hanging around his neck and steps back. “Good afternoon sir, your name is?” he inquires. “Hi, my name is Max, I’m Regal’s owner. I came to check on him, it seems he has rather fast healing ability.” the doctor looks confused and bends down to take a look at Regal’s leg. Nearly healed and nothing more than the red mark looking like a simple rash. “Hmmm, that’s unheard of, and that’s saying a lot sir…I have been a doctor for 28 years. And I have never seen such a thing heal so fast. Even more odd, he’s already standing on it. That should not be possible, the bone in his ankle and leg were shattered.” “I know doc, I brought him in remember?” “Yes, well good thing is he will be back to normal and running about in a matter of days.” the doctor replies trying to not sound puzzled by it. He pats Max on the back, gives him a smile and heads back to other appointments he had. Max goes back over once more to stroke Regal’s nose. “Good boy Regal, that’s my precious boy..” about that time Greg and Oliver walk back in. A deep intake of air can be heard behind max. Assuming they are in shock Regal is up so soon as well. “We can take him home tomorrow.” The master states to his two stable hands. “So how about we sleep here tonight and leave with him early tomorrow morning?” He asks. “Sure, it’ll be great to have him back at home.” the two reply in unison, then looking over surprised at one another and laughing. The three close the stall behind them and head out to the trailer to sleep. Walking into the trailer and sitting against 3 separate walls the stare at one another. Max figured they was all thinking the same thought right now, how Regal went from deaths door to standing and acting like nothing had ever happened. But he would see to this matter later tomorrow after the two leave for lunch with some girls they recently started dating. As the night approached, the three quickly fell asleep, giving way to their dreams. The night was once more peaceful. Crickets making unison noises, while coyotes could be heard calling and communicating to one another. As they slept, they are unaware of what was going on within the stalls. Regal had turned rear end to the stall door and was kicking the door, trying as he may to break free. He had smelt another horse on Oliver. And by assumption, thought it was at his barn. His home, the place no other horse had resided since he came alone to their possession. Once more Regal kicks mightily at the stall door, shrill whines escaping him as the force of the door resist his kicks. An almost inaudible cracking noise makes it’s way to his ears. Turning head and giving a evil glare the necklace around his neck explodes with light, his body’s muscle tone changing, wings beginning to form from his back, folding outward to the sky. As if by shear evil kicking the stall door once more, shattering it into tiny pieces as they fly across the barn and hit the other wall. Eyes glowing red, demons surely surging through his body, not one being or matter could withstand his power. Turning 180 and speeding out the barn simply smashing his body through the outside door. Pieces lay about the dirt, as dust explodes, filling the air as he takes leave of the ground, as if be natural instinct the could fly with ease. His muscles within the wings tensing and thrusting him on ever faster and higher. The vast land below him shooting by, nothing but a blur. Miles covered in minutes, making his way straight back home, as if lead by the nose of a bloodhound. The view of fencing, house and barn came into sight. Descending to the ground as Regal’s wings catch the air, slowing his land to a tiptoe. Reaching forward a back hoof as it touches land, a simple forward rocking motion of his hoofs as he lands. Swishing his tail wildly, and rearing with a triumphant neigh, piercing the once silent farmland. A high pitched call returns to him. It has to be the mare they caught with him few days back. Wings sinking into the skin from which it came, the glow disappearing. Hanging head low walking forth toward the home he missed so much, long hair swaying in the predawn air. Walking to the gate and calling softly back to her. A soft grunt comes forth from him, perking his ears to a response close by. Turning from the gate and trotting away. He turns back sharply and before even straightening out full out runs. Taking a single bound over the gate with ease. For once his training came in handy. Heading over at a trot once more, he makes it to the barn and simply pushes in the doors with his own strength. A low toned squeaking noise draws to an end as they stop. The mare sticks her head out of the stall shaking her head, messing up her mane. Her ivory coat matched perfectly with her golden hair. Ivory outstretches he muzzle and touches his, his eyes lighting up with surprise. Jerking his head away he steps back a bit, staring back at her. Jerking his head away he steps back a bit, staring back at her. “Step back as far as you can get…” He tells he so calm, his tone deep and caring. “I’m breaking you free…” his last word lingers for a bit as he steps forward and blinding light once more lights the barn and he transforms again. Letting his weight fall against the gate it shatters to pieces, hitting her a bit and falling to the ground. No harm befalls her and the two head