On Fear and Morality Relay for Life Tributes Humans Of

THE

ISSUE 5 LIGHTNING VOLUME 32 BOLT

RELAY FOR LIFE TRIBUTES

ON FEAR AND MORALITY

HUMANS OF CHANCELLOR

CHANCELLOR HIGH SCHOOL 6300 HARRISON ROAD, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22407 1 Feb/Mar 2020 PEP RALLY, SENIOR EXPO, BLOOD MRS. GATTIE DRIVE SUCCESS ADVISOR

Front cover: Maya SAVANNAH AVERSA Johnson leads the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF charge.

Back cover: The FAITH REMICK Flight of a Lawn- chair Man cast pos- LAYOUT EDITOR es for a picture after a successful series of preformances. BRIANA BUTCHER NEWS EDITOR

Above: Juniors succeed in tug of war Above: Hannah Cloven, our very battle at pep rally. own features editor, donates HANNAH CLOVEN Below: Dae’Chaun Scott meets with blood for the blood drive. Shenandoah University representative Below: Isaiah McCall stuns all FEATURES EDITOR in hopes to learn more about the college. with his dramatic performance. KAITLYN GARVEY SPORTS EDITOR

CARA SEELY AND EMMA PURCELL OP-ED EDITORS

CHARGER FUR BABIES CONTEST MATCH THE NAME OF THE PET TO THE PICTURE AND TAKE YOUR ANSWERS TO ROOM A113 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE. HAVE A PHOTO OF YOUR FURRY FRIEND YOU WANT TO SUBMIT? EMAIL SUBMISSIONS TO [email protected].

Charger 1 Charger 2 Charger 3 Charger 4 Names to choose from. Note: There are more names than pictures! Roxie, Jack, Buddy, Louie, Rascal, Bailey, Roco, Snowball Feb/Mar 2020 2 ON FEAR AND MORALITY By Cara Hadden many students act out and Instead of worrying that like a snake devouring Staff Reporter misbehave because they their actions will have fa- its tail. If all people used The Greek philosopher are afraid of doing some- tal consequences, people fear as validation for self- Plato once said, “We can thing right that may lead to act however they like to ishness, the world would easily forgive a child who disappointment or failure? avoid taking responsibility cease to have any good in is afraid of the dark; the In the past, fear was an or risks. Fearing the wrong it, and society would fail. real tragedy of life is when emotion vital to human thing in today’s world re- Therefore, the people of men are afraid of the light.” survival. Fear helped early sults in the erosion of mo- the world need to stop us- This quote rings true in man to recognize threats, rality, a fear of the light ing fear as a crutch to per- many ways. Most people and kept him from being due to reveling in the dark. mit bad behavior. They have been afraid of the killed before reproduc- If fear truly breeds from need to overcome their dark at some point in their ing. Like all animals, hu- ignorance and begets hate, aversion to helping them- lives, worried that the in- then to let it rule one’s life selves and improve their visible monsters of their In the past, and dictate one’s moral habits by improving their nightmares will come and actions leads to suffering. mindsets. Most important- take them. This fear is ir- fear was an The soul reverts back to its ly, they need to know they rational, but because they emotion vital original setting of self-pres- can lean on others to help are only children, and ervation, either in body, them conquer their fears will most likely grow out to human sur- mind, or reputation, and and vices. Plato was correct of that fear, adults do not twists the intent of fear into when he claimed that a man fault them for being afraid. vival. a grotesque, sinful version afraid of his own goodness However, what happens of itself. When one is ruled and potential is a tragedy. when people don’t grow out mans used fear to assess by fear, they no longer have Ergo, it is up to every per- of their fears? What hap- their environment and scruples, thus resulting in son to help their loved ones pens when people let their react to stimuli in a self- permitting oneself to do abandon their inhibitions fears take over their lives? preserving manner. It is anything in his or her pow- and realize their potential, Perhaps Plato was im- through fear that humans er. Self-preservation would for the victorious love of a plying that children have were able to survive in the align with self-destruction triumphant spirit is synon- grown so used to their fears wilderness for millennia. within a person to result ymous with being human. of the dark that they even- However, times have in a soul eating itself alive, tually find comfort in them, changed, and people have so that when they become developed modern civili- adults, the fears become zations that promise more Follow us on instagram @tlbnewspaper_ vices, and the light becomes safety than the harsh wil- The Journalism students at Chancellor High School publish The Lightning the monster in the closet. In Bolt, the only official newspaper on campus. The purpose of the newspaper is derness of years past. The to factually inform and entertain its readers. As an established open forum for other words, the most dev- fear instinct isn’t as use- the student body, truth will be the staff’s major goal. It is the responsibility of astating part of life is when each staffer to adhere to the journalism code of ethics as set by the Society of ful anymore thanks to ad- Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi. The code states that a journalist can people are afraid to do what vancements in technology not accept gifts, favors or privileges that could compromise their integrity. All is good for them. In high material published will be the result of brainstorm sessions by the staff. Subjects that limit the number of stimulating to the majority of the student body will be used. The editorial board, school, this observation of threats we face on a daily which is comprised of all newspaper staff members will determine the priority of the stories and the overall design of publication. The advisor serves to give human behavior becomes basis. Now, just like the students a better understanding of the functions and ethics of a free press. The more apparent every day. evolved bodies of man, advisor does not serve as a censure. Student editors will decide the material to be published. In accordance with community standards, profanity will not ap- How many students drink fear has evolved to suit the pear in the publication. Students are free to express an opinion on matters of and take drugs because struggles of a contempo- public interests under the, “fair comment rule.” Under this rule, the student has the right to intelligently criticize the school and its policies. Editorials reflect they’re afraid of dealing rary society. Instead of wor- the opinion of The Lightning Bolt. Opinion stories reflect the opinion of the with life sober? How many rying about accidentally writer and do not represent the opinion of the faculty and administrWation of Chancellor High School. Controversial issues will be covered from both points students join gangs be- ingesting poison, people of view. School news, as well as local, national and international events will also cause they are afraid to wait be covered. Letters to the editor are welcomed. All letters must be signed and ingest poison willingly to be between 200- 300 words long. They may be submitted to A113 or by e-mailing for a family to love them? avoid a lack of friends. In- [email protected]. The Lightning Bolt retains the right to edit let- How many students are in ters to comply with journalistic standards. Anonymous letters will not be pub- stead of worrying about lished. This is your school, help improve it through your opinions, praises, and unhappy or abusive rela- being physically harmed, constructive criticisms. If voiced aloud and in large enough numbers, we can tionships because they are bring about change. Our ultimate goal is to print the truth and with your help we people get into fights to can reach this goal. afraid of being alone? How avoid being seen as weak. 3 Feb/Mar 2020 NEWS ROLLING WITH LAUGHTER AT RIDESHARE

By Cara Hadden The Theatre ArtsOVERSHARE II class had the sketches included Darth Va- ment] from Mr. Armentrout.” Staff Reporter been working on these scenes der interrupting a date between a However, on the night of the What do a wannabe rapper, since before the holiday break in vampire and a werewolf, a young performance, a handful of the ac- a ‘semi-licensed’ therapist, and December, and their hard work man proving the existence of his tors were not able to attend, so a Chipotle robber have in com- certainly paid off in the end re- invisible date, and a bonding mo- some Theatre Arts II, III, and IV mon? These wacky characters all sult. A few standout scenes in ment between a man and woman students had to fill in those roles worked a day job as Uber driv- Rideshare Overshare involved over the love of Fruit Loops cereal. at the last minute. Fortunately, ers in Rideshare Overshare, the a robot Uber/Rocket, an aspir- Theatre Arts II student Emma the understudies were so excel- hilarious Theatre Arts II Com- ing baker determined to open Leighton said that her favor- lent that one could not guess edy Show performed January an establishment on Sesame ite part of the process was they were understudies until he 23 in the CHHS auditorium. Street, and a man who is only al- working with smaller groups or she looked at the program. Written by Ian McWethy and lowed to eat cake if he can prove of people for the scenes. After the show, Theatre Arts Carrie McCrossen, Rideshare to his mother that he has friends. “I definitely think it’s cool to II student Kaileigh Hotchkiss Overshare tells the story of Mike In addition, the night began with do smaller scenes, because every described feeling, “Very ex- and Elaine, two animal lovers some original comedy sketches scene has about two to four peo- cited and very accomplished.” who arranged to meet for a blind written, directed, and performed ple, [in part] because of the driver/ Overall, the Theatre Arts II date, and their encounters with a by the Theatre Arts II students, all passenger [dynamic]. It’s also real- class produced a fine evening of host of crazy Uber drivers, the lot of which focused on what could ly cool to [collaborate] with some- delightful comedy, camaraderie, of them seemingly determined go wrong on a blind date. A few body for a long period of time and and creativity with their perfor- to prevent Mike and Elaine from memorable moments during get individual notes [of improve- reaching their destination at all. mance of Rideshare Overshare. GETTING HYPED UP AT WINTER PEP RALLEY By Cara Hadden Ainsworth for the National An- lie Masaitis suggested that said, with the grit and determi- Staff Reporter them, and Isaiah McCall for having more interactive activi- nation of all officers, board mem- On January 24, after the Se- the blindfolded drum solo.” ties like musical chairs would bers, and SCA representatives, nior Expo, the student body During the pep rally, the winter help increase the level of ex- we have produced three very suc- assembled in the gymnasium sports teams of Chancellor pa- citement in future pep rallies. cessful pep rallies just this year!” for the Winter Pep Rally, a cel- raded into the gymnasium as the “I think people just want a When asked if he would want ebration of Chancellor’s win- students cheered for their athlet- spectacle. I love being able to to change anything for future ter sports teams. The SCA ic friends. After a hilarious Red recognize people who have pep rallies, Cabrera replied, spent two months to the day Box performance, which consist- worked hard, [like] sports team “One thing I would change is the dutifully planning a fun after- ed of a fun flash mob with a spot- seniors and captains, but I think amount of time that we have for noon of activities for students light, the students involved in it needs to be...almost more of the pep rally to begin with. By of all organizations to enjoy. Girl’s Basketball, Indoor Track, a show. No one really seems to the time everyone is seated, we Robin Kuhnert, Student Council Wrestling, Swim Team, Boy’s pay much attention to a group have about 50 minutes. Seems sponsor, described the Hercule- Basketball, Cheer, and Academic of kids running out, but maybe a like a lot right? In actuality, get- an toil the SCA endured to make Team walked across the floor to sort of demonstration with each ting people ready for games and the event as special as possible. a different song per team. Se- team would be interesting. I calling out the sports teams “We discussed and voted on niors were given special recog- think the parts that people enjoy of each designated season can the games and how we would nition as they walked across the most are the performances like take up more time than usual, pull kids into the games. We also floor to join their teammates. RedBox and the cheer demon- oftentimes leaving us with just got prizes for the winners of the After the winter sports were strations because it’s something 40 minutes for activities and games. [The SCA] had the stu- recognized, the Masters of Cer- to watch. For the games I noticed performances. Obviously, this dent body vote on who would emonies lead the student body that people like to be consid- is out of my power as the in- participate in the relay race. in a succession of relay races and ered to play them. While it does structional time spent in the For tug-of-war, we randomly se- class competitions. The Tug- take longer and can go wrong I classroom by the student body lected students who had earned of-War event in particular had think letting people get picked is very important. However, that honor roll for 2nd 9 weeks to the entire school in an uproar for the games in the moment is why we are hoping to have yet help promote students in our when the freshman class beat is something they enjoy more.” another pep rally this spring!” student body that work hard the senior class. The freshmen Student Council President All in all, what served as a fun with academics. This pep rally, then went on to face the junior and Master of Ceremonies diversion for the students was we [had] two different Master class, in which the juniors were Nickolaus Cabrera believed the result of months of hard of Ceremonies [Nickolaus Ca- declared the champions of the the pep rally went well overall. work and effort from a variety brera and Natalie Masaitis]. This Chancellor Tug-of-War. How- “On a scale from 1-10, [the pep of students, teachers, and fac- way we could reach more stu- ever, the crowd was the most rally was] a solid 8. Obviously ulty members. The winter pep dents to get them into the pep excited when random audience things never go as planned but rally was truly a labor of love to rally. We also reached out to stu- members were chosen to play a together, [the Student Council] promote positivity and Charger dents who have talents within rousing game of musical chairs. made sure to make this the best Pride among the student body. the student body to recognize Master of Ceremonies Nata- pep rally it could be! This being their [abilities], such as M’kayla Feb/Mar 2020 4 NEWS BENTON OFF WITH A BLAST WITH NEW PROMOTION By Cara Seely this job will help lead her to work- have given her a unique perspec- er to fill her spot, “it’s just a little Staff Reporter ing in administration. The Admin- tive that she could use to write challenging in Fredericksburg.” “Just because I’m not here teach- istrative Intern position is similar educational policy in the future. Benton sent a letter home with ing anymore doesn’t mean I’m to being an Assistant Principal Benton plans on staying in Spot- her students when she informed not as invested in them,” Damaris in-Training, as Benton describes sylvania County as long as her and them that she would be leav- Benton explains about leaving her it. Benton’s ultimate career goal her husband’s jobs permit them ing, just a week before her last job at Chancellor. “If they have is to attain her PhD in Educa- to do so. The military is what day at Chancellor. “It was a very things that they want me to come tion and write educational policy. brought her and her husband to emotional day,” Benton explains. to, I live five minutes from here. I “Although I love being in the the area. “It would be nice to be When asked what she hopes her can still come and still support.” classroom and I love working closer to home and family, but students can accomplish when Benton taught General English with kids, at the end of the day, for right now, it’s home,” Benton she leaves, Benton says, “To not 9, Honors English 9, and General I think there are a lot of issues in states about living in Spotsylvania. drive my replacement crazy!” and English 10 for the entirety of the education as a whole that we re- Due to Benton leaving mid-se- laughs, “Honestly, I want for them first semester. She is leaving after ally need to take a closer look at,” mester, she says that the school is to hopefully take some of the just starting her English teaching Benton explains. “Right now most trying to find a licensed teacher, things that I taught them about job at Chancellor, as of February of the folks who are making those rather than a substitute teacher, English and about life and keep 19th, to be the Administrative In- important decisions have never to teach her classes the remain- plugging forward and making good tern at Battlefield Middle School. really taught a day in their profes- der of the year, due to the com- choices, because that’s what high She is finishing up this school sional careers. It’s interesting to plexity of the course load she school is about anyway… in the year at Battlefield and continu- me to see they’re making decisions carried. Benton taught collab- least destructive manner possible.” ing her new position through that they don’t know that much orative courses, honors classes, Congratulations to Mrs. Benton on the 2020-2021 school year as well. about.” Benton believes her past and classes spanning multiple the new Administrative Intern po- “This is really the first step be- 12 years being in the education grade levels. “It’s not impossible sition at Battlefield Middle. Good tween teaching and administra- field, eight of which she has been to find,” Benton explains about luck! Chancellor will miss you! tion,” Benton explains about how working as a full-time teacher, finding a licensed English teach- DONT BE ALARMED BUT WASH YOUR HANDS By Christelle Temple worked hard and fast to give person-to-person between peo- your eyes, nose, and mouth, stay- Staff Reporter people answers to the numerous ple who are in close contact with ing home when you are sick, cov- The virus has been named “SARS- questions that surfaced from this one another, within about 6 feet. ering your cough or sneeze with CoV-2” and the disease it causes unknown virus. Coronaviruses are Through respiratory droplets pro- a tissue, then throwing the tissue has been named Coronavirus Dis- a large family of viruses that are duced when an infected person in the trash, cleaning and disin- ease 2019” (COVID-19). The offi- common in many different spe- coughs or sneezes, these droplets fecting frequently touched ob- cial name for the recently surfaced cies of animals, including cam- can land in the mouths or noses of jects and surfaces using a regular virus sweeping the globe, is Coro- els, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, people who are nearby or possibly household cleaning spray or wipe, navirus. The first outbreak origi- animal coronaviruses can infect be inhaled into the lungs. Coming and frequently wash your hands. nated in a wet market (a market people and then spread between in contact with the virus isn’t just According to the WorldOMeter that sells fresh meats and fish) in people. Until officials discovered through people but objects that that is frequently tracking cases, Wuhan, the capital of Central Chi- a wet market in Wuhan were sell- have been infected too. It may be there are roughly 83,910 docu- na’s Hubei province, is a commer- ing alive and dead animals to civil- possible that a person can get CO- mented cases and 2,872 deaths. cial center divided by the Yangtze ians. The original host is thought VID-19 by touching a surface or However, this is not something to and Han Rivers. A city filled with to be bats. Bats were not sold at object that has the virus on it and produce mass panic. With the US over 11.08 million people living the Wuhan market but may have then touching their own mouth, and China working fast to con- there has been on lockdown for infected live chickens or other nose, eyes, but this is not thought to tain the virus and create an anti weeks by the Chinese government animals sold there. Bats are host be the main way the virus spreads. virus the death mortality rate is along with many other cities mak- to a wide range of zoonotic vi- Confirmed symptoms of COV- only predicted to come about ing it the largest quarantine his- ruses including Ebola, HIV and ID-19 are fever, cough, runny nose, 2%, which is a lot better than the tory with over 45 million chinese rabies. Unfortunately, once the shortness of breath, and in severe common flu season we deal with citizens kept in their homes and cases started popping up the virus cases pneumonia. To prevent the every year. In total, the CDC es- not being allowed on the streets. did not only spread from animal spread health officials have rec- timates that up to 42.9 million The Center of Disease Con- to person, but person-to-person. ommended to avoid close contact people got sick during the 2018- trol and Prevention (CDC), has The virus can be spread from with people who are sick, touching 2019 flu season, 647,000 people were hospitalized and 61,200 died. LATE ARRIVAL STARTS FOR SENIORS By Brianna Butcher tra sleep. This privilege was not 3.0 GPA to receive late arrival. and list what time they ar- News Editor At this moment only seniors rive, and then they are off In the past few weeks seniors easily gained, however. Some who achieved honor roll for to their first block class. received a senior privilege of seniors including class presi- the first semester are getting it. late arrival. Those students who dent Abby Cook who fought for The office is running smooth- had honor roll for the first se- this privilege are upset because ly with checking in seniors. mester can now enjoy some ex- she wanted seniors with over a Students must sign a paper 5 Feb/Mar 2020 FEATURES CHANCELLOR WINS FORENSICS 4B lations to all of the students Annamarie Sanchez and Nata- Chancellor High School won involved! lie Roenke in Humorous Duo the 2020 Region 4B Forensics 1st Place Ronnie Bates in Poetry Master Sweeps! We placed first Lexi Carter in Prose 3rd Place in the competition by scoring Sarah Whitehurst in Humor- Natalie Masaitis in Impromptu the most team points. There ous Alternates were 9 teams at the competi- Kimora Bryant in Storytelling 4th Place: Emma Magner in Se- tion that was held on February Harry Landymore and Bryce rious Interp 8 at Chancellor High School. Jones in Humorous Duo 4th place: Andrea Rojas in Po- Eleven students moved on to Hailey Belote and Miranda Co- etry Super-Regionals, which was chran in Serious Duo 5th Place: Precious Wheeler in Pic courtesy of Mr.Armentrout held on February 22 at Chan- 2nd Place Serious Interp Chancellor High School wins cellor High School. Congratu- Forensics 4 B Master Sweeps. CHANCELLOR WINS AGAIN! which will be held on March chran in Serious Duo Chancellor High School won 28 at Clover Hill High School. 2nd Place the 2020 Super-Region 4AB Congratulations to all of the Kimora Bryant in Storytelling Forensics Master Sweeps! We students involved! 3rd Place placed first in the competi- 1st Place Ronnie Bates in Poetry tion by scoring the most team Natalie Masaitis in Impromptu Lexi Carter in Prose points. There were 12 teams at Sarah Whitehurst in Humor- Alternates the competition that was held ous 4th Place: Annamarie Sanchez on February 22 at Chancel- Harry Landymore and Bryce and Natalie Roenke in Humor- Pic courtesy of Mr.Armentrout lor High School. We have 9 Jones in Humorous Duo ous Duo Chancellor High School wins Mas- students moving on to States, Hailey Belote and Miranda Co- ter Sweeps in Super Regionals. CHARGED UP AROUND SCHOOL

