Saturday, January 14, 2012

The Broken Ones

The Broken Ones

The whole story, from the first chapter to the last with some extra material like maps and playlists.

Chapter 1- Ana

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 2- Monsters

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 3- Dreams

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 4- Confessions

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- Map

Chapter 5- Mountains

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 6- Guidance

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 7- Climb every mountain

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 8- Returning

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 9- Crossing the plains

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- Part 4

Chapter 10- Eyes and fingers

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 11- The Academy City

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- Extra material

Chapter 12- The council meeting

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 13- The escape

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 14- Beroal

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- Playlist á la the Broken Ones

Chapter 15- The ball

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 16- Family

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 17- Spring Island

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 18- Consequences

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- The fight-mood-playlist

Epilogue

Epilogue


Hope you've enjoyed my story! If you have any question or criticism please leave a comment.


//J.L.Frick

Thursday, January 12, 2012

The Broken Ones

Chapter 18:3 -Consequences

Jack's vengeance followed soon thereafter.
-Get him! The chairman snarled and the monsters attacked Ard.
And Haz stepped in to protect his little brother as always. Before Soi turned away from the scene he saw Haz fall to his knees. He heard Ard’s heartbroken cry.
In front of Soi stood Jack with his back turned. Soi clenched his teeth, reached for his sword and took a step forward. Jack sensed his attack. Slowly he turned around, his face was composed and alarmingly calm. With only a wave of his hand Jack sent Soi flying backwards to the edge of the spring.
-Finish him off, Jack ordered Sam and another monster and turned away from Soi.
Soi tried to rise but his knee hurt and his head was spinning. Some feet away lay his sword, out of reach. The first monster closed in on Soi walking in a half circle like a predator observing his prey, watching him with red eyes. Soi tried to back away, into the water. Sam followed the first monster, showing off his pointy teeth in a happy grin. Unlike the other monster he still stood on his feet while the others moved with four legs and a hunchback looking like large scraggy black panthers with almost human faces. Except from his eyes and teeth, Sam could easily be mistaken for a human, if it wasn’t for aura of evil and disaster oozing around him. Sam looked at Soi as if he was going to rip him to pieces. The other monster watched him with a drooling mouth. Even if he had his sword, Soi wouldn’t be able to get away uninjured. His body began to shiver in fear. Suddenly Soi heard sounds from the water and he glanced terrified over his shoulder, expecting another monster.
From the spring rose a long person with long blond hair dripping with water. A female with piercing grey eyes. She stepped out of the water and approached the first monster with nothing to defend herself with. The monster snarled and prepared to attack. As the monster took off from the ground the woman threw water in the monster’s eyes. While the monster shook off the water the woman got a hold of Soi’s sword and before the monster could attack she pierced it. In her next swing the monster fell to the ground whimpering as it died. She then turned to Sam, who paralysed had watched the whole thing. He staggered backwards away from her. But the woman didn’t even look at him. She had her eyes set on the chairman.
In the middle of the battlefield Jack sent his monsters in different directions with just a wave of a finger. It wasn’t a small fight like at the Black Eye but a war. Soi saw bodies of both spring guardians and monsters lie on the ground. The stench of blood filled in the air.The monsters fulfilling their task gathered around the victims they’d killed and feasted on the dead bodies. Soi threw up when he saw what the monsters were doing. He hoped his sisters and mother were safe. They had to be.
The blond haired woman began her walk up to the chairman with confident steps. Soi watched with worried eyes. Surely this woman couldn’t accomplish what he had failed to do. Jack turned around and Soi awaited the blow the woman would take but instead the chairman lowered his arms. His eyes widened with fear.
-Mother, Jack whispered.
The woman calmly raised the sword, ready to strike.
-No, she said with a low voice.
The sword cut through the chairman and he kneeled down.
Suddenly all motion ceased, the monsters stopped moving and stood completely still.
-Get them water, quickly! Someone called out, Soi thought it was his mother and sighed relieved, and all spring guardians rushed to the spring and filled buckets and bottles with water. But Soi remained still, he looked at the chairman and the woman. The woman still held the sword in her hands. Slowly she turned it while still pierced in Jack’s body.
-Don’t you recognise your own little sister? The woman spoke and Jack’s eyes begun to tear.
-Ana? He stuttered while blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. –My Ana?
Jack lifted his arm and put a bloody hand on her cheek.
-Except, I’m not your Ana anymore. I’m no longer a broken, brother. And soon you won’t be either.
Ana turned around and looked at Soi where he lay at the edge of the shore. She looked at him with cold grey eyes. It really was Ana.
-Soi, bring me the water, she ordered him.
As she uttered the words Sassa came out of nowhere and threw herself at Ana but before she got to her, Sam stood in the way and the two crashed into each other. Sam overpowered her and pushed her to the ground.
-Quickly, Sam snarled at Soi.
Soi got unsteady up on his feet, filled the cup with spring water and limped quickly to Ana’s side. She took the cup from him, poured the water into Jack’s wound and slowly pulled the sword out.
-No, no, no, no, what are you doing? Let me die! Jack cried. –I’m nothing if I’m not a broken.
-Exactly. You won’t be you anymore. Like Nibbles won’t be Nibbles, Mack won’t be Mack. And I won’t be me, Ana spoke through clenched teeth.
Slowly Jack’s wounds healed and the scars on his face faded away. Jack touched his face where his jacks had been with an appalled expression. He fainted.
Suddenly there was a screech and Soi and Ana turned their heads to where Sassa and Sam were wrestling. Sam had a dagger thrust in his chest. His own silver dagger. Sassa was sitting on top of him, pushing the dagger deeper into his body. Ana run towards Sam and Sassa. She pushed Sassa off him. Sassa rolled down laughing.
-Now we’re even, she said to Ana with a smile.
-What do you mean? Ana yelled at her.
-Your man’s dying and mine is dead. Even. Sassa shrugged her shoulders and laughed again.
Ana held back her anger and clenched her teeth but her tears begun to roll.
-Jack isn’t dead, she said, trying to hold back her tears.
Sassa sat up, confused.
-But…
-I gave him the water… I saved him, despite everything he’s done! Ana spit out.
Sassa looked at the place where Jack lie on the ground beside Soi. Then she stood up, nodded to Ana and walked away. Ana turned to Sam.
-It’s going to be alright. They’re getting water, she said to Sam.
-I don’t want the water, Sam coughed.
-You’ll thank me later.
-I don’t want it. Not after everything that’s happened.
-What do you mean?
-I want you. But you can’t forgive me. I know that now.
-Stupid boy, what are you talking about? Then why did you save me?
-Because I love you.
Then he stopped breathing.

