A-Z Challenge. Day eleven.

Here it is, folks! So it started out as something and the took a complete 180 as I went along so hopefully it makes sense. Enjoy :)


Day 11. K is for Keep.

She brushed her hand down the green and white jersey. The number on the back was starting to fall off, her thumb brushed a corner up as it passed over. Her hazel eyes started to tear when she thought of him. Even now, ten years later, she still thought of him.

"You still hold onto that, Isla?" Her friend, Nick, said as he let himself into the house. He passed her in the living room, heading for the kitchen to grab himself a cup of tea she had made in the pot. She always had some ready for those that came over.

"It's the only thing I have," Isla whispered.

"He's gone now," Nick said, coming back into the room with a steaming cup held between his large, dark hands. "Isn't it time to throw that old rag away?"

She looked up sharply.

"Come on, Isla." Nick sat down in the armchair next to her in front of the window. The round coffee table was what separated the two chairs.

Isla tilted her head. "It's the only thing I have of him."

Nick studied her as he took a sip of his tea. "How old is that jersey?"

"Fifteen I think," she said. "He died ten years ago, today."

Nick nodded. "Don't you think he would want you to move on?"

Isla shrugged.

Nick leaned forward and covered her hand with one of his. "He will always be in your heart."

Isla laughed. "You say the sweetest things, sometimes."

Nick wrinkled his nose and started running his thumb across her knuckles. Isla closed her eyes and sighed, letting his thumb lull her.


"Isla? Isla?" A distant voice called and Isla opened her eyes to find her living room bare, no trace of Nick, and the green jersey clutched in her hands. A little ways away was her son-in-law, Parker, holding two cups of tea and a smile on his lips.

"Do you want a cup?" He held one out.

Isla looked around the room.

"You looked like you were having a bad dream," Parker said and walked towards the other armchair, setting one mug on the coffee table and sitting down. "Are you feeling okay?"

Isla looked down at the jersey and her wrinkled hands. She smiled slightly. "I'm fine," she said and smoothed the jersey over her lap before picking up the other cup.

"I'm glad," Parker said. "Losing Nick was hard enough; I don't know what I'd do if we lost you too."

Isla chuckled. "You're sweet, but you and Lorraine would be fine; you two are strong."

Parker smiled and he looked just like Nick in that light, making her heart stutter. "Lorraine is, me I'm not sure."

Isla took a sip of her tea and sighed as the warmth filled her body. "You hold each other up. Make each other strong. Keep that in your heart, and you two will be fine."

Parker watched as her gaze seemed far away, somewhere in the past, her left hand stroking the green jersey that looked like it had seen better days. He smiled. She always held it today, making sure it was still there, and he had a feeling her love for her brother was the only thing keeping that old jersey together.

A-Z Challenge. Day ten.

Sorry this is getting posted a day late, yesterday got away from me. So here it is! 

Day 10. J is for Jump. 

It wasn't that far to the water, but Annabelle felt the cliff stood twenty feet higher.

"Come on, Anna," one of her classmates, Natalia, whined. "You can do it. It's not far. Just jump."

Annabelle took a deep breath. A step closer to the edge. The water swirled and churned, looking like it would suck her to its depths and take her life. Annabelle gulped. 

"We'll do it after you," another, Jennifer, needled. 

Annabelle nodded. That's right. They would jump too. It was part of their pact. 

"Ready, Annabelle?" The quiet one of the class, Chloe, said and stepped up beside her. Chloe took her hand. 

"What are you doing?" Annabelle asked. 

"No use in you going alone." Chloe smiled. "On three."

Annabelle nodded. 

"One."

Annabelle clutched Chloe's hand. 

"Two."

She took a deep breath. 

"Three." 

Together the two took the final step and jumped off the cliff. Annabelle sucked in a breath and she felt Chloe do the same. 

Closer and closer the water came. Plunging into the water, Annabelle immediately began kicking, kept her hand locked with Chloe's, and swam to the surface. 

They broke the surface and grinned at each other, their classmates cheering from above. 

"We did it." Chloe said. 

"We did," Annabelle echoed and the two began their journey to the shore. 

A-Z Challenge. Day nine.

Short but it's all I've got this late at night! Enjoy!

Day 9. I is for Ink.

He watched her from across the room, blue eyes following the swirl and dip of her pen as it drew across the page. Her entire attention was focused on the picture in her head, she didn't care about the ink staining her fingers. He smiled when she sat back to take a look at the page from farther away. Her blonde head would twist this way and that as she figured out where she would go from there. It was only about a minute, probably less, before she hunched over the page with the same intensity as before.

