Intermission #3 - Follow the Muse

This intermission was actually the original epilogue for the Secrets of the Deep article in the Starsea series, so I decided that since it was so long that I would just make it its own article. Like I said, follow the muse. You never know just how deep the rabbit hole goes...or how many they are in the first place. *rubs temples*

Artz: I'm ending it here and yes, I know it's brief but the next bit radically switches perspective...

Mars: She's simply tired of being in aqua lad's head and I don't blame her one bit.

Crowley: *walks in with a drink in his hand* I'm genuinely surprised that she made it this far into fish boy's origin story.

Artz: What is this... A fire convention? A Phoenix, the king of the crossroads...

Crowley: That's the King of Hell, love. Some of us can afford the upgrade.

Artz: The point is that this is a water based story so what are fire based characters doing here? *several explosions are heard* What did you do and to whom?

Natsu: *slightly muffled* Fire Dragon Roar!

Artz: *waits for the explosion then frowns when nothing happens*

Wrath: *also muffled* Full Counter!

Artz: How did this happen? You two know better than to place two insanely hyperactive and powerful people into a sparring match, especially not Wrath and Natsu!!! Why?! Just why...why would you do this to me?!

They both smirk before dragging her outside to see what's really going on. Wrath and Natsu were sending wave after wave at something but not at each other. She finally got a good look at the center and had to hold back the laughter bubbling up inside of her.

Anna was reclining on a rather comfy pool chair with sun glasses on...and surrounded by ice. Artz had suggested a new kind of runic circle for her to try based on the NeverMeltIce from the Pokemon series. Anna used marbles and places arrays in them with the effect she desires. The painted ones are temporary but the engraved ones are permanent unless she feels like deactivating them.

Natsu was trying to power up his fire power by consistently combining it with Wrath's counter but with very little success. Anna just sits there, sipping from the straw in her glass, nibbling occasionally on some snacks while reading a book. Hey...she recognized that book.

Ah...looks like Wesley was finally able to duplicate Wolfram&Hart's universal library system. Pick up a book, whisper what you want to read to it and voila. She doubts that it works between planets, let alone outside of the Realm. If it did, she would have to make her own her version of the Library from Doctor Who...without the Vashta Nerada...obviously, before it would actually work at all but something about this entire situation just seemed off.

Artz: *looks to Mars and Crowley* Do either of you know where Wesley is right now?

Mars: *smirks* I told you she would notice. *a rather smug look on her face* So I win.

Crowley: Hold up, the wager was not about noticing it, remember? *looking self assured*

Mars: *becoming angry* You little...

Crowley: Demon...sorry thats Jaken. How about Dalek?

Now she knows that something is definitely off.

Artz: *glances between them* If you're referring to the interconnection system that is obviously attached to that book then yes, I noticed. I am, however, currently unaware of the range; planetary, system wide, galactic, universal or essentially Sliders in a book. *Mars stands a little taller, reminding her of Mayor Mills when she believes she has won*

Since Crowley is here, it is definitely system wide because he doesn't traverse past the Alpha solar system. *Crowley shrugs nonchalantly while taking a sip from his glass but she notices the slight gleam in his eyes*

Moving on. The fact that Gin is here proves that it's bigger than that, galactic at least. More so is the fact that she is within two feet of Crowley, whom she generally avoids due to her long standing feelings about men and that she is conversing with someone of the masculine orientation means that the interconnection system encompasses the entire Realm.

Factoring in a wager between you two means that there is probably a very big planet of books out there that I haven't noticed because I'm stuck in a non-virtual world in real life. Gin would have made certain that everything operated efficiently and has a staff present to smooth out any hiccups that may occur at any time just in case.

Also Crowley would have insisted that there could or would be some kind of virtual simulation interactive system... basically our own holodeck. He's become a real trekkie as of late and has been using that suave charm to convince just about anyone to help him build one *the man blushes slightly in embarrassment*

And now for the final piece of the puzzle for that is the interconnection system...Anna. The fact that Anna is even remotely involved means that the system encompasses Sol side and many of the smaller worlds connected to it...so its current range is in between universal and Sliders. *both blinked at her then groaned*

Mars/Crowley: Fuck me.

Two figures step out from shadows, looking rather pleased with themselves.

Missy: Mmm...saucy. *dances, spins and slides her way over to Mars, taking her into her arms* Don't you look scrumptious. *kisses Mars for several seconds before allowing her to breathe*

Mars: *looks to Artz, desperation on her face* Help me! *starts being dragged away* Please!

Meta: *walks over to the quite frankly horrified fire elemental and throws an arm around the man's neck in a friendly manner, a cheesy grin on face* Why hello there, Crowley. Just the person I was looking for. Need to bounce a few ideas on you. *face becomes serious* 

I kept up my end. Wasn't easy getting an entire holographic interface re-engineered from the partial schematics of a fictional source to allow the addition of molecular cohesion and such a finite control system for physical sensitivity. Now you wouldn't want Ayano becoming the Queen of Hell, now would you?

Crowley: *drink vanishes, straightens his tie, and smooths out his suit before swallowing the lump in his throat* I've never gone back on a deal in my life. Once a crossroad demon, always a crossroad demon...and keep that blasted little shit out of my territory, at the very least my castle. I've got enough problems with that idiot apprentice of mine. *jerks thumb towards Natsu*

Artz: *rather bemused* Do I want to know?

Death Toll: I can answer that one but you're cutting this out and putting it into an intermission piece.

Artz: *looks at length* Oops. *reconfigures* Okay, so we're an intermission piece. What gives, DT?

DT: The obvious, of course...a simple transaction of services but certain stipulations had to be met should both sides of the deal were to happen. In this case, Missy was recruited by Mars to assist in the interconnection system project. Meta, on the other hand, was approached by Crowley to build the Realm's version of the holodeck but without the constraints and restrictions depicted in the Star Trek universe.

Artz: With you so far but what about the wager they were talking about?

DT: *smirks, hands in pockets and a lit cigarette in his mouth* The other half of the agreement was just how much you would be able to discern whilst being distracted by the hyper twins and your moon princess.