Mr. Owens’s race track is back on track.

Black History Month Artwork-Nipsey Hussle by Anastasia Camarca

Pic courtesy of Ms. Broaddus A $500 donation from a local REMAX Real Estate Agen- The winner of the Valentine’s Day Mother Daugh- cy was presented to Mrs. Rivera’s Class on January 17. ter Essay Contest: Sierra Rivers! Feb/Mar 2020 6 OP-ED SENIOR EXPO: NEW EXPERIENCES By Natalie Arnold life, work load, classes, and doah University. Personally, I whatever decision wasn’t final Staff Reporter professors. Personally, I did took advantage of this great until they went over my actual The Senior Expo was on Janu- not partake in the mock in- opportunity, in part because application when I submitted. ary 24, 2020. Our administra- terviews, but for those who Shenandoah University was The Senior Expo allowed the tion and staff did such a good did it was a great introduc- on my list of colleges that I seniors to talk to a variety of job at organizing the event. tion to actual workplace in- wanted to apply to. With my people about how they want There were three parts: a panel terviews or college interviews. transcript in hand, nervous, I to spend the next few years of discussion in the auditorium, The vendor fair took place in introduced myself and started their future. As scary as talk- voluntary mock interviews, the gym and had upwards of talking to the admissions of- ing to new people is, the Expo and the vendor fair. The pan- 50 vendors. There were a va- ficer. He began talking to me really helped me in deciding el included a professor from riety of people there: college about the different programs what path I want to lead. I do Germanna, a student from admissions officers, recruiters that are offered at their Uni- not have my life figured out, Germanna, a professor from from branches of the military, versity. After that, he looked nor do I even know what I will University of Mary Washing- businesses, and even regis- at my transcript and eventu- major in when I get to college; ton, as well as two students tering to vote. One of the few ally offered me admissions to but, I know that wherever I go, from University of Mary Wash- colleges who were offering on the University. Although, he there will be people there that ington. The panel answered site admissions was Shenan- prefaced in the beginning that want to help me figure it out. various questions like college FREEDOM FOR HONG KONG By Christelle Temple Mutual Legal Assistance in Hong Kong citizens that their rights. Some of their demands Staff Reporter Criminal Matters Legislation freedoms are not only being are universal suffrage (ability America was built on life, lib- (Amendment) Bill 2019” was taken away, but Hong Kong to vote at 18) and their votes to erty, and freedom. These are proposed by Hong Kong’s gov- conforming to the People’s Re- hold equal weight, running for three things every American ernment. This law would take public of China. This law could office without arbitrary pre- citizen is more than grateful judicial matters away from the also prevent democratic can- screening (aka no more ran- for and what makes us differ- Hong Kong government and didates running for office in dom searches), serious inves- ent from every other nation. bring them to the People’s Re- Hong Kong, prosecuting pro- tigations into police brutality, Now what if those freedoms public of China’s socialist legal test leaders and banning a pro- withdrawal of the Extradition were being threatened to be system to be convicted. This independence political party. Law Amendment Bill, and taken away from you? What if sparked the uproar in Hong others. Due to the excessive someone told you that you no What if someone Kong. The concern for this bill use of force from the police longer can be free if you don’t is that this could affect civil told you that you no in Hong Kong protests have believe in a certain ideology or rights activists (those who op- now become a dangerous field a certain religion? The people longer can be free if pose the Chinese government), rather than what was once of Hong Kong have grown Hong Kong citizens, foriegn you don’t believe in meant to be peaceful. On Jan- not only worrisome, but more residents, and even people on uary 27, 2020 the start of the outraged than ever in the a certain ideology or business or as tourists. This Chinese Lunar New Year Mong Chinese Communist Govern- bill would pass those arrested a certain religion? Kok has been flooded with ment and have taken a stance. in Hong Kong to face China’s protests against the govern- Hong Kong is a semi-auton- legal system facing much ment and police fighting and omous region. Less than 200 more grave and unavoidable June of 2019 in a city of 7 rioting for 2 days. Police have years ago it was controlled punishment. Wang Xiangwei, million people, 2 million took been tear gassing journalists by the British as a center for a Hong Kong Journalist, wrote to the streets in hopes for a and by-standers along with ar- trade. In 1987 the British a July 3th, 2019 article in “This peaceful protest against this resting over 4,500 protesters agreed to give the land back to Week In Asia” stating “China’s bill that would destroy the ‘le- since June. Hong Kong is un- China. China agreed to allow a legal system has a long way gal’ wall that separates Hong der a new generation of kids “high degree of autonomy(the to go before it can be trusted. Kong from China. Unfortu- who want change, freedom! right to self government)”, Examples abound of the coun- nately, instead of their govern- including guarantees of free try’s opaque law enforcement ment listening to their people, speech, capitalist markets and and judiciary ignoring due millions of protests since June English common law under process and trampling over have been met with police bru- a “one country, two systems” the rule of law. Moves are be- tality, assault from police, and arrangement. So even though ing made to stamp out corrup- many more maimed. Since China is a communist Na- tion and build public confi- June the protests have gone tion, Hong Kong has a little dence, but will they be enough beyon just the Bill to include more democracy and freedom. to deliver systemic change?” demands from the people and Last year, February of 2019 This law being passed worries protection of fundamental The “Fugitive Offenders and 7 Feb/Mar 2020 OP-ED LOOKING INTO ILHAN OMAR By Christelle Temple The Blaze reported that toward and Custom Enforcement (ICE). did not legally divorce until 2017. Staff Reporter the end of last year that “the The Daily Wire posted an ar- In 2014/15 Omar filed a joint tax Ilhan Omar was the youngest of Department of Justice had as- ticle January 20, 2020 explaining return with Hirisi even though she seven born in Somalia. In 1997 her signed an FBI Special Agent in in a timeline the questions raised was still legally married to Elmi. family migrated to Minneapolis af- Charge (SAC), to review Rep. Il- with her “faith tradition” mar- Mike Bunge of KIMT3 NEWS ter fleeing the Somalian War and han Omar’s apparent, astonish- riage to Ahmed Hirsi in 2002. A posted July 23, 2019 that along spending four years in a Kenyan ing spree of felonies from 2009 “faith tradition” marriage is not a with her violating state laws Min- refugee camp. Ilhan Omar is the to 2017.” Omar who has continu- legal marriage through the law but nesota’s campaign finance -of first ever Somali-American elect- ously denied all allegations: eight through whatever deity you recog- ficials found she used campaign ed into Congress January 3, 2019 instances of perjury, immigra- nize in religion. In 2008 the two funds and donations to pay for as the U.S House of Representa- tion fraud, marriage fraud, up to split their marriage through “faith her own private travel out of state tives member from Minnesota’s eight years of state and federal tradition”. In 2009 she legally mar- while still a state lawmaker. With 5th district. Omar, who is strongly tax fraud, two years of federal stu- ried who she describes as a British multiple laws broken and once leftist and a part of a progressive dent loan fraud, and even bigamy. citizen named Ahmed Nur Said again nothing said by the media, democratic Caucus, is found to These allegations are currently be- Elmi. In 2011 they split through it goes to show the Democratic be under investigation right now. ing investigated by Immigration “faith tradition”, However, they Party is always above the law. A NEW NAME TO BATLLEFIELD: “PEACEFUL PROTEST” BEAUTIFUL BOY By Christelle Temple ment was mostly dormant By Emma Purcell and Cara Seeely Staff Reporter - until Barack Obama came Op-Ed Editors According to Google, the defi- into office and put a major rift Cara’s POV Emma’s POV nition of Antifa is “A political between blacks and whites, Recently, Emma told me she Recently, I watched the movie protest movement comprising ultimately creating a race war watched the movie, Beautiful Beautiful Boy which portrays a autonomous groups affiliated between American citizens. Boy, and recommended it to me story of a young boy, Nic (played by their militant opposition to Once Donald Trump was elect- because she liked it so much. It’s by Timothee Chalamet), who fascism and other forms of ex- ed into office, Antifa became a story about a young boy, Nic, progressively gets addicted treme right-wing ideologies.” who progressively gets addicted a mini terrorist organization. to drugs. I feel as though the In simple terms it is fascism in to horrific drugs. I felt this movie Wearing all black, and covering movie was directed quite per- a one party dictatorship that is was directed far too intensively; it their faces with masks, mobs of fectly; it showed all his rawest completely against democracy. was overly graphic and showed the Antifa members continuously and toughest times. His father, So kudos to Antifa! What a great raw, uncomfortable situations Nic terrorize conservative journal- David (played by Steve Car- stance against a terrible form of got himself into. His father, David, ists, activists, and ANYONE also played a large role in the film. rel), also played a large role in dictorital power in government. who supports Donald Trump. He was constantly pressuring his the film. He constantly worked Hitler took over Germany in Multiple videos online sur- son when trying to over involve with his son trying to help him a Facist pursuit with WWI and face everyday of Antifa groups himself in Nic’s drug addiction, overcome his addiction. You the Nazi military he created. growing more and more vio- which only puts the wrong kind of could tell David cared about This is how you could say is the lent. The Hill posted an article message out there for people who Nic so much, which allowed me backbone of Antifa, an organi- know someone battling drug ad- July 5, 2019 of a conservative to be even more emotionally zation that believes Nazi Ger- diction. David didn’t seem to care journalist Andy Ngo who suf- invested into the movie. Nic many could have been stopped about Nic as one would suspect, fered brain damage and mul- went through so many rough if there was more violence in so I was unable to become emo- tiple open wound injuries to patches, including relapses the streets to stop the party tionally connected to the movie. his upper body due to an attack Nic went through so many rough and an overdose. He also lost from growing. However, Antifa at an Antifa rally in Portland patches, including relapses and friends who were close to him goes about this crusade of end- Oregon. Other open conserva- an overdose. He also lost friends from drug addictions. While it ing fascism in a rather peculiar tives have also been maliciously that were close to him from drug was hard to watch sometimes, I way. Some Antifa groups date attacked by this hateful group addictions. It was simply sad. It think showing these moments the origins of their movement such as Charlie Kirk, Candace was hard to watch sometimes, gives people insight on how to fights against European fas- Owens, and Kaitlyn Bennit. and I think showing these mo- badly things can get. This film cists in the 1920s and 1930s. ments gave people wrongful in- The organization has grown was based on a true story, which Mark Bray, author of Antifa: sight on how drug addiction to only hate those on the right. gives the uncomfortable scenes The Anti-Fascist Handbook, usually goes. This film was based No longer taking words like even more of an importance to says the modern American on a true story, which makes the “white supremacy”, “racist”, and them. Overall, the movie con- Antifa movement began in the uncomfortable scenes even more “fascist” serious enough. People uncomfortable and unsettling. stantly kept my attention and 1980s with a group called An- throw around those words so Overall, the movie couldn’t keep all the actors played their roles ti-Racist Action. Its members often they no longer have any my attention, and all the actors very well. It’s a great movie confronted neo-Nazi skinheads meaning. Anyone could be a played their roles very poorly. It’s a to watch cuddled up in your at punk gigs in the American racist or white supremacist if it bad movie to watch cuddled up in bed as things get a little deep Midwest and elsewhere. By the fits the liberal’s personal belief. your bed, as things got disturbing, and emotional sometimes! early 2000s the Antifa move- scary, and impractical sometimes. Feb/Mar 2020 8 OP-ED THE BLACK HEBREW ISRAELITES MEME By Christelle Temple citizen status did not provide the elite School of Universal Practical Staff Reporter free education for their children, Knowledge, a sect that is the Isra- Who are the Black Hebrew tax exemptions, and loans for elite Church’s main rival, has its OF THE Israelites and where did they permanent settlement that were own YouTube channel, with over come from? Many have prob- available to Jewish immigrants. 