#and ray mourns how he never saw kai grow up

[fishybehavior]

theres a fic i want to write, but i dont want to write it rn, so im gonna write it down cause the premise is fantastic!

Basically Ray calls Kai, he's obviously panicked and asks for Kai to come as fast as possible. And Kai does, he arrives as soon as possible but doesn't see his father in trouble or anything, he's in the forge hurriedly making something

And Ray explains that theres a tradition in his home village that the local blacksmiths with their eldest child compete to see who's the best blacksmith is. And his rival has apparently won every year since his disappearance. And now he needs to Kai to come with him to win the trophy and defeat his old rival.

Kai is, confused at first. But eventually agrees. And now he has a week to learn everything he needs to know about blacksmithing.

And hilarity ensues

[existentialcrisisrambler]

Ya know, it would be fucked up yet an interesting twist of events if Krux took Kai and Nya under his care to keep Ray and Maya in check.

Like, Ray and Maya initially refused to come along with Krux and was willing to throw down against the lone Time Twin instead of leaving their children orphaned from their parents. Krux only had 1 out of the 4 Time Blades and his brother was still trapped in the Time Vortex. Even if Krux is a highly skilled warrior, Ray and Maya still have a fairly good chance of winning.

So, Krux bluffed about already having a sizable army of Vermillion warriors ready to attack Kai and Nya at this very moment. His army is actually still in development and he actually just have small handful of active soldiers at the moment. The bottleneck in production comes from the lack resources, like armour.

Ray and Maya saw one of the Vermillion hiding in the boulders near the clearing where Kai and Nya are playing it. They suddenly became too scared to risk challenging Krux's bluff. They agreed to go along with him, but they are still very hesitant about it since it would mean leaving their children on their own.

Thus, Krux offered to look after the kids, so that he could threaten to hurt them if Ray and Maya tries anything to sabotage his plans as well as to prevent the kids from being contacted by anyone from the Elemental Alliance. It's way too risky to leave the kids by themselves.

What Krux didn't expect to happen is for him to grow attached to the kids. That wasn't a part of the plan. The act of good 'ol Mr. Saunders who came to take care of the Smith siblings after their parents unfortunate "death" slowly turns from an act to something a bit more real.

(Krux will never manage to stop Kai and Nya from missing their parents though. When that parental love turns from an act into something more real, seeing Kai and Nya mourning the deaths of their parents who aren't actually dead will make Krux start to question his own plans. If all these decades of planning is actually worth it. Sure, Ray and Maya were the ones who made the Time Blades that stole his and his brother's powers.... but the twins did betray the Elemental Alliance because of they believe they had the right to rule over Ninjago because of how powerful they are.... Unfortunately, he can't go back in time to undo everything has been done. Not far back enough anyway with his powers limited to the Time Blade instead of flowing freely through his veins. Moreover, he doesn't want to undo all of the moments he shared with the kids. Even though rejoining the Smith family would undo all of his plans, he actually feared being hated by his the kids more.)

Thus, Kai and Nya got a relatively normal childhood instead of the one where they had to run a blacksmithing shop on their own before Kai even start hitting puberty.

However, since it's Krux we're dealing with here, he, of course, would likely play favourites. Sometimes it's Nya with her equal level of smarts and athletics. Sometimes it's Kai with their bonding over...oh FSM, Krux would be such a bad influence towards Kai.

Krux is ruthless, proud and petty. He planned for 40 years to conquer Ninjago purely because he thinks his and his brother's element of Time makes them the rightful rulers. Meanwhile, at his worst, Kai can be hot-headed, cocky, a bit egoistical and has a stubborn side where he doesn't believe that he's wrong. If Krux raised Kai.....oh FSM please help us.

Also I realised that as a parent, Krux would be a total Karen.

Although, taking care of 2 kids, a museum, an entire Vermillion army and 2 hostages by himself would take a toll on him. Would he have enough patience to do all of that with a cool head? Maybe he would let his real voice slip when he gets really mad. Based on his behaviour around Acronix, Krux is more open with his emotions when he's around the people he cares about (This has both positive and negative effects). Life might not be so great for Kai and Nya either in this AU.

Nevertheless, all hell will break loose once Kai and Nya found out that the Mr. Saunders is the guy who took away their parents in the first place. That they've been used as bargaining chips to keep their parents as hostages. That they are the new Elemental Masters of Fire and Water (Krux would totally try to hide this info once he see the signs that Kai and Nya inherited their parents' powers). They wouldn't know which part of their childhood are real and which one are lies anymore.

Oh FSM the angst would be so juicy-

(I know that I'm not the first person to have thought of this, so can anyone guide to something like this?)

