James Crow

“He looked over here.” “No he looked over here, you filthy shadow!” “Guys stop fighting!” “Aren't you going to spank him or something!” As the four heroes and heroines discussed (argued) where the stone was hidden, an ancient hand reached out and pushed a stalagmite over. And each of the party fell down a separate trap door. Then there was silence as the stalagmite righted itself. The trapdoors closed back up and the hand crept back into the shadows. ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ James turned and twisted down a long slide, slowly getting queasy. Finally it deposited him onto a pile of 'soft' rocks. With a slight groan of pain James stood up and looked around. He was in a new part of the cave system, and it was foggy, very foggy. He walked around a bit and couldn't find his friends. So he was about to call out when he heard, “James?” He looked closer into the fog and saw an outline inside the fog. Walking closer he reconsigned it as Brighid. She saw him to and ran over to him. “James! I was so worried.” She gave him a hug, then looked around. “Where are the others?” James just shook his head, “Not a clue. But we should start looking for them, the fog is starting to get worse.” He started to walk away until he heard Brighid say, “James?” Turning he saw that she was looking very sheepish, playing with her fingers and avoid his eyes. “What are you going to wish for?” James smiled and said, “To be cured of course.” She gave him a questioning look. “I don't think so.” James looked a little surprised, “Why?” “You always have a plan,” she responded. “That watch on your wrist is most likely stopping the effects till you get the medicine from one of your 'friends'. Otherwise, by the look of your eyes, you shouldn't be able to see anything.” James gave a small laugh and continued his quest to find his other friends. “Figured everything out have we.” “I bet you want to trade places with Alex.” James just stopped, his back to her and he started to laugh, “Why would I want to do that?” “So you could be my lover.” James froze, no longer laughing, eyes wide with shock. 'what,' he thought, back still to her. Brighid gave a sly grin at his reaction, “I'm right aren't I.” She walk over to him and leaned in close, pressing her body to his, whispering into his ear. “is that what you want, would I even be able to resist?” She pulled away from his ear and walked in front of him, swaying her hips seductively, saying, “Though if that is what you want, all you need to do was ask. I always thought you were sexy.” She spun on her heel to look at James, her sly smile still on her face. James quickly bowed, regaining enough of his composer to hide his blushing face from her. “You give me to much credit my Lady,” he said, voice cracking a bit. “But I'm not that handsome.” She looked at him, hand on her chin, and said, “Then it's to be hidden.” With a quick shiver, James froze again, still bowed. 'how,' he thought. “Ozymandias called you an elder. Now I've met a few elders since I've shown up, and you don't act like them,” she started to walk towards James, who was shaking in fear. Arms behind her back, her grin never fading. “You seem to lack confidence, and try too hard. It seems like you are trying be like them. Like a kid in his dad's shoes.” She squatted down in front of James. Looking straight up into his eyes, grinning, and said, “It's so cute!” James looked at her, and though having a great view, he only saw that smile! He quickly stood and spun around, panicked, thinking, 'when did I slip up? no one should be able to read me this well!' Then his panic turned into anger. “You know nothing of me!” he roared. “Just get out of here and leave me alone!” “You always were.” James spun around and noticed that no one was there, just a broken mask where Brighid once stood. He fell to his knees as realization of what happened hit him. The fog slowly circled him, like a predator closing in. James just watched, a look of defeat covering his face. Then the fog took him.

James and Scheherazade ran back to where they left there friends. They stopped short when they only spied Brighid there. When she saw them she let out a sigh of relief and said, “Ozymandias vanished, then giant frogs, then the rubber chicken, then Alex led them away.” It looked as though she was going to cry. James looked down at Scheherazade and noticed that she was smiling. Then in a blink of an eye the little girl ran, stumbling a few times for effect, towards Brighid crying, “BRIGHID!” Scheherazade hugged Brighid, sobbing. Brighid gave a soft sigh, “It's okay, Scheherazade.” She pushed the girl away and put her arms on her shoulders reassuringly. Scheherazade covered her face, sobbing, “Jam..James tried to feed me to the frogs!!!!” Brighid looked shocked, then shot a stern glance at James. Scheherazade peaked out from between her fingers and figured James still need more punishment, so she continued her act, “He...he also said that these frogs are because of the wicked, warty, witch Brighid!!” James was impressed by continued her act, , but had a shiver go down his spine when he saw the flash of anger in Brighid's gaze.