outside together, him, still the form of a demon. The very curse he receive by curiosity. Softly speaking up, “I…never knew that you were cursed, I thought the necklace was a simple heirloom your owner bestowed you.” the sun beginning to warm the earth’s chill. “That’s why your home was destroyed, apparently anyone in contact with it sees destruction in their eyes.” his voice lower than before, almost a whisper. Too ashamed to admit it was his fault she had suffered. Her mouth simply sits open in pure shock. Glancing away, “Still, I love you…Since I met you that day. I regret none of it. Sure my heart mourns, but who’s wouldn’t?” She tells him, looking back at him once again. Wind blowing their hair as silence grasps the moment. He steps closer, there eyes holding one another’s. Wrapping his neck around hers, comforting her, letting her know he was sorry. He pulls away slowly and walks past her without a word more, knowing no words were needed. Heading back over the east of the fence. His head low once more as he walks off into the distance, the same path he took when the whole journey for him began. Leaving her standing there in her own pain, not wanting to be a part of it. He disappears soon behind bushes and trees. “Why am I standing here, letting him walk away from me?” she asks herself staring at the place he disappeared from. By reflex of her own mourning and hurt heart, she takes off to the fence and bounds over it, chasing after him. Silently she follows questioning why he had even came to her in the first place. The two trot up to the barn, silence, or was it? Peering into the individual stalls to see if his haunch was correct. Arriving at the near to last barn stall, a fresh yet stale sent lingered, yet the stall was empty. Discontent with his findings. With hast gallops out to his field to find a chestnut gelding grazing peacefully. He simply stares at Ivory and trots back over to the stalls to avoid the gelding seeing them. He had finally answered all the chaos within the confines on his mind. What was his owners plans for this pathetic thing he called a horse. Rather than to disturb stuff he would just watch with a curious interest. “Come Mad’am we must leave.” But where to was the question. She no longer had a residence to go back to, and his seemed to be crumbling. Dusk was beginning to claim the silence of creatures from the day. Morning creeps up and max rises early to investigate what was going on. He enters the barn and the door to the stall was shattered, regal was nowhere to be found. Rushing to the back to still find nothing, “I have to find out why he keeps freaking out and causing so much destruction.” He tells himself as he scratches the back of his head.
Heads hung low and keeping a steady pace the two had traveled through the field and into the woods near where he had been trapped. Terrified of what else lurked in that direction regal lead Ivory southwest into town, though hiding would be a better idea he was still young and curious. Dirt soon turned to cobblestone and the two weaved between people and produce stands, kids screaming and running all throughout. Jumping slightly at the high pitched screams, he flicks his ears and blows off the annoyance with a snort and quiver of his shoulder. Even as it was barely Morning, the streets were cramming with people and other animals for sale or trade.
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NOVELETTE (FANTASY) Life
Projection written by: Miya/Eurlo/Brandy
Summery:
Koxzac (Ko-zack) is a computerized holographic image, only he has a normal life like any human, his creator, makes it where he can go anywhere and do anything a person could dream of...except love...when he runs into a girl he loves, he is saddened by the idea he's not real and can never truely love her. ART/PRICE PAID FOR 1st/300k(Virtual Money) 2nd/200k(Virtual Money) 3rd/Free(Virtual Money) COMING SOON!! MORE art pieces to be posted...Stay tuned... UPDATED on 3/4/13. "Koxzac, time to go to bed!" Takana yells upstairs at his son. His son was an average teen, except one thing...He's a holograph. Takana is a 30 year old computer and animation geek. Two years ago he decided to put his skills to use. And within three weeks he had created and animated Koxzac(Ko-zack), with the help of an dear friend who was an electronic mad man. Together they had created the first Holographic person able to live in society and go where it pleases. Viewable by a hovering projector beaming down at the ground, Koxzac was a 3-D holograph. Programmed from google and maps, he always knows where he is and where he's going. Smarter than most kids in school and makes a great bit of friends. But his life is not perfect, he has emotions and everything, but could never fall in love due to being virtual. "Alright dad!!" Koxzac yells downstairs, "I'll go to bed..." The projector begins blinking, "system shutting down..." and soon he had disappeared. The projector floats gently to the floor where is sits silently till Takana wakes him up for school the next morning. Koxzac was unique, and had been accepted into the school despite the fact he wasn't real. His arrival had went viral, on Facebook, Twitter and even Youtube. It had made newspaper headlines and news as well. The first Holograph to go to school and live a normal life.
