Emica Kana is 18 years old. She has always loved writing stories., They were her escape from reality. She always wished that a man would come and save her like they always do in the stories.
Well, she got her wish.
Emica entered a small writing school that was near a river. Her friend had joined her. But, the teacher had an odd vibe around him. Emica became a little scared of him. She especially became scared when the teacher started to pay more attention to her. One day, when she runs from him, she falls into a world of adventure, risk, and abnormalities. 
But, her teacher is what scares her more than this new world. What secrets and schemes did he use to get her here?

365 days, 365 scenes.
Battles among supreme beings.
Poems about losing love.
Dragons showing mercy.
Kids stumbling upon magic.

This journey involves my answering of 365 creative writing prompts in a desperate bid to overcome my laziness.
The prompts come from https://thinkwritten.com/365-creative-writing-prompts/ and I write one a day.

THE SITUATION RIGHT NOW: I've gotten over the majority of my laziness. I'm unlikely to update this much. It's pretty much complete. The novel I'm working on is Dark Seas Leading Demise

Staying with Eva certainly wasn't boring. On the first night they were at her house she insisted they were going to burn through as many Disney movies as possible so Hazel would know who all they bothered standing in line to take pictures with. 
She hadn't realized her lack of knowledge had been so apparent. But Eva wasn't unkind about it. It seemed more like she wanted to share something fun that she liked than she thought Hazel was crazy for not knowing before. 
Most of the movies were pretty cute. Exactly the sort of things kids tended to eat up. 
Hazel had enjoyed it too once upon a time. Her parents used to put those types of movies on for her and sometimes even take her to see them in theaters. 
She used to wish they would play movies while she was in the mental hospital. But after meeting Will and hearing all of the amazing things there were to know about the real world, the fictional one hadn't appealed to her as much anymore. 
Besides, once she got out her uncle wasn't the type to allow children's movies in his house. He didn't like the slightest bit of noise indicating she existed most of the time. That was the only reason he supplied her with minimal art supplies. 
Drawing was always an effective way to shut her up. As she went back to school and was able to check out books from its library she tried to draw the things she read about. There were even some guides on how to draw that helped her a lot as she tried to improve. 
Hazel spent the remainder of her elementary school days and most of middle school as well refining her technique. She was so absorbed by all there was to learn that she had no interest in friends so it wasn't like anybody other than her uncle would have taken her to the movies either. 
When they weren't watching movies, Eva wanted to hear more about Hazel's life. There really wasn't much to tell leaving out her juicy past. She was a pretty boring person. 
Talking about her art was a fairly safe topic. She mentioned that she had been interested in it basically her whole life so it was the obvious career choice even though people advised her against it. 
Everything had worked out in the end. She landed this comic job, which looked great on her resume. And after that she ended up married to someone who was willing and able to buy her all the art supplies she could ever want. Will had kept his promise quite well even if it was later than she had hoped. 
Getting here had been a rough road though. Her uncle didn't support her dreams and refused to pay for her to go to art school. He had barely acknowledged her when she got a scholarship by buying her a school sweatshirt. 
All of her high school teachers (except the art teacher) were against it too. They thought she was wasting her brains on a field that wouldn't pay well or offer a consistent job unless she decided to be a graphic designer. 
Hazel didn't want to spend her entire life creating lifeless things for other people. She refused to go down that road, even if it meant picking up a bunch of odd jobs to get by. 
Graphic designers didn't have any sort of creative freedom whatsoever in her mind. She needed to be unrestrained and free in her art or she felt choked. Even working with a finicky author like Eva was far superior to making logos all day. 
The nice thing was that Eva understood how she felt about taking the easy road. She could have gone to grad school to become a social worker like every other psychology major she knew because it was the 'smart choice' with that degree. Social workers, like graphic designers, were in high demand. 
But she was one to take the road less traveled by. If she went back to grad school it would be to specialize in the very specific field she wanted and nothing less. 
She had told Hazel how she ended up where she was now, in what her mother called 'a career dead end.' Yes, she was working two jobs and didn't have the most glamorous lifestyle but she made enough to do fun things every so often like their trip in Florida. 
The point was that she was doing what she wanted and didn't feel a rush to change that. Hazel could respect that. 
What she was less fond of was that Eva's interest in true crime and serial killers was because she was genuinely intrigued by criminology. Her eventual goal was to work for the FBI as a profiler. 
Wanting to catch people like her parents' killer wasn't the part she was upset by. It was how she consumed countless amounts of media about serial killers and other famous criminals and helped perpetuate sales and popularity for those things. 
It was people like her who kept the market for such grotesque things open. Those she truly despised—the people who capitalized on other people's pain by writing books picking apart the sick minds of killers—made money off of people like Eva. It was why they kept doing it. 
She had seen the book on the Bay Area Blade that had largely inspired his inclusion in that docuseries in a stack on the coffee table. It had taken all of her willpower to keep her mouth shut about it.
The series had already started airing and Hazel desperately hoped Eva wouldn't want to watch it while she was stuck here. She wasn't sure she would calmly be able to explain why she couldn't bear to watch that crap. 
Three days passed and there was no sign of the snow letting up back home so she would have to stay here a while longer. That show aired on Sundays and it was Thursday now. More than anything she wanted the airport to be cleared for travel before then.

“I’ll marry anyone who will take me!” Hazel declared loudly. “I don’t need love!”

“Get down!” Will hissed. “You don’t know what kind of people are lurking around in here! Talking like that might get you killed!”

==

Hazel Dixon thought she was putting her troubled past behind her. But when the person she thought she trusted most betrays her, she loses her head and proposes to an entire bar full of strangers. 

Enter Will Sheffield, a charming stranger who decides to take her up on her offer to save her from herself. 

He spoils her rotten without expecting anything in return and Hazel's confusion only grows. She doesn't know why he is acting this way. Or why he reminds her so much of the 'dangerous' childhood friend she thought was gone forever...