He looked down at his own page. His, unlike hers, was a ramble of words that hardly made sense. She painted a picture with only the blue ink while he tried to create a world with words. He sighed as their instructor started to come around the room to inspect their work. Once again he knew the instructor would simply sniff and continue on his way, dismissing his work with an eye roll. He tried, but his mind wouldn't focus, his eyes constantly travelled to study her.

A sniff and the instructor moved on. He sighed and leaned forward to rest his forehead on the desk. If only he could be as creative as her, have just an ounce of what she had. He sat back and studied his own page. Maybe more than an ounce. He winced as he read some of the words. Pathetic is what came to mind.

He started to carefully fold the paper, wanting to tuck it into his bag down in the corner with all the other mistakes. His eyes went to her again. She was sitting back, smiling up at the instructor who was praising her, as he should. The instructor moved on. She smoothed her hand over her page and he wished he sat beside her then to see the masterpiece she had no doubt created in her mind and immortalized in ink on the page.

A-Z Challenge. Day Eight.

I had a little trouble with this one but I wrote something! A little sad but it's what came to mind when I was trying to figure out what H should stand for. Hope you enjoy :)

Day 8. H is for Holiday.

I was named because I'm a Christmas miracle. At least that's what dad used to say. Every year it's the same thing; we visit mother's grave, go visit grandma in the hospital, and come home to make a quick dinner usually of Campbell's chunky soup. I've stopped crying when we visit mother's grave, though dad still gets down on his knees, tears pouring from his eyes and a prayer tumbling from his lips.

When I was younger I didn't understand why dad always cried at mother's grave, but I know now. It's because he wishes it was mother beside him, not me. He says I'm a Christmas miracle but I also took his wife from him. I don't blame him; there are times when I wish I could do more. But being fourteen leaves me with little options.

At grandma's she always smiles and gives me another picture of mother and father. I'm not sure where they keep coming from, but it's a new one every year. She blames me too, I suppose. I always smile at her, even when she says "my love is waiting" and gets ready to pass on. She never does though. This year is the same. As we're leaving I hear her wish for another Christmas miracle. This one being her death though, not the birth of her only grandchild.

At home, dad pulls out the pot and gets the chunky soup going. He leaves to his bedroom, the only room in our one bedroom apartment, to get a drink. He never does it in front of me, but I know. I always know. I watch the soup as he goes to drown his sorrows. I suppose I forgot something in our Christmas tradition; dad never makes it to dinner.

I pull the soup off the stove and dish out some for me. I walk to his bedroom and push the door open slightly. Dad's lying on his bed, drool coming out of his mouth and a bottle of vodka clutched in his arms like a teddy bear. I sigh and step inside, arranging the blanket so it covers him. I make sure his alarm is set for tomorrow morning before leaving the room.

I grab my bowl and sit at the kitchen table in the pink and white chair I picked for myself when I was six. I suppose I should be grateful there's a roof over my head. I just wish mother was here. I believe that if she was, we'd be living in a house with a backyard. Maybe a puppy. Dad would enjoy life, work for us and not just to keep the booze coming in.

I wash my bowl, put the rest of the soup in a tupperware container and stick it in the fridge before washing the pot as well. I head to the living room where my mattress is lying in the corner of the room, the pink sheets I picked out the same day as the chair crumpled on top. We have a TV and a couch, though we only get five channels and the couch has seen better days. I've vowed to myself that I'll make something of myself. I'll help dad get out of this hole and help him enjoy life. I try year round, getting excellent grades and applying to jobs, but nobody seems to want to hire a fourteen year old, not even to wash dishes. Dad doesn't know I've been applying to jobs. I fear it would drive him further away from me.

I fall onto my mattress, curling up on my side. "Merry Christmas, mom," I whisper to the air. And just like every other year, I close my eyes and picture the brown haired woman I take after whispering "Merry Christmas, Holly."

A-Z Challenge. Day seven.

Another late night with posting; forgive me. Sometimes life just gets in the way! But I'm making time for it! That's all that matters!

Day 7. G is for Galaxy

Emptiness spread out around the ship, the lights from the stars illumination the planets, asteroids, debris. Cindelyn studied the displays in front of her. The ship mostly ran itself; with a sassy attitude to boot.

"Do we have to go to Ruby Outland?" Jocko, the computer system she had created, piped up.

"Yes, Jocko," Cindelyn said for what was probably the eighth time since they began this journey.

"But it's so primitive." It was the same thing over and over. There were times she wondered if he couldn't think more than she had programmed.

"This is good money," Cindelyn said, again, and in hopes of ending the argument.

"Yes, yes," Jocko said. "But surely there's a different galaxy that needs our help."

Cindelyn rolled her eyes.

"I can see you, missy!"

Cindelyn sighed. "Honestly, Jocko, I don't know why I put up with you."

