elyksteven

[elyksteven]

Does it hurt? Shifting from a happy, jolly, talkative person to a full human who's no longer interested in anything.

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

I can still remember the time when I begged for love. I lost my colors. I settled for the "maybe", the "I'll see if I can" and the "I'm tired". I endured the pain of every no, and over time I started to believe that maybe, just maybe, that's what I deserve. That I should just be grateful for the rare "yes" and just sit in the corner waiting.

It took some time, but when I finally realized that I'm slowly turning into this broken soul I always feared to be, I tried my best to get up and walk away. Step by step, I dragged my feet, and that's when I learned that one of the most difficult things to do in life is to walk away from things that you've always wanted. But I did it.

I did it because every day seemed like it's raining and I wanted to see the sun again. I did it for the days when I would laugh so hard my stomach would hurt. I did it because I wanted to believe that despite the messed up person that I am, despite all the scars and the holes in my chest, I deserve another shot at happiness.

I know it took a while, but I couldn't be prouder.

I did it.

- Jun Mark Patilan

- Artwork : Henn Kim

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

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[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

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[elyksteven]

Title: Forged in Another Realm

Chapter 1: The Portal's Call

In the bustling town of Forgehaven, lived a skilled blacksmith named Eamon. His strong hands had crafted countless weapons and tools, making him an indispensable part of the community. One fateful night, as Eamon worked at his forge, a shimmering portal appeared before him, its swirling colors reflecting in his eyes. Drawn by an unseen force, he stepped through, leaving behind everything he knew.

Chapter 2: A World Unveiled

Eamon found himself in a realm unlike any he'd ever seen. Vibrant forests stretched as far as the eye could see, and creatures of myth and legend roamed freely. Startled and bewildered, he soon encountered a group of locals who explained that he had crossed into the realm of Eldoria, a land where magic and nature were intricately woven.

Chapter 3: A Blacksmith's Gift

Eamon's blacksmithing skills quickly earned him respect among the Eldorians. However, their weapons were unlike any he'd forged before—enchanted with elemental powers and crafted from mystical metals. Guided by his determination to learn, Eamon began to master the art of magical blacksmithing, blending his expertise with the realm's unique materials and enchantments.

Chapter 4: The Quest for Balance

Eldoria was not without its problems. An ancient imbalance threatened to plunge the realm into chaos, and a malevolent sorceress sought to exploit it. With his newfound friends—a resourceful archer named Elara and a wise mage named Thorne—Eamon embarked on a journey to restore equilibrium to the land.

Chapter 5: Trials and Tribulations

Their quest led them through treacherous landscapes, enchanted forests, and forgotten ruins. Along the way, Eamon faced challenges that tested his resolve and creativity. As he forged weapons to combat the sorceress's minions, he discovered the true potential of melding his blacksmithing prowess with Eldoria's magic.

Chapter 6: The Final Forging

In a climactic showdown, Eamon, Elara, and Thorne confronted the sorceress. As magic clashed and swords gleamed, Eamon realized that only a weapon of extraordinary power could defeat her. Drawing upon his experiences, he set to work, channeling the essence of Eldoria into his creation.

Chapter 7: Legacy of Two Worlds

With a resounding strike, Eamon's enchanted blade shattered the sorceress's defenses, and the realm of Eldoria was saved. Grateful for his bravery, the Eldorians bid him farewell as he stepped back through the portal to Forgehaven. Eamon returned with newfound wisdom and a heart forever linked to two worlds—one of steel and fire, the other of magic and wonder.

Epilogue: The Eternal Craftsman

Eamon's tale became a legend passed down through generations. His legacy inspired blacksmiths in both realms to bridge the gap between craftsmanship and magic. And as the years turned to centuries, a singular truth emerged: the bond between worlds was forged not only in the fires of the forge but also in the hearts of those who dared to dream beyond the boundaries of their reality.