The room soon became dark and Koxzac lay dormant in his bedroom that consisted of no furniture, As he had no need for any of it and would otherwise be a waist of Takana's money. Koxzac is not able to program himself on, a problem Takana was trying to address. He spends most of the day talking to his electronic friend Hiteche(Hi-tek). Though his real name is Matt, he preferred to go by Hiteche. "So I'll bring him over Friday right?" Takana asks over the phone. "Yes, bring your data as well. I have an idea...I may be able to program cloths into the Projector..." "Alright, see ya tomorrow man." and with that he hangs up the phone and heads upstairs to check on Koxzac. When he reaches the top of the stairs he turns right to his son's room and the door is standing wide open, as he's unable to close the door, much less touch anyone or anything for that matter. It made learning in school odd, he couldn't write, so instead he would put it all in his extensive hard drive that was located within the projector. Activated by microphone, Koxzac could communicate and learn at will. Takana closes the door on the way out, though he required no privacy, it was something he had always done, as if tucking in his child, this was his way to care for Koxzac being he required no food or gas only the sun to charge his solar panel. The tapping of Takana's feet as they hit the stairs was the only sound in the house, reaching the bottom taking a left to his own bedroom before removing his shirt and pants at the foot of his bed and climbing into bed. He pulls the covers up and closes his eyes. Morning soon arrives and Takana gets dressed in the previous day's cloths, heads upstairs to activate Koxzac. With the press of a button it begins blinking rapidly, the projector begins to hover and the light becomes solid red as Koxzac appears. "Morning Koxzac!" He chirps, waving at him. "Morning dad..." He replies looking out the window at the rising sun. "Time for school again and later after we are going to update your software. Hiteche wants to add a wardrobe and auto turn on/shut off systems within the projector. You will be able to change cloths soon..." Takana informs his son of the afternoons plans. Takana leaves the room, leaving the door open for Koxzac to follow. "Be careful at school..." he speaks in a soft tone never looking at him while speaking nor after. "But, what to be careful of father? I can not be harmed...." Koxzac replies ignorantly. "Do you forget you are nothing more than an image from a mere electronic device? Are you so stupid as to not know you can be shattered against a wall or by any means of harming the projector?" he preaches, now looking at Koxzac with a shocked look upon his face. "Be careful or I will shut you down for a week as punishment..." without another word he opens the front door and watches as his son walks out and heads to school by foot. The door slams shut, and Takana leans up against the door and slides to the ground, tears coming forth from his eyes and rolling down his face, though his son is not real, the thought of him being destroyed pulled at his heart. "Hey Koxzac!!" Eric shouts from the school parking as he steps out of his truck. Glad to see ya man, your kinda late, what's the hold up and such gloomy face?" he drops his smile as Koxzac walks past him without replying and before entering the school, "My dad worries I'll get hurt...Now drop the questions and come on" and the two head to class right as the bell rings and front doors are closed. Not being able to touch solid objects he stood in the back of the class staring at the board taking in the day’s lessons as the teacher rambles on about gravitational pull. As if he needed to learn it when he is programmed with more information than the teacher could manage in a year. He scratches his head and stares up at he ceiling blocking out the teacher and wondering about how all the guys and how they flirted with girls. The opposite genders, making sympathetic faces at one another and kissing every five minutes. Knowing he was nothing more than an image, he shrugged at the thought and placed his face in his left hand as if upset. What was the purpose of going to school, and why would they allow a holograph in school? Using his computer functions he mentally typed a text to Eric, “Wanna ditch class and go hang out?” Eric’s phone vibrates in his pocket and he jumps a bit and reaches for his pocket. He slightly pulls it out so that it’s visible. He texts back, “Sure, what’s bugging you?” before pushing it back into his pocket. “Nothing, I just wanna get out of school, I need some fresh air…” he texts back to Eric. He pops Koxzac another message, “Fresh air…? You’re a holograph, you don’t need air…” now looking at his phone with one eyebrow arched as if confused or freaked out by the text he had received. Koxzac receives his reply and texts back one last time, “Just get the heck outside, meet you by the big oak tree to the front of the school…” with that Koxzac walks outside with Eric leading the way opening the doors for them both. Koxzac’s hands were clasped together behind his head, “Why is it I can’t have a girlfriend?” he asks randomly, as if Eric would have an answer to it. “I can’t continue hiding my emotions around them, I am beginning to despise the human race…It’s all I see you guys doing and I will never get to experience it…” he shuts up turning his eyes to the corner of his eyelids away from Eric. Eric tries to reply, but can’t find the right words and sighs, “Sorry dude, what do you think I can do about it? Wished I could help…” Without answering Koxzac walks away and heads home, “Dad open the door…” he sends Takana a mental text. And soon the door opens with him looking confused. “If you need me I’ll be in my room, cancel your plans for me…I don’t want to go…” and he heads upstairs with his head down. Takana