A gasp, hurt in tone, echoed through the cockpit. "I am your greatest creation."

Cindelyn smiled. "That is true."

"Therefore you should love me the most."

"That's not a good enough reason."

"I'm the smartest?"

"Are you asking or telling?"

"Don't you take that tone with me!"

"I'm the one that created you! I'm the mother!" Cindelyn threw her hands up with a laugh. "I can take whatever tone I wish."

Jocko hmphed. "See if I ever help you again."

Cindelyn rolled her eyes as silence descended. She knew it wasn't long until he started complaining, once again, about Ruby Outland. Not that she could blame him. The place really was a dump, but this job was perfect for her and would pay for upgrade she wanted to install.

"I see the pitiful galaxy," Jocko's voice piped up, resigned.

"Thanks, Jocko," she said. "Send the message."

Silence. A beep. "They don't believe that our papers are correct."

Cindelyn's eyebrows shot up. "Why?"

"Apparently fake transcripts have been happening often in this part of the universe," Jocko said. "Not that I'm surprised," he muttered but she heard him clearly.

"Do we have clearance to land?"

"Negative."

"What would give us clearance?"

"A signed document from the king." Jocko paused. "Their king."

Cindelyn fell back into the chair. "Their king?"

"They've apparently set up a government; finally."

"Is there a way we can get an audience with him?" Cindelyn watched the main planet, Daedalus, come into view on her screen. No technology to increase the view, her ship was headed to it and it continued on it's course.

"The guards denied our request."

"This is ridiculous!" Cindelyn said and rubbed her face. "Am I seriously going to have to pull out that card?"

"It looks like it," Jocko answered.

Cindelyn leaned forward, letting her elbows fall to her knees as she kept her face buried. "Fine," she muttered.

"Information sent."

Cindelyn chewed on her lip as she waited, face hidden, dreading this moment with her life. But she needed this job. This was the last job she'd need in order to finish the upgrade and make her ship perfect, livable, and safe.

"Access granted." Jocko's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Just like that?" Cindelyn asked as she looked up at the beautiful green and blue planet.

"Just like that. Seems there was a guard there that recognizes you."

"What?"

"I never sent that information."

Cindelyn let out a happy laugh. "I love you, Jocko."

"I'll protect you until the end of time," Jock responded.

The docking bay opened just in time for her ship to continue it's course inside. Once docked, she stood up and headed outside, grabbing her two swords to strap against her back.

"Cindelyn!" Lucien called, his arms open wide and a smile on his handsome face.

"Lucien," Cindelyn said and walked into his arms, squeezing him around the waist.

"I had a feeling it was you trying to gain access."

Cindelyn stepped back with a laugh.

"You've been due for a visit for a few weeks now."

"A job this time."

"You were going to send along something," he said, making it plain he did not agree.

She shrugged.

"You should never have to do that here. I've given you clearance."

"Don't you have a king now?"

He nodded and turned, gesturing her to follow as there were people that started to mill about as if wanting to hear their conversation. "It's given this place a new life."

"Oh?" She questioned as she followed him through the docking station, headed towards the outside world.

"That job request is probably something you haven't seen from here before, yes?"

She nodded and side stepped a man carrying a load of boxes well over his head. How he managed, she didn't know.

"The king is transforming Ruby Outland, and for the better, I say."

Cindelyn smiled. "You look happier than the last time I saw you."

He grinned and threw open the main doors with a flourish. "Found me a partner too."

She laughed. "There's someone willing to put up with you?"

He shoved her shoulder. "Just wait until you meet him. You'll like him."

"Inviting me for dinner?"

"As long as you can spare the time."

She smiled. "Only for you." She said and quickly said good bye before he could question her about the job and what it would entail. No need for him to find out that along with being a royal from another galaxy she was also an assassin willing to help those in power keep it. She quickly made her way from the docking station to the transportation station to head to the main city. No need to dawdle. Especially with the promise of Lucien's cooking. He was one of the best in the universe; she'd bet her ship on it.

A-Z Challenge. Day six.

Sorry this one comes a little later in the day than usual. Today was busy but I've found time! I'll keep up with this! 

Day six. F is for Float. Or Freedom. (They both work)

Kora watched the sun rise from the deck of her cabin. The air was crisp and she breathed it in, letting it fill her lungs. Birds sang their morning greeting and Kora smiled, rubbing her sweater clad arms. The rays glinted off the water of the lake, shining in her eyes and over her body. She closed her crystal grey eyes and let the heat warm her body. 

"Coffee?" 

Kora turned to Honor, smiling. She held out her hand for the mug without breaking her silence of the morning. She took a sip and sighed. Warmth spread from her chest outwards.