500 subscribers. One video re- MONTH ably never heard of such a group, For the next couple decades the cently circulated Israelite School In one of his 2019 speeches, and for only starting about 50 Black Hebrew Israelites popula- video, which has been viewed Bernie Sanders made the state- years ago the group already has tion grew with very high birth more than 26,000 times, shows ment, “I am once again asking a pretty big platform in America. rates. One of the reasons being a group of robed street preach- for your financial support” re- A man named Ben Carter, who that Black Hebrews forbid birth ers harassing a white woman un- garding the Federal Election later changed his name to Ben control and believe in polygamy. til she bursts into tears. Another Commision, which deals with Ammi Ben, founded the group Hatred grew in the group when shows the preachers applauding in Chicago, Illinois in 1967. Ac- campaign finance and rules the government consistently de- as a white man kneels down to and regulations of campaigns. cording to the Hebrew Israelite nied them authentic citizenship, kiss the boots of “the prophets of community, in 1966 Ben Ammi The meme lords have recently giving them a choice of gaining God ‘’ while begging forgiveness borrowed from yesteryear and received a vision from the angel only if they converted to Juda- for the sins of his race. The Front taken this unique opportunity Gabriel, who told him to lead ism. Thus, the group began to Page Mag posted an article, “New African-Americans to Israel. In denounce Israel and Jews believ- York Times Runs Article Defend- to turn this into a meme ad- the vision, he claimed he was in- ing white Jews were frauds and ing Anti-Semitic Black Israelites” dressing the ever present need structed to: “Lead the children of only the Black Hebrew Israelites by Daniel Greenfield which illus- for reassurance or aggressive Israel among African Americans were true Jewish descendants. trates a picture of how the media confirmation. Anxiety and im- to the promised land, and estab- The beliefs in this group fluctu- covers up these hatred groups patience are lish the long-awaited Kingdom ate. Some members are more ex- and doesn’t apologize for them, the message, Sanders is only of God.” Wikipedia (2019) Ammi treme in their beliefs and values but defends them. ADL Fight- the host. then went on to appoint 30 dis- than others. But, according to ing Hate For Good has a website ciples to his new religious group. Southern Law Pverty Center, all that tracks anti Semitic attacks. He moved the group to Liberia for believe that blacks are the chosen On December 10, 2019 just one a short period before their final ones of God and all white people example of a Black Hebrew Is- destination in Israel. The Libe- are the spawns of Satan only de- raelites attack was at a Kosher rian government was not happy serving of slavery and death. Market in Jersey City. The store’s with their new found residence The notorious white suprema- owner, an employee, and one cus- and pushed them to leave which cist leader Tom Metzger once said tomer were killed, as was Detec- they did. Shortly after, many of extremist Hebrew Israelites, tive Joseph Seals. With this group had already died due to disease. “They’re the black counterparts of only growing its fan base and fol- In 1969 the founder moved the us.” The belief system of extrem- lowers there is no clear end of this group to Israel and demanded ist Hebrew Israelites is basically group stopping, nonetheless, be- citizenship into the country. Un- the reversed-color mirror image ing condemned by anyone. Grow- der Israel law any Jew migrating of the Christian Identity theology ing awareness is important, not to Israel is granted citizenship. embraced by many white suprem- hate, and definitely no bigotry. The rights of a Jew under this acists, which holds that main- do you ever think about the law, and the rights of an Ole un- stream Jews are the descendants people you pass on the street? der the Citizenship Law -1952, of Satan and that white people people pass hundreds of people and the rights of a Ole under any are the chosen ones, divinely en- each day out in public, wheth- other law, “are given to the child dowed by God with superior sta- er you’re at school, work, the or grandchild of a Jew, the spouse tus over non-white individuals. mall, or an amusement park. of a Jew, the spouse of a child, There has been increasing Imagine this : you are walking and grandchild of a Jew; Except rhetoric of extremist Hebrew downtown and you have no clue a person who was born Jewish Israelites sects that talk of an where a restaurant is located. and out of his free will converted impending apocalypse and God- what do you do? most likely, you his religion.” (DC Law Offices ordained race war. Black He- go on your phone and map how Relocation and Migration, 2019) brew Israelites in America have to get there. what if you had However, the Black Hebrew Is- grown increasingly militant with asked that boy outside the book- raelites could produce no sus- countless anti-Semitic attacks. store where the restaurant was? tancial evidence to prove their There are Black Hebrew Israel- who knows what could’ve hap- Jewish Heritage. The government ite churches all over the coast; pened if you asked him! you decided they were not Jewish and New York City holds the Black could’ve made an instant connec- did not grant them citizenship, supremacist headquarters. There tion. as a whole, most of us tend to instead entering Israel with tem- are now extremist Hebrew Israel- stray away from human contact. porary visas. They were allowed ite churches in cities throughout how about we look up from our to live, work, and receive health Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, technology just for a few minutes. care in Israel and were given Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, technology isn’t a bad resource loans so they could meet their North Carolina, Pennsylvania, whatsoever, but stepping back By Kaitlyn Garvey basic needs. However, their non- Oklahoma and Oregon. The Isra- and talking to people is good too! Sports Editor 9 Feb/Mar 2020 OP-ED HUMANS OF RANKING TEN CHANCELLOR ROMANCE MOVIES By Stephanie Martinez Ryan Gosling plays a man named Staff Reporter Noah who meets Rachel Ad- To All The Boys I’ve Loved. ams’ character Allie at a carni- PS I Still Love You: The movie val. Their romance is cut short takes place right after Lara Jean when Allie’s parents forbid the and Peter get together. Lara love and move her to New York has some doubts after Peter’s as Noah enlists in the war. Few ex gets inside her head, and to years pass, and the two lov- make matters worse, John Am- ers reunite, but Allie is married brose McClaren,one of the boys and they start an affair. One Lara has written a letter for, thing I hate more than cheesy comes to town and the drama romance movies is cheating. falls into place. Every five min- Kissing Booth: Ellie Evans is a utes I was left squealing and girl who’s never been kissed, and sitting on the edge of my seat. what better way to get your first Five Feet Apart: Two cancer pa- kiss by opening a kissing booth at tients must stay away from each your school where anyone could other due to their illness, but pay for a kiss. Turns out her first they get closer and fall in love. kiss is her best friend, Lee’s older This movie may sound familiar brother Noah. Not only is she since the plot is just like The breaking a rule she made with Fault In Our Stars, but the only Lee by not getting romantic with difference is that the main char- Noah, but she also gets into a re- acters have Cystic Fibrosis. Five lationship where it’s clearly toxic. Feet Apart is just as much of a Twilight: Do I even have to tear-jerker as Fault Of Our Stars. Lexi Carter explain myself? In my opinion, Love,Simon: Nick Robinson,one Hollywood picked the two ugli- of my favorite actors, plays Si- In my personal opinion I will say my mask is, my insecurities. est men to play a werewolf and mon, a closeted gay kid who is a They are the things I do not want people to see. It is everything a vampire. I was never allowed afarid of telling his friends and that I hide inside that, if they ever become visible, I would get to watch Twilight due to my age, family about his true self. His se- but as soon as I was old enough judged. if I feel like a mask is not something that’s fake, it’s real. cret is to be released, and sadly I realized I was not missing out. We all have these masks we wear for a specific reason and nobody Simon is being blackmailed. The worst part of this whole really asks us. We have these struggles and imperfections and Don’t worry, Simon decides he franchise is when Jacob literally these broken pieces we keep inside out of fear and judgement. should tell his friends and fam- imprinted on her DAUGHTER. That fear is what drives us to keep hidden and grab our mask. We ily and find love in the end. Grease: Middle-age adults are are just not wanting to get judged so we hide behind it. It really Edge Of Seventeen: Hailee playing teens. How are we sup- does depend on the person like we all have a different story or Steinfeld, my favorite actress, posed to take them seriously? different personal background but at the end of the day we are plays Nadie, an awkward teen Grease is THAT type of musi- with only one friend. That one all equal, broken, hurt, imperfect, and wanting someone to tell cal where the bad boy tries to friend soon becomes her popular us everything is ok and that they care. This all might sound de- get with the good girl and the jock brother’s girlfriend, and she pressing but we think it is because we are afraid of the truth. The good girl thinks she can change feels left out. This movie is really truth is no one will ever be perfect or “above” (ego wise) anyone him. But in the end, he stays funny and shows how awkward else. Anyways, my mask is my confidence and showing that I am the same and she still loves being a teen can be while trying not weak and that I can do anything. My mask is also trying to him. Sandy(Olivia Newton- to figure things out by yourself. please everyone so no one hates me but the truth is no one will John) changed herself at the Princess Diaries: Mia Ther- like everyone and not everyone will like me and I have mostly end for Danny (John Travolta) mopolis, a shy girl, is thrown into come to terms with that. We have masks out of fear and rejec- First Daughter-: (Katie a loop when she finds out she is tion and judgement. We want to be accepted so you try to find Holmes) is the daughter of the next in line for the small Euro- it but have you found it in the right people? Have you chosen to United States President who is pean principality of Genovia. going to college but wants to go take your mask off yet? Are you still afraid of the judgement even This is one of my favorite movies as any normal student. Her fa- tho you have wonderful friends? Is the question is yes I think it’s since I remember this from my ther agrees but sends an agent to your time to self assess and make sure you care about yourself early childhood. Only problem watch over her. I could see where before you’re ready to go out into this world to show the love and is her grandmother forced her this was going from a mile ahead. passion and kindness everyone needs. Having a mask isn’t wrong to change herself. Because of She finds out, gets mad at her fa- just don’t over use it to the point where both sides are broke . that, this movie is last on my list ther, gets mad at the dude, but it’s The Notebook: Hate me if all good at the end. She forgives, you must, but this movie sucks. and they lived happily ever after. Feb/Mar 2020 10 OP-ED MISSED CONNECTIONS NEW SLUSHIES FOR ALL By Natalie Arnold By Stephanie Martinez zen Go-gurt that’s been left out for Staff Reporter Staff Reporter a long time. Then I tried the yellow do you ever think about the people you pass on the street? Chancellor High School one. Of all the ones I tasted, this people pass hundreds of people each day out in public, just got a little bit cooler, and was the biggest disappointment. whether you’re at school, work, the mall, or an amusement park. it’s not the air conditioning. The flavor was gone in about five imagine this : Slushies have been added to the minutes, and in those five min- you are walking downtown menu in the cafeteria. The posts on utes I tried figuring out the flavor. and you have no clue where a restaurant is located. Snapchat said they weren’t good, There is still a red slushie option what do you do? so I was very skeptical. A close that is out there to discover. De- most likely, you go on your phone and map how to get there. friend of mine convinced me to spite my distaste for them at this what if you had asked that boy outside the bookstore where the try it. Slushies can be an acquired point, I still believe they are worth restaurant was? taste, and something that peo- a try since everyone has a differ- who knows what could’ve happened if you asked him! ple should judge for themselves. ent palate. Besides, drinking one you could’ve made an instant connection. The blue slushie was the first one gives you a cooldown from the as a whole, I tried. It was a good choice for my stressful school day. Slushies cost most of us tend to stray away from human contact. first one, but there was more syrup 1.75 and are available everyday. how about we look up from our technology just for a few minutes. than actual slush. The second was technology isn’t a bad resource whatsoever, the pink one that didn’t suit my but stepping back and talking to people is good too! preference at all. It tasted like a fro- “A SILENT VOICE” FINAL PART By Katie Stafford wanted her to know something. that grow more feeble with each As Shoko writes, Tomohiro ex- Staff Reporter That something is unknown as heartbeat, Naoko says, “You must plains he heard what happened. “If you give me one more ounce she gets on her knees and bows, be the little loser’s mother. Say, After reading the message she wrote of strength, I won’t run away from apologizing. Miyako asks her what if you can’t keep your kid in line, that she destroyed what Shoya had my problems anymore. Just do this she’s doing. She gets down onto her do us a favor and stop breathing!” created, he asks if it has to do with one thing for me, please. Starting knees, begging her to get up, say- Miyako, after breaking up the the meeting on the bridge. Shoko tomorrow, I’ll look everyone in the ing Shoya must have done some- fight, asks Shoko if she’s okay. On nods, and Tomohiro grabs the note- eye; starting tomorrow, I’ll listen thing. Yuzuru explains Shoya was the ground on her knees, she low- book and pen. While writing, he when people speak to me; start- trying to save her stupid sister. ers herself to Shoya’s mother. Sob- explains Shoya was the only one to ing tomorrow, I’ll be better,” pleads She follows her mother’s bow, say- bing, she apologizes, explaining accept someone like him. He says Ya- Shoya. With one hand holding Sho- ing she should have done better. it was all her fault. The woman sho (the nickname he coined Shoya) ko’s wrist, he tells her to grab onto Miyako begs them to get up. She’s watches the hysterical girl for a mo- was kind and open-hearted enough the railing. He’s in danger of falling glad Shoko is okay, and Yuzuru as ment before closing her eyes tightly to let him be friends with him. Both off the balcony. Holding onto her well. She begs mother and daugh- with her teeth gritted, almost like were experiencing friendship to- with both hands, he prays to God. ter once more before breaking she was struggling not to break gether. Handing the pad back, he Murmuring her name, Shoya down crying. As she sobs, Naoko down as well. The camera moves says Ya-sho is his best friend, and he notices the scar he gave Shoko in is heard snarling at Shoko for not to the deaf girl’s family watching knows he’ll wake up. Shoko takes the sixth grade, and he wonders if she being the one in the hospital bed. before settling on a lone daisy be- pad and writes one final message: “I is still mad at him. He realizes he The scene changes to Shoko, side the fence. Shoko’s sobs only want to restore what I destroyed.” was dumb, and should have asked wounded and her hair unkempt, be- grow louder and more distraught. At the park, Shoko, Tomohiro, her what she thought of him. As ing slammed into the fence, which That night, Yuzuru places photos Miki, and Satoshi barely notice he’s about to confess his love for rattles and shakes by the force. Na- of dead animals on the fridge. Her a staring crowd forming as Miki her, Shoko starts to pull herself up. oko snarls at her that she shouldn’t mother comes in, and her daughter shouts about Shoko trying to kill Once she’s safe from falling, Shoya play the victim. However, in the explains if Shoko saw the photos, herself. When Tomohiro says she’s slips and starts falling. A tearful, Japanese version, she tells Shoko then she wouldn’t be talking about being too loud, she says she has to Shoko watches him fall in horror. to stop playing the tragic heroine, killing herself, which gives a rea- be loud for Shoko to hear her. Hug- Shoya remembers that morning: which she is, along with Shoya be- son for Yuzuru to take a photo of ging Shoko, she tells her, “I know His sister made him some pancakes ing the tragic hero. Back to the a dead frog in the rain during the life can be hard, but it’s like that for by what his mother told him, and English dub, she then orders Shoko second part of this movie