Vol. 131 No.7 Mar. 28, ’18

March for Our Lives Page 4

Ash Hall Reopening Page 5

Black Panther Page 10

Athletics Updates Page 16

Requiem’s Desire Page 18-22 Messenger 2 SGA Blurb Mar. 28, 2018

ABOUT US The Messenger has been serving Bethany College since 1892 and is an independently run newspaper. The SGA Blurb Messenger is entirely produced by Bethany College students who are deeply committed to providing relevant, Hi! Me again! acurate, and timely information to the Bethany College and Lindsborg communities. SGA has been trying to squeeze a lot into a little bit of time! We are al- EDITORIAL POLICY ways trying to do our best to be receptive to students’ needs while maintain- The Messenger encourages letters to the editor. Authors ing our goals. should include name, address, and phone number, though names may be withheld from the publication. We are currently working on upgrading a handful of water fountains to Letters to the editor can be dropped off at Room 12 in facilitate water bottle filling, as well as working with Vince Weber, VP of the lower level of Presser Hall or by the mailroom in the Finance and Chief Financial Officer here at Bethany, on a series of financial Pihlblad Memorial Union. Alternatively, emails can be sent to [email protected]. literacy events. The first one will be March 28th and will show students “How to be a Millionaire off of 50K”! We are also doing some research The Messenger reserves the right to reject or edit letters. on location signage to help visitors and confused students navigate their Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the signed author. They are not necessarily those of the way across campus. Keep your eyes peeled for doggy-doodoo stations, and Bethany College administration, faculty, staff, student please remember to clean up after your pets! body or The Messenger staff. CONTACT US The biggest thing on the horizon right now is Fall 2018 SGA Elections!!! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to President and Vice President, as well as all academic departments, large email us at [email protected]. To directly contact organizations, and minor/non-academically-affiliated organizations will be the head editors, email [email protected] or represented, and we need you to be part of Bethany’s voice! See the picture [email protected]. We can be reached via mail at 335 E Swensson St, Lindsborg, KS 67456. below for more details!

THE MESSENGER STAFF SGA meetings, which are always open to everyone, are held at 9 p.m. in Editor-in-Chief: Kerri Henne the New Hall classroom. Feel free to email [email protected] or visit our Managing Editor: Linzi Garcia meetings any time! Treasurer: Ivan Perez Here’s to making it to Spring Break! News & Feature Editor: Alyssa Winterfeld Opinions Editor: Landon Slipke Arts & Entertainment Best, Editor: Carly Rosey Linzi Garcia Sports Editor: Dominique Murray SGA President Layout Editor: Sam Reed Social Media Manager: Avery Holmes Advisors: Rebecca Miller and Frank Ballew Look for this guy! Front Page Photo Credit - Kaylie Ines Hint: He is hiding somewhere on the following pages... and there is only one of him! Good Luck! Mar. 28, 2018 News & Features Messenger 3

Hey, Seniors!

Do you want to speak at graduation?

Sign up for Senior Speaker auditions today!

Email Prof. Rebecca Miller to reserve a time slot.

Auditions will begin on March 29th.

Location: Welcome Center Conference Room

Questions? Email Prof. Miller: [email protected] Messenger 4 News & Features Mar. 28, 2018 March for Our Lives

Allan Lannan videos appeared on social [email protected] media that showed children th On March 24 , students running around the outside of across the U.S. began to take the schools chanting slogans to the streets to protest the in support for the changing lack of initiative in Congress, of the law, instead of gun in not taking action establish control. The American Civil gun control safeguards Liberties Union, ACLU, an following the Stoneman organization who is known Douglas High School for their support of civil Shooting on Valentine’s Day. liberties and rights, came Many students across the out against the National nation, most of whom would Walkout Day, asserting that be unable to participate in the the students would be truant March for Our Lives protest, if they walked out of school, participated in the National citing laws that require Courtesy Photo Walkout Day on March students to continue to go to th 14 . This event has both school. simply bluffs and will not of the lack of action on gun raised awareness and some The protests have seemed come to fruition. To many, the control and have planned controversy to the gun control to have taken effect, as the march would need to continue multiple protests to show issue from both the public and White House has responded regardless of President their distaste for the political the White House. to the public outcries. Trump’s support, or lack of inactivity on this issue. From The Women’s March President Donald Trump has support, for it and what it student walkouts to the March organized the National announced his support for stands for. On March 20th, for Our Lives protest on the Walkout Day, where they arming teachers who have at Great Mills High School, 24th, many students have been encouraged students and received significant training another school shooting took voicing their views and trying teachers alike to leave their and/or a resource officer place, but this time it was to raise awareness. This has schools at 10 a.m. for the in the building, expanding different, as a resource officer already prompted a response span of 17-20 minutes. This background checks, raising was on site, reacted quickly, from the White House, where protest was set to show a age limits, and expanding and shot and killed shooter they have begun to place a disruption in the status quo mental health treatment. Most Austin Rollins. Rollins series of gun control support in order to help show the of these decisions have been injured two students before points, but the continual public that the children were left up to the states, though, the threat was neutralized. inactivity from Congress aware of the issue, and they and the White House staff In the wake of the has continued to irritate the would be making this political has begun to backpedal on Stoneman Douglas High students. Only time will statement and walking out the age limit increase. This School shooting, and the tell what new developments as a result. Not all students has led many to believe that many shootings that rock the will arise from this growing who walked out supported his promises and support for U.S. yearly, students across tension. the measures, though, as these bills and key points are the country have had enough Mar. 28, 2018 News & Features Messenger 5 Alma Swensson Hall to Reopen in Fall

Alyssa Winterfeld suit having its own bathroom all more modern and up to that Bethany has been [email protected] equipped with a bathtub/ code. The largest expense working on for the past few Few people here at Bethany shower, toilet, dual sinks, in the renovation will be an years now, so to finally see College are familiar with and storage space. However, added elevator to make ASH it come to life is exciting. the original setup of Alma unlike New Hall, these suites wheelchair-accessible. This ASH is one of the oldest Swensson Hall, or ASH, as will not have singular rooms. addition has taken a large and most historic buildings many may know it. Four Rooms will be either two-, chunk out of the renovation on Bethany’s campus, so years ago, in ASH’s last three-, or four-person rooms, budget, which is why the its revival and restoration is year of use by the college, and, overall, the finished hall building is being renovated satisfying and exemplifies a freshman boys inhabited will house 91 new residents. more for functionality than sense of culture that has long the historic building with ASH is planned to be a co-ed style and modernity. been established on campus. its double rooms and residence hall and will likely The newly renovated Tours to both the community community bathrooms. The be separated by floor, but, ASH is set to open on and Bethany students are halls were painted a horrid until next year’s housing August 1st and will house scheduled to take place upon yellow and blue with doors decisions are made, this Bethany students for the the finishing of the building and walls so thin you could decision is open to change next school year. The cost this coming August. ASH hear nearly everything going As far as amenities go, of housing is still unsure, has always had good bones, on around you. However, the new ASH will have a but will likely resemble the so it will be nice to see such the dorm hall named after generic lobby setup (similar prices for halls like Warner a historic building with a the wife of our founder, Carl to Warner or Gregory Hall). or Gregory. This is a project beautiful and new interior to Swensson, is now gutted and Like the original building, match. remains only at its barest ASH will have a laundry bones. The floors, windows, room in the basement. The inside walls, plumbing, building will also be getting etc. has all been removed all new windows that are from the building in order more energy-efficient. to make room for the new For those that are familiar renovations--paid mostly with the way ASH used from a donation from the to be, you know that the estate of Lindsborg native, air conditioning system David J. Nutt. was reliant on window The renovation plans air conditioners in each for ASH aim more for room. Now, with the new functionality than modern renovations, the electrical, and fancy. The new rooms heating, air conditioning, will be suite-style, with each and plumbing systems are Photo Credit: Alyssa Winterfeld Messenger 6 News & Features Mar. 28, 2018 Spring Recruitment and Greek Week!