To be continued...
By J.L.Frick

Friday, January 06, 2012

The fight-mood-playlist

Okey, so we're closing in to the end of this long journey, and this autumn I've taken a lot of breaks from writing. Sorry to say it but it's the truth. As it's the end of the story I've listened to another kind of music to get a fighting-mood to prepare for the upcoming fight (no it's not a spoiler, we all know there has to be some sort of fight to fix this mess, unfortunately).
Actually there isn't one list but rather two, or maybe three different lists from where I've picked songs to fit this fighting-mood-playlist.
First off. I've three songs from a playlist I call Same,same as the songs have the same feel to them. Ruby with Kaiser Chiefs, I love this song, somehow it feels desperate and frustrated which is exactly how Soi feels. Joker and the Thief with Wolfmother. A great song from the start to the end. Fighting spirit! Resistance and rebellion, that's how I would describe it. To the wolves with Anberlin. Don't know what to say. I choose this song not so much because of its lyrics but rather the music.
Second list. KPOP. Two songs in an unusual language, namely korean. Keep your head down with TVXQ and Neverland with U-KISS. As I have said before I listen more to the music than to the lyrics, which is why these two songs are great as I don't understand a thing of what they're singing. It's the attitude in the music that I'm searching for when I write and these two songs have a lot of attitude. You can find them on youtube.
And lastly, another three songs. My heart still beats with Maria Mena, the song is... curious, angry and cunning. Seven devils with Florence + the Machine, very mysterious. Out of it with Fallulah, "everything I have I could loose within this fight, somebody got to tell me that I'm gonna be alright", it fits with chapter 18-Consequences.

