From the Slide To the Ground Life story

This is a story that comes to mind almost every year. I cannot just erase this one from my own childhood memories. We all have those memories from our childhood that are countless in number. However there is a certain number of memories which we latch on to.Some of the memories that I find myself latching onto are from the school Emmanuel Christian School. I keep wondering if it was spelled Immanuel Baptist Christian School as I grew up in the days after third grade. One would say I got into trouble many times there and was sent to the principal's office, and made to stand on a line for long periods. Those were cruel punishments according to kids in those days of the 90's unless you were smart about it and compared that to what your parents did.

On the playground were a lot of playground equipment for the after school care program. There was a slide closest to the building, a second one closest to the end to of the playground, some swings, merry ground around, monkey bars, sandbox, an arch to climb on, a climbing tower, and a basket ball court at the very end. As I recall there were other playground equipment that had to be replaced at some point. From Kindergarten to Third Grade I played on this playground with many of my friends only one of whom I am still in touch with to this day. One day I walked up to the tallest slide, which was red and made from metal. Some kids were scared others were not. I was hesitant, but went down the slide anyways. That day I decided to do something different that would seem dangerous for a kid to do. I climbed to the top of the slide then stood up and jumped from the top. With my arms and legs spread out and body exposed like a belly flop I landed on the earth. Nothing happened to me there were no bones broken nor did it hurt for some reason. I did it again only that time I screamed until I landed. Three more times I did this until a female teacher yelled at me to go down the slide properly. I heard laughter from all the older students who were way older than ten years old.

As an adult I understand what they thought of me. Some dumb kid who did not know how to use a slide properly. If you were to watch me you would say I was sky diving without a parachute? Well I am guilty of looking stupid for doing that. Immanuel must have thought there was something wrong with me. Was I a dumb kid or did I just come off as a stupid kid who did have a brain? It needs to be noted that I did not always think clearly before acting. 

Tioban's Final Encounter

Following Lady Mahkay was a difficult task. She possessed levitating powers that allowed her to glide with ease above the floor of the hallway. He almost had to run in order to keep up with her. For several minutes the pair of them explored the inside of the ruins finding nothing worth taking except a few chests, and broken down furniture. Most of the chests were already opened and looted with whatever the adventurers did not want scattered on the floor or hanging out of the chest.

"Um My Lady, who are we looking for again?" Tioban asked curious.

"We are actually searching for my long lost son who calls himself "Nathan" some reason." Lady Mahkay replied to him as she illuminated the dark hall to reveal it lead to some stairs.

"I was under the impression we were searching for your daughter's lover, not her brother." Tioban admitted to Mahkay. This woman had obviously lied to him she was not looking for her daughter's lover, but a brother of hers who had gotten lost in this region. Yet to her misfortune Tioban had never ventured into this part of the area. Whenever he passed through here it was always occupied by some other party or travelers.

"The only reason I did not mention our true mission was that his sister has had violent tensions between them. Both had a history of fighting each other and trying to kill the other." Mahkay said turning her head to look over her shoulder.

"Did he have any issues with you? If you will allow me to ask." Tioban asked her.

Mahkay was about to answer when some noise coming from down the stairs caught her attention. She raise a hand as if to silence someone. There was no one else but the Dragon Knight. As any good knight would he kept his mouth shut. He listened to the noise as it came again from down the stairs. It came as an echo of someone else's voice. As he listened closely trying to figure out if that was a voice or some noise. His ears collected two voices of a pair of men chatting as their voices carried through the ruins. Mahkay glided forward to the stairs beckoning for him to follow her. Tioban followed her down the stairs of the ruins running into the usual critters small spiders, and rats that infest ruins. There were also bugs and other natural critters that one would find inside ruins.

"Tioban do you hear those voices?" Lady Mahkay asked him stopping to hover above the middle step.

"Yes my Lady I do. It sounds like two men are talking." He replied to the Battle Mage.

Mahkay proceeded to descend these steps while levitating with her illumination powers showing the way. Whoever these two men were they must be in a deep conversation about something. Their voices grew louder and louder as he and Lady Mahkay drew closer. He could almost hear the conversation as they rounded the corner to find a chamber that was light up with modern work lights. It appeared strange for this type of technology to be in a world full of warriors, and knights still fighting with melee weapons.

".....Don't worry about your dear sweet cheery lass Teebs you are scheduled to meet her tomorrow." said one voice.

"Oh thank the gods of Olympus, and of Val Hala I have wanted this for years!" said the second voice.

"Now what were these artifacts again?" the first voice asked sounding puzzled.

"For the last time Jack these are cycladic vases. I have no idea who operated that gate nor can I even fathom how the Phaistos disc could still hold such power. Lucky for us there was a copy made. Otherwise we would both be in jail somewhere in the EU!" Teebs said loudly.

"Hard to believe these were carried across the galaxy like this!" Jack said like he was admitting something.

"That gate did act as a portal to other parts of the galaxy somehow. What perplexes me is that they were crafted from stone material and it works like some powered machine!" Teebs pointed out in a frantic manner.