[tenaciouscupcaketaco]

1989-2020 Poetic Work Of Mario William Vitale

1989-2020 Poetic Work Of Mario William Vitale (Manuscript of Poet Mario William Vitale) From 1993-1997 - Attended State University in Connecticut,Attempted plays : Tartuffe, Miracle Of St. Anthony and Balm in Gieade,( His poetic aspirations had in 1989 from submitting his first poem entitled, "Remembrance Of A Loved One"- (Sparrowgrass Poetry Forum)Next from 1989-1997 ( Wrote primarily for Poetry.com and The International Library Of Poetry),* Received editors choice award in 1997 for poem, " A Beacon Of Light ",(1998) Sent poetic manuscript to N.Y. Time Magazine and Chief Editor " John Hyland".Back with rave reviews !* ( From 1999-2008:Had adapted a real keen sense of style for writing poetry: ( 1999- Sent Editorial to:New Man Magazine for the Passion of Christ Movie;Sent followup letter to company with poetry platform information attached,* 2000-2007 : Magazine : ( Catholic) Maries Rose Ferron Magazine submitted poem" Beacon Of Light", which had excellent editorial reviews as the outset !2008- Wrote poem entitled: ( The Heavy Cross) to Poetry.com* Achieved Poetry status of work of Excellence in writing from the Academy Of American Poetry in which still having received rank and status as a member of Academy;* ( The Connecticut Poetry Society)* Short story submitted entitled, "China Dog Ray" submitted to Virginia WritersQuarterly, West Virginia, Also having member status on their board of Poetry.* ( Attribute Poetry to an ever increasing love of God and his unconditional love that he has for us in return,Thankfulness toward family and friends.( To our past ancestors who fought to uphold freedom that far too many of us take for granted ?One needs a pure heart that's fixed on truth,This is in order to withstand the true great test of time !Life is way too short,Press toward the goal or mark of our high calling that is in Christ Jesus The Lord !~My contempoarry artists include that of ellan Bryant Voight, Kay Ryan and carl Phillips.Which all three are Participants in the Academy Of American Poetry.* Having been a member since 2006,My work reflects the likes of past poets such as C.S.Lewis, Hawthorne and edgar Allen Poe.Most of my work reflects with the values of religious beliefs intact,( In my personal view it is essential in demonstrating a real heart of creativepassion !The reader I believe will benefit by my artistic style of development in a verypositive light.)To further the need for poetry to become more main stream, Mario Vitale was born in Bristol , Ct Has developed a skill for writing poetry in the free verse form. has been featured on Hubpages.com, Starlitecafe.com & Poetry soup. Vitale lives with his elderly mother Ann Soulier in Wolcott, Ct. Currently has written well over 1,000 poems & 2 short story's toward credit platform. Vitale has taken the poetic world by storm being featured on Google, Yahoo & MSN. Looks up to contemporaries in the poetry industry such as John Ashbery & Major Jackson. Has been a favorite featured poet reader at Barnes & Noble in Waterbury, Ct. Also featured on such sites as Poetry soup, Writer's café & Neo Poet. Mario William Vitale 1 Winfield Drive Wolcott, ct 06716 A Beacon Of Light Written by: Mario Vitale A beacon of light to a much hurting world in need ! Can't help but to claim.., Some sense of identity, Stregnth and encouragement only come from above ! Amidst in the distance, the trapped seagull.., Lieth frightened but still yet adrift ! In a most vengeful fashion striking the passing fish, A true source of hope, Yet a most triumphal beam ! This beacon of light shineth forth, Passerby's can err' escape the helping hand.., To the most sparkling of radiance ! (2)Thanksgiving Dinner by Mario Vitale Home for the holiday from New Orleans, with Mother and Father at the tiny drop leaf, brown rosewood, mahogany table with the gold, grinning claw feet; Father, choler- red-in the-face, short- sleeved white shirt and cane, says the blessing as Mother brings in the turkey and cranberry. Then Mother asks, “Won’t you have more?” and father : “Do you think Moll Flanders was a *****?” (I have suffered and bleached my hair blond.) I am silent before their replies. Mother sighs. “I can scarce speak to her.” And Father, too, quotes Shakespeare. (I am thin as paper and the rose- colored bowl of blown glass sitting on the silver stand, half- filled with water.) “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless daughter” (3) Song of Spring Today I heard a robin sing heralding the coming spring A song of exultation to the sky an ode to earth's awakening I saw a willow on the hill It's branches greening in the sun and all the earth seemed hushed & still sleeping streams began to run I heard a softly rising breeze whispering through the grass singing through the still bare trees waiting winter's chill to pass I saw the sun, so bright and warm warming the earth after the rain the buds and leaves, no frost to harm at least, at last, it's spring again. (4) The Ancients It's my last day with the old giants In mourning I hike the lost trails, sniffing the aroma of the bark, that cinnamon of the forest Under tepees of wood in a membrane of shadows, I stalk the earth, its mammal traces, its elusive tracks, to sit on a fallen log where spiders macramé, moss sloping to my knees unaware of invisibles within, grubbing in their tunnels A lizard taps my foot, responding, I muse to its