*chuckles* They honestly thought that you wouldn't figure it out, especially not completely which is why they are now being subjugated to the sadistic whims of our resident Timelords. Missy told them flat out that it was never gonna work because you're you. Even Meta agreed, saying that you would become engrossed in the puzzle presented to you rather than paying a lick of attention to the hyper twins. Everything else is pushed away into becoming background noise or just flat out ignored.

Anna: *walks up to them, two passed out boys in a floating bubble following her* More like time becomes irrevalant and when she finally shakes loose its like 7 a.m. and she had started something at like 2 p.m. in the afternoon the previous day and she goes Huh?.

Artz: Yeah...I'm not gonna argue with that because I've literally pulled an all nighter writing, typing, editing and posting a chapter all in one night so yeah, I become oblivious to time...so does Anna when she hits her groove. Oh my god, when she gets going...

Anna: *smirks* I pull an Artz of course and word vomit all over the place.

DT: While splattering coffee all over your computer at the same time.

Anna: *forgot the konked out hyper twins were still in the bubble following her and once again, coffee was spilt all over her laptop and even on the book*

Artz: You might want to run...*dark aura flowing off the brunette* because I think she is about to kill you for jinxing her. *notices that he's gone and she just sighs* 

I know...it's not very action packed or fourth wall breaking but you did get a few sneak peeks of what's to come. So leave a comment/review at the bottom of the article because your support is very much appreciated and...*feels Anna's lethal intent hitting critical levels* ...and might just keep me alive. Till next time, dearies. *disappears in a cloud of magic*

Hope and Ren pop up and wave at Anna then points to a nearby training field where lots of cheering could be heard. The amethyst eyed girl dropped the hyper twins and stalked her way towards King Arthur and his Elite Knights.

Mordred: *comes out of his hiding spot while taking a bite of a green apple* And they say I'm sadistic. *girls giggle and vanish* Now for you two...why do I always get landed with the donkey work...and no, hard work does not breed a harder soul. *sighs again while lazily waving bye to the readers*...but it would make for one hell of a proverb.

Starsea - Part XII - Secrets of the Deep

Hey everyone and welcome back to the Realm! Last time, we left a mysterious purple eyed woman commanding Killian to rescue their friends and family. Let's see how that went, shall we?

He didn't appreciate being ordered around, but he did remember Balthazar's words about his past. He doesn't remember William or Artz or Koschei. He didn't remember how he apparently once wielded his powers as a water elemental when he was a child. Then something occurred to him...how did his parents die? Liam said their father had been murdered by a group of bandits, but how did their mother die? 

There was something there, something he was missing, something that revolved around him, his mother, and his powers. His head began to ache and his body started trembling as a memory tried to break through, the emotions of that memory already flooding his being.

'I wouldn't do that, if I were you.'

Killian glanced over at the mysterious maid that had so easily and adeptly removed the demonic parasite like she was pulling a weed. Did she know about his past? Could she...would she help him recover those memories?

'There are some things that you are not yet ready to know and it's not for your safety but for everyone around you. Your powers have reawakened and they will express what you feel inside; specifically dense, raw, intense, deep, and powerful emotions. *sees the question in his eyes* 

Yes, it happened once and thus the reason why your powers were buried, along with the memories of the event and of her. It was the only way to save you...and stop you from flooding the entire world. You are far more powerful than realize, Killian Jones. That's why Hook's existence is necessary. It's too much for the physical body to handle. Take care of her, Killian.'

'Poseidon.'

The amethyst eyed maiden smiled, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. She did promise that he would regain his memories in time, but to take the path down memory lane as slowly as he could...to prevent as much damage as possible when his powers lashed out. He nodded in acceptance and she disappeared in a silver light.

He turned to the portals, wondering which one would lead him back to his physical form. He heard the soft giggle of a girl coming from below him and watched in fascination as the gothic pixie in the floor's reflection walked away and stood in front of a mirror. He strode towards the Mirror, not even bothering to ask why or how or even who and just walked through the it...and right into the aquatic mental mindscape that he and James shared.

'Bout bloody time brat! The wench isn't going to be able to fend it off much longer! *fend off what?* The bloody Kraken for starters and then there's Silver trying to be a one man army against an insane amount of sharks! *informs him about Koschei* You're friends with a kraken? This just keeps getting better and better! What about the giant spider that can breathe underwater...*explanation*...Kali! 

Dear Lord, throw in one impossible wench and the entire world goes completely mad. *asks why he didn't know about any of this* I was dormant until adulthood and then I was stuck in the dark, so excuse me for not being up to date on the latest gossip! Look, I know that we don't have special powers like...*interjects* Really? Well I be damned...but do we actually know how to use them? *sheepish silence and the Scourge actually face palms* 

That's it the end. We'll have to wing it and see what happens. *wing it?* Right, sorry...some of the wench's modern slang. *slang?* Save first, educate later...*groans when he brings up the memories he had altered* alright, but I want to know what the hell happened when you suddenly checked out of our body. *about to ask but works out what checked out meant* 

Can we go now? I kinda want my ship tentacle free, preferably with our son and the wench on board. *glares* Alright, alright, stop trying to set me on fire with your eyes while in an underwater mindscape. We'll save Kali and what was that thing's name again? *HIS name is Koschei* Right, sorry. *Hook holds hands up in a placating manner* We'll save Koschei too. *frowns* Oh god, that means that we won't be pirates anymore. We're going to be heroes! *a horrified expression on his face* I don't wanna be a hero!'

Now it was Killian's turn to face palm. Of all the times for James to have a vanity crisis...he wasn't much better off though, but at least his soul was fully intact now. He knew who he was, who he truly was, but he wasn't quite ready to accept the title and responsibilities of being her God of the Sea.

'Once a pirate, always a pirate, mate. So let's show them what a true pirate looks like.'

Just a little more time and a chance to actually slow down and think. So much has happened in so brief a time. Even the legendary pirate captain known as James Hook needed a bloody vacation and he freely admitted to it. Killian...no, Poseidon didn't have the same luxury as Hook but he had plenty of people...friends that he could talk to about this, but he kind of needed to figure out how his powers worked first.

Artz: I'm ending it here and yes, I know it's brief but the next bit radically switches perspective...