A more diverse playlist isn't easy to find. I think I've covered most of the world, UK, Denmark, Norway, South Korea, Australia and USA .Hope you'll enjoy it.

//J.L.Frick

The Broken Ones

Chapter 18:2 -Consequences

It was a tiresome journey climbing the mountain. The spring guardians had walked for about two hours and they had to walk for another two to get to the spring. By then it would be dusk. The only thing that kept going in a high speed was that they would arrive before Jack and the brokens. Soi was walked beside Haz and behind them walked Ard and Siri. The two brothers had trouble keeping up the speed so they ended up last in the long trail of guards walking up the mountain.
-I don’t understand why anyone would need to protect a spring that’s high up in the mountains, no one is foolish enough to go up there to begin with! Ard complained and Siri laughed.
-If only, Siri agreed and smiled to Soi who looked back at the two.
Soi looked down at his house before he turned around and concentrated on climbing. He kept his eyes on the small path in front of him. All he could see was his feet and hands and green grass. From time to time Haz’s hands swung into his eyesight. It was something strange with his finger, as if something was missing even though all of his fingers were there.
-Your rings are gone, Soi said surprised.
Haz looked down at his fingers where his golden rings had been.
-It’s not gone. I sold it.
So that’s how they afforded the ship, Soi thought.
-Why did you do that? Wasn’t it the only item left from your parents?
-I don’t need it anymore.
Soi didn’t understand.
-I’m going to die, Haz said and looked straight in Soi’s eyes.
It took Soi by surprise. He stopped his feet and stared at Haz. Siri and Ard had to stop as well.
-If it’s about turning into a monster, then drinking the spring water will probably help…
-I will be killed in the upcoming battle. Ard has already seen it, Haz said with a sigh.
-Then don’t participate, Soi almost yelled.
-My death will make a difference.
Soi didn’t know how to answer that. Haz continued.
-It’s not only me who will die.
Soi’s eyes widened. Haz observed him calmly.
-How can you be so naïve. It’s a war Soi, of course people will die, on both sides, Siri said at last.
-Who else? Soi asked calmly.
-What do you mean?
-Who else has Ard seen die?
-It doesn’t matter if you know, you can’t save them, Soi, Siri said.
-Who else?!
-Ana, Ard whispered.
Soi sunk to the ground. Not Ana.
-But I don’t know how yet, she just disappears.
Somehow he managed to reach the spring but his energy was all gone. When he saw the springs dark blue surface he sunk to his knees. Sanoi stood by his side.
-The clothes will get dirty if you stay too long on the ground, she said and squat down beside him.
-What does it matter? Soi said tired.
-It matters. You’re the saviour, if you don’t look good how do you think the rest of us look?
Sanoi smiled to her little brother. Soi looked into her dark eyes and suddenly a single tear run down her cheek. She quickly brushed it away but Soi had already seen it.
-You’re also going to die, Soi said quietly and looked away.
Sanoi took his hand.
-Why are you doing this? If you know you are going to die why still go through with it? Soi said through his teeth, trying to hold back his tears.
-If it’s not me, it’s somebody else and if my life can make a difference I am willing to give it up, Sanoi answered, fixing her eyes on the ground. –Isn’t this what we been practicing for since we were born?
Soi nodded without energy.
The two remained on the ground and looked out on the pond. The dusk turned it golden red and dark. It was as if there were small grains of gold in its water. The spring had always been most beautiful in the dusk. That was why all ceremonies were held then.
-They’re coming, a guard called out and everyone took their positions.
-Will you be able to handle this little brother? Sanoi asked. She got up and offered her hand.
-Do I have a choice? If I don’t do this… it will be fatal for all of us. And besides, this is entirely my fault so I must put things right.
-You know it’s not only your choices that have brought us here. Most of the time it is the decisions of others who actually put us in this position. If your father hadn’t died or if that person he was trying to save hadn’t taken that walk then you wouldn’t have left either. I now, we all know why you had to leave Spring Island and we would have done the same, that’s why we don’t blame you for leaving. But we are even happier that you choose to return and even that wasn’t your choice. You see, none of this is really your fault, it’s just how the world works.
-When did you turn wise? Soi asked with a pale smile.
-I had to, how else would I understand why you left. Now go and make things right, little brother.
Sanoi gave Soi a warm hug before she got back to her position. Soi sighed and straightened his back. He made sure his sword was well hidden and brushed off the dirt from the white cape before he hid his face under the hood. He slowly turned his back on the spring and waited for Jack to come.

