Stories : Fantasy Valentine Contest
Dark Fantasy, Tragic Hero, Apple
The Visitor
Gerese Axalan - Winner
I anticipate the break of light that each morning brings. Because it is the only time of day that I am entitled to be near her, to have my hungry eyes cast upon her winsome face, her delicately closed eyelids, her mouth that lingered a trace of a peaceful smile.
Up in a lone tower, she lay in deep slumber, her hands entwined over her abdomen. A stoic princess unmoving, immobile, I often wonder if in her sweetest of dreams, I would be there.
There are times when I am most desperate to touch her, to have her warmth envelope my cold and desolate soul.
Then I stop.
The chains that imprison my legs rattle and hold me into place, reminding me that I am never worthy of her…
“I have something to tell you.”
I looked up from the canvas I was examining and saw my wife, Delilah, perched at a stool demurely with her hands at her lap. For a moment, I mistook her as my subject rather than the grassy countryside I was attempting to blend with my paintbrush. She could easily disarm my defenses with those enchanting blue eyes of hers.
“Come closer, love.”
Obediently, I did and knelt beside her on the floor. “What is it?”
Her smile widened, tingled with so much life. “ Edmond , I am pregnant.”
Floodgates of joy threw open and rushed into my being as I lifted her, elated, as the world seemed to celebrate and become one with our happiness.
But little did I know that in a month’s time, a ruthless epidemic would visit our town and claim her as its victim-bride…
She lay feverish on our bed, shaking even as mounds of blankets covered her. It had only been three days since she started feeling ill but for me, three days was torture because I was already witnessing her death before my eyes. “’Li, you have to eat something.”
Delilah looked up to me, her once vibrant blue eyes now dull and glassy. Weakly, she shook her head. “Not…hungry.”
Frustrated, I slammed the bowl of broth at the table and stormed out of the room. From a distance, I heard her weep and the weight of this all began to crush me…
I took a quiet walk by the riverside and told myself that when I got home, I would apologize to her. Delilah never deserved to be treated this way and I had been cruel to add misery to the pain she was experiencing.
I entered our home as glass shattered upstairs in our bedroom. “Delilah?” I called out, worry seizing my veins. I rushed to our room and flung the door open, only to find her lying on the floor, with fragments of glass and spilt liquid near her feet.
She gasped, her eyes wide, not expecting me to be home so soon. Then I saw the reason why. The familiar glass bottle that contained a lethal liquid. “WHY?” I shouted in mad rage. Blinded, I shook her, shouting at her and stopped as Delilah began coughing out blood. “It doesn’t have to be like this.”
Delilah shook her head. “I don’t…want…to burden you…no more,” she sniffled, her eyes red. “Pleeeeaaas,” her tongue slurred, a crimson spittle dribbling her chin, “forgive…me.”
Anguished, I held her close to me, burying my face into her hair, unwilling to let her go. “So…sorry,” she whispered. She had all of me, my heart, my soul, and if she was gone, I am nothing.
“ Edmond , it’s over now.”
Distracted, I saw a shadow looming over me. I tried to hold Delilah protectively but saw that she had vanished from my arms. I looked up and to my shock, saw that the dark figure held her. “Let her go,” I growled.
But the mysterious figure paid no attention. “You must be asking yourself why you weren’t struck by this illness that has claimed the people around you as well as your dearest wife,” he said, cradling Delilah close to him for emphasis. I felt my fists curl at the sight. “It is a miracle that you survive?all because I chose you to.”
I would rather be dead as well. “What do you want?”
His tone was rich as silk. “I have come to visit you because there is something that you must do for me.”
Over centuries, I have witnessed the most evil of men writhe in their beds, sweat dripping from their forehead, hushed prayers escaping their lips, praying for one final redemption. I sit by their bedside as the unseen visitor, Death’s messenger to herd their souls to damnation. For each filthy soul I claim, the closer I am allowed to come near my wife, an immortalized princess imprisoned in her own castle, cursed in eternal sleep.
After my nightly visits with the doomed, I welcome each sunrise with hope of being close to Delilah, willing that the chains at my feet would take me further up the stone steps than possible. At first, it had been disheartening, that I am inside the very tower where she lay yet could not see her because my chains would not permit me to do so. I sing songs, recite poetry to her, or quietly sit by the stone steps and talk to her, even if she lain in her own world upstairs.
It was the only thing that kept my hope alive of seeing her again.
In time, I finally reached a doorway and saw her lying upon a bed, sunlight pouring over her hair, as if she were only asleep. She was…so beautiful.
Struggling to come closer, I shouted out her name only to be tugged back by the chains that bound my feet. “No!” I was never to touch her. A grim reminder that I am a mere visitor at my wife’s bedside.
Because it is who I have become?the Visitor.
'....I'm dying....
Damn, it wasn't supposed to end like this. I still have so many things that I wanted to do in my life. So many things I wanted to experience.
But I guess that won’t happen now seeing as my existence in this world is about to come to an end.
They came in droves, carrying torches & various farm implements which they'd use as weapons & screaming for my life. Even people whom I have come to know as good friends & neighbors came with the mob looking for blood.
I couldn't hold all of them back as they are too many. They managed to break into my house, set my home on fire then dragged me out to be 'judged' which was more like an unwarranted condemnation. I was of course, found guilty of murder & was sentenced to be burned at stake.
Can't they see that I'm just like any other man who has his needs, dreams & desires? Why do they have to take out their anger at me? Don't they like the tasty apples which I grow in mother's orchard just for them? Don’t they realize the amount of time & effort I put into those apples which they love so much?
It's not my fault that mother's orchard needs the occasional blood to keep it thriving.
It's not my fault that I need to go out every once in a while to 'harvest' some blood for mother's orchard.
It's not my fault that the person that I 'harvest' the blood from usually die shortly afterwards. Not that I really wanted anybody to see what I was doing.