Alyssa Winterfeld pop culture to chemistry. This [email protected] event will happen in Lindquist Last month, the Greeks held Hall and will begin at 7 p.m., spring recruitment and gained but this will be for Greeks only, a handful of new members. in order to keep things running Over the past few weeks, each smoothly. Greek Olympics will organization has been going take place on Wednesday and through their own unique will begin at 8 p.m. in Stroble. pledging seasons. Most of For this event, Greeks will pledging consists of learning have to participate in numerous about the history and traditions “olympic” events, including tug of the organization, community of war, a pie eating contest, and service, and bonding with a relay race. Thursday will be a active members. Typically, day of excitement for the whole pledge season is one of the most campus as the Greeks put on memorable times of the year for Valhalla at 7 p.m. in Burnett. new members. Each organization will have to Next month, during the come up with a 10-15-minute last week of April, these new sketch following the theme of Pictured: Tug-O-War at Greek Week 2017 members will have the chance “children’s stories.” There’s Photo Credit: Alyssa Winterfeld to participate in their first Greek always a lot of laughs, so be sure Week! For one week every to come out and enjoy! spring, the Greek organizations Friday’s event is likely to be a compete against each other in a tye-dye t-shirt contest, followed variety of events for the ultimate by a formal banquet in Lindquist title of Greek Week Champions. Hall that same evening at 8 This year, Greek Week will p.m. Awards will be given out kick off on April 23rd at 9 at the banquet for each Pillar of p.m. with dodgeball in both the Greek Life: Family, Diversity, Hahn and Stroble gyms. Even Service, Academics, Vision, and if you aren’t Greek, be sure to Leadership. Awards will also be come out and cheer on your given out for Greek Man and fellow students! Tuesday will be Woman of the Year. The fraternity Quizbowl, where organizations and sorority champions of Greek will compete in a Jeopardy- Week will also be crowned. It will style contest with questions in be a fun week packed full with Courtesy Photo a variety of categories, which events, so be sure to check it out range from Kansas history to and support the Greeks! Mar. 28, 2018 News & Features Messenger 7 Four Years at Bethany College: A Senior Reflection

Alyssa Winterfeld It hasn’t been a smooth period of Swedish town will always have a four years, we really have stuck [email protected] years by any means, but it has been special place in my heart. through it all. We’ve had three When I stepped onto campus for four of the greatest years of my I suppose I can’t reflect on my different Presidents, three different the first time almost four years ago, life, and I wouldn’t trade them for four years here without reflecting Dean of Students, a new housing I thought I knew what to expect. I anything. on something that became my director, and many other changes thought I knew what I was doing There really is something identity here, something that in the administration, Student (spoiler alert: I didn’t). Thinking special about Bethany College. I’m completely shaped the direction Development, and athletics. We back to the person I was when I about 99% sure that it is the people, of my college experience. I didn’t were here when ASH (Alma first arrived at Bethany creates but that’s just me. I have made think Greek Life would have such Swensson Hall) was active and this odd feeling in the pit of my friends here that I know will be my a profound impact on my life full to the brim with freshman stomach. That person, that wide- friends for life. It is these people when I pledged back in February boys -- who almost destroyed the eyed freshman from Nebraska that create the culture of Bethany, of 2015. In fact, I originally place. It was our freshman year who was away from home and the and I hope that is something that didn’t even want to join. I wasn’t when people first began bringing security of people she had known will be embraced and continued in a “sorority girl.” Yet, I found their dogs on campus, so you’re her whole life, is not the person the coming years, because it truly myself surrounded by an amazing all welcome for that, as well. The I am now. A lot has happened in is something special. Lindsborg, group of women and an even point is, things are different now. four years. I have learned so much Kansas may not seem like much more amazing Greek family as a We have watched ourselves and about the world and about myself. from the outside, but this little whole. Greek Life gave me the Bethany evolve, and it’s going to opportunity to become a student be a bittersweet goodbye in May leader on campus, and I will when we come full circle and always be forever grateful for that. achieve what we came here to do Being Greek Council President and earn our college degrees. wasn’t always a walk in the park, So, to those who still have years but when I see students like myself to come at Bethany College: make finding their place on campus the most of every single moment. within their sorority or fraternity, it It sounds cliche, but these four makes all of my hard work worth years will be gone before you it. I can only hope that the Greek know it. Be diligent, be daring, system at Bethany continues to and take advantage of every single thrive as it has during my time opportunity (especially if you have here. the chance to study abroad -- best People are often surprised when semester of my life). And, to my they find out that I’ve been here fellow four-year seniors, we have since I was a freshman, and I get almost made it. We’re so close. it; there’s a very large chunk of I cannot wait to walk across the the original Class of 2018 missing stage with you all and into the from our ranks. For those of us world as the person Bethany has Courtesy Photo who have been here the past helped me to become. Messenger 8 Opinions Mar. 28, 2018 Swede Survey: March 2018

Landon Slipke [email protected] First, the favorite winter olympics’ event was by far The Swede Survey is figure skating, also my personal a new section that was favorite. We Swedes just have a introduced just last month. thing for glitter and sass Through the Swede Survey, The Messenger hopes to gain better insight into what its readers enjoy, in order to better focus our articles around your taste. Aaaaaand it’s fun, I like I, Tonya is a thing. it, and I love pie charts. Great segway, Landon. Mov- The survey will relate ies. Swedes say Get Out should to what’s in the issue, have won best picture. So, or maybe not. I do what that’s that. I want. The questions may be controversial or lighthearted. For this issue, we are looking at Swedes’ favorite winter olympic events, Oscar-nominated movies, and who they think the most fashionable Now, the moment we’ve all faculty/staff member is. been waiting for, the professor Let’s see… Professor with the Best Style with the best style! With a tie for first, we have Dr. 1. Dr. Van Tassel and Dr. Atkinson Van Tassel and Dr. Atkinson! Thanks for participating! In second, another tie, Profes- Check your emails for the 2. Prof. Van Rooyen and Dr. Pryor sor Van Rooyen and Dr. Pryor! next survey! 3. Duke Rogers Taking home the bronze is Duke Rogers! Mar. 28, 2018 Opinions Messenger 9

Messenger Advice Column & Cheese: Spring Break Has Yet to Sprung An Open Letter to Dog Owners Kaylie Ines Dear On-Campus Dog Owners, [email protected] outside and the ground looks like Well, here we are in the heart It is time we had a little talk. You a heaping pile of fertilizer with of the spring semester. We have can bring your four-legged friend the occasional patch of grass, already reached the midterm if you want, but pull up a chair it becomes an issue! It is no point, taking tests and writing and have a seat. Look, I love fun walking across campus and papers with the sweet sight of animals, and I love seeing all the stepping in dog poop. spring break right around the cute little (and big) dogs around I know your little friend does corner. Except, spring break is campus. Thanks for letting me pet not like to be cooped up inside not around the corner. It is more your friends; I love them, I really these little dorms all day long, but like down the road, to the left, do. We just need to have a bit of if you take your dog out before the and up the hill of despair. A little a discussion. Recently, things sun comes up, please try to keep dramatic? Perhaps. But the fact of have been getting a bit crazy on them from barking and waking up the matter is that spring break is campus. There seems to be more the neighbors. Some neighbors not until April 6th, and I just want and more students owning dogs, are not morning people and are to cry! So, here you have it: a which is great; if you need a dog, incredibly grumpy; the sun makes letter from a sleep-deprived senior cool. But we’ve got to take care of them a little friendlier. Let’s try awaiting one last spring break. them and the campus a little better and keep our dog from barking Photo Credit: Kaylie Ines (and be more considerate of our constantly from 7:00 a.m.-7: 30 grace us with your presence one Dear Madam Spring Break, neighbors). a.m. last time, please. I love you, Look, I am sorry if you ever Like I said, I love your little I know having a dog is cute Spring Break, and I miss you. felt mistreated by my actions four-legged buddies. I think and fun, but the fact of the matter Until you arrive, I will wait. It during your stay here. I am sorry they’re pretty awesome and fun. is: training a puppy takes time and will be worth the wait to be in for any time that I did not fully They make the campus more work, and being a college student your presence once more. I know appreciate you. Please, come livable. However, please be takes time and work. If you are you are far from where I stand back! I know it seems a little responsible for your little friend. considering getting a dog, weigh now, but I shall wait. Until we desperate, but I need you in my If they cannot behave off their all the options and think about meet again, please keep me in life. I miss your warm sunny leash, please keep them leashed your schedule. Will you have time your memories. We have had days that smile down at me. I and let people know you are to be with this pup constantly some grand times together, those miss your warm breezy wind that working on their social skills. and give it the attention it needs? of which I remember. And, as hugs me in the midday. I miss If they have an accident inside Will you be able to be responsible you visit all of my other friends your vibrant colors and blooms. the dorms, PLEASE clean it up. for clean up? If you have a furry away at other colleges first, I will I miss you, Spring Break, and I Nobody, nobody, wants to step in friend, please be mindful of the wait until the very end. When so desperately need you to come anything coming out of your dog. campus and your neighbors. Some you come, I shall rise from the back into my life. I promise to Likewise, when your dog does its of you dog-student duos are doing hardened days of school and go appreciate you and your gifts. I business outside like it should, a great job, and I love all of your with you so gently into the warm, will sleep in, stargaze, feel the PLEASE pick it up. Leaving your pups small and large! bright, and sunny days. Oh, friend, warm sun, procrastinate working dog’s poop outside to become I cannot wait until we reunite. on my homework, enjoy family sweet nectar for the earth might -MAC and friends. Please, Spring Break, not seem like a big deal, but when See you soon, everyone leaves their dog’s poop Your Friend Messenger 10 Opinions Mar. 28, 2018 Black Panther: “Wakanda” Person Wouldn’t See This Movie?