The sun disappeared into the sea and the world turned dark except for the light of the torches approaching slowly from the north side of the mountain. When Jack and his followers arrived the spring guardians were ready and stood quietly in their blues clothes along the road leading up to the spring. Jack walked first with Ana and Sam right behind him, thereafter followed the brokens and the monsters. Jack walked past the guards as if they were invisible and right up to spring where Soi stood disguised in his saviour clothes. Ana stood right beside Soi. She looked like a doll with a blank expression, a child without emotions. It both hurt and scared Soi.
Jack turned to his followers with an excited expression.
-We are finally here, ladies and gentlemen, Jack begun his speech. -The water you see before you is magic. It can cure any injury of illness. It is the brokens greatest threat.
The brokens who stood closest to the spring took a few steps backwards.
-But in our hands it can be our greatest resource, Jack continued. -We can use this water against our enemies, those who will not bend their backs for the Academy. Now I know you believe my words but I still like to demonstrate the water’s power.
Jack’s smile turned into a vicious grin.
-And who else would be a better sacrifice then our dear double spy who stand right outside the walls of the Academy mocking our beloved city. Mr Nebelius Silver.
Nibbles along with the rest of the brokens were shocked. He backed to get away in the crowds but two monsters caught him and he was dragged forward to Jack. Jack’s grin got wider as Nibbles screams got more and more desperate.
-No,no… Don’t do this. It’s a mistake! Nibbles defended himself.
-Did you think I was unaware of your betrayal? Did you really think offering a mere guard would win my trust? Did you think I wouldn’t know you helped him escape from the ship? I was waiting for you to betray me and you did. You are so obvious. No one betrays the Academy unpunished. Bring the water.
Jack held out a silver cup to Soi. Soi hadn’t expected this but he had to do it. He bent down and filled the silver cup with spring water. The monsters held Nibbles tightly and slowly bent his jaws open. Jack waved to Soi to proceed. Was he supposed to pour the water into Nibbles mouth himself? Nibbles would never forgive him for this. Soi knew better than anyone how much being a broken meant to Nibbles. If Nibbles wasn’t a broken, who would he be?
Slowly Soi poured the water into Nibbles mouth and he saw Nibbles tears run down his cheek one after one. At least it wouldn’t hurt physically, Soi thought and tried to keep track of his emotions. He hoped the sacrifice wouldn’t go to waste. The last drop of spring water landed on Nibbles lips which trembled. The monsters released him at Jack’s order and he sunk to the ground.
-Now, let’s see the effect of the water. Jack stepped forward and ripped off Nibbles’ eye patch. The surrounding brokens took a step forward to take a closer look and backed away with disgust and fear.
-And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The water! Jack gestured towards the spring.
At the same time Ard moved closer to Ana. When Jack displayed the water’s power to the brokens Ard made a decision. An unexpected decision. He pushed Ana into the water as Jack turned around.
-No! Jack roared as his precious jewel disappeared into the deep water.

To be continued...
By J.L.Frick