It's not my fault that I can only 'harvest' during nighttime as the sun can burn my pale, pasty skin.
And it's certainly not my fault that I can't stand garlic & any religious artifacts or rites.
Now as I stand bound to this wooden post with the flames licking at my feet, I can't help but wonder what's so wrong with the taking of one insignificant life every once in a while just to get a taste of the best apples money can buy in this side of the world. I even chose people who can't be missed. Little babies.... Elderly people....
I tried to live right & I tried to serve the town where my mother had moved into & had grown to love so much to the best of my ability & they repay me by condemning me to eternal damnation for something that wasn’t my fault in the first place?
....I can't understand why....
....It's not my fault....
....It's not my fault....
....It's....Not....My.............."Are you awake, my child?"
"Daddy??? I had a bad dream, Father," she said softly, almost too soft
for him to hear.
He approached her and knelt beside her bed.? She laid there; her skin
so white and fragile under the moonlight seeping through the window.
"I brought you an apple.? I'll peel and slice it for you while you
tell me all about your dream," the man replied, bringing out the apple
for her to see.? They were her favorite whenever she was sick.
She smiled at his presence but didn't open her eyes.? This was a rare
treat for her.? She heard the sound of his knife slowly moving across
the apple's surface, as she shared her dream.
"I was flying in my dream.? I saw a house with only one window
illuminated by light.? A woman, pregnant and glowing?oh, how lovely
she looked?can be seen inside the room, rocking on her chair and
singing to her bulging stomach.? I felt delighted, probably imagining
that was how mother must have looked when she was pregnant with me…"
"Here.? Eat," the man interrupted as he offered an apple slice to her.
She ate it from his fingers and swallowed slowly.
"Suddenly, I saw a dark mist appear outside the window.? It was a
strange mist, unlike a simple cloud.? It looked alive and malicious.
I couldn't help but continue looking on.
"The woman did not seem to notice the cloud outside, but continued her
song.? The cloud swirled and seemed to grow darker and darker and
darker still... until it slowly formed into a shape of a woman.? No,
not a woman, a girl with long black hair and pale white skin.? I saw
the girl floating and watching the scene behind the mirror.? The
pregnant woman still hasn't noticed.
She stopped to accept another apple slice from him.? She ate and
swallowed the apple before continuing.? The apple's juices were sweet
and she smiled in delight.
"The mysterious girl floated in front of the window.? Her mouth moved
but I could not hear... no, I heard, but couldn't understand her
words.? She spoke with a singsong voice, but I could not make out what
she said.? Through the window, I saw the woman had stopped her singing
and stood up. She walked slowly, but sure, towards the window and
opened it to face the floating girl.? She stared ahead, as if not
seeing anything.
"I watched the girl as she rubbed the entranced woman's swollen belly,
before plunging her hand through cloth and flesh into the woman's
stomach.? The woman did not seem to be hurt; neither was there any
blood spilled.? But when the girl retrieved her hand, she brought out
a small reddish lump of flesh?a partially formed human.? The woman
collapsed unconscious while outside her window, the girl fed on the
baby."
The man stopped and looked at the girl on the bed beside him.? She
kept her eyes closed, but she was licking her lips.
"As I watched her feed, I don't know why, but I imagined the blood
must taste like sweet apple juice, like the one you're feeding me
now."
The man dropped the half-sliced apple to the floor, where it landed
with a soft thud and rolled sliced-side down.? He looked at the small
knife on his hand, muttered a silent prayer, and then proceeded to
plunge the knife into the girl's chest.
The girl's eyes opened as she trashed and writhed.? The man held fast
and steadfastly kept the knife on the child's chest.? She clawed
desperately and choked as blood started to make its way into her
mouth.
"Seven years, you've lived and I'm always reminded that because of
you, I lost her.? My one true love," he whispered vindictively.? "You
are the monster."
"Father… daddy… I didn't… mom…" she said before finally dying.
He stopped holding the knife down only when she finally stopped
moving.? Blood caked his arms and the girl's clothes.? He looked down
at her face and saw his wife's face as she laid on her deathbed in his
mind's eye.? He shed no tears for they had long since dried up.
"You're the monster," he repeated to lonely room.
He picked up the apple and bit into the side that hadn't been on the
floor.? The apple tasted bitter on his tongue.The Crimson Fruit
Miguel Martin D. Sarmenta
“You’ve always had everything, Jessica.” Karla’s bob-cut crimson hair flared as she spoke. It was all she could take. Though the witches were twins, Jessica came into the world a minute and thirty four seconds earlier. And in everything ever since then, she had always been first.
“And I intend to keep it that way, Karla.” Jessica had always wanted to prove she was more beautiful, more talented, in every way. She was raven-haired, taller, more slender, more womanly than her tomboyish twin.
Karla had always known that she would be no match for Jessica in the traditional sense. While both had shown skill and willingness in their witching training, Jessica seemed to acquire the talents more naturally.
Thus, anything Karla would do would end up being compared to Jessica. Karla had tired of the game. She just developed her own talents. So instead of spellcasting, she became better in horseback riding and archery.
In the realm of romance, all the boys liked Jessica, of course. Karla pretended she didn’t care. Until Anthony.
She loved Anthony dearly. Other boys talked to her only to get to Jessica. Not Anthony. Jessica has all the boys she needs. She can get them all. Not Anthony.
Anthony never compared her with anything or anyone. Nothing would stand in their way.
Not even Jessica.
Jessica found them out, and had been relentlessly telling Karla to abandon Anthony. No good would come of it, she said. He’s just a squire. He’ll leave you for the tavern. Karla’s years of playing second had taught her that Jessica was not looking out for her. She figured that Jessica wanted her to leave Anthony so it would be easier to get him. It was the game ever since. As soon as Karla finds something good, Jessica would take it.
“Karla, Karla, Karla.” Jessica’s voice suddenly changed. It was satanic saccharine.. “You know I have my ways.”