Katie Zuercher world and, in doing this, avoided this movie was the immense spurs him (T’Challa) to action is [email protected] colonization. women power. There is Nakia Killmonger’s pain, the anguish *SPOILERS AHEAD* Follosing his father’s death, who goes out into other parts of T’Challa has been shielded from T’Challa becomes king of Africa and works as a spy to help by the safety of his home country; Black Panther came out over Wakanda after defeating a save girls that are being kidnapped Killmonger lashes out at not just a month ago and has already challenger and then completing a and forced into a “Boko Haram white privilege, but at a Wakandan made one billion dollars in the ceremony where he absorbs the situation.” Okoye is the General privilege that did not follow him worldwide box office. In the power of the Black Panther. In this of Wakanda’s Royal Guard, the to America, to Oakland where movie’s opening weekend alone, process, he enters a spiritual plane Dora Milaje, who are an army of his father was murdered. Black it made around three hundred and called Djalia, where he can speak hardcore women. Ramonda is the Panther gives its villain the space seventy million worldwide. At to his father and where the spirits fierce former Queen of Wakanda not just to present his views but to this point, I’ve seen Black Panther of all the past kings rest. This and mother of T’Challa and Shuri. let those views seep into the film’s twice, and I can easily say that it’s plane has a likeness to the spiritual Princess Shuri is a genius and runs overall message and reshape the incredible. realm in Lion King where Simba the tech force of all of Wakanda. perspective of its protagonist. This Marvel Studios film is talks to his late father Mufasa and She is the mind behind the As Adam Serwer writes for centered around a fictional country gains advice on ruling; this is also impressive vibranium inventions the Atlantic, “Killmonger does in Africa called Wakanda that is a moment for each to have a final you see all over Wakanda. One something remarkable and built on top of the strongest metal goodbye. thing is for sure, Wakanda has an perhaps unprecedented for the in the world, vibranium. Due to The costume designer, Ruth equal share of male and female superhero genre — he wins this natural resource, they quickly Carter, and her team did a leaders. the argument.” Even though became a highly advanced society fantastic job at creating costumes A major conflict in the film is Killmonger was extreme, he was with powerful technological that are accurate inspirations from the fact that to keep the vibranium right that Wakanda should use advances like nowhere else in the African culture with a futuristic and the power of the Black the advantages they have to help world. They were able to shield twist. Carter explains that her Panther a secret and out of the in international affairs, and that’s themselves from the rest of the process bases costumes off of wrong hands, Wakanda didn’t help exactly what T’Challa makes individual tribes and their various the rest of Africa’s people from happen by the end of the movie, cultures. being colonized and forced into starting right in Oakland where In the movie, there are five slave trade and still don’t help Killmonger, and the director of different tribes in Wakanda. When with the affairs of those outside Black Panther, Ryan Coogler, vibranium came to be on Earth of Wakanda. Due to this, and the grew up. and the Panther God gave the fact that T’Chaka, T’Challa’s Black Panther was very much Panther King the power of the father, killed his brother N’Jobu, needed. With a black director Black Panther, all of the tribes, when he betrayed Wakanda and a predominantly black cast except the Jabari tribe who exiled and tried to kill Zuri, and left in a movie that faces real issues themselves to the mountains, N’Jobu’s son, Erik Killmonger, through a fictional approach, came together as one under the Killmonger comes after T’Challa the movie is providing equal Black Panther. Syfywire has an and demands a race war once he representation that can change the article that goes into more detail “becomes king.” Steven Scaife world, especially to kids growing about the history of the Panther stated in his Buzzfeed article, up watching this and developing God and the descriptions of the Superhero Movies Will Have role models. tribes and their role in Wakanda. To Work Harder After “Black Courtesy Photo One of the things I loved about Panther,” “What ultimately Mar. 28, 2018 Opinions Messneger 11 Fortnite: A Game Review Red Sparrow Review: Bare Bird Singing in the to get an advantage against their Allan Lannan opponent. Even walking around the [email protected] map after confrontations occurred Dead fo Night By now, everyone has heard of a between these players, and seeing Landon Slipke spies want. The sexual parts of the game called Fortnite. This game the random walls and stairs strewn [email protected] plot were very interesting. Obvi- has rocketed itself into the spotlight across the landscape, is fascinating, Red sparrow. Now, I’m not a huge ously, there was a lot of nudity recently and has reached a new as you are able to behold the exact bird watcher guy, but lemme learn (which is something I haven’t seen level of publicity. For participants thought processes these players had ya sumthin ‘bout this lil birdie here. from Jennifer Lawrence before), but of Players Unknown Battleground, during the game when they were in Red sparrows, or house finches, ac- it didn’t feel like it was unnecessary also known as PUBG, Fortnite is a combat. cording to allaboutbirds.org, can be or added in to sell tickets (although, more advanced game, where there Fortnite was highlighted in so- found on, “settled habitats, such as this is probably the case). The Spar- is more a player can do in the Battle cial media when number 16 UMBC city parks, urban centers, residential row’s manipulation of others in a Royale mode. The game came out defeated number one Virginia. The backyards, farms, and forest edges.” sexual way felt very real and human in July of last year, but it’s free- players of UMBC compared their However, the red sparrow is defi- and psychologically driven. to-play mode was only recently victory to having a similar feeling nitely one of my least favorite birds. The plot is very complex and released. This game is also compa- of winning a Battle Royale in Fort- First of all, look at its grey head. intricate, and, to be honest, I don’t rable to a mixture of Minecraft and nite. The school itself, who has been Boring. It’s less of a red sparrow remember much of it, nor did I Left 4 Dead. The game made an better known for its gaming, such as and more of a dull brown sparrow. I understand 100% what was go- enormous impact on social media its chess team, was big on Fortnite. don’t appreciate lies. Thus, this bird ing on most of the time. To be fair, and became well known when These players would even strike receives 3/10 feathers. I’d’ve given I have a short attention span and musician Drake and e-gamer Ninja poses on the sidelines during the it 2, but I saw one earlier today, and don’t comprehend big words well. played a 20-hour long marathon of game to mimic portions of Fortnite. it didn’t poop on my car, so I’m However, I was very entertained. I the game together. An e-gamer on Twitch and number trying to remain on good terms with enjoyed seeing Jennifer Lawrence When I first heard of this game, one Fortnite player retweeted the their clan. do a good Russian accent. There I was skeptical; it seemed to be just interview the UMBC players gave Now, the movie, Red Sparrow, was psychological manipulation, another PUBG but with a different after their upset victory. is a different story. I may not be a and there were really intense scenes animation style. When I first began With a lot of crazy goings on in fan of spy movies, and I’m a little that moved me emotionally and had to play the game, my mind changed, the gaming world around Fortnite, I iffy on my feelings for Jennifer me on the edge of my seat. Overall, but there were still a lot of similari- decided to play it and did not regret Lawrence, but I really enjoyed Red I recommend you give it a try. ties with PUBG in the Battle Royale it. It was very similar to many other Sparrow. I don’t think it will be mode (this includes the entrance of games I have played from PUBG everyone’s cup of tea; however, it the map and even the waiting area). and Minecraft to Left 4 Dead, but definitely had a lot of angles to hold These were very close to being the the ability for each player to go your interest. same as PUBG, which made it seem out, gather resources, and build The movie focuses on the story almost like a rip off of the game, helps add to PUBG and provides a of Dominika Egorova, a ballet but there were a couple of aspects new gaming aspect. The publicity dancer who, due to several bad of the Fortnite that made the game the game received from Drake and circumstances, becomes a Russian better. The ability for people to Ninja, as well as the UMBC upset spy working under her uncle. She be able to build fortifications and victory, put the game in the lime- trains to become a “Sparrow,” a spy the ability to destroy other build- light. This is a game that I would who specializes in psychological ings and objects added a new and recommend if a player enjoys third- manipulation, specifically by pin- interesting aspect to the game. Dur- person shooting, resource building, pointing someone’s sexual desires ing combat, players build a wall or strategic thinking, and communicat- and fulfilling them to get what the other types of fortifications in order ing with others in your group. Courtesy Photo Messenger 12 Opinions Mar. 28, 2018 Bachelor Finale: I Do, I Don’t, I Do