review. everyone. The thing is, you have to his sister’s daughter says she’ll en- to say something before asking her The next scene is a flashback of accept the bad parts of yourself with joy the fireworks. He slams into if she finally felt bad for creating a sixth grade Shoko in tears, pre- the good, and just move forward.” water. As he begins bleeding, he all the problems for everything. As sumably after she had to suffer Satoshi says he’s glad she’s al- thinks how cold and yet how warm a result, she decides to kill herself. Shoya’s bullying. Back in the dark right. At Niyoko’s, Shoko ex- the water is. The scene fades to Naoko asks her if she can only kitchen, both mother and daughter plained she went to see everyone. black with the redness of his blood apologize, and that’ll not cut it cry. Shoko watches them silently. She hands Shoko the message lingering before going to flash- again. She, holding Shoko, shoves The next morning, Yu- back, and says even if Shoya woke ing lights and muffled siren wails. her into the fence. Naoko snaps, zuru, two translucent bags of from his coma, she would be too At Sulmon Muunicipal Hos- “Who do you think you are? You’re her photos, sees Shoko ahead ashamed to see him. She was the pital, Yuzuru, wanting to know a loser - a deaf loser. You sit there of her with her head high. same coward she always was. Shoko about Shoya, notices his mother in your own little world and ignore Tomohiro is going to see Shoya coherently says it wasn’t too late heading for her son’s new room everyone else around you. You’re when he notices Naoko forcing to change; she could right now. out of the Intensive Care Unit. As the most selfish person I know!” Shoko out of the room Shoya is For three days, Shoko waits for the two are talking, they’re inter- She hits Shoko again, but the deaf in. After concluding she’s keeping Naoko to respond to her. On the rupted by Yaeko. Miyako apolo- girl’s mother grabs her wrist be- the door closed from the inside, third day of ignoring her, rain gizes, and says Shoya’s actions in fore Yaeko strikes the black-haired he pretends to just notice Sho- pelts down from the stormy sky. the past were unforgivable, but she bully. As the two exchange blows ko, and offers to buy her a drink. Walking in the rain with no pro 11 Feb/Mar 2020 OP-ED “A SILENT VOICE” FINAL PART CONT. tection, Naoko’s surprised Sho- thing. He was wrong. He admits uses hyperbole by pointing out the him and thanks his friend for his ko offered her umbrella to her. he thought of ending things, like terrible grades are impressive too. friendship. Seeing his friend has This triggers memories of her days Shoko thought and tried to. He re- Since he’s back home, Yuzuru a little mustache, he asks about it; in sixth grade with Shoya as her alizes that certain things can make asks him to teach her to study. Tomohiro explains he wasn’t go- bully, but Shoya isn’t there. It then life difficult sometimes, but that Hours later, she says she’s giving ing to shave it until he woke up. goes to Kazuki and Shoya’s other didn’t mean it was worth dying over. school another shot, and Shoko Outside the bathroom, the two sixth-grade friend watching the am- He wanted to apologize and do it wanted her to. She adds she doesn’t boys notice Shoko with Miki and bulance with Shoya in it. Then goes right. Shoya says he needs help from want to let people down, and all Satoshi, who explains they heard to a text explaining Shoya found her. He’s hoping she can teach him she can do is try. Yuzuru asks him Tomohiro yelling Shoya’s name and Shoko, and asking how she is be- how to live. He moves closer, and if his school was having a festival followed. He then asks Miki if she fore saying it’s kind of awkward. The forms her hands into the sign for tomorrow; Shoya says she’s right. had brought the gift. She says it’s a text says he was thinking of dying. friendship. A few seconds of awk- Sometime later, he’s given a text failure, explaining there were meant The same high-pitched noise from ward silence follows before Shoya, saying that everyone was coming to be a thousand of them. They made when Shoya and Tomohiro first blushing slightly, says that was the to school tomorrow for the festival. what looked like a paper banner out meet whines as Shoya goes back to creepiest thing he said. After he tells The next morning, a nervous of folded paper. Shoya thanks them, what he looked like in sixth grade. her to forget what he said, Shoko Shoya tries to find the right words then apologizes to Satoshi and Miki. Shoko watches up and heads to chuckles. Under the moon and for an apology as he talks to him- Naoko says the sappy talk was going the bridge. Seeing Shoya isn’t there, stars, she signs the word together. self in front of a mirror. The apology to make her lose her lunch. As Miki she falls to her knees and cries, Once home, Shoya sees his niece would be for the friends he snapped and Naoka start quarreling, Niyoko her tears rippling the water. Mean- has been watering some flowers. He at on the meeting before Shoko and says to calm down. She apologizes to while, Shoya wakes from his coma, says she’s good at gardening. Maria Shoya confessed why they tried to Shoya, explaining she should have confused and slightly frightened, says he died as she hugs her uncle; end their lives - Shoya at a highway been a friend to him when he need- and takes off the tubes attached the girl’s grandmother says Shoya’s above water in the beginning of ed it. Shoya says he did the same. to his body. Once at the bridge, back from the dead. Clearly, one the movie, and Shoko towards the Naoko tells Shoko they’re just he thinks she’s not there. He mut- of Maria’s family members found end of the movie. As he’s about to talking things out. Shoko signs ters an apology, and still weak and death an easier excuse than trying to leave, Shoya sees the gift Shoko got an apology, and Naoko says that’s shaky after just waking from a explain a coma to a young girl, when him, flower bed decorations, when all the deaf girl can do. She incor- coma, he slams his hand onto the death is a harder subject for a child she was confessing her love to him. rectly signs for moron, and Shoko railing to try and steady himself. to understand and handle. Shoya At school, Shoya greets Shoko. gasps before grabbing her hand, Either hearing or feeling the vibra- tells his niece not to listen to Miyako. While the students talk about corrects the sign meant to insult tion, the deaf girl raises her head. Both see Naoko, who was watch- Shoya, the two are both walking her. As she does the sign, she says After Shoya greets her, they wipe ing them, whip around a corner. together. Not long later, Shoya the word. Shoko chuckles before away the tears from their eyes. Shoko With her mother’s prompting, he crouches down and explains he her new bully leaves. Shoya asks pokes his chest, stumbles backward, says she visited him while he was doesn’t fit in at school because he his friends to do him a favor: to go clearly realizing he was real and in the coma. The former bully fol- has trouble looking people in the to the school festival with him. not a figment of her imagination. lows Shoko’s new bully, Naoko ex- eye. He says it’s easier looking at the As he walks, he lets other conver- Her first reaction was Shoya laugh- plains she can never like Shoko. floor. Shoko says that’s okay if he sations be heard. The X’s fall from ing and him falling to his knees. She adds it was Kazuki and his does it. Next, he’s making it more everyone’s faces; Shoya notices ev- Noticing she’s about to cry, he former friends from sixth grade to obvious he’s not giving anyone eye eryone, like how him covering his asks her what’s wrong. He signs to pull him out of the water before contact while Shoya guides him. ears was a symbol for not listening her as he says he’s glad she’s okay. he drowned. She leaves, and Shoya When Shoya’s at the threshold to anyone. He lowers his hands from Shoko kneels down, and Shoya tells notices her again as the X cover- of the open classroom, the stu- his ears, symbolising the opposite. her not to worry because he was ing her face flutters to the ground. dents ask him if he’s really okay. He looks at every friend and fam- fine. He asks her to stop looking so One day, Shoya comes home to He closes the classroom door and ily member he has. Rooted to the gloomy; Shoko’s simply on the verge see Miyako giving Yaeko a haircut. leaves Shoko, explaining his stom- spot, he starts to cry as he remem- of breaking down. Shoya apologizes When Shoko’s mother points out ach was bothering him. Tomohiro bers every friend, finally ending for all he did, saying he didn’t care it looks too short, Miyako reas- explodes out of the classroom and with Shoko. In the manga, Shoya she was going through a lot, because sures her it looks cute. His mother sees Shoya watching Shoya leave. and Shoko stand in a room, to- he was being selfish. More than then notices her son. After both In the boys’ bathroom, Shoya, gether and alone; a metaphor for anything, he wanted to have a con- women greet him, Shoya’s about breathing deeply, crouches next to their relationship that will last for versation with her. He wasn’t trying to leave them when Yaeko apolo- a toilet. The stall’s door is knocked, a lifetime. The movie ends with one to hurt her; however, he must have gizes to him. Miyako then says he and Tomohiro asks Shoya if he’s final message: “The shape of voice.” when she tried to end her own life. always bounces right back. Once okay. The door opens, and Shoya This movie can be viewed on Net- Shoko says he was wrong. To her son-in-law says he’s going to greets him with his eyes averted. To- flix. The cliche of a bully falling in her, it was all her fault because she pick up Maria, Miyako tells Shoya mohiro asks him why he’s not look- love with his old victim is given couldn’t change, resulting in Shoya’s to give Yuzuru, who’s waiting in his ing at him. Shoya explains he made a more believable twist. The plot fall. She thought she should just room for him, to give her some jelly. a promise to people more in the sounds simple, but there’s the mag- disappear. She was selfish, which Entering with three containers, eye. He guesses he’s too frightened. ic of love, and the power that Death was how her former bully felt about Shoya gets settled before Yuzuru It’s only when Tomohiro shouts has over someone’s mental suffer- himself. She breaks down and sobs. shows him to photos that got her Shoya’s actual name for the first ing - Shoya’s struggles to atone, and Lowering herself to the ground, winning first place in the contest her time since he’d given the nickname Shoko’s to try and rid herself of her she says she’s sorry to Shoya, who mother and sister entered her in. He to him that makes the frightened “selfishness” - when it comes to fac- says that wasn’t true, and to not cry. says the photos are impressive. She boy look at his friend in the eye. ing your past. The two themes - keep After telling her to look at him gives him a report card with most Tomohiro’s glad Shoya’s okay. The moving forward, and somethings (she obeys), Shoya says they were of the classes she’s taking show- boy starts sobbing; if Shoya didn’t aren’t worth literally dying over - is talking earlier. He then explains he ing that she’s failing. He admits wake up, he’d be all alone again. earth shatteringly powerful and true. was dreaming, and in the dream, the failing grades are so impres- He begs Shoya not to leave him or he was ready to give up on every- sive. In the Japanese version, Shoya his friends. Shoya apologizes to Feb/Mar 2020 12 FEATURES DAY OF LOVE COMES FROM CHALLENGING HISTORY OF SAINT By Hailey Patten Eventually St. Valentine was These cards would usually con- movie, a picnic, or even making Staff Reporter caught and thrown into jail. tain sentimental verses, declar- a special home cooked meal. Whether you’re a fan or While imprisoned, he took ing their love for the other per- Many restaurants offer spe- not, Valentine's Day is cel- care of his fellow inmates son and even announcing their cialties for Valentine's Day, ebrated in the United States and even took care of his jail- beauty. These special cards were but it is good practice to make on February 14th, and will er's daughter who was blind. often decorated with hearts, a reservation. Tables are deco- be here before you know it. Legend has it that Valentine flowers, pictures of cupid, and rated with flowers or candles. Valentine’s Day is an annual healed her blindness. His final trimmed with lace and ribbons. They may also have their food holiday to celebrate romantic act before being executed was While Valentine’s Day is cel- brought out with symbols of love, friendship, and admi- to write a letter expressing his ebrated in most countries, love like hearts or flowers. ration towards one another. love for the girl. He signed the different ethnicities have de- Marriage proposals are often Valentine’s Day is usually cel- letter “ Your Valentine.” Not veloped their own traditions common on Valentine’s Day. ebrated by sending cards, flow- long after, he was executed on and celebrations for this spe- Valentine’s Day is frequently ers, chocolates, or gifts of any February 14th in the year 270. cial day. In some parts of the chosen as the perfect day to kind to our family, friends, or About 200 years later February world, Valentine’s Day is used express or show their love and partners. We do this as an act to 14th was declared Valentine’s to express love towards friends appreciation towards each show our love for the people in Day. According to https://www. and family members, rather other, it’s also a good way to our lives. People spend special idealservicesonline.com, the than romantic couples. Some show how committed you are time together to show that love poet Chaucer was the first per- traditions include leaving or want to be to someone. Ac- that they have for one another. son to link Valentine’s Day with candy and gifts for children. cording to the Huffington Post, Valentine’s Day was named af- love, admiration and romance. They also include acts of ap- nearly 6 million American ter a saint, who happened to be This was the beginning of the preciation between friends. couples are likely to get en- a Catholic priest. St.Valentine tradition of courtly love, a rit- Valentine’s Day is usually as- gaged on February 14. lived in Rome in the 3rd centu- ual of expressing love towards sociated with romantic love. So whether a fan of the holi- ry. At this time, Rome had come one another, usually in secret. There are millions of Valen- day or not, don’t forget that out with a law prohibiting sol- There are several things that tine's Day cards exchanged Valentine’s Day is February diers from marrying. They said can represent Valentine’s Day. each year. Gifts of flowers, like a 14th. Spoil your loved ones, it was a distraction and a waste People sent cards expressing single rose, or even a boutique whether it be with flowers, of time. St. Valentine began to their affection towards another of roses are sent to a loved one cards, chocolate, or a romantic marry soldiers and their lovers person. These cards were of- with a short message. Most gesture. Make sure your Val- in secret christian ceremonies. ten a beautiful work of art, of- couples also spend special time entine’s Day is unforgettable. This was the beginning of the ten homemade by the sender. together, like going to dinner, a belief of the importance of love. KNOW YOUR RIBBONS! Match the colored ribbon with its corresponding type of cancer to test your knowledge and help raise awareness of the many forms taken by this disease. Want to get more involved? Talk to Mrs. Karish in room B206 to join the Relay For Life team!