The moment Akira entered the office, everyone turned their heads to cross-check again if that was her for real.
She was wearing a floral print peach dress and white sneakers to the office. 
Not only her attire, but her entire demeanor was different today. As she crossed them and entered her cabin, they all stood stupified.
"Wait, that was really her?"
"Did I just see her smiling as she was checking her phone?", mumbled Kirk.
"That must be a hell of a funny meme. It made her smile man. I wonder what that meme was", Simon said and sat back.
"Why do you think it was a meme? Could have been a joke?", asked Kirk.
"Forget all that guys, did you see her clothes", chimed Brian. 
"Something is different about her today. She looks like in a good mood today. Hope she increases our bonuses and gives us free coffee", joked Kirk.
"For that to happen, you need to stop noticing every little thing happening around you and focus on the new project that's upcoming", said David and entered the Graphic team area.
"You always come to dampen our mood or what? Or did she specifically send you here to kill our spirits", mocked Simon as only he had the capacity to mess with David, given that he was also an old and loyal employee of Delphie like him.
"Aren't you getting more and more creative these days Simon?", said David and smiled.
"Oh, come on", said Simon and swiveled back towards his monitor.
"I seriously don't understand why the Creative Director is getting pissed for being called as creative", said David and smiled.
"Wait, what? What did you just say?", Simon turned back all astonished and asked.
David smiled and said,
"Why don't you wait for five minutes more when you know it officially", and saying that he left for his area.
There was a sudden commotion in the Graphic wing and everyone started pouring congratulations to Simon and then suddenly Akira arrived and they all went back silent.
"I sense a commotion going on here", she said with a poker straight face.
"Oh, nothing we were just...", Kirk was about to utter the reason, but he saw the glaring eyes of Simon and stayed silent.
Then with a serious tone, Akira said,
"This is office premises and I expect serious work to be done over here and no merry making."
They all hung their head low.
She was laughing inside her head to see them all getting into the submissive mode and said,
"If you want to celebrate then this is not how you celebrate."
Hearing her words Simon felt like because of him, all others were also facing her wrath. So he got up and came forward and said,
"We all are sorry but actually, it's all my fault...."
"Damn right it's all your fault Mr. Creative Director. If you want to celebrate then be creative. Invite us all for lunch. Just chattering here in the office makes no sense to me", she said and smiled looking at Simon.
"Wait, what?", he was shocked to hear her candid reply.
"What? Do you think you can escape so easy after such a big promotion? I don't think so. The official mail has already been sent. So I guess it's time for you to send the official lunch invite", saying that Akira smiled at him and went back to her cabin.
Simon was still staring in her direction when all other team members hounded him again asking for a lunch treat.
After coming back to her seat, Akira called for David who came to her cabin as soon as possible with a stack of legal documents in his hands.
After coming in, he showed her a few of the papers which had clauses highlighted by the legal team of Delphi.
"This one can easily be pushed away by their team."
"What about this clause?"
"This seems ok. But their legal team is huge and they will be able to figure out a loophole. Somehow I am getting that vibe."
"Hmm.... even I felt the same", David nodded and said.
Then, picking up another paper from the stack he asked,
"What about this one Akira? I think this one is rock solid", saying that he handed over a paper to her.
Akira read the clause and then re-read it again and smiled,
"This is perfect."
"You know what will make it even more rock-solid iron-clad unescapable clause?"
"What David?"
"If we merge the second clause with it", saying that David handed her the second clause paper which she had pushed to the side earlier.
She read both of them for a while and then looked at David and said,
"God, I seriously love your skills, David. What would I have done without you?"


[Warning: This novel has mature content. Reader's discretion advised]

Gazing at the Starbucks cafe at the airports had become a ritual for her. A desperate attempt as she hoped against hope to see him again, probably get one more chance to kiss him again. Looking at the store all lost, she walked ahead, but then she stumbled and bumped against someone. 

The cup of coffee that he had in his hand spilled all over just like the first time when she had met him. 

"Jesus Christ", he muttered. 

The moment she heard the voice she looked up and saw his face. It was the same face that had promised to stay next to her, till death did them apart.

Tears flooded her eyes and all that she could utter was, "I knew you would come back for me Raymond". She raised herself on her toes in an attempt to kiss him but he blocked her with his hands.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa !!! I guess you have mistaken me for someone else."

"What are you saying, Raymond? It's me, your Akira. The love of your life, your fiancee," she said and stretched her hand showing the ring.

He stared at the ring for quite some time and then looked at her face apologetically and said, 

"Miss please, I am already a married man."

And then he silently walked away.

-----

[Join me on discord at] https://discord.gg/cPVJ69e

Callea kept of shoving spoonful of food into her mouth because she couldn't think of gross and scary things during dinner to negate the captivating view of Deive's smile at her while they were eating. She just focused on eating a lot to her deep frustration.

"Hmmm ... this will ruin my diet. Homecooked meals make forget about discipline in food," Deive moaned after slurping bulalo or beef stew bone.

"Food is supposed to be devoured and enjoyed," Callea assured.

"I'm in trouble with my gym instructor. This bulalo is to die for."

"Marina cooked that one."

When she took Marina under her roof, she saw her potential in her cooking. She was so good that even just a simple vegetable soup could taste gourmet-ish. That was why she had fun teaching her her grandmother's recipe and some recipe of her own.

"She's good. How long have she been here with you? "asked the young man.

"Two years."

"Why did you get her as your helper?" he asked casually.

Her eyes became sharp. "Marina is not a hired help. She's a friend. She is my companion."

"Really?" he asked with disbelief.

She tightly held the steak knife and pressed her lips. What was he trying to imply? That Marina should not be her friend because she was a hunchback? Was she stooping low in his opinion?

So Deive was no different from the cruel people outside. They judge people base on their appearance and now on substance. She loathed superficial people. Marina was a good person. Why should people judge her because of her deformity? As if she wished to be born a hunchback. Too bad. Marina thought Deive was a nice guy.

Deive looked alarmed and stopped eating. "Hey! Don't get me wrong. I do not judge your friendship with Marina. But it is just you two in this huge mansion. What if some robbers decided to come here? Who will protect you?" His concern looked real.

"Thanks for the concern, but no one would dare come to this place.

It helped that people thought her home was a haunted house home. It was so notorious that even thieves won't set foot on the place.  It would be difficult for them to take large antique furniture in the mansion. It was not easy to steal. There are no precious heirloom or money there. Everything she needed was arranged by her grandfather - from paying the utility bills to supplies. She also knew that  her grandfather placed guards to watch over the mansion. She was okay with that as long as they remained invisible and won't interfere with her life. 

Callea sighed with relief. It was comforting to know that he was not judging Marina. Marina was her friend. She won't allow anyone to hut her friend.