This is a dramatization of real life events, names have been changed to protect those involved.... It started like most love stories. He was a shy factory worker, and so was she. At first, it seemed like nothing, just two people working together. But as time passed and the days grew colder, they found themselves working, closer and closer. Then the day came, that they found themselves in each others arms. A soft, violin played on the radio, and they danced. One look into each others eyes, and they knew it was real. But things like that, sadly, don't last forever. He had just came back to work, after a long weekend to find her missing. Thinking nothing of it, he continued to work. But days past, and an emptiness grew in him. Finally he had enough and went to find her. It didn't take him long. She was thrown in the corner, like a piece of trash. Her neck broken. How had this happened? Was it from a person, jealous of what they had. Maybe some one out for revenge. Or maybe it was an accident, a wrong step as she practiced her dance. Whatever happened, didn't matter to him. He stood there, stunned in silence, a storm slowly building inside him. Then finally he let out a thunderous roar of pain, followed shortly by a torrent of tears. And he fell to his knees, and held her close. As he did, their song played in his head. But it was different. The tempo started to pick up, as a look of mania spread through his eyes. He took her to his work station. He, a mere man, contemplating the very essence of mortality, tried to preform the work of the gods! The song reached a frantic pace, and he started to work. He was going to bring her back! And when the violin hit the climax of the song, he once again fell to his knees. And the tempo, slowed to a crawl. He couldn't save her, she was gone. And as the violin's final note slowly vanished, the room was silent. Except for the sound, of one man weeping. This is dedicated to my late dance partner, One could say, she swept me off my feet. There will never be a broom like her again.

Meanwhile back at the Candy Tavern, James and Scheherazade started to run away from the giant frog. “Where are we going,” screamed Scheherazade as James carried her up the stairs, nearly avoiding the seeking amphibian tongue. “If I'm right,” James started, “then right....yes! My room.” He stopped in front of an almond bark door and opened it. Once inside he put Scheherazade down and bared the door. With a sigh he turned around and immediately screamed, “WHAT HAPPENED TO MY ROOM?!” James quaint room was covered in bright colored candy, his bed had become a large marshmallow, covered in fruit-wrap sheets, and his self proclaimed prized writing desk was peanutbrittle with candy cane legs. Scheherazade just giggled, “dark and brooding.” “Shut up,” hissed James, “At least my clothes are...” He opened the closet and slowly started to weep. “FRUIT WRAPS!!” laughed the little girl hysterically, not able to hold it in any longer. “shut up,” he hissed through clenched teeth. “I wonder if my room is like this...do you think the toilet is fixed?” “I think it is a fondue fountain.” She started to drool, thinking of an infinite supply of chocolate. Then she stopped a minute to think then looked at James. “My...” James nodded, “Where I,” James started to grin while he nodded, “EWWWWWW!” finished fondue as she pieced it together. “Your sick!” James just shrugged. Then there was a bang at the door, and they both looked at it, not even breathing. Then another bang and the door splintered a bi and they could see the frogs eye looking through the hole. Scheherazade let out a shriek as James grabbed a piece of broken brittle and said, “I've got an idea.” Before Scheherazade could ask what, James unlocked and opened the door. Scheherazade let out another shriek as the frog went for her. Then as the frog leapt inside, James dove the broken piece of candy door into the frog's head, killing it. As both of them stood there for a minute, looking at the dead frog, Scheherazade blew up, “YOU TRIED TO FEED ME TO A FROG!” James just shrugged and nodded. “I'm going to tell Brighid!” “Tell her what,” James said with a sly grin, “A giant frog? Like she will believe that.” Scheherazade just glared at him, then James looked around once more before rushing to the window. Scheherazade was looked puzzled and was about to ask why, when James said, “Could it be? I don't believe it.” “What?” James just shook his head and replied, “This all makes sense!” Scheherazade took a step back and nodded. “Right! Now you wait here, and I'll go get Brighid to examine your head.” James looked up and smiled at her, “ha..ha..ha. Real funny.” Scheherazade just smiled, she thought so. “This is the treasure room! Everything is here because it is something we treasure. The Pen, candy, it just combined cause we where together.” Scheherazade nodded, following the mad-mans logic, “Then who treasures frogs?” “Must likely that witch, Brighid.” They both gave a quick smile, different reasons, James thinking it was funny and Scheherazade because she was going to tell Brighid what James said. James turned to look out the glass-candy, stained window. “I wonder if the others are doing alright.” They both gave each other a quick look. And with a nod, they were off to be reunited with their friends.