“And I have mine.”
“Brave words for someone who never took spellcasting seriously.”
“I have my own spells.” She tried to remember that special one. The one she would use if Jessica tried such a thing as this. “Anthony is one thing you can not take from me. Even if I have to die for it.”
“Leave Anthony, Karla. That is my final warning.” She slammed the door behind her.
Karla couldn’t fight back her tears. She wasn’t sobbing because of Jessica. Twenty seven years of fighting had taught her how to hold her sobs. It was because she had to do the spell tonight, and its nearness had made it more real. Jessica will make sure that she will not have Anthony. But their hearts can still beat together. That was all she needed.
That night, Karla made sure Jessica left for her ball before she did it. She had practiced this a million times in her head. She had even picked out the knife.
She opened the windows. The darkness of the night seemed forever. Eternity would be longer than the reach of the night, Karla consoled herself.
She would be second no longer. She will have her man. If not in this lifetime, then the next. “Anthony, please come quick.” He had to.
She raised the knife. It glistened as it caught the moonlight. She began the incantation.
Bats flew as stars twinkled like the glistening of tears. Clouds covered the moon as wolves howled. When the moon reappeared, the knife was on the floor, glistening with blood.
Beside it, covered in crimson, was an object the size of a fist, beating wildly.
…
When Jessica saw the body and knife, she knew what had happened. Her years as a master spellcaster told her what magic had been performed: a cry for eternal love.
Karla’s heart would now be invincible by any means. Never again can it be broken. All that one can do is bury it. It would harden, glisten, and shine like a ruby in the sunlight. Jessica could hear Karla chanting the incantation, “When Anthony finds my heart, let him hear it beat. And in hearing thus, may his own heart’s beating, beat in time with mine.” That was all the spell was for: just for the heart of the object of her love to beat like hers. Just for him to know that she loved him dearly and would do anything. It didn’t have any boundaries. Not time, not space, not Jessica.
Had Karla finally beaten her? She was about to scream in surrender, when in her envious rage, she found a way to win again.
Karla must have thought that Anthony would come quicker, and that she would arrive much later. She picked up the heart reserved for Anthony, and rushed to bury it at once.
Karla’s little flaw had Jessica hopeful once again. Her grin was at its most wicked. Envy and evil were dancing in her eyes. “
She recited an incantation. One can not change the powerful spell over the heart, but she could definitely add on to it. The heart will be buried forever, as a tree grows from it. When anyone in love, named Anthony or God knows what eats from its fruit, he will die.
…
Thousands of years had passed since Jessica, Karla and Anthony. Anthony never found the heart, and a tree full of crimson fruit had sprung forth.
Yet, the dark magic of envy moves through generations, and in this one it had possessed a witch. She had discovered the tree, and through her cunning, now in the forest lies a beautiful maiden, her face as white as snow.
There was something, though, that both the witch and Jessica did not know. The evil of envy that Jessica added to Karla’s spell could not overshadow the power of an offered heart. Alas, with love, there is always a counterspell.
True love’s kiss can awaken those whose deaths were caused by the crimson fruit.
Catacombs
Jose Socrates S. Delos Reyes
'Twas the height of the Roman Empire
Hungry and weak prisoners fell into a need so dire
A need to survive and to live
In which it seemed God had forbid
There was a mute boy in Belgica
At the year a hundred and sixteen
Who tried to live under the Church's basilica
Stealing and fighting for food in his teens.
One day he explored the catacombs
Long, dark tunnels just above the foundations
Fear gripped him not as he scoured around the tombs
Of rats and spiders in unknown locations
Then he heard a deep hiss
"An animal"?, he said
And ran in hopes of Death never retrieving his loan
But the howling moans never seemed to end.
He ran and ran through puzzles and mazes
Yet still the voice he still faces.
Then a standstill
Heart racing and breath trying to catch
He listened for the animal that is ready to kill
Then from his back, there was a white hand trying to catch
As contact was made,
The boy readied a make shift stave
But he was surprised,
A girl was what his sight gave.
Dressed in a ragged dress,
She tried to catch her breath
Gold hair and fair skin, the boy observed
As he examined her for a third
"What were you running from"?, asked the boy
And she replied, "I do not know, maybe from the fall of Troy ?"
Haha, a joker who knows her legends
He thought as he looked at dress horribly rent
And so the unlikely pair tried to find a way
Out of the catacombs where they lay
As if God had posed a dare
To the new met pair
And so they wandered,
While telling of their hopes and dreams sundered
Time passed without knowledge
Of the two whose souls and hearts had become a package
The boy felt as if he was Romeo with his Juliet
As if they were the heavenly twins
Was it love that he felt?
No one knows, but in the heavens, it seems Valentine continues to grin
Then the girl suddenly let out a retch
The boy, worried, tried to cure the wretch
But suddenly in his front of his eyes,
She had changed her disguise
Arms attached to the body and joined
As hers legs became a sickening tail
She had become horrible and scaled
As her head continued the tale
Stupefied, the boy looked at the monster
A giant snake that sought to conquer
"It cannot be," whispered the boy
As the snake struck to her new found toy
As light abandoned the boy's eyes,
His heart was comforted at a sight
For then he knew their feelings were not lies
Because even under the catacombs' dark night
He knew she was under the control of some spell
Since her tears flowed down, enough to make a well
The pale crescent moon hid behind the billowing clouds as the lupine howls shattered the calm of night. The barren fingers of the snow-covered trees reached up to the starless sky as Adelaide and Raven ran forward in an almost futile flight. Their pursuers’ grunts and pants could be heard right behind them. Hearts pounding, they ran on, fearing the alternative.
Gaerdeth motioned for his minions to stop, mindless, bloodthirsty pawns whose only purpose is to hunt. He smiled, the tips of his lengthened canines glinting against the moonlight on the sides of his mouth.