"Calm yourself mate. There is not need to act like there is no beer or alcohol!" Jack said trying to calm him down. Tioban heard a clicking sound like a gun was being cocked.

"Easy, easy I did not mean to trigger you about the beer. The beer is not gone!" Jack said.

Mahkay zoomed over to the room with the Dragon Knight chasing after her. Both entered a room with two men a pirate, and an archaeologist in a gold yellow shirt, a plaid shirt with rolled up sleeves, and tan rough looking pants. His boots looked like they had been in mud and hardened to the feeling of stone. The pirate wore the typical outfit with a bone necklace, and some trinkets in his bandana. Over that outfit he wore a long coat that looked more like a handcrafted duster. He had his hands up and the archaeologist had a revolver pointed at him. Mahkay drew their attention to the doorway. Both lowered their hands at the sight of a battle mage hovering at the door.

"Um hello how are you?" the archaeologist asked not sure if he knew who they were.

"Salutations and greetings to you Lady Mahkay." the pirate said greeting the Noble Battle Mage.

Tioban came to the doorway and sheathed his weapon. Teebs the archaeologist laughed and put away his revolver. He did the same thing with his own hat greeting both nobles. This Teebs character wore glasses and donned a fine looking beard he must have trimmed three days ago. During his days with an expedition Tioban learned to tell when and how a beard was trimmed.

"Salutations to you pirate captain. Who is your friend here?" Mahkay replied to Jack's greeting.

"This is Teebs MacAoidh a field worker and practicing archaeologist of Lady Denson." Jack introduced them to this archaeologist.

As Jack was about to introduce their names to this lone archaeologist. Several horned creatures entered the chamber through large cracks and other holes in the wall. Each one had a goat beard and a long forked tongue coming out of their jaws. All of them were hairy from head to toe and hooves for feet. Teebs immediately fired three shots into one of the creatures while Jack went for his sword. The pirate got behind Teebs while the other two went after the others. Mahkay threw a fireball at one and Tioban crushed another with his shield. Teebs fired the rest of his rounds into another horned creature that entered the chamber. He grabbed two trowels to use as weapons with Jack still hiding behind him. A few more horned creatures came in only to be killed off quickly. Teebs used the trowels like daggers stabbing one of them before the rest slipped away into the darkness.

"Thank you for the assistance. I am in your debt." Teebs said kneeling before the nobles. Jack did the same as he did sheathing his own weapon.

"You are from another world that is not ours." Mahkay said accusingly to Teebs. The man who called himself Teebs was taken aback at this accusation.

"Um My Lady you are correct I do come from another world which I am not allowed to mention." Teebs replied honestly.

"What world would that be? Would it have a certain place called Crete, because we heard you mention the cycladic artifacts and only the Minoans are known for that." Tioban said approaching the man called Teebs.

"Yes it does, does the name Lancaster or House of York ring a bell?" Teebs asked quickly. Mahkay laughed at this showing her joy in speaking with this human. The Noble dropped to her feet and lifted the man up from his feet with a grin. She clasped his hands in hers.

"I am looking for my son who may have gone to your world. He goes by the name of Nathan." She spilled the beans on him.

"I know of one Nathan who went to some University in Chapel Hill, but I have never met him. Nathan Nathan, oh yes there is one sleaze ball with the last name Arrington. Would that help?" Teebs replied to the Noble.


"Yes it does. Does he hang with your love interest?" Mahky responded back.

Those words triggered Teebs and he punched a wall hard enough to break his hand and an object. It left a crack on the wall. Whatever his situation was he wanted it to be over that was clear. Tioban studied his face as he tried to calm himself to speak to the Nobless.

"Ease yourself. It is probably not what it seems." Jack said putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I will leave you two to your own task. As you for you Sir Knight thank you for accompanying me. Now we must head over this world." Mahkay said leaving the two men in the chamber full of dead creatures. 

A Quiet Cafeteria Life story

Back when I was at Emmanuel Christian School in Clemons, North Carolina I always lunch at the cafeteria. During those hours I chose what I wanted among their selection. I honestly cannot say if it was bad because I never threw up inside the cafeteria. There were a few times I had money which was in the form of change and the cafeteria lady said I didn't have enough. At first I thought I did not have enough money yet now I am wondering if she meant food. As any cafeterias are everyone was talking and it was loud. Everyday it was the same type of noise yet different topics and the same people talking. There was this one day where I was seven or six years old that I changed that for a few minutes. Being the unique kid that I was who was no doubt annoying to everyone else I did something that has been done before. Covering my ears with both hands I shouted "QUIET!" with my kid voice. I did not how loud I spoke nor did I even care. Everything went quiet for a few minutes. It was the first time I had done that and the last time I did that. Bud Phibbs I hope you read this and remember. I miss you buddy. 