touch, my thoughts like Indian visions, And when daylight mushrooms into night, and an owl hoots from cedar, I still sit with a lizard on my shoe Huddled with the ancients of the woods (5) Epiphany Written by: Mario Vitale It clings to the cliffed shore, to the wintered face of the thistle path, to the fingers of the old man's glove as he waves his memory homeward In that breath between come and go she moves up from the bay; gold turns her stride, the line of her dress, the soft sea pulling at her feet When he reaches out and the frail birds fly and the sun and the sky have married deep into the sea, it clings Even as his shadow threads retreat, it clings, even now as it dissolves to mist (6) A Return Home, Only Time Will Tell Written by: Mario Vitale Oh blessed hope ! Both hardly a believable dream, Sweltering heat with bloodshed in the street... Send the troops home ! There is no clear reason for them to roam.., These are desolate times ! For we have chosen ill faded rhymes.., The casualties are enormous ? For a stated cause that clearly atrocious.., A mother's cry as the door chime rings, A vanishing salute to freedom as the church choir sings ! Let us look above to all the heavenly love.., Merciful one, take this chip off my shoulder.., Stop the senseless fighting before our dear nation grows a bit colder, Suddenly, seeds were dropped out of a farmers bag, In time roots spring up fresh out of the fertile soil... As the sun heats up, Time will tell when this harvest will soon boil... In the vast game of life, One's time is so very brief ! The soul yearns for its' heavenly relief.., Share with others who may want to turn over a brand new leaf.., Time will tell of the true importance of helping one another, To never give into the finish line.., Nor harsh criticism that our society puts out ! Like a famous fighter in his final bout ! Time will tell of the return home, To the open arms of a loved one ! (7) A Valiant Knight Written by: Mario Vitale A Valiant Knight Death springs a new day basking in the breeze In solemn moments lets pause to think of a place A far off castle in the mountains away from it all A valiant knight lived in the structure of it's dwelling Those days of old where mere men had a noble demise A beautiful maiden was in waiting for her knight He would often fight for the cause of stregnth and dignity The draw bridge where the castle stood had a very unique aura A mystery of sort sought up in the vast array of crowned nobility For the king on his thrown was humble yet greedy Always would take care of himself caring nothing for the needy A valiant knight was concerned about the kings trust Often they would disagree on who it was to serve A joker came in front of the king one day with a magic wand Waving the wand in the air then there floated ivy everywhere For the court jester was a fool in the making of his legacy The maiden would often come forth and see For she treasured a red rose that was plucked sometime before Cherished the calling of her stature to the glory of the throne A valiant knight would often sing sweet songs in the night Had a following of village people that would sit before his feet Having a way of words that he would often share The castle was filled with dragons and warlocks searching for love A cause to be brave amidst uncertainty of the kingdom The legacy of golden capulets filled ardent vestibules Let us toast to the valiant knight who keeps a watch on all that is good (8) Hampton Beach The smell of fresh fry doe Time had elapsed playing at the casino Fresh lobster with a side order of fries Those spacious wonderful sky's Down at the shell the continental were playing A walk by the lady of a statue in waiting Flip flops and the sound of laughter A playground for kids in the middle The boardwalk with seagulls flocking over head Fire works in the midnight air with a cheer (9) God's World It is raining again. Summer will be over before it ever gets here Thunder rolls far away, drops hit the windshield, the sky turns gray The Sunflower, the blue Delpinium, the white Stinkwood drink the moisture greedily. The green and silver leaves of the Aspens sparkle as the rain hits them, and the wind turns them round and round The creek flows on, oblivious to the change in the weather. A break in the clouds allows a bit of sun to hit the side of a towering mountain Three cows slowly wend their way homeward. It is dusk. The gray clouds lift and the sun bursts through, before sliding behind the hills for the night It is God's World. He gives it to us to enjoy and to share with each other (10) Jake's House There was a man whose name was Jake Who had a house upon the lake Every morning he would wake And for breakfast have a piece of cake He had a private fishing hole; He always used a long cane pole He fried his fish on red hot coal And served it in a great big bowl For a pet, he had a cat (11) In The Zone Written by: Mario Vitale In The Zone whispers... through the dark deranged portals you evoke fear filled with angelic fervor on it's textual base yet we dig much deep then ever before cries in the dark will light the spark of what we need to know still we stand idle as the average novice introduces its spell along again then the sadness evokes a newer feeling dwindling through the vain extraction of the never world we visually see a flash then a new day approaches on the lawn two lovers having passionate *** the screams of vile extreme explodes throughout