follows only to see he had shut down. He sighs and goes back downstairs and calls Hiteche to cancel his plans. Takana sits at his two seating table and rests his elbow on the table allowing his head to fall into his hand and letting out a long moan and sigh. What’s gotten into you Koxzac? I suppose I gotta have a talk with you to find out…But where do I begin? Takana heads back upstairs and starts Koxzac up. Something went wrong today at school, to the point he came home early and was so to himself. Koxzac flickers on and he looks rather madly at his father before speaking, “What do you want…?” “I want to know what’s wrong…” he replies carefully and in a low tone. “You came storming in and went to your room immediately…” he adds. “It’s nothing dad…” he lies looking into his dads eyes as they begin to water. “It is isn’t it…” he asks as his heart sinks at the sight of Koxzac tearing up. “It’s nothing that concerns you…Not like you can do anything about it..” he responds, his eyes shifting gaze to the window. A tear rolls down his cheek as Koxzac fails at hiding it. “I keep seeing guys with girls, flirting, kissing, touching…DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE NOT TO BE ABLE TO DO ANY OF THAT?!” Koxzac continues, raising his voice and now glaring evilly at Takana. “Just go away and leave me alone…” he mumbles barely loud enough to hear. The projector begins blinking, “System shutting down…” and it hovers to the floor and the room becomes empty yet again. Takana puts his face in the palms of his hands and sits there silently, wondering what he could do to help Koxzac with his dating problem. It’ll require new updates to his software…Hiteche probably could do this with ease, but at what cost would this be? I usually don’t get charged a service fee, but I’ve also never asked for such a hard feature to be made to Koxzac. Takana was stumped…what to do and how… He stands up and walks out of the room, stopping at the door frame, “Night my son…I’ll fix this, I promise…” and walks down the stairs as a single tear rolls down his face. He heads to the kitchen, turns out the lights and walks down the hall to his room on the left. Turning the light off, he pulls down the covers and turns the lamp on. Takana sits on the side of the bed, it sinks with the weight of him sitting there. The light illuminating him in the darkness, outlining him in a yellow glow of light. He pulls his legs into the bed with him and lays down, pulling the covers up to his chest. He simply stares at the ceiling as thoughts run through his mind. He turns out the lamp and the pitch blackness quickly sweeps him into his dreams. Morning light soon shines through his bedroom curtains and he painfully opens his eyes to the blinding light. His eyes adjust and he sits up, wiping and rubbing his eyes. He clears the crud from the corners and lining of his eyes, greeting the morning with a smile. He had a wonderful dream, one to help Koxzac possibly. He gets out of bed, half way makes it up and heads to the bathroom the shower. He quickly strips himself of his clothing and turns the shower on to warm up before finally stepping in and washing. The bathroom becomes steamed quickly, as the heat of the water flowing from the shower faucet fills the room. He turns it off after washing both himself and his hair. The constant trickling sound of the water dripping is the only sound in the room. He steps out and puts his cloths on. Takana freshens up with deodorant and things before opening the bathroom door. The steam escapes and it becomes cold really quick. Takana looks at his nightstand alarm clock which reads 5:40am. CRAP!! He’s going to be late for school!” He runs to the stairs climbing them quickly and stopping at the device. Takana bends down, presses and holds down the power button before releasing it. A green light lets him know it’s powering up, Koxzac flickers on. His eyes are shut before he opens them and sees his dad standing there in front of him. “Morning already?” Koxzac asks, his left eyebrow raised. “Yeah, you’re a bit late, I forgot to set my alarm…” Takana replies looking down at the floor. You have ten minutes to get dressed and get to school. Which for Koxzac was easy, he is equipped with over 1,000 combinations of clothing. And within seconds he had changed and headed out of the room to meet his dad at the table drinking coffee. “I’m off to school dad, see you later this afternoon.” Koxzac mumbles as his dad gets up to open the door for him. “And dad…how bout programming the door so I’m able to open it myself…” he left the idea with his father as he headed to school only minutes away from their house. Being a holograph, doors had to be opened by someone other than himself which easily made people mad. But at home that was fixable, simple make the door automatic. As he got to school Eric was waiting leaned up outside near the doors. “Dude, what took so long? You’re late!” Eric blared not able to punch his shoulder he simply arches his eyebrows. “You’re going to get us both in trouble..” Eric states as they enter the school. Koxzac walks inside, his hands tuck in his pockets and his face pointed at the ground, following Eric’s feet. He was wondering how he could help his dad make him real. Eric opens the door to the classroom holding it open for Koxzac. “Dude, wouldn’t it be cool it they make a swinging mini door at the bottom of our door, that your projector could just push open? I mean you’re a holograph, you can go through the door, you simply need a way to get your projector through…by yourself…” Eric just made a genius idea, one they could defiantly do, with a little funds to the school to customize every door. “Eric…Do you realize you’re a genius?” Koxzac asks. “Um, Really?” Eric looks at Koxzac blankly, as if just realizing his joking idea could actually work. “Yeaaah…You’re right!” Eric