Dragon Knight's New Quest

The Dragon Knight got up from the table. He went over to Sir Denson's Booth where he had left his weapons and shield. Tioban picked up his shield and his weapons. All four of the Champions and Heroes looked up and saw him. They appeared rather curious about what he discovered at that table. All their eyes were on him. One of the serving girls brought extra mead, and ale to the booth. She was about to offer one to Tioban only he declined.

"Oh come on now. Have one drink before you aid Lady Mahkay. It is best you do so now. She won't smell if off your breath nor would she even care." Boramere teased him a little. He shoved a mug of mead into the Dragon Knight's hands. Tioban looked at the contents of the mug. The mead looked tasty, and it smelled like a Hall's Brew of some Great Lord. Before taking a sip Tioban licked his lips in anticipation of drinking.

"Drink up Dragon Knight! You're gonna need it!" Black Kat said with a smirk on her face.

Obeying the pressure from fellow warriors the Dragon Knight took a big gulp of the mead. He tasted the yeast, and the honey as he guzzled it down. It was to get the drinking over with even if he received a buzz from it. Tioban finished the mead in three drinks just so they can leave alone. He felt a little bit of the effects before slamming the mug on the table and bidding the fellow warriors a farewell. All four of them laughed giving him praise, heckling him, and cheering him on. Tioban felt a little embarrassed as he left the booth to exit the Tavern. When he came to the door he dug into his coin purse and placed three Silver Dylings on the counter. The Dragon Knight exited the Tavern.

Outside he spotted Lady Mahkay, the princess, and their two swordsmen heading towards the stables. He decided to follow them since they had summoned him for a quest. One of the swordsmen looked over his shoulder. He spotted Tioban and beckoned for him to join them. Tioban rushed over to the small party at the stables. Both women were preparing to mount after they had changed into more comfortable clothing for riding. Their two swordsmen prepared their own steeds and mounts. Without a word Tioban went to his mount that had just eaten a hairy Fadet, a small creature that appeared more like a small person. Its little cap and shoes were on the hay while his steed chewed on the body.

"I see food found you Norsoth. That appetite of yours is never quenched." Tioban exclaimed as he prepared his mount for another journey. Norsoth snorted and gave a slight grow. He ignored this since that was his steed's way of showing its disapproval of going out again. This Dragon steed had the capacity to travel for days without yest. He prepared his mount and met his new party outside the stables.

None of them were surprised to see a Dragon Knight astride a Dragon like steed. They nodded in acceptance before allowing Lady Mahkay lead the way. She took them away from the Tavern and down a path that lead towards a bridge. From there they made it across to another hill to a longer trail. No words were spoken as they progressed through the landscape to a particular hill that had some ruins on top of it. Tioban looked over his shoulder to see how far they had come. On this world daylight hours were longer than it appeared. For thirty miles their steeds brought them to what appeared to be the destination. Tioban was under the impression they were going somewhere farther than this.

"Now listen Sir Knight my daughter's lover has been missing. His last whereabouts were said to be this location. We do not know what is inside those ruins nor do we know if he is still alive down there." Lady Mahkay informed him as she dismounted from her steed.

"I will aid you in this mission." Tioban pledged to the Black Lion's Wife. He knew is mission was to find some work and he had.

"Good, we will leave our steeds under the care of my daughter and her swordsmen as guards. You and I will go inside." Lady Mahkay said to the Dragon Knight.

Tioban dismounted grabbing both shield and his weapons. He took one good look at the ruins they were about to enter. From the looks of the ruins it was once a Wizard's old tower that had crumbled down with time. It must have been a few centuries since any heroes or adventurers came this way. He did not know the true origins of this tower yet the base gave away the style Wizard's often used. Tioban looked to Lady Mahkay who revealed herself to be a battle mage armed with a halberd she used as a staff or walking stick. Tioban followed her to the entrance. She flicked her wrist and flames shot out to illuminated some of the torches and places where there would be one. Each one entered the ruins ready to fight whatever they lay waiting inside.

"Are you sure it is wise to use fire magic ahead of us. It could warn the creatures inside and a monster could lay in ambush." Tioban warned the Battle Mage.

She gave him a look and went about her own business. With one arm up and halberd in hand Mahkay proceeded further inside this ruin of a tower. The Dragon Knight was given no other option than to cover her back. It was his new quest and it was likely she was going to pay him well for the job. His gaze went from side to side expecting something to attack them from the crevices and doorways along the walls. Mahkay checked each one as she passed a room and a crevice in the walls. What he didn't understand was why she never checked the ceilings.

Becoming the Spy

Everything was on the table and the pieces are set between the two superpowers of a world carved by empires. Among these empires were other factions forging, and smaller nations scattered all over the globe. Each one hanging on to their independence by any means necessary. It was essential to keep the strongest ones in the fight as much as possible. One of these enemies was a centuries old enemy that made alliances with various races, states, entire worlds, and organizations. Among their ranks were various humanoid creatures. Many of these humanoids were more like raiders, killers, slavers, rapists, arsonists, and some were a little on the cannibalistic side. Entire units of these mercenaries dedicated their work to just pillaging everything wherever they please and whomever.