"According to your grandfather, you don't leave the mansion at all.  What do you do when you're cooped up here?" he asked with curiosity.

"I have online classes. I am taking up Creative writing. Because I like to make graphics novels. The old books and the library helped me enrich my imagination. I am also working with several novels. So I have a lot in my hands. "

She didn't mention that she was a glowing graphics horror novelist. Her published graphic novels had followers on only in the Philippines but also in other countries. Her publisher Philippine-based only but was able to get other readers abroad. Thanks to the Internet.

But she used a pen name to hide her identity. Only her publisher knew her information. While she was a mysterious artist to the rest of the world.

"What are you currently working on? Romance? Fiction? Political satire? "

She smiled sheepishly. "I will tell you once it is published." She was not comfortable showing it to someone else once her works were still raw. Even in Marina was forbidden to see it. It was included in her eccentricities as an artist. "How about you? You work for Hontiveros Coco Industries you, right? "

"I used to work for our family business. Not anymore," he informed her with a sad voice.

"Then what do you do now?"

"A professional bum," he answered with a gloat. "That is why my grandfather is giving me away. Is it okay for you to marry someone like me?"

She shrugged nonchalantly. There was also nothing she could do because her grandfather wants her to marry him. Even if he was a terrorist, she would marry him if that was the only way to ensure to get the mansion.

"If  its okay with you too eat the sweet potato tops and other vegetables in our backyard, then I am cool with it."

His rich laughter echoed inside the house. She was stunned. Suddenly there was life and light inside the mansion that had not been heard for a long time.

"You will feed me potato tops and grass? Great!" He tapped the table. "So, it means I have to learn how to grow weed from now on."

She looked away from him, her heart constricted. She loathed his smiling face. She loathed his laugh. It touched her gloomy heart. It was not good.

"If you are tired of sweet potato tops, you can dig for sweet potatoes underneath. We have lots of root crops here."

"Don't worry. I'm not with Hontiveros Coco anymore but I am working on a project with some of my friends. A pirate cruise ship. "

"Wow! So it was like an old, dusty pirate ship like the one on Pirates of the Carribean?" Callea's eyes sparkled when she thought of the skeletons of dead pirates rising from the depths of the water to wreak havoc to the world. There were underwater treasures guarded by a giant monster. It was exciting! They finally had something in common.

Deive shook his head.   "It would be an elegant floating hotel. I really want to travel the world when on board the ship. I think it is cool. " It presents the palms. "Do you want to go with me when we married?"

She looked at his stretched hand. It was a splendid invitation for any normal, starry-eyed woman who was in for a romance with a handsome man.

She smiled a bit. She was not directly refusing his offer to travel on his cruise ship. She had no plans to get out of the mansion and travel the world. The world was too vast and too cruel for the likes of her. She was happy to spend the rest of the life inside the mansion, away from the crazy world.

An arranged marriage to a perfect bride.

To keep him in line, playboy Deive Hontiveros needs to marry Callea Lopez so he could start his own business. He thought he got lucky when he sees how beautiful and caring Callea is.

She lives in a haunted mansion though and he got plagued by a mysterious ghost of a woman and her cat from hell.

He must protect his bride at all cost. 

But what if Callea is one with the darkness?