So, they mean to take shelter in the Imminee Grove. It does not matter. I am human .I am not pure chaos.
He growled an order for his minions to surround the Grove.
He smiled for the futility of his quarry’s flight
Raven stopped before the iron gates of the Iminee Grove and turned to his companion, “We need to enter. No being born of chaos can enter here. Besides, we cannot survive another night in the heart of winter. We might not survive another blizzard..”
“Raven, why is brother hunting us?”
Raven’s memories froze him, something even winter’s heart failed to do. Gaerdeth’s truth was painful. The truth is always painful...
Raven’s bloodied hand hung from his side, sword clutched uselessly in his forceless grip. Gaerdeth was by his side, with only a few cuts and bruises, desperately trying to fight for both of their souls..
“Surrender your souls, or die and perish, along with your kin,” Demonlord Varieze hissed. “Answer wisely.”
“Go, Raven. I’ll take care of him.”
“Gaerdeth…”
“Go, for both of our sakes. Warn my sister. Warn them all.”
“…”
“Go!” Gaerdeth lifted Raven and threw him through the chamber door. He charged toward Varieze. Before the chamber door closed on Raven’s pride, on his honor, he witnessed Gaerdeth’s futile struggle, and as he ran away from the forsaken palace, Gaerdeth’s screams told of an endless story of pain and agony.
Raven’s trance was broken by a vampiric growl, and as the aberration slinked out of the trees, it fell, Adelaide ’s arrow sticking out of its forehead.
Raven said, “I don’t think now’s the best time.”
“Neither do I.”
The iron-wrought gate swung open with a creak.
Winter forgets the Iminee Grove, and only Summer is a welcomed guest. The coat of snowflakes that covered their cloaks was the only memory of winter there.
“So, tell me now.” Adelaide said.
Raven obliged.
Gaerdeth entered and Adelaide rushed to greet him. Raven stood, shock and shame painting his face. “I thought you were…”
“Dead?” Gaerdeth whispered. “I never died. I’ll never die.”
He laughed. His eyes shone with madness. His voice trembled with hate.
“You will die.”
He lunged as he drew his sword.
Gaerdeth stared at the iron-wrought gates of the Iminee Grove, eyes shining with a fevered light that spoke of his madness and hatred. His quarry lay beyond the gates that only he could enter. At the moment of his transfiguration, his heart forgot the company of fear, yet as he stood, his chaotic soul trembled with anxiety. Something within dispels chaos; his present was chaos.
.
He was chained to a cold stone block in the center of the bland stone room. The demonlord stood at his headt, a mocking smile wide on his pale, bloodless face.
He had already lost track of time. Torture was driving him to madness. He stared his unseeing eyes ceilingward, yet his memories of illusion haunted him still. The demonlord never hurt his body. His illusions did better than broken bones.
“Surrender your soul. And you will be spared the pain,” Varieze hissed.
Gaerdeth stared back defiantly, eyes burning with conviction and determination.
“Very well. You will submit eventually. No one defies my will.”
The demonlord widened his mouth and began to cackle, dissonance that foretold agony.
Gaerdeth began to weep. He hated reality...
What we perceive is our reality. Reality bites.
He was mad. He wanted his agony’s death. He wished now to serve. The chaos changed him. He hated the man who caused him this. He swore fealty. He wanted to kill. Raven was to die. He was no longer fully human.
Gaerdeth tasted Raven’s blood. He smiled the same twisted smile of his liegelord and entered the Grove.
Raven sat down across Adelaide beneath the leaves of the Iminee tree, a large apple tree in the middle of the Grove. His eyes sang about pain, sorrow and guilt. His hoarse voice broke the silence.
“I’m sorry, Adelaide . I was unable to save him. I was a worthless coward. But maybe, I can finally save him.”
Raven took Adelaide ’s bow and shot an overhanging apple.
“The Iminee tree dispels chaos, so does its fruit. With this, I can dispel his chaos, I may destroy his madness.”
“He must ingest one. And Raven, don’t blame yourself, the circumstances… I’m sure you would have saved him…had you the chance.”
“He wouldn’t have!” Gaerdeth snarled as he stepped from the shadows. “He’s but a worthless coward. And now’s the hour of his death. DIE!!!” He drew his blade and lunged.
Holding the apple, Raven dodged and drew his blade.
“Step away Adelaide . You might get hurt.”
“Noble words for a coward,” Gaerdeth snarled.
They danced to the tune of death, the song of clashing steel. Their swordplay continued, blades whirling, bodies dodging. Their deadly dance continued. Their swords met in mid-swing, and they stalked away from one another, eyes warily watching the other’s actions. Raven was still holding the apple.
Gaerdeth feinted. Raven bought it and was rammed through his middle against the Iminee. Raven cut the apple.
“I win,” Gaerdeth snarled.
“No, I win,” Raven muttered as he slipped the cut apple into Gaerdeth’s mouth.
“I’m sorry…Goodbye.”
With Raven’s last breath, Gaerdeth’s chaos died. And sanity embraced him once more.
His and Adelaide ’s tears shone with the sun’s first light. They wept for the coldness of winter’s heart. They wept for daylight’s price.
Manananggal
Juan Anton D. de los Reyes
Juan was an all around person, a straight-A student, as well as a member of the basketball varsity. Everybody in the batch admired him, especially the girls. But he found beauty in none of them.
Mai was a new student in school. The sophomore's beauty was that of a dove, or more, an Adarna. When he first saw her, Juan thought it was love at first sight. But alas, all his attempts to talk to her were unrequited.
Mai grew up in a poor family. Her mother would scold her constantly and her father would beat her up, till bruises covered her entire body. By the time she was rescued by the local orphanage, it was too late; darkness filled her heart, and no hint of love existed.
One Friday night, Mai had to stay after school to make up for disrespect for the teacher. As she walked out of the gate, a dark figure descended upon her and bit her in the neck. She dropped to the ground...
