Snapshots of Horror

Snapshot of Horror Summery 

"We all have a little darkness in us. A broken man once said 'sometimes we have to chose between what is easy and what is right.' But is redemption really so simple? Or are we cursed to fall no matter our cause? Tsuna, I wish you knew the answer. Before you killed me." 

Prologue

"I wish I knew."

A cold dull grey building sat on a grey street as rain poured from the heavens. The heavy rain clouds refused to let up as the streets flooded and shadows darted among the downpour. It was a scene so cliche that it could have happened in a movie. At least that's what she kept telling herself. 

"Could you tell me why?"

Silence.

"Why did you-"

A dripping sounds vibrated around her. She clung to conscience even as it slipped from her fingertips. A tear trickling down her cheek. 

Footsteps approached her figure, reaching out, a warm hand - that should be cold to the touch she thought - cupped her face and brought her glazed expression upwards. Facing the culprit of her current situation, she struggled to keep the tears within. Gasping out her last words, her final vision was a wide sadist grin across the lips of her best friend (even now). 

"Why...Tsuna?" 

He leaned forward, his breath brushing against her ear in mocking endearment, and whispered lovingly. 

"Because I love you, Sora-chan." 

Childhood Understanding

Long ago,

There was a memory,

That called quietly,

Among these shattered dreams,

That fill my haunted history,

Little girls and little boys,

Dreamers of the future time,

Stumbling and dancing childishly,

On the gravel playground, 

We thought we could take the universe,

The heavens and the earths,

Oh how foolish we were,

In our past play times,

Yet I can't help,

But remember silly games,

The ones where we played pretend,

Wondering what could be?

Where knights, kingdoms, and dragons exists,

Where magic and music sung free,

Where flying free was not just a dream,

But a definite reality,

1, 2, 3,

Hide and Seek!

These little joys that leaped among the setting sun,

4, 5, 6, 

Tag You're It!

Chasing shadows in the presences of buildings so high,

7, 8, 9,

Ha! Got you! 

Imagination not an escape,

But something so much more,

Here we stand,

Under the rising sun,

Under the setting moon,

And I realize,

The creativity of a child,

Is not easily silenced,

If we only let go,

Of self troubles,

And remember,

Pain makes us who we are,

Since as silly as it may seem,

What doesn't kill me,

Does make me stronger,

It isn't easy,

But whoever said that,

(That it's easy), 

Clearly didn't understand,

The secret message, 

That if I hurt a little,

And I understand you,

Well, it might be worth it after all,

Since children,

Might be supposedly innocence,

In their beautiful simplicity,

It's this simplicity in a world so filled with complexity,

That little girls and little boys,

Who tango in the sunlight,

With laughter ringing free,

Understand that the details don't exactly matter,

When all you really need,

Is to say,

"Nice to meet you."

Questions

People are attracted to things they don't understand. It's a given fact, and seen many times equally in media, education, as well as in everyday lives. Sometimes though, people never realize some things are better left alone.

Have you ever been to an assembly where a veteran of war or a current officer still employed discusses their experience? And when the time of open question comes around, kids tend to ask the most harshest of questions?

Have you held a weapon?

Have you shot someone?

Have you bombed a place?

Have you killed someone?

But what I found most interesting was a question a kid whose face I couldn't see among the sea of faces.

Have you ever been scared before?

The question struck me as odd, since while humans can be compassionate. Put them in front another to ask whatever question pleases them and especially if the person in question has a violent career, you have a blood thirsty mob ready to judge instantly.

However, perhaps it isn't always the case. There are some who understand the sensitivity of the topic and react accordingly. But then again, maybe those kids who ask the blunt questions were being respectful too since a soldier or warrior would respect honesty and bluntness. How would I know after all? 

Regardless, the question, what is your greatest fear is an interesting one. Maybe I'll expand on the idea the next time I post ;) Caio~

~Sora

Sleepless

Yo people of the internet! Or rather my fellow fandom obsessed readers, writers, and daydreamers. Let's just say I'm exhusted right now.

So what is the point of this post? Not much really, I thought I would just say I'm still alive for everyone who reads my stuff or knows me vaguely. It's just been rather busy with school and life in general really. But it isn't too bad I suppose, I'm just stressed because a lot is riding on what I do now in this moment of time. If that makes any sense whatsoever. 

Anyway special call out to Karasu and Tachi! They just did finals so I'll be praying for them as well. Hope they did well and have a blast for our last quarter! 

But hey, it's like what my favorite Duelists and Cardfighters say. It isn't over until the last card is drawn! So pray for me everyone that I survive intact these next few months and I'll pray for the same. 

Sora

Liar With A Face

Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen! 

I, the wonderous writer and ponder of daily things Sora, have decided to step aside from the stage tonight and instead another performer shall entertain you. Her name, called affectionally by me despite not being her true name, is Karasu. May her tale of lies, masks, and romance enchants you all. 

Let the show, begin! 

~ Sora

"Here is my guest post: "Liar with a Face"

For my dearest Sky, I have written a love story. 

She asked me to make a guest post related lying and acting, 

...and thus I present to you this story."

~Karasu

I'm not sure how I acquainted myself with the duke's daughter in the first place, but I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that she was my neighbour when I was a child. With blonde hair, blue eyes, and a weary smile that stained her dishonest countenance, she always wrought in me suspicion. Yet somehow, we became gradual friends and remained in touch even when we went our separate ways. 

No one knows her true face, really. She's unsure if she even has one to begin with. But as for me, I would object to such a sentiment. 

She is a compulsive liar, perhaps out of habit, or out of nature, or a combination of both. She never tells big lies, of course. Those are too heavy and she lacks the imagination and energy to hold up such a large façade, so she tells many, many small lies instead. They don't add up to one big lie, as they are all inconsequential and mostly unrelated, in the same way the colour of your shoes has nothing to do with what you'll eat for dinner tomorrow. 

Nevertheless, regardless if her lies are small or large, one thing remains true: her life is a lie.

***

She is a brilliant actress, able to completely immerse herself deeply and wholly into any role given to her. It wouldn't be inaccurate to say that she becomes one with her character. 