perhaps this is the place where Nero tread yet again I sit alone in my house now huddled in the corner the twilight sun has tainted my inner vision the howls of Satanic laughter gives a piercing shriek through a candle was lit by the edge of my bed One can remain lax in the quietness of the moment yet again the setting of the sun a new day has begun as we embark on the moment Does death hurt you the most or is it fear You can equate logic through a firm grasp of the hand whispers again... then a faint cry, we construct living pyramids to honor the dead A stroke of luck an the impulse ensues onto so much more but for what are we grasping for straws what are we searching for ? quietness again this time I'm in the zone as if zombie creatures with viscous long fangs that bite dripping blood off side we run away to hide no one questions anymore no one has a voice alone one last time yet feelings of grandeur awake to the message of hope that spills from the sky a challenge to be free is a question of time eyes with spots digging holes in a pool of blood Satan laughing again spreads his wings Suddenly I awake but to what ? (12) An End Of The Age Of Innocence Part III Written by: Mario Vitale In our fast paced twentieth century world.., We oft' have neglected to stop to smell the roses, Oft' we used to bow our heads silently to pray, As we reflect back to the sixties is had launched a pad to rebellion ! With a vast amount of liberal bias and thinking, No wonder why our nation is sinking.., Sinking amidst a cuss pool of mere morality.., For now it is a quite different time, A very unique but different type of day.., An end of the age of innocence, One hath been enlightened.., From seeking truth, Some fresh out of a garbage can.., Yet for Gods' sake, He hath such an amazing plan ! Hence, to shun the broad road, Yet to seek to venture in the narrow.., Such as a distant bird in flight ! You might see this creature venture out at night ? Of the Eagle nor the Sparrow.., It used to mean something to have a sense of common courteous.., To hold open the door for your neighbor ? Yet for the time being we relent and waiver.., Would you prefer another taste of a certain ice cream flavor ? To ponder we must be content with who we are in the inside.., Nor, a mere fancy suit or blazing sport's car, Life is a roller coaster.., In what you do while busy making other plans.., Finding solace among the height of nature., Such to think at what is quite simple, As a young child reflects on his or her poster board, Playing with their magic crayons.., For in eternity it is such a very long time ! Take heed in what you do, Now is the expectant hour ! What will one choose to do ? There can be no place nor need for any compromise, Within it's vast perpetual spectrum ! One just can't put a price tag on a genuine but unique heart ! Hence, with honest integrity.., The time for change is today ! (13) He Was There by Mario William Vitale From the inner silence of the lamb he was there In welcoming to the world to share Within the multiple of words the mouth speaks As a heart beats through the passage of time To every poem that was ever written To every burden ever lifted To rivers crossing where people living Sometimes loving other moments giving In storms that were outside brewing What is the significance of this love In painted pictures from above To every soldier in a battle To every cow amidst the cattle Not a second glance at any real romance A field of dreams throughout our head From both fire and ice will make you think twice Perhaps another chance at a roll of the dice When every kingdom comes thy will be done Shadows in the shining morn if there's a rose it bears a thorn, He was there in every circumstance When they tried to throw stones at her He was there drawing a line with his finger in the sand It is my hope that some day all will understand A glance at the past will tell us of our future Amidst the inner pain & uncertainty Through shadows in a field of dreams In moments of solace amidst the pain A light moved out upon the street outside A day that wasn't meant to be Thorn crown was pulled upon his head Those shouts of intense anger from the mob There was only one who would help him back on his feet, A light that brought only a few to greet Let us not run away & hide Each one of our sins was placed on that cross To lose the battle now would end in tragic loss Father please forgive them for they know not what they do He said the prayer now the rest is up to you That cross that broke a sinful world apart With his blood-soaked crown with spear in side To show the whole world he had nothing to hide The summoned cry brought about healing in the sky Watch the free angelic dove fly! (14) Momma Of Pearls by Mario William Vitale Since there's nothing I could find That was worth giving you, I sat down to think a while And write a line or two If I had a magic wand I'd wave it just for you, And give you anything you'd like No matter how many or few If I could give you back the years You so willingly gave to me I'm sure that you spend them over again The same as they used to be Remember when those days and nights Instead of going to the fair I'd always say tell me again The story of the three little bears I tried to get a strawberry pie But they were out of season Then I thought of gold Mario William Vitale Written by Mario William Vitale 48/M/Wolcott, Ct 310 Please log in to view and add comments on poems