...
"Mai?"
When Mai arose, she saw Juan reaching his hand out to her. It was daytime, morning of the next day. "I was walking by when I saw you asleep here on the path. I was wondering what you'd be doing at school on a Saturday."
"I'm alright... I must have fainted..." she said as she took his hand and stood up. "But why do you care?" she grunted as she pulled her hand away from him.
Juan shrugged his shoulders and walked away, in the opposite direction. As he walked, he saw a vendor selling a Philippine Daily Star newspaper, with the headline, "Manananggal Sightings."
For the next couple of days, the headlines continued to talk about a sighted flying creature, slaughtering chickens and pigs. Juan's curiosity widened, and he went to the school library to research about this monster.
He picked up a book on ancient Philippine monsters, and he found one specific article on the Manananggal. "It says tales of the Manananggal come from Visayas. Why would the monster go all the way here, to the north?"
The old librarian saw him reading. "The Manananggal is a mysterious creature, eh? Would you like to learn how to stop one of these?"
Juan nodded. The librarian sat him down and offered him an apple.
"I'm full, thank you." Juan said.
"Take it," said the librarian. "We will have a long talk."
Juan took the fruit and placed it in his bag. "Well," she continued, "It is said that these do not like onions, or garlic, like the vampire. Salt and pepper are also very harmful to the creature, as these can stop the upper half from adhering to the bottom. But if the creature bites another human, the spirit will be transferred."
The librarian continued to tell Juan of the many secrets of the monster, as she had lived in Visayas herself. Juan tried to politely stay awake, as he found what the old lady said somewhat boring and useless. Time passed and the clock hit 6 pm.
"It is vulnerable on the head and on the area where it is halved. The monster is attracted to darkness," she said. "It's the people who don't know about truth that the monster targets. Possibly why the monster moved to the city."
"Ma'am," Juan yawned, "It was a fun chat, but I have to get going, it's really late. Thank you for your time,"
"You're welcome anytime," she replied.
As he walked out of the library, he saw Mai coming out of the principal's office. "You again?" She asked.
"I was just reading about the Manananggal," he said.
They walked out the school gate. "That's all mythical, Manananngals aren't real..."
Suddenly the moon arose from the horizon. As soon as it's rays hit Mai, her body began to transform, and she slowly turned into the monster, screaming.
Juan acted fast, and he took the apple from his backpack and using his skills in basketball, he shot it straight at the flying creature, conking it slightly on the head. It fell down and crashed on the ground below. A bunch of police were standing nearby and immediately took salt shakers from their pockets. Juan screamed. "No, don't!"
Juan tried to act fast, to stop them from permanently severing Mai. He then remembered one thing the librarian said. He placed his hand in Mai's jaw, and jerked her head. The monster's long teeth sunk into his skin, and Mai began to transform back to normal. Juan began to feel different, and he saw black wings sprout out of his back. He immediately flew up into the skies.
...
Mai continues to look to the sky on this day. It is said that there are no such things as male Manananggals, as males don't lose their lower halves nor do they turn back into humans during the day. She knew what love was, as she could start a new life now, at the expense of another.
“He did love me,” she said, as a tear rolled down her cheek.
Suddenly, a white creature flew down to Mai. It’s feathers were shining in millions of colors, and it had the most beautiful wings. It flew down and stood up in front of Mai. It slowly transformed back into a familiar person.
“Juan?” Mai asked in astonishment.
Juan smiled. “I don’t want to leave you.”
The two embraced one another tightly. After looking into each other’s eyes, they knew that this new love that they found would last forever.
"Don't do this..." I pleaded tearfully, my arms protectively crossed around my bosom, "I... I don't want this!"
"Maggie."
I shook visibly, fear and anxiety pulsating through my veins.
I miscalculated, and I willingly turned a blind eye to the probable consequences: I fell in love with him.
"I can't let you do this..." fat tears rolled down my cheeks, "I just can't!"
"Maggie."
"I'm sorry. I thought..." I collapsed, dropping to my knees and sobbed.
The end has come for the two of us...
-- And, I unwittingly brought it to us both.
†?†?†?†?†
'I have to do it... I MUST do it. I'll DIE if I don't...'
I have to admit my innate survival instincts trump my learned morality this time for me.
Indeed, I shall vow to whomever Higher Transcendental Being is listening to me up there: no more shortcuts to dark alleyways for as long as I live -- if I DO survive this ordeal!
The disgusting excuse of a human being, swaying drunkenly in front of me, leered lasciviously, rolling his filthy tongue across his chapped lips, a pocket switchblade at hand.
I made fists with both of my hands, as my coveted handbag found its way to the ground, and hardened them until my knuckles turned ghostly white.
I charged towards my alcohol-stenched ravager, and shoved him with the remnant of my eroding strength.
And, of course, I kicked him quite hard and spot-on where it would really hurt!
†?†?†?†?†
"You bastard!" I spat wrathfully, wiping the blood off my own lips, "You have no idea of what I'm capable of, you worthless louse!"
"If that's what you want, slut, I can play tough and dirty!" he seethed lecherously, as he stood up, looking unscathed and pain-free, and advanced menacingly at me, "And, YOU are the one who has no idea of what I'M capable of, you bitch!"
'His girth must have lessened the impact of my defense!' I thought wildly, wincing inwardly as I stared at the advancing human lard, 'I guess this doesn't leave me much choice, but to-"
I felt my teeth elongate and sharpen within the confines of my mouth, as I braced myself for his impending attack.
But, none came.
†?†?†?†?†
The raving sex maniac suddenly shook violently, his arms waving helplessly, as if signaling for assistance that would never be granted.
Then, he dropped to the ground, his eyes bulged out in a terrified stare, very much devoid of life.
His neck bearing two familiar tell-tale pin pricks, oozing with blood - a deep scarlet contrasting sickeningly on his pale, slimy skin.