Landon Slipke Arie had quite the selection of [email protected] girls to choose from; a taxidermy enthusiast, a real estate agent, If you haven’t been following another real estate agent, another this season of the Bachelor, you real estate agent, fitness experts, are dumb. Sorry, not sorry. This and so much more. Through each one had several twists, indecisive of the weeks, Arie sent these girls moments, surprises, and more. home. Two that I must mention If you plan to watch the season are Becca M., whom Arie fell eventually, do! But also, beware of deeply for so fast, but sent her spoilers in this article. If you have home because of their 14-year watched the season or, for some age difference (dumb). Also, godforsaken reason don’t plan on Krystal, whom Arie gave one of watching, read on. his first one-on-one dates. Week Now, before this year, I had to week, he strung her along, with never watched a single episode of much protesting from the other the Bachelor, let alone an entire girls. Krystal was suspicious, season, but I have always loved mysterious, and would separate reality shows. So, it’s odd I’ve herself from the other girls, never given this one a shot. But, Photo Credit: Landon Slipke stealing their time with Arie. It was right from the season premiere, a huge shock when he eventually my homie Becca K., who would dark tunnel is that Becca K. was I knew I had just created a new did send her home the week after now get the man she rightfully chosen to be the next season’s problem for myself. I had to find she skipped a cocktail party. Say it deserved. She looked beautiful Bachelorette. someone’s productivity to taint with me! D. R. A. M. A. DRAMA! in her long, black dress and was My Bachelor partner-in-crime, along with mine, so I turned to Let’s skip to the good stuff: the elegant during Arie’s proposal. Kerri Henne, had this to say Kerri Henne. We set off on our finale episode. Now Arie was left But, don’t forget, Arie’s an on the season, “It was the most journey. Our destination? The with a “difficult” choice between indecisive loser. Cut to the end of ridiculously emotional rollercoaster Bachelor finale episode. a girl who’s barely spoken two the episode where Arie decides I have ever been on. Never have To catch you up quick, Arie words the entire season, Lauren, he’s MADE A MISTAKE and has I seen such a display of false love Luyendyk Jr., was this season’s or a girl who TURNED DOWN to RECONCILE THINGS WITH and debauchery (never have I felt bachelor. He’s a 36-year-old son HER EX-BOYFRIEND WHO LAUREN thus BREAKING OFF so personally invested in it, either). of a famous race car driver, and PROPOSED TO HER ON THE HIS ENGAGEMENT TO BECCA It was thoroughly befuddling and Arie actually races himself. Super SHOW, and was the life of the K. ONLY ONE MONTH AFTER concerning, and I recommend. hot, right? Well, to be honest, I party, Becca K. I think we can all HE PROPOSED. Also, he had 10/10.” found him pretty lukewarm. Little agree, Becca K. was the obvious been DM’ing Lauren during the In conclusion, I’m exhausted personality, his indecisiveness front-runner. When Lauren stepped whole engagement? I. Know. and am still recovering from the was a big turn off, and he had no out of the van, approached Arie, Right?!?!? lies, the betrayal, and the garbage understanding or compassion for certain that she was going to Eventually, he proposed to that is Arie Luyendyk Jr. However, human emotions. But, the show did receive a rose and a proposal, Lauren, and she took him back. I greatly enjoyed the journey and its best to advertise him as a hunky it was heartbreaking to watch At this point, I had lost all care had a ball screaming about it. Join beefcake, so I played along for the her realize she was going home. anyway, so whoop-dee-doo. The in the fun with this coming season sake of the girls. For some people. I shrieked for only light at the end of this dark, of the Bachelorette! Mar. 28, 2018 Opinions Messenger 13 Hobo Johnson Sets a Dangerous Precedent for Men in Love

Avery Holmes with someone else, he writes three [email protected] slow bass and a cheap 808 kick- This man is not a good person to Hi. What’s your name? How are verses about her and her boyfriend clap combo. You could argue that have around. you? How’s your life? Oh, you’ve and how he wishes so dearly that this is to make way for the spoken Hobo Johnson is dangerous. got a man. Are you in love? If he could be the one loving her. word, but that’s hardly a spectacle. Hobo Johnson is every man in so, can I stick around you in an This isn’t okay. Frankly, it’s the Johnson’s lyrics are fine – so your local art/music scene that uncomfortable and predatory opposite of okay. fine that it makes it even more says they were too nervous to manner and wear you down until I wasn’t even going to write an frustrating to see people hail him message you at the show. Hobo you give me the attention that I’m article about this song. I wanted to incessantly. He ticks every box Johnson is the man who calls begging for inside? talk about JPEGMAFIA’s latest in the spoken word checklist: an your body art and then asks you If you’ve been on Facebook album, which is stacked with off-kilter cadence, an outdated rap to send him nudes for art’s sake. for the past while, you might have tracks that perfectly bridge the gap reference (“Brush me off like the Hobo Johnson writes, talks, and seen a video of Hobo Johnson and between noisy and catchy. But this dirt on Jay-Z’s shoulders”), and a acts like a character out of a John The Lovemakers. You know, that song, and the man that is Hobo cloying sense of totally insincere Green book who swears that he video of the man with the afro in Johnson, filled me to the brim with emotion that any 20-something understands how the world works the middle of what looks like a ire, of which I haven’t felt towards male in the art scene has said because he’s faced hardships but backyard with his friends playing a musician in a long time. before. spends more time pretending that in the background. In the video, he This song is everything bad The worst part about it is the he “gets it” instead of actually performs a spoken word/rap piece about music, everything bad about predatory behavior. Throughout taking time to get it. Hobo Johnson about being in love with a woman spoken word, and everything the song, Johnson becomes more will abuse you emotionally and who has a boyfriend. The song bad about relationships. From embittered by the thought of his unleash all of his sadness and is essentially a complacent piece a musical standpoint, it walks a love having a boyfriend who narcissistic self-hate onto you, about being stuck in The Dreaded fine line between skeletal and isn’t him. He mentions that he and then he’ll act like you’re Friendzone. Instead of accepting uninspired. It features a two chord repeatedly calls her pretty and the problem for having an issue the fact that this woman is in love progressions from the guitar with a she just ignores it, even though with it. Please, don’t let his tacky, that’s a clear sign that he wants to plasticky charisma fool you. This be more than friends. He wants man is bad news, plain and simple, to get coffee with his crush and and he doesn’t care about you or says, “I’ll act friendly, and I won’t your feelings; only what he can get pull any stunts, but I’m a freaking from you. stunt puller from birth.” The dude If you ever meet a man like is obviously holding back from Hobo Johnson, run. Avoid him at doing something completely all costs. Don’t even be his friend, off the wall and quite possibly no matter how nice he acts. Not harmful. In the beginning of only is he going to be awful for the third verse, he addresses the you, your self-esteem, and your boyfriend and gives a passive physical wellbeing, but he’s not aggressive one-sided conversation even going to be that good of an Courtesy Photo where he holds back his jealousy. artist. Messenger 14 Arts and Entertainment Mar. 28, 2018

