jg

Ah, my last Tales From October entry of the year. And how would I measure the success of the year vis-a-vis the contents of my blogging here? Well, if I judge it by the comments garnered, I would have to judge it as awfully poor.

The correct way to judge it is by the body of work. And overall, it was not my best work. I didn't write enough story writing, but what I did write was good. Only, I didn't finish either. One because I need more time and I need to find the handle to it again, as it were and two because it is an "ongoing" work that I need to align with the other comic works. But all in all, I can do much better with my Tales From October.

So...what should I do? Should do better, or...am I better served by discontinuing my blogging here? That is a good question. A part of me says no, no. But another part says to seriously think about it.

Then again, this has been a good week of writing. 

Ah, it's good to be decisive isn't it? Yes, it is. Unfortunately, I'm not decisive about enough things. And that just won't cut it. I've got to focus in on what I want. And chief upon that list is getting my work out there, send it through the rejection rounds until it finally gets accepted. Though when that would be...I wouldn't know when to guess. But not before I send anything out of course. Ahem!

As for judging the success of the year in general...oh look, I'm out of time. See you next year. Really, I have to go now. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

 

Charles Petrie

lkg

I'm going to join a gym, for at least thirty days. There's a gym just what, two minutes from here, well, four at most. And they are offering a nice little deal for thirty days that is rather agreeable. I've developed a spare tire over the yearsthat I've finally acknowledged. Now, I could just go walking and running four times a week and not spend that money on that, but...Winter is nigh and I have this damn phugging cold that I've had since October so...a gym makes sense. Oh yeah, being in Canada, also means Winter is cold, brr. And on a real cold day, going out to walk or run would be rough.

Yeah, yeah. The money is an issue, but I've been slim for what, thirty of my thirty-five years so letting that slip away is not something I am about to do. Okay, it slipped away, but I am going to get it back.I don't want a damn belly, so...the money will be well spent.

But, come Spring and Summer, I can walk, run and bike around. And iniate my book while fitnessing. I'd say written, but the idea is to dictate into a digital tape recorder that I can download straight into the computer. And such a thing is available for a reasonable price.

Of course, this hinges on me having a job and using the "daily" writer's discipline. Two things that are easier said than done. Especially the job. Potential employers can't, or choose not to, see past the less than impressive paper history. Truthfully, it's their loss. Mine too, but I just have to work at it harder and better damnit!

Sigh! Blah! Argh!

Oh the book, the second of my Hyslin series is weighing on me. I'm going to have to write some notes down, something I don't like to do. But...I need to finish this series. I just have to. And I am going to! Easier said than done for sure but a book that grew from a story into a book and then a series just has to be finished properly.

Well, I'd love to stick around, but the usual applies, my time is up as I have a couple of other things to do so I'll be going now. So until tomorrow. I'm out.

 

Charles Petrie

gh

I could talk about my book, whet your appetite for it, but...no. It's going to be too many years before it comes out. Besides, you aren't even out there...are you? Well, someone might be reading me, but if they are...they aren't saying boo. But...I don't comment on other people's blogs either. So...

That book. The second in a four part series featuring my hero Phil Hyslin. That's the goal, but making it to that point...won't be an easy matter. The ease with which I wrote the first one faded and poofed away during the writing of the second one. I'm close to finishing it, say about 3/4, but...arrgghhh! Hmm, too many characters maybe.

But I am going to get it back! And then...I'll hammer out the third book by hook or by crook and then write the fourth. Hopefully doing all of this by the time I'm 40. That's doable as I've just turned 35.

The unknown is if I can begin making a living on writing during that time. It sure would be nice damnit! Failing that...if I can make a living as enjoyably as I am now. I don't make as much money here, as I did there, but I am happier. The season is just too damn short. And they don't have any other work for me the rest of the year. It's just too damn bad for me.

And when am I going to send out the first book, which is ready to be sent through the inevitable rounds of rejections? Ah, one of the big questions facing me. I'm writing to be published. This is how I want to make a living eventually. It's nice to blog and get whatever comments I get on my other sites, but...if I wasn't a writer, I wouldn't feel the need to blog. It's just another place to show my work. I don't see it happening to me, but it could...that someone in a position to help me could see my work and like it enough to introduce him or herself to me. My history suiggests thought that that aspect is rather farfetched.

Anyway, I'm out. I have things to do. Tomorrow.

 

Charles Petrie

Short Entry

Short Entry time people. I have time to write a longer entry, but I am...distracted. Somewhere there is that I want to where go. What?  Okay, that odd way of writing was intentional. I can do that because...damnit, I can do that just because!

I need to isolate the stories that I have to concentrate on. An obvious one is novel 2, A Squall Of War. That has to be the "priority" I can't let it sit undisturbed for years. More than one is enough already.

Another one? Well...the story I started here, yeah, throwing it on the list is a good thing. But by no means is it a priority. It has potential, but I'm drawing a blank on it. At least with A Squall Of War, it's part of something that I know how it ends. no such luck with the untitled.

There's a story on...okay, blog.ca is one of my other sites. You can check that site out if you should so wish. Look for Redleaf. Anyway, there's a story there that I absolutely need to finish. It has some cool visuals. The kind that some will go euck to. But hey, it developed naturally and I ain't about to change it. Hee hee!

Damn I'm good. Maybe you don't see it, or don't believe it, but I see it and I believe it. Sure, I'm biased. But if my own writing didn't inspire me, I'd say what the hell am I doing here. But it does and I am going to press on.

Well, there's a little about the list, but there is much more to touch on there, but as I said, well, typed. I'm waiting to go somewhere else. So...later. Tomorrow.

 

Charles Petrie

 

I don't know that I'll get to work on it again this week, but I will at some whenever. It's a good little story with potential and I want to see it through to the end. I've enough stories begun without being finished I've got start reducing that number.

And one of those stories is the second of my now four part series of novels. I stalled out on it back in April of '05 on page 568 .. Yeah, that's a book eh? I just don't know when it will be a book. It's not really in me to finish it. But damnit, I have to. I won't let my first book be just...nothing.

Phuggar, I've really got a few unfinished stories and that ain't good. I need to rectify that. Yes, I just wrote again what I wrote before, but it bears repeating! I need to finish what I start!

Hmm, am I listening to myself? I don't know. I would certainly hope to damn so. At this rate, I'll be lucky if I have a book on the shelves by the time I'm....what, 45? 50? 60? What? Ugh, bad eh, considering I just turned 35 this damn year. Phuggar me!

Poor Phil. As strong as he is, there ain't nothing he can do to get out here and kick my "sorry" ass. So I must wonder....umm, what must I wonder? There, that's what I must wonder. What am I supposed to wonder about?

Gee, this is entertaining isn't it? Umm, you don't have to answer it, I can guess at your answer. Well, to all my doubters...and there are a few of those, I'm coming, I just don't know when I'll arrive. Sigh.

K'Hell, is the usual going to happen after I am finished at Calendar Club? I go jobhappy to jobnot in the two quick passing of a couple of months. Arggh!!!

Okay, enough, before I fall asleep at the keyboard. What will be will be. If I want it, I've got yo make it happen, Hear that Charles???

Well???

 

Charles Petrie 

Phew!

It's a damn good thing I didn't make any promises about being back with story writing tonight because it ain't happening. It's after ten and I still haven't worked on my novel yet. And I'm not about to pass working on that because I took it easy today.

Not that it truly matters, I've made promises before and not followed through on them. And not just ones to other people. Oh heck no, I promise myself many things and don"t follow up.

Hmm...does this mean I won't follow through on my dream of a writing career? Umm, no. That I will make happen. I'm just too good and determined to not make it happen...it just may take many years more.

Sigh.

But first, I have to begin the secondary process, the actual writing of whatnots to send to an editor, that's "easy". It's the sending out that I've been too soft to do. So first things first!

Phuggar. I'm out. I need to get going on the book. See you tomorrow.

 

Charles Petrie

A week of Tales From October awaits you, aren't you excited? Yes, under the new approach, I work for a week on one blog then go to the next one. The problem is, I have five blogs and there are only four full weeks. One blog gets short shrift, not this one, but...if one deserves it...it's this one because of the almost complete lack of replies.

That's one strong reason for dropping it. But....not just yet. I want to finish that story I began back in January and continued with in February. After that? Well, I do have another story I started working on, but...I want to connect that to my eventual comic universe, so..."finishing" that isn't an option.