Kinabukasan, nagbabasa ng advertising campaign si Oliver nang kumatok si Diana. 
"Pasok," aniya. 
"Sir, nasa labas po si Ms. Miranda," anito. 
Napakunot noo si Oliver. Ano ang gagawin ni Miranda doon? 
"Papasukin mo," aniya. 
Sinuportahan niya ng isang kamay ang baba habang hinihintay pumasok si Miranda.
"Hi Oliver," bati nito pagpasok. 
He was bewildered. 
"What brought you here?" Tanong niya. 
"I came here to accept your proposal. Pumapayag na kong flower supplier niyo," anito.
He was surprised. Hindi niya akalaing pupunta pa ito doon para lang sabihing pumapayag na itong maging flower supplier nila.
"So, ibig sabihin noong una hindi ka pumapayag kaya hindi ka sumipot? Ganoon ba?" Tanong niya. 
Napaismid ito. 
"What I mean to say is, you know, let's go through the contract signing, nagkaroon lang talaga ng emergency last time kaya hindi ako nakapunta, pasensiya na." 
Nag-aalangan si Oliver dahil ayaw niya ng unreliable na business partner tulad na lamang ni Miranda. Nevertheless, nagagandahan siya dito. 
*******
Bakit naman kasi pumapayag ang sinabi niya? Napaghahalataan tuloy siya. Nababsa niya ang pag-aalangan sa mukha ni Oliver habang hinihimas ang baba. 
"Hmm… I'm quite hesitant Ms. Monje." 
Ngayon siya nang nagaalok, ayaw naman nito? Anak ng tokwa naman talaga! Paano siya maghihiganti kung hindi niya ito mapapayag?
"But Oliver…" Aniya. 
"Nagdadalawang isip ako, baka mamaya, hindi rin kayo sumipot sa mga event namin," anito. 
Iyon na nga ba ang sinasabi niya, sana pala noong una palang naisip na niyang paghigantihan ito. Pero ayaw naman niyang piliting pumayag si Oliver dahil baka lalo itong magduda. 
"Okay… I understand kung hindi ka papayag, but I want to assure you na nagsisi ako na hindi ako nakaputna sa appointment natin, may emergency lang talaga. But anyway, I guess wala akong magagawa para pilitin ka. Thanks for your time, I'm going now," dahan-dahan niyang binuksan ang pinto. 
"Wait!" 
Nabuhayan ng loob si Miranda. 
"I'm warning you Miranda, as your client, you have to meet our demands. If you fail, we can terminate the contract anytime," anito. 
Napangiti si Miranda dahil sa wakas mukhang papaya na ito. 
"Don't worry Oliver, I assure you na hindi namin kayo bibiguin," aniya. 
Halos malusaw siya na parang kandila sa mga titig nito na parang kinikilatis kung nagsasabi ba siya ng totoo. 
"Okay," anito. 
Sa wakas napapayag niya ito! Noong araw ding iyon, pumirma sila ng kontrata. In-abbreviate ni Miranda ang kanyang surname para hindi matandaan ni Oliver, although she doubted kung natatandaan pa nito iyon.
 "Is there anything else you want to ask?" Tanong nito.
"Wala na, if you have further inquiries about the deal, feel free to contact me."
Tumungo-tungo ito. Tumayo na siya at nagpaalam sa binata, pero bago iyon, sinadya niyang iwan ang calling card organizer niya sa couch, sana hindi kaagad mapansin ni Oliver, nasa gilid naman iyon. 
********
Ilang minuto matapos umalis ni Miranda, napansin ni Oliver ang isang calling card organizer sa gilid ng couch. Dinampot niya iyon at tingninan ang loob, naroon ang calling card ng dalaga at ng mga business partner nito. Kinuha niya ang cellphone para tawagan ito, pero hindi nito sinasagot ang kanyang tawag, kaya nagmessage na lamang siya. 
Pag-upo sa swivel chair, natuwa si Oliver dahil may bago na silang flower supplier. Nevetheless, hindi mawala ang amusement niya kay Miranda. She looked like a cover girl on a Vogue magazine that came alive. 
Matapos ang trabaho, nagtungo siya sa photoshoot ni Taya. Pagdating doon, nakita niyang nakasuot ng lace lingerie ang nobya habang nakahiga sa mga rose petals. He had always admired her beauty and he wouldn't get tired watching her. Nang magbreak, nilapitan siya ni Taya. Isinuout nito ang robe at itinaas ang buhok.
"Nasaan na iyong pinabibili ko?" Tanong ni Taya. 
"Here." 
"Thank you," binuksan nito ang box ng brownies. 
Nagki-crave ito sa brownies at sinabing bumili siya ng brownies kapag dumalaw siya sa photoshoot. 
"What time will you wrap up?" Tanong niya. 
"I'm not sure, probably around 3 AM or something," kumagat ito ng brownies. 
Pinunasan niya ng daliri ang gilid ng labi nito. 
"Message na lang kita when I get home," anito.
"Okay." 
He always told her to let him know when she got home just so he knew if she was safe because she had a stalker before. 
********
Gabi nang magreturn call si Miranda kay Oliver. Sinadya niyang hindi sagutin ang tawag nito kanina para may dahilan upang magkita sila muli. 
"Hello?" Ani Oliver nang sagutin ang kanyang tawag. 
"Hi Oliver, I received your text, naiwan ko d'yan ang calling card organizer ko?" Tanong kunwari. 
"Yeah, on the couch." 
"I see. How can I get it, should I go back to your office, or magkita na lang tayo somewhere else?" 
"Magkita na lang tayo." 
Napangiti siya. Exactly what she expected. 
""Okay, where?" 
Pinag-usapan nila ang lugar kung saan sila magkikita, at napagkasunduang magkikita sila bukas sa isang coffee shop after working hours. 
"Bye," aniya. 
Pagkakataon naman niya para magantihan si Oliver. 
*******
Kinabukasan, Miranda met up with her bestfriend, Elaine. She met her at the new university where she transferred due to shame and she knew her life story. Naglunch silang dalawa sa favorite nilang restaurant. 
"What nagkita kayo noong Oliver? Kailan pa? At bakit di mo kaagad sinabi sa akin?" 
Ikinuwento naman ni Miranda kung paano sila nagtagpo muli ni Oliver. 
"Wow ha, nakakaloka, naging business partners pa kayo," sumipsip ito ng juice. 
"I know right?" 
"O ano ngayon ang gagawin mo?" 
"I want revenge," aniya. 
"Like what kind of revenge?" 
"Ipaparaanas ko sa kanya ang pait na ipinaranas niya sa akin dati."
 "Ano ka bida sa pelikula? Nasaktan, nagtransform, at naghinganti? Tigilan mo nga 'yan," Saway nito.
"Pero Elaine---" 
Napanguso siya. 
"Anong pero, pero. Mamaya, maging simula pa 'yan ng kung anong sigalot,"a nito.
Kung makasigalot talaga ito?
"Bakit naman magkakaroon ng sigalot?" Tanong niya. 
"Siyempre paiibigin mo si Oliver, tapos malalaman ni Edward, tapos mag-aaway kayo, at magbebreak, tapos magiging alone ka na forever. Iyon ba ang gusto mong mangyari?" 
"Grabe ka naman, ang advance mo ha?" Aniya.
"O bakit totoo naman ah. Sinasabi ko lang ang pwedeng mangyari."
Ang sa kanya paiibigan niya si Oliver hindi nalalaman ni Edward.
 "Basta huwag mo nang ituloy iyang plano mo Miranda ha," bilin nito na tila nababasa ang nasa isip niya.  
Matapos nilang kumain ay naghiwalay na sila. Mamaya, magkikita sila ni Oliver para kunin ang kanyang calling card organizer. 