Potential Choices: Breast, Pancreatic, Head and Neck, Thyroid, Throat, Melanoma, Uterine or Endometrial, Brain, Sarcoma or Bone, Stomach, Childhood, Liver, Leukemia

A) B) C) D) E)

ANSWERS ANSWERS A) Head and Neck; B) Uterine or Endometrial; C) Liver; D) Sarcoma or Bone; E) Stomach E) Bone; or Sarcoma D) Liver; C) Endometrial; or Uterine B) Neck; and Head A) 13 Feb/Mar 2020 RELAY FOR LIFE TRIBUTES

In preparation for Relay for Life in April, we honor all those who have received a cancer diagnosis. We pay tribute to those who have survived, those who are currently fighting, and those who have succumbed to the struggle. Cancer can be cured, and we all need to do our part in helping to make that goal happen.

Feb/Mar 2020 14 RELAY FOR LIFE TRIBUTES

15 Feb/Mar 2020 FEATURES CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES By Hailey Patten than it is in the polar ice age. Penguins also rely on ice. Climate change is going to Staff Reporter Temperature increase has a The food they eat is called krill take a lot of effort and many Climate change, also known as huge impact on our environ- fish. These fish live beneath the solutions to help get it under global warming, is a big deal and ment. Due to ice caps melt- ice sheets the penguins walk control. Many of these solu- is having even bigger effects. Cli- ing, it has caused a dramatic among. Due to the ice melting, tions actually have to do with mate change is the rise in surface rise in sea water levels. Warm- krill have nowhere to live, so us humans changing the way temperatures on Earth, usually ing ocean temperatures cause they end up dying. So now the we are and how we behave. due to the burning of fossil fuels. greater storm damage, because penguins have no food to eat. Some of the things we can do Fossil fuels are natural fuels, such warmed ocean waters are asso- Another animal suffering due are using more efficient items. as coal or oil. When those items ciated with stronger and more to these severe changes to our Try using public transporta- are burnt, they release gases into frequent storms and additional climate is the snowshoe hare. tion, biking or even walking. the atmosphere. These gases are rainfall, particularly during se- The hares use their white fur to You could also try using solar called greenhouse gases. These vere weather events. These se- blend into the snow to hide from panels, increase wind, biofuels gases absorb radiant energy, vere storms can cause flooding their predators.But since the from organic waste, and another and as a result, the temperature and other damages. There has snow is melting, the hares have thing is protecting our forests. starts to rise. Human activities also been an increase in the in- no way of hiding, and protect- Those are all ways to help reduce such as agriculture and defores- cidences and severity of wild- ing themselves from predators. the amount of greenhouse gases tation, also contribute to the es- fires, which threaten habitats, According to.climate.nasa. being transmitted into the air. calation of greenhouse gases that homes and lives. Along with gov 97% of scientists agree that Try some of these to help save our contribute to climate change. these problems, heat waves also human actions are the main animals and our environment. Climate change is impact- contribute to animal and human cause behind global warming. If the thought of our environ- ing the world and our environ- deaths and other consequences In addition, nationalgeograph- ment falling apart day by day, ment. Even the slightest change of several different severities. ic.com says that “ the evidence doesn't make you want to help in temperatures increasing, A lot of animals suffer because that humans are causing climate and try to fix climate change/ can have severe consequences. of climate change. For example, change, with drastic conse- global warming; think about the According to Takepart.com, polar bears rely on arctic ice to quences for life on the planet, is poor animals who are suffering The Earth temperature has participate in hunting for their overwhelming.” And personally from our choices every single day. gone up an average 1.5 de- meals. These ice sheets are I believe they couldn't be more Participate in fixing our en- grees (F), over the past century. starting to melt due to climate right; not a lot of people realize vironment. The more that we 1.5F may not seem like much, change, so now polar bears have that we are a major cause of cli- do to help, the better things but it still has a huge impact. to rely on other food sources. mate change, therefore nothing will get for us and the animals. The air temperature is sup- This is why polar bears are dy- is being done to help or fix it. posed to be 4 degrees (F) lower ing. They are starving to death. What can be done? AUSTRALIA DEVOURED IN FLAMES By Hailey Patten so that we can try to help them, BBC.com, that “It’s the less mo- found in Australia, and around Staff Reporter and others disagree because they bile species and the smaller ones 34 of those species have gone Australia is be- believe we should be putting the that depend on the forest itself extinct in the past 200 years. ing devoured by flames. animals first, and help how we that are really in the firing line.” Australia may not be part of the These fires are no joke. can, rather than putting their According to Rolling Stone United States but they are suffer- They are affecting the lives of misery up on the Internet for the Magazine, Koalas rely on the for- ing, struggling, and deserve to many, and the truth is, there’s whole world to see. These posts ests and that about 1,000 of them be helped. These are sweet inno- not much we can do about it. are found on Facebook, Insta- have died. This may not seem like cent lives dying. These are homes According to www.vox.com, gram, Twitter, and even just by many to some people, but these passed on for generations, being about 25 people have died, and searching for pictures in Google. animals still have lives and a destroyed. These animals and more than 6.6 million acres These animals have died in sev- heartbeat, and deserve to live. The these people don’t deserve to suf- of land torched. Over 1,400 eral different ways. Some died di- WWF is currently accepting do- fer in this; watching their coun- homes were destroyed. In ad- rectly by the flames, others died nations to restore koala habitats. try being deflowered into flames. dition, according to one of from the lack of fresh oxygen Some ecologists say that Do what you can to help. Do- biodiversity’s experts an esti- and fresh water, and others died Dickman’s estamtes are nate, sign petitions, help send mated 1 billion animals have because their habitats were de- more than likely distorted. firefighters, food, water, and died because of these flames. stroyed, so they lost their families, Whether Dickman was right or other supplies to Australia. Lets The amount of animals killed homes, food and water supply. even a little bit off on his estimate, help make Australia whole again. by these fires is ridiculous. Pic- A lot of people expect these ani- 500 million and 1 billion are both Go to www.donate.wwf.org.ua, or tures of these dead or suffering mals to just get up and run or fly significant numbers. Regardless look up several different relief or- animals are found all through away from the danger. Yes, birds of the exact number of animal ganizations, red cross, and many the media, but what is taking can fly away, and bigger animals deaths, Australia is still in danger. other sites to help.#saveamazonia pictures of these poor animals can probably escape or attempt to Among the several different going to do? Some may agree escape the flames before they get types of species that live in Aus- with taking pictures, because trapped. Chris Dickman of the tralia, www.vox.com, says around it is going to bring attention to University of Sydney told www. 224 species of mammals are only the the animals being harmed, Feb/Mar 2020 16 FEATURES DYING FLAME’S SHADOW CHAPTER V By Katie Stafford as a brave warrior having suffered alchemist crawled away, shaking “What are you talking about?” Staff Reporter unimaginable psychological agony. with what seemed more than just Jay asked. Storm looked at Hal- Reader's Note: Even though part “I am Count to this swarm of cold. Pillars went for him, shatter- fears, waiting for him to aid the is conical to Hostile Prey (the part vampires. I was told werewolves ing into shards of ice. Screaming in unskilled fighter. Halfears stood with Draven and the Atonement would join me, and I was head- terror, he made it to Draven, and frozen in place. He couldn’t help Warriors), the way this is writ- ing off when I noticed Atone- cowered beside him, chest heaving realizing that Jay hadn’t used any ten may not be how the events ment Warriors. Our orders were rapidly, and wide wild eyes dart- swear words in the question when happen in the actual manuscript. to slay them, and hybrids - looks ing nervous glances around him as he knew Draven would have. He Storm shivered in the lessening like both are together. This’ll be Frostine, mouthing a threat if he snorted with laughter at the guess thundersnow. Rumbling thunder too easy with both together. My moved from where he crouched, why: Draven, who usually swore, refused to stop. He cocked his head. name is Frostine. Count Frostine.” shivering in sheer terror alone. had taught him not to swear. The rumbling was turning into “Who ordered you to get the “Now then . . .” A battle cry ac- Her fingertips glowed red again, growls. However, happiness at be- werewolves?” At the last word, companied by the pounding of a and the blue lightning was given a ing Draven’s second deputy flood- Draven dived forward; his finger- pair of feet thumping into the snow slight hue of red for a heartbeat. ed him. Deputy! He sighed, vow- tips glowing ice-blue, he slammed cut her off; Storm realized he was She arched her hand away, and ing to protect the newly reformed his hand into the snow. Ice pillars the one screaming and running to- the blue-red lighting flew at her. Atonement Warriors with his life. towered into existence, and the wards her. He regretted his stupid Storm cheered: Maybe Jay was Jay came over, his violet eyes white powder flew as he scrambled decision too late: She leaped and surprising everyone with a flashy wide with terror. Water coiled to his feet. The pillars, wide at the went for him. The death-scented, show of alchemy. Then he gasped around Halfears’ paws, while Jase base and narrowing into a deadly warm liquid slapped his face, a heartbeat before the Lightning and Blade hefted swords, prowling spike, headed toward Frostine. stunning him by the force of the Alchemist. Eyes wide with terror protectively around his Clanmates The Captain stumbled into a blow. He stumbled sideways, and and shock, he was knocked off his as Cinder glared up at the edge dash, giving her plenty of time to he didn’t even hear her feet come feet, screaming in agony, as the of the hollow. Confused, he fol- read his easy to follow weave. At to him before pain tore at his side. lightning veered off to him in a lowed her gaze and gasped loudly. the last pillar, which was an inch Screaming in shock and fear, little semi-circle. He thumped into Brown and gray werewolves hun- from brushing her small nose, he the bloody dagger retreated from the snow a few feet away, tumbled, grily eyed them as vampires hissed went the same way as the second the wound. He eyed her death- then halted, twitching in pain. and spat. One of the vampires - a to last one. A flash of silver went promise eyes before. Shuddering Storm came up to Jay. The tall female with snowy hair and for her. She leapt away, but crim- in terror, he was sent tumbling young alchemist raised himself ruby-red eyes - stepped forward. son sprayed onto the white snow. a few feet before halting, cold on his trembling arms, swayed, At his side, Jay’s chest rose and fell Storm noticed Draven’s trium- snow clumped all over his body. and flopped back into the snow rapidly as he took long, shallow phant look fade to horror as the “Looks like the Atonement War- with the white powder flying in gulps of crisp air while she eyed Count’s fingertips glowed a sun- riors still don’t know any man- the wind. Storm felt his pulse, re- every single Atonement Warrior. bright red; the slash across her arm ners. Maybe I should give each lieved it was steady but shallow. She leaped. A flash of cobalt dark deepened as blood coiled around and every member a lesson in re- “I won’t attack you all. Looks like blue and cold as icicles flashed her fingers. Then it hit him: She was spect before leaving. I was going I got rid of what seems to be two before a bat fluttered in the icy using her own blood as alchemy. to explain if you don’t attack me, of your most skilled alchemists. wind. The bat was white with “What the he -?” Draven began I’ll be kind and not hurt anyone - Everyone would not last the rest leathery wings with fur white as before the blood, thin as a cat’s yet. Since that first boy” - her eyes of winter with two alchemists on snow. Ruby eyes glared at them whiskers piled on top of one an- went to Draven, who was bleeding the border between life and death.” before spiraling to the ground. other, whipped across his face. The and unconscious, and Jay, shiv- Storm trembled where he Six feet from the snowy land, the Captain of the Atonement War- ering - “and then this boy” - her kneeled by Jay. He couldn’t believe dark blue light blinded him before riors flew into the cold, crisp air eyes drifted over to Storm, who they were escaping the battle that she had reappeared. He gasped. before crashing into the stone wall, raised his head and made sure to seemed on the brink of breaking Her billowing cape was ice- thirty feet away. He slid down into check that no snow was still in out just a few seconds ago. Frostine blue and designed with white a patch of blackened stems with his ears as she continued - “went turned, and her blood-alchemy lace that looked like pools of ice pebbles raining his blue-black hair. ahead and foolishly attacked me.” raced over to Halfears, who dodged. creeping to devour her cape. Her “Draven!” Jay screeched. He bolt- Stung, he was about to retort, The blood struck him like a snake. ruby eyes were cool with sparks ed over to his mentor. Frostine’s when she added, “This goes back to The hybrid howled in agony as the of a promise of death glowing as blood-alchemy then covered the humanity. You are all weak, greedy blood divided and slammed onto bright embers in a starless and pillar Draven’s alchemy created. creatures unable to learn from his body like whips. Finally, Half- moonless night. Her snowy hair The pillars shuddering and glow- past mistakes. Farewell, warriors.” ears raised himself to crawl away. was in a messy bun. Her pale ing with a light that seemed to “No!” Jay wailed, trembling. He The blood rejoined again, and im- blue robes were ragged and torn. be red as blood but not at the stood, his khopesh, crackling with paled him, where his heart was. Her eyes met Draven. He saw the same time, rose into the air. Jay blue lightning, was unsheathed. The alchemist twitched, and went Captain swallow nervously, trem- screamed in terror as one pillar “We’re not weak and greedy!” still. Storm was terrified he was bling from what seemed to be more went for him. Diving aside, hands He ran forward, sickle sword at dead, but he saw the