This story I intend to finish though, it would benefit from accompanying artwork too so...? But, I want to finish it, and I will. I can always turn it into a comic later on...and likely possibly mightly will.

;-P

Of course, getting an artist...to actually do some work for me...phuggar, that is...so phugging difficult. Phug! If I could draw...I'd have some comics done. But I can't and I'm not going to try and learn to. I've got enough on my plate with the writing to worry about drawing. I just need to keep searching for that elusive artist who's going to think bigger picture and see beyond today. That, or just not be so busy or...under-motivated.

Phuggar!

Time is running away from me as I have things I want to do. I dragged my butt on signing up for a breakfast at the mall and today is the last day to sign up so I'll be heading down there and it means two hours of travel. Ugh. And I also want to go see a book store manager. A movie and some buying of comics would go nicely too, as well as there being cheques to write...so I'm busy.

In fact, I should go now. Bye, see you tomorrow, maybe with story writing, but no promises.

 

Charles Petrie

Not Math

Okay, for a second or so, I was going to write about tech that irks me but...I don't feel like writing about such a thing now. I'll figure it out and find something else to be annoyed about.

Aye, that is me. Lots of little things annoy me easily, while some of the big things don't annoy me as easily as they should. Phuggar.

One reason I haven't gone to where I need to get to be fully happy eh? Maybe. Definitely maybe, =-).

Well, staring at the screen isn't going to get it done. I need to actually type and think at the same time. Wow, I was once a horrible typist. Oh, I'll never have secretary typing speed, but it says something that I can type three hundred words in less than half an hour. And, fyi, that's story words. I'm not merely typing, but working on a story as I do that. need I say more?

Whether I do or not, I am done for tonight.

See you next. keep safe eh.

 

Charles Petrie

 

Damn I'm tired right now, which makes it hard to post a blog, but, after a little touch of napping, I am hard at it qwith these fine words.

Yes, fine...am I overstating? Or out and out wrong?

You can tell me. Oh wait, you never reply to my queries. So why do I even bother? Ah, I keep hoping against hope. Phuggar!

Oh j'boy! What gripping and exciting prose eh folks? Well, since there ain't no one reading me, I can fucking damn well fucking write whatever and however I want to eh? I don't have to respect any damn fucking boundaries if I don't want to. I can swear up and down all I want right?

Yes, but I won"t. I don't need swearing...but I do throw in a pinch or two as the mood strikes.

Well, fuch me, I'm out. See you when I see you.

 

Charles Petrie

Blootch

Blootch.

What's that? Ah, that's just me being me. I needed a posting title and Blootch popped in my head. So...I put it in.

So where go I now? Gee, what good grammar eh? Not.

Seriously, I had to fight through website tech problems that prevented me from posting for a few but here I am now and...I have nothing of note to write.

Hmm. 

Maybe if I led a gooder life eh? Yes, gooder damnit! I'm allowed to write thusly if I want. And guess what, I want. So there. ;-)

Anyway, I'm gonna go go and leave now presently, if it's all the same to you. And I know that you won't mind in the least for that I to go. :-p

Bye. See you next time.

 

Charles Petrie

 

 

Oh phuggar Hell. There is virtually no cold water running to speak of. Ugh. I have no idea when it happened to be like that, save that it happened today, this morning. And having cold water is always a good thing, for showers. and washing dishes, making food, you know, needed things like that. So...will this be a long phuggar?

Ugh, yeah another one. The toystore possibility is still that. And now I have to decide on the Calendar Club. There is one that is actually at the Mall I've beeen at four of the last five seasons, but it is being operated by a different Operator. The Operator I've been working for these years past, his best availability for me is a lonnggg bus, metro and bus again ride away. Likely...an hour or more. Hmmph. These are the decisions I grow weary of, but, the course I have plied in the many years, sixteen, since graduating from High School has brought them on me.

No Post-Secondary, Continuous Seasonals, multiple opt out of official work periods...I've set it up to be a difficult thing. Not that potential employers shouldn't understand that I am a good employee, but that I have made it harder for myself.  So, when do I make it easier for myself is the question?

Phuggar! Tick tock, the clock is running and I have to make decisions...soon.

Wish me good fortune. Please. And may it find you.

Bye for now.

 

Charles Petrie

Gee

Gee

Today, I have lots of time to say something and....pretty much nothing to say. No, this is not good at all, not good when I am in a journal writing frame. Hmm...do I need to be working at a job to be...motivated to write well? Am I going to go soft for the duration that I don't have a job? If so, what the hell does that say about my big reachable dream to write full time?

Well, it sounds bad, but...I will make it through whatever obstacles wait for me. The bottom line is, I am a writer and I write damn near everyday. I'm in this to win it. It? The gaining of a career. And damnit, I am going to make it. It's just a matter of when. Not if, but when.

Bold words eh? Yes. And thes bold words come easily enough. The hard part is backing them up with actions. Something I've niot been good at backing up. But my belief is stronger than my doubt.

And there you hjave it, I said something after all. Even if I have said it many times before. I will continue repeating it until I actually make it. So get used to reading it. For the one or two who may actually read me here. Oh wait, one..or is that zero? Who knows anymore. I surely don't.

Okay, it's nice to have finally done some writing. This ain't my screenie, so I still have that left, but I'll manage that. Umm...I hope anyway. I always hate those days where I delay and delay some writing and look at the clock at a certain time and realize I phuggared up by not writing. I cannot allow that to happen with my screenie. SO I'm going to go now and work on it? Umm...no. Not yet, I am going to playu with fate and leave it until later. Arrgghh? Time will tell.

Bye for now.

 

Charles Petrie 

 

 

Phuggar!

Phuggar! I've got so much to say and no damn time to say any of it!

This is not a way to garner readers to my blogs. It would be better not to write at all on such a when.

Yet here I am.

Hmmmm....

Something must be done.

 

Charles Petrie

Just

Just passing through. I didn't leave myself the proper amount of time to make a meaningful entry here, but...I wrote a meaningful installment to my Unfolding Day story. so, I'm not feeling all phuggared.

Still, I really can do better.

And I will..next time.

Bye for now.

 

Charles Petrie 

Okay, I'm here...finally. Yeah, yeah, it's late, but I am making an appearance. I didn't need to be here, or at any of my blogs, since I continued on my little treo story, but...I still want to keep the blogging string going.

So, here I am, with midnight bearing down on me. Which means I don't have much time to write anything of consequence. Well, no time. Ugh.

Tsk-tsk, but not to strongly, i feel good about my little treo story, which...I am daring to dream can be a movie.

Me, a movie writer? Hmm..who'd a thunk it.

Not me. I'll see eh.

 

Charles Petrie

The Year Ahead

The year ahead. It looms large. Heck, they all loom large, especially when I am in the earliest stages of my dream. You know, when hard work is really necessary.

So...how about for fun, I go out and start making things happen.

Eh?

Yes!

C'mon! I want this dream and it is not unreasonable, really, it isn't. I am, damn good enough, I just need to prove it to everyone.

And now, well, now is a good time to begin doing it.

Am I listening? Time will tell.

 

Charles Petrie

 

 

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Tired, ready to snuggle under the covers. And wake up early in the morrow. I would shut off my computer and get myself a real good night's sleep.

With that, I'd be ready to leap into action tomorrow and see that free birthday movie.

But, this is only my 2nd of 5. So, that will have to wait until I am done the remaining three.

Just what am I going to write about? Hmmm...

Ahh, that would be telling. Wouldn't it? Yes, it would but I don't feel like telling you just right now. Sorry, but it is my writer's perrogative that I am invoking right now.

Mind you, that only applies to what I'm going to write about in the other blogs. I'm free to talk about this blog.

 

Milly Mass

Had a bass

Swimming in her pond

Happy as could be

 

But Jerry Johns

Wanted to feast

Upon that fish

And stole into

Her own backyard

To take him from

 

And that was where

The tale turned odd

As the man

Who stole a fish

Was stolen in turn

And needed the help

Of the woman

From whom he stole

 

Charles Petrie

 

Poor buggar eh? He needs her help after he stole her favoured fish? I wouldn't want to be Jerry Johns.

Well, I don't want to sound immodest, I really don't, but that was a nice beginning to Kneves that wrote yesterday. And it wrote easily too. Sigh, it gets progressively harder and today, with limited time, I am going to skip any more story writing and just come at you with a journal.