hollers. The whole class turns their heads to him and stare as if to say shut up, you’re interrupting the class. They soon resume looking at the board, waiting to continue class. Eric seats himself at his desk and Koxzac stands in the back near the wall, not needing a desk and chair, nor able to use them. The teacher stands at the front scribbling stuff, talking to the class. Koxzac didn’t even understand the point in going to school, he never had homework and was already smarter than any college level student. He sends a mental text to his dad which reads, “Hey dad, got enough cash to fund the school, so they can customize the doors to allow me to enter on my own? Sorta a swinging mini door for my projector to push open and allow me entrance to every room.” Silence passes time away before he receives a response from his dad that reads, “I don‘t know, I’ll talk to the principle…see what we can arrange, then find out the cost of such arrangements.” Koxzac nods his head and follows the conversation with: Alright, thanks dad…Also dad, Why do I participate in school, when I am smarter than everyone here? Koxzac popped the question that had been bothering him for quite some time now: Well, I thought it would provide you with friends. Takana replies not really knowing how to respond, as the question never entered his mind: Oh, suppose that’s a pretty good idea. Koxzac mumbles to himself. The class bell rings and students gather and pack their things quickly leaving the room, as always he follows Eric out of the room. The day goes as normal, him following Eric from room to room. The bell rings as the finish the last class. Students flea the school with haste. After stepping outside Koxzac takes off towards home, not saying a word to Eric. He’s left there staring blankly at the back of Koxzac, wondering what got into him so bad that he left without so much as a goodbye. He sends a text to his dad: I’m almost home, open the door... He quickly receives: Come on in... got that new door installed for ya. Instantly Koxzac’s face lights up with excitement. For the first time, he could come and go out of his house without Takana’s help. He stands at the door, a beep is heard and its shiny metal slides open. Koxzac walks in looking around at the frame of the new door as if he had never seen such a thing. The door shuts quietly and a rather noisy clank is heard. Then Takana speaks up, “That’s the new locking system I had installed too. It locks and unlocks automatically unless programmed to remain locked. And until I unlock it myself, it will remained locked no matter who stands at the door.” he informs Koxzac. Takana goes to his room and retrieves the printed email to the school discussing the whole door thing specifically made for Koxzac. He reads it as Takana holds it for him. Koxzac sort of mumbles, “Sooo, they agreed to help me out that easy?” “who would have thought all we had to do was ask them.” “So tomorrow I contact a professional construction worker to come out to the schools and install the doors custom sized just for your needs.” Takana states. “Cool…” Koxzac replies and heads up to his room. He sends a text to Eric: Hey! Sorry I left so soon. I wanted to see if dad had our new door installed yet…you should come see it! Eric sends a reply reading: Sure be over there soon! A knock is soon heard at the front door, Koxzac yells down to his dad, “Can you get that? Its Eric…” He hears his dad walking to the door then a beep follows. The door slides open and Eric walks in, “Dude Koxzac, that’s sweet man! Where you at?” he yells. “Up here in the room on the left…” Koxzac yells down to Eric. Thumping can be heard as Eric runs up the stairs to meet Koxzac. “Hey man…” he seems to stop mid sentence as he stares at the rather empty room. “Do you realize you have no furniture in your room? “Yeah Eric, I have no use for any…” Koxzac mumbles, standing in the room near the window leaning up against his wall. “hmm, suppose you’re right dude…So what are we going to do?” he asks with a confused look on his face. “come on..” Koxzac walks downstairs, “Hey dad, can we watch that new movie we bought?” “Sure!” Takana replies and puts the DVD in the player. "Eric, feel free to sit where ever you like.” He motions with a smile before walking to his room to watch his tv. Eric sits on the couch and they watch as the movie plays previews and rolls through credits before finally getting to the movie. Eric didn’t really care bout it, he was wanting tomorrow to come so he could use those new doors to be installed at the school. Hours passed by as it soon became dark outside and the movie neared the end. Koxzac looks over and Eric had fallen asleep on the couch, laid on his back, his head hanging off the couch arm. Koxzac walks to his dad’s room, “Dad…Eric fell asleep, mind if he stays for the night? His parents don’t mind.” he asks scratching his head, knowing if he said yes, his dad would have to cover him and turn the lights out for the both of them. “I suppose Koxzac, I’ll go get his a cover out of the guest closet. The two exit the room, Koxzac heads back to the living room. Eric now had his mouth open snoring. Koxzac smiles at how cute he looked and rarely did anyone look cute to him, much less another guy. “Night Eric…sleep well.” Takana returns to the living room with the blanket which he shakes out and places on Eric gently and turns the lights out, “Night Koxzac…” “Night dad…” soon the projector could be heard, “System shutting down…” with a beep, he disappears and the projector settles on the floor quietly. The following morning comes and soon Takana’s alarm blares. He shoves his comforter back and drags his legs out of bed so they are hanging from the side. Takana pulls on some pants, leaving his muscled chest bare. He rounds the corner of his room and walks to the living room where Eric is sitting