“What could this mean?” James asked, away from the conflict of flies and frogs, at the scene before him. The village him and Scheherazade where in was a exact replica of the Mighty Pen, that lay far above. “Well this is a treasure room,” Scheherazade said with a sly grin. James gave her a stern look, “If you are telling me that someone is saying that the Mighty Pen is the true treasure I'm going to throttle my writer!” "Why?" Scheherazade asked, puzzled. "Cause it's cheesy and I'm a serious, dark, and brooding character," said James crossing his hands, as if he was pouting. Scheherazade started to roll on the floor laughing. After a good minute of James glaring at her she looked at him, still laughing to herself, and said, “Didn't you also say this is the portal room.” James nodded, “I did.” He put a fingure on his chin, ignoring the little girls laughing. Then he went up to the 'Tavern of the Quill' and opened the door, and looked inside. The inside looked like the tavern but everything was made of....”CANDY!!” shouted Scheherazade as she rushed in and attacked a gingerbread and candy-cane chair. “This isn't right,” James mused as he stepped in, looking around at all the candy furniture. “Normally, witches live in places like this.” He felt a warm breath on the back of his neck. “Stop that, now what was I sawing...right, witches. There is no witch in the Pen and witches don't guard trea.....” The breathing got harder. “I SAID STOP THAT SCHEHERAZADE!” The little girl poked her head up from behind the counter in front of him, munching on a glasscandy bottle filled with soda. “what?” she asked. “I told you to stop breathing down the....back.....of.....” He looked at the girl in front of him, as it slowly clicked, he turned around, slowly. He found himself, eye to leathery green muscular chest. Then his eyes looked up at the things head and saw it to be that of a frog. A frog the size of a volkswagen beetle! “RIBBIT!!!!!” the thing belched in James' face. “this is just not my day,” James hissed, the screamed, “RUN!!!”

James stood from the water, and realised that it had turned to blood! Then he looked at the old Egyptian and said, "Know anything bout waters of blood?" Then he looked up at the naked mage with a smile, "How's it going?" Then at the charging brute, "riiiiight, need to start running!"

As James and Scheherazade walked towards the town she looked at him and said, “I'm hungrrrry!” James said, “And where there is a town there has got to be, what?” “FOOD!” Scheherazade finished with new found energy. James nodded and smiled. When they got to the town they stopped at one of the buildings. It looked exactly like....but it couldn't be. “James,” whispered Scheherazade, “This looks familiar.” James gave a quick look around and with a gulp replied, “They all do...It looks just like the Mighty Pen!”

"Okay," James said, "Lets go use the stone, it will fix everything." "But none of us knows where it is," said Brighid. "Riight," responded James. Then after a thoughtful look around he grinned. "Lets split up and look for clues! I will go with Scheherazade. Brighid, you get Alex and Ozymandious." Then he leaned in closer and whispered, "keep an eye on him, he looks a but shady." Brighid nodded and whispered back, "good idea, he is acting a bit funny." "Who?" asked James, looking confused. "Ozymandious, who were you talking about?" "Alex," James reponded with a wink. Brighid gave gave James a funny look, then Scheherazade pulled on Brughid's cloak and whisper in her ear, "It's cause he's a shadow." Brighid gave James a stern look. But couldn't help but show a small smile as James and Scheherazade started to laugh. Then the two rascals walked off towards the small village. Leaving Brighid alone with her lover, and a freaky egyptain....by this point stuff like this had started to seem, normal.