It's probably because the stage is the one place where she can be completely honest with herself. The stage is her truth, her reality, and her domain. It is where she reigns supreme as queen of the theatre.

But the instant she steps off, she is thrown into complete disarray. Lost and helpless, she is the fly that struggles in her own web of illusions. 

***

She bows and the heavy velvet curtains close, obscuring her in darkness. The audience stands up and claps noisily, impressed by her performance. Some of them dab at their eyes with handkerchiefs, lauding the four hour long tragedy that had been presented to them so artfully. 

I frown with distaste, not bothering to rise from my seat. I just don't get the appeal of a dragged-out sob story between a man and his lunatic fiancé. Yet somehow, these shallow people are entertained by such contrite drama.

Ironically, half an hour later, I'm the only one still sitting among rows and rows of red velvet chairs. I wouldn't be doing something like this if it were not for her. 

The liar. 

The actress. 

"Hello," she greets me, still dolled up in her stage makeup and shimmering red dress, blonde locks of hair cascading down her shoulders. She is beautiful, but I don't he'll her this. 

There is dissatisfaction in her blue eyes, and I know that she isn't about to forgive me yet. "Good evening."

"What do you think you're doing here?" she snaps. "Don't think I've forgotten."

I look at her for a few moments before rising from my seat. Walking up right next to her, I reply, "Of course not. Look, I'm sorry. I know what I've done was really wrong."

She doesn't say anything.

"But you know what? I think you've done plenty wrong, too. Why won't you just accept the truth?"

Her body stiffens, anxious. "Truth? About what?" she laughs drily. 

I hate that forced laughter of hers. It annoys me. "About yourself. About me. About us."

Those eyes of hers are now widening. She parts her red-painted lips, as if about to speak, but nothing comes out of her mouth.

"I apologised. Now it's your turn. We can still make this right."

"Two wrongs don't make a right."

"Well, this time, it can." 

The corners of her mouth quirk upwards. "Even if I say 'I'm sorry,' it's still forced."

Smirking, I whisper into her ear, "As long as you say it."

She closes her eyes for a moment. After a few minutes in silence, she finally says, "I'm sorry."

"Hah." I stand back, crossing my arms in triumph. 

"Don't think I really mean it," she warns me.

I study her face before giving her my verdict. "Liar."

"I'm not lying."

"You are such a liar," I accuse, closing our distance. "But for a little scion, you're really bad at it. You've always been bad at it."

She entwines gloved fingers in mine, red lips drawing dangerously close. "You're the only one who ever figured me out. Not even I could do it."

I chuckled. "Now you're just flatteri—" 

I was cut off by soft lips that taste like strawberries and cream. 

Sweeping her in my arms, in the dim light of the theatre, I kiss her back. 

Isolation, Can You Handle The Cold?

Hello my fellow writers and readers alike, welcome to another question of the week! I do hope you've all been having a good day but if you aren't. Regardless, my prayers are with you. (elegant sweep bow)

Now, the question this week is simple but complex at the same time. What is isolation to you? What is your definition of isolation and why? 

Isolation. It's my greatest fear, and my greatest comfort. Strange? I've seen, heard, and experienced stranger. But isolation for me, has been my companion from the moment I was born to now. 

We all crave some form of comfort from others even if we say we don't. I don't care if you're a loner, introvert, social outcast, rebel, socially awkwardly, and ect. We all need someone or something to keep us going. Even if we hate to admit it. 

My personal story, is that I'm descendant from three generations where everyone had a sibling. The grandparents, mothers, fathers, cousins, uncles, and aunts all had siblings. I'm the only one who doesn't. Let's add in the fact I'm a naturally socially awakard child, somewhat introverted, and you have a recipe for disaster. A lonely one. 

But I don't mind it. Honestly. Even now when all my close friends are far away and I barely see them day to day. Since I still stay in contact with them through text, call, email, and blogging. Plus, being alone teaches you the true meaning and worth of what is valuable. 

Watching and observing the world, it's amazing what people miss if they only stop, stare, and mediate on what they see about the world around them. Maybe they'll realize that kid they think is annoying and bratty is really just craving for someone to CARE, maybe that person who is watching the skies and barely paying attention to the current conversation isn't because they don't care but they are just too busy seeing how beautiful this world God made, maybe that shy person is really an unbelievable story teller, maybe that absolutely normal seemingly boring person is a hero, maybe that cruel individual is only because they forgot the meaning of LOVE and need someone to remind them, maybe that group of rebels are really supporting a life changing cause, maybe that individual you care less about will save your life someday, maybe you'll save their life, or maybe, that person will bring about a revolution of unimaginable levels.

Who knows? 

What I know is this, isolation taught me hatred, it's taught me love, it taught me pain, it taught me healing, it taught me damnation, it taught me salvation, it brought out the worse in me, it brought out the best, it taught me selfishness, it taught me kindness, it taught me the loss of dreams, and the discovery of them. It taught me failure and success, the difference between winning and succeeding. It taught me that GOD LOVES ME. That the good as cheesy as it sounds, outweights the bad. Most of all, it taught me life.

I'm not prefect. I'm imperfect. But I'm loved, and that everyone, no matter how alone you are. How damned you feel, you are LOVE. And that is what matters. 

So tell me, what does isolation mean to you? What is your definition, experience, and what has it taught you? 

~Sora

Originally Written Feb 14, 2015

Masks, Hide Me Not, Hide Me Yes?

Hello all! So here is my first guest post, merely since my best friend who I consider a brother started too and I was interested as well. We are all writers, readers, and dreamers after all. Therefore, I gave him a topic...masks. Since I'm sure all of you have wear enough for multiple lives... At least I have, but that is another story. So ladies and gentelmen, give it up for my brother in all but blood Richard Lee (also known as Tachi to me)! 

~Sora

Ps. Here is a link to his blog! http://thedailyhonorpress.blogspot.com/?m=1

Andy is the boy with blue eyes like an endless ocean of God's blessings, while the other boys my age seemed to beg for the same ocean. The girl he is always with tells everyone he knows Einstein's equations and Yellow Submarine on the guitar. He lets me wear his football jersey and kisses me on the cheek. We all roll our eyes, but burn inside.