Ah, journal writing. yay...not.

1-2-4-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-16-19-20. Numbers. Just a few numbers. Far be it from me to suggest any significance to the preceeding numbers. Sure, some of them were bolded, but...I will not tell you there was any reason for that other than it looked good.

=)

Wow, that looks like a crossbow, a little bit, doesn't it. Interesting...

Well, I think I should toddle on now.

Tomorrow. maybe I'll have something better for you to read than this.

No promises though.

 

Charles Petrie

Kneves

"Hi Shelly."

"Hank...it's good to see you again."

"Really Shelly? The last time we spoke...it wasn't pretty. We both said some things that were regrettable."

"True Hank, but we were both young then..I've grown since then. I know you were going through a bad stretch then. Your girlfriend had just been killed. And as I recall, you loved her very much."

Hank looked away, as he breathed heavily and fought back tears. "Yes Shelly, I did...but I don't think anyone has made me think about those days quite like you."

Shelly gasped. "Oh Hank, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to sound so heartless and catty. I didn't want to be this way with you. We were friends once...I've always hoped we could be that again."

"Me too Shelly. I missed our friendship."

Shelly smiled and hugged Hank hard, as she rested her head against his broad shoulders. "Thank you Hank, I'm so glad to hear that. I'm so sorry for everything I said that day. I was so stupid. I drove you away when you needed me the most Hank."

"It's okay Shelly, I wasn't the most gentlemanly that night either. I said things too. And I am sorry for what I said."

"Well hank, how about us two sorries go out for dinner to Fenucci's? I hear they have a sorry special every Thursday."

Hank smiled. "That sounds lovely Shelly, let's go." 

Drops Of Water

Drops Of Water

 

Drops Of Water

Falling for

The first in a long 

A long long time

And Sedex stirs

 

Once upon a when

In the fierce and deadly days

Sedex ruled

So terribly

Until he was

Safely secured

Far a-from

His source of well

Oh precious liquid

 

Aye buried he was

In the Desert of Muriden

By a lone dying man

Whose body was set aflame

Upon his demise

 

So none should have known

His whereabouts

Save someone did find

His hidden place

And freed him for

A deadly return

 

Drops of water

But a few

More than enough

To Sedex revive

And set him forth

Again to rule

 

Charles Petrie

 

=) Mesi. Creole.

 

Two

Yep, not just one today, this is my second entry for the day. It looks like I'll being going for the five today. It is the tenth after all and as October is the tenth month of the year, I like ten. And it is fitting to hit the five for that reason alone.

And it is well early in the day too.

So...if I just had something nice for you to read.

But since I don't...totsiens.

Okay, not just like that. Not that you know what I just said. But for the record, it the Afrikaans word for good-bye.

But I'm still here.

 

Wishing So Were You

 

Wishing so were you

As beside and with

For days without end

Stretching goodly long

 

But wishing alone

Is nay enough

And early it is

For such a such

Still it is

Something of the nice

 

Wishing so were you

At the beginning and the end

For good it would

Perhaps tomorrow

Of the distant sort

 

But then until

We have what we do

And it is good

 

Charles Petrie

 

Kus jou. =)

Kissed By A Witch

Kissed By A Witch

 

Kissed by a witch

Was I me

From another so kissed thus

And so compelled

She sent it along

 

And though it may spread

To others so

It will not be passed

From me myself

For I am immune

To the touch of magics

 

Aye indeed

I've been to war

With witches before

And have gained Impervity

To their wicked ways

 

So this spell

In part does die

Here and now

As I am too strong

For them to do to me

As they would

 

Kissed by a witch

I laughed and smiled

And sent her on her way

So no more harm

Wouldst she cause

To others as

That's the kind of guy I am

 

Charles Petrie

 

LOL. My response to a cheeky little e-mail sent from a friend. Ty...Bernice =).

Well, I do think I'm out of here now.. Take care everyone.

I cusanu dy fy menyw beunydd. (Gah, I hope I'm not butchering this language too much...if I am..please tell me, then correct me if you would).

By the by, can anyone tell me what language I am "using"?

Hee-hee! =)

 

 

Lovah

Lovah

 

Pre as in before

Before the wonders of her flesh

Her lovely flesh

Of which in the now

I can only dream

Because she is a lady

And I a gentleman

Of patience and virtue

Shall gladly wait

For that when

When we are one

 

Lovah

For so long

A word of a word

I dreamed to fall

From the lips

Of one to me

In bed or else

And so long thought

It would nay be

 

Lovah

Sweet and lovely she is

What she sees

In my eyes and face

I nay not doubt

Not now me boy

For her sight is keen

And she has seen

The good inside

 

Lovah

This to you

I write as I think

Of the same

And wait patiently

For that soon as when to come

 

Charles Petrie

 

A little...adult and rather close to home, but..so be it. Writing is about truth. And this is my truth now.

Hi Mom. LOL. Well, it's not like they're going to read it. And if they do? I will deal with it.

Besides, i have a project that I've been working on since 1989 that well may garner some serious comments. But, there are things I have to write about. And that, is most definitely one of them.

Anyhoo, that's my poem here today. Gotta go.

Take care.

See you soon Lovah. Kisses and hugs.

 

Absent For My Betterment

Absent For My Betterment

 

Absent for my betterment

Shall I be

As I turn completely from

The blogging path

 

A thought today

As much I must do

To gain me past

The working for others

Which I long to do

 

Absent for my betterment

A thought to ponder

Long and longer as

I wouldst miss

An absence complete

From blogging done

 

Charles Petrie

 

 

 

 

 

Here I Am Today

Hi again.

Did you miss me? LOL. This has been the place where I've made the slightest impact. So, I can figure out that question.

I just won't say the word, that's just too damn negative.

One a day isn't bad, of course, this is just the second day of that so who knows, I may get like...damn,  need the five again...only, other things are pulling me other places. And I do need to focus my energies on money making projects. And, the stories here, I want to make them that, by the by, but first, I need to plan that out. All the five are taking place in the same universe, my eventual comic book one.

As I peek outside, I see it sunny. That's been a rarity this month here in Montreal. Sigh, take it as it comes though. Maybe October will be better.

Well, in one way, it will be. Well, the ending of it will be. I'll be done with my current job, which...just isn't where I want to be again. It's not a bad job by any means. I'll just be happier elsewhere.

I just need another employer to see me as a good investment, which I am of course. Look at the man, not the paper.

Oh phuggar, it will all work out by the end of the day.

See you soon.

 

Charles Petrie

 

Sigh

I had something in my little baby website, but when I wnet back early this morning to look, it wasn't there. Damn. I don't understand it. It should be there.

Not what I was hoping to write about on my last regular day of blogging, but, it is what I am writing about, in part at least.

Sigh. My life is...

Full of possibilities. They're just unfolding slowly.

Take care anyone who's been following me, I'll be back.

 

Charles Petrie

Possibilities

Ah, the ever looming possibility, or, possibilities. Lots of projects bursting to get out of my head and into the marketplace.

Well, I am slowly, well, very slowly taking care of some of those possibilities.

Started working on my website. Has a long way to go, but it is active.

Got but a touch of me, but, have to start somewhere.

And I have.

Go take a look okay...

octoberlakeltd.freewebsitehosting.com

Take care now.

 

Charles Petrie

Missing October

October has been pretty easy to write, but, as I have realized, the blogs fit in the same, so I really need to map things out, get it all sorted out in my head...And maybe, a free blog is not the place for that.

See, I plan to write comics on a regular basis by the by and the characters here, well, they would belong in that universe, so...I may just finish them there.

So, what am I going to do with my five blogs? I've gotten very used to having five and just dropping them doesn't sit right with me. Argh!

One idea I floated out there was to have someone else write them in my place, Well, probably more than one person. It's workable, but like my many big dreams, not too many are interested.

Ahh, it's a situation...I enjoy blogging, but I only have so much time in a day. And when I begin to devote my full days to my career ambitions...I'll actually be busier, so...

I'll figure it out eventually.

 

Charles Petrie

How Long Now

How Long Now?

 

That's a good question. Will I keep at the all five dailies? Or will I focus for a bit. October should stay. It's coming along nicely, but it is not mapped out at all and I think it needs to be.

Ugh, I am not a fan of mapping out.

Time will tell.