********
Bago mag-alas otso, naghihintay na si Miranda kay Oliver, kinakabahan siya dahil nga wala naman siyang karanasan sa pang-aakit. Suot pa rin niya ang kanyang work-out outfit. Napatingin siya sa dumating, it was Oliver, naglakad ito patungo sa kanya. 
 "Hey," anito.
"Hi, sorry ha, naabala pa kita," aniya. 
"It's okay," naupo ito. 
Ang sabi niya, siya ang mang-aakit, pero bakit parang siya yata ang naaakit. Nakadress down kasi si Oliver, denim jeans at blue checkered polo ang suot nito. Casual na casual, hindi tulad noong nakaraang nagkita sila, formal ang suot nito. 
 "Did you just finish working out?" Tanong nito. 
"Yeah, I came from the gym." 
"I see, anyway, here's your calling card organizer." 
Kinuha naman niya iyon. 
********
Miranda was just steaming in those shorts and black sleeveless. The strands of hair sprawling over her forehead just spiced up her already strong sex appeal.  Hindi mapigilan ni Oliver ang humanga.
 "Thank you, akala ko di ka 'to makikita uli," anito. 
"You are welcome," aniya. 
Naroon pa rin ang kanyang paghanga, pero hindi niya ipinahahalata. 
 "Anyway, would you like to order a drink or something? It's on me," anito. 
"Sure." 
Umorder naman si Oliver ng Mango Yogurt. Habang sumisipsip, pasimple niyang tinititigan si Miranda. Inipit nito ang buhok sa likod ng tenga, at parang naaakit siya sa gesture na iyon ng dalaga. Napangiti ito sa kanya nang magkatitigan sila. 
"So, umh, by the way, gagawin ka pa after this?" Tanong nito. 
"Wala na, why?" 
"Wala naman, nagtatanong lang," anito. 
There was something in Miranda, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was. Although, he found her alluring. Maya-maya, nagpaalam itong pupunta sa restroom. 
"Excuse me. I'll just go to the restroom." 
Pagbalik nito sa labas, ubos nang inumin niya.
"Shall we go?" Tanong niya.
Parang medyo nabigla ito.
"Oh, Sure." 
Naghiwalay na silang dalawa sa parking lot.
*********
Dismayado si Miranda habang nagmamaneho pauwi, Iyon na iyon? Naghiwalay na sila, pero wala siyang nagawa para akitin ito? Nakanguso siya dahil feeling niya palpak ang unang plano niya. 
Kinabukasan, sa flower shop, nagiisip si Miranda kung paano aakitin si Oliver. Base sa napapanood niya sa TV dapat hinahawakan sa dibdib ang lalaki, pero bago iyon dapat tapunan muna ng kape. Napanguso si Miranda. 
Ano ba 'yon? Bakit ko siya tatapunan ng kape, paano kung mapaso siya? Nasabi niya sa sarili. Kaya nagsearch siya sa Internet kung paano ang tamang pang-aakit, and she came across this article "3 easy Ways to Seduce  a Guy."
Step number one: Don't be pushy. Ayon sa article men hated pushy women because they would be the one to chase if they were interested. 
Mabuti na lamang pala hindi niya niyaya si Oliver na magkape or something, nagkita sila dahil iniwan niya ang calling card organizer sa couch.
Step number two: Flirt. Ayon sa article, men liked flirtatious women more than the reserved ones. Flirting could be done through touching or laughing seductively. 
Pero hindi naman niya ugaling manghawak ng lalaki, maliban na lamang kung close niya. But maybe, she could touch him without being obvious that she was flirting. 
Hindi na niya nabasa ang pangatlo nang dumating si Edward.
"Hey." 
 "Hey, ang aga mo ah," pagtingin ni Miranda sa oras, five thirty pa lang. 
"Yeah, nagpack up ng maaga dahil may emergency na pinuntahan iyong model," naupo ito sa couch. 
"I see, may cake sa fridge, you want some?" 
"Okay." 
Nagtungo si Miranda sa pantry para kumuha ng cake. Pagbalik sa office, nakita niyang tinitingnan ni Edward and kanyang laptop. 
"So sino namang binabalak mong akitin?" Tanong nito. 
Pasimple niyang nakagat ang labi nang maalalang nakalimutan niyang i-close ang article. 
"Wala, binabasa ko lang, why masama ba?" Inilapag niya ang cake sa center table. 
Kinuha naman iyon ni Edward at sumubo. 
"Really, at bakit naman?" 
"Wala lang, interesting eh," palusot niya. 
Inirapan niya si Edward nang titigan siya nito. 
"Bakit ka naman biglang naging interesado sa mga ganyang article?"
Pero hindi niya ito sinagot at nagcheck na lamang ng inventory. 
*******
Habang nagmamaneho, patungo sa photo shoot ni Taya, sumasagi sa isip ni Oliver si Miranda. Hindi niya makalimutan ang pagiging hot nito kahapon. 
"Hello?" Aniya nang sagutin ang tawag ni Taya, tinatanong nito kung nasaan na daw siya. 
"On the way na ko," aniya. 
"Okay, iyong pinabibili ko ah, di pa ko nagdidinner." 
Minsan naiinis siya sa girlfriend dahil palagi itong nagpapalipas ng gutom. 
"Oo, sige na, palagi ka na lang nag-i-skip ng meal," aniya. 
Natawa ito. 
"Sorry po babe," anito. 
Napangiti siya. She was always childish, at minsan gustong-gusto nito na asarin siya. 
"See yah later," aniya. 
"Bye, take care." 
Pagtanggal niya ng headseat, sumagi na naman sa isip niya si Miranda. 
*******
Kinabukasan, niyaya si Miranda ni Elaine na magmilk tea, may dinaluhan kasi itong meeting malapit sa flower shop. 
"Stress ako sa work, hirap mag-isip ng marketing strategy," ani Elaine. 
"Kaya mo 'yan, you just have to be creative," aniya. 
"I know right? Eh halos sumabog na nga utak ko sa pagiging creative eh. I guess, this is the opt of being a marketing director," sumipsip ito ng milktea na para bang doon nito ibinuhos ang lahat ng stress. 
"Eh kumusta ka naman? Anong nangyari sa pagkikita niyo noong Oliver?" Tanong nito. 
"Well, iyon nga walang nangyari, hindi ko siya naakit," dismayadong sabi niya. 
Natawa si Elaine. 
"Bakit anong nangyari?" 
"Eh, you know naman, di naman talaga ako magaling mang-akit," aniya.
"I told you huwag mo nang ituloy, ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo, pati ako na-i-stress sayo," sumipsip muli ito ng milk tea. 
"Eh girl, kung ikaw ang nasa position ko, anong gagawin mo? Kalilimutan mo na lang ba ang ginawa sayo noong lalaking 'yon?" 
"Hay naku, komprontahin mo na lang si Oliver at sabihin mo ikaw si Miranda na pinaglaruan nito dati, tapos sapakin at sabunutan mo, tapos ilampaso mo sa sahig, iyon makakaganti ka na."
Napapailing na lang si Miranda. 
"Ewan ko sayo, huwag mo na ngang problemahin 'yan si Oliver, I will take care of him," aniya. 
"Naku, tigilan mo nga Miranda, kapag nakita ko iyong Oliver, ako mismo magsasabi ng pinaggagagawa mo," anito. 
"Hoy huwag mong sasabihin!" Aniya. 
Hindi naman siya nangangamba dahil hindi pa naman nito nakikita si Oliver. 
"O bakit? Para matigil na 'yang kabaliwan mo," anito. 
Kung may isang taong kaya siyang ibalik sa realidad sa tuwing nabubulagan siya, si Elaine iyon. Hindi nito tinotolerate ang mga mali niyang gawain, kaya nagpapasalamat siya na nakilala niya ang bestfriend.