I don't know why but Andy wanted to be my friend. I'll stand by you to the bitter end, he said. No masks because we're friends now. 

No masks he said.

We sat on his bed as he showed me how to form my fingers into a A-minor chord on his guitar. He wanted to teach me to play the guitar. Then his older brother came crashing into the room , all six feet two of him, and punched Andy straight on the jaw. Andy sighed, and I cried. Go away, his brother said, you don't want to see this. His parents will kill him. He dragged me to the door and locked the lock.

Andy didn't come to school the next day, or the next. When he did come a week later, his eyes were black and his face was cut in red.

No masks because we're friends now, I said. 

He gave me a glance.

A few days later the truth came loose. 

No masks, right Andy? You said no masks. Why did you hide it all from me, and take it all out on yourself? 

Till we meet again in Heaven, dear friend.

Aristotle and Friendship

​The concept of friendship has always been something that was close to my heart, and not just in the gushy fluffy emotional way. But rather it’s always been something that baffled, intrigued, and made logical sense to me all at the same time. When reading Aristotle’s opinion and observations about friendship, I found myself agreeing whole heartedly with his thoughts. Merely by comparing his observations with my own, such as the idea that when friendships are first form it is for mutual benefits whether pleasure or usage. However deepeningthese bonds through the parties’ similar characteristics and beliefs then pushes this friendship into becoming somethingstronger. Therefore resulting in loyalty combined alongside friendship benefiting one in their plans either politically or justice wise.

            Mainly, I suppose that is what I learned from Aristotle, not that I didn’t have any inkling about how friendship can benefit or be the reverse either politically or justice wise. But I never thought of it within those fields. It never occurred to my daily thought processes that friendship plus loyalty equals what candetermine the political parties of today goals or the king’s relationship with his subjects in the past. In addition to justice, where friendships can influence how one perceives the world around them according to the morals all parties have.

        Although there is something I disagree about Aristotle’s theory on friendship, perhaps I am being idealistic or naïve, but I believe that true friendship does exist. Where Aristotle based friendship on benefits such as pleasure and usage, I believe that is only the beginning of friendship. That it is possible for that friendship to grow deeper so that instead of bonding for benefits it is a bond from loyalty and care of the other. Most of all, I believe that there is a version of friendship where no matter what mistakes any parties make that the one who is targeted can forgive the guilty party. That the friendship will then grow stronger because of those mistakes. It’s true that Aristotle said that only friendships that have faced multiple challenges could deepen. Perhaps humans are selfish because I can see that friendship in a sense is finding others similar or maybe even completely different from yourself in order to understand yourself as a person, support a cause, feel better from helping others, or whatever ulterior motives we possibly could have. However, Socrates did say that knowledge is goodness, and so would it not be right to aid others in goodness?

         Regardless, I agree with everything that Aristotle had to share about friendship and how it is involved with justice and politics. Perhaps it is selfish and self centered to have friendship as a way to progress one’s self and others. Yet if you care about that person, and would sacrifice much for that individual, then maybe it isn’t self serving after all. Maybe, it’s understanding what it means to be human.

Remember

I will always remember those nights,

When I look outside my window,

Remembering the past,

How time blows by me like the wind, 

There's something magical about this day though,

Maybe it's inspiration? 

I'm not sure but I only know this,

Life is too short to wallow in what could have been,

So I want to reach out to that future so far away,

Lalala this is my plea,

See the stars glowing brightly,

The moon bathing us in it's light,

I want to grasp the future,

And never let go, 

Yet remember to live too,

Hey do you remember when we were children? 

No troubles, no sorrows, just us playing on swing sets and nothing stopping us from dreaming?

Then life took us by the hand,

Showing us the harsher realities of life,

We start forgetting the magic in it,

Just see facts and figures,

But there's something in this moment,

That makes me remember childhood glee,

So can you sing along with me? 

Lalala this is my plea,

See the stars glowing brightly,

The moon bathing us in it's light,

I want to grasp the future,

And never let go, 

Yet remember to live too,

Yeah, let's hold onto the future, 

Never letting go of our childhood dreams, 

Since...

Lalala this is my plea,

See the stars glowing brightly,

The moon bathing us in it's light,

I want to grasp the future,

And never let go, 

Yet remember to live too,

Lalala this is my plea,

See the stars glowing brightly,

The moon bathing us in it's light,

I want to grasp the future,

And never let go, 

Yet remember to live too,

Remember to live,

Remember to love,

Remember oh remember.

~Sora

Sunset, Sunrise

A picture is worth a thousand words...Right? 

At my church we were asked to do a project of sorts, by taking a picture or using an old one, and write an artist statement about why we find that picture important. 

This picture is probably familiar to anyone who has read my first post on this blog. Since it was a picture I used to be part of my passionate rant about poetry. So, here's my artist's statement connected to the picture and I hope you enjoy. 

~Sora

Artist's Statement

Sunrise,

Sunset,

Where beauty's sight,

Depends on eyes's design,

Beginning of the end,

End of the beginning,

Or a shinning new one,

Sunset,

Sunrise,

Dusk farewell,

Until, 

Here approaches the dawn. 

Dinner for Two?

HAPPY BELATED NEW YEAR’S PEEPS!

Well I have a question, shall we get onto it? Very well, what fictional character would you want to have dinner with? Or rather spend the day with?

Personally I'm torn between five different characters, one who probably wonder if I’m insane but think I’m alright after getting to know me, second who would think he’ll understand me a bit more through a cardgame and then think I’m a pretty cool, the third would either belittle me or think I’m a bore but interesting to have come from an alternate dimension, the fourth would be someone who I would quite pleased to learn about his gift as well as know him as a person, and the last would likely insult my intelligence but nevertheless it would be amusing to follow his daily life.

The five individuals I mentioned in no particular order are obviously Sawada Tsunayoshi (KHR), Aichi Sendou (Cardfight Vanguard), Merlin (BBC Merlin), Artemis Fowl II (Artemis Fowl), and Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock BBC or Sherlock Holmes, film).