up. He is bent over and has his elbows propped on his knees. Koxzac laid motionless and dark on the wooden floor. “Oh hi Mr. Takana!” Eric greets Koxzac’s dad with great surprise. “So how does Koxzac turn on?” Eric asks glancing at the projector before him before returning his sights to Takana. Koxzac’s father walks over to the projector and bends down pointing to the shiny silver button on the front. He moves his finger closer to it to press it, but Eric interrupts, “Wait! May I press it? Please Mr. Takana?” Eric’s face looked as if he really wanted the honors of turning on the projector. Eric’s gaze returns to Koxzac, wondering how a normal man like Takana came up with the idea to make a projected child. Or even why he would want one. Takana finally replies after pulling his hand away, “Sure Eric, I mean after all he is your best friend and he’s yours from what I hear.” Eric slightly gets up from where he sits and gently presses the silver square button before him. A glow emits from the top of it and flickers before coming on completely. The two gasp at the horrible sight as he appears. Koxzac is half gone, below his waist is blackness. Takana pipes up, “Oh dear!! Um, I believe we have a glitch Eric…I’m so sorry, he’s still a test model…I’m still applying updates and technology to him…” Silence follows and Koxzac sighs before closing himself down. “I’m so sorry Eric, but he won’t be coming to school today, I gotta take him to Hiteche to be fixed and hopefully upgraded…” Takana scratches his head, afraid he’d put Eric in a down mood with the news. “That’s fine Mr. Takana, I understand…Things happen and such.” Eric replies and ruffles his hair once more before getting off the couch and pulling up his slightly baggy pants. “Mind helping yourself out the front door Eric?” Takana asks with his hand over part of his face as if in shame or possibly pissed at the problem. “Sure thing sir…Bye, hope things go well, tell Koxzac to text me as soon as possible.” Eric heads across the living room and into the hall going to the door. A beep sounds and the door slides open and slides back closed and automatically locks back. Takana heads to the kitchen counter and picks up his cell. He quickly dials Hiteche’s number and lets it ring. After bout the third or forth ring Hiteche picks up, “Hello Takana, what’s going on?” his voice sounded cheerful, but the following news was sure to kill it fast. “Hey man, uh…I have a problem with Koxzac. He has a glitch and half of his body has went black. I was also wanting you to update his software if you have anything available.” Takana tells Hiteche through his cellular device. Hiteche’s voice finally picks up from the other side of the phone. “Sure man, uh can you bring him over? I don’t have the gas to travel right now.” Hiteche’s voice simmered down as he waited for Takana to reply. “Yeah, that’s not a problem, I gotta do some shopping anyways, I’ll drop him by and head downtown to buy some food for this week. Is that alright with you?” Takana waited silently before hearing his cheerful voice once again. “Yep, that’s fine with me, I’ll call you if I get done before you get back.” Hiteche chirped over the cell phone cradled in his hand. “Alright, be there in about 30 minutes, bye!” Takana piped up. “Ok…Bye, see ya soon…” Hiteche replies and hit’s the red End button on his Iphone. A series of beeps is heard from Takana’s side of the phone before turning his phone off and putting it in his pocket. Takana heads over to pick up Koxzac and grabs his keys to his car before heading out the door, he had recently gotten a keypad for his new sliding doors. So he sets the security and walks to his car. He sets Koxzac in the passenger seat and buckles his own self in before cranking the car. He puts the car in reverse and backs out his driveway. His car emits a loud roar after he puts it in gear and presses the gas peddle. Takana is soon flying down the road heading to Hiteche’s house to get Koxzac fixed. Cars wiz by, while also falling behind him. He is suddenly hit while crossing a four way stop. The car is flung and flipped several times. Before landed crumpled and on fire from the wreck. Takana had been knocked out, the airbag now deflating. His limp body up against the seat, his head fallen over sideways, blood dripping from his nose from the impact. The driver of the other car dead on scene due to no seatbelt. The window shattered from him hitting it. Koxzac Had been tossed around pretty good and now resided in the floorboard of the back on the passenger side. He was fine but unable to start up on his own, a problem they was on their way to fix along with other things. A random bystander who witnessed the whole wreck, He runs over to the other car involved to check the person, no pulse. A sad ending for him and his family, the news of this was sure to bring tears and sadness to his family. The man runs over to Takana and checks his pulse after dialing 911 on his cell. As he checked the second driver’s pulse, he was relieved to know someone was ok. The emergency response was soon on there way after he hangs up, staying with the victim while waiting for paramedics to arrive on scene. He was also aware he would have to tell the police how it happened and who seemed at fault. Sirens blared as they pulled up to the wreck, police and a couple of ambulances arrived almost at the same time, medics and officers swiftly jump out of their vehicles and get to work at the still live victim. After pulling him from his vehicle an officer calls a local wrecker company to come tow the car and hold it till the owner can retrieve items still within the vehicle. The other driver had been taken to the hospital and held for coming funeral services from the family. An officer checks his cell and calls family to notify them of what happened, the only family he had really was Hiteche.