[bleating-heart]

It is in the Nature of Dreams to End

Agatha remembered first meeting Kai. A giant cat with a lopsided smile sweeping the outside of a monetary up the tallest mountain she'd never wanted to climb. Dressed in a bright orange that clashed against his red-orange fur, a voice that sounded so hopeful, and sharp as a rack, she found him an oddity even amongst the other orevious-lycanthrope guards.

Did she really have time to dwell on him once the sounds of the training monks and Master Zhu Zhu rang high above the walls and a bell alerted everyone "HAE-SEONG IS A DRAGON WATCH YOUR ASS"? In all her honesty? No. Even stranger, but fantastic sights of martial students in perfectly synched rows, ceremonial oil lamps, heavy incense smoke rolling from burners would keep her attention first and foremost.

The second time Kai was forced to the front of her focus, was the fated death of the now Celestial Coatl, Master Zhu Zhu at the hand of his most treasured, and ultimated failed, student; the Black Dragon Lieutenant Sheng-Kai. The tiger Lycanthrope had let out a mournful cry and literally punched the doors of the monastery in outrage of the loss of his master. Agatha had remembered all too well the wail and reaction, as it was something that she too carried with her at the decimation of her village.

She had seen herself, and her body moved on its own.

The battle was long and difficult and very nearly fatal, but thanks to some overripe cranberry juice and the support of some bonded friends, everyone walked away from the encounter. For the third time that day, Kai had made himself a forefront thought in her mind. He had taken Hae-Seong's silvered scythe and severed Sheng-Kai's head from his body, throwing it into the entry way and smirking to himself, asking the others to mount it as a trophy on the walls. Zhu Zhu appeared to them as the last of his energy faded, congratulating them on their victory, and thanking Kai for watching over his students, as the monks made the decision for the Tiger to lead them after the passing of the old celestial.

Some miscommunicating on becoming a 'rider' of the man, and nearly convincing a disciplined man to drink, the team and their new feline member set off on their war path to right the wrong of Hae-Long.

They were inseparable from that moment. As two who worked in perfect synch, as two who supported one another, as two dim bulbs who made a whole halogen with their powers combined. Agatha was surprised when things started becoming... Charming? The gentle rumbling of tiger purrs and Kai drifted to sleep as she nestled into his side, his stupid laugh anytime anyone made a joke about 'mounting', his teasing agreement of Hae-Seong's insisting of her ownership of him... Him rushing into battle as long as she was at his side... His whispers of stories and old scribes when she woke with night terrors... How steady his heart beat was.

Was. Now wasn't that a funny word.

Agatha remembered nothing of how she awoke on the ground of the cliffside the had ascended from to get the the Cloud Giant's palace. She remembered a flash of lightning, and ultimate blackness. She had remembered the white hot feeling of regret as the world was torn from her as the blue dragon has leveled them exactly as Sheng-Kai had what seemed like so long ago. Hae-seong was sick at his stomach as he tried his best not to vomit as he replayed what happened to the Khan, and Keyon was nursing his panic attack when Agatha heard a phrase that made her blood run cold.

"Where's your tiger friend...?"

Almost as if fate was testing her, the final nimbus floated down with the limb body of the tiger-- no, the man, she wanted to see so badly. He didn't make it... There was nothing the Storm Spirit could do. Almost as if on cue, a hand placed itself on her shoulder. She felt nausea overtake her and she turned to see the spiritual figures of Zhu Zhu and human Kai, both clad in their robes, giving her the reassurance he was in a good place. Her voice cracked, barely above a whisper;

"Give him back, you asshole..."

Kai looked as if he was laughing as he faded from her view for the final time. Without hesitation, Hae-seong had turned to the others and told them he needed to start burial rites. Agatha stayed for a moment too long, as she was gently ushered back towards the group as Kai's body was gathered up. Where were they taking her friend...? She couldn't leave him right now, what if he wakes up...

Hand maidens in the Blue Dragon Palace helped her clean up and got her into a new set of clothes as the day came to a close. She didn't see Keyon for the rest of the night, and Hae-Seong had to spend a lot of time on his own preparing for the funeral that was to follow the next day. Agatha could hear him on and off of the sending stone, breaking the news to Kao-Kao, Li-Jiang, and Lu-Bu as well as touching base with Fizz and the Kobolds. She tried to find some comfort in it, knowing that the rest of their traveling family was still okay, but she still felt sick.

Agatha couldn't sleep that night. The room was too cold, too quiet... Too empty. All of the pillows in the world could fix the hurt she felt in her heart. Thoughts swirled together and soon became deafening in the silence;

I was supposed to protect him! I had one job! It's my fault he's dead! Why was I so fucking mean to him on the way there? It was over something so stupid! I'm supposed to be the one who goes!! I AM SUPPOSED TO KEEP THEM ALIVE!!

She forbids herself to cry, so the frustration takes itself out in another way; screaming. The halfling forces her face into one of the pillows she tried to build up into a nest and screams until her throat is raw.

The next morning comes, and the funeral begins. The court is all in mourning garb, and Hae-Seong starts the wake. He speaks of Kai fondly and highly. His accomplishments, his support, his dreams...

But Agatha knows them better than anyone ever will. This whisperings of Kai and how he wanted to change this land for the better, how proud he was that he could go back to the monks and grow with them, how Master Zhu Zhu had blessed him... How admirable it was she kept fighting for those who couldn't fight for themselves, how forgiveness comes with time and healing... How he would stay with her until she was sleeping. At the time, she found it stupid. He should wait up for her because she obviously would eventually go back to sleep. He didn't need to do all of that for her.