What ever this planet's name was she did not recall at the moment. She looked at the factions that are involved in this current conflict. It was clear who their enemy was however it was unclear whom they should aid other than the smaller states surrounded by the larger empires. According to their reports the Amethorians have already made contact with one of the Factions who call themselves the V.U.V.R. abbreviation for Vestrisian Union of the Vestrisian Republics. Whatever deal they made with them it allowed these natives or locals to rebel the Nazdar and the other Empire for years. Agent Bemere Fabellson aka. Blue Love slipped out of her jumpsuit which was too tight for her features. Her race was an ancient one and allowed extended life and had acrobatic abilities. She had long sand blonde hair, tall in frame, curvy and a heart shaped face. Blue Love knew what her coworkers liked to ogle and she wish that part of her body wasn't noticeable. Yet she got away with throwing a punch or two.

"Blue Love." She heard her boss's voice from the flank. Bemere froze a little when she hear him. Sh straightened up and saluted.

"Yes sir." she responded ready for duty.

"Have you got everything ready?" He asked her walking over to the table with bags packed full of her equipment. She had two suitcases packed full of her personal belongings.

"Yes I have my surveillance equipment, listening devices, radio receivers, Recording Devices, my lock picking equipment just in case, and all the camcorders for this mission." Bemere said feeling proud of herself.

"Remember to wrap those up like gifts when you land on that platform in the south. From there you will head straight for the island nation of Ivodra. Their government is neutral in this conflict. Our race can easily blend in. Only you will have to cover your tattoos and strange birthmarks.....When you are there." Her Boss said walking over to pick up her luggage for her. Even though he was her Boss he still acted as a manservant in some ways. His hair was dyed blue, which made his ears stick out more. He wore the nicer version of their uniform that made him look more like a businessmen.

"Uh Director who is my contact?" she asked curiously as she picked up her bags. He led her to the pods where she was supposed to launch from.

"His name is Segon. He will meet you at the platform and load you onto to the submarine. The submarine will then take you to the island." the Director informed her before they came to the pod launching bay of the ship.

Without a word he motioned for Agent Blue Love to board the pod as he carefully helped her pack everything in. Once she was seated and buckled in he slammed the door. Everything around her hissed and sealed up as the pod prepared to launched from the ship. Bremere closed her eyes and waited for the pod to launch. In moments her pod launched with a popping sound followed by the rumbling and shaking. She felt herself get launched into space while on board this one person pod.
The entire time she had her eyes closed. She was not used to this type of transportation to another world. For nearly a few hours the pod went straight for this planet. She felt the pod shake even more as it entered the atmosphere. With her eyes closed she fumbled for the switch that would slow it down. These pods were designed to take any hard surface impact however she was not taking any chances. As soon as her hand found a lever she pulled on it hard nearly jerking it off the wall.

Her pod began to slow down thanks to the installed engines that were supposed to be the brakes for this type of landing. Bemere took a deep breath and took in more breaths as her pod slowly made its way to the surface. She held on to something as it made impact with something that felt more like water. Blue Love opened a hatch to find herself in the middle of the ocean and close to her was the platform she was supposed to land on. Now her spying days would begin on this planet.

Hope He Is Okay After That Life story

Back in the year of 2016 I had my own apartment in Brook Berry Park Apartments in Winston-Salem North Carolina. During that time I was currently hosting a couple of Chinese Exchange Students who came here for college. Well they had to get through our high school system first. It was unfortunate they had to come through an agency named ISES International Students Educational Services. That name sounded more like a terrorist group yes, but it is not remotely close to it. On a certain month in the year I was taking the boys back home after school. That was my duty and my job aside from the Substitute Teaching that I did alongside volunteer work at the Second Harvest Food Bank.

On Country Club Road I was in heavy, heavy traffic. It was of course, 4:00 p.m. and all the schools were letting out along with certain jobs. We had to stop and wait for the light to turn green. That was not the most fun thing to do unless you have music, singing, or an awesome conversation with those people. I mean the type of music people like to listen to not the campy, lame stuff. While we stopped in traffic a cyclist came riding up behind me. I thought nothing of it other than why are you riding your bike on this road in this traffic? There were certain other word choices going through my mind of course. Wouldn't know the blind, stupid son of a gun slams right into the back of my car. The impact and sound scared the crud out of me. I but on the parking break an went to check on him.

I found him on the grass with his bike next to him. He must have moved after that or something. I literally asked the dude. "Are you okay dude?" I was scared he had broken his bones or had lost his tooth. But nooo, he was on the grass and looked at me and said "Whoah." He got up like it was almost nothing. He said he was not hurting any way. I said "Bull##t" in my own head. The guy introduced himself and I apologized to him just to be a kind heart person. I looked at the back windshield and he left this face print on it. It was in the shape of his face and cheek. He told me to head on the road and that he would be found. It is now 2018 and I have seen plenty of cyclists on the road. None of them are him unless I have missed something or he hasn't been out the same time I have. Despite him hitting my car and not putting on his breaks, which all bikes do come with I wonder to myself "Hope he is okay After that". That is the end of my story. I hope none of the cyclists will have beef with me after that come 2019. 