“Well, started James, looking at the old Egyptian puzzlingly, “The....OUCH!!...Not so tight you witch!” He said glaring Brighid, who at this point was bandaging the goo covered hands so James could use them. “I'm not a witch, I'm a healer,” she replied, giving the bandages another tug. “There's no proof of that,” hissed James. Scheherazade started to laugh. Then he and Scheherazade noticed that Brighid had stopped. She was looking down and was crying. Then out of the corner of his eye he saw the shadow man Alexander out of the corner of his eye. Ozymandias looked on the scene with interest, and so did another. Another on top of a hill, watching events unfold.

“That is simple not fair,” James hissed from his vantage point. “He beat the test and you add more. That's cheating, and I hate cheaters!” With that said he dived at the brute with all the grace befitting a corpse. The thing just swung the body it carried into James which sent him flying, right towards Ozymandias! Ozymandias seeing this ducked and James flew through the wall behind him. And right into the butcher that was fighting Tzimfemme. They both just looked surprised.

James gave his other hand to Brighid and sighed, “Spoilsport.” Then noticing Scheherazade giggling looked at her and said, “Whose side are you on.” “Both,” she replied proudly, with a grin. Then James looked at the almost shadow less Ozymandias said, “Yeah, having a bit of end of the world fun up there...wait a minute...” James raised an eyebrow and continued, “Friends? We? Came back!?! Seems to me there is a tale there. Do you know where they are, do you need help finding them?”

James smiled and gave a bow, as Scheherazade gave a curtsey, to the newcomer. “So, what brings you here?” James asked, holding out his hand so Brighid could mend it. Because of the distraction, she didn't notice that James gave her the wrong hand, or that this one looked as if it were just recently cut open on some jagged rocks. As Brighid did her magic and treated James' hand, James gave Scheherazade a sly smile. Scheherazade just giggled. Alexander walked over to the newcomer and asked, “Do you know of a stone that grants wishes residing around here?"

The corpse of James watched the events unfold from a vantage point on one of the support beams. The old Egyptian looked spry for his age. Left, right, right, left, down, swing, spin, back, back, swing. The dance hall hadn't changed its purpose. It remained a dance, yet consequence had been added, at least James didn't think death was normal for a bad dance, though he could be wrong. But the old man was winning. So James took so time to muse to himself. 'The person that moves the pieces in a game of chess. I hate those people. Self-proclaimed gods, puppeteers, doomsayers. They all have disappointed me in the past. This one seems to be no exception.” Then James had to pay attention to the dance hall again. A new dancer had made an appearance. This new dancer was bigger than the ones the old man fought, red eyes glowing with hate, wielding a large wicked looking blade in one hand, and in the other dragging what looked like a.....body?