Mars: She's simply tired of being in aqua lad's head and I don't blame her one bit.

Crowley: *walks in with a drink in his hand* I'm genuinely surprised that she made it this far into fish boy's origin story.

Artz: What is this... A fire convention? A Phoenix, the king of the crossroads...

Crowley: That's the King of Hell. Some of us can afford the upgrade.

Artz: The point is that this is a water based story so what are fire based characters doing here? *blinks, noticing that the space they originally occupied was now empty...receives a message from DT* Oh...so that's why they suddenly vanished. Still doesn't explain why they were here at all. *wanders off to finish the intermission article*

Starsea - Part XI - Mirror, Mirror

Hey everyone! Sorry about the hiatus but I got stuck at an impasse because I didn't actually know what would occur after Killian touched the shard. Then it hit me smack dab in the face...a mirror that was not his own. He touched a shard in the Hall of Shattered Sight. A shard can also be considered a mirror because it still reflects and by touching this shard, it turns to dust and flows into him. Now it's time to show you what came after...and then jump on the crazy train that is my brain.

'Hello, Killian.'

The dark haired captain straightened up and looked around. Swan Lake was missing...hell, the whole Hall of Shattered Sight was missing. Instead he was in some sort of large room with several tall windows depicting different places...perhaps they were portals to other realms with each one having a different color scheme or perhaps catered to certain types of environments.

A soft chuckle drew his attention to the blue tinted portal. The surface rippled like raindrops on a pond and a man walked through it...a man that looked just like him but the eyes were wrong. The irises were still a deep blue but held a vibrancy that seemed ethereal and almost like a liquid.

'Poseidon.'

The man smiled softly at him and nodded his head in affirmation. The man before him was her God of the Sea, the man that saved Artz from the end of her world, the man that had raised his son...how was this possible? Why was this meeting even occurring in the first place?

'This meeting is occurring because you shattered a mirror that was not your own...specifically my mirror. *opens his mouth to speak* Don't speak, just listen. Within the Hall of Shattered Sight, time does not exist and because it does not exist, the effect of a shard shattering happens all at once.

A shard of a mirror is still a mirror because it still reflects. By shattering that mirror, you made it possible for her to see you. Not as me, not as Jimmy, but as Killian. You shattered her perception of me, allowing her to fall in love with you, as if Poseidon never existed which at the current moment...I don't actually exist anymore.

There's only you now and you are Killian Jones, you have always been Killian Jones and you will never stop being Killian Jones. Poseidon is the name of a deity from Greek mythology...nothing more, nothing less. A story, a myth, a creation to describe the true power and might of the ocean. I'm not a god, a kami, a deity, and I'm certainly not immortal. I'm not even real. *tries to interject but is cut off*

Killian, you shattered my mirror...what part of I don't exist anymore, did you not comprehend? As of right now, I am nothing more than a work of fiction...a character with a fancy title and a badass introduction but that's it! That's all I am to her now! She has her Child of the Sea now...your power as a water elemental has been restored to you. She doesn't need me anymore...Her God of the Sea. *gasps as Poseidon begins disintegrate like the people of Artz's world*

It's started...not long now. She won't even remember me, no one will...not even you. My story is being unwritten because little Killi can't get his head out of his ass! Letting his fear control him like a child that's scared of the dark. *looks at Killian, tears streaming down his face and a multitude of emotions raging in his eyes*

I want to hate you, you fucking idiot, but I can't because it's true. I'm terrified of everything and that never goes away, but Artz...she has it so much worse than we do because she loves us, all of us. She cares so deeply and so much and tries to carry the burden alone...I don't know how she finds the strength to keep going, to never give up, to have courage and to be kind...even to those that believe that they don't deserve it...like me and Jimmy and so many others.

I never thought that I would ever experience the horror of losing everything, watching everything becoming undone. I never thought I would feel the way she did at the end of the world; all that sorrow and grief, despair and bloody frustration because I...I don't wanna go. *looks over at Killian, his eyes filled with a forlorn hope* Why can't I stay?'

There was a long pregnant pause, the air saturated with intense emotion. Killian could feel everything inside of Poseidon's heart...he was dying and it was his fault.The younger Jones stood there and just stared, watching more and more of his counterpart disappear. Dear God, what has he done? What was he supposed to do? Could anyone actually do anything in a situation like this?

A high pitch giggle echoed through the room, the portals ceasing to exist and leaving only empty frames behind. The aura shifted drastically from their combined emotions to something far more sinister and lethal. The room was blanketed in darkness, only the faint glow from the portal frames offering any kind of illumination.

'Oh shit, not good. *grunts* You've got to get out of here, Killian. So long as you exist, she will live. Now get out of here while I distract him!'

'Tough shit because I'm not leaving you just so you can act like a bloody meat shield. I'm not a coward and neither are you! If this is to be your end then I'm gonna make it a good one. *both men smirking at each other because of their stubbornness*'

A burgundy cloud of swirling magic appeared between them to reveal a man that looked like he had the skin of a lizard? A snake? Some kind of reptile at the very least and he giggled, prancing about in a flamboyant manner...he was completely mad...and very, very creepy.

'Using the crocodile for inspiration again? You could at least try to be original every once in a while, but then again, you are nothing more than a parasite...gorging yourself like an overstuffed pig.'

'So feisty, my dear Captain, and might I say that you look good enough to eat.'

Parasite? Killian remembered what Swan Lake had said about a demonic parasite that had tried to devour William's soul. What did she call it? It had a name...what was the name?

'Balthazar.'

'*giggles* Indeed I am and I thank you for your most generous gift. *gift?* Oh yes, for you see, little Killi, in order to protect you...well what's left of you...her beloved god of the sea is allowing himself to be devoured in your stead. *head snaps to Poseidon, who looks away but does not deny it*

You wanted your love to see you and only you, to see who you truly are, but that's not going to happen now. *confused* It is such a great pleasure and honor seeing you like this, dearie...so lost and confused, afraid and alone. To think that the Third Captain could ever have been this weak and fragile, so very breakable you are and so very foolish. 

You see but do not observe and that, dearie, will be your undoing because there's no one to aid you now. You're on your own and we both know that you don't have the resolve to do what needs to be done, to see it through to the end...a very bitter and lonesome end. Be honest with yourself, little boy, you're nothing more than an empty child, the core of your being having long since stolen from you.'