 

Charles Petrie

Back XI

"Well, you're going to get an intrusion whether you like it or not. He's one of ours and we protect what's ours. Understand?"

"Bah, one little hero against the two of us? Foolish woman. You are nearly as foolish as this little fool."

"I said we and I meant it."

"You can't bluff us human. You're the only other one here."

 

October

Back X

Naex's hands shimmered brightly. I could feel their warmth. Moreso as he drew them near me. I just knew they werw getting hotter too and that he was going to place them upon me. And that it was going to hurt really bad.

I was not wrong either as he placed his hands directly on my chest. "Arrrrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!" I screamed loud enough to wake several neighbourhoods, but, oddly enough, didn't. Zaheth had done something which muffled my anguished screaming.

"No, we don't want your screams attracting any undue attention little man. This is a private ritual, we don't need any intrusion."

 

October

Back IX

I hated being this wrong on my first case back. I should have listened to Sara, but oh no. I had been a hero for too long on my own. I knew I could handle it.

How wrong I was. And my being wrong was going to cost me the dearest thing imaginable. My life.

What a way to end my herooing career. Dead, after getting a new lease on life too. That just made it worse!

 

October

 

 

 

Back VIII

"Oh, we can take care of them easily enough little man. Don't pin your hopes on them, for there is no hope for you damn Earthers."

'That is easier said than done."

"True enough fool, but Naex and I are more than up to the task. I surely won't say the same for you as far as your chances of living are concerned. You're dead. Good-bye little man. Make him ready Naex. I am sure you hunger as do I."

Naex smiled. "Of course my love, I do."

 

October

 

Back vii

Naex leapt on top of me and dropped me hard. And Zaheth followed that up by grabbing me and thrusting me in the air. "I'm not afraid of you."

"Foolish little hero, you should be. We are to be feared."

"Yes Naex, we are. And soon enough, the teeming masses on this wretched little mudball will know to fear us."

"Not with the number of heroes we have here Zaheth."

 

October

Back VI

Naex rose and smiled. "Oh you poor little hero. You really should have stayed at home. You would have been much happier. Especially since you don't have power. Fool!"

"Yes, but he will be a nice diversion. A treat, until we meet with a real hero."

"Of course Zaheth. it would just be nice to meet one of Earth's stronger denizens."

"In time my love, in time."

 

October 

Back V

Oh she was definitely easy on the eyes. And truth be told...I would have wanted her if I was alone. But I wasn't. I wanted to be with Sara. I was a one woman type of man. "Sorry ma'am, I'm with someone and I am not about to sleep with you, or do anything for that matter. Now please let go of me."

"I told you I wasn't going to take no for an answer fool." She let go of me, but the look she gave me was not the look of gratitude.Her voice changed then, got terribly angry and her face was full of hate. "Stupid human, you shouldn't have come so boldly into the night. Naex and I are here to enjoy ourselves, which is most unfortunate for you. Get up Naex, it is time to play again.

And now I understood Sara's concern. This was a little out of my league.

 

October

 

 

Back IV

"Shhh, I have to do something for you, my hero. I will not take no for an answer."

"Ma'am, please, I do not need anything, I am more than happy to have helped you."

"And I am more than happy to reward you. And I know just how to do it too. I know we will both enjoy it too."

"No ma'am, I must insist that you stop what right now. I am not interested in what you want to do with me."

"A guilty conscience? Don't worry, I won't tell her that we..um, "slept together". Don't tell me you don't want me."

 

October

Back! III

"I am so thankful, I want to thank you personally for saving me. Please, let me thank you properly."

And she hugged me tightly, more than just as a woman who was grateful. her interest was palpable. "Ma'am it is not necessary. I am a hero because I want to help people, not for personal gratification."

"Oh, that is so good of you. It makes me want to thank you all the more."

"Please ma'am, it is simply not necessary." And still, she clung to me.

 

October

Back! II

I smiled and threw myself at him, knocking the switchblade away from him as I brought him down hard. He was unconscious, but I picked the blade up and put it in my utility pouch for safekeeping. I didn't want any troubleand I figured a tough guy like him wouldn't be any hassle without his knife.

The woman smiled and hugged me. "Oh thank you for rescuing me. I was terrified of what he would do to me. If you hadn't come along, I don't know what would have happened."

But I did. Only, I didn't see the need to tell her, she was safe and that was the end of that. And to think that Sara was worried about me returning to action as a hero. I fought the street level punks like him, not the cosmic ones. I had nothing to worry about. I was back!

 

October

Back!

"Woman, this is all you have? Seventeen dollars and a cheap pair of earrings? That's not enough darlin' I want more than that from you. You don't even have credit cards or a cell. Who doesn't have a cell today?"

"Take the money and my earrings, just leave me alone."

"Oh no, lady, I'm in control here. Not you. And I'll leave when I'm ready to, not before. I might just find something of more value if I keep looking."

"You've done enough harm sir. it's time for you to go."

He spun around on his heels, away from the terrified woman, with a switchblade open and at the ready. "Who said that? You better not come any closer or I'll cut this woman. And you wouldn't want that."

 

October

Hesitance

I stood on my roof, nervous about leaping off it and into the night. It felt like so long since I had fought. Longer than it had been anyway. I remembered how of course, but...I was still nervous. I wanted it to go well. I didn't want to be away from Sara for long.

But, I also had to do this, her objections to the contrary...the world needed me, in my small way and since I had my abilities back...I felt honour bound to use them.

So I took a deep breath and leapt into the night. anxious for that first blow for justice.

 

October

Out Bounding

Though, just because I wasn't out helping her, didn't mean I couldn't find someone to help. Sadly, there was too much need for us heroes. All I had to do was get out into the city and bound around.

I didn't need her blessing for that. I was my own man and I knew my own body. I was back. I knew I was. Something in our passion had restored me. I didn't understand it and neither did she, but I wasn't about to let it go to waste. I was a hero. Actually, I was a hero again. And I was going to do my part!

It felt good to put it on again, the uniform. Oh, it wasn't anything spectacular to look at, but it was mine. And it struck fear into the hearts of the petty criminals. And it was time it did so again.

 

October

 

 

But I knew I could help her. I felt like my old self again, I really did. I had to have my abilities back. And simple robbers? Please, I could have handled them. And Sara would have been there anyway. It would have been fine.

I know I wasn't as powerful or as good as her, but I held my own. It was on a smaller scale, but I helped people.

And she knew that, I know she did. She was just concerned for me. That too I knew, but it still bothered me that she didn't want me along. I could have helped her.

 

October

A Visit Part 10

"Then it's the perfect situation for me, isn't it? The two of us will make short work of a simple bank robbery."

"No Alex, please, I need to go, but I'd rather not go angry. just saty here, I don't want you to get hurt. I care about you too much."

"Fine, go..I'll stay here, even though I could help you."

She smiled and touched my face. "I know Alex, you could...but until we know for certain that you are your old self again, it's best you stay out of harm's way. I'll be back soon."

I hugged her. "I know, you're good, and they are in for it."

"I promise, you won't have time to miss me."

 

October

A Visit Part 9

Just as I said that, her pager went off. She sighed and reached for it reluctantly. "I have to go Alex...I'm on call tonight and...I don't ignore my calls, for any reason. I'd like to stay here with you. I really would, but..."

I kissed her cheek. "No worries Sara, I understand...you have to go. Just give me a few minutes to get ready and I'll join you."

She pulled away from me and frowned. "Alex, now is not the time for that. You don't know that you really are...back, you feel great, but...it doesn't mean you are a hero again. I won't be long...it's just a robbery."

 

October

A Visit Part 8

Afterwards, we lay in bed, side by each, my arms wrapped around her waist. Very relaxed, enjoying the quiet and the closeness.

"Thank you Alex...for calling me..for wanting to be with me, like I want to be with you. I haven't had that for awhile.It's not like the other men I've been liking of late have known who I was, but...they sensed something else and were spooked. But you know who I am and even though you can't be..." She stopped, in mid-sentence. "I'm sorry Alex, I forgot...you can be again..."

"Shhhh Sara, I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to lay here with you. Leave the world outside. It's just you and I here now. A man and a woman. Together. The world can wait, it doesn't need you right now."

 

October

 

A Visit Part 7

I smiled. "Don't worry Sara...I'm not. This is a blessing and I am not about to fret about it. I am going to make use of it. Khaeon took away my powers and you've given them back to me...I have to be a part of the fight against Khaeon now."