James just looked at the scene in front of him. 'How did this get so far out of hand?' he thought, 'Well might as well come clean.” He started to stand and let out a sigh, looking up into the dark he said, “The truth, I'm not good at.” The others looked at him with mixed emotions. “I wear 'mask' to protect myself, and those I care about.” He looked at Scheherazade giving her a smile, shrugged, and simply said, “Sorry.” Then he leaned on one of the the rocks littering the 'campsite', and looked down. “In my past, the truth never helped me. Though I never lied.” He looked at Brighid, and smiled, “Don't worry about the illness, the watch will buy me enough time. And sorry for the crack on your talents, I know it's not witchcraft. Just trying to make your choice easier.” He let out another sigh, “That's not going to happen.” He looked up at the stone ceiling far above them. “This place is the treasure and portal room. Home to some of the most dangerous and powerful items housed in the Mighty Pen. And the item we seek is here, a wishing stone.” The group waited for more. But when James didn't speak for a few minutes Brighid grew ferocious. She stood up and said, “You still haven't answered my questions about my love! And keep talking about choices and a price, what do you mean?!?” James slid down the stone he was leaning on and sigh, “Right, him. When he saved Scheherazade she got some of his memories. She told me of course and I started to piece things together. You did kill him, sorry.” Brighid turned to her love and tears started to well up in her eyes. “But he is like me,” James continued, “He made deals. He asked demons for a wish, and they granted it. He wish to see you again, Brighid. But the demons twisted it and made him a herald of destruction.” She wasn't able to hold back the tears and they started to pour down her face. The Shadow moved close to her, holding her, trying to comfort her. Wanting to cry with her, but couldn't. James continued, “That is the price of free wishes, the one we're after is different, this is a fair price. A destiny to rewrite a destiny.” The group look at James as he smiled, “Though it is a bit of a pain. It takes two people with a wish, me and him,” James pointed to the Shadow. “Then a person to choose, that is you,” indicating Brighid. “But,” she said, “I don't want either of you to die.” James shook his head, “Not death. The one you don't choose has his destiny erased. There is no coming back from that, ever! And I know you don't want to hurt either of us. Even though I tried to make it easy for you, you saw past it. But that is why it has to be you.” “Is there any other way,” she started as James started to grin, “You said there is always other choices.” James nodded, “I did. You can sacrifice both of us to make a wish for yourself.” She took a step back, the look of why all over her face. James just kept grinning, “Two destinys, a more powerful wish. With it you could have almost anything, or even go so far as to free the Pen from this current evil. Or we could leave, that will solve nothing though. But the price is fair. Even ask Scheherazade, she is very familiar with wishes.” Brighid had almost forgot about the little girl. She turned and saw Scheherazade nodding, tears falling from her face as she stared at James. “Dummy!,” cried the little girl as she ran into James' arms. James looked up at Brighid, still smiling but this time tears where coming from his eyes. “I am willing to make this sacrifice,” he started, “and, I believe, so is your lover,” the Shadow nodded. “So,” James finished, “Now that you know, what will you do, continue or go back. Your choice?”

I plan to go find it, and the top one I worte was easier.

Not good at these things, but had to give it a try, so how do you like. Snow falls beside me, Counting each flake slowly pass by, Lost in the moment.

Brighid quickly composed herself and held the glass of tea up for James saying, “Here, drink this. It will take the chill from your bones.” James took it as he walked by and headed for the other side of the fire, almost walking into it. Scheherazade, looking at James fearfully, slowly gravitated towards Brighid. James sat on the ground and as he took a sip of tea Brighid noticed his hand. It had what looked like a large, painful, oozing sore on it that she didn't remember seeing before. “that looks like it hurts, let me see it.” As she started over to him he said, “No, its fine.” He then quickly put his hand in his pocket. She reached him and knelt down beside him saying, “Its okay, I'm a healer.” He just pushed his hand deeper into his pocket. Brighid sighed, she remembered dealing with stubborn patients back home, though those were children, not grown men. “Let me see the boo-boo.” She then garbed James' arm and started to pull it out. “I said it is fine,” James protested. But Brighid just pulled harder. “Let go,” James growled. Brighid just redoubled her efforts. Slowly the hand started to come out. And as it finally left the pocket, James slapped her across the face with his other hand. “LET GO OF ME YOU WITCH!” he roared. She took a step back holding the side of her cheek, stunned. Scheherazade latched onto her side, once again frightened by James' strange behavior. The Shadow rose and growled, “That's it, I'm gonna.....” “What,” James growled back, pointing at the Shadow with his wounded hand, “You are merely a dream demon.” The Shadow stopped. James saw Brighid's puzzled look from the corner of his almost blind eyes and smiled. “You didn't know, Brighid? Your lover is a demon bond to that world of dreams. Perhaps he always was, maybe the whole affair was a dream to make you abandon your home.” Brighid just stood there, shaking her head. “Don't listen to him,” the Shadow pleaded, “He is lieing, trying to turn us against each other.” He started to step closer to Brighid, then he froze in horror as James said, “If that is true, then what is the Shadows name?” Scheherazade finally looked out from behind Brighid's cloak and gasped in terror as she saw James wounded hand. “You are still infected by the Butcher's virus!” she exclaimed.