Sawada Tsunayoshi, known as dame and worthless, misjudged and thought weak. But I love the world of Katekyo Hitman Reborn (KHR) because of how Reborn changed Tsuna's life. The impact that one person can have on someone's life is quite amazing. Although my main reason is because I connect to Tsuna, I know how it feels as if you're useless and worthless, to make so many mistakes we wonder why people give us another chance, what it feels like to be an only child, to not really have a father by there when it really matters, and to not have friendship until it’s almost too late. Then to have an amazing, annoying, loveable, and beautiful group of friends who saved me from the grasps of worse than death and thank you God for that. I suppose I would like to spend time with Tsuna to talk about our friends and our interest, how we like video games, care about our friends, and so on.

Aichi Sendou, winner of many top cardfighting tournaments, quite intelligent, will do whatever to keep those he cares for as well as others safe. But put him in front of a crowd of people to do a speech or answer a question in school and he'll turn all red while trying to blend in the background. Sound familiar? Maybe if you saw how I acted when cardfighting you would see the parallels between Aichi and I. Both of us are easily embarrassed and often rather fade in the background than stand in the spotlight. We’ve both faced bullies in our younger days, know what it feels like to feel hopeless but wish for hope in the hopeless times, and wish most of all for a little bit more strength. However all that hopelessness changes when you face us over a cardfight vanguard board, you have a challenge then. May I add we’re both extremely obsessively protective of our friends? A simple cardgame, brought us a little light and maybe it seems kind of silly for something so simple as a game to show us that there is still hope. But isn’t the stories we listen to as children that spurs us on? Anyway, I want to chill with my favorite cardfighter by cardfighting. Plus I feel like Aichi and I would hit it off as friends, one can never have too many after all. Simple as that.

Merlin, no last name but he is famously known as the first old man in a batter hat and wizard staff, who aided King Arthur Pendragon and his Round Table in creating Albion. Except in this version, Merlin isn’t an old man and he’s actually Arthur’s manservant. It’s just watching Merlin’s struggles as he tries to bring back magic into a kingdom that would probably much rather see his head on a platter is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The bravery and strength he has but most of all the mistakes he makes are what truly brings this character’s development reality for my eyes. He isn’t the untouchable old powerful man in the stories and legends. But a human who just has that little spark of magic and wisdom, and knows that it isn’t magic that really is evil but the darkness in man’s hearts. Personally I want to meet Merlin and comfort him, to tell him that Arthur might be gone for now. But Albion will always be in our hearts.

Artemis Fowl II, a boy genius who almost toppled an entire race and brilliant in almost everything he does intellectually. Did I mention he happens to be a criminal genius child mastermind? Out of these five characters, Artemis is a childhood story that I have followed since I was a fourth grader. It was and still is one of my favorite stories to read and re-read when I have to chance. When I was younger, the adventures of Artemis captured me because of how exciting and interesting the idea of another world underneath ours would be. But now it is because of the bonds and growth that Artemis as well as other characters goes through that truly make me enjoys this series. Since Artemis was not the kindest of individuals when he was a child, in fact he was pretty cruel. Not surprising being a child criminal mastermind, having his father vanish when he was around nine, his mother becoming mentally ill, and barely anyone to keep him safe but himself and his faithful butler, Butler. Yet as the book progresses, he slowly begins to understand that there is more to life than merely surviving. That life isn’t life without actually LIVING. So I would love to meet Artemis in person to get to know him as a person. Since reading the books, far too many people either underestimate him or overestimate him and rarely does anyone actually take the time to know him as a person. Well obviously like any story Artemis does learn what friendship is and slowly tries to gain redemption for his past actions. So maybe that’s why I connect to him, since I understand how it feels to make too many mistakes and wonder if it’s too late to repair them. Or is it?

Sherlock Holmes, we know him as the incredible first and only counselor detective. Those who watch the BBC version also know him to be blunt, sarcastic, hates the world, and pricelessly funny to watch. In addition to the fact he claims to be a highly functioning sociopath. (But we all know he cares.) Regardless I would love to get to know this particular character because despite the fact he would probably insult me in the first few minutes of meeting. It would be amazing to watch his observations and deductions in reality. In addition to learning the lessons of observations and deduction from Sherlock himself! Not to sound arrogant but I always felt that I was a pretty observant and able to deduct quickly with only a few facts to my disposal. However Sherlock Holmes turns this into an art and the chance to learn from the most observant man himself would be wicked. Not to mention how fun it would be to just learn from the detective because once you get past his tendency to blurt out every truth he can observe from you. Well you have to admit it’s quite amazing with how he can literally tell you, your own life story with only a few facts.

               

Well, there you go. The five individuals I would enjoy to spend a day with or merely have dinner with. Each of these individuals is unique in their different ways but at the core, not so different from one another than most may think. So tell me, who would you like to spend the day or have dinner with? Place your answer in the comments below! I would love to know.

~Sora

Truth and Ignorance, Does it set one free or is it bliss?

Hello everyone! SoranoHono here and well, I was just thinking. Being a student, I've written many essays of some subject or another and it just seemed like a huge waste to leave them lying on my computer hard drive. So, I will be posting some essays I've written and I hope you enjoy them! Discuss them, debate about them, whatever. I would love to hear your opinions and well, enjoy!

~Sora

Facing the Truth Through the Ages

Ignorance Verse Truth

Is the ignorance bliss or does the truth set you free?

            Countless films and written works have debated over the concept of whether ignorance is bliss or does the truth set one free. Each ideal has valid evidences to base itself upon which is why it is such a difficult question to understand, much less draw a conclusion from. Ignorance translates to a lack or avoidance of pursing knowledge. While truth according to some is how the individual perceives it. However, if Socrates were asked his thoughts on the truth, he certainly would disagree with this statement because he believed in a core belief that if an individual knew what was right they would do right.  In Socrates’s eyes, knowledge was power, good, and light while ignorance was to be powerless, evil, and dark. Olive Wendell Holmes Jr., once said “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to tits old dimensions”. When an individual strides forward into the light, they cannot return to the darkness because their eyes have been opened to the light. The written works of The Matrix by the Wachowski brothers, Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”, Sophocles’s Oedipus Rex, and BBC Merlin each depict a journey of discovering the truth, some more tragic than others and how although the truth is burdening, it is freer than bliss in ignorance could ever be. The truth set one free because it is only through acknowledging the unknown can one journey to discover themselves, aid others in the journey, and improve society as a whole.