I had to gather all my wits quickly enough to stifle a scream that was threatening to bellow from my lips.
'I could swear I wasn't able to...' I began bewilderedly, panic and terror slowly creeping into my consciousness, 'It can't be possible...'
"Maggie."
"No..." I took a step back, "Who- How did you know my name!?" my lips quivered, as my body shook with horrified anticipation, "Don't come near me, please!"
"It's me."
I gasped, shaking my head violently, "No! You can't be... I refuse... You can't be-!"
The unseen newcomer stepped out towards the lone lamp-post of the alleyway, revealing his unmistakable identity.
†?†?†?†?†
I kept running, as brimming tears blinded my eyes, no longer minding the painful friction of the gravel stoned-pathway to my worn-booted feet.
"Keep away from me!" I cried out in the darkness, "Just keep away!"
I was sweating profusely, yet in reality, my entire body was frozen.
Matted blood gruesomely painted my face, as pain seared to the blackest of my bones.
I felt that I was precariously grasping for my sanity, yet it continued to slowly slip away from me.
'It can't be, it just can't be!" I practically chanted inwardly, my eyes darting to and fro, up and down.
It was all my fault.
It would never happen if it wasn't for me...
Lord, he can't be one of us now!
†?†?†?†?†
"Maggie, please!" the man I was running away from cried out, "Let me explain!"
"No!" I hollered tearfully, "Just keep away - stay away!"
"I can't and I no longer intend to do so - for I nearly made an irrevocable mistake for letting you go before."
I refuse to dignify his heartfelt statements, but his next words rendered me unable to do just that.
"I've finally met your family in the province, and they welcomed me with open arms!"
I stopped dead on my tracks, and whirled around, as I heard his footsteps come to a halt.
Then, there I saw him -- standing in perfect posture, waiting patiently for me, a ghost of smile lighting up his face just right -- very much like how I remembered him in my mind's eye.
"I have to thank your Father for giving me this CHANCE to me to become a part of your life forever, Maggie!" he paused meaningfully, "He even personally told me he couldn't have chosen better for you, his beloved youngest child."
Fresh tears sprang up my eyelids, as torrents of repressed emotions, thoughts and memories flooded my entire being.
"You need not feel ashamed and forget who you really are to be a good person, Maggie -- need I remind you that you are the most human of all people I've come to meet and know in my life?"
Defenses be damned! I ran towards him, and he readily enveloped me with a warm and comforting embrace.
†?†?†?†?†
"I'm sorry." I murmured softly.
"Don't say that, you have no need to apologize - especially not to me."
I gazed at him, tying-up the images I've clung to on my solitude with the wonderful reality in my arms at the moment.
He smiled tenderly, pulling me closer, "I love you."
"I love you, too."
The clock from the nearby public hall struck midnight.
We grinned knowingly.
"Happy Valentine's Day to you, Maggie."
"Happy Valentine's Day to you, too, Jonathan."
Untitled
Sir Nicholai Ramil T. Basilonia
Aristocrats beautifully attired.
In a world filled with the smell of roses.
There live two clans being admired.
One who believes that death brings happiness.
The Others seek for eternal life
One day, both dreams become reality
The Others cannot be stabbed by any knife
But forced to live in anxiety
Behind their priceless garment
is loneliness; a never-ending punishment
Suffering from agony, their only wish is to die, for they believe that the One is right; death brings everlasting happiness. They tried to drink all the poisons in the earth but those drugs just caused a never-ending pain. The youngest boy from the One pities the Others. He gave them a clue that may cut their agony; "The Forgiveness Tree is a fruit bearing tree. It is said that whatever sin that you want to be forgiven will be forgiven once you eat a fruit from this tree."
The Others sent their messiah. His name is Eiva; a very innocent 16 years old boy that can use the air as his powers. He wants to save his clan from the negative infinity. After training for the mission, he decided to take a rest. While roaming around the mansion, he saw his mom, having a bath of her own blood, flowing continuously but still alive. "Eiva my son," she said. "Please save our clan. Go now! Get the fruit and give it to the great grand father. As soon as possible. I hate this everlasting lonely life." Eiva rushed from the mansion to the training grounds. His very young looking yet very lonely great grand father lend him the Holy sword; too sharp that it can cut the whole mountain into parts. However, it is unable to kill the Others, or hurt them either. As he received the sword, he began the quest.
While flying to the mountain, he met a very beautiful but dangerous looking fairy. 16 years of age and an early bloomer. She flied together with Eiva and tried to seduce him. Eiva ignored the fairy and pushed her away. The fairy became a monster and swallowed Eiva. Luckily, Eiva is immortal. From the monster's stomach, he waved his sword and the monster turned into a smoke read as "Temptation".
The mountain is near and the tree is very visible. Suddenly a ball of fire enclosed his universe. Then a voice like a melting ice suddenly spoke; "You are not an Other. You are an immortal One." Because of his loneliness, he is not on his right way of thinking. He thought that it is true. His love of the Others turned into anger, for he believed that he is an adopted child and his Mother hides it from him. The universe of fire faded, turned into smoke read as "Faith". Still, he picked the fruit from the Tree of Forgiveness.
As he came home, he gave the fruit to their great grand father and every Other became mortal. And Eiva suddenly killed every Other that he can see. Every Other died, except him. He asked the youngest boy from the One if he is an immortal One, the boy said "No, you are the youngest boy from the Others." Eiva realized that he lost everything. Eiva carelessly wished to turn back the time where every Other is alive. Then Eiva bites the fruit, the last fruit from the Tree of Forgiveness; The apple of time. And the time returned. But every Other's memory is still with them. Eiva is stoned to death even though every Other, including Eiva, will never be destroyed. Eiva thought that the Forgiveness Tree can end his suffering, but the tree is gone, for he has the unclean heart, and who ever picks a fruit in the Forgiveness Tree with a very unclean heart will burn the tree. Eiva realized that the curse was true, the Others would never be destroyed, and will live in loneliness like a never-ending punishment.