James spun back around and they continued down the dark tunnel, only the small light of the candle lead them. Brighid felt a tug on her cloak and hear a soft voice say, “i'm hungry.” She let out a scream. Brighid turned to see the monster that grabbed her, it was.....only Scheherazade who was standing there in shock. Then another hand touched Brighid on the shoulder, and she let out another scream as the Shadow said, “Don't worry I'm right here.” “I WANT TO GO HOME!,” screamed Brighid, her fear of the dark finally over coming her. She collapsed onto the floor and she started to cry. Both the Shadow and Scheherazade tried to comfort her. The Shadow looked at James and said, “Brig the light over here.” But James just stood there, keeping Brighid's form out of the lights radius. The Shadow started to stand up and repeated, “Bring over the light James!” Brighid looked at James, blurred in her vision. “please,” she begged. He just looked at her and growled, “Stop wasting time,” then turned and started to walk away. The Shadow chased after him determined to get the candle from him. But when he got close James simply said, “How about we all go into the dark.” Then he blew out the candle. “NO!” cried Brighid as she closed her eyes. Then she heard sounds of oooo's, awww's, and James laughing. She decided to open her eyes and witnessed the most amazing thing she had ever seen. They where on the crest of a mountain overlooking a small deserted village in a small valley below. They where still underground but it was all lit up, almost as if in twilight. Then she saw hundreds of....floating lights? They where of every color, dancing to a tune of there own. “They are a form of Willow-wisp,” James said, “They are what lights this part of the cave, impossible to see, unless it is pitch dark around you. They are the light in the dark, hope in the void of depression,” he let out a sigh of relief, “We are getting close.” It was so peaceful, so quiet. Then the quietness was broken by Scheherazade stomach rumbling. James spun around, glaring at the girl, he started to walk towards her. Brighid couldn't stand by this time and put the girl protectively behind her. “She is just hungry, James,” she said trying to defuse the situation. But when she looked in James' dead eyes she saw only anger, and she wasn't gonna be enough to stop it. The Shadow saw this to and stood between her and James. James stopped, then turned and marched angrily down to the village. But Brighid had enough, she marched right after him. As she passed her lover she looked at him and whispered, “Take care of Scheherazade, I'm going to talk to James.” He gave her a worried look. “Don't worry,” she said reassuringly, “He won't touch me.” “I'll kill him if he does,” replied her lover. ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ Brighid chased after James and followed him into a group of jagged rocks. After a while she found herself at the foot of a beautiful lake. It was stunning shade of blue, almost as if it where liquid sapphire, with those strange lights dancing just inches from the mirror like reflective surface. Then she hear a drop of water hit the lake and looked at the place it landed, and saw in the rippled refection, James, tears slowly falling from his eyes. When she tried to look around for him she couldn't see him anywhere, so she looked back at the refection and asked, “Whats going on here?” the anger still in her voice. She watched as James wiped the tears from his eyes and down. “I'm sorry,” he said, no hint of anger in his voice, only pain. “I was trying to make the choice easy for you, but it so hard to push those you care about away,” another tear fell into the lake, “Did you know that Fate doesn't like to be cheated,” he said, trying to change subjects. “So even trying to cheat her comes at a price, and you will have to make that choice, I wish it didn't have to be you, and I'm sorry I can't make it easier for you. I am so USELESS!” With that he throw a rock into his reflection. Brighid watched as the mirror liquid, sapphire, mirror mended itself, but when it did she was surprised....James was gone. Then she almost had a heart attack as James' voice came from behind her saying, “Take care of Scheherazade for me.” She spun around and saw James giving her that playful grin he had when they first met. She glared at him as he walked past. “that wasn't funny,” she chided, “And what are you doing know?” He started to remove his shirt and replied, “Yes it was, and taking a dip in this lake.” Her look of why went unanswered. Then he continued, “So you should leave.” Then as he started to remove his pants she got the hint and turned around. “Though I guess there are always other options,” he said teasingly. And before she could ask, 'what does that mean exactly,' he dived in.

As the corpse of James walked down the many twisting ways he asked the old pharaoh a question, "In chess, who moves the kings?" Ozymandias knew the answer couldn't be as simple as it would seem. And while he pondered that Corpse James pushed a stone and went down a passage unfamiliar to Ozymandias. But he followed. Ozymandias found himself in a large.....ballroom? There were dancers all around him, but James had vanished. “Welcome old one,” oozed a voice from all around him. Though it seemed as if the dancers didn't notice. “I must see if you are worthy to meet me. So you will have to pass three challenges. The first one is simply a test of strength.” Then the voice burst out in an oozing laugh, and all the dancers drew swords and charged Ozymandias.