"Oh Alex...slow down...this effect...I don't know how it happened, but...you don't know that it is what you think it is. Don't get ahead of yourself, please."

I looked at her and I saw the worry in her eyes. And I did not want to see that. No, I wanted joy and excitement, like before, when we were about to be together. "You're right Sara...I don't know for sure what this is...But I mean to find out. If I am indeed back...I want to help take down Khaeon. He wouldn't be what he is without me in the first place."

Sara's worry faded. "Yes, I like your thinking, but...can't it wait? It's late...and I was hoping..."

I cut her off with a kiss and wrapped my arms around her. It was nice, to put it mildly, that we both wanted the same thing...then and there.

 

October

A Visit Part 6

A soft green glow emanated from me, spreading from my chest to the whole rest of my body. I felt so alive...like when I was a hero and could do amazing things. It felt good.

Sara stopped and pulled away, surprsied and unsure of what to make of it. "What? You're glowing Alex...I don't understand."

"I don't either Sara, but I feel better than I have since Khaeon sickened me. Look." I stood up and flipped over the chair. "Thank you Sara...this gift you've given me is amazing."

"I'm glad...but Alex...this shouldn't have happened."

A Visit Part 5

"Yes, it does and it will feel better when we are more comfortable."

"Sara..."

"Shhhh Alex, it's okay. I want it. I want you. And I want it now. Don't you?"

"Of course I do Sara...but..."

"But what Alex? Moving you is not a problem. And as long as...what are you worried about? I like this scruffy look. It suits you."

She kissed me hard on the lips and my protestations faded away like the dew as I kissed her back.

 

October

 

A Visit Part 4

"You're right Sara. I'm not a hero anymore, but it doesn't mean I have to think like a loser."

"That's the spirit Alex...don't give up."

"I'm glad you came Sara, I really am."

"Well Alex, I'm glad you finally called me...I was beginning to think you weren't ever going to call me."

"And if I hadn't?"

"Well then, I was going to have to come and see you silly. What else?"

"I'm flattered Sara. Mmmm, this feels right."

 

October

 

A Visit Part 3

"That's up to you Alex. But you can't just give up on life. Live it while you can. Share what you have left...with me."

"Anaeha...I don't know what to say."

She smiled then slowly came to me and wrapped me up in a hug. "Just say yes Alex. Is it so hard to say? We care about each other...and having been a hero, you know what my life is like, how hectic it is..so you will understand my frequent absences. And I would like to have someone around to share the quiet moments with. It's a lonely life, as you well know."

I smiled and hugged her back. It felt good hugging her. And I knew it would feel good being with her. "Mmm, you make a compelling offer Anaeha."

"Call me Sara Alex. I don't want to be Anaeha when I am with you. I want to be a woman...with a man. Is that too much to ask?"

"Sara...that's a nice name."

"Thank you Alex, I like it too. I've had it for a lot longer than I've had the other name."

"Something for me to think about Sara?"

She kissed my neck and began rubbing my shoulders. "Maybe...I can't say I know what you're going through Alex, or say what I would do if I was sick like you, but I can ask you to live up to the possible, not down from it."

 

October

 

 

A Visit Part 2

"I wish you could help me Anaeha, but there's no help. I didn't think it would advance this quickly."

"You want me to go Alex? Just because you can't get up to greet me? I won't do that Alex. I came here to see you because I've been thinking about you alot. I was just giving you your space."

"No, I don't want you to go...but if I can't even rise to greet you..."

"Don't say that Alex, I like you for who you are. It is not the hero that drew me in, but the man."

"But I can't even be that man now, can I?"

 

October

 

A Visit

I was dozing in my favourite chair downstairs, dressed in decidedly comfortable clothes and unshaven...not looking my best when I heard her sweet voice call out upstairs. "Hello? Alex?" 

"Anaeha?" I shook my head to clear it and tried to rise...but couldn't...my legs...oh no, not now, please not now. "Anaeha, I'm downstairs...please..."

She rushed downstairs...as I feared and hoped for at the same time. "What's wrong Alex, are you okay?"

"Anaeha...now's not the best time." I know it sounded bad, but i didn't know what else to say. I was glad she was there, don't mistake that, but if I couldn't even get up to greet her...then it was better I didn't see her...right?

She looked at me and flashed me a smile. "It's getting worse, isn't it Alex? I'm sorry...but, you can't chase me away that easily. I am here for you Alex. Let me help."

 

October

 

"Anaeha. Hi, it's Alex..Pessa. I wanted to talk to you...but you're not in right now...but that's okay. You're probably out saving the world. Anyway...call me when it is convenient. I'll be around. Take care."

I hung up. Getting her answering machine, it wasn't what I wanted...but, I had called her and that was a big step. Now, all I could do was wait and hope she wasn't somewhere far away. Like in space, or deep beneath the waves. I really wanted to see her soon.

It would have been sooner, that I had talked to her..but..I needed time. I only hope I hadn't waited too long. She was too wonderful a woman to remain by herself for long. Especially for a man like me...the way I was now. Sick, with my power all but gone. But hope can be hard to kill, so...I clung to it. Weak? Maybe, but..so be it. We can't always be strong.

 

October

 

I stared at the phone. Nervous, yet anxious to talk to her. She had invited me, but...that had been weeks ago...what if...she had decided I wasn't going to call her and...moved on? What if she was away on a mission? Damn, why had I waited for so long? I wasn't like this before.

But this was now, and everything was different.

A wave of fatigue hit and I fought to stay wakeful..but...I knew I couldn't hold it long enough to have proper conversation. So, I gave in and went to bed.

It would have to wait until later...or tomorrow. I needed the extra time to gather my courage. This was too big a step to take lightly. It could be something more between us than a mere date. I needed to be ready and I wasn't, not just yet.

 

October

Well...

Well...I think about it, but not bitterly, that it is no longer mine. Just wistfully.

I don't know that I could if I was in contact with the heroes...even for something as simple as a dinner. If I could even make it through a dinner without needing to rest.

No, I am better off like this. Alone.

Yet...in the odd moments...I think about Anaeha. A part of me knows I shouldn't, but...I still do anyway. She is something else. So I can't.

But...I want to, so help me, I want to. I want to call her and accept her invitation to dinner. We don't have to talk about heroing. There is something else there, we can both feel it. Denying it is...

Wrong. I have to call her. And tell her yes.

 

October

Will I Be Missed?

I ask myself, frequently now, if I'll be missed...when I am gone. I know I'm not missed now, other heroes have come on the scene since I left. Better heroes to be quite frank. I had my moments, but...I never measured up to the greats. I never had the power.

But I was okay with that, I really was, I was content with what I could do. I was very nearly inexhaustable. Agile and quite bulletproof, which was a good thing because I was a street level hero. I faced the more common everyday threats. It was rare when I temaed up with the heavy hitters.

And yet, they knew what I was doing. And appreciated me. I liked that...I miss that, but...it is for the best that I distance myself now.

I'm fine with my life's path because I stay away. I don't think about that old life so much then.

 

October

Now

But that was months ago. And Khaeon hasn't been seen since. I know the heroes are planning a defense against him. But the exact nature of it and how the plan is proceeding is beyond me. They wanted to keep me in the loop, but I asked them not to. I knew it would be better that I not know anything. That is no longer my life. I am a hero no more.

And I am dying. It continues getting worse. The doctors can't help me. I am going to die. And soon.

But, I am not bitter...I've been blessed with a good life. And though it is soon to end, I cannot forget that. And I hope you can find the blessings in your troubles as I have. It's not easy, but life is full of the not easy.

 

October

 

The Day Part 18

And with that, he faded out of sight. Gone...and I looked around, surveying the damage he'd done. I'd been a hero before he came into my life and now...what was I? I wasn't a hero anymore. I knew he had spoken the truth. I felt too different.

Eddie still lay where Khaeon had flung him. Lost to unconsciousness. The author of this unfolding tragedy? Yes, but...I was to blame. Ultimately, this was on me. I didn't keep the suit safe. I had unleashed this dark terrible threat onto the world. The heroes, they had to be told of this. They needed to prepare for the coming conflict...whenever it was going to be.

My knees gave way and I crumpled to the floor beside Eddie and fell into unconsciousness myself.