             The truth cannot be pursed until one opens their eyes and steps into the light to accept the truth of their self. When in The Matrix, Neo greets Morpheus for the first time, Morpheus provides Neo with a choice of whether to forget ever meeting Morpheus and return to his normal life by taking the blue pill while taking the red pill would reveal a “truth” and proceeds to tell Neo that “All I offer is the truth, nothing more” (The Matrix). The concept of decision is a major lesson within the film and a key idea in discovering one’s self. Morpheus could not force Neo into accepting the pill, it was Neo’s choice whether he would take that step from the darkness into the light. Following this trial of thought, in the beginning of “Allegory of the Caves” a prisoner of the cave is dragged out kicking and screaming, trying to “escape and turn back to the things” back to the illusions within the cave “convinced that they really were clearer than these other objects now being shown to him?”(Plato. 65-67). The caves are a representation of the illusions an individual is blinded by. Since The Matrix is basically a modern rendition of Plato’s allegory, what Neo went through having to be dragged and pushed to discover who he is as the One, is similar to what those in society must do in order to discover who they are. No one can forced them to understand something they already know. Since those blinded by the darkness may acknowledge the light but will not accept it as truth, according to Plato. There is a moment in Act 1 for Oedipus Rex where Tiresias states that it is Oedipus who is the reason for the plague on the city of Thebes which Oedipus denies venomously “You child of endless night! You cannot hurt me or any other man who sees the sun” (Oedipus.1.358). Ironically, since the one who was truly blind in this situation was Oedipus himself because he could not see that Tiresias spoke the truth. Besides not understanding that it was his hand that murdered Laius, Oedipus was also blind to the truth of his true birth parents. If he had known the truth then perhaps he never would have left Corinth and fulfilled the prophecy which sealed his fate to banishment and physical blind eyes. The first step in understanding one’s self is to step out from the night and into the sun, accepting the light as truth. Although there is also the task of aiding others to find the truth, so that decisions may be lay bare, and manipulations shattered.
             There is another task after accepting and understanding one’s self that must be done and that is aiding others to discover the truth. Not everyone desires to “know” the truth about reality because the truth can be painfully world shattering and stressful to acknowledge. When in the “Allegory of the Cave” the prisoner returns to the caves  in an attempt to set free his former fellow captives however he is greeted with hostility and “if they could lay hands on the man who was trying to set them free and lead them up, they would kill him” (Plato. 122-127). Those in the cave has lost their sight or never open their eyes to see the light because of the puppet handlers in the cave who represent those in power that control the prisoners within the cave. Although even the puppet handlers are prisoners themselves being unable to escape the cave. However, if someone were to guide these prisoners out of the cave, they would be able to see the light and find strength in the shattered places. Such as in The Matrix when Neo reckless decided to go save Morpheus because he believed that he could and in the process accepted that he was the One as well as saved Morpheus’s life. Sophocles ends Oedipus Rex with these last words that an individual should not think himself greater than others or gifted by the gods until “Life, at his death, a memory without pain” (Oedipus.Exodos.1470-1473). This Greek play writer warns the people of Athens how an individual should not be hubristic to think themselves gifted by the gods because eventually there will be something that will break them. That only before death can one look back and see if they truly lived life to the fullest by acknowledging their limits and becoming stronger in the broken moments. Not everyone desires to “know” the truth because the hardships it can bring; however, it is through those moments of despair that one can find the inner strength they did not have and shine.   

Although, the truth can set one free, it is also true that ignorance is bliss in certain circumstances because the truth can be stressful and painfully world shattering. If Oedipus never knew about the prophecy perhaps he would have never discovered the truth about his true birth parents and consequently never murdered his father or marry his mother then sire three children with her. However, even with the prophecy looming overhead Oedipus, he still had the freedom of choice. He could have just ignored the words of Apollo and never left Corinth, having confidence in himself that he would never murder his father or marry his mother, and therefore, never taking Laius’s life. In addition, when Oedipus recounts the moment he kills Laius and his company, he could have walked away or allowed the king to pass, but Oedipus instead took Laius’s life and sealed his own fate. In BBC Merlin The Witch’s Quickening, Morgana when arguing with Uther about his decision to give the death sentence to a magical user declared to him, “Because you're an arrogant fool. You were deaf and blind to the very needs of the people you profess to serve and protect! The people will tolerate it no longer!" (Merlin BBC). Uther Pendragon is known a tyrant because of his ruthlessness and hatred against all things magic, resulting from his wife’s death at the hand of using magic to birth a son. Consequently because of his hatred of magic, he is blinded by the truth that magic is not good or evil, but it is the hearts of men that contains evil within. If Uther were to realize his error in abolishing all magic and the countless people he has burned on the stake, he likely would fall into despair out of guilt from his actions. However, living in ignorance to the truth would not be any better because of the countless lives lost and the truth that Uther feels responsible for his wife’s death. Therefore, while ignorance can be bliss, it is only fleeing from the truth that eventually will end in either death as it did for Uther Pendragon or greater tragedy, banishment and physical blindness for Oedipus.
             The truth set one free since it is only through pursing the truth can one find purpose, understanding of one’s self, and aid others from being blinded from the light. The written works of The Matrix by the Wachowski brothers, Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”, Sophocles’s Oedipus Rex, and BBC Merlin each reflected a journey of discovering the truth, some more tragic than others. It is as Ernest Hemingway stated, “The world breaks us all, and some are stronger in the broken places.” The question is significant in the world today because society deals with this concept daily, either through technology or emotional relationships or responsible thrown upon the younger generation as they grow older. What is left to wonder is whether an individual once blinded by the truth can find the courage to unveil the mask and step into the light. Since though the truth is burdening, it is freer than bliss in ignorance.

Argument

Dedicated to Cloud when he was going through a pretty rough time. Love ya bro!