The parasite's words were shooting through his heart, piercing him so deeply and striking his very soul. He was right, he was alone and he has been for a long time...his brother was dead, his mother was dead, his father was dead, his son has already died once and Artz had died countless times...it was his destiny to be alone because everything he dares to love is destroyed. He carves them out and makes them hollow...just like him.

It honestly didn't matter anymore, any of it..Killian or Poseidon...none of it mattered. He didn't matter. He was faintly aware of Poseidon calling out to him, his voice full of panic and desperation. Why would he care? Why would her God of the Sea give a damn about him? 

He was just a peasant boy with delusions of grandeur. He joined the Navy so that he could see the world but to also do something good, something worthwhile. He wanted to be a man of honor and valor, earning respect and devotion by his own two hands. To build a life that he could be proud of. Then he met Clare, the most impossible woman he had ever known and discovered what it truly meant to love someone and to know how it felt to be loved in return. 

Then everything started changing, the seas becoming a mighty maelstrom that sent him spiraling into oblivion. Becoming a father, only to lose his wife. To find a new love, only to lose his son. To seek revenge on the traitorous bitch and her husband, easily fulfilling that task, but losing himself in the process. Casting off the name of Killian Jones to venture forth and become the Scourge of the Sea, his soul shattering completely. After all of that, everything he accomplished was meaningless, his life was worthless, he was nothing...Poseidon.

The world began to darken around him as his counterpart's voice became fainter. The world needed Poseidon, not him. The Star Child needed her God of the Sea, not the Terror of the Deep. His son needed his father, not his papa. Pointless, senseless, worthless, useless, powerless...he really was nothing.

With his eyes closed and his thoughts turned inward, he didn't see or sense when another's presence had joined his own. A girl with soft, rose colored hair with blue eyes, her clothes being that of a gothic style pixie, connected her feet to his, as if becoming a reflection of him. That connection opened the way to a place known as the Mirror verse. Why did this occur because he needed to know the truth.

He reopened his eyes when heard a multitude of ripping and shredding sounds, along with the sound of electricity. He watched as the very fabric of reality was torn asunder, creating a path to another world...Artz's world...and there she was, straining against the dimensional barrier dividing their two worlds. The darkness was getting closer...she was gonna die. Where was he and the other one...Light?

She screamed as she forced herself through, the sudden lack of resistance sent her running out of the rift. She staggered and fell to her knees, the last breath of air from her world being exhaled rather quickly. She took a breath in this new world, only to start choking. She cluched her throat and grabbed at her chest, tears streaming down her face. It looked like she was suffocating, but how could that be? She was perfectly fine in his version of reality.

His entire body stilled and the truth slapped him hard in the face. He did matter because without him, the very air itself would kill her. Emma's words rang through his mind...Poseidon Killian Jones. He watched the woman he loved breathe her last breath, her eyes open and staring at the starless sky. The darkness had come to this world too and she died alone, not a soul in the world even knowing her name.

It was his turn to scream and scream he did in complete and utter agony. He couldn't let this happen, he wouldn't let this happen...Killian, Poseidon, Child of the Sea, the God of the Sea...it didn't matter who he was because he was hers and that was enough! He will destroy this future and create a new one...for her...for his star...his guiding star!

That terrible vision of the future shattered like a mirror, the shards turning to dust and flowing into him. He was once again in the portal room, but his counterpart was gone, having merged with his being as he chose to change the future that had yet to come. 

'To change the future is to change the past.'

Killian could feel it inside of himself, the piece that he had been missing from his soul. Emma had tried to tell him, but he was too stupid to realize it. Even Artz had tried to tell him, mainly through her actions...he was a fucking idiot. The demonic parasite known as Balthazar simply giggled like he was nothing more than a pebble in his boot.

'Do you honestly believe that? That you can change anything at all? You may have reawakened your heritage, little Killi, but without your past, you cannot wield it and even if you did, you do not possess the fortitude to withstand the true power and might of the Sea. Just a weak little boy crying for his mummy.'

Killian looked behind the parasite to see a woman with chocolate brown hair and eyes of the most magnificent and majestic purple he had ever seen, amethyst of the highest quality and free from all impurities. She was dressed in a rather plain looking dress, the sleeves tied up as if she had been working or cleaning, her hair was spun into a sloppy bun and she was giggling like a mad woman.

'Sorry, couldn't resist.*

The crocodile shaped parasite reacted quite negatively to her sudden presence, his body changing to a more aggressive stance.

'*hisses* You again. Don't you have anything better to do? I'm rather annoyed with your constant interference of my affairs. Go away already. I'm busy.'

The amethyst eyed maid gave him a dead panned expression like they had gone through this same discussion over and over again.

'Well if you just stayed put than I wouldn't bother you all the time and don't you talk to me about interference. You're the one that keeps causing all this nonsense and you know who has to clean that up...me!'

There was a brief flash of light and the lizard man was gone, a crystalline bottle left in his place with gold sparkles swirling around it. The woman picked up the mystical item, shaking her head while sighing heavily. She then turned her attention towards him and he stiffened.

'*smiles softly* You did it, Killian Jones. You broke the mirror that was not your own, the mirror that held that terrible, unchangeable future...you did the impossible and saved her, you saved us all. I know that you're overwhelmed and that you require time to think but unfortunately, your work is not yet done. Your friends, your son, my sister...they are still in a danger and could really use your help. In other words...GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUM AND DO SOMETHING, YOU STUPID CLOTPOLE!'

Artz: And that's where I'm ending it because I've got to get back to work or I'll get in trouble with my boss. Be back in a bit to finish the wrap up. 

*appears from a swirling blue fog of magic*

Okay, I'm back. My work day became the ultimate clusterfuck between my shoes literally falling apart, created new ones with the soles and a lot of duct tape (thank you, Mythbusters), only for the electricity to go out, barely able to scrounge up enough supplies to tie everything off, humidity was off the charts, became an all you can eat buffet for the mosquitoes, second generator wouldn't work, light bulbs were starting to short out and the repair guys suggested that I should just go sit in my car just to be on the safe side.