The Red Fruit
Therese Patricia B Yucamco
Garnet has just awakened from yet another strange dream. She has been having these dreams for quite some time now and it was beginning to bother her. What they could have meant, she could only guess.
Tossing these thoughts to the back of her mind, she began to get up and fix her bed. Today was a special day for her and her childhood friend after all. Worrying about these foolish dreams would only ruin her day. After taking a bath and eating a healthy breakfast that she made herself, she began to walk her way to church, where shea??ll be meeting Jasper and Father Michael, who was like a real father to the two friends.
On her way to church, she began to reminisce on the things that she and Jasper went through when they were young. Garnet and Jasper had so many things in common. For one thing, they were both orphaned since they were infants and they both grew up in the same orphanage. Since they were brought into the orphanage at the same time, they also had the same birthday, which also means that they also had to be pulled out of the orphanage on the same day when they turned sixteen, during which they were taken in by their parish priest, Father Michael. Naturally, because of all the things that theya??ve been through together in their childhood, it was only natural for them to become very close friends.
When Garnet finally snapped out of her daydream, she realized that she had been walking too slowly and that she was going to be late for her meeting at the church. On a whim, she decided to take a shortcut into the forest.
Though it was called a forest, there was not a single animal call that could be heard. It was as if the forest was dead. There was also a lot of what seemed like the ruble of old structures scattered everywhere on the forest floor.
Despite these eerie aspects, Garnet still continued to walk through the forest where she eventually ended up being lost. The forest was getting darker the further she walked and there was no sign of the church anywhere, either.
Suddenly, out of the shadows came a hungry werewolf all set to attack her and turn her into its breakfast. Fortunately, Jasper came just in time to save her from the fearsome werewolf. It turns out that the church was already close by and Jasper happened to hear her cry out for help.
When they finally arrived at the church, they both exchanged birthday presents and greeted each other a happy birthday. Jasper also made an attempt to confess his feelings for Garnet when Father Michael suddenly called Garnet and told them that he had a premonition about Garnet being the Fruit of Love and Jasper, the Seed of Hope.
Father Michael began his explanation by reminding them about the Legend of the Apple of Heaven. Centuries ago, when monsters have yet existed, Gaea was a world of peace and was filled with the hopeful wishes of its people for their future. This world was held together by the roots of the Apfelbaum, a large spiritual tree that grows in heaven. This tree feeds upon the good intentions and wishes of the people of Gaea in order to give the world life with its leaves, spread love throughout the land with the fruits it bears, and give everyone on earth hope with the seeds within its fruits.
Unfortunately, there came a time when the peace of Gaea was shattered. One day, the Apfelbaum produced a golden fruit that can grant any wish once. Paragon, the leader of the Celestials decided to give it to the human race.
However, Obsidian, Paragona??s closest friend, argued that the fruit should not have been given to the humans. He thought that humans were lesser beings and he felt bad about Paragon choosing the humans over him so he decided to steal it and escape.
When the other celestials found out, they searched for him and punished him by turning the color of his wings black. He was then sent to Hades (hell) to pay for his crime, but before he did this, he dropped the golden fruit on Gaea and wished for it to bring chaos and discord on the mortals. This was the reason why there are now monsters like werewolves and vampires roaming Gaea.
These events caused the Apfelbaum to wilt until one leaf and one fruit, which represented all the love that is left in Gaea, was left on its branches. Within the fruit was one seed which represented all the hopes of the people of Gaea. Paragon decided to drop the Apfelbauma??s last fruit on Gaea, hoping that it may work against the golden fruit of Obsidian.
When all of this was being revealed to Jasper and Garnet, a raven was listening to every word that was said. It turns out that this raven was actually Obsidian. He was able to escape Hades
Bella was trudging along the alley. She was contemplating on what she was going to wear to work the next day. The Big Boss from Manila was arriving and they all had to make a good impression. Otherwise, Big Boss would maybe think of closing down their office. Bella was a receptionist.
When Bella arrived home, she was too tired to eat, so she watched some television shows, drank a glass of milk, and slept. She received a call but didn't answer it. It was Troy, the geeky IT guy in the office.
He was obviously madly in love with her. At least once a day, when she would take her break, Troy would put something on her desk. Sometimes it would be a flower, other times, something to snack on. But he never approached Bella. He would send her SMS, call her on the phone, but he never talked to her. Initially, Bella thought he was kinda cute, and endearing. But he started getting pesky and annoying. Bella slept with thoughts of how annoying Troy is.
The next day, Bella woke up very early. She put on her best pant suit in her favorite color, purple and she used her expensive make up.
She was the first one in the office, as usual. Her bosses and workmates arrived earlier than usual. It was obvious they wanted to make sure all was well before Big Boss arrived. Shortly before 10 am, Bella went to the comfort room to freshen up. She had seen the Big Boss' photo on the internet, and he was handsome.
At 32 years old, Bella was still waiting for her prince charming to sweep her off her feet. Not that she had lacked suitors. They just wasn't rich enough for her. And those that measured up to her financial requirements, weren't interested in her, despite her fashionable clothes and expensive make-up.
That day, she was determined to catch the Big Boss' eyes.
When Bella went back to her desk, there was an apple. Troy had pored over her Friendster account and had taken note of all her favorites. He had read from her profile that she loves apples. It was not the taste that made her love apples though. She found it quite bland. It was because, as a kid, they could never afford apples, not even during Christmastime when all her friends and classmates had apples for recess. Apples meant prosperity and wealth. And it annoyed her that Troy had given her one that day. It was not the first time he had given her an apple. Everytime he would give Bella an apple, she would give it to a beggar .