Silence feet on the floor,

Holding breath in,

Trying not to make a sound,

Wishing to fly away from here,

I'm not crazy,

Just a little worried,

Watching how the war,

Is going on out there,

Wish I could grant peace,

Let's hold hands and pray,

Please I just want this hope,

In my chest,

To spring free,

Remember please,

It's just us against the world,

In a place so war torn,

I'm hoping in a hopeless world,

Where love ones forget,

That this argument,

Shouldn't tear us apart,

I'm not crazy,

Just a little worried,

Watching how the war,

Is going on out there,

Why can't anyone understand,

That words are harsh,

They pierce through our armor,

Swords and arrows,

Rendering us nothing but empty shells,

I'm not crazy,

Just a little worried,

Watching how the war,

Is going on out there,

Yet, there is something to remember,

It might hurt now,

But there will be a new fire,

Wind that takes flight,

When ice melts away,

Reborn love and hope,

Take hold of that future and love,

Don't ever let it go,

What doesn't break me makes me stronger,

It's not pretty words,

But they're true.

I'm not crazy,

Just a little worried,

Watching how the war,

Is going on out there,

I'm not crazy,

Just a little worried,

Watching how the war,

Is going on out there.

~Sora

Little Wonder

You think it's little wonder,

With how the world works,

That it all seems so hopeless,

No matter where you turn,

It's a challenge and a game,

To get through life,

Without a scar,

Since certainly life is too cruel,

To let you go without a mark,

So it's with a clash that friend and foe, 

Come together,

Fighting and warring for the better,

Friend become foe,

While foes stay so,

And it's little wonder,

When you feel the walls closing in,

Or is it the opposite effect?

Where you're all alone,

With nothing stopping you from falling,

Then you laugh,

Since there is nothing more sweeter,

Than despair, 

In the most broken times,

You wonder how long,

How far, you have to fall,

Like Alice in Wonderland, 

How many times do you have to shatter,

Take up the pieces and repair what's been lost,

And even then, heaven's gates seem far off, 

So crawling on the floor with a heavily heart,

Screaming for love and lost,

Mixed emotions stirring within,

Painting a canvas of a blinding light,

Intense and unable to be seen by normal sight,

 Until darkness, 

The absent of light and color,

Takes a hold of you,

And you're wandering in a graveyard,

Dead to the world and dead to yourself,

Broken shattered pieces,

Glass that's lost it's beauty, 

Fractals on the frozen ground, 

Replacing memories with emptiness, 

Until there is but a void,

Yet even in the void there is a beauty,

Silence with no more lies,

Brokenness not of the soul,

But in fact the mask that we hid behind,

Revealing to us the beauty of ourselves despite the night, 

Glass can't be glue together,

But it can be burned,

Bring a new glow,

Although it's tiring,

Trying to put back the pieces of a crumbling life, 

There is still hope, 

In the places you never thought there was,

Where foes once more are friends,

Despite the mistakes on both sides,

Since there is a little thing called,

Forgiveness, and it's a gift, 

Highest gifts of all, 

And that laugh you thought,

Was despair, 

It's more like abandonment,

Leaving behind your former self, 

And flying free from the ashes, 

The walls are the chains,

That bind and blinded you,

No longer exist,

Allowing you realize,

The power of life,

So you're not falling,

You're flying,

Soaring and spreading your wings,

Daring the ground to catch you,

Or the wind to stop you,

Life might be a game,

Yet it's more of a journey, 

A white golden chord, 

Embracing you,

Leading you, 

To somewhere beyond, 

Scars aren't shameful marks,

Their representations of how far you've come, 

How much you've grown, 

So you thinks it's with little wonder,

With the way that the world works,

That hope is a word much less a cause, 

It is though, 

A beaming light that burns the soul,

A rushing wave that freezes the heart, 

Reminding and reforming,

Who we are,

That it's with little wonder,

We are who we are today. 

~Sora

Seasons and What They Matter

Hey everyone! Yeesh can you believe that the year is almost over? Well anyway, it's another question of the week! And this week the question is quite similar as usual, what is your favorite season and why?

Personally, my favorite season is winter. Although summer is starting to be a close second. In fact, in order my favorite seasons would be winter, fall, summer, and spring. Hey if you look at that, I like the seasons in reverse order. HA!

The reason I love winter is because how it's a moment of reflecting. Since winter is when things start winding down, the end approaching to open the gateways  to the new year. A moment in time when you can think back on what happened in the past year and really think about your decisions as well as how much you've grown.

It's also because snow and ice are beautiful, dangerous, but beautiful and reminds me of hot chocolate near the fireplace while telling funny stories with love ones. Or having fun making snowpeople, snow angels, and have snowball fights. Maybe because winter let's me be a child in the midst of all this craziness we accept as our daily lives. Also it's awe inspiring see all that snow covering everything! I love white winters.

In addition, winter is when we celebrate Christmas! I'm not talking about the presents and parties (though those are pretty awesome too haha) but how Jesus was born with humble beginnings and grew to be our savior. Winter reminds me of His sacrifice and how the start of something new, no matter how small can impact so much.

So, I love winter. I love it for it's symbolism as the end of chapter but the start of a new one. I love it for it's beauty and love. However most of all, I love it for it's redemption and hope.

~Sora

Written originally on Nov 11, 2014

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Little Wonders, Little Moments

Yo everyone! Hope Halloween was awesome for ya~

So I decided to have my question of the week but early this time. Merely because the idea won't leave me alone and all. Haha xD

Well the question of this week is: What is a significant memory you have about your friends? Or rather any memory that was so simple, that it surprises you how if that one moment didn't exist you wouldn't be who you are today? Or you wouldn't have made the connections you have today?

I have three memories, a friend related memory that was by my own doing, another friend memory that wasn't by my own doing, and lastly a school related memory.

So in a complete reverse order let's start with my school memory shall we? This takes place back in middle school in sixth grade (Merlin's beard it's been so long!) and in math, or rather honors math. My math teacher at the beginning of the year had given us a form to fill of where our goal for the next year math level would be. Not being a very confident person I automatically chose to advance one level for the next year instead of skipping two years. However at the ending of the year, my math teacher asked me to step outside of class with her and told me that I have the potential of skipping two years. She believed that I could do it, and it was weird. Since I suppose it was the first time someone actually trusted me. That one moment was so quick. Here I stood with two paths in front of me, and when presented again with them, I chose the other option than before because it felt...right. That feeling like everything is hanging onto this one moment but it isn't burdening, instead it's freeing.