Someone who left a deep scar in her heart came her way again. At sa kanilang muling pagkikita, isa lamang ang nais ni Miranda- makaganti. At gagawin niya ang lahat para iparanas kay Oliver ang pait na ipinadama nito sa kanya dati.

Check out my other book: King of Film 
Synopsis:
 Jiang Cheng a screenwriter is reincarnated to 2001, into the seventeen-year-old body of another Jiang Cheng.
Clutching onto the dreams of his previous life he attempts to succeed where he previously failed.
He starts from scratch, as a small-time screenwriter writing television shows and movie scripts.
Filled with dreams of becoming a generational entertainment legend and establishing an entertainment empire he takes the road to become the King of Film.
....
First Volume of the book:
Amazon- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FDK6N1P
Google Play- https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=6KtjDwAAQBAJ
....
Second Volume of the book:
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZCSXY5
Google Play- https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=87tmDwAAQBAJ
....
Wanna take this chance to thank Yuumei who very kindly gave me permission to use her illustration it as my book cover. She has some breathtaking pieces on her site, honestly they look so realistic, check them out : https://www.yuumeiart.com
You can also check out her graphic novels: https://www.yuumeiart.com/graphic-novels/


Zhang Xiaohua was a washed-up artist who tragically passed away in a car accident after heroically saving a child’s life. After his death, Zhang Xiaohua’s soul was transmigrated into a parallel universe where the entertainment industry has become sluggish. 

With a group of small musicians, memories and just his wits about him, he is forced to create something for himself in his new environment, working hard to sustain himself and his mother, while also trying to regain control of his father's company.

Follow his journey as he attempts to become a world-class entertainment mogul and conquer the entertainment world by storm.

_____________________________________________

*Get the first volume of the book:
Google Play-https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=6KtjDwAAQBAJ
Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FDK6N1P 

*Get Volume 2 of the book:
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZCSXY5
Google Play-https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=87tmDwAAQBAJ

Discord: https://discord.gg/TeTKhzp

Get Some Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/huaxiang-entertainment
_____________________________________________

Book Cover is by Yuumei Art who very kindly gave me permission to use it as my cover. She also has loads of other amazing pieces if you wanna check them out at: https://www.yuumeiart.com

Why not try my new books: Angel of Death, King of Sports and King of Film

On the next day, Fern and Emily go through their routine of attending different lectures in the morning and reuniting for lunch. After the girls have recovered their energy, they find a bus and go to the art gallery. 

The Tremblay Art Centre looks like a big white box on the outside, but it houses a fantastically large collection of various art pieces. The centre could easily be mistaken for a museum because of its education programs and historical exhibitions. It would take multiple 8-hour extended visits to see everything that the centre has to offer. 

Immediately upon walking into the building, Emily and Fern are dazzled by a colourful and large glass sculpture that doubles as a chandelier. Careful to avoid standing under the sculpture, just in case it falls, the two pick up an informational brochure and map from the greeter. 

Looking at the map, Fern is immediately overwhelmed by an onslaught of compelling exhibitions to look at. In contrast, Emily does not bother looking at the map and starts walking towards the first thing she sees. When Fern looks up to ask Emily about her thoughts, Emily has already infiltrated a group of artsy looking people. 

Walking up to Emily and poking her shoulder, Fern smiles awkwardly to the strangers and says hello. Turning back to Emily, Fern looks like a mom who is about to scold her kid and asks, "what?" 

Like she's known this group of people her entire life, Emily cheerfully says, "Let me introduce you! Everybody this is my best bud Fern, Fern, this is everybody. We were just talking about what we think the meaning is of this painting." Leaning into Fern and using her hand to cover her mouth, Emily jokingly says, "Poor Sally said she thinks it means that clowns aren't scary." Emily's new friends laugh like that was peak comedy while Fern lets out of a fake chuckle. 

Failing to notice Fern's awkwardness, Emily wraps her arm around Fern's shoulders and tells the group, "We're actually starting a science club that produces a newsletter. Any of ya'll interested in joining? You guys seem like you'd be good at writing and design." 

Fern's eyes widen as she is shocked by Emily's boldness. They might not even be students at Ontario University. Fern continues to be stunned as the strangers actually consider Emily's proposal. Do absurdly fearless university students with lots of free time all gather at art galleries? 

After Emily tells the group more about the club, two of the group members say they might be able to write for the newsletter. Emily trades contact information with the two group members and shows them the club's Facebook page, so they can follow it. Happy that she's recruited some more members, Emily cheers and says, "Already got 5 club members! We still need to get a graphic designer for the website, you guys know anyone?" 

In response, one of the people offers, "One of our friends does graphic design gigs on the side, but I don't know if she'd be willing to help. She came to the gallery with us-" 

The person stops talking as a young woman walks up to the group. She's at least 6 feet or 182 cm, has dark brown skin, and very short hair. Complementing her artsy model aesthetic, she's wearing unique pieces of clothing and graphic makeup that make her look like she jumped out of a fashion magazine. Looking down and making eye contact with Fern and Emily, she says to no one in particular, "Who are these two?" 

Perking up, one of the new potential writers for the club says, "Hey, Alina! We were just talking about you. These are our new friends, Emily and Fern. They're looking someone to do graphic design for their club newsletter." 

Raising her eyebrows, Alina sizes up the due before unceremoniously replying, "Well, good luck with that." 

Off-put by Alina's bluntness, but unwilling to give up, Emily wears a customer service smile and says, "Thanks. Could we convince you to be our graphic designer?" 

Watching Alina's unamused body language and responses, Fern worries that she and Emily have somehow offended her. Knowing that Emily is stubborn as heck when it comes to apologizing, there is almost no chance of Alina agreeing to help if this continues. Before Alina can respond, Fern jumps into the downward spiralling conversation. 

"It can be like a part-time job rather than a volunteering position... We won't be able to pay you from the get-go, but we can reimburse you later." Noticing that Alina looks more open and interested, Fern gains confidence and adds, "If you want." 

Crossing her arms and raising her head, Alina says, "I don't need your money." In the same breath, she says, "But I have standards and my time is valuable. I expect you'll pay me at least $15 for every hour that I'm working, not just for the art itself." 

Emily inwardly scoffs at Alina's 'I'm better than you act,' but says nothing. Pleased that she fortunately guessed why Alina was miffed, Fern smiles and says, "Great! Can I see some of your work, and I'll tell you about the club?" 