breath mist from fear than the bone-deep cold. over his head, the ice pillar landed the ready to slash her throat. in front of his half-open mouth. Storm stepped up to his new Cap- slantwise two inches from his feet. The blood raced at him, and “Attack!” she screamed. She went tain, who half stepped behind him. Snow flew as he scrambled for a silver flew, cleaving the red. Her for Flame, who screeched a battle Terror clawed him like werewolf grip to climb to his feet. Another eyes widened in shock, and she cry drowned by the pounding of fangs digging into him. He had pillar came, and he rolled away. leapt away as the sword swung for feet and paws charging into battle. never seen Draven so frightened Heart pounding, Storm watched her. “Alchemist, do you think you Storm swayed where he stood. With before. He knew the Captain to feel the pillar land half an inch from can beat me that easily after that Jay and Draven unconscious and fear, but he always forced it down impaling his nose. The apprentice show of slow alchemical power?” Halfears dying, the only alchemist enough for everyone to see him 17 Feb/Mar 2020 FEATURES DYING FLAME’S SHADOW CON’T the newly reformed Atonement opened his mouth, and screeched when he was on fire during the from a vampire skirmish except Warriors had was Blade, who had in terror and agony, head whipping Battle at the Glass Castle. His Lily. Lucas had explained she was little to no control over his alchemy. around, like he was facing men he sapphire-blue eyes stung as the behind them, but, after a very long A paw flashed at him, and he viewed as evil. Storm trembled, un- snow flew into his blue-black hair. search, he had to admit she was ducked while a silver dual sword able to find a way of helping him. “No!” A heavy weight crashed killed in battle. Lily had been on a swung in an uppercut. The were- Draven screamed, “Sinners!” as into him. The heat abruptly turned journey with Draven and the oth- wolf howled in agony as savage his first mentor and former Captain to cold. He gasped; it felt like his ers in the cavern that had them satisfaction flooded him. Hands faced him stonily. He shuddered, lungs had frozen because of the marked as traitors. Everyone in landed on his side as a heavy his heart pounding in his chest as sudden drop in temperature. A the cave believed she was killed weight pushed him away. Pain blood thundered in his ears. An- pair of violet eyes glowed in front by Lucas, who hadn’t the decency tore at his forearm as clawlike- other man, who looked just like his of him as hands pinned him down. to fake a search, even a short one. nails scratched him. Snow chilled mentor - brown hair, nonchalant Unable to stop the memory, Draven To make matters worse, Ebony, an him as the vampire kicked and hazel eyes, and rippling muscles drowned in it a heartbeat before Atonement Warrior, had left a day bit him, pinning him down. - came up. “What are you doing the rising blood could. The three later in search of the girl. The black Claws slashed for his eyes. He here? You’re the reason I swim killers had vanished as suddenly girl had believed Draven and his reeled his head away, and his eye- in, not a river of blood nor a sea, as the person holding him down “ring of traitors” enough to prom- lashes fluttered by how narrow his but an ocean of blood,” he hissed. had appeared, but their voices ise she’ll return the next day to tell escape from blindness had been. Sticky, scarlet waves lapped at calling him a traitor still lingered. them if Lily was murdered by the Screaming in terror and agony, his chest. He stiffened, his hand Broken-minded by the Battle of Captain. It was Christmas Eve - five Storm twisted and squirmed to traveling to the fire. Which was Disbandment, he remembered . . . days after Lily was killed, and four break free. The werewolf’s claws a better end: murdered by long- The cavern walls were rough since Ebony left - and no news had tore his flesh as warm blood tricked dead killers; drowning in the sea and broken with tunnels. Nar- come by even a glimpse of either. onto the white snow. The vampire he had created with the blood of row ledges traveled to a few more “What is it?” Draven asked as soon bit him wherever it could reach his prey, enemies, friends, and the yawning tunnels. Twenty Atone- as he entered the Glass Castle. Even without giving Storm a way to flee. innocent; or allowing the flames ment Warriors milled in the though it was sunset, dark gray A tiger blade wretched the to devour him? Red claws reached center of the little cave with the clouds massed overhead, threaten- werewolf’s leg out from under for his hand, and he steeled him- few apprentices who remained. ing snow soon. In front of him was it. Fur tickled Storm’s nose, and self for the agony that’ll tear into Draven leaned into his lover, Ha- the Captain glaring at a small man the pain from the vampire’s at- him as the fire devoured his flesh. zel. Her gold-flecked brown eyes with blond hair and blue eyes. The tacks stung, but no new wounds The former Captain’s dual swords gazed at him with love and fear as Captain’s ice-cold brown eyes were joined. A warrior, his blue-black whined in the crisp, blizzard- her sweet-scented ginger hair tick- sunken in his head, his black hair hair being ruffled in the wind, frozen air. His eyes widened in led his cheek. He breathed in her curling upward at the tips wasn’t as sapphire eyes promising death shock as his chest heaved rapidly scent, taking in the way she giggled glossy as it once been, and his ribs glared down at the two preda- up and down. He thrust his hand as he stroked her silky hair. He’d were just barely showing through tors, stood in front of Storm, who so close to the flames that embers been staying at her side ever since his ragged outfit. He was standing cried out delightly, “Draven!” seared him where they landed. their walk a few hours ago had been on a balcony overlooking the foyer. Silver flashed, and wind stirred “Traitor!” the dead Captain reduced to filling every beat of He smiled grimly; it was good above his head. A cry of ter- hissed, eyes blazing with an icy their hearts with a roaring passion. to see the Captain going hungry ror was abruptly cut off, and the fire. Silver flashed, and Draven A person walked up to him finally. Ever since the Great- Hun vampire’s head thumped into the fought back the shiver trying to as he leaned in to kiss her. He ger began two years ago, Lucas, snow. Storm shivered as the head- claw down his spine as his eye- glared, irked the deputy was tak- his deputy, and the rest of his in- less body fell off him. Draven be- lashes fluttered by how close ing away the lovely moment from ner circle had feasted first before gan prowling around the snarling, the blow meaning to blind him him just from his mere presence. anyone else. The lack of food was growling werewolf. It charged at was. His first two mentors leered The man’s tawny-brown eyes so bad it left Draven deciding to Draven, who sheathed his sword, at him from behind Lucas, who seared Draven, who sighed, ask- starve himself to save his regiment. and two daggers, frost glowing like sneered at his faltering courage. ing, “What do you want now?” Hazel had been the one to get blue fire the same heartbeat he re- He gulped. He feared these “The Captain wants everyone. We him eating again after 35 days of leased them, flew at the werewolf’s dead killers - really feared like have visitors.” The deputy stalked no food. Hunting patrols had left, eyes. Howling, it clawed at its face they were alive. The red claws away from them, his shaggy blond and no one had found food in two as the two daggers, landing in the from the flames reached for hair gleaming in the darkness weeks. Many were wondering how snow with a thump, dislocated him. “Kill the traitor!” his men- before shadows swallowed him. to survive with no food at all, but from its eyeballs Blind, it swung tors roared a heartbeat before the A hand tugged Draven’s black Draven had gone hungry without wildly. Draven flew into the air and Captain pounced, dual swords tunic. He looked down to see food for a little over a month. How- rolled a few feet before stopping. going for his bobbing throat. a four year old with his russet- ever, it had been a long time since As he raised himself onto his He flung himself at the fire, just brown eyes gleaming in ter- he purposely went hungry like shaking arms, swallowing snow, barely suppressing the memory ror and his thick reddish-blond that, and he wasn’t happy about, white lightning split the sky. A trying to remind him of everything hair as shaggy as the deputy’s. knowing a human needed food blazing claw shredded the bram- he lost during that one Christmas “Is he going to kill us, like Lily?” and water to survive in a world bles behind him, and fire, with Eve at sundown, and one Christ- His eyes flashed with terror as where death lurked in the next plumes of smoke rising into the mas Day two hours before dawn. he looked at his lover’s eyes, now shadow if not on guard all the time. stormcloud night sky, leaped for The blood surged up for him brimming with tears. On Decem- “Tell them!” Lucas roared with the Captain. The blind werewolf as the reek of death masked the ber 20th, Hazel’s half-sister, Lily, Micheal, his deputy, at his side. ran out of the battle, and Storm acrid scent of smoke. A blaz- had gone out on patrol with Cap- “Disband quietly now or else.” saw Draven, eyes wide with ter- ing heat tore at his left side; he tain Lucas, his deputy, and three “Or else what?” Micheal snapped. ror, look at the fire for a moment, knew it was phantom pains of others. Everyone had come back “Are you going to disband?” Feb/Mar 2020 18 FEATURES DYING FLAME’S SHADOW CON’T “The Atonement Warriors gled cry that barely reached his three men blocked Draven by what riding the terror gripping them. would only disband once human- own ears, let alone anyone else’s. they were doing, but the air was On the way down, Starlight, the ity has reigned over the Earth His shaking legs swayed alarming- split by her screeches of pain and young vampire, had fallen off again, without the vampires and ly, and willed himself to run, but by fear, which was abruptly cut off. one of the alchemy-ledges cre- werewolves preying on us!” Lu- the time he found the strength to His throat too dry for him ated by Draven, who needed Jay’s cas’ hands gripped the railing of flee, the humans were upon them. to swallow let alone speak, he alchemy to help support his. Star- the balcony, his body on the verge Expecting to see a lot of fighters lowered himself to the bloody light had fallen because of what of falling down onto the floor. to face, he slammed his glowing ground. The shock of losing her the alchemists - Draven, Jay, and The man didn’t answer. He fingertips to the ground: Icy -pil threatened to flood him until his Halfears - known as a Rebound: walked away. A few minutes later, lars, slanted slightly to the wave, mind broke into a million pieces. an alchemical imbalance in the el- thunder grew outside. An Atone- towered into existence. Many A flash of silver above alarmed emental power. Draven explained ment Warrior dashed in wail- were able to avoid it because they him out of his grief and fear. Pain what he and his apprentice had ing, “Humanity is attacking!” had suffered two years of hun- tore at his skull, and he had a mo- done companion alchemy, which “Atonement Warriors, let’s fight ger alongside him and knew his ment to notice the brown eyes of was when two or more alchemists for what we believe in!” Lucas tricks; others’ were writhing as the deputy and Captain before a combined their own powers. The roared. “Leave all the apprentices the pain of being impaled flood- wave of darkness crashed over him. Rebound was likely to happen if in the Glass Castle! Only warriors ed them before Death claimed Storm glared at Frostine before one power was either too weak go into battle!” He jumped them. Draven shivered with terror traveling up the slope that led away or stronger than the others. Be- over the glass railing, staggered a at seeing what he did to human- from the Glass Castle. Draven was cause of the Rebound, the alche- few steps once landing, and led the ity. He looked at Hazel, who was safely in a hollow a few yards away. my couldn’t hold up, and she had charge, Micheal hot on his trail. nodding grimly at him. She was Jay woke up to see his mentor about fallen to her death. Jay blamed Draven and the “traitors” hung neither angry at him, nor pleased, to leap into the fire and save him. himself for it, as himself and back. Leaning close to them, he but he hated himself regardless. Then, he dragged him away, his his alchemy should have sensed whispered, “We have to leave now. A member of the Atonement cries of terror and grief at some dark Draven’s alchemy slip for a heart- Lucas would only kill us if we sur- Warriors leaped in front of him. memory echoing down into the beat. A heartbeat that had ended a vived the battle. Our apprentices His black eyes were all he took hollow before suddenly silenced. life when no one could have saved would be fine. Even Captain Lu- in before the whine of metal He called the retreat ten minutes her before she broke her neck. cas knows training the children sounded. He couldn’t remove prior, and it took Frostine nine min- Storm shivered at the thought of would make strong warriors.” his gaze from the man with the utes to call the battle won. He didn’t the memory. It had been terrible “You’re right,” Hazel said above sword that was raised to kill him. care she was glaring at him, daring knowing one mistake had killed a whispered clamor of agreement. Time froze for a few heartbeats, him to be brazen enough to leap someone. He understood alchemy She and Draven took the lead out but that ended all too quickly. into a pointless death. He glowered had its limits, and the Rebound of the Glass Castle. “Once we’re all Metal flashed, and screaming in right back before walking away. was an honest mistake only an al- safe, we can decide what to do next.” terror he dived away. Scrambling Jay was beside Draven when chemist could have done. No one Fire, swirling snow, flashing for a grip in the frozen grass, pain Storm walked up. He was sleep- blamed Jay when he had given lightning, rumbling thunder, tore at his leg. His fear gave him ing restfully with some leaves and his own explanation of what hap- the sounds of battle - the clash strength; he scrambled to his feet stems scattered around him. Jay pened. If anything, everyone un- of swords against swords, hors- and fled. As he whipped around looked at him, explaining, “It's derstood he would not have tried es neighing accompanied with the corner of the Glass Castle, he lemon balm; it’ll calm him down. to harm someone on purpose. pounding hooves, cries of terror noticed the man who was try- I took care of his wounds. Now Starlight’s death had shaken ev- and agony, and bodies thudding ing to kill him - black eyes, burly let me put some yarrow on yours eryone. Flame, who grew close to onto the ground - and the reek body, and dark hair. He wanted to before you die from infection.” Starlight over time until they did of blood and death surrounded fight, but his terror overwhelmed Storm settled down, watch- everything together, grieved and them. Draven crept closer to the what courage that remained. ing the Captain sleeping. What gave Jay the cold shoulder for the shadows of the Glass Castle. His “Draven!” Her plea tore