Second memory time! Alright this memory doesn't have to do with anything I did at all. In fact, when I asked this person what drove them to pick me out of all their friends to talk too, they said it's because they thought I would understand. When I heard those words I felt honored, since again, someone trusted me and believe I could potential help. Of course God is the whole reason that I could even help this person who is now one of my best friends. But I digress, the memory wasn't a single event but multiple ones. The summery being that this person reached out in their darkest times and asked for someone to help them. And as I told them then, as I will say now. It might seem like weakness to ask for help, and admit someone's weaknesses. However honestly, it's the bravest action to do in the world. When your world shatters and you find yourself falling, you just hope you will someone who can catch you. To fly free. You know who you are, I'm sure from what I'm saying in this memory. So let me add another thing, don't be afraid of being who you are and never give up on life, because if you do then there are so many individuals that could have touched your path as you touch theirs. If that moment was lost it would definitely be a shame.

My last memory, would have to do with one of my best friends, who stuck with me through all the hurtles and barriers of life since I've meet them. I swear if I hadn't met this person my high school life would have been quite depressing not to mention I definitely wouldn't be alive without her. But then again without all of my friends I definitely wouldn't be alive today, so thanks everyone. But I digress, this is what happened. It was the first day of freshmen year and I was nervous as ever. Especially in my German class since I didn't know anyone, well I knew people but I didn't really know them. So here I am just minding my own business sitting alone when I see this person sitting in front of me alone as well. I had met this person briefly because we had both gone to the East Coast Trip but didn't really know them. I'm not sure what drove me to make my decision the next day, maybe it was gut instinct or sixth sense. But the next day I immediately sat next to that person and next thing you know we're best friends for life (I hope :D). Even now, looking back it amazes me how that one tiny decision decided the course of my life. If I had decided to not sit there, my life would have turned out quite differently and I wouldn't have met my best friend, well one of them.

However isn't that life? The simplest decisions don't seem that impactful but when you look back you realize. That it might seem meaningless, but everything in life has a meaning to it. You just have to open your eyes and see~

~Sora
"If I could fly free, I would"

Written originally on Nov 1, 2014

Song of the Week

Hello peeps and my fellow insane people in this rather crazy world! And welcome to another question of the week where we wonder about life in general and what is wrong with humanity.

This week's question is simple, what is your theme song of the week? What song this week do you think represents YOU?

Currently I have multiple songs that I consider my theme song(s) and many of you know my main theme song :). However the one that stands out at the moment is: "Me against the World" by Simple Plan.

My reasoning is simple, since currently between the homework, tests, and applications I'm about to go crazy. Especially with my parents ranting and raving about it all. When I'm pretty messed up in the head myself already.

Yet this one song, captures that beautifully all in one, it really resonates with me.

"I'm a nightmare, a disaster
That's what they always said
I'm a lost cause, not a hero
But I'll make it on my own
I've gotta prove them wrong
Me against the world
It's me against the world"

Above is just one stanza in the song, but it reflects my situation perfectly. You know those times when you want to scream to the world, "I know! I know! I know! I know that there is tons I should be doing and I should have done earlier. But with all the talk you have about moving forward for the future you keep on dragging stuff up from my past and shoving it into my face. I want to move forward, but how can I when you remind me all the mistakes I've made?"

But this one song, gives me a hope. Since it says, you know what? Yeah you're pretty messed up and everyone might back you into a corner telling who you should be and why. That doesn't mean that you have to listen though. So BE yourself, don't let anyone tell you want you can't or can do. WRITE your own path and WALK it.

"Now I'm sick of this waiting
So come on and take your shot
You can spit all your insults
But nothing you say is gonna change us
You can sit there and judge me
Say what you want to
We'll never let you in"

Call it stubbornness, call it rebelling, call it whatever you want. This song reminds me that, yes I will take everyone's thought into consideration but that doesn't mean you can boss me around and put me down for my choices. Heck no. Only God can do that.

So, I'm going to end this with a section of a poem I wrote :)

"So you're not falling,
You're flying,
Soaring and spreading your wings,
Daring the ground to catch you,
Or the wind to stop you."

~Sora

Written originally on Oct 29, 2014

These Dying Wills

It's a new week so a new question for everyone to think about! Here is the question everyone, what is your favorite weather? In other words, out of sky, storm, rain, sun, lighting, mist, and cloud, which do you like best?

I think my profile name kind of gives it away which one I like best. So why sky? Mainly because of KHR,  since the sky represents those who believes and accepts others. But also since the sky is lonely, when it's all clear, and is nothing in sight, it almost feels like it's about to come down and swallow you whole.

Yet at the same times, it is really so lonely? There are the clouds and sun to accompany it in the morning and afternoon. While in the night, there are the stars and moon to shine in the spotlight.

It's always there, watching over us and well no matter where you are in the world someone is looking up at the sky with you. It's the same sky everywhere and it's always changing from night to day or rain to shine or the opposite. Yet it's still beautiful in it's own way because there is something unspeakable and magical about it. It's vast, almost never ending.

It's a breath of fresh air, it's peaceful, and when I look up. I feel like I can just stand there and enjoy that moment of peace in a crazy world like ours which at times it feel like I'm hanging off a cliff about to drop and there is nothing to catch me. It's the same with looking at the sky, but like I said, there is something about it that feels that even if I let go. The wind will catch me, there is someone out there that I haven't met who will catch me before I fall. Most of all, God will catch me.

So I like the sky. It's obvious beauty in plain sight, you just have to let it go (pun intended) and watch the skies. :)

~Sora

Written originally on Oct 19, 2014

Colors Clash

Hey everyone! I just feel like ranting today, nothing negative actually just wanted to start a discussion. So question of the day is wait for it....what is your favorite color!?

Lol, no serious what is everyone's favorite color and why?

My favorite color is orange. At first my reason for liking the color was because of a certain anime/manga I watched/read called Katekyo Hitman Reborn. Since in Reborn, there are these powers called dying will. When your resolution was strong enough they would appear as a flame of a certain color that represented a weather, each weather reflecting a personality type. Orange represented sky flames, the one who accepted all and believed in others. I've always been the friendship girl in my group of friends and well the idea of the sky flame just resonated with me. In addition to the fact my favorite character Sawada Tsunayoshi had sky flames.