A Dragon Knight's Encounter Continued

"Now that they are in their own corners sit down and join us." Bob invited Tioban over to his booth.

The Dragon Knight placed his shield down and his weapons against their half of the booth. He took a seat next to the female Pirate Lord Black Katherine, who eyed him with some interest. Across from him were Lurkos the Dark Orc, and Gary or Gerald the Beast Hunter. Gary appeared a little large for most Elves and had a strong chin and had the resemblance of a stubble. There was enough room for six people at this booth, which allowed Bob to seat himself with the other two. Bob was really known as Boramere Denson a Clansman with a tail who had risen in the ranks in the Black Coats and earned the title of Knight. He became a Champion to this world and a few others according to the stories.

"Who are you sir Dragon Knight?" Bob asked Tioban with a smile on his face.

"My name is Sir Tioban  Elarkson of the Red-Iron Wyverns. I have come here searching for any work or anyone who needs an extra man for a quest." Tioban said with an honest voice. He almost felt like he was back in the academy for knights and heroes right after his academic schooling years were done. These four were legends, outlaws, heroes, champions, and the best warriors/monster slayers. He looked at Black Katherine who appeared to be tall with dark hair, and similar looking to Bob for some reason. Only she had no beard and her female facial features were too defined. She wore a black pirate suit made from leather with pieces of combat armor over her outfit. It appeared to work for her since she was a pirate and was armed with a long sword, and decorative cutlass. Across from her was the Orc named Lurkos who wore the layered armor with his Tribal Insignia painted on it. His weapon of choice was the war bow, and war hammer. As for the Elf named Gerald the Beast Hunter, he was armed with a broad rapier, a crossbow, and a  long axe next to him. Beside Gerald sat Sir Bob Denson of the Clans in his White Crusader Armor and his Clan Surcoat with the Griffon and the Tree on his Breast Plate. Bob was armed with a Hand a Half Sword, a curved dagger, an Axe, a Falchion, and a large round shield to go on his back.

"Well we are not looking for any one of that sort just yet. However we could interest you in a crusade or some future raids. If that does not suffice with you then Buckface the Wizard could lend an extra spot for one such as you. Or you could ask that woman over there!" Bob said cheerfully with a big grin on his face and in his eyes. Black Kat looked over at who he was referring to and looked back at him.

"That is the Black Lion's Wife Lady Alise the Green Sorceress of the Serpents. She is looking to hire someone to go down a tunnel this week." She pointed out.

"Oh." Bob said with a surprised expression. "Well talk to her then."

Lurkos and Gerald sniggered at him. Black Kat tried very hard not to laugh at Bob who only looked up at the ceiling. He wondered if Bob could handle the Dragon Knights who prowled the areas of their world. Tioban got up from the booth and approached the Black Lion's Wife who sat with three other figures. Two of these figures were swordsmen wearing the Yellow Tunic and the Black Lion sigil over their chainmail armor. Beside Lady Alise was another woman wearing a pink dress crying over something. As he approached the two Swordsmen looked up and sprung into action.

"Halt Sir you are approaching Lady Alise Mahkay of the Black Lions and Princess Mary III of the Pike Mountain. State your business Dragon Cur!" one of the Swordsmen barked at him.

"Sir Denson sent me to your Lady. I hear she is in need of an extra sword." Tioban said honestly giving them a slight bow.

Both Swordsmen eyed him suspiciously due to his status as a Dragon Knight. They sat back down to nudge Lady Alise and Princess Mary. Each woman looked up to see this one Knight who was offering his blade to Lady Mahkay's cause. Princess Mary had tears going down her cheeks and Lady Mahkay was holding her hand. They kept their gaze on him for a few moments before saying a word.

"What do you want?" Lady Mahkay's asked her facial expression hardened a little seeing that he was a Dragon Knight.

"I have come to offer my hand in service to your Ladyship. You see I am a Dragon Knight searching for work or jobs." Tioban said to the two women.

"Very well meet us outside at the stables. Come alone at the stables." Lady Mahkay replied to him. She stood up from the table lifting Mary up from her chair. The two women left the table with their swordsmen following suit. 

Lia's Bag of Bewilderment

In High School Lia carried a giant bag for a purse or at least had a large bag since it was trending. Every day she would bring it to school and most days her friend Thomas would grab it and look inside. She was small enough to fit inside this bag. I myself wanted to fit inside this bag as well just for laughs. At the auditorium I hung out with some of the crew and cast members for the upcoming play. In the hall between the auditorium and the dressing room I watched Thomas snatch the bag from Lia's hands.

"Oh my god this is a huge bag!" Thomas exclaimed like some girls would in his own voice. He was always entertaining and fun to be around. 

"This is a bag of gratuitous bewilderment. You can put anything inside this bag!" He said almost shouting while looking inside.

