What a strange place to be wandering. The skies blue and the trees hollow, the water snaking ever closer to the horizion. Weaving its way through the ridges, before vanishing into the ever changing shroud.

It follows you, you can't escape it. It looms ahead and dwells behind. The walls seem to take shape, then retreat.

They reveal the grove you fell into. Only you are still there. Watching, waiting for a chance to move. To be free again.

But the strange ting is, you never see yourself. You just see the field. Empty, it wants to be filled yet you fear to step through it. You wade at the boundary.

No one takes that step for you. You wait and wait yet it is never taken. You are here, aren't you? Can you take that step. Too see yourself once more. Or will you just wait in the shroud.

And that step is taken, by you. And it all changes. There is no shroud, no nothing. But there is everything.

You, and others. Blurred faces and abstract markers. But you know them well. On the pyre are you.

They crowd you, and you look down on yourself. But it isn't how you see yourself. You are who they thought you to be.

And a single shade appears. Robed and masked with a suit. Waiting. Showing you how you came here.

It all flashes by you, the fall and the end. It all glistens as you accept it. And you know.

You just know, that this is just the beginning.

2: Empty Glass

I took another swig of the scotch. I never bothered to fill a cup any more. To limit what I drank. No, it was straight from the bottle.

And no matter how many I downed, the faces still clung to my mind. They swarmed my conscious, haunted every waking moment.

The alcohol help. It numbed the pain that hung in the shadows. A pain I knew would never leave.

And why should it? I had gotten away with it. It was all my fault. They died. They all died. No matter what I tried, what I had done. It didn't matter now. They were dead. They were all dead.

And I had been to blind to see. No, I wans't there for them and that's what caused them to die. To be killed by the one who was hunting me. Who had been hunting me.

Now my family is dead. The hunter, dead.

Seeing them, blood soaked and splayed on the floor when I got home. It broke something in me. Something that shouldn't be broken in someone. And it made me view the world in black and white and no in-between.

And that man was waiting there. Cold... and calculating in the corner. His eyes glazed over. Not a care in the world. Just waiting for me.

To finish me. To kill me and get whatever he was promised.

But no. I didn't let that happen. And I didn't know what happened next. I just know that when the police arrived the man was gone. And I had his blood on my hands. Not gone gone. But dead.

I was shaking and they didn't know what to do. I didn't know what to do. I ust changed. I moved away. Somewhere no one knew me. And it was all fun and games from there.

As much as fun and games go when you're riddled with guilt. When you were the cause of so much misery.

And then you try to drown it out. Make it like it never happened. But your mind slips. You see them like they were alive and then you see it. Their cold, lifeless gazed and their bloodied corpses. But they look at you.

And you close your eyes and feel the warm salty tears stream down your face. Your breathing becomes laboured, its shaky and you hate them. The ones who sent that man. You'd do anything to have your family back. But you know that piece of paper in your pocket wont lead anywhere.

The one he had when you killed him. When he would have killed you. All for getting his pocket lined a little more.

The misery, the pain. It would never go away. I knew that as much as you would.

And I just kept sipping away at first. But now, now I just drown. Drown in the fiery liquid that numbs. That lets it all fade. Hoping to join them one day soon.

But you know you wont. Not after... After everything you done. Everything I had done.

3: The World

They say the world is ruined, that there is nothing good that could come from it any more. I would like to think otherwise. That there is some good left and that it is worth fighting for.

But there is one problem with that. We were all born here, in a factory. There have been no natural births for years. No one knows when it stopped. It just did.

Now we are all genetically enhanced. Bred for specific purposes, born with a mark that tells those who made us what we will do. What we were born to do.

Only something went wrong with me. I was given a mark, well born with one. But that's the problem. No one knew what this mark was, or where it came from. It was out of the program.

Now all I can see are ants, people are ants. Born and bred for a single purpose their entire lives. They have a single idea drilled into their heads from the day they get 'birthed' as they call it. And they live by that idea until they become obsolete, until they are useless. Then they die.