into would become of the newly re- days in darkness, but relented and heart pounded in his chest and his heart and soul; her fear and formed Atonement Warriors if apologized for her iciness towards he was gulping down lungfuls of desperation turned to his own. Draven had panic attacks that him. Jase, who was her brother, air that tasted too strange that he He closed his eyes, swallowed severe again; or worse, what hap- blamed Draven, not Jay. Ever since was sure he must have tossed in a hard several times, opened pened if the panic attacks became his father’s death, he glared and nightmare - the acrid scent of the them, and allowed the deter- violent enough to kill someone? made snide remarks about him, but dark gray smoke pluming into the mination to save her flood him. The wolf snarled at Storm as he finding the time to comment how starry sky, the reek of death and Eyes burning as he fought back scrambled away. How had they terrible his childhood with Micheal blood, the odor of wet bodies slick the tears, he wanted to shed out come to this? A few weeks had was, suggesting Draven was worse. with sweat and dusted with dirt, of the terror slowly rising in his passed since he wondered how A wolf went for him, and he along with the actual smell of fear. chest again. He looked at the battle the Atonement Warriors would dodged as the paws thumped the “Kill those traitors!” Captain Lu- he left. His scream of terror and survive when Draven was scream- snow, and blood flew in the icy cas shouted. Swallowing hard, he shock was choked. Swallowing ing into the night and falling wind as his dual sword retreated forced himself to look behind him: repeatedly, he saw Hazel. Blood down, screeching as a panic attack the nape wound. The wolf flopped Lucas pointed at them, a wave of his ran down her left side as her left gripped him. None of the attacks on its side and didn’t get up again. regiment and their enemies were arm lay beside her; her eyes were were as bad as the one during the However, Draven understood bolting toward them. The Captain shadowed by terror and agony as Second Battle at the Glass Castle. Jase had been living in poverty watched the combined skirmish she vainly fought three men with Only a few days ago, they had since the Atonement Warriors dis- of humanity rush up to the ring- one arm. A sword flashed, and to get down into a ravine to travel banded at the First Battle at the leader and his band of traitors. her right leg flew into brambles in darkness for almost three days Glass Castle. Storm didn’t under- “No!” Draven’s voice was a stran- that were on fire. The swarm of with no food, sleep, and hope of stand how Draven found the time 19 Feb/Mar 2020 FEATURES DYING FLAME’S SHADOW CON’T to talk to his first deputy, but he werewolf, who ducked to avoid killing field with all the were- ing purple, and Storm knew that, did know Micheal had scrapped the blow at the last moment. wolves slowly creeping to him. The after the companion alchemy on the money to get food most days, His Captain’s sapphire eyes wid- boy squirmed, trying to break free the day Starlight fell, they were regardless of the fact he drank his ened in shock before the paw to save Draven, and Storm took a able to sense how much power sorrows away from what happened wrapped around his wrist to only deep breath before releasing him. the other had with his alchemy. during the Battle of Disbandment. throw him toward a nearby pine. Jay’s eyes glowed with disbelief. “How much does he have?” He gladly took Jase’s life in pov- The trunk was spiderwebbed Storm stepped in front of him, “Barely enough to use a small erty versus what they were all en- with cracks from the splintered and pressed him into the snow. pillar. He wouldn’t survive.” during daily. They were lucky to bark. Needles rained down onto Twisting, he clawed at the snow. “He was a good Captain. Death eat a mouthful of food around his dark hair as he lay in a heap. Storm ignoring the dull pain of would be a bliss for him; he suffered mealtime. The forest was almost He glanced around. They had the kicks he was given for pin- endlessly to die in a pointless battle.” bare of any prey, and prey meant to flee now. Draven would under- ning Jay down. He shifted his po- “So his death is in vain?” food. It wasn’t long that everyone stand: He was doing him a favor. sition so he wasn’t harmed, and “No. But, I’ll make sure the Atone- was eating a few juniper berries “Retreat! Leave everyone who has still held Jay firmly in the cold. A ment Warriors never disband once for loss of appetite. No one’s ap- died!” His heart ached to believe flash of red caught both his and he’s killed, nor to think of him as petite was lost, it was just hard Draven wasn’t the only one go- Jay’s eye. He eyed the flame-furred a troubled killer suffering from se- feeding themselves that they had ing to die, or already dead. Re- werewolf Storm watched it for vere post-traumatic stress disorder, resorted to what little herbs Jay lief washed over him as everyone nine heartbeats as it stalked over but a A true hero dying for a good and Draven can find: Comfrey for but his Captain fled from battle. to Draven. He grabbed Jay’s hand, cause for his regiment’s survival.” any damaged bones, burns, bruis- Jay kneeling in front of Draven. and dashed after the regiment. Jay wailed as Storm took him to es; yarrow for wounds; elderberry “Lex, can you make sure everyone “No! We can’t leave him! the clearing. Trudging through the leaves for back or leg pain; sage is safe in the next two clearings over That werewolf would kill him! snow for nearly twenty minutes for coughs and sore throats (honey from this battlefield?” He nodded We have to save him! Storm, left him bleeding from scratches could only cure a sore throat while thanks when the black man looked I don’t want him to die!” and bites, all coming from Jay, thyme or ginger was able to help at him, gave him a wave of his hand “We have no choice. Even if we who had grown hysterical in less with a cough); sweet but strong to tell he heard, and began herd- can save him, he’ll want to die. than a minute of walking with his tasting lemon balm for stress ing the regiment out of the clear- I don’t know what he saw. I don’t mentor surely dying or dead. A or anxiety; and juniper berries. ing. Meanwhile the werewolves want to know, but he had pan- sharp pain from several places, all All that was left was some with- were feasting the dead wolves un- ic attacks, waking most nights contensed together, told him he ered yarrow leaves, a single dose lucky to have fought to the death. screaming, still seeing the past he was bitten again. The snow had of juniper, and a single juicy stem Storm tapped his shoulder. “Get refuses to let anyone understand. numbed his wounds from both of lemon balm, and the two alche- up. We’re leaving. Those were- “It’s strange. Once he’s calm, he the battle and Jay. He learned to mists were worried the winter’s wolves are coming.” He jerked his hates those who can release him stop reacting with muttered swear frost had killed every useful herb, head to the werewolves a few yards from his terror and agony. It’s al- words and empty threats from and they had to scrap by with away, all pulling apart the bloody most like he relishes in his tragic the young alchemist five minutes herbs with little to no power left. remains of the pack of wolves. past. Don’t go thinking he’s a tragic into the biting and scratching. The lack of food, including juniper “Good. Has anyone died? We hero, which he is, but he’ll want to He didn’t need to ask him why he berries, had meant they discov- need someone to help Draven. be remembered as strong, brave, was behaving like he was: He was ered eating wolves and foxes might He’s - Storm, what are you do- and dying honorably. He wouldn’t going to run right into a battle keep them alive until spring, which ing? Put me down!” Storm, want to be remembered as weak, that would end up killing him. was four or five months away. grunting with the effect, picked mentally unstable, and a warrior Pain tore at his bloody forearm. A cry of shock from Jase stopped Jay up, cradling him. A flash of suffering for the hell he saw ten “Are you done acting like a toddler him from slaining another wolf. movement showed the other years ago. He might be sixteen who isn’t used to not getting what Werewolves eyed the battle, which grim-faced Atonement Warriors with spending the past decade he wants yet?” It was no longer was frozen mid-action. One of stumbling out of the killing field. as a hybrid - or, what Jase says, a painful, but embarrassing he was the werewolves had a dead wolf in “Wait! What about Draven? preyed-predator - but he saw more taking this without pointing out its jaws, and the battle turned af- We have to get him! Some- than even the average Atonement how immature Jay was behaving. ter the bloody-toothed werewolf one pick him up! We can’t just Warrior, who would come home, “I will be once you let me see Draven.” howled. Storm was shocked the leave him! He’ll die! Storm, he fully retired from his duty to hu- “He’s surely dead now. No mat- wolves had turned toward human- named you deputy! Are you so manity in the endless battle to save ter how brave and skilled he is, he ity’s predators. Did wolves hate the greedy for power that you will let humanity from the werewolves couldn’t last long against a pack of werewolves? He shook his head. him die at the first chance you and vampires, with highly severe werewolves, and that’s not includ- It didn’t matter; all that did was get?” he wailed, tears brimming. post-traumatic stress disorder.” ing one who can use fire alchemy.” they had an ally, even if it could Storm shivered as he glanced Jay looked back. He studied “I need to see him for myself, please!” have been sizzling meat over a fire. back. Glazed sapphire eyes stared the paling shadows. “You were an He sighed. “Fine, as long as you A werewolf’s claws slashed down- at the retreating regiment. He Atonement Warrior living in the follow my orders, and no more be- ward toward his face, and a flash couldn’t ignore Jay delightly Glass Castle, weren’t you, Storm?” havior like a child of two. And, with of pale fur blocked his view of screaming, “He’s awake! Please, “My already-destroyed de- the slim chance Draven is alive the paw. The werewolf howled as we can get him! It’ll only take less mons pale in comparison to and can be saved, I will tell him the wolf’s teeth burrowed above than three minutes! Storm, are you his endlessly battling demons.” how you reacted. Understand?” the claws, its hind paws battering listening to me? We can save him!” Jay, trembling with cold and “I do.” He grabbed his hand, the predator’s belly. He slashed He halted for half a second before fear, noticed icy pillars, glow- and half-pulled, half-dragged him as two other wolves helped him. carrying on. Jay peered from over ing like blue fire, impaling the back to the battlefield. A cold Out of the corner of his eye, he his shoulder at his mentor, who thrashing, bloody werewolves. He wind chilled Storm as they no- noticed Draven leap to blind a was shivering in the snowbound raised his hand, fingertips glow- ticed the damage. Blood dripped Feb/Mar 2020 20 FEATURES DYING FLAME’S SHADOW CON’T from the many pillars Dark Em- ing comfrey water for the burns. think of when Jay left, and remem- help matters that he repeats ex- ber had made, some were even He had heard the tale from the bered after a morsel of a scraw- plaining the reasoning behind frosted with soot. At one end Captain: Dark Ember had been ny doe he had gone, explaining why he thought his burns should was a body. Storm came up and tossed by a werewolf at the side of Draven wanted to tell him about have killed him a decade ago.” halted. Jay gasped beside, frozen. the hollow where the Glass Castle an advanced branch in alchemy. “Look, he needs to decide Draven’s blue-black hair was once was, and fell into brambles He crawled out of the shadowy whether he wants to die or not. capped with snow as blood that were on fire. His mind nearly den, and climbed to his feet. Storm Everyone shouldn’t die if he wants pooled at one side. One of the shattered, he had wondered if dy- glanced at the river; the roaring, to kill himself by staying here,” swords glowed dimly, like a fire ing from the burns was the best choppy water was capped with Storm growled. He tried not to dying. He wondered if his al- for him when his regiment, no froth. It is too dangerous to cross flinch at the blank look Draven chemy had changed; the blue longer seen as a raging inferno without risking their lives. Then gave him. It wasn’t nonchalant hue that told his alchemy was, spitting flames of protection, his sleep-clouded brain snapped like usual, but blank with hope- or had been, active was a slight- was slain. He had smothered into wakefulness. “Fire? Are you lessness. He couldn’t even begin ly different color, and yet not. the flames by hiding behind the sure?” Shivering, he glanced at to think how one battle could Jay’s fingers glowed as his hand fire in a shadowy, snowy alcove. the glow into the night. Now he have led to Draven being so weak, was directed at the glowing sword. “Come on, I found a clearing to could see the hazy stars choked by not physically but emotionally. “His alchemy is different. I used rest.” Draven led his regiment to a plumes of acrid-scented smoke, “You coming with us?” to sense it like the coldest ice; it mossy clearing with thistles ringing and hear the crackle of the flames. “Am I needed?” now feels like that, but it has a around the small area. He pushed “I want you to get everyone out of “Yes. I can’t lead without you.” little heat, like his alchemy has past the thistles, and headed away. here. Find a place to cross the river, “You sure?” been unaffected by flame-hot A flash of doubt crossed Storm’s and wait for us. I need to get Jay, “More than sure.” embers speckling the coldness. I mind, but he realized Draven must Cinder, and Draven. Tell Lex I’m “Fine. I’m coming. Don’t rush do not know how that happened, want to find a quieter place to rest. putting him in charge until Draven me; fire or no fire, don’t rush me.” Storm.” He took a step over to his “Flame and Lex, can you both lead and I return!” He bolted into Storm stiffened. It wasn’t just mentor. “I have to see if he is alive. hunting patrols?” Storm glanced at the branches whipping his face, that Draven agreed with little to no I never was told of an alchemist the sun, which was a fireball in the thistles snagging his clothes, and complaint, but his voice was bleak, dying with a change of alchemy.” mottled purple, orange, and pink snaking brambles tripping him. like he didn’t care if he lived or not. He kneeled beside him. Storm sky. “Looks like we can spend the He stumbled down into a steep- He climbed down the tree a sec- was about to follow him when night here. Cinder, I want you to sided hollow. Gulping for air, he ond before Storm followed. Wings Jay stiffened. His voice was stand guard until midnight; you raced down the hollow as he no- flapped in the air, and Cinder spi- high-pitched with excitement can get Blade to replace you as ticed Jay anxiously circling a pine raled down. Their paws barely as he said, “He’s not dead! He’s guard. Ivy, you and Jay can gather as cats meowed overhead. He thumped the ground, Cinder’s alive; barely, but he is alive!” herbs, but don’t feel disappointed didn’t need to think. The blind- paws gracefully landed without a Storm