Hook: Bloody hell, wench. You are really are a magnet for trouble.

Poseidon: *coughs* Super magnet.

Light: *smirks* Tesla coil.

Hook/Poseidon: Shit. *runs away and directly into the pre-established electrical fields created by King and Wolftech, who are snickering like idiots while watching the camera footage*

Artz: Thanks, boys! Now...time to finish up the next article because I had started in on it after finishing the rough draft of this one.

P.S. Special Shout outs for Anna, Hope, and Ren! Much love and overflowing gratitude to my most loyal and dedicated fans!

Intermission # 2 - Light and Dark

Hey everyone and welcome back to the Realm! After so many articles for Starsea, I figured you could use a little break. There is still a lot to be covered, but I know that there are plenty of people believing that some of my articles are too dark or too graphic. Trust me, I've read smut, romance novels, and have done a ton of research into the human condition. What is depicted in this blog is so tame that it's laughable.

That's not to say that there aren't any dark spots and to that end, I have attempted to place warnings at the beginnings of those darker themed articles. I don't always remember because nine times out of ten, I have no idea what the article is going to be about. Like this one for instance... absolutely no clue whatsoever.

Other people are probably wondering why I keep shifting towards the darker themed genres which usually lands in one or more of the four main categories; drinks, drugs, sex and murder. Thank you, Captain Jack Harkness and Captain John Hart. That is a reference to Torchwood Season 2, Episode 1: Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang.

Now the reasoning behind the darker themes is actually multi-faceted in nature. The first being that writers write what they know and quite frankly, I have little to no personal experience in any of the Big 4. I know a little about beer and can rattle off the names of the most commonly known liquors which is about it for me. 

The second was limited to weed but I swear every kid in high school has to have at least tried it once. My friends at the time decided that I shouldn't smoke it and just get the contact buzz. Between you and me, I think they got tired of me eating them out of house and home. I hate the effects of weed but boy did it make me absolutely starving afterwords...ravenous.

The third I would rather not comment on and not because of your normal or average reasons, but mainly due to it being so damn depressing. I've never been seen as an actual girl. I am going to be one of the guys for the rest of my life. No one reads the book, just glance at the cover and walks away. *dark cloud hangs over her head*

Hook: Now hold up one bloody minute, wench! We've talked about this before. You can't keep degrading yourself like this.

Yuna: He's right, ya know. You have the mind of a genius, the heart of an explorer, the spirit of the Paladin, the soul of the Doctor and an imagination straight from Chuck's head. Aw whoops...Supernatural, sorry if its a spoiler. Chuck is God!!!

Artz: *rubs forehead in exasperation*

Goldeneye: The point everyone is trying to make, dearie, is that you are different, that you are special, something so incredibly unique that everyone else in the world is simply too dumb to understand.

Lumina: *flies out of a nearby mirror* Which means cheer up, little miss starshine, and do what you do best.

Blood Guard: *in unison* The impossible.

Right then, moving along before I start crying. The last category is murder and the only information I have available is what I've learned from TV shows and books; NCIS, Forensic Files, etc. So yeah, I'm trying to to expand my repertoire and have a greater versatility to work with.

Poseidon: The irony is that she only seems capable of making true humor is when she is breaking the fourth wall.

Durga: I like it when she breaks the fourth wall...especially when the Team Rocket effect is utilized via Poseidon.

Loki: I agree as well. I do believe Number Nine also used it, but do you remember the My Little Pony incident?

Durga: *snorts* The look on your brother's face while you're strutting your stuff like the ultimate badass just to get Yuna to laugh and here comes Thor, sees you and just says nope and walks away.

Loki: Only to end up with a rather lovely baby pink and baby blue tail with sparkles.

Poseidon: The funny part was that you gave him said tail by farting a rainbow out of your ass at him.

Crowley: *heard the last comment* I didn't know you were into that kind of thing, fish boy. Perhaps Missy and myself can whip up something for you.

*face palms before punting the Guard out of the article*

Good grief, how do I get anything done around here is beyond me. Okay, now where was I? This was meant to be an intermission piece about the current styles of my articles thus far. Sadly Dean Winchester said it best during Season 4, Episode 2.

Bad crap happens to good people.

Much of what I write is based on what I have researched or experienced first hand. Being lonely and kind, a willing ear and blunt honesty...these are things I know personally. I also know how it feels to bottle it all up inside, stick it in a chest, bury it in the core of the planet, then sink that planet into a black hole, only to blow up on the other side and causing all sorts of chaos. 

Even now, I wear a mask but not to protect myself but to protect others that would be affected by my words and actions. It infuriates me, biting my tongue, not being in a position to basically get the fuck out of dodge, and not able to be true to myself nor able to express it. These are things that I know so my character, Artz, exhibits similar traits though not to the same degree of severity as I do.

I'm also very insecure, uncertain, and I have the self esteem the size of a mustard seed which just so happens to be one of the tiniest seeds in the world. I will admit that it's grown a bit since meeting several amazing and wonderful people on fanfiction.net which I highly recommend you check out the site. Not just my account but there is a plethora of stories on there that just...the feels, man, The Feels!!! There are currently three people I interact with via fanfiction.net.

Serenity Rose aka Ren - This guy drives me insane but has the uncanny ability to spark some of the most intense surges of imagination that I end up sending multiple private messages because I hit the character limit so many times.

Timelady Hope aka Hope - She's a walking billboard which I absolutely love because I don't branch out much culinary wise. She paints, her job is making jewelry, and it is an absolute joy to converse with her. Not to mention that she leaves reviews for both my stories and my blog, so I will love this woman for eternity.

Anna Lanaria aka Yuna aka Amethyst, etc - the reason for all of her titles is because she is the reason. That's it...The Reason. She believes I can do the impossible and I believe her. I've always said that I don't believe in myself, because that's what I've got her for. I believe in everyone else and she believes in me. She is my truest believer. 

Hook: You best stop it there, wench, otherwise you'll be launching into her profile.

Yuna: What am I? A ship? *glances at the image below* That doesn't count, damn it!