Miranda Work College students who are part [email protected] disorder. In her poem “Anxiety, is something that needs to be of Scriptoria. Avery Holmes Always Haunting Me,” Slupski Coffee and poetry? Who could recognized. Every poem that was read a short series of haikus discussed her battle with anxiety ask for a better combination? read had a specific meaning to Poetryand completed Jam: his performance Waffles by explaining vs. howPancakes even waking Compared to an average business that poet, even if it was about with a sick, original rap. He was up on a Saturday can be a day, the atmosphere at the White how waffles are better than preceded by Lydia Nicholson and challenge. While ninety percent Peacock is very different during pancakes. Kathleen Chartrand, who both of the poems she read were sad, Poetry Jam. The comfy chairs read poetry that was very dear to there was one that was a pretty have been rearranged to face them. laughable one. Slupski cleverly the small stage at the front of There was even live music! called it, “Ode to a Tampon,” and the room. For a newcomer like The featured musician, local I will let you figure out what that myself, the setup could be kind of Lindsborgian Taton Tubbs, poem was about. intimidating, so naturally I sat in played and sang a few songs; a For my first Poetry Jam, I the far back. After a few minutes couple of them were in honor was not disappointed at all! though, I could tell this Poetry of Women’s History Month. Poetry Jam is not exactly what Jam was going to be memorable Following the amazing music people would originally believe. and downright awesome. Poetry session, the poetry open mic The poets that I watched did Jam organizer and hostess, Linzi began. To my surprise, I was not not shout aimlessly into a mic Garcia, was sure to keep the the only newcomer to Poetry while throwing their hands mood light with an abundance Jam that night. One girl, Katlyn, about in meaningless gestures. of waffle poems in spirit of decided to brave the stage and Every word they uttered held a Vaffeldagen. I’ll be honest, some read her poems out loud for an specific meaning. Each poem of those wafflehouse poems were audience for the first time. She was a part of that poet’s heart, a lot darker than I thought waffles took the room by storm and read both original and borrowed. could be. From there, the first an original she created to be a There is something so vulnerable section of the night consisted memoir poem. The poem was about Poetry Jam that almost of poems read by Bethany such an inspiring piece about makes it seem like a free therapy bravery and overcoming both session. The poets have enough self-hatred and shame. courage to get up on that small This Jam’s featured poet was stage, in front of that mic, Samantha Slupski, a.k.a. Queen and bear their souls to a room of Sad, who was excited to be in consisting of about twenty five a small town for once. Residing people. The small room is not in Kansas City, she declared, full of judgmental characters, “You guys got a cute little setup but instead filled to the brim going on here. I love this breath with people who understand and of fresh air,” before giving her support each other. No tomatoes performance. Her “Queen of are thrown, and furthermore, Sad” reputation did not fail no one is booed off stage. Each to be known as she revealed performer is respected, no Above: Kathleen Chartrand some of the most vulnerable Pictured: Taton Tubbs matter where they come from Below: Samantha Slupski Photo Credit: Linzi Garcia parts of herself, like her anxiety or what they look like, and this Photo Credit: Linzi Garcia Mar. 28, 2018 Arts and Entertainment Messneger 15 Art in the Messiah Handel’s Messiah: A Focus on Festival of the Arts the Easter Spirit

Carly Rosey the “Art Patron Program,” to Katie Zuercher rehearsal on Saturday, March [email protected] be exact. She focused on the [email protected] 24th at 3 p.m. During the official The Messiah Festival of the quality of the pieces and gave G.F. Handel’s The Messiah is concert on Easter, there are Arts is saturated with various feedback on the various works a large collection of oratorios professionals from all over music performances. However, in order to help the students and cantatas that aim to narrate who come in to sing the solos. few people know that there grow as artists. the religious events and other Nineteen out of the fifty-three is also an annual art exhibit With every great art happening of Holy Week, up oratorios and cantatas in The that happens as a part of these exhibition is a great art to and including Easter. The Messiah will be performed. The festivities. What’s unique about reception. The reception for the concert will be held on Easter orchestra is also made up of a th st this exhibit is that any student show took place on March 25 Sunday, April 1 , at 3 p.m. variety of professors, students, who has taken an art class can from 1-3 p.m., with rewards in Presser Hall. The annual and community members. submit their art as part of the being presented at 2 p.m. The Messiah concert is the main The Messiah, an Oratorio th display -- they don’t have to be exhibit will be up until April 4 , event of Bethany College’s is Handel’s most successful art majors and can submit art of and the Best of Show will be on Messiah Festival of the Arts. oratorio and was composed in all mediums. It is a requirement display in Presser. Other awards This concert means a lot to 1741 in twenty-four days. It that any artist wishing to given in the exhibition were Bethany College and the greater was first performed in Dublin, participate within the exhibit Best Freshman/Sophomore, Lindsborg community, and we Ireland in 1742. It is for a four- must submit work from the past Best Junior/Senior, and various pride ourselves on performing part chorus of mixed voices year that has not previously merit awards. Make sure to it like no other. There are -- soprano, alto, tenor, and bass been submitted in the same check out the display while it community members who have -- with piano, and then several exhibition any other years. lasts; it is a fine example of participated in Messiah for over other orchestral instruments Who decides what pieces Bethany creativity. fifty years! All members of added in. Handel’s idea was are accepted into the exhibit? Bethany College, the Bethany to keep the score modest and The Art Department invites an Awards: Oratorio Society, the Lindsborg simple, and other than some unbiased guest to help select Best of Show - Kami Olson community, and surrounding changes here and there, this the pieces. This judge comes in Best Freshman/Junior - Lydia communities are invited to oratorio has persevered the with the mindset that they must Nicholson participate in Messiah. All who same as a whole. It could be choose works that cohesively Best Junior/Senior - Kami are interested in being a part of that he wanted the focus to be make up the Juried Student Olson this tradition attend rehearsals on something other than the th Art Exhibition. Nelson Smith, Best Print - Kayla Borell every Sunday from January 28 music. This idea of a larger, the gallery director in the Art Best Ceramic - Katherine Purdy all the way to the performance unifying purpose is reflected Department, when speaking Best Painting - Kami Olson on Easter Sunday, with a in the Bethany community’s about this year’s juror, Grace Best Drawing - Keri Woodburn Messiah Sing-Along on Palm participation in this time Peterson, states that she “is the Best Graphic - Lydia Nicholson Sunday. These rehearsals are a honored tradition. So, Bethany Visual Arts Coordinator for Best Photography - Kami Olson great opportunity for students students, if you are not Salina Arts & Humanities.” Awards of Merit - Sophie to get to know community performing in Messiah this year, Smith also says that she has Servaes, Rebekah Roach, members and vice versa. There get out there and support our experience with juried art Amber Warne(2), Jamie are several solos throughout The college, this town, and Easter by Dechant, and Lisa Stone Messiah, which are performed viewing the production on April shows, “Art Demo Area, st Outdoor Art Installations,” and by students during the dress 1 ! Messenger 16 Sports Mar. 28, 2018 Bethany Athletics Updates