As the wake began to wrap up, Agatha found herself staring into the middle space of it all. Her anger was starting to become numbness as she started to internalize it all. The mutual care they had for eachother was something she should've treasured more while she had it. Sure he was fucking weird, but so was she. Hell, so were Hae-seong and Keyon... And Jinsei. Even the stupid horse was weird. He fit with them so well, it was wrong to see him not amongst them.

They moved to the coast line, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon, stars littering the fire colored sky. They had placed Kai's body in a vessel with ceremonial dried herbs and kindling as they pushed him out to sea, the water lazily pulling him into her depths. An arrow was lit and now knocked, as a court member offered the ceremonial weapon to Agatha. She felt the anger surface again as she refused to send the arrow to Kai to finish the rite.

"Why would I set my friend on fire?" She would mumble, but Keyon stepped up to finish the job. A well placed Ray of Scorching sent the boat into flames as the court of the blue dragon Khan lifted their heads and saluted the fallen with a timed breath of lightening. Hae-Seong has tried to comfort her with the reassurance of him being on the celestial plain, as was shown to him by Osmar, but she offered nothing in return. The dynasty born knew all too well the loss of Eros, so he let her be.

"If it's any consolation, I'll be finishing up the last of our plans and cleaning up the wake site. You're more than welcome to come and talk if you feel like it."

"Cool. I really don't feel like it."

Hae-Seong just nodded and left her be. He was wiser than to press her.

Agatha had returned to her room almost immediately after and crawled back into her nest. The night was bright with a full moon, and the soft light was pouring into her window along with the sound of waves. Blackness eventually overtook her, though where she arrived next was a mystery to her.

A soft light that felt almost fuzzy as she walked across a grassy knoll that was nearly as plush as fur surrounded her accompanied by the scent of incense she thought she'd forgotten all about. Her Auburn hair swirled around her as a guest of wind pushed her in a direction to go, following a newly formed oath lined with white pebbles through high, red orange temple gates. She felt her pulse quicken as she saw a figure waiting for her on the other side of the gate, clad in an orange robe with red wooden beads adorning his neck. A lopsided grin with a chuckle that sounded like purrs. She bolted to him, losing her footing as she passed through the gate, strong arms catching her before she got the ground.

"Woah! Don't tell me you've forgotten how to walk! Has riding tiger back spoiled you?" Kai teased, helping her to her feet.

"Really? Right now you're gunna do this?"

Kai couldn't help but laugh again at her as she scolded him for his intentional phrasing. He didn't have much time here, but the time he did have, he wanted to make it count. He knew what his death would mean for them, so why not leave on a higher note?

"You can't leave me, you know that right? It's too soon it's too much you can't leave me, you asshole!" Agatha feels the nausea overwhelm her again and hot tears sting at her eyes as they threaten to fall. Kai frowned and placed a tentative hand on her cheek, not knowing quite what to say.

"I know... Even if you forbid me to go, I cannot hold a place here in the world. I was given a chance to say goodbye, and I wanted to make the most of it," he starts, trying to choose his words carefully as the halfling woman knits her grows even tighter together as she shakily reaches up to cover hsi hand with her own.

"I am with Master Zhu Zhu now, and free from my painful curse of lycanthropy! I may have left the monastery in a bit of a tight spot, but I will speak to them before I leave this plane for the last time. It was an unfortunate end, but with the sacrifice of Jinsei, it wasn't in vain. It was just what date had decided for me, and I have made peace with that."

"You're dead because I was too stupid to move us in time to avoid the fucking lightning, Kai. It's my fault... All over again...!"

Kai frowned, wincing at the accusation. He hadn't expected her to take it so harshly, though he guessed he shouldn't be surprised.

"Agatha--"

"Don't."

"I'm sorry it had to be this way... It's not your fault."

"Shut up, Kai!!"

"Please."

The firm tone took her off guard, but she looked up at him to finally meet his eye. He looked as hurt as she felt, and it honestly made it worse. However, she took this as a sign to shut up herself and let him finish.

Kai gently pulled away from her and reached up, removing the beads from around his neck.

"I promise, you are destined for greatness. We have seen how your fate unfolds, and I swear you will be all of the good you want to be. I wish I could tell you, but it's not my place. Besides, I know you hate spoilers." He winks, Agatha not being able to help the half chuckle that falls passed her lips.

He slips the beads over her head, the heady smell of the monastery incense filling her nose as he does.

"I will always be with you. What kind of faithful steed would I be if I left you stranded?" She's about to argue when his lips cover hers. It's soft and almost feels unreal, but Agatha returns it nonetheless. It lasts but a moment before the larger man breaks away to rest his forehead to hers.

"I'm afraid it's time for me to go. Don't forget me when they're singing songs of your glory, alright?" He laughs, stepping back from her.

"Okay... Goodbye, Kai..." Agatha whispers, her world beginning to haze over as she's enveloped in the mist of waking. Kai waves to her as he faded from her for the last time.

"Goodbye, Agatha."

--

Agatha wakes to the sounds of rapping on her door.