Hook: *chuckles before being pulled away by Poseidon* What the...*wide eyed as Yuna summons Artz's Prism Fire* Run! *disappears*

Artz: *sighs heavily as she rubs a hand down her face in exhaustion* This is my life...and I wouldn't have it any other way. *winks before pulling a Vash move*

Starsea - Part X - Shattered Sight

Hello all you lovely people and welcome back to the Realm! Last time, the article ended in a rather odd way. Killian Jones has to decide whether or not to break the mirror containing the image of Erin Oswald aka Silverfrost. Let's see how that turns out, shall we?

The Terror of the Deep stared at the man in the mirror, his heart in chaos. Could he actually do it? Yes...yes he could. The problem was whether or not he should. Just because he has been supplied with a mirror that is not his own, it does not mean that it is the mirror he needed to break. When Hook first emerged, he was extremely dark, volatile, wrathful even but how did he end up that way if his soul was wiped clean from breaking the mirror?

'Sometime today, brat.'

'No.'

'What?'

'I said no.'

'What the bloody hell does that mean?'

'It means no.'

'You cannot be serious? She's gonna die!'

'NO!'

The mirror vanished and he was falling through the air. The pain was intensifying and he could barely breathe. He was blinded by a golden light, one he had not seen or felt in a long time...Swan Lake. A woman wrapped her arms around him and brought them down to a gentle landing. The light faded along with the pain, leaving him and the woman standing in front of each other. She lowered her hood to reveal the Magi of Light.

'Hello Killian.'

'Swan Lake. What the bloody hell is going on because I honestly have no idea what I'm doing?'

'Really because you looked like you were doing rather well.'

'How so?'

'Everything up till now has been spot on, completely seamless. Then you hit a snag and no, I don't mean that whole thing with the bubbles and mirror. I mean the bastard that's trying to have your soul for dinner before moving onto Jimmy. *is very confused*

Several years ago, I met a man named William Smee. He was infected with a specific kind of creature that is often referred to as a demonic parasite. This particular parasite is rather resilient and every few centuries he gets loose. Don't ask how, we still haven't figured it out.

Anyways I made him a vessel a power so that he couldn't be reinfected, but in doing so, he managed to get away from me. I hadn't been able to find him until now. A few months ago, he managed to infect Kali, but she's too strong for him so he decided to manipulate certain bonds. Specifically your bond to Kali which you instinctively answered but instead of being able to infect you like he wanted, he was repelled.

I didn't actually mean for this to happen. Didn't even know it was going to happen in the first place. I was just trying to save someone and that someone used my power to repel him away from you. *Smee* Yeah, he protected you without even realizing it but because Kali didn't come when you called, you instinctively called out for help which resulted in your rather brief interlude with a kraken...'

Kraken?! Koschei was a bloody kraken?! No way, he was far too kind to be that infamous and terrifying creature. Sure he was rather lather and was undoubtedly part squid/part octopus but he wasn't a kraken. The younger Jones would have been bloody terrified if that were the case. The blonde hairrd woman giggled at his reaction.

'Killian, everything you've heard about krakens, all those horror stories...bullshit. Every bit of it is complete and utter bullshit. Krakens are considered to be the kindest and most gentle creatures in the entire ocean. In fact, they try to protect people...keep from entering dangerous places like sailing into whirlpool country, sailing into serpent territory, and basically keeping them from them from dying some rather gruesome deaths.

Their reputation as sea monsters is due to their size and the fact that they use their tentacles to wrap around a ship to slow it down or halt it altogether, but no one actually stops to consider the why when presented with giant tentacles that are breaking the mast and sails into mulch by accident. *off topic* Ah yes, sorry. I just love explaining the whole Terror of the Deep thing to people...the expressions are priceless. *Swan!* Okay, okay. Don't get your knickers in a twist.

Now then...when you called out for help, albeit unknowingly at the time, the parasite used you like a relay and infected Koschei, who went in search of Kali as requested. Unfortunately some of his limbs were not under his control which has resulted in our current predicament. The parasite used Koschei to put Kali in such a position to where she would gradually weaken and after who knows how long, he would take over body which would result in everybody dying.

Magnetic resonance, dude, and the whole planet is boned. However Koschei is clever and knew that you would eventually cross paths with them and decided to pull a Look at me, I'm a target maneuver. How you may ask by literally using your sorry ass as a bullseye because there was no way Balthazar was gonna pass up such a golden opportunity. The time in which the God of the Sea is at his weakest, unaware of who and what he is.'

'I'm not the God of the Sea. Hell at this point, I don't want to be but I have to because otherwise Artz and my son are gonna die and lord know what will happen to Koschei and Kali. I don't want to be Poseidon Jones! I want to be Killian Jones! I want the woman I love to look at me and see me and not him! She wants Poseidon!'

'Dude, take a chill pill already. You're never gonna stop being Killian because your full name in the future is Poseidon Killian Jones, so you are actually both. As for all this emo crap you got going on...why does it matter. *opens his mouth* Hear me out, okay. Okay, let's start with something simple, shall we?

Has she ever deliberately called you Poseidon? *no* Okay, next question. Has she ever said that she wanted Poseidon? *yes* You sure because I'm pretty certain that she said she needed Poseidon and not because you think she loves him more than you. She needs his power as a water elemental and that exceptional control of his, but she never actually said that she wanted him.

Hmm...okay, I'm gonna have to take you somewhere. Fortunately, it doesn't require leaving the mindscape. Just a little fourth wall breaking. Take it away, oh great authoress! *scenery blurs from a forest to a hall filled with floating fragments*'

Killian inspected his new surroundings, fascinated by all the things he was seeing reflected in each fragment. Every fragment seemed to have a different reality but then narrowed it down a bit because some fragments clustered together. He assumed that they did this when they all pertained to that particular universe but showed different places within that universe.

He couldn't help but notice that many of the fragments depicted Artz or himself and sometimes the Dark Captain. There were also other people that appeared frequently but he had no idea who they were...well there went Yuel and Noel...and the creepy butler. He smiled slightly upon seeing Silver in almost as many fragments as he and Artz were.