Dom Murray nied by teammates Whitney [email protected] Harvey (Jr.) in Shotput and senior Danielle Johnson in the Hammer Throw. Freshman Tennis Joel Quinones ranks first in Swedes’ men’s tennis remains the Men’s 400m, and fresh- undefeated after crushing Kan- man Zane Bradshaw ranks first sas Wesleyan 8-1 in the Smoky in the Pole Vault. The Swedes Hill Showdown. Your Swedes 4x100m relay team, consisting swept the singles matches and of Noah Smucker (Sr.), Qui- only lost 1 of the 3 doubles nones, Dylan Collette (So.), matches. It’s been a dream start and Angelo Fontaine (Fr.), for the tennis program after hir- rounds out the Swedes’ first- ing a new head coach over the place rankings. summer. It’s never easy adjust- ing to a new coach’s program, Softball but the Swedes have seemed On March 24th, Swedes’ soft- to thrive in that adversity and ball picked up two huge wins don’t look to be slowing down in the Smoky Hill Showdown, any time soon. sweeping Kansas Wesleyan at Track and Field home! In the first game, the Swedes won 9-1. The offensive th On March 14 , the men’s and explosion was led by three women’s track and field teams Swedes who all went 2-3 at competed in the Southwestern the dish. Courtney Fudge (Jr.) Invitational and performed very added an RBI and 3 runs to her well. The Swedes had a total 2 hits, while Alyssa Montoya Photo Credit: Tracy Adams of 23 personal bests across the (Sr.) hit a homerun and had 3 the game with 6-5. Freshman University 6-5, the Swedes board, an achievement that RBIs in her 2 hit performance. Ciera Flores went 3-3 with 4 have hit a rough patch, losing was highlighted by sophomore Junior Elizabeth Endsley also RBIs in the second game. The the Smoky Hill Showdown 2-1 Kristen Herzet’s qualification added an RBI to her 2 hits. Swedes are now 12-22 this year to Kansas Wesleyan and getting for the national tournament, Sophomore Lauren Quintana and 3-1 in conference. swept up by Oklahoma Wes- won by her 44.50m discus toss. started on the mound for the leyan. Junior Pitcher Edwar Currently, there are 5 Swedes Swedes in game two and went Baseball Melendez pitched lights out in and 1 team ranked first in the seven innings; with 2 hits, no After a strong start to the the second game of the Okla- KCAC for their events. Her- earned runs, and 3 strikeouts, month by knocking off num- homa Wesleyan series, allow- zet is currently ranked first in she finally earned the win in ber-10 ranked Oklahoma City ing 1 run and 5 hits in 8 inning Women’s Discus, accompa- of work. Mar. 28, 2018 Sports Messneger 17 Interviews With Some of Bethany’s Best

A- “My best memories at Bethany M- “Well, [Ahaneku], I appreciate you Dom Murray though you transferred to Bethany [email protected] definitely would have to be my fresh- taking time out of your busy schedule man and sophomore years. I had a lot to sit down and chop it up with me. I to begin the year, what’s your best of great times with a lot of pretty dope know our readers are going to enjoy memory so far? people.” reading what you had to say. W- “Beating Tabor, because they M- “In preparation for a game, what won the conference tournament last do you focus on?” year, and it gave us a boost the rest A- “In preparation for a game, I focus of the season. Proving to ourselves specifically on what my responsibili- and others that we are a competitive ties are in the game and make sure to team. We started 10th in conference execute them. This way, the team can and finished 2nd.” have the best of myself. I mostly focus M- “It definitely was a fun season to on defense and let the offense come.” watch. How does it feel to be recog- M- “When scouting an opponent, what nized as the KCAC Newcomer on do you pay attention to or look out the Year?” Courtesy Photo for?” W- “It was an honor to be recog- Syd Ahaneku A- “When scouting a team, I pay at- nized as a standout among such a tention to what the team’s strong points Courtesy Photo talented group in the KCAC. All I’ve worked for paid off.” This past month, Sydney Ahaneku and are, as well as their weak points. I also Lauren Welsch M- “When scouting an opponent, is Lauren Welsch both received awards pay attention to my defensive assign- there anything that you pay atten- from the KCAC. Ahaneku received ment and how I can contain her.” M- “So, [Welsch], where are you tion to or specifically look for?” the KCAC Defensive Player of the M- “How does it feel that the KCAC from and what is your major?” W- “When scouting opponents, I Year, was appointed to the All-KCAC recognized your hard work and W- “I’m an exercise science major pay attention to who I’m going to Defensive Team, and was also on awarded you with Defensive Player of from Great Bend, Kansas. I want to be guarding most of the time and the Honorable Mention list. Welsch the Year?” go to physical therapy school after to any other guard that I might received KCAC Newcomer of the A- “It feels amazing that the KCAC my career here.” defend.” Year and was unanimously voted as a recognized me as the DPOY. I am M- “Local girl, nice. By local I M- “Do you have any pre-game member of the KCAC Second Team. I extremely hard on myself, and I value mean from Kansas, not from the rituals or a pre-game playlist that was able to catch up with both of them defense, because it’s a lot about effort, Smoky Hill area. How did your you listen to?” and ask them a few questions. and I pride myself on consistently giv- basketball career start?” W- “My pre-game ritual is that I Me-“So, [Ahaneku], for those of us ing max effort.” W- “I played rec basketball in grade have to eat a snickers before every that don’t know you, where are you M- “Do you have any pre-game rituals school, and then my mom’s co- game.” from, and what is your major?” or a pre-game playlist that you like to worker, Randy Moyers, persuaded M- “After a huge splash your first Ahaneku- “I’m a biology major from listen to?” my parents to let me play MAYB. year in the KCAC, what do you Denver, Colorado.” A- “I always make sure to take a short He liked that I was an aggressive have planned for next year?” M- “When exactly did you start play- nap and eat before a game. I have to player on the court. Basketball came W- “Short and simple, win confer- ing basketball?” make sure I have snacks on hand, as pretty natural to me, and I knew ence and then win the tournament.” A-“I started playing in middle school.” well as candy and Gatorade for during from an early age that I wanted to M- “Ms. Welsch, thank you for M- “What would you consider to be the game. I don’t really have a pre- play college ball.” sitting down and answering a few your best memory or memories here at game playlist. I just play whatever gets M- “We, here at Bethany Col- questions. Best of luck on your sea- Bethany?” me hype.” lege, thank you, Mr. Moyers. Even son next year, and go Swedes!” Messneger 18 Arts & Entertainment Mar. 28, 2018 Requiem’s Desire: Chapter 3

