The Phlippage Continues

Kid's off at a volleyball game and the Phoenix and Klang have gone w/ her. Got the house to myself. Listening to the Dodger Game. Go Dodger Blue! Sorry for you Cubbies fans out there. Know you've waited a long time for your guys to go far, but gotta back my Dodgers! No bragging b/c both teams are talented. Just wanna see the Dodgers go all the way! Gotta show those Angels fans that the REAL LA team can get the job done. Go Blue!

The story continues...

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Deep within a sinister cave in the distant mountains, a gnarled hand reached into a velvet pouch hanging on a cord from a woven belt. Carefully, a pinch was taken from the sack by arthritic fingers and sprinkled over a glassy, black pool in the center of the cave. The precious dust was in short supply and hopefully the small amount used would be enough. Leaving the safety of the cave to search for more was just too risky now. There was too much at stake.

Failing eyes set in a time wrinkled face gazed at the pool. The particles of powder landed on the surface of the water and sunk beneath its surface. Fear and frustration passed across the face that had seen far too many wars. Fear that the pool would not reveal its secrets and frustration that it was taking so long that his presence would be revealed. "There must not be enough dust," he thought as disappointment was rising in his chest. "Grimmach!" he exclaimed aloud. He knew he had only one chance; just one chance in each moon cycle to seek the oracle in the waters. Just as he was readying himself to leave, a faint glow began to come up from the depths. As the light grew brighter, an image began to take shape. He had arrived in time and the dust had been sufficient. It seemed that things were finally coming together.

Patiently he waited for the image to form. It would only come once and would only be a glimpse. He hoped that it would be enough for him to discern how to proceed. There were so many questions left in his mind; so many that had no apparent answers. The fear began to creep into his heart again. "You will fail just as you have done many times!" the familiar, loathsome voice invaded his mind. Would it ever stop? Everytime that voice would echo in his ears. The voice of his master. Many times, as an apprentice, he had tried to please him, but each time, no matter how successful he was, it was never enough. "You're a failure!" The voice haunted his sleep and robbed him of pleasant dreams. "Noooo!" he shouted. "Not this time! I will not let you in; this time! I must succeed! I must! There is no one else left. I must..." His head slumped to his chest and despair. Then the music, faint and clear, began to swell and fill the cave. As he raised his head to catch the melody, the image appeared on the waters. He saw a beautiful lady, a singed wall, a gap in the wall, the lady on the ground and a glowing blue stone rolling from her hand. So, it had begun. He scooped up his belongings and tucked them in his robe and turned to make his way out of the cave. His quest was only beginning.

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Stay tuned for more.