'Welcome to the Hall of Shattered Sight. This place is created by the consistency of breaking the fourth wall. Should people ever stop breaking the fourth wall then this place would simply disappear like it never existed in the first place. Here...you can peer into other worlds, realities, time periods, specific locations, and even inside a person's mind, but be careful with that last one. If you go too deep, you'll lose yourself and be forever caught within their subconscious mind.

The fragment you want is over there. *points at a small sliver almost invisible to the naked eye* The size of a fragment tells you just how narrowed down your search perimeters are. In this case, my search perimeters were of the thoughts and feelings of my mother in regards to Killian Jones before she came on board with Silver. Trust me...this one tiny shard will most certainly alter your perception of my mother. To activate it, just touch it.'

The former lieutenant stared at the fragment a moment before hesitantly lifting his hand. He looked over at Emma who gave him a smile of encouragement and he touched the sliver. Said sliver shattered into dust, the particles flowing into his eyes and being absorbed.

Artz: And that's a wrap on this one. The next bit takes on a different tone than this one and don't worry, I'll be swinging back around to the pesky parasite soon enough.

Hook: You could have made it easier if you just stayed with your original train of thought.

Artz: True but Erin's soul comes to the Sanctuary verse in a different way so by not touching the mirror, Killian insured that you actually came into being.

Hook: Fair enough. Is it wrong to say that I absolutely love the concept of the Hall of Shattered Sight?

Artz: Not at all. Plus it's something that I haven't seen anyone else do so if it is entirely new and original then copyright! I own that bitch! *maniacal laugh*

Yuna: Thanks a lot, moron. You've set her off. Do you know how hard it is to turn off her genius mode?

Hook: *smirks* Indeed I do and I do so love watching her work. Intelligence, particularly high intelligence, is an incredibly attractive quality to me.

Yuna: *rolls eyes* Dude, stop insulting her...high intelligence? Can you be any more degrading?

Hook: *deadpans* We all know how biased you are when it comes to my wench's intellect and creativity, Yuna.

Durga: There you are! *grabs his sister and starts pulling her away* I guess you forgot about that appointment with a certain terratologist.

Artz: He's off to see Hella...well that's gonna be interesting.

Hook: To say the least, considering that her daughter is insanely attracted to the brat and flirts with him constantly. It's hilarious. Right then, I'm off to cause some mischief and mayhem. *jumps into a puddle and disappears*

Starsea - Part IX - Guardian of the Ocean

Hey everyone and welcome back to the Realm, but let's be honest, a novelty I know, you're probably binge reading the whole damn thing. Why? Because my fan fiction also has this unusual phenomenon. Anywho...last time, I just went ker plop because I had a massive headache that decided to take up residence in my cranium for several hours. Ugh, you just gotta love allergy season, right? I've been whipping out articles like mad though. 

This particular article will involve a time skip because outside of those two *points to Artz and Killian making out nearby* shagging like a pair of Nubbins and some too sweet, makes your teeth hurt, family time for Killian, Artz and Silver...not much else happened. Hey! It can't all be action packed adventures and whirlwind romances. Sheesh. Go on, go on, shoo. Go read Part IX of Starsea.

The ocean eyed man was currently sitting with his legs crossed on the the floor. His eyes were closed and his breathing was slow. He was practicing a meditation technique that Artz had apparently taught him as a child though he still has no recollection of any of their time together. The purpose of this exercise was to allow him to consciously access his personal mental landscape but in his case, it was a seascape.

Why did he want to enter this so called aquatic paradise? To communicate with the one known as The Scourge of the Sea, James Hook. He had been meaning to do this since he had learned the truth about his son, about Clare and Emma, and about the woman that tied them all together. He and Hook still had to clear out the alterations made to the dark captain's memories, but he was also very worried about what the future Poseidon had said to the Star Child.

To shatter a mirror that wasn't his own.

Yes, he definitely needed to speak to his counterpart sooner rather than later. That was the plan but then the entire ship lurched and practically threw him across the room. Artz, who had been sleeping at the time, snapped her fingers and both of them were fully clothed. Was there anything her powers couldn't do?

The two made it top side and were greeted by the sight of a very large tentacle covered in suckers. There was another near the front of the ship and one behind them on the back of the ship. The men went to attack the tentacles with their swords and something inside him screamed.

'Stop! Don't hurt him! *rebuttals from his crew and a name popped into his mind, along with the brief image of the creature he had met before when he couldn't find Kali* His name is Koschei and he's my friend! So please don't hurt him!'

'Holy shit, little Killi! You actually remember him?!'

'No. I met him in the seascape. Kali didn't come to me when I called so I asked him to find out what happened. I'm guessing he did. Otherwise he wouldn't have stopped us.'

Silver finally made it topside and the saw the tentacles. He immediately jumped overboard and disappeared into the darkness of the ocean. Artz's head snapped up and she raced to the nearest tentacle. She reached out and touched it, only to yank her hand while hissing in pain.

'Something's wrong, isn't there?'

'Koschei...he's hurt badly. Several of his tentacles are trapped under a giant pile of rocks, possibly from an underwater earthquake. The ones that are not trapped or wrapped around the ship are keeping Kali from being pushed into what I believe is a developing volcano.'

'There must be some way we can help him!'

'Not we, just me. Silver doesn't have the raw power and might required to even extract Koschei, let alone Kali. Not to mention that his control is learned, not instinctive. I need a true Child of the Sea.'

'What the bloody hell does that mean?!'

'It means that I need Poseidon and Hook! Poseidon is a natural elemental, meaning that he was born with his powers already active. Hook is considered the Heart of the Ocean, capable of withstanding the true force of the Sea and direct it towards Poseidon. When they work together, they can flood the entire planet and wipe out all life on said planet.

As for Silver, he is what's called an awakened elemental, meaning that his powers were activated later in his life and is therefore weaker than a natural elemental. He can't convert to his elemental form without killing himself but he can breathe underwater and communicate with most of the higher life forms of the sea like Koschei.

Now if you excuse me. I need to go and do what I do best...the impossible. Stay here where you won't get yourself killed. Better yet touch one of the tentacles and connect to Koschei. Who knows...he might be able to restore some of your lost memories.'