itself, but he knew better. where in Stephen’s mind, but Still, Stephen stood and Robert Perez “Finally, you are he was too exhausted to tell it began to walk to the door. [email protected] awake…” The wind carried to shut up. “Yo, where ya goin’?” The dreary castle walls were away the latter half of what The Glock pistol now “I don’t know.” Stephen stained red. Dead bodies lit- the voice said, but the Boy- sat snuggly in the front of said, and this was partially tered the castle; limbs were Warrior turned, and he saw Stephen’s jeans, thankfully true. He wasn’t sure where scattered, and rivers of blood his long-forsaken adversary. unused, since he put down he was going, but his legs ran down the halls out into Somehow, the moon had the little girl upstairs. He seemed perfectly aware of it, the courtyard. penetrated the layer of abys- found enough ammo for it moved without his order, and There, the Boy-Warrior mal darkness that blanketed to last him an apocalypse or led him through the blood- stood surrounded by corpses the land and cast its solemn two, but the shotgun was a splattered, bullet-riddled on all sides. His face and glow upon a distant hill, il- beautiful, temporary find as halls, maneuvering him body were covered in the luminating the silhouette of a they started to crash through around the bodies that lined monster’s blood, which mixed robed, hooded man standing the windows. the hallway leading to the with his own. The steel of his at the peak. Suddenly, a gust of wind door. sword was entirely covered Without conscious blew through the entire house About half-way down with red that dripped from thought, the Boy-Warrior be- and carried with it a whisper the hall, Stephen found his the downcast tip onto the gan to walk towards the hill. that Stephen, at first, couldn’t bat, which he had somehow saturated ground. The dirt of The Man in Black walked make out. embedded in a girl’s skull. his courtyard had turned into away, and the Boy-Warrior “…let the requiem begin.” He thought he had seen her red mud. followed him to the place “Shut up.” Stephen man- before, and that she may have The Boy-Warrior waited where ends began. aged to choke out of his dry been pretty, but there was not in the courtyard. He couldn’t throat. enough face left to be sure on have killed them all. No, he Stephen fell, exhausted, “Hey, man, that wasn’t either account. After a few had learned that lesson be- into the single remaining me!” Mr. Annoying protested seconds of struggling, Ste- fore. There were always more chair in the dining room. from Stephen’s mind. phen managed to dislodge the to replace the ones that fell. The shotgun fell, discarded Stephen knew, but he bat, accompanied by a sick- Still, more did not come. and useless, to the wayside. didn’t want to believe. Of all ening wet suction sound. He Satisfied that, for now, he was Wooden splinters that used to the things he had encountered wasn’t sure if he would need safe. The Boy-Warrior turned be the other chairs littered the that day alone, he didn’t want the bat, but he wasn’t ready to go back to his castle, when floor, some embedded in the to think that the wind itself to leave it behind, so he held the voice came. A voice, no, a bodies scattered around. was telling him things. He it close as he left. whisper, carried on the sleeve “Man, you went crazy didn’t know what it meant, The fog outside had of the wind so subtly that it there!” the old, familiar, and and he wasn’t sure he wanted grown denser, nearly impos- annoying voice said some- to know. could have been the wind (Continued on page 19) Mar. 28, 2018 Arts & Entertainment Messneger 19

(Continued from page 18) to lose its pigment, leaving in the field?” Mr. Annoying, faster, a track star who could sible to see through. This them a dead, gray color, and ever insightful, protested. run any event and place well. could be played to his advan- their clothes were deteriorat- Stephen ignored him. Stephen had taken up smok- tage. Stephen ducked into an ing at a highly accelerated He was simply glad to find ing, so running wasn’t an alley between two houses. rate, quickly becoming noth- someone normal, but despite option. He had gained control of his ing more than rags. the circumstances, Stephen Stephen rolled out of the legs, but he still felt guided, Finally, the last part. could feel an old fire burn, way as the bone blade cut like he was being pulled Almost all of Them that he an anger that he only ever across where his neck was somewhere. This scared him, found were female, and he internalized. only a second before. Ste- but he had enough control to began to notice that, even “I’m glad to see you, man. phen barely had time to get to choose how he got there. before he killed them, they Things are fu-“ his feet before Derek charged The alleys felt familiar were all bleeding, and he “Why do you hate me?” again, jabbing at him three and reminded him of high couldn’t stop noticing that Derek’s dead voice cut Ste- times with his bone-blades. school, travelling the town at it was always running down phen off, and Stephen was Stephen struggled to ensure night with his posse, dipping their inner thighs. taken aback. his bat was in the right place into garages looking for food, Stephen pondered this as “I-I don’t. You’re my to block the attack, but he alcohol, and cigarettes. Good he was led along his path, brother.” was too slow the final time. days, but he was glad he left and he finally saw that he “Or do you hate yourself, The blade struck home and them behind. was being led to the football and you wish you were me?” cut deep into his left shoul- Still, after so long, it felt field. He switched his bat to Derek began lumbering to- der. like putting on an old, com- his left hand and drew his wards Stephen. Derek’s body Crying out in pain, but fortable pair of pants. pistol before entering the cracked with every motion, still aware, Stephen placed Stephen travelled back to field. and Stephen saw all his bones the gun on Derek’s chest and campus, he found very few He saw a single person, breaking and rearranging as fired twice, sending his best of, for lack of a better name, dressed in a track uniform, he moved. friend back. “Them” during his trip. What sitting in the center of the “DO YOU HATE THAT This repeated twice. Ste- few he found were easily field, and humming a pretty WE’RE THE SAME?!” Sud- phen took a cut to his right and quickly dispatched. He tune that Stephen did not rec- denly, Derek’s hands flicked side and his left cheek. He had grown effective with the ognize. Drawing closer, Ste- forward at an unnatural wasn’t able to retaliate the sacred battle-style of bat-to- phen saw that the person was speed, and blade-like bones first time, but he did take head, and he no longer hesi- Derek: Stephen’s lifelong shot from his wrists. Stephen, note that Derek backed off tated. friend and fellow student. realizing what was happen- anyway. The second time, Bypassing the bodies, Ste- Derek stood and faced ing, pulled his gun too late. Stephen was able to crack phen began to notice a trend him, and Stephen saw that his Derek had charged with inhu- Derek’s head with the bat, that he wasn’t sure was inter- face was not contorted, and man speed, or maybe it was which sent him reeling. esting, horrifying, or both. his eyes were normal. Ste- just Derek’s speed. They stood facing each Their skin quickly began phen sighed and smiled. Derek had always been “Why was he just sitting (Continued on page 20) Messneger 20 Arts & Entertainment Mar. 28, 2018

(Continued from page 19) anyone he wanted. He used partially. Stephen had a good out their love, Derek was them and left them. Stephen other for a bit, and Stephen amount of girls under his nothing. saw the pain Derek caused, had a second to reflect. belt, but this only infuriated That’s when Stephen saw and this added gas to the fire He always had a certain Stephen more. “We’re not the it. He couldn’t make a beat, of hatred. disdain for Derek. They same,” he growled, “I don’t but he sure as hell could fol- As if reading his mind, were similar in many ways, fuck everything I look at. I low one. Derek was known Derek spoke, “Like you’re personality-wise. Derek don’t treat people like toys!” for his musical talents, and any better than me?” was more athletic and musi- Stephen pushed himself up, he saw that Derek’s legs were Stephen saw Derek smirk cally inclined, and, originally, raised his gun, and fired always moving. Stephen and was terrified that it would Stephen thought that was repeatedly at his old friend. knew a 4/4 beat when he saw contort into that clownish why everybody showed favor Blood painted the field, but it. Suddenly the attacks made grin. It did not. “What’s your towards him -- why Stephen still Derek stood, not smiling sense. body count looking like, always stood in Derek’s anymore. Stephen could see Charge buddy?” shadow, even as they stood him attempting to conceal the Stab Before he could respond, side-by-side. pain as blood dripped down Slash Derek charged again, and this As time passed, Stephen his body. Stab time Stephen wasn’t pre- realized that, outside of “You’re lying,” Derek said Charge pared. Ducking the first slash, Derek’s talents, they had with his dead, dry voice, but Two Derek’s blade pierced into almost the same personality Stephen could almost feel Three Stephen’s side, and Derek and humor. Still, Derek could fear behind it. Four lifted him up. The third thrust make a dumb joke, and the Now Stephen smirked. Derek was a slave to what was aimed at Stephen’s world would love him for it. “Derek never knew this he knew, but Stephen, living throat, but he was able to If Stephen joked, the world shit, Steve!” Mr. Annoying in the shadows, had to adapt raise his bat at the last second glared. started to become Mr. Ob- and learn a bit of everything and catch it. The blade went Was it charisma? Or was vious. Stephen knew that. He smiled, and Derek completely through the bat, fate a cruel mistress that had Stephen had never talked roared and charged. but it gave Stephen the sec- shined all its favor on Derek? about his hatred for Derek to Back step ond he needed to kick Derek Stephen didn’t know, and he anybody. Dodge left away. didn’t care. His hatred for “We aren’t the same, old Duck Stephen fell to the ground, Derek burned brighter every buddy,” Stephen said. They Dodge right blood dripping from his side. day. weren’t. Motivation was key. Repeat twice, and on the He couldn’t breath well, and By nature, they acted the Derek was out for sex, per- final dodge, Stephen had it he had to rest for a few sec- same, but Derek only grew sonal gratification, but Ste- down and saw his chance. He onds to catch his breath. He more beloved for it, while phen... Stephen was a lover. dodged to the right, placed saw Derek standing, watch- Stephen was rejected. That’s all he did -- love. his gun against Derek’s tem- ing, taunting with his smug Girls flocked to Derek. Derek was loved by all, ple, and splattered his brains eyes. He was a dog who got into that’s what he lived on. With- across the end zone. He was right though, Mar. 28, 2018 Arts & Entertainment Messenger 21 Requiem’s Desire: Chapter 4