James looked at Brighid and smiled, “A wish is real, it is how you can cheat Fate.” Scheherazade pointed at James and said, “You've cheated Fate lots of times.” James gave her a harsh glare and barked, “Quite girl.” Scheherazade quickly looked back at the ground, her long hair covering her face. But in the stillness of the caverns everyone could hear her trying to hold back tears. “Now back to what I was saying,” James said turning back to Brighid and the Shadow, “I have cheated death and chance, both are very easy. But Fate plays a different game. In life we have a destination planed for us called our destiny. Fate deals us a hand, and we play the cards we are given till we reach the end.” Everyone looked at him confused. Even Scheherazade looked up at James as though he had gone mad. “But if that is true,” said the Shadow piecing it together, “then there is no luck in life.” “Or hope,” finished Brighid. James let out a large grin as he leaned on a stalagmite, “Your right. There is no luck or hope, just how we play the cards we're dealt.” Scheherazade went to say something, but with one look from James she quickly turned it into defeated silence. James just ignored her and continued, “A wish, a miracle, or what ever you want to call it, are all the same thing. A way to cheat Fate. To rewrite your destiny!” “So who gets the wish,” asked the Shadow as he pulled Brighid a little closer. “How mad would would you be,” spoke James, “if I said, all things are revealed in due time.” The Shadow glared at James and squeezed Brighid's hand tighter. Scheherazade let out a little giggle. At that sound James marched over there angrily and slapped Scheherazade hard across the face. “DON”T DO THAT AGAIN!” he roared. She looked at him stunned, tears forming in her eyes. Brighid covered her mouth in shock, and even the Shadow took a step back. Nobody moved as the sound echoed over and over through the cavernous ruins, till all was once again silent. Then the mournful bells of James' watch sounded and he turned, in that moment Brighid saw James' eyes grow paler. Then he said, “Let's go, time grows short.” The others stood there a bit longer, frozen in that horrific scene that had just taken place. Then everything seemed to unfreeze. The Shadow let go and followed James, as Brighid rushed over to comfort the now hysteric girl. But as she did she had to wonder if her mind was playing tricks on her, cause it looked as if James was going blind.

In another portion of the Pen.... Scheherazade, Brighid, and the Shadow found James waiting outside. “Where ready.” James didn't look up, something was on his mind. Then he started to walk in the direction of the Tower. The others watched then followed. They traveled in silence. When they reached the Tower, James went to one side and stepped on a rock, opening a secret door. “Not there James,” pleaded Scheherazade as she hid behind Brighid, remembering the place as the way to the prisons. “Then stay here if you want,” barked James, as he descended the stairway. The Shadow followed James almost immediately. Scheherazade let out a sniffle, but when Brighid looked at her she quickly changed her face into a fake smile. Then with a nod they both followed. James waited at the bottom of the stairs. When he saw that Scheherazade was still there he shook his head is disappointment saying, “Here.” He pushed a stone and behind it was a giant glowing stone. “This is the fastest way to our destination.” “And that would be?” Brighid asked, hoping for a straight answer...when would she learn. James, for the first time in a while let slip a wicked grin. “Simple my Lady,” he replied, “The center of The Mighty Pen!” With that he touched the stone and vanished. The others looked at each other and then one at a time touched the glowing stone. Brighid was the last and thought she saw Grimmael out of the corner of her eye. But when she looked no one was there. So with a deep breath and touched the stone. After she vanished a figure hidden in the shadows lit his oil lantern. (to follow our group of heroes and heroines click here:http://patrickdurham.net/themightypen/index.php?/topic/17246-journey-to-the-center-of-the-mighty-pen/)