"Miss Agatha? Breakfast is served. Your place at the table is being requested so they can start the war council."

She grunts back to the handmaid, dismissing her as she pulls herself up from her nest, still clad in her mourning garb.

It was a vivid dream and a strange one, but she supposed it offered her some kind of closure of--

What was that smell?

She sniffed a few more times before looking down, grasping at her chest. Red wooden beads...? Her voice cracked as a chuckle of realization rumbled in her throat. She guessed he remembered she liked to keep mementos... He really was an asshole, but she supposed he wouldn't be him if he wasn't.

Though she really didn't want to move, she scooted herself out of the bed and dressed herself in her common clothes for the morning. She tucked the beads into her tunic and headed out the door. Though she really didn't want to say goodbye, she supposed she would just have to accept that she had something to keep her motivated to keep fighting. It was selfish to force Kai to stick around in a world he was finished in. It was time to face the day, as her adventure in and of itself, was also drawing to a close.

After all, it is in the nature of dreams to end.

[tenaciouscupcaketaco]

“

1989-2017 Poetic Work Of Mario William Vitale

(Manuscript of Poet Mario William Vitale) From 1993-1997 - Attended State University in Connecticut,Attempted plays : Tartuffe, Miracle Of St. Anthony and Balm in Gieade,( His poetic aspirations had in 1989 from submitting his first poem entitled, "Remembrance Of A Loved One"- (Sparrowgrass Poetry Forum)Next from 1989-1997 ( Wrote primarily for Poetry.com and The International Library Of Poetry),* Received editors choice award in 1997 for poem, " A Beacon Of Light ",(1998) Sent poetic manuscript to N.Y. Time Magazine and Chief Editor " John Hyland".Back with rave reviews !* ( From 1999-2008:Had adapted a real keen sense of style for writing poetry: ( 1999- Sent Editorial to:New Man Magazine for the Passion of Christ Movie;Sent followup letter to company with poetry platform information attached,* 2000-2007 : Magazine : ( Catholic) Maries Rose Ferron Magazine submitted poem" Beacon Of Light", which had excellent editorial reviews as the outset !2008- Wrote poem entitled: ( The Heavy Cross) to Poetry.com* Achieved Poetry status of work of Excellence in writing from the Academy Of American Poetry in which still having received rank and status as a member of Academy;* ( The Connecticut Poetry Society)* Short story submitted entitled, "China Dog Ray" submitted to Virginia WritersQuarterly, West Virginia, Also having member status on their board of Poetry.* ( Attribute Poetry to an ever increasing love of God and his unconditional love that he has for us in return,Thankfulness toward family and friends.( To our past ancestors who fought to uphold freedom that far too many of us take for granted ?One needs a pure heart that's fixed on truth,This is in order to withstand the true great test of time !Life is way too short,Press toward the goal or mark of our high calling that is in Christ Jesus The Lord !~My contempoarry artists include that of ellan Bryant Voight, Kay Ryan and carl Phillips.Which all three are Participants in the Academy Of American Poetry.* Having been a member since 2006,My work reflects the likes of past poets such as C.S.Lewis, Hawthorne and edgar Allen Poe.Most of my work reflects with the values of religious beliefs intact,( In my personal view it is essential in demonstrating a real heart of creativepassion !The reader I believe will benefit by my artistic style of development in a verypositive light.)To further the need for poetry to become more main stream, Mario Vitale was born in Bristol , Ct Has developed a skill for writing poetry in the free verse form. has been featured on Hubpages.com, Starlitecafe.com & Poetry soup. Vitale lives with his elderly mother Ann Soulier in Wolcott, Ct. Currently has written well over 1,000 poems & 2 short story's toward credit platform. Vitale has taken the poetic world by storm being featured on Google, Yahoo & MSN. Looks up to contemporaries in the poetry industry such as John Ashbery & Major Jackson. Has been a favorite featured poet reader at Barnes & Noble in Waterbury, Ct. Also featured on such sites as Poetry soup, Writer's café & Neo Poet. Mario William Vitale 1 Winfield Drive Wolcott, ct 06716 A Beacon Of Light Written by: Mario Vitale A beacon of light to a much hurting world in need ! Can't help but to claim.., Some sense of identity, Stregnth and encouragement only come from above ! Amidst in the distance, the trapped seagull.., Lieth frightened but still yet adrift ! In a most vengeful fashion striking the passing fish, A true source of hope, Yet a most triumphal beam ! This beacon of light shineth forth, Passerby's can err' escape the helping hand.., To the most sparkling of radiance ! (2)Thanksgiving Dinner by Mario Vitale Home for the holiday from New Orleans, with Mother and Father at the tiny drop leaf, brown rosewood, mahogany table with the gold, grinning claw feet; Father, choler- red-in the-face, short- sleeved white shirt and cane, says the blessing as Mother brings in the turkey and cranberry. Then Mother asks, “Won’t you have more?” and father : “Do you think Moll Flanders was a whore?” (I have suffered and bleached my hair blond.) I am silent before their replies. Mother sighs. “I can scarce speak to her.” And Father, too, quotes Shakespeare. (I am thin as paper and the rose- colored