It doesn't matter which factory you come from. All the coding is the same. You never really live your life. You're just part of the global machine. One that never breaks down, that never falters.

That was until I was birthed. I was an anomaly. No one knew what to do with me, so they sent me away. To a place the birthed never went to. They sent me to the capital, Vira. They raised me like they would their world leaders, only I excelled at it and anything they pit me against.

I saw all the flaws and faults they left behind. I knew what had to be done. The world had to be saved from what had happened to it. It was ill, and it was all thanks to us. Well, the old us.

There was one thing I had the rest seemed to be lacking in, it was what made me see what they had missed over and over again. I had free will. I had a choice. The best thing about it was, with this strange world I was brought into, the factory settings made guards obsolete. There was no need for them in the eyes of whoever made the world this way.

They would have been needed. Are needed for the old to stay. But, I think somehow, they knew. Whoever created the new way of the world knew. It would never work so they built in a fail safe. And that, was me.

There was nothing to warn them of me, and so they done what they thought was necessary. They brought me to Vira to learn what the leaders did. The ones that gave false truth to the others. That sent out orders of what people were needed for them to live longer. And there was a way to stop it all. A way to free everyone, a strim that would free them from the constraints of society.

The first world order would be restored. But it would take time or nothing would really be fixed. It would be worse off if it were not done in stages.

Years past since those days. From when it began. And I was an old woman now.

Not really knowing what to do next. I had been honoured for saving them all. For changing the world really. Written down in history. And they all knew who I was. I was the one who changed it all, the stray in an all to perfect society. A society that was more like a nest of ants. Never thinking for itself.

But now it could. Now it could grow in ways it never could before. And now, I've lived for many years. I was the first real governor of the world. It was fun to watch the world pass me by. To watch as the old was replaced and the factories were rebuilt into other things. No longer making copies. Countless copies.

This is the new world now.

And we are free.

4: High Hope

There was once a cottage, nestled in the high hills. They were more like mountains. They were always shrouded in towering evergreens that faded into the snow caps. t rested near a small stream, that had been gouged out over the years by the fresh snow melt.

The owner of this cottage never ventured far, and none dared go into those mountains. For they feared all rumours of the hills.

But there was nothing to be afraid of but rumours. Rumours spread by the very one that saught solitude in those hills.

We should all know that this solitude doesn't last. And this was true for the one in the hills.

As one day a lone man, cloaked and in light armour rode into the hills, armed with a bow and a pair of short-swords. Searching for something that could help save someone from the kingdom that dwelt in the shadow of the mountain.

The rumour had brought him here. Looking for what it spoke of. For it has long since been a legend now. None knew, if it was entirely true but one.

The man had been traveling the hills for over a day before he stumbled across a worn path. This narrow path he followed. It was not long before he stumbled upon a small clearing, it held a small cottage. Made of stone and framed with wood, a garden to its side. A stream to its other.

Smoke wafted out of the chimney, signaling that there had been someone here recently at least. He strode so carefully to that door. Knocking gently, his hair on end.

When the door creaked, he stood back instinctively, waiting for some manner of creature to attack. But that was not the sight he was greeted with, nor was he greeted with the horrid smell of rotted flesh. It was not at all what he, nor anyone else would have expected.

No, he was greeted with the sight of a weary woman, not old and gangley. But perhaps young, she wore a smile that welcomed him. The smell was that of herbs and musk, it mixed with the smell of the fire and fresh bread.

He was stunned, even more so when he was welcomed in. How was all of this possible, with what was said to walk the hills.

That was the thing about legends. You never knew if they were actually true or not, and many were often to afraid to find out.

This realisation also caused great distress to the one who ventured into the hills. How could he return with nothing to say for his efforts.

He asked the woman, who was wearing rather old, dull clothes about the legend of the High Hills. She explained to him that she had caused those to spread so many years ago. So she could live her years in peace.