(ooc: this is a portion of Death of the Mighty Pen http://patrickdurham.net/themightypen/index.php?/topic/17168-death-of-the-mighty-pen/, so a quick catch up if your new to the story this: The Pen is being destroyed by an army of darkness; James the....I'll have to get back to you on that, his hyperactive little girl friend (and not that way, geeeez) Scheherazade, the Cloaked Figure now known as the Shadow, and Lady Brighid the Keeper of the Hearth are going on a quest into the heart of the Mighty Pen for answers...or so that is what it would seem, bwhahahahaha!) As Brighid traveled through...who knows where she closed her eyes and only reopened them when she heard Scheherazade exclaim, “Look at all the shinys!” And upon opening her eyes she saw that they where in an underground cavern. The cavern was lit by some strange blue moss. The ceiling sparkled of rare and priceless gems. It was amazing! For a few moments, everyone was in awe. Then the Shadow spoke, still looking around, “Why are we here?” James gave a deep sigh, as though he could be himself for awhile, “The Pen hid a special artifact here, used for making wishes. And we're going to find it.” Then he gave the group a large smile, “We're here to find a wish!”

"Me?" James said with a slight grin, "I'm just a corpse seeking a cobbler to mend my broken soul." Then he started to laugh like a mad man. "Please forgive me, my day has been hectic." James looked at the old pharaoh, and narrowed his eyes, "Please follow me, the real Butcher would like a word with you." With that he turned and walked normal, except for the occasional twitch, down one of the many side paths.

James stepped outside the entrance of the Boaz Room, cursing his luck. Then from a side street the Butcher stepped out. “Nothing changes,” oozed the Butcher. “You are one of us, and always will be. And you know what you must do.” With that said the figure stepped back into the shadow laughing. Soon it seemed as if the entire storm was laughing at James. James looked at his watch and just smiled. Then talking to himself or perhaps the shadows, “All will go as planned. The price will be payed.” Then he waited, watching as time slowly slipped by. For a few seconds, two he counted, he wondered where his corpse was. ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ The fight in the sewers went well for the old Egyptian. The Butcher was not like the villains of his past. And after a few swings, it fell, laughing. Then the old Egyptian heard footsteps coming up behind him. He turned to greet the new threat and saw a simple man. His shirt was torn and bloody, his eyes almost looked lifeless, and he had a strange zombie-like twitch. With a grin, and a twitch said, “You are still most mighty, old one. But this is no place for one as grand as you. Let me show you the way out.” With that the figure turned and started to walk down the passage he came from. “Who are you?” boomed the old Egyptian. The figure stopped, spunn on his heel and with a twitch said, “Silly me, I forgot.” With a twitch he took a bow and said with an evil grin, “Let me introduce myself, I'm James Crow.”

James stood dumbfounded as he watched the old king talk to old friends. Scheherazade stared at the old man hard, then after awhile her eyes lit up and a grin appeared on her face. Turning to James she said, “I remember that strange old man. I stuck my tongue out at hi.....” She stopped suddenly upon seeing the look of terror in James' eyes. “What's wrong?” she asked. James just shook his head and said, “This changes nothing, the price will still be payed.” Then he noticed the look of worry on Scheherazade face and smiled at her. “Don't worry my dear, I am just going out to get some fresh air. Tell the others to come out when they are ready.” With that he turned and left. Scheherazade stood there, confused, and trying to hold back tears. The Shadow looked at the two ancients that now were giving him glares. “I promise, nothing will happen to her.” He walked over to Brighid and took her in his arms. “I lost her once, and it will not happen again.” Zool just glared at the Shadow. Brighid gave Zool a reassuring smile, that seemed to calm him down, if only while she was looking. “He won't let anything happen to me. James and Scheherazade will make sure of that, won't you guys.....” she said and had to stop when she saw only Scheherazade standing there facing the door. Brighid pushed the Shadow away from her and started walking towards the little girl. “Scheherazade?” At the mention of her name she turned and saw everyone staring at her. In an shadowy blur Scheherazade rushed into Brighid, embracing her tightly. “J..J..James said to mee..eet him out....outside when your re...ready.” Brighid could feel the girl crying in her arms, but when she pushed her away. “Noooo!” cried Scheherazade as she held tighter. “I..I don't want every....everyone to se..see me like thi...is.”