 

October

The Day Part 17

He smiled once more then threw me agaisnt the wall, where I crumpled in a painful heap. "But it is over Alex. It is and there is nothing you can do to reverse the effects. Your powers will soon be gone, then your life. If you wish to cling to your life, what's left of it, then don't be foolish...leave the heroing to the more qualified..the more powerful, well, while they are still around that is. You see, this is just the beginning. I am going to rid the world of all of its heroes. And then, I will rule over it. And I couldn't have done any of this without Eddie...or you."

I groaned paingully. I wanted to get up and take him down...but I knew then, that what he said was indeed the truth. I was done as a hero. I still felt the way I had felt since I had become a hero, but it was fluctuating, ebbing. Oh what a fool I had been. Some hero I had been, allowing a danger like him to become this...threat.

And a threat he was...a dangerous threat that had to be stopped. "So you've won today, you've stopped me...but...you know it won't be so easy to stop all the others. Are you truly that powerful?"

"I intend to find out Alex and when I do...I'll be back to finsih what I started here. So by all means, tell your friends all about me...make your plans to defeat me when I return. I am eager to face all of them in battle. I relish it. A pity you won't be around to see it though...well, I don't think you will. It's hard to say exactly how your body will react to the sickness I've given you. Maybe you'll live longer than I had planned. But it won't matter. None of you will stand a chance against me then."

 

October

 

The Day Part 16

"Is that all Alex? Is that your best? How on Earth did you ever defeat anyone but the powerless? Well, the powerless need not worry about you any longer now. Because your days as a hero are over."

And in the time it took me to blink, everything had changed. No longer was he on the other side of the wall. He was clutching me by my shirt collar. Smiling as if I hadn't laid a hand on him. But I had...I had given him my best effort...and it was as if I hadn't touched him at all. "This isn't possible...I had thrown you through the wall."

He laughed. "Ha ha ha!!! Pity, for you Alex that you never discovered the true power of this suit. I have but figured out the barest bit of it and already I am more than just powerful Alex...not that you will have to deal with me when I return. Hmmm, no, in all likelihood, you'll be dead by then." 

I struggled futilely to escape his grip, but it was no use. "What have you done to me?"

"I've sickened you Alex. And the sickness will first take your power and then your life. As of this day...you are a hero no longer. Enjoy the months you have left Alex. Be thankful I gave you that much time, if I had wanted to, I could have killed you now."

"Liar, the suit isn't as powerful as you make it out to be...it's the smoke, it has to be. There's something in the smoke that is affecting me. You cannot bend reality like you seem to be doing. And I am not done as a hero. I'm just feeling the effects of what you've done."

"Yes, you are, but not the way you claim. I am speaking true to you Alex. And if you don't believe me...then you really are a fool. Look with your eyes and see what I have done. How can you not know that this is really happening you fool?"

"It just can't be happening! Not to me. I've been a hero for too long to believe that it is over."

 

October

The Day Part 15

"What will it be hero? Will you really try and do the undoable? Will you foolishly stand against me, knowing in your heart of hearts that you are no match for me? Then do it now, while I am willing to allow it. But wait too long to make your last choice as a hero and I will kill you where you stand. And that Alex, is a promise."

"Yes." I spoke that one word boldly, even as in my heart of hearts I was feeling anything but boldness. I was almost shaking and my heart was pumping fast. But whatever I felt...I had to try and stop him. I didn't believe that my time as hero was about to end.

I gritted my teeth and flung myself at him and hit him hard, elbows first. His head went back as I sailed over him. I landed gracefully and somersaulted towards him, jumping to my feet and landing a solid uppercut to his jaw. A good hard thwack and his head snapping back hard cheered me immensely. I followed that up with blows to the face and chest. I was relentles and he didn't even try to punch back. He was overwhelmed. I wasn't the strongest, fastest, agile or toughest, but I was a hero. And I had fought a couple of real baddies and beaten them. I was better than he gave me credit for.

But I knew it was far from over and couldn't quit. I had to keep on pounding on him until he gave way to unconsciousness. I hit him one more time in the head then wrapped my arms around his chest and pulled him up..or tried to. He was heavier than I thought possible. I strained and strained, sweat began pouring down my face. I could lift a man's weight...even a much bigger man than him with relative ease. Not him though...I didn't give up though and finally, I lifted him off the ground and flung him against the wall as hard as I could.

To my surprise, he crashed through it. I was amazed...I had never done that before. It felt good. I wanted to continue my furious assault, but I was out of breath. And I put my hands on my knees as I felt very faint then. I was out of breath. That never happened to me! Not since I had become a hero. But caught up in the action, I wasn't thinking how bad it was. I was just too weak then.

 

October

The Day Part 14

Khaeon laughed and flung me against the wall. "Oh but you are done Alex, you are." He closed his eyes and the dark suit got darker and a distant hum could be heard, slowly building in intensity. it stopped with a pop as he opened his eyes. "There, that should be enough I think...you are not the strongest hero after all. I shouldn't need the full measure of power locked inside this wonderful suit."

I pulled myself off the floor and gulped a hard nervous breath. "Eddie, get out of here...warn them, warn them all that I've done a terrible thing and to come here in force..please."

Khaeon shook his head. "No Alex, I can't allow that. I am not interested in facing them just yet, so no warnings..no help." And as easily as you or I snap our fingers, Khaeon gestured with a flip of his hand and Eddie was knocked flying into a chair. "Don't make me hurt you Eddie, I owe you this power, so I am grateful, but..if you even try to warn them...I will kill you."

Eddie shook it off and tensed to make a break for it anyway, he knew this was his fault and he was willing to make whatever sacrifice. "I'm sorry Alex...I hate that I've brought this on you. It's all my fault."

""It isn't Eddie, it's mine, for not being more careful...for trying to figure the suit. I didn't even bother. This one's on me."

Khaeon looked at both of us with disgust. "How touching. two friends...but will you be friends after? After one's actions lead to the other's unpowering? A pity I won't be around to find out."

I steeled myself, knowing this well could be my defining moment as a hero. I sensed the power of the suit..finally, but he couldn't just let him steal it. I had to fight, despite the odds.

 

October 

The Day Part 13

"Fool! You never knew what you had Alex...if you did, you would have kept it for yourself and truly been a force to rival that of the greatest heroes, and not been content to be just another hero, taking on the powerless idiots who rob banks and mug old ladies."

"Those bad guys have to be stopped too man."

"Call me Khaeon. That is the name I will be known as when I strike terror in the hearts of the people and defeat the most powerful of the powerful.. And it will all be on your head Alex. Oh, you can blame Eddie for being a fool, but you were the one who trusted him with such secrets. if you hadn't, then I wouldn't have the power I have now. So thank you Alex."

"Stop calling me Alex...call me..."

Khaeon slapped him hard across the face. "Shut up fool. Do not speak unless I tell you to speak. I know now why I have been calling you Alex and not that other name. I know that it is your time as a hero to end."

"What? No...I'm not done yet Khaeon, not today."

 

October

The Day Part 12

I threw myself at him and took him down heavily. And wasting no time, I began punching him as quickly as I could. Hoping I could render him unconscious. The suit was not perfect...blows could be felt. Eddie had certainly felt Annek's blows. I was as strong as Annek, if not stronger, surely I could render this thief unconscious. Once I did that, it would be a simple matter of removing the suit and taking him to jail.

It wasn't that simple however.

"Are you quite done Alex?"

My furious flurry of punches stopped as I realized we had moved suddenly...I was no longer onh top of him. He was holding me up, with one hand. And smiling. I was baffled.

 

October

The Day Part 11

"You think not? You are not thinking this through ALex. You're fine against the powerless idiots you face, and have even held your own against the few powered villains you've faced. Until now. With this alien suit, I am your superior in every way."

Was he wrong? I hoped so...I was certainly regretting keeping the suit then. I'd not entertained any thought of using it myself, so I should have gotten rid of it. But I was shortsighted. And now it was in the hands of a bad man. "It's not over until it's over."

He smiled. "It won't take me long Alex. Not with this suit."

 

October

The Day Part 10

He knocked me flying into the next room. Going through the door was hard enough, going through the wall would have been...much worse. I stood up shakily, robbed of my confidence by the stranger's awful intrusion and the role, albeit unintentional, that Eddie had played in it."You have the suit stranger and that makes you a worthy adversary, but, to master it...that is another thing."