"Sure." After standing straighter and getting rosy in the cheeks, Alina says, "A higher up at the gallery is alumni, so it does exhibitions of student works. You can see some of my pieces there." 

"Wow, that's so cool!." Tugging on Emily's shoulder, Fern enthusiastically asks where the exhibition is. Emily, Fern, Alina, and the two writers split off from the rest of the group to look at Alina's art and discuss club plans. 

Eventually, Fern and Emily lost track of time while chatting and looking at intriguing art. Although Emily was averse to the idea of persuading Alina any more, Emily and Fern got verbal promises to join the club from Alina and the two writers. Verbal commitments from university students are not the most reliable, but they are better than nothing. By the time they had seen maybe 40% of everything in the building, they were exhausted, and the sun was starting to set. Not eager to be outside when it is dark out, the two decide to stop by Dr. Martin's lab and postpone shopping.

A young university student, Fern, is a mess. She has yet to find something that makes her feel passionately excited. 

When Fern receives a bad mark on a research project proposal, she is forced to seek help from a professor and discovers the magic of biology. 

As Fern pursues her fascination with the field, she and her friends will inadvertently revolutionize the world's understanding of the planet and its inhabitants.

A fiber of connection from miles away...



Our places on this earth are divided by oceans setting us apart from one continent to another. Several countries speaking several languages to understand each other. People with several cultures and beliefs. Different personalities and opinions.

In this chaotic world, we live in called real life we search for a place to escape from that reality. To be accepted as who or what we are. We have found that in the music we sing. In the books, we read. In the movies we watch. In the places, we travel and visit. Everywhere in which we get inspiration to face reality head-on.

We write stories or poems to inspire others, reading the words we weave from our own world. For some of us, it is simply an escape from reality into a world in which we can use our imaginations to dream make-believe or to live our secret fantasies or just plain be creative.

Getting on the web gives us more ways to share and get connected to other people with the same kind of thinking from across the ocean. Some of the people we meet along the way give us reasons to smile again. It's where we become friends, get to know them well, and get so close that we even trust them enough to share our own greatest fears.

I was a living a kind of living death when I found solace here on Stories Space. A place to write, camouflaging my hatred and sadness from myself when I was reading all the poetry and fictional fantasies created by the writers. I found another escape from reality and indulged in reading.

My feelings from my own troubles in life had made me feel so empty that only through laughter and reading could I be free and somewhat whole again.

I made my own heaven in purgatory.

A friend told me to write down all of my pains and troubles in poems or stories. Another friend of mine told me to be fierce in my poetry writing. I found friends who helped me give my own life a reason to continue living again through writing.

Writing makes me calm every time my mind gets into a panic mode. The pains and the fears of the unknown are my muses for writing.

When I met someone who understood me and made me feel needed and loved my poetry changed its tune. It made me think of happy thoughts. I got inspired by the things I saw and the happy memories of my childhood that I could write about.

Painful memories and realities were always there and so I wrote about them from time to time.

When that someone left me I continued writing. The same inner muse I had gained I used to keep on writing.

Then, out of nowhere, I got to know you. I became happy again. This time I got even more inspired and more creative, experimenting with my writings.

I set aside my shyness and reservations to write creatively. I still can't overcome some of my shyness and reservation but I am blooming, inspired by you.

You became my muse.

The man in the moon. The stars in my darkest hours. When at night I can't sleep thinking of you calms me to sleep.

The sunshine after the heavy storm. Where all the dead trees come to life again. That keeps me warm when everything gets chilly.

My own little heaven in my real life purgatory.

Writing...

Rune's Prose & Poetries

LUCID DREAMS

my wandering crazy mind is just doodling in the sands...

it's just me ...this is a collection of my amateurish writings of poetry, short stories, and prose...

These are all short stories compilation a different story per chapter.

WARNING: Adult contents, please be advised that you're reading EROTICA


ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
RuneMcGrey
Copyright©2014-present

All writings remains MEG Cabingan a.k.a. RuNe also known as runemcgrey's property.
Don't use it for any other purposes without her permission.