"I just carry it around with almost everything I need." Lia said trying not to laugh harder than she was at the moment.

"You could be a spy or some thing. Have you been spying for the Wizards or something?" Thomas questioned her as if he was an agent interrogating a suspect.

"I work for the fairies!" she said giggling. She tried to get the bag back from Thomas but he yanked it from her reach and put his head inside.

When he put it on his head the bag engulfed him. It dropped to the floor like nothing was holding it up. Lia stared at the bag in shock that Thomas disappeared inside the bag. I almost crapped my pants when I saw Thomas disappear into the bag of bewilderment.

"Lia what happened to Thomas and why didn't you warn us?" I asked her feeling a little scared.

"Just go need to void now then meet me back here okay!" Lia nearly snapped at me.

"Um okay?" I responded realizing she could smell me. I was little put off by what she demanded but I raced to the bathroom, found an empty stall, swung the door the open and proceeded to use the bathroom after slamming the door shut. When I was done and cleaned up and the toilet flushing everything down I exited the bathroom feeling fantastic. I did a super hero pose before meeting Lia back at the auditorium.

"I am back now let's get Thomas back!" I said feeling very heroic at the moment after relieving myself.

Lia was laying the bag down and began spreading it out. Whatever Lia was doing she seemed have done this multiple times. She opened the bag even further. It stretched like a rubber band would as she pulled it. In a moments notice Lia stepped inside the bag. She also disappeared like Thomas did. Not knowing what to do I picked up the bag and placed it in a corner where no one would bother it before diving in.

A Dragon Knight's Encounter

He dismounted off his steed that was more dragon like with some resemblance to a deer. He lead his mount over to a secluded part of the stable at the Tavern-Inn that rested on a hill. It's location was a little strange for a tavern however the surrounding landscape were mostly hills. Rivers divided many of the hills. All over the landscape were farms, small dwellings, villages, small castles, towers, and forts and the defended walled in villages. For many travelers, and adventurers this land had plenty of Taverns, and Inns to eat, rest, drink, and receive warm companionship. This particular Tavern used to be a Baron's Bastion style Tower-Fort before the family died out and the all the servants, and retainers left. He walked over to the door hearing faint music, laughter, and many voices inside.

Opening the door to the Tavern the Dragon Knight discovered an entire hall and chamber decorated and refurnished as a Common Area for all patrons. Seated on benches, tables, and booths were no more than sixty other patrons. He looked around in search for an empty spot for him to sit. Working at the afternoon shift were close to sixteen servers, cooks, bartenders, and the host. The host was a tall half elf with a small beard that he kept trimmed every week. He welcomed this Dragon Knight who just entered the Tavern. He gave the most gracious smile he could give the Knight as he walked further inside his establishment. Out of curiosity the Knight paused to look at this Half Elf who greeted him. He wondered what his age really was, and how long this establishment had been open. This host still held the same grin on his face. It was obvious this Tavern Host and Most likely Owner had ill will against Knights like himself. He was a Dragon Knight after all however they were not as infamous as the Robbers, Bandits, or the Dreaded Black Knights who came over every season looking for a new victim or town to ruin.

"What is your name good sir, and are you the owner of this establishment?" The Dragon Knight said as if he was requesting this information.

"My name is Bostraerus a former Adventurer before I discovered this place. For over ten years the "Brave Stallion" has been open to all travelers, Merchants, explorers, adventurers, and heroes such as yourself. Please take a seat wherever you like as long as it is empty or you are invited to that spot." Bostraerus gestured at the large Common Area.

"Uh by what name do you go by Sir Knight?" Bostraerus asked him. A question like that triggered him a little. This Dragon Knight did not care to share his name with anyone. All he wanted was to be called or known as a Dragon Knight and nothing more. His name was to be kept a secret at all costs unless it was requested by a warrior, knight, or someone of authority.

"Bostraerus are you a warrior or a knight?" the Dragon Knight demanded looking at him in the face.

"I was an adventurer and before that quite the soldier and received the rank of Captain of a small team of fighters." Bostraerus responded with an expression that said go plow yourself knight.

"Very well then Bostraerus the Tavern Keeper." The Dragon Knight leaned over to whisper his name. "I am Sir Tioban Elarkson of the Red-Iron Wyverns. My own house consider's me an outcast, yet they still show love each year. Now Bostraerus I have given you my name. Don't put my name down, put another name down."

"I will call you Thomson then." Bostraeus replied looked a little puzzled and intimidated.

"Good, now do you know what goes on in these parts of Greater Anapes?" Sir Tioban asked him.

"There is this um, guy who has begun to form a party of adventurers, and fighters for a quest down some tunnel. His name is Buckface the Red Haired Wizard. That Wizard is a strange one some but her is agitating to most." Bostrareus said as if he was warning Tioban.

"Where can I find him?" He asked looking around. He found no such figure inside the Common Area.