However, unlike before there is a deeper meaning for orange to be my favorite color now. A small reason is that orange remind me of my favorite fruit, hard and tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Tangy but sweet, so surprising when you bite into it. It wakes you up in the morning or comforts you at night.

Here is another reason why, since orange reminds me of sunsets and sunrises, of the sky when it turns to dusk or rises into dawn. When the world is peaceful for that one moment that you want to capture on film or just sit next to the ocean or lake and bask in the glory of nature. When the rays of the sun spreads around you and wraps you in a blanket of light. Where you can whisper to yourself in the quiet, this world might seem so war tore by life but really, there is a beauty to it.

Orange is fire, the lowest temperature of fire. If you were to touch it, it would hurt but it's comfortable to sit next too. Watching as the smoke float into the air in the dead of the night. There is something magical in orange, it's the least liked color yet it holds so much meaning to me. It's creepy looking when it's a pasty orange or a dark orange, but light neon bright orange is nice. Like I said, it's warm, comforting, and reminds me of home.

So I love orange! Tell me what your favorite color and let's discuss~

~Sora

Written originally on Oct 9, 2014

Poetry Comes From The Soul...

Hiya! The name is Sky or rather Arianna Skyflame and I am a poet. Or an amateur one at least. 

So my friend Richard told me that he was going to have guest bloggers post on his blog. Well, obviously I was asked or else I wouldn't have written this. However, I wanted to post my thoughts on my own blog too. So, that's how this story starts here. 

Now what to talk about, I could give you some advice about life and how stressful it can be. But that it's all worth it in the end (or should it be the beginning of new beginnings)? Regardless, I actually have a perfect idea that just came to mind. Allow me, to tell you, my fellow insane, wondrous, amazing, and insane writers, poets, and other literal arts talented people as well as not, about how I view POETRY.

Poetry isn't a strange mixture of words that are bunched together to rhyme. Poetry also isn't something that can be understood quickly. Perhaps the surface explanation or view could be understood that quickly but there is so much more underneath. It isn't merely whether the words sound nice or whether it expresses a cause. Poetry cannot and will not be constrained to a few measly lines and thoughts. To do so would limit unlimited potential. No, poetry is more than any of this. 

What is poetry then? Simple. 

Poetry is life.

Is that cheesy? Yes, quite so. 

Poetry is life. Poetry is like music when it flows through you and you find yourself dancing to the beat like you're a part of the piece. It's when you're watching a performance of some literal art and thinking that you've stepped into something otherworldly. A spellbinding event that never leaves your soul. It's when you are the performer and feeling as if you're a mixture of all sorts of emotions you can't describe. 

Poetry is the heartbreak of that first true love or the first breakdown you have because life isn't going your way. It's love at first sight or hatred at first sight. All the relationships between you and another person put on display and either you're ashamed by it or don't give a care what others think. It's when you're shouting for joy while skipping in the rain or racing through the streets while watching the scenery fly by. 

Poetry is like taking a picture. It speaks a thousand words and then some. It's capturing that one moment to frame forever because it's so simple yet not. So beautiful but heartbreaking and soul shattering. That feeling when the illusions you hid behind, fracture and break, under the pressure of reality. It's silence but loud, fearful but anger, couragous but weakness, and hurt but loved. It's when you crumble under the weight of life and scream for release. It's begging for another way out from oppression and suppression. When you fight tooth and nail to find another way, ANY way to survive and live. Not just survive but LIVE. Its the voice of the joyful, broken, loved, hated, humble, cursed, healed, damned, and more. It's everything and anything you possibly imagine if you set your mind to it. 

It's flying and drowning at the same time. When you feel the walls closing in and when you feel like it's too open. As if you're exposed to the world and not. It's you and this surface that you're writing on with a look of glee, passion, exhaustion, and understanding. When the world seems so clear yet cloudy. It's like how glass is similar to happiness, when you look at it from different angles some new beauty is shown. 

Poetry is a contradiction of itself. Healing and hurting, loving and hating, believing and condemning, and much more. A story, a scene, a mini movie played out, a tv show, and ect. It's people and the lives they love or try to live. Their dreams, hopes, and goals. It's the hero, wanderer, and prisoner. It's humans at their best and worse, nature at its best and worse, and beings in general at their best and worse. 

When people lose hope or when they forget what it means to be human or to understand morals. It's the gentle comfort or harsh slap from reality that reminds us of the truth. At it's worse it can be the drive pursuing our blindness instead of aiding in it's cure. Poetry asks all those difficult questions you want the answer to and don't want because you know how earth shattering it will be. But, you know deep down that you need this wake up call. 

It's feeling everlasting loneliness and wondering if you'll ever stop wandering and actually find the road you're suppose to travel. It's running and not running from the lies and the truth. It's promoting a cause and waving that banner high so that people will care and open their eyes from the blindness of every day life. Its a record of history, the future, past, and now. It's a message that resonates in our souls, minds, and hearts. 

It's you and it's me. It's us on this bumpy road wondering where we're going and never stopping. Either crawling or hopping, running or walking, swimming or drowning, and leaving the other person in the pit of fire or grabbing for that hand reaching out to aid or for aid. It's us twirling and flying with the stars and moon while bursting with the same fiery as the sun.

Most of all it's redemption, and being forgiven for our transgressions. Or the flip side of the coin where we are hated and cursed. Yet in the end, poetry at its core is our humanity and legacy set to fly free. Leaving a mark on history that'll soon fade and may never be remembered because we're all ghosts according to time. Yet, maybe what matters isn't whether our legacies last but that they HAPPENED and inspired others when they were remembered. Since everything happens for a reason, whether for good or bad. They determine who we are, who we become, and why we became so. 

For poetry in some simplest words is when you're gazing at the skies and realizing there is someone else out there watching the same skies. That most importantly you're all connected and never, ever, alone. 

...That is poetry. 

Forever...

        ...and...

                Always...

~Sora

Written originally on Jan 12, 2015