She had not eaten breakfast, so Bella took a bite of the apple. All her hunger dissolved. She was suddenly excited. After she finished the apple, she was feeling extra giddy. At exactly, 10:30 am, Big Boss arrived. He was handsome, and very, very charming. He had flirted with Bella and he couldn't take his eyes off her. When it was time for lunch, Big Boss invited Bella to join him and the company's executives. Bella was ecstatic, but found herself saying no.
So Big Boss left Bella in her desk. Bella was mad at herself. There it was the man she had been waiting for, asking her to lunch, but she turned him down. She wanted to run after him and tell him she was only kidding but she couldn't. Bella didn't have the energy to do so.
Bella went to Troy's desk instead, and asked him out to lunch. She found her annoyance at Troy suddenly disappear. She found him kinda cute. Bella couldn't believe it herself. It seemed like she was thinking two things at the same time. Troy agreed to eating lunch with Bella. He didn't seem shocked or shy, he just said yes.
Over lunch, Bella found herself interested in everything Troy had to say, even in the stuff that were too complicated for her to understand. Troy invited Bella have dinner with him. He was going to cook dinner for them. Troy promised Bella he would grill her the perfect steak and they would end the meal with the best apple pie in town.
Again, Bella said yes to Troy without hesitation. But part of her was already dreading the dinner.
After work, Troy was promptly in front of Bella's desk. Then, they rode his dusty old car to his house. Bella hated the car. It oddly smelled of a wet dog, and the seats had weird scratches on them. Bella was again hating herself for saying yes. But she didn't have the will to tell Troy she'd rather go home.
At dinnertime, Troy served a nice juicy T-Bone steak that Bella was eager to try out. But she shrieked in disgust when she sliced off a piece and realized it had been cooked rare. Troy tried to convince her that it was the best way to eat steak. But she refused to eat any. Troy offered her the apple pie instead. But Bella didn't eat a bite, reasoning that she had completely lost her apetite.
She didn't know why but Bella stayed even after dinner, to watch some DVDs with Troy. She had a very boring time but didn't have the heart to leave him. A part of her was ecstatic but she didn't understand why. Sometime before midnight, Troy started getting fidgety. He went to the bathroom, and not long after, Bella heard weird growling and scratching noises from the bathroom. Bella was terrified, but before she could leave, a big hairy something pounced on her and bit her.
“Lorie! Have you heard about the tale of Dark Fantasy card?” asked by her best friend while walking towards the school. She was grinning at her while talking.
“What about it?” Lorie answered while getting her pocket mirror from her handbag to comb his colored amber ringlet-hair. “Talecraft is just an ordinary deck of cards if you ask me.”
Her best friend suddenly stopped from walking and places herself in front of her, “You may not believe it but when I touched the card from that old geezer, I heard its voice! It is sweet yet sad and is calling out for me.”
“That is what you get if you’re overdoing playing your Talecraft my dear best friend.” said Lorie before slowly touching her hands. “I’m sorry but I have no time to play Talecraft with you today. I’ll make it up to you later, ok?”
“But it is real, I’m sure I heard a certain voice!” said her best friend in a weak and sad voice. Her excitement quickly vanished after hearing Lorie’s excuse. After all, she only wants her to listen about how she feels.
Lorie quickly ran towards their school gate to catch up with her class, leaving her best friend behind. “I’m sorry! I’ll make it up to you later, I promise, love you!”
“Interesting…” whispered by a man who’s hiding on a branch of tree, watching the two of them couple of blocks away. He immediately transformed into a bird and flew away from the two girls.
When Lorie’s class ended, she looked at her cell phone and saw one unread message from her best friend. It reads:
“You may not believe it but the old geezer is really handsome! It’s like magic and I have a date today at the park with him. He will show me something interesting so expect a late reply from me. I forgive you earlier.”
Somehow, Lorie became puzzled yet calm after reading her message. She simply decided to go home and rest for a bit. After all, her long and busy day was almost over and her best friend can stand both on her feet even if she’s not around.
She immediately went at her room and stared at the only picture frame available at her study table. Lorie can see herself together with her best friend one year ago. They were sitting on a couch and both of their little fingers are tied with Lorie’s hair string as a proof of their promise by as best friends with each other.
A slight crack suddenly appeared between their faces from the picture frame she’s staring at. Lorie quickly remembered her best friend’s date which prompted her to pack up her things to look for her at the park.
There is only one park where the old geezer might take her best friend and it is located on the north-eastern part of their hometown. Such park is beautiful at day but when night comes, only few have the balls to go in there. They say it is cursed and haunted by the two lovers who killed each other together in order to continue their love in another place.
When Lorie reached the park, she was surprised when she saw her best friend unconsciously lying on a ground. Her dress was heavily worn to shreds and bruises can be seen all over her body. She also saw traces of blood from her cheeks and her fangs became longer than before. Lorie also saw her best friend holding an apple and little portion of it were already eaten.
Suddenly, the old geezer came out of nowhere and transformed into a handsome man in front of Lorie. This is the man who followed them before going to school. This is the same man her best friend is currently dating during her class.
He immediately released a strong spell from his right hand against Lorie causing her to be thrown away. He approached her best friend and lifted her body using his psychic ability before kissing her lips. Lorie was startled, angry and eager to stand up to help her best friend but she couldn’t do anything as if there was something preventing her to move any further.
He might be handsome at her best friend’s sight but what Lorie can see is an extra-ordinary being not known in this world. Lorie was totally helpless.
Her best friend’s body started to heal while the man continuously kissing her. After a couple of seconds, Lorie saw dark wings coming out from his body that swiftly shrouded her best friend’s body. The man disappeared and only traces of floating black feathers together with some small energy particles left.
After recovering from being thrown out, Lorie immediately ran towards her best friend to check her condition but all of a sudden, her best friend woke up like nothing happened.
“This is more interesting…” whispered by her best friend before giving Lorie an embrace while staring at the beautiful full moon above them.
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