bowl of blown glass sitting on the silver stand, half- filled with water.) “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless daughter” (3) Song of Spring Today I heard a robin sing heralding the coming spring A song of exultation to the sky an ode to earth's awakening I saw a willow on the hill It's branches greening in the sun and all the earth seemed hushed & still sleeping streams began to run I heard a softly rising breeze whispering through the grass singing through the still bare trees waiting winter's chill to pass I saw the sun, so bright and warm warming the earth after the rain the buds and leaves, no frost to harm at least, at last, it's spring again. (4) The Ancients It's my last day with the old giants In mourning I hike the lost trails, sniffing the aroma of the bark, that cinnamon of the forest Under tepees of wood in a membrane of shadows, I stalk the earth, its mammal traces, its elusive tracks, to sit on a fallen log where spiders macramé, moss sloping to my knees unaware of invisibles within, grubbing in their tunnels A lizard taps my foot, responding, I muse to its touch, my thoughts like Indian visions, And when daylight mushrooms into night, and an owl hoots from cedar, I still sit with a lizard on my shoe Huddled with the ancients of the woods (5) Epiphany Written by: Mario Vitale It clings to the cliffed shore, to the wintered face of the thistle path, to the fingers of the old man's glove as he waves his memory homeward In that breath between come and go she moves up from the bay; gold turns her stride, the line of her dress, the soft sea pulling at her feet When he reaches out and the frail birds fly and the sun and the sky have married deep into the sea, it clings Even as his shadow threads retreat, it clings, even now as it dissolves to mist (6) A Return Home, Only Time Will Tell Written by: Mario Vitale Oh blessed hope ! Both hardly a believable dream, Sweltering heat with bloodshed in the street... Send the troops home ! There is no clear reason for them to roam.., These are desolate times ! For we have chosen ill faded rhymes.., The casualties are enormous ? For a stated cause that clearly atrocious.., A mother's cry as the door chime rings, A vanishing salute to freedom as the church choir sings ! Let us look above to all the heavenly love.., Merciful one, take this chip off my shoulder.., Stop the senseless fighting before our dear nation grows a bit colder, Suddenly, seeds were dropped out of a farmers bag, In time roots spring up fresh out of the fertile soil... As the sun heats up, Time will tell when this harvest will soon boil... In the vast game of life, One's time is so very brief ! The soul yearns for its' heavenly relief.., Share with others who may want to turn over a brand new leaf.., Time will tell of the true importance of helping one another, To never give into the finish line.., Nor harsh criticism that our society puts out ! Like a famous fighter in his final bout ! Time will tell of the return home, To the open arms of a loved one ! (7) A Valiant Knight Written by: Mario Vitale A Valiant Knight Death springs a new day basking in the breeze In solemn moments lets pause to think of a place A far off castle in the mountains away from it all A valiant knight lived in the structure of it's dwelling Those days of old where mere men had a noble demise A beautiful maiden was in waiting for her knight He would often fight for the cause of stregnth and dignity The draw bridge where the castle stood had a very unique aura A mystery of sort sought up in the vast array of crowned nobility For the king on his thrown was humble yet greedy Always would take care of himself caring nothing for the needy A valiant knight was concerned about the kings trust Often they would disagree on who it was to serve A joker came in front of the king one day with a magic wand Waving the wand in the air then there floated ivy everywhere For the court jester was a fool in the making of his legacy The maiden would often come forth and see For she treasured a red rose that was plucked sometime before Cherished the calling of her stature to the glory of the throne A valiant knight would often sing sweet songs in the night Had a following of village people that would sit before his feet Having a way of words that he would often share The castle was filled with dragons and warlocks searching for love A cause to be brave amidst uncertainty of the kingdom The legacy of golden capulets filled ardent vestibules Let us toast to the valiant knight who keeps a watch on all that is good (8) Hampton Beach The smell of fresh fry doe Time had elapsed playing at the casino Fresh lobster with a side order of fries Those spacious wonderful sky's Down at the shell the continental were playing A walk by the lady of a statue in waiting Flip flops and the sound of laughter A playground for kids in the middle The boardwalk with seagulls flocking over head Fire works in the midnight air with a cheer (9) God's World It is raining again. Summer will be over before it ever gets here Thunder rolls far away, drops hit the windshield, the sky turns gray The Sunflower, the blue Delpinium, the white Stinkwood drink the moisture greedily. The green and silver leaves of the Aspens sparkle as the rain hits them, and the wind turns them round and round The creek flows on, oblivious to the change in the weather. A break in the clouds allows a bit of sun to hit the side of a towering mountain TRate this poem:(0.00 / 0 votes)

Mario William Vitale