"Whoo! Finally a subject change! Well kind of…" Eranoth shouted with his bloodshot eyes. 
"This time I want to share a bit about a rarer type of shapeshifting. It is known as empathy and resonance shifting. In order to understand empathy shifting one must first comprehend empathy."
Eranoth rubbed his temples and tried opening his heart to no avail. "Dang, I am still too heartless of a person to empathize with others…" He sighed as he pulled up the webnovel app on his phone to get some minutes of reading while typing up things. 
"Empathy in its simplest form is connecting with another being emotionally. To be empathetic is a bit more difficult than being sympathetic. There is a type of 'spiritual' power people claim to have that relates to empathy. They are called Empaths. Empaths, by the way, make great minor characters when you have another character who tries to keep everything hidden, especially from the readers."
Eranoth snorted as he thought about his one friend who isn't a webnovel writer who has shown empathic tendencies. "Actually most of my knowledge about empaths came from him." 
"An empath is someone who can feel what others feel. At the least, they can pick up on the emotions of others and experience them themselves. To the opposite extreme, they can feel the other person's pain, and non-emotional things they feel. Personally, my response is, IT'S MY PAIN DANG IT! LEAVE YOURSELF OUT OF IT!"
"There is lore somewhere out there that basically says the more you empathize with someone the more like them you become. Empathy shifting actually stems from this concept."
Eranoth sighed. "Trust me, this one surprisingly shows up in writing more often than you would think."
"Empathy shifting has many ways to apply it and it isn't very restrictive as empathy can be formed towards objects as well and living beings depending on your world lore. By developing a connection beyond that of a normal Empath; one can not only change their shape, they can change the type of presence they give off as well. There are some dragon legends regarding shapeshifting that fall under this category. Among the very rare non-arrogant dragons there is a species of dragon that will 'disguise' itself as other creatures and live among them. It developed that ability because it uses high amounts of empathy to become the same species. If I recall correctly, they were a species of green dragons. Most dragons however have too much pride to use this form of shapeshifting."
"Empathy shifting is rarely permanent unless desired however it often comes with side effects. Because you empathize to change, some of the things that were empathized will often secretly remain. For example if a human empathy shifted into a dog, after they end the transformation of 'being a dog' on more than just the physical level they may find themselves scratching behind their ears more often as habits are easily formed but hard to break. The longer you empathy shift the more like the creature you will remain when you end the shifting."
"There are a few things to remember with empathy shifting. 
1:The adaption period to learn how to act as the creature is almost non-existent as empathy grants you a piece of the creature's experience. 
2: Partial Empathy shifting is also valid. In fact, it is more common because it is a transition stage between Empath and Empathic Shapeshifter. Partial shifting has less side effects.
3: Side effect and backlash often occur. As I mentioned before habits are easily formed. Backlash of empathy shifting comes from Empathy's supposed opposite, Apathy. Feelings of Apathy (or not caring, which I am an expert of…) while under the effects of Empathy shifting can cause great harm to the user. Form lock mentioned in chapter 3, Amplified side effects, Mutations, Physical or mental harm, Form ejection or rejection, and other things can happen. 
4: It only works if your character can create that bond even if it is only one way.
5: Empathy shifting isn't always appreciated. Some people would find it rather disturbing. After all, it is the "I feel you." Form of shapeshifting. 
6: The methods of forming empathy can easily range from very basic to very adult content. Be wise when you choose your method of forming empathy. Don't let the forming of empathy ruin your story. 
Eranoth shook his head. "You can see why I have had no success with empathy shifting in real life with how apathetic I am… On a side note I finally am on the discord chat! And strangely for the last 20 minutes we have only had two people ghost on the chat. According to my sister it is usually much more rowdy. I am sure I will see what she means soon enough."
"I guess I should get on to the topic of Grudge shifting. To be honest I don't have a good name for it. In shapeshifting lore there exists a special type of emotional and spiritual poison. It is caused by excessive emotions, suffering, etc and fueled by a desire to drag others into the same suffering."
"There are many ways this can show up in a story: An object, a miasma, contact with an actual being and so on. However there are lots of things to consider with this type as well.
First: Necromancy, a subject to be addressed later, frequently uses this type of shapeshifting to create undead. You will find this form of power more frequently in books with necromancy. Just know that this type of shifting does not always have to be necromancy. I have seen a few cases where this is not necromancy but cursed transformations.
Second: This is typically a curse type of shapeshifting. So pay attention to what causes it to work and not work. If this type of shapeshifting is generated in too much power then the doom vibe increases exponentially. Usually the more beings involved the stronger it is the more area it affects and so on. If you want a single target curse, rely on less creatures but concentrate the emotions. If you want to go with a AOE more creatures less focus.
Third: This type of shapeshift is usually permanent until curse is broken or death (or in necromancy re-death). Also the new victim usually adds to the strength of the curse. This is usually a very dark and easily lorebreaking method of shapeshifting unless you add ways to counteract it. Most people go with the whole divine light or whatevers.
Fourth: This type of shapeshifting is usually not intentional and is usually more instinctual by nature. It is usually guided by 1 existence but created from the instinct of multiple others.
Fifth: Getting rid of the organizer doesn't always remove the effect. This depends on the nature of the relationship between the organizer and the creatures causing the problem. For example, if the relationship is that the organizer is maintaining the curse, transformation, or undeath then the effect will fade when it is gone. If the organizer is only guiding instead of maintaining the effect, curse, transformation, emotional poison of doom will remain until cleared by removing the source.
If you want an example to see how it works. I explain one example of this in chapter 31 of my book, Jericho the Bard. There are some details before and more details will come as the story progresses.
"Fihew, dark stuff… Just know that Necromancy will eventually have its own chapter, or more… Man, I really should stop writing, it is almost midnight where I am. Let's push through this chapter!"
"The last form of shapeshifting I mentioned in the title is Resonance shifting. It is very very similar to Empathy shifting. The difference is that you are resonating rather than experiencing. Instead of 'feeling like a dog to become a dog', you 'resonate with the existence of a dog to become a dog'.
"One example of Resonance shifting can be found in my book Jericho the Bard in chapters 20-23. While i don't explain it in detail in the book, and I am utilizing a variation of it, it is a decent way to see resonance shifting in action."
"Unlike empathy shifting the resonance doesn't have to be a positive thing. The shapeshifting doesn't have to come from within either. The person can for example have a hostile resonance with cats and end up shifting into a cat. The person can have resonance with a cat in some way, and a practitioner of magic or a deity can tap into that resonance to transform the other."
"This form of shapeshifting uses high mental/emotional/or physical resonance as a base. Basically it can be positive and work similarly to empathy shifting with a few less risks but much harder to control. Or it can be a very curse like shifting type where that resonance creates a punishment of sorts. There was a story a lot time ago, I don't remember what it was called but in that story the person killed an animal and then woke up the next day as that animal because of resonance shifting on a negative way. I think it was a form of divine punishment or something like that. Curse like resonance shifting is often permanent until conditions can be met. These conditions usually entail changing the resonance one felt for the creature they were cursed into."
"If you want a more innocent variation of Resonance shifting, (with very little explained or detailed out) you can look up My other book, Jericho the Bard and read chapters 20-23.
"Whoo! Finished before midnight my time on this chapter!"
"Again, you will find that in later chapters similar concepts show up. Shapeshifting in general is a very complex topic. I hope you will enjoy the many more chapters of info dump! I hope this becomes an incredibly useful book for people! Gnight All! I am going to bed like I told myself to do last chapter!"

© J Eranoth

Eranoth's Lore books are a series of books about otherworldly lore. They are designed to bring clarification about subjects that are not easily understood. 
This particular lorebook is dedicated to the many methods of shapeshifting. 

Eranoth's actual novels will come out at a later time when they are ready to be unleashed upon the world. Please know that Eranoth's lore books are not his world's lore, they are general lore for the use and adaption of writers.

For those seeking logic for lore, feel free to let me know what types of lore you want me to write books for. Before you get all excited, I WILL NOT waste time writing lore books on topics easily found with google OR adult content. If you want a lorebook on those types of things don't ask.

Happy reading and Writing!
Note: Due to the nature of the book, there is very little 'story' but I have tried to break it up a bit with story to make it less of a straight info dump.

creative writing graphic organizer

Creative Writing: A Creative and Abnormal Teacher

Journey of 365 Days (((Kind of Completed)))

Hazel in the Demon's Den

Can you mend my broken heart?

Moonlight Bride English Version

Karma - What Goes Around Comes Around

Rebirth of the Entertainment Giant

Queen of Science

LUCID DREAMS

Eranoth's Lore Books Volume 1 Shapeshifting

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