Stephen stood over his best Stephen couldn’t speak. His continued his wanderings. Robert Perez friend’s body, his cigarette burned anger held down his voice, and Eventually, after immeasurable [email protected] nearly to the butt. He felt the tears all that he could muster was a time, Stephen found another of pushing behind his eyes as he saw hushed whisper as he stared at the the creatures that once had been The Man had fled across the the pathetic sight that once was ground. “You don’t know me.” a Lindsborg resident, though, any desolate Black Desert, and, still, the person that everybody wanted The Robed Man’s chuckle details of whom were lost. The the reawakened Warrior undaunt- to be. The stone that once was moved Stephen’s hand. He raised creature’s clothes had deterio- ingly followed. He knew this his heart trembled and began to his gun but found no man there. rated completely and left a naked, place, and its memories were as crack. Somewhere, in the distance, his asexual creature with nothing sweet as they were toxic. No tears came. Derek was his voice still carried to Stephen. but dead, gray skin, black eyes, Here, before he had sealed friend, his brother, but Stephen “I know you all too well, and long claws, and that hellish clown himself away from the world didn’t think he had the ability to I know you to be nothing more grin. It hobbled towards him, its behind his walls, the Warrior, then cry anymore. Not for anyone. than a hypocrite. The Age of Im- legs seeming to have grown ever merely a Boy, began to find solace A sudden voice materialized punity has ended. Now, you face closer to useless, and it uttered a in the darkness, and he loved it. behind him. “How many have the requiem.” guttural moan as though it were Rather than being destroyed by it, died at your hands, Stephen?” With this parting, Stephen was trying to speak. the Boy was willing to embrace it Stephen turned, his cigarette alone in the field. No shadows Somehow, Stephen knew it and become a part of the dark- flew and was lost in the field, moved in the fog. Stephen was was trying to say: “Why’d you do ness. and his pistol was pulled from alone with Derek’s body, and it?” The desert’s magic was still the security of his waistband, but it wasn’t the company Stephen Stephen had no time for it. strong, and the longing to be- what he saw behind him locked relished. He turned from the field He shot it in the chest, but it still come conjoined with the darkness his finger and prevented him from and walked away into the street. came towards him. He shot again, creeped into his mind, but he was pulling the trigger. Still, somewhere in the dis- and it fell, but it still crawled to- stronger now, and he felt now that The man was draped in black tance, Stephen heard a voice wards him, moaning ever louder. the end was near. The Man was robes, the hood casting an unnatu- carried by the wind. A voice, a Stephen didn’t want it attracting closer than The Warrior had ever ral shadow over his face. Stephen phrase, he wish he never knew. more. He walked up to it and put dreamed. felt as though he were staring “You belong to me.” a bullet in its brain, silencing it His sure feet led him over into a void, the face of the reaper Stephen wandered, uncaring and ending its sad attempts to dunes and through storms that himself. Completely alien, but his of where he went, and uncaring claw at him. seemed to conceal the howls of voice seemed so familiar. of what found him. The fog had As blood pooled in the street, wicked wolves, and eventually he He spoke again. “How many come to grow on him, and he felt Stephen finally noticed that he left the fine sands of hopelessness loves have been destroyed by secure in it, because he knew that had wandered downtown and was behind him. your greed, your lust? Can you what he couldn’t see probably now next to The White Peacock, truly judge Derek so harshly also couldn’t see him. which was his personal favorite Derek’s blood seeped into the while living your life with impu- “That’s what you’re hoping, place for a coffee. field, the nearby grass painted nity? He may not have felt regret, man,” the old voice that Stephen He wished he could have one red, and his body nothing more but at least he was honest about once had called Lex said. now. than shattered, twisted bones and what he was.” “Shut up,” Stephen said and shredded, mangled flesh. (Continued on page 22) Messenger 22 Arts & Entertainment Mar. 28, 2018

(Continued from page 23) after they had broken up. He was fuck me? It’s not like you were cence and tried to find herself. in all these places, remembering Another shadow moved ahead starving for some action!” Her They were two messed up them as though he were there of him, and Stephen drew his gun. grip tightened, and Stephen could kids who fell in love too young to again. It stood perfectly still in the fog only try to gasp for air, but it felt make it last. “Why is she here, man, and and, as Stephen approached, he like his windpipe was being com- Stephen had stopped strug- why does she still look like she began to recognize the silhouette, pletely crushed. gling, he was ready to give in, and did back then?” Lex’s cool voice but he couldn’t believe it until she She didn’t understand, but he met her eyes. Somehow, years objected, interrupting Stephen’s spoke. there was nothing for her to ago, he knew she would be the living memories, and though “Stephen? Is that you?” understand. Stephen knew that death of him. Stephen didn’t want to believe He could finally make her out. Devon never found out about his “Goodbye, Steve.” Her cold it, he released his grip and took a The slim frame, dark, tanned skin, past infidelities in other relation- voice said. step back, and this probably saved and the short brown hair with the ships, and never had he been dis- Unlike Stephen, Lex was un- his life. bangs dyed blonde. loyal to her. She was the one who willing to go quietly into the good Devon’s clawed hand cut four Stephen was bewildered, first made him stop with no regrets. night. “Come on Stephen, waste lines over Stephen’s right eye, at the thought that she was even He didn’t even look at other girls her like you did Derek!” the force of her hitting him sent in Lindsborg, and second that she while he was with Devon. Stephen’s vision was starting him to the ground, and, through was normal. “Dev?” In his years and all his relation- to go dark, and he didn’t have the one eye, he saw Devon growing The girl, Devon, approached ships, Devon was, and always oxygen to speak, but he could in height, her fingernails growing him. Stephen tucked his gun into would be, something special to think. “I can’t kill Dev.” to wolf-like claws and her body his waistband again and ran up to Stephen. Ever since he had met “Well, then this is the end of transforming into the image of a her, taking her into his arms. Her her- you, buddy.” bipedal wolf. slight chest pressed against his, You belong to me. Stephen didn’t have long to Stephen reached for his gun, her arms wrapped around him. Stephen had only been in rela- live, but he could see this thing but she scooped him up and threw Two years since she had left him, tionships based on the physical. strangling him, and, suddenly, him against one of The White and here she was, in his arms It’s all he was good at, all he was he saw Devon again as she was, Peacock’s walls. again. He had let her go once, and good for. blushing the first time he admitted “Why do you miss me, Ste- he vowed he would never make He looked into her eyes, and to liking her. Warmth grew, and phen?” Her calm voice carried that mistake again; he would hold through her rage, he could only the stone around his heart cracked an undertone of unrestrained rage her forever. look at her with love. She was the once more, spreading throughout as she lifted him again and threw He wasn’t in Lindsborg any- only relationship he had had that his body. He found his gun and him into the street. Stephen strug- more, and he wasn’t in college. was not based on sex. She was lifted it from his waist to Devon’s gled to see. His right eye, still He was sitting at the grade school the only one who made him feel head. good, was unable to see through playground on a large mural of human. She made him feel alive. Tears began to well in Ste- the blood that covered it. the Continental United States Devon had her own darkness, phen’s eyes. “Forgive me,” he Before he could react, she had with Devon just a week before an anger held within her quiet said, “but you are not Devon!” his neck in her hands and lifted they started dating. He was stay- self. Somehow, he had gotten He pulled the trigger, and him off the ground, strangling ing up until four in the morning through that stoic exterior to find Stephen’s entire world exploded him as her claws dug into his on school nights talking to her, a sweet, loving girl. She was shy with red. and they were at the high school neck just enough to draw blood. and beautiful despite her rage and football games, cuddling even “Is it because you never got to confusion as she entered adoles-