"Oh Alex, I feel, no, I know I can master it quickly. But even without the masteryof it, I will still defeat you easily fool. And no one is going to come to your rescue. And you have Eddie to thank for it. I dare say you chose your friend unwisely."

"Shut up, you don't know what you're talking about. Eddie is a good friend. he simply made a mistake, that is all. Nothing more."

"A mistake that could well cost you your life hero. Unless you're wise enough to see the inevitable. I really don't need to kill you to have won over you. I would be content to simply walk away with the suit...And the knowledge that your reputation is quite undeserved. Do not think on my generous offer for long hero, I have much to do and I am anxious to begin."

"No. That is my answer you fiend, you are not leaving here with that suit."

 

October

The Day Part 9

"Alex get up. You can't let him steal the suit."

The other wheeled around and laughed at Eddie. "Shut up Eddie. I wouldn't be this close to my goal without you, so I really don't want to hurt you. But I will..if you force me to. And you are close to forcing me."

"Damn you. I wish I'd never gone out that night. All this would have been avoided."

"Fool, it's too late now. I have the suit and Alex just isn't good enough to stop me. To think that he is a heo at all, from what I've just witnessed here, it's laughable."

I was still on my knees...shocked to my core, I never before thought that my home would be a battleground. Foolish really, considering that I was a hero...but, it had been my belief.

And it was Eddie who struck first. Albeit feebly. He was no match for the suit. The other flung him against the wall with no problem.

"Are you a coward Alex? Will you not even defend yourself? And you dare to call yourself a hero? You're an even bigger fool than Eddie. And Eddie, he's a pretty big fool as it is. Hardly a victory to be proud of now, but, I will take it nonetheless. I will simply bide my time until I face a worthy adversary. Know this Alex your failure to stop me means all the innocents I hurt from this day forward, their pain will be on your head."

I stood up, I couldn't allow that. I would stop him if it was the last thing I did. Suit or no suit, I wouldn't let him steal it.

 

October

 

The Day Part 8

I fell to my knees. Stunned at Eddie's terrible betrayal. I didn't want to believe that my best friend had done this to me.

"Alex, please listen to me. After Annek, I was not quite myself. And I needed to feel good...so I went out one night and got drunk. And it was then that I met this man. He got me to talking and I let it slip about the suit. I thought I had convinced him it was merely a tale I'd made up, but I didn't fool him Alex. He followed me here today and forced me to bring out the suit. I'm sorry Alex...He's wearing it now."

And with that, the bold one, the thief...stepped out of the smoke and smiled at me. "Well, well, well. It looks like I'm going to test out the suit on a very good candidate. Eh? I've been looking forward to making my mark fool. And you're as good a hero to make it against. Just good enough that the other villains won't laugh at me for beating you, but not good enough to actually stop me."

Fine. It wasn't betrayal, but it still left an awful taste in my mouth.

 

October

The Day Part 7

"Well? Show yourself...both of you. I am waiting...and I will not wait long. You think I don't know the inside of this room well enough to fight the both of you off under these conditions? You are sadly mistaken if you do."

The bold one laughed. "I have no doubt. You've lived here a long time. And when my friend here told me about a wonderful suit, that he thought I might like to take a look at, well, I was more than a little interested. I just had to come and see it for myself."

"No, it wasn't like that at all Alex. I swear it wasn't."

"Eddie, oh no...why Eddie, why?"

 

October

The Day Part 6

I raced down to where I kept the suit, the most secure place in my very secure home and was horrified at what I saw. Doors were off their hinges. And the smell of smoke and something sinister hung in the air.

Two figures stood there, obscured by the smoke. Smoke which should have already cleared up. I had strong fans that should have activated at the first hint of smoke. But they were off.

"Who's there? Stop hiding in the smoke you cowards. And face me...if you dare."

"Do not ever call me a coward fool. I am nothing of the kind, and neither is my friend here. He'll even tell you himself...if you ask him nicely. Go ahead, if you dare."

The Day part 5

The afternoon began with a heavy hard rain. And a wind that wreaked havoc with the unfortunate souls who happened to be outside, with unmbrellas. They pulled them out and were furious when their umbrellas turned up. I had always hated that myself.

Well, at least I had the morning to enjoy. I could always just stay home and relax inside. I could watch a movie. I had a nice little collection. There was one movie I wanted to see, that I had been too busy to see. And wouldn't you know, it was about one of my hero friends. It should be interesting to see their account of him.

I smiled ruefully, knowing they weren't about to make a movie about me anytime soon. Oh well, such was life. We didn't always get what we wanted, or needed. I surely knew that. And that lesson been reinforced the hard way  by Annek recently. he cost me so much. At least he was gone now. And wouldn't be a problem anymore.

It was time to sit down and watch the movie. I needed this. And this, I knew I would enjoy. All I needed to do before was to put on the popcorn and get out the pop. Yes, I can imagine what you're thinking. But there's nothing wrong with a little indulgence. This was mine.

I popped the popcorn, poured myself the pop put the movie in the DVD player and sat down to watch the movie when the power went out.

This was not supposed to happen. I had built in safeguards. Even if the entire city went black, I would not lose power. I cursed silently. It was back to work for me. Someone was here, and I knew just what they wanted too. The suit.

 

October

The Day~Part 4

It was an unevenful morning, very relaxing. I strolled through the city. And saw nary a hint of trouble. I had a surprising thought too, that I could get used to this. Okay, it was a fleeting thought. I had been fighting crime for too long and had too many good years left to give to it to think about not doing it.

Little did I know. Little did I know that this was to be my last day as a hero.  

 

October

The Day Part 3

"Eddie...stay for breakfast...I want to talk to you about something."

Eddie's smile disappeared immediately. "I'd love to Alex, but I have too many things to do today. Maybe tomorrow okay?"

"Sure Eddie, it can wait until tomorrow."

"Thanks Alex, I knew you'd understand."

He peeled off the suit, like he didn't want to wear it and with a quick wave good-bye, he was gone. It was unusual for Eddie to turn down a free meal. And that certain coldness I got from him as soon as I asked him to stay. That was unlike him. Eddie and I had been friends since before I developed my powers. And we had worked through any issues arising from that.

But I let it go and got ready to enjoy the rest of my day, the first of my long overdue vacation.

 

October

The Day~Part 2

"Good morning Eddie. Let's get to it, this is going to be a great day and I want to get out into it to enjoy it. Annek is defeated and I want to take a few days and just relax...the other heroes can deal with the threats for a few."

Eddie smiled easily. "Good morning to you too Alex. It's good to hear you sound like yourself again. Annek took a lot out of you. I only wish it hadn't taken so much out of you...or away."

"Don't Eddie. I don't want to think about that now. Promise me you won't bring it up until I want to talk about it."

"Yes Alex, I promise."

He promised quickly, but there was no mistaking his tone. he wanted to talk about it now. But...it was my loss, not his. I would talk about it when I was ready, not before. "Soon Eddie, I promise you...soon my friend. C'mon, it's time to workout. I think we can both use it today. Suit up in the bathroom while I warm up okay?"

Eddie didn't like to workout with me, which was no surprise, he was a normal man, and I was not. He couldn't do things that did with ease. But he appreciated the offer and was ready to join me this day.

"Yes Alex, after these past few weeks...I could use a workout in your private gym."

"Good, the suit should be regenrated by now. Why don't you put it on?"

"I was hoping you'd say that Alex. I've been looking forward to using it since the last time. It was cool using that one time."

"I'm pleased to hear that Eddie, I was a little worried you wouldn't want to use it after Annek beat you."

"Annek is gone Alex, There's no one else like him. I'll be fine."

And he was fine. It was a great workout, for both of us. I felt better than I had since Annek had come and nearly wrecked my life completely. And Eddie...he enjoyed using the suit...unconcerned about the awfulness of Annek. Hmm...I knew then and there that I wanted Eddie to have the suit. he was a natural.

 

October

The Day

The Day

The day came and I was up soon after. I actually slept in for a change, it had been an easy patrol the night before, but I had been fighting hard of late so I gave myself a little more time in bed.

I got up at six thirty instead of six. True, it was only a half hour more, but it was a half hour I really needed. I would eat after I worked out this time. Because Eddie was always on time. I could set my watch by him really. And that was something I counted on.