Before he could object, she jumped into the water and disappeared. Killian had never felt so powerless in his life. Smee pushed him over to the closest tentacle and gave him a look that said to do what he was told. He reached out and touched the suckered appendage. He lost all awareness of his physical surroundings but he still had the sense of touch, almost like he was in between the seascape and the physical world.

Bubbles floated around him, all of them depicting some kind of event. Some were from his childhood. Others were from a world unlike anything he had ever seen before and then there were the ones that vibrated violently, their surfaces constantly rippling. He couldn't actually tell what was going on within the bubbles themselves. All of it was distorted but color him surprised when his counterpart seemingly stepped out of him like before.

Something was wrong. The Scourge of the Sea barely looked conscious. His eyes were half closed and out of focus. He walked...staggered towards the violently rippling bubbles like he was drawn to them against his will. He tried to call out to him but he found himself locked into place, unable to move or speak. The bubbles started spinning around the Dark Captain and Killian watched as the man transitioned from looking like him to someone else entirely.

The man had short brown hair, amber brown eyes and was a few inches taller than Artz, but his face is what gave him pause. It was like he was seeing a masculine version of Clare. What did it mean? The clothes the man was wearing were similar in nature to the ones in the mysterious trunk that appeared from nowhere. The man smiled at him and it made the Captain's heart ache.

'Erin!'

The younger Jones watched as a woman with short dark blonde hair and forest green eyes ran up to the former captain with a smile on her face. Up until she smiled, she seemed a bit plain, ordinary even...he would even go so far as to say unimpressive but then she smiled and his heart sped up from intense attraction. The way her smile lit up her face, making her eyes sparkle with happiness...absolutely breathtaking...and then he received the shock of his life.

'My Artz.'

'My Silverfrost.'

She was Artz?! How could that be?! They looked nothing alike?! As if answering his question, one of the nearby bubbles burst and he thrust into a different environment. People were running and screaming and he didn't know why until he heard a woman shout Artz's name that he realized why. She was disintegrating, literally falling apart...like sand caught in the wind.

The one known as Silverfrost was dragging a nearly catatonic Artz who was having the mother of all emotional breakdowns. Whoever that woman was, she had been precious to her...someone irreplaceable. He pushed her up and over the fence and began climbing the fence, only to fall victim to whatever force was causing such destruction.

'Run, you clever girl, and remember. RUN!!'

And she did, tears streaming down her face...but how was he following her if he died? His soul...it was his soul. Even in death, he refused to abandon her...just like James had said.

'Wherever you go, I will always follow.'

Hook was Erin, Erin was Silverfrost, Silverfrost was the name Artz had given his son in honor of her fallen friend, but what if that friend had followed her somehow? What if his soul got trapped in another's body and rendered dormant until the original had been destroyed? His soul had shattered which caused Erin's soul to awaken but because he had been inside him so long, he had become warped or maybe molded by his past?

His attention returned when he heard the blonde screaming in agony. A man with electric blue eyes was attacking her with lightning bolts...what the hell? Standing within some kind of rift or a tear in the fabric of reality...was himself, but why would he be there?

'I hate to rush you, Light, but we've got company!'

He wasn't able to see much beyond the rift but there was definitely movement on the other side.

'If I go any faster, her heart will stop!'

'So get part of her through and I'll take control of the water in her body to keep her heart pumping!'

'You idiot! Both you and Jimmy would feel it too! You'll essentially be dying with her!'

'Just shut up and do it because we're running out of time on both sides!'

Suddenly he was seeing through his future self's eyes...no, it was more than that. He could feel it. Something was moving within him but it felt so natural. It made him want to cry from relief. Something inside of him had given way...physically. And then there was pain, every part of him in searing agony. His mouth was open in a silent scream. He couldn't think, he couldn't feel, he was splintering apart. Someone called his name.

He opened his eyes to see a mirror before him. The man known as Silverfrost was within its reflection, his hand pressed against it like it was a glass pane. What was he trying to tell him? The man removed his hand from the surface of the mirror then placed it on the surface again. Did he want him to touch it? Would it make the pain go away? There was something at the back of his mind telling him not to do it. Silverfrost kept repeating the action, his face becoming more and more desperate.

A small portion of the mirror darkened and began showing images that were underwater. Artz was sinking like a lead weight a trail of blood coming from the back of her head attracting quite a few sharks. His son was doing his best to keep them away from her but was clearly struggling. Koschei was too far away to actually reach her, not without abandoning Kali. What was he supposed to do?

'Break the mirror, you stupid brat, and save them.'

No! That would destroy Silverfrost! He couldn't do it!

'You have to, Killian! If you don't then James Hook never exists! Erin knows this and he is willing to make that sacrifice, to give up everything from that lifetime to be with the woman that is his soul...to be the Captain she loves so much. Please, Killian...she needs a true Child of the Sea. That's who you are but to save them all, you have to be more than that. You have to become the God of the Sea and to do that, you have to let him go. *tries to object*

Damn it, brat! Were you not paying attention to the wench earlier?! She said she needed Poseidon and Hook, a true Child of the Sea and the Heart of the Ocean. If you don't break that mirror, she'll die and I don't mean here. She'll die in the other world, alone in the dark. Is that what you want?!'

Artz: And....CUT!!!! *snaps a clap board together*

Hope: Ooh...suspenseful.

Ren: More like Typical Artz. Just couldn't resist a cliffy, could you?

Artz: *sniffs indignantly* I have no idea what you're talking about.

Hope/Ren: *deadpans* Uh huh. *gets shot into the sky by a stream of water* We're blasting off again! Whee! *ding*

Artz: Thanks, Tsukimi. 

A well endowed woman with long blonde hair walks out of the shadows.

Tsukimi: I am more than happy to aid thee in thy plight, Your Ladyship. May I inquire as to when the Order of the Birds will have its grand debut upon thy blog?

Artz: *shrugs* Depends on how I feel. Could by the Sekirei, the Sins, the Wizards, the Blades, the Librarians...

Tsukimi: Thou hast spoken enough, Your Ladyship. I shall not impede thy work any further. *turns to leave*

Artz: You drew straws and lost, didn't you? Otherwise you wouldn't have asked.

Tsukimi: *blushes in embarrassment* I shall bid thee good night, Lady Artz. *walks away*

Artz: Thought as much. *goes back to work*