It was not seconds later when a peculiar figure with wild red hair entered the Tavern. He donned a stupid pointy hat, has long curly red hair, has buck teeth, bushy eyebrows, crooked nose, a skinny physique under three layers of robes. Around his neck were an assortment of various necklaces with many items from gemstones, animal skulls, bones, and amulets of different origins. This bushy eye brow Wizard squinted at him with a glare.

"Excuse me sir Knight No one! You are in our way!" The Wizard said with a gusto voice that was more nasal than powerful. He jabbed a long bony finger into Tioban's Armor.

"I see no one else other than you, Wizard!" Tioban snapped at him. He grabbed the finger and squeezed it causing the Wizard to wince. The Wizard wrenched his hand free and snapped a finger. The door opened again and a larger figure entered the room. It was clad in the most blackest of Armors and donned a helmet that was the size of a large bucket. It appeared more like a diver's helmet attacked to the armor itself. The visor was large enough for the wearer to have a clear view. Whoever the larger figure was it took off its helmet to reveal it was a male Orc with pale skin and zero scars. A short Mohawk was all he had on his head. Tioban was about to study face even further when he heard a blast and he found himself hurling across the room. He landed on a table of female warriors in Combat Armor of different varieties, and colors. These ladies were certainly not from this part of the land. Each one grabbed him up and stood him on his two feet. Neither of them wanted anything to do with this fight for some reason. Their race were warriors and had tails, however they muttered something about refraining from a bar fight. Every patron stood up ready to fight or watch while all the staff raced for a safe place to hide. Tioban's focus was on Buckface the Wizard. He unsheathed his sword ready to fight in this very Tavern when a familiar figure grabbed his arm to stop him. Tioban looked up to see it was non other than Bob Denson a well known Knight and a Commander of the Black Coats.

"Bob? Is that Bob Denson of the Clans?" Tioban asked in disbelief.

"Yes it is you stubborn Dragon." Bob said with a grin. He had allowed his hair to grow shaggy, and a beard was growing. Bob escorted Tioban over to a booth where a few other individuals sat. Bob introduced him to each person another orc with dark skin and white markings on his face named Lurkos, a blonde haired elf known as Gary the Beast Hunter, and a Female Pirate Lord who called herself Black Katherine. He noticed Bob then turned towards the Wizard and his Orc friend who seemed to soil their pants or shiver when he was about to make a step towards them. Both of them left the Tavern for some time only to return and sat in the farthest corner of the establishment.

Mockshah's Conch Hunt

Aboard a Xebec of the Pirate Captain Black Katherine the Legendary Duchess of Pirates an experienced human pirate from a mysterious planet paced around his cabin. It was a medium sized one suitable for his needs while on this trip that was to last a single day. His position as a pirate had just earned him a new name among all the pirates of the cosmos. He had begun his pirating days as short adventures at age sixteen. Some taller versions of himself did take him on adventures whenever he had loads of free time and school was out for the summer. It was an agreement he made with them at age seven. Their names escaped him because he stopped seeing them after some time. He had a few run ins with one of them whose fiancé and ex wife was attending the same college he was. Mocksha was pacing the room at the age of 27 and becoming a Pirate Lord. Having such a rank among pirates, buccaneers, and corsairs made him important, respected, and authority over a legion of pirates. On his home world he had two jobs and some volunteering to do. That kept him busy however it did not satisfy him the least bit. For about ten minutes he continued to pace the room at a time that was certainly 10:00 am in the morning.

“Okay Mocksha, and Beowulf they want you to go inside that shipwreck and find the Conch of a busty Mermaid who clearly does not wear a top.” He said to himself knowing he cannot reveal his true name to anyone aboard this ship.

Aboard the Xebec of the famous Duchess Katherine Hawkinson were approximately twenty-eight other passengers. Each one of them were greeted on board by the Duchess and himself like hosts would at a party. These passengers included a master fisherman and his apprentice who looked strangely like Mocksha coming to see the aquatic life of Kat’s home world, an archaeologist seeking adventure, a Hispanic woman who appeared to be a gorgeous version of the famed Medusa. Her hair was styled to look like snakes. Other passengers included a pirate who looked like his twin, but went under the name of Jack, newly-weds accompanied by the groom’s mother after their honeymoon, a very stunning female samurai who eyed him suspiciously, a photographer, the groom’s aunt who tagged along, a trio of privateers off duty and an adorable agent who got herself stuck in a vent one time. A pair of Gnome Craftsmen and Blacksmiths who saw him as a busy fellow, a couple going on for the ride, a knight or hero with two female companions, and a co-worker. A dark elf pilot who hailed from an advanced civilization who showed interest in this United States, and Canada. The other passengers were all Lamia, which he was rendered speechless when he saw them. He was introduced to each one of them alongside the crewmembers who worked to keep the guests attended and cared for. A knock came at his door.

“Ste- I mean Mocksha are you ready?” he heard Kat’s voice through the door cracks.

“Yes Kat I am ready.” He responded.

“Okay good come on out and put this on. It should protect you from that monster I warned you about.” She said indicating to something he thought was the Kraken or something like that.