It had worked, she wandered why the man had come. Why would anyone come into these mountains with those legends. Of beasts so large they would catch you with a step. That could flay you with no effort.

Now that he knew everything, and answered all of her questions as well as agreeing to keep her secret.

Only she wondered why he left so suddenly, was he not here for a cure? Something that could save their young king. Or had he forgotten his purpose already?

She realised then that he was here for the heart of a beast. One that was said to roam these hills in the legends. She watched as he was slowly making his way from the clearing, a solemn air about.

A mist was creeping down the slopes, she worked through her supplies. Searching for the thing he would need. But did she not leave the world of men to be left alone. Or perhaps this loneliness was not what she needed after all, maybe she missed the contact. Even if she did experience it briefly.

It was not long before she found the small ceramic jar. It was sealed, containing only enough for a single dose.

The golden liquid could cure anything, as she knew this. But, it was extremely hard to come by. To create. And this was all that was left of the substance.

The jar was secured in a small parcel, then placed within a bag. She had noticed his steed tied just behind the treeline. Hoping he had not raced off to the city.

She packed for a few days journey, for the possibility that he had gone quicker that she hoped.

Racing from her seclusion, shadowing the way through the eerie fog. She nearly missed the freshly broken branches and hoof prints. Only, they weren't fresh and they were wearing. Retreating their way down the mountain.

She knew these hills as well as the back of her hand. So she raced through the thickets, knowing a place where he would possibly cross the river at the base of the High Hills.

And she made it. He was shocked. Any would be.

She carefully took the item from her pack, hading it to the man. Telling him it would cure his king. She turned on her heel and started to walk slowly back to her humble abode. Before any more could be said, and she vanished into the treeline.

He made to take after her, but knew if he did so. It may be to late for their king. So he promised one day he would return to those hills. He would return and thank that stranger.

5: Caged

And there she was. The one who had saved their lives countless times.

Only she was not their saviour this time. She wouldn't come marching in, saving them from this certain end. No, the sun was not at her back, blinding her enemies. Nor was it blinding her.

It was gone, and so was the wind. That's what you would think.

The only thing you would ever know is the slow drip that ever fell. It would echo and echo through that dimly lit room.

Accompanied by that hero alone. She who was as lost as you were. The stale air would bite at your lungs.

There was no scenery, the window was higher than possible. Small and narrow, grated. Sometimes the small cry of what lingered outside would wander in. But it was cut of promptly. Every time it would fade away.

And slowly, the noise faded all together. Only replaced by the scrape as the tray was placed in the room. The meal that would come daily.

Cold and tasteless. But it was all that was keeping you here. You would always notice the one in the background.

The one that never ate. Her cold eyes would stare endlessly ahead. The only thing telling you she was still alive was the slow, steady breathing that accompanied her fragile frame.

You never knew who she was. You were to afraid to go up to her. Not knowing why she was there, why she had lasted so long with nothing. Nothing but the small warmth of a little patch of sun that would come around. It would not last long, but you noticed.

You noticed the small spark that would appear in her eye one day. And you knew. She was weak, but she had not given up.

It didn't matter that she had been locked here for years. And possible countless years longer than you. The spark had given you hope.

Who would be crazy enough to think they had a chance. When they were locked away, with only a ray of sunshine telling them the world was still spinning.

Weeks passed of you trying to get this stranger to eat something. But they would refuse with a siple shake of the head.

Only this day you were stubborn. This day you refused to leave them. But it wouldn't change their answer. It would only lead to a more definite one.

She looked you in the eye, "No." That's when you noticed that small glint again. And it seemed all too familiar.

And you would push the fodd again, only this time she rose her hand. And you knew, this was the one of legends. The one that was meant to save you all.

And she was bound by the ankles. She was worn. She had nothing left.

She made you wonder why she had still not given up. She looked into your eyes like she knew what you were made of, like she could pick you to pieces.

And one day, a long time ago maybe she could have. But it still sent shivers down your spine.