The phone rings few times before he picks up, “Hello!” he chirps into the phone happily. “Hello sir, this is the police, calling to notify you of a family member who wrecked, you was listed first on his contacts…” “Wreck? Is he ok?!” Hiteche pauses, thinking the worse had happened. “Yes sir, he’s at the hospital now, recovering from minor injuries.” “Thanks officer! I’ll be up there right away! Where is his car?” Hiteche asks with concern, knowing Koxzac was last in the car. “At the local wrecker service, being held till someone can clear it and verify it’s ready to be destroyed, it’s completely mangled sir.” “Thanks again, I’m out my door right now.” Hiteche tells the officer. “Alright, bye!” replies the officer as they both hang up. Hiteche slams his car door and backs out the driveway and speeds off to the local junk yard to retrieve things from his friend’s car. Hiteche is mainly worried about Koxzac’s well being, less worried about other items in the car. He arrives at the junkyard and pulls in through the open barbed top fence. The gravel causing his car to rock back and forth from it’s roughness. The sound of gravel shifting under the tires as they rolled over it could be heard inside the car. The tail lights turn bright red as he applies the brakes and quickly puts it in park. Reaching for the door he opens it and turns the car off before removing the key from the ignition. Once again he slams the door and hit’s the lock button on the keychain remote. He walks toward the man sitting in a white plastic chair by what he assumed was Takana’s wreaked car. The junk yard is in a rather bad part of town, basically you could get robbed for just stepping out of your car unarmed. Houses that are so run down sit on both sides of the junkyard, trash cans overfilled and furniture outside their houses from where they are too lazy or too broke to go dump them somewhere. Rusted cars sit in some yards while others had kid toys scattered about the yard. “Hello…” Hiteche greets the man who is reading a newspaper. The man lowers the paper before answering, “May I help you sir?” he asks as if Hiteche was disturbing him. “Yes, I’m here to get a friend’s belongings out of a wrecked car that just got brought in…” he replies I a firm voice. Hiteche’s chubby self blocking out the sun behind him and shadowing the man in the chair. “Right, that’s his car ain’t it?” the man asks tilting his head towards the car next to where he sat. He looked rather grimy with holey pants and shirt. His hair rather messy looking. Dirt covering his arms, hands and face. “…Yeah, can I go ahead and clean it out?” Hiteche asks the obvious question he was there for. “…Yeah…then I need you to follow me to the office to fill out the verification form…” he mumbles barely loud enough to make out. “Thanks Sir!” Hiteche heads to the driver seat and starts grabbing everything in sight and taking trips between the cars. After making his last trip being careful to sit Koxzac in front on the passenger side seat he heads back over to the man who now is smoking on a cigarette. It sit between his two fingers, burning away as he stares at Hiteche. “Done?” the guy asks, taking another deep inhale of his cigarette till it had hardly any left. He pulls it out of his mouth and throws it on the ground smothering it with his boot into the gravel. Pushing himself out of the chair with his arms, a lazy effort to say the least. He finally stands ad heads past Hiteche going towards the office, motioning his hand for Hiteche to follow. The two arrive inside the office, obviously no air condition inside. “It is beyond hot in here…” Hiteche states wiping his forehead with his arm. “Yeah, the blasted air has been busted for over 2 weeks and I don’t make enough to fix it…” the man replies grabbing the paper and circling where to sign, “There ya go, sign in the circled area and read to fine print and sign at the bottom.” he hands Hiteche the paper and waits. Hiteche Scribbles his signature in the designated places and skims over the fine print before signing at the bottom. He hands the paper back to the guy and he briefly looks it over before extending his hand to shake. “That’ll be it, Thanks!” the man says right as the two shake hands. Hiteche leaves and gets in his car doing a complete circle and driving out heading straight for the hospital in which Takana was at. Slowing down to said speed near the hospital Takana goes from row to row in search of a parking space. Up ahead was a empty space, not but a couple of rows from the entrance of the building. Pulling in and soon he is out of the car and on his way to the doors up front reading “Entrance” in bold red sticker letters. They slide open with ease and allow the man to enter, he walks to the main desk where a lady sits looking at a screen and typing away. She looks up as he comes to a standstill in front of her. “How may I help you sir?” she asks, pausing from her current going-ons. “Yes Ma’am, I’m looking for a Takana Ichiro(E-chi-row)…” he tells her placing his lips together once more. “She begins looking down a list on a clipboard laying off to the side. “…Yes, he’s in recovery room 305. May I ask your relation to him?” she spoke softly as if she would disturb someone. “I’m his close friend, his parents are both passed away…I’m all he has left.” Takana looked down at the floor recalling his childhood memories when they were only kids. “…Sir, Sir..” she repeats herself before he snaps back into reality. “Oh sorry bout that…” he apologizes. “Sign here and then you may go see him. He‘ll be on the third floor to your right once you exit the elevator.” she requested handing him visitor sign-in sheet. Scribbling his name for the millionth time today he then hands it back, thanks her and heads to the elevator. Riding it up to the third floor and exiting to his right. A ding sounds and the doors open to an empty elevator. He heads over to the opposite wall and begins reading the directory for room 305. Sure enough the lady was right and he head that way watching the room numbers go up as he passes them by. Finally he arrives at door 305, he pushes it open softly and careful not to wake him, leaving the door slightly cracked behind himself. He