“Sure I’ll put that on.” Mockshah said not really into this idea of hers. He wanted a way out of this, however the adventure itself was intriguing. Mockshah put on the diver’s suit. Black Kat escorted him over to the starboard where they dropped in him into the water.

Wasting no time at all he propelled himself towards the landmass that was the island the shipwreck was on. He was in a diving suit that looked more like an astronaut’s and cosmonaut’s spacesuit.

Looking down at the seafloor Mockshah saw the various sea life cluttering the ocean. Seagrass, coral reefs, and marine life was all he could see through the visor. The rogue-pirate saw the island he was supposed to find this Conch shell. In his mind he believed he would have to go into some underwater cave. Propelling his suit forward he saw the island coming up fast. He sped up a little just to reach the beach. His feet had to climb up the loose sand before hitting the harder surface. On the beach he immediately took off the suit and placed it near a rock. Taking precautions, he covered the suit with any loose foliage he found on the beach. Wearing his pirate clothing Mockshah dug in the pack that was attached to the suit. Inside he found his pair of knives, and set of pistols Kat gave him. The last weapon he found in the pack that had food and water was a Kukri machete. Equipping himself with what he needed Mockshah progressed with the mission. On the beach head he found a path in the brush that lead him to the island’s jungle. Most of the island’s wildlife left him alone as he cut through the jungle. For several minutes he kept finding parts of the path then had to forge his own when he discovered it was blocked by foliage. Mocksha eventually found the mouth of a cave that he was told to look for. It had ruins carved in it and all sorts of treasures could be seen running along its sides and pouring out. He followed the path of gold to a large cavern. Here he discovered heaps of gold, trinkets, golden items, jewelry, various gemstones, and all sorts of artifacts found in a hoard of treasure. Looking around the cavern he noticed a crater inside the cavern that was the size of a gym he used to go to for exercise. Mocksha snooped around with his eyes glued to the gold while trying to focus on the mission. His eyes lit up with wonder and lust for all this gold. It would be just moments before he began snatching it up and running for it if he did not keep his stuff together.

“Okay Mockshah that large breasted Mermaid wants you to find her Conch. If you are not careful you may find yourself saying a dirty word.” Mockshah said to himself as he continued to search for this Conch. Among the heaps of gold he spotted something that resembled a shell. Relief built up inside him as he approached this shell. It rested on a golden pedestal with a platter on it and the shell itself resting on top. His eyes glued on this shell that appeared so beautiful. It was no wonder that busty mermaid wanted the conch so bad. Licking his lips and getting ready to pick it up like it was some trap Mockshah made his move. He slowly put his hands on what he assumed was the Conch. Without warning he heard something move inside the cavern. Mockshah nearly crapped himself then twirled around with the conch in one arm.

“Who is there?” He shouted in the cavern hearing his voice eco inside. He was clearly taken off guard by all this gold. It would have been worse if there was an entire room full of busty women. There he may not be able to control himself even if they were clothed and desired him. Mockshah hardly showed interest in women back home because he was disciplined and reserved.

The noise came again only this time he saw movement under the heaps of gold. Coins clattered against each other as whatever moved emerged from all the gold that covered it. Mockshah gripped his weapon ready to fight whatever he woke up. It slowly moved along with other things that moved like snakes. The snake like things seemed to be recoiling for some reason. He backed away a little to keep an eye on the movement then he bumped into something fleshy and hard. He turned around to see something that resembled a octopus’ head mixed with something else entirely. Mockshah swung his blade and cut into it before making a run for the exit. It shrieked with pain before its tentacles came after him. With his berserk mode he moved around trying to fend off these tentacles while trying to escape. All he needed was to get out of here since he found the conch. As he fought them off more tentacles wrapped around his left leg then pulled him up from the ground. Other tentacles wrapped around him as he struggled to get free. Mockshah squirmed as hard as he could trying to get free. It worked a few times yet the tentacles squeezed him harder. He resorted to biting the tentacles which resulted in him getting slapped across the face by each one. His life was in danger and he let his berserker mode take control. Feeling the strength of a god Mockshah grabbed a tentacles then dug his nails into them. This hurt the monsters forcing it to drop him. Taking no time Mockshah picked up his Kukri and charged at this thing. It panicked and squirted him with strange liquid that he hoped it was not something too foul. Whatever this tentacle monster was it slipped away into the ceiling. He puked out whatever had entered his system before grabbing the conch and rushing out of the cave. That was the last time he would even go to this island. However that was not the first encounter he had with such a creature. He raced back to the beach head in search of his suit. Mockshah was drenched in whatever that beast sprayed him with. At the beach he discovered the mermaid and Black Kat waiting for him by a boat and his suit.

“Here you are the conch that you wanted.” Mockshah said tossing the conch before the mermaid. It landed within arm’s reach of her. She picked it up and examined it as if he had gotten th wrong one for some reason.

“Now a deal is a deal Mermaid tell me about my love interest. What has she been doing and where is she?” Mockshah demanded.