followed Draven as a if you can’t find any in this cold ing blue light bruised his vision as sound, when a gray shape exploded sparkling stream murmured next weather.” Snow crunched under agony tore at his soul. However, his out of the quickly gathering flames. to them. A week passed since Jay the feet of the retreating patrols. shape-shift had disoriented him; Draven’s eyes sharpened and he found Dark Ember barely Storm woke up into the night. his forepaw tripped over the other with interest. “Jay, let’s try it! alive after the battle with the were- He glanced around him, a warm as his tail flashed with pain as his I’ll use my flame alchemy!” wolves and the wolves. The Cap- orange-yellow glow was in the dis- hind paws slammed onto his tail. Jay swallowed hard. “Right.” tain would stop more than usual, tance. He laid his head down. He Yowling in shock, he tumbled Lightning crackled as Draven’s but he had lost so much blood had been busy making a makeshift until a jutting boulder halted him fingertips, glowing blue like frost in the battle. The first night was shelter in the thistles, and every- from embarrassment; he glanced under the winter sun, and not practically celebrated when Jay, one had pitched in collecting soft on the other side of the rock, the frost alchemy with its glow who explained the very first night things - feathers, fern, feathers, and and noticed a mud puddle just like blue fire, lightly touched the with wounds that severe was al- thistledown - for thin pillows. On waiting to stick to his pelt. All ground. A smoking trail of cin- ways the hardest, came up to the day of the ravine and Starlight’s he needed to add to insult to in- ders journeyed to the werewolf Storm and the other Atonement death, they had no choice but to jury was a puddle of brown glop a heartbeat before blue flames Warriors to explain Draven sur- abandon the horses, and the ravine to increase his embarrassment. scorch the ground under its vived, and didn’t seem likely to die. had been too long and wide to get Skirting the puddle he traveled paws. Fire climbed up the preda- Night by sleepless night, Jay placed across without traveling through it. to the pine. His paws burrowed tor, who was howling in agony. the herb paste on his mentor. Why did the air smell strange? into thick soil as his tail tried “Ready?” Draven smiled grimly Storm found out the herbs Jay was Blade raced over to him. He glanced to brush off the sticky clumps as Jay, trembling in fear, nodded. using were comfrey and yarrow. In around to see if Cinder was getting sticking to his pelt like a clingy “Then, do it. I have only been told the beginning of the treatment, al- some well-earned rest. The place friend. He halted, his skin under about once. I was told not to do it, most every wound needed a poul- where she was sleeping was not far his fur flushing with embarrass- but on one said what would happen.” tice of yarrow to stop the bleeding from where he was, and he realized ment. “Mud,” he muttered, trudg- Sparks lit the air. Lightning with a dose of lemon balm to help the moss was cold. Did she leave to ing through the deep puddle. crackled at the dark gray smoke him not stress about being physi- get a drink of water, but why was Hating the cold mud digging and bright yellow-white fire. Jay cally weak. Nowadays, he only her sleeping place icy like she had into his fur to chill him, he raced twitched in pain as he gasped for needed one yarrow poultice. Jay gone longer for some water and to up the pine. Cinder, raven wings air. Storm took a step closer, awed had seen a werewolf scratch where find a nearby tree? He glanced up to fluttering at her smoky-furred at the power coming off the two Draven had been on fire, which was see Blade gazing at him nervously. flanks, glared at the blue-gray alchemists like ceaseless waves. the wound still needing the treat- “The forest is one fire! Cin- tom in front of her. “He isn’t leav- Two twines of lightning - gray ment. Instead of yarrow mixed der’s gone to get Draven and Jay.” ing. He’s convinced the fire or as the smoke and orange as the with fresh water, he has been us- “Jay? Why him?” Storm tried to smoke should kill him. Doesn’t flames - crackled in each hand. 21 Feb/Mar 2020 FEATURES DYING FLAME’S SHADOW CON’T The young alchemist laughed, ground. Frost rapidly spread: The the fire. Frost wrapped around Draven, who removed his ap- thrusting his hands skyward. The pines were thickly coated as the the flames, but a moment later prentice’s hand from the water, lightning flew from his hands, flames were smothered by the the fire melted the frost. “How? I and Jay, who seemed just barely curled into two balls, unraveled, magical frost. Storm was awed that used enough alchemy to destroy conscious. Halfears looked at Jay’s and streaked down. Lightning frost, glowing like the fire itself, the flames ten times over, and pale, sweaty face. “He’s going to sparked at his hands as he leaped could destroy fire. He glanced at that should have stopped the fire.” shock. You will need to take care to catch it, like a child getting a ball Draven. Did Draven’s alchemy have Storm, understanding by the de- of his shock first before the burns. that was tossing into the air. A sec- limits to its power like Jay’s seem to. termined look in Draven’s eye that Understand Draven?” When he ond later, he repeated what he did, “No one speak about this to Hal- he was trying not to remember nodded, Halfears looked at Blade. but the lightning journeyed higher fears. He’s oddly touchy about the falling into thode burning bram- “I need your shadow alchemy to into the plumes of smoke hazing alchemy Jay did. He just told me bles, glanced around until he saw wrap around above the flames; the stars. The howling werewolf not to do it. How can I obey when a murky pool six feet away from my alchemy would douse the clawed at the flames devouring its no one tells anyone what’s wrong him. “Captain Draven, that pool.” flames. That should be enough.” body, and even Draven stopped with a very powerful branch of The Frost-and-Flame Alchemist A second later, darkness circled smiling crookedly at the werewolf, alchemy? Nothing,” Draven add- grabbed Jay, and half-dragged, above the fire. Halfears was mold- clearly enjoying the burns harm- ed, answering his own question. half-carried him over to the wa- ing the murky water his alchemy ing it as a result for the fire, to The journey back was freez- ter. Storm held his breath as the had moved to his glowing blue watch Jay play with the alchemy. ing with the frost stretching what boy’s hand was submerged for a claws. He placed the water on the “What did he do?” seemed forever. How much power few minutes as he ignored Dark flames, and Jay screeched. “Sorry, Storm asked Draven. did Draven have? Storm won- Ember muttering, “Don’t remem- Jay. The alchemy is destroying “Advanced-progress alchemy dered. He knew alchemist’s pow- ber. You're not the one on fire. the fire, and the alchemical pun- and reverse-progress alchemy. ers were like a well. It can only be Your apprentice is, so stop think- ishment wants to remain active, He turned the smoke into light- stopped by reality and how deep ing you can feel his pain and fear, and that’s why it hurts so much.” ning, advanced-process alchemy; that figurative well, which can be and the phantom pain from your “What’s alchemical pun- he made the fire into lightning, dug deeper, was; especially the real own burns from a decade ago.” ishment?” Storm asked. and that’s simply reverse-process world’s limitations on what rules Raising his voice slightly he added, Blade answered: “Rogue told alchemy. Jay can have fun. It’s nature said about elemental magic “Jay, once the fire is out, we can me. It’s where alchemy attacks been centuries since the last al- responds to nature itself, unless put comfrey leaves on it. I’ll even the alchemist for simply breach- chemist used even one of these the alchemy was powerful enough. drown the leaves in comfrey wa- ing either the advanced-process branches of alchemy. This is more The air grew heavy, like a brewing ter first to make you feel better.” alchemy or reverse-process al- complex what we did: He’s do- storm was about to break. Storm Footsteps pounded over to chemy branches of alchemy. Most ing both, and this is companion glanced at the sky; the smoke and them. A moment later, Half- alchemists are told not to do it, but alchemy; he took the fire from hazy stars were still there. No ears appeared with everyone. only those stupid to attempt it are my alchemy, and the smoke is clouds, not even a wisp of one. “What’s taking so long?” Lex given this speical kind of Rebound. born from my flame alchemy.” “Strange. Why would the air feel asked, glancing around. The black “There’s also a Rebound pun- “That’s all well and good, Draven, like this if there’s no clouds her- man jumped when the werewolf- ishment, where something ter- but the forest is on fire. We’re sur- alding a storm?” he whispered. He blooded hybrid snarled, “Well, rible happens to an alchemist rounded by the fire. We’ll die from glanced behind him and gasped. Captain, what happened to Jay?” for trying to resurrect the dead. smoke inhalation if the flames Draven turned and stiffened. “Jay, Draven swallowed nervously. But most are shown the conse- don’t devour us first,” Storm move to that gnarled pine.” He nod- “Halfears, what happened here quence to that, because we’re wheezed. He realized each breath ded to a pine teo feet away. The Cap- was Jay brushed against a plant more likely to do that, especially was becoming harder, it was like tain moved closer to Storm, who that was on fire, and I stopped if we lost someone we love a lot. his smoke-scorched lungs were be- couldn’t stop looking at the streak the flames surrounding us, but Rogue I think that should do it.” ing constricted by a thick-scaled of lightning moving like a snake to his hand was on fire, so we placed “Not quite.” The water coiled snake trying to cut off his air. Jay as he came to the gnarled tree. it in this pool of water.” He lifted around his paw, revealing the red “We’ll be okay. My frost alchemy “I think we’re all about to find out Jay’s hand, noticing the fire still blistered hand from the shocked can stop the fire. I know my- al why alchemists don’t do either licking his hand, and pushed alchemist. The water became taut, chemy, and it can stop two forest branch of alchemy we just did.” back in, as he muttered, “What and it slapped Draven across the fires without a problem. I’ll just Jay trembled as the lightning swift- do I do know that water isn’t face. “I think that’s it over now. Let’s wait until Jay’s ready for the fin- ly leaped for him. He dived, but the even working for this mistake?” hope this teaches these two idiots ishing blow, or if the werewolf lightning veered to him at the last “Is this advanced-process alchemy not to breach this branch of alche- dies from its burns.” He nodded moment. A light was glowing from or reverse-process alchemy?” Half- my a second time. Now we need to to the werewolf, furrows in the the hand Storm couldn’t see from ears glanced at where Jay’s hand treat both Jay’s shock and burns.” earth at its muzzle with its claws the angle he was at. The young al- was in the water. “It can only be Draven glared at Halfears. dark with dirt, jerking with end- chemist froze, his eyes wide with helped by alchemy. I thought your “Let’s get across the river.” He less spasms. A heartbeat later, the terror as he glanced at his hand. frost alchemy should be enough.” eyed the river. “Looks calm.” werewolf twitched and fell still. Draven gasped. “I can feel the Draven averted his gaze guilt- Storm followed his gaze to see “Okay, Jay, fun’s over.” Draven flames. Don’t remember that. ily. “We did both, and my alche- the water was lapping against the watched Jay direct the gray and Don’t remember that,” he repeated my isn’t working. I don’t know shoreline. He came up to the river, orange lightning over to the as Jay started screeching in ter- why, but all I did was compan- and waded up to his shoulders. dead werewolf. Smoke wreathed ror and agony. He ran over to his ion alchemy with him when he “Can we get across?” he asked. around the blue and orange flames apprentice, lifted his hand with did both branches of alchemy.” Draven splashed into the water, swallowing the burnt body. He the flames licking it, placed it on “That explains it. Blade, I need launched himself into the deep slammed his hands, fingertips the ground, and his glowing blue your alchemy as well.” Both al- end, swam for a few minutes be- glowing like blue fire, onto the fingertips were about to brush chemists kneeled in front of fore wading back into the shal- Feb/Mar 2020 22 FEATURES DYING FLAME’S SHADOW CON’T lows, and returned. “We can make slammed into him, sending both but he was the only one who could Jay tried to shove him aside. He it. The deep end is only a few feet warriors underwater. River’s head be of any use when Jay was gaz- pushed Jay, who stumbled and fell. across, and the current isn’t too bobbed in the waves, as he wailed ing sorrowfully at his burnt hand, He looked up at Storm, gasped, and bad. There’s barely an undertow.” in shock and terror. A second and River was too dazed to realize said, “Storm!” A shadow loomed He realized Draven had swam later, Draven appeared and sunk they were heading to a waterfall. over him, and the deputy turned, strongly fully armed and clothed. again before he could gulp in air. Before he could speak to Draven, but only halfway before agony Storm shivered, trying not to “Storm!” Jay wailed. the tree lurched forward, and flared from his skull. His legs twist- let the feeling of his clothes and He turned to see a frothy wave he was falling with the roar of ed, the ground met his buckled weapons weighing him down like crash over them. The water dragged water and the icy air rushing legs, and darkness claimed him. boulders at the thought of swim- him down deeper as his clothes around him. He thrashing for Draven limped after the retreat- ming across get to him. Before he and weapons acted as many dead- the pine, but he only grabbed air. ing vampires; out of the corner of could ask, Draven said, “My very weights. He couldn’t tell which was His body shattered like ice when his eye, he saw the werewolf flee first mentor taught me, Storm. up; he only knew down as light agony rippled through him, and with Jay, covered in blood from Of course, he was trying to get faded from somewhere near him. bubbles escaped from his mouth slashes across his arms, chas- me to drown myself, but I think A branch slammed into him, and as he was dragged down. He ing it. Then, his gaze traveled I’m alive, regardless of being a a red haze clouded in front of his drowned in soothing darkness. to the body at the edge of the half-vampire, half-human hybrid.” eyes as pain tore at his arm. Anoth- “River! Get up! Please, River, hollow. He gasped, cried out in “Who wants to go first?” Blade er branch hit him, and he clung on, get up!” Storm groggily opened shock, and ran over to his deputy. asked, eyeing the river nervously. not caring if it carried him up or not; his eyes. He was at the edge of a Storm’s head was clawed with “I want everyone to pair up. he needed something to hold onto sluggish, green stream. Murky what looked like a single blow. Storm and River, you’ll go before to tell him if he was moving or not. ponds flecked the mud with- jut The pink of his brain showed in Jay and I, and we’