'If only she would eat,' you thought, 'maybe she would be set us free.' What she was doing wracked your brain. She had hope for the future yet she wouldn't accept some simple food. She was th only one who could save the world and she rejected the help she needed to save it.

And that was when she shook her head. Her eyes weakened and looked away. She then looked to the window as the slither of sunlight pierced the cell. "You need it more than I do." She spoke weakly. Her voiced seemed like the ocean, like it had held tremendous weight. And was as old as the world itself.

"No matter what you say, you need it. I have my light." She turned her attention back to you, a small smile tugging on her lips. "Every day that light shines in through that window, I know that the world is still spinning. And it will continue to do so for another day. It tells me that no one has given up." She paused, looking around briefly before releasing a sigh. "It lets me know that this isn't the last place I know. There is a world outside of this cage and I would be damned to think that doesn't matter. If I give up in here will never see life outside of this room."

"No matter what happens I will not eat their food. Hope of a new tomorrow keeps me going. I know that their are others out there who will save the both of us. Don't ever think for a second that darkness will always reign. It always falls by one hand or another. You just have to wait for plan B or even a plan C. But you just have to have faith that they will pull through."

These words stuck a chord in you. How could she have such faith. How did she know what would happen? She hoped for a better tomorrow when it was all lost. But you never questioned her. You just turned, leaving her to her spot.

Time passed quickly in that place. But you never expected what happened next. There was a great groan as the door was completely opened. The light burst through the rusted frame. A single silhouette could be seen as you cowered.

It was a males, but not like one clad in the armour you were use to. He stepped into the cell, stalking past you to the one you had shared the cell with since you arrived.

You heard the unmistakable clink of the irons being unshackled. He supported the weak figure as they stalked from the cell.

You could make out their soft chatter. And you realised then, that she knew. She knew they would win, that they would be coming for her. She knew that just from the light in the window.

And when the man looked over his shoulder, you knew you were truly free. But you were frozen. Not knowing what to do, you had everything taken from you. Now you had a chance to take it back.

"Coming?" The smooth, rich voice asked.

It gave you all the courage you needed to step forth, and see the world you knew again. Only this time you knew it would be different.

Because now, now you were free.

6: Fear the Dark

The town was bustling earlier in the day, making it unbearably quite now. The only accompany being the soft patter of feet along the cobbled roads. The lamp posts illuminating small stretches of the streets.

Getting back at such a late hour had not been on my list for the day. It never had been, nor would it ever. This was due to the fact that I hated tardiness. No matter who committed this endeavour. It may have been worse on this day, I wasn't mere moments late. No, I was hours behind schedule.

The sun had died down completely, and as you hurried along you couldn't help this feeling that had been crawling up my back for the past few months.

But I had become so accustomed to it that it didn't really bother me now. It was just the shadow that never left. And there was nothing to cause concern.

I would often check my surroundings, finding nothing. Even now as I searched the streets, nothing. No living creature stirred.

Even so, I picked up the pace. Being not far from my home now, knowing that the maids would have some food prepared and waiting.

As I rounded the corner, something was dreadfully off. There was no light coming from the windows, only the oil lantern the sat upon the porch was lit.

Making me wonder about the numerous gas fuelled lights within. Should not many be lit by this hour?

I sighed, there was only one way to figure out what was happening.

As I neared the ever approaching building, I couldn't help an uneasy feeling that wound its way through me. I found myself alert, my pace was steady and my breathing increased.

This was not what I was use to.

I took the lantern from its post, taking the last steps to the door. I turned the brass handle, finding it unlocked, someone had left it like that. And it opened with a slight nudge, letting a light creak go.

The air was thick, hanging with the smell of must, but it was mixed with something I couldn't make out. Something that was getting stronger the further I went inside.

I looked to the fittings that would illuminate certain sections of the house. From what I could make out in the gloom they had been broken.