But enough lollygagging. I stretched to push the last little bit of sleepiness out of me then leapt out of bed and bounded out of the room and down my special corridor. Honing my agility and speed, needing it for the struggle. I wasn't so blessed with the powers that some of my fellow heroes were. I had to work at it...a little, I did have my innate gifts, they just weren't the same as others. But...I accepted that, really, I did. I just had my moments. Moments that I sloughed off by trips through my specially made corridor.

And with that extra bit of sleep, I made it through the corridor in just under two minutes. A new personal best. And just in time to greet Eddie at the door.

It was going to be a good day. I could feel it in my bones.

October

Yes, I'll Be Fine

Yes, I'll Be Fine.

Oh, I am dying, but I'll be fine. I'm coming to accept my death. It's not easy, not after doing so much to save lives these past few years, but...death is a part of life, and we all have to die sometime.

Do I wish I wasn't dying? Yes, of course I do, I love life, even after facing down some real nasty villains. Some of the worst examples that man has to offer. Still, I won't let them darken my outlook on man. I think we'll get our bright "Star Trek" future. Call me an optimist, but I really do.

So yes, I really will be fine. Despite my impending death. And I will do my best to repair the rift between Eddie and myself. Actually, talking about that first might be the best way to work through it.

It seemed like any other day really. Little did I know then, what I know now.

October

It Used To Be

It Used To Be

It used to be...when I had my powers that I could go from dawn to dusk without any trouble. Heck, it was that way before I had my powers. Now...there are times that I am unable to go for more than a few minutes.

Even just sitting here, at the keyboard, not doing anything that difficult I know I won't be able to go for long without resting. And I hate it!

And it's all Eddie's fault. Eddie, my friend. Things are kind of tense between us now, since his actions led to my losing my powers...and my impending death.

Yes, I am dying. Slowly to be sure, but I am still dying. Yes, from the moment we are born, we are dying...it's just that I know that I am and that I don't have much time left to live. So I want to share with you some tales of my adventures..before I die. I'm worried that this age of heroes is coming to an end. I don't know why I think it, but so help me, I do.

Sorry, got to go now. I'll be back soon.

October

Isn't It Time?

Isn't It Time?

Isn't it time? I've been thinking about that for awhile now. That it was time I actually lived up to the title here. All this time has passed, while I've been doing my thing and let Charles do his. Well, that ends now. I am taking over.I may not be as good as him, but, you'll enjoy me more.

This blog title is Tales From October. I have to admit that Charles did a good job with the title and I enjoyed much of his writings. But enough is enough. Who will tell better tales, a writer or "writer" who will never do anything, or a hero who has done things?

The answer, you will agree, is easy. The latter, not the former.

Yes readers, I was once a bona fide Strordinaire. I'm not one anymore, I lost my powers recently and they are not coming back. And now, that I have time on my hands I decided it was high time I shared some of my adventures with you.

I hope you'll like them. But the telling will have to wait until tomorrow, I tire much easier now. I need to rest often since it happened. Don't fret though, I'll be fine.

October

Sigh...Poetry

Sigh...Poetry

Not today...either, not here. Time is against me...well, time is short. It's just past seven, but I'm already worrying about getting what I want to get done in the time I have. 

Okay, I already know...I'll have to proof and edit my book tonight.

Sigh.

Well, as long as I get my entries all done this morning, I'll be fine.

Right?

Hmmph!

Tomorrow.

 

Charles Petrie

 

Szebedezz

Szebedezz

 

Szebedezz

The first to leave

The Bardergran family

More than a few ago

 

Szebedezz

Many were curious

But only so much

As to say

And chuckle at

 

Szebedezz

Long a gone

Soon enough

He would return

Late one day

With a tale to tell

 

 

Charles Petrie

 

 

He Was naked Too

He Was Naked Too

 

He was naked too

He realized as

He looked at her

Then quickly looked away

 

And in that quick

Oh so that

He saw enough to know

She was beyond

His reaching for

 

None like that

Ever wanted him

And never would

As he believed

From his history

Which was loud

And full so full

Of painful no

 

He was naked too

So he looked about

For coverage

For him and her

 

And quite easily

He found indeed

Such to cover

Though dusty and old

It would have to do

 

And for a moment

But short a one

He marvelled at

His luck to be

Naked with her

 

However scarily so

As they were quite removed

From all before

They were the least

Away together

 

Charles Petrie

 

 

 

Do You Hear

Do You Hear

 

Do you hear

The coming of

The awful wind

Though it gathers slowly

I can hear it so

And fear it deeply

In the very depths of me

 

None will be safe

And survival will be

The order of the day

So prepare yourselves

Oh now oh now

For it is coming soon

 

Do you hear

The coming of

The awful wind

Well I do myself

And I wish to God

That I didn't so

 

Charles Petrie

Oh Baadatan

Oh Baadatan

 

Oh Baadatan

Said not with a smile

Or a hint of laughter

But with a steely cold

And dangerous tone

 

But he cared as not

And laughed in his face

With such gleeful glee

That Taevid Kuse

So felt compelled

To strike him down

 

Oh Baadatan

Fatally struck

And quickly too

What was Taevid to do

But run

And far away

 

Oh Baadatan

An ass an ass

He'd never told

Taevid that

He was quite unkillable

And had no reason

To run and run

 

Oh Baadatan

What would he

Oh what would he

For Taevid Kuse

Was not meant as for

The running life

And likely would

See his so ended

If he continued long

 

Charles Petrie

Spurdsley Manor

Spurdsley Manor

 

Spurdsley Manor

Long abandoned

And fallen in

A wretched wreck

Hard to believe

That once it was

A treasure of the town

 

But that was way

Way back when

And now it is

Oh so diffferent

And the Spurdsley name

Is not the same

As then at all

 

Spurdsley Manor

Once upon a time

When all was well

And nothing like

This awful Hell

For the last of the line

 

Aye indeed

Arthur Charles

He fell apart

Lo those many before

And so wished for

His Manor days

 

Charles Petrie

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Many Fields

How Many Fields

 

How many fields

Shall I plant

And leave to lie

Oh fallow so

As I stumble forth

In chase of dream

 

Aye these plantings

They feed they do

But nay as like

A crop so grown

To its full

 

How many fields

Shall I plant

And leave to lie

Before I die

And what kind of legacy

Shall then I have

 

Charles Petrie

Thann Yuu

Thann Yuu

 

Thann Yuu

Older and wiser

Wary of the drink

And tired of the smoke

 

But still he came

That once a week

For to see

Jenna Durl

With her crow's tattoo

And three piercings three

 

Not that he tried

Or that she fended off

Even the hinted idea

They just were

This what of what

The keeper and the kept

 

Thann Yuu

So came the weeks

And passed them too

With nothing more

Than goodly passed

Until that winter night

When he ordered up

Something new

And beckoned her over

 

What followed was odd

As he fought back tears

And grabbed her hand

So quick and slight

Than  drained the glass

In but a swallow

And quickly left

 

But that was months ago

And he was all

All but forgotten

Save by Jenna and me

 

Oh I knew him not

Nay not at all

For I am new to here

But he knew her

And in his leaving

Oh hastily

He left a mark

Upon her hand

That strangely spreads

Day by day

 

And I for one

Would dearly love

To solve this mystery

So then we could

Be married thus

For we are happy

In all save that

 

Thann Yuu

What did you do

And why at all

To my Jenna sweet

Who never did

But anything nice

For you yourself

 

Charles Petrie

 

If You Were

If You Were

 

If You Were

Oh bold enough

And had the nerve

Like me myself

You would as me

Well in your way

Take up the pen

 

But apparently

You nay not are

Like that at all

Save but once or twice

 

Sigh sigh sigh

So say I

But only as a tease

Not like a wagging of

The disappointed finger

 

Yet if you were

I'd find the time

To read of you

As you find the when

To read of mine

 

If you were

I but say this

To spur thee on

As I like to some

To others invite

The chase of write

 

Charles Petrie

 

 

 

Yaff

Yaff

 

Yaff

They used to laugh at him

So hard and loud

The girls most of all

That he rarely ventured out

Save for when

He hadda do

 

But that was then

No one was laughing now

Not when he

One Garren Yaff

Was far away

In distant lands

Fighting for them

 

Now they gathered

Shamefacedly

Knowing his life

As though they were there

 

Yaff

They used to laugh at him

So hard and loud

Now quite proud

They were they were

 

Aye the changes

The changes of a life

Who ever knows

How yesterday

Will so change

Into tomorrow

 

Charles Petrie