walks in cautiously worried what he would see. Afraid Takana was worse than he was told. The dim light allowed sight of Takana’s face stitched and bruised. Hiteche let his hand brush over the bed rail at the bottom as he walked to the side nearest the window. He looked so peaceful, laying quiet and unmoving except the slow breaths he took every now and then. He would surely freak when he wakes and finds his friend there without Koxzac by his side. His son, by all meanings at least. The rapid beeping of the heart monitor near the head of the bed soon became annoying. But he dealt with it only for Takana’s sake, so he wouldn’t wake alone. The clock ticked away and soon he had fallen asleep as well. “…Hey…hey…” a soft, mumbled voice slipped into his ears, waking him from his nap. His friend had finally woke up, his head leaned toward him and lazy eyes stared at him. Hiteche wiped his eyes and sat up, “Hey man…how ya doing? Feeling ok?” he asks returning Takana’s gaze. “…Doing ok…bit sore. Hey…where’s Koxzac?” Takana’s eyes widened with worry. “where’s my son? Oh my God…is he ok?” He questions showing great concern, sitting straight up and flipping out. “…Man…he was torn up in the wreck you had. I’ll have to repair him if I can…” Hiteche mutters looking at the reflecting tiled floor below his feet. Takana sits back rather rough and heavy, showing he was clearly pissed at himself. “It’s my fault ya know…” Takana states with clear furry. “I should have paid better attention and I could have avoided it…” he was now looking toward the room door. To ashamed to face his friend. “It was not…another vehicle hit you, so your not at fault. Not like you could avoid it…” his friend attempts a cheering come back. A single tear runs down Takana’s cheek, soon others follow. Sobs of pain and grief fill the room, his deep voice carrying out through the room and into the hall, he had lost his son, real or not. Hiteche felt unable to cheer up his friend. Losing a loved one most always brings tears with rarely a cure. He cradles his head in the palms of his hands, bent over his knees. He let Takana cry himself quiet. “…Please stop the tears, I can rebuild him. Exactly as he was before.” He mumbled at the floor, trying his best to calm Takana. “…Thanks buddy, you always have my back…” Takana speaks once more through his sobs and tears. It truly broke his heart after hearing about Koxzac’s condition from the wreck. An odd silence fills the room once more, the two neither make eye contact nor speaking. A rapping on the door draws both their attention to see who is entering. The nurse was back, she was holding a food tray. “Hello!” she chirped happily at the man in the bed. “How are you?” she asks softly as she pulls the food cart over and places his food on it and repositions Takana’s bed to a more upright position. “There you go sir!” she pipes up once more. In a softer tone she asks him, “Is there anything you need?” Jokingly he replies, “A girlfriend or wife…” He stutters a short laugh. Then mumbles, “And my son…” he looked out the hospital window behind Hiteche’s head. A distant gaze reflected in his eyes as he thought what he would do with all the free time he now had on his hands. The nurse spoke up slowly, “Well I’m single, been searching for a guy and I believe you have a good bit of recovery time for us to get to know one another.” she quickly adverted her eyes to the floor. Takana turns his head to look her in the eyes, holding her gaze for a bit before replying, “Sure, I mean, I can’t take you to any fancy restaurant or anything right now, but perhaps we can eat in…” he replied with a smile and wink. “Sure, I can get the better food charged to your medical bill?” She inquires. “That’d be great!” he chirps rather happily. She walks over to the monitor to check his vital status. Everything seems to be fine, she lowers the morphine and heads out the room. “So it takes a car accident and you being in a hospital bed to ask someone out?” Hiteche asks, one eyebrow raised and a slight smirk on his face. But really he had no room to talk or belittle Takana. He himself was in his late 20’s and was still single and had never asked a girl out. “But still, great move man!” A look of congratulations ends the conversation and the room grows quiet. The clock’s strokes of it’s hands filled the room, Takana now laid back and beginning to doze off. Without saying a word, Hiteche gets up and heads home, he needed to rebuild Koxzac and get started on some new blueprints he had been planning. As his car arrives in the driveway, he shuts it off and goes inside. He brings the shattered remains of Koxzac’s projector in and sets it in his room on his desk and flips the lap on from the corner of the workspace. He goes to the garage and retrieves his toolbag and sets it in the floor nearby, the light glistening off the nearly new tools mixed amongst the old. Studying and taking apart the projector Hiteche works rapidly on disassembling it. Loooking once more at the blue prints, then searching for the parts step by detailed step and putting them together turn by turn of his tools. The thin gleam of daylight streaming in from the window was now beginning to fade. Hiteche was just reaching the halfway point of reassembling and advancing the technology with new additional parts and coding, only he could understand. By the time only the lamp lit up the work space he was sweating and droopy eyed, but none the less determined to show up tomorrow with Takana’s son. The night dragged on for Hiteche, after retrieving a cup of fresh warm coffee with extra sugar, he worked well into the morning hours. 2 am final ticked by as Hiteche placed the last part on and fastened it in place. Grabbing a rag and water he gently cleaned and shined it up. As a final step bending down on one knee and pressing the power button on the small remote he had also made. Standing as a bright green light glowed at the top and quickly beamed up Koxzac, who looked a little disoriented, but looked shockingly handsome. A half smile at Hiteche finished the night of hard work. The two headed to the car out in the driveway and sped away toward the hospital. |
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