Honor stepped up beside Kora and took a sip of her own dark brew. "You ready to hit the water before the kids wake up?" 

Kora nodded, taking a long sip. 

"You think we'll need the wetsuits?" 

Kora shrugged and Honor sighed. Honor started toward the shore and Kora smiled. 

Honor dipped her bare feet in the water and waded in up to her shins. "It's perfect," she called. 

Kora turned to the cabin and headed inside, draining her coffee and placing it in the sink. She headed to the bedroom on the main floor, the one her and Honor took up every time they came up. Kora pulled open the top drawer and pulled out a purple one piece and a teal one. She pulled off the sweater shed pulled on over her pjs, shimmied her pants over her hips, and threw her shirt onto the bed. She grabbed the purple one and pulled it over her hips, hearing Honor place her cup in the sink and make her way towards her. 

Kora turned to her as she pulled the straps over her arms. "I'll get the boat ready." 

Honor nodded as she pulled her sleep shorts over her hips and Kora headed out towards the shed. 

Kora creaked open the shed, the only sound to break the peace. She grabbed a pair of skis, the rope, and two life jackets with their names written in permanent marker courtesy of Honor's mom, before turning around and heading down the beach to the dock. She placed the skis on the dock beside the boat, threw the rope in the boat along with the life jacket that had Honor's name on it. The other she threw over her shoulders, buckling it up. 

"You going first or am I?" Honor said coming up behind her. 

Kora grinned."Me, of course."

Honor rolled her eyes and bent down to grab the rope to pull the boat towards the dock. She climbed over the edge as the patter of bare feet on wood reached her ears. She looked up to see her younger sister, Sharia, running towards them, a life jacket over her green one piece, a thermos in one hand and a small cooler in the other. 

"Sharia," Honor whined. 

"You need a spotter; don't even try." Sharia said as she hopped into the boat. "And I brought coffee." 

Kora laughed. "You're more than welcome."

Honor stuck out her tongue. 

Kora winked before sitting on the edge of the dock. She grabbed the skis and tossed them in the water before pushing off herself. She dipped under quick, coming up and pushing her auburn hair out of her face. 

Honor tied the rope to the boat before tossing the handle into the water towards Kora as Sharia untied the boat from the dock, pushing it away once Honor started the engine. 

Kora pushed her feet into the skis, grabbed the rope, and leaned back staring at the clear sky. 

"Ready?" Sharia yelled. 

Kora raised her right hand, thumbs up, keeping her eyes on the sky, letting the water soothe her. She felt the tug of the rope and she shifted her position, skis poised to jump up onto the water. A grin stretched her lips as Honor gunned the engine, pulling her up onto the water. Kora laughed as Honor drove around the calm water, creating the first waves of the morning. This was freedom. This was home. 

A-Z Challenge. Day Five.

The idea for the word came from my mom and this is what came from it. Sorry everything has been dark lately, but it's what keeps coming to mine! Hopefully tomorrow will be brighter! I hope you enjoy :) 

Day five. E is for Echo. 

Standing on a cliff, Tempest overlooked the desolate battleground below. Bodies lay in twisted positions, swords standing erect through hearts and heads, backs littered with arrows. Black helmets were scattered, some containing heads, others empty. Their enemy coloured in purple were in the same state. Armour lay broken, shattered by shields and swords that lay in heaps around arms cut off at the elbow. 

Tempest felt a grin pulling at her lips. 

"Tempest!" An echo of a males voice echoed from a cliff directly opposite her. "I will have my revenge!" Each word vibrated through the wind into her ears. 

Tempest threw her head back as a guttural laugh poured from her lips, echoing back to Gale. 

The ground started to rumble beneath Gale, his fists clenched at his side. It tumbled across the valley, stirring the bodies. 

Tempest narrowed her eyes and the blood of the fallen began to circle, a whirlpool of crimson swirling and sucking up limbs in its course. The earth churned beneath her, she merely shifted and planted her feet; she would not let the magic of an earth Mage to destroy her. 

Gale snarled. He would not fall to the blood of his kin. He would protect their legacy; he would live on. 

Tempest smiled. "Goodbye," she called and her angelic voice echoed across the valley. 

Gale's eyes widened as the whirlpool of gore shot straight through his heart. The ground stilled. Gale gasped. Blood clogged his throat. He staggered. Dropped to one knee. "Why?" He gurgled, though he didn't think she could hear.

"This is my kingdom," Tempest cried. "I'm taking back what has always been and always will be rightfully mine."

Gale stared across at the black haired beauty. She stood tall, proud, one hand clutching a sword, the other perched on her hip. From here she looked like a princess. He fell to his stomach, his last thought: beautiful.