I took a deep breath before continuing, but a sound drew my attention to a smaller room. One used for storage. It was a gasp of a noise.

A strained gasp. I moved slowly towards it, having the lantern in front of me to cast more light ahead. To show me what may await.

But there was the head maid. Her hair had fallen over her face, seemingly torn out from its bun. And there was liquid that seemed to be pooling from her still.

I took a full step back, into something. Something that rustled my hair with its thick breath. A smell over took my senses, a smell of decay.

A low growl reverberated through its chest.

It was then that I realized I was frozen to my spot, I dropped the lantern that hung to my side now. I had moved it sub consciously, I lurched forward. Trying to put as much distance between it and myself as possible.

I made for the door on the other side, hoping by some miracle I would escape. I spared a glance over my shoulder, hearing the clash of the lantern against the hardwood floor. There was nothing there. Nothing but a moving shadow.

Filling my mind with doubt. It made no sound when it left, when it moved. Where was it?

And where was I?

It seemed as if that door had led me to another building, but it should have lead to another room. A study that would lead to the front.

I could feel it. The airs bite made sure I knew it was coming. It wouldn't leave without its prize.

The earth crept up through the floor, like snakes winding through a stream. The smell, like damp earth, but mixed with copper.

Each steps like wading through sludge, each breath reminds me of what lurks somewhere ahead.

And not each step is welcomed with the soft pad of feet touching earth, no, it's sometimes rewarded with the slosh of some creature that had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting this predator before you.

A low growl echoed from behind me, like it was teasing my feeble attempts to go unnoticed as I fled that place.

It knew where I was, I was just it's precious chew toy, or soon to be. I picked up the pace, hoping to flee before it became bored.

But the corridor seemed endless. Only a faint glow allowing me to asses my footing before marching on. It was silent. Only the padding of feet to accompany me, only the rumble of the beast to keep me moving.

But now, out of nowhere there was a door. With dirt laden windows, and a faint glow.

I barged the door open, falling down the few steps that await. I ignored the pain that now spread through my leg, it was burning. I knew i had twisted it, but I wanted to put as much distance as I could between myself and this thing.

I looked around briefly, seeing a dark shape in the doorway. Not bothering to check anywhere else, I ran in the opposite direction. Slowed by the pain and limp that I had gained from the fall.

The ground was made of stone, cracked in places. Grass growing from those cracks and vines spread out over others.

I just headed for the road that was barely visible in the starlight. Hearing the audible shift as I entered that place. Little light pierced the canopy, and the road was overgrown.

But I felt no safer in these woods. Even with the comfort of knowing I was the only one here, because now my feet were not the only ones that clattered along the road.

There were another set. Ones that were even, and not frantic like my own. And a sound blew out through the night. A chuckle like growl.

And the sound of a million wing beats filled the air, scattering for miles. An owl nearly flew straight into me, causing me to fall.

And all I could see now was darkness. And rustling, I turned by head to the noise, seeing how unbelievably darker that patch was.

Heavy even breaths. Breaths that sent shivers down my spine.

A low snarl came from it. As it moved forward it still held no form, but the world seemed to grow darker with its presence.

It crouched down in front of me, lifting my chin with a single finger, putting my face side to side. Its skin was rough, it smelled as what I thought it's breath had been. Decay, but it's breath was of fire and brimstone.

Something glinted, my eyes darted to it. Knowing my fate was to be the same as those in the house.

But it stood. Pacing around me, waiting. For what I don't know.

I started shaking, and that's when I felt something cold press against my back. And then an incredible pain that made everything else fade.

It left me to a void. Filled with even more shadows and soundless sights.

There was a brief flash, white encircling my vision as the last thing I witnessed was the blood pooling around me. But I was in my home, the room that I had ran into after I found her.

But I was looking down on myself. And the light daring to enter was as crimson as the substance that escaped from my body. Bleaching the floorboards.

There was no trace of that shadow, of that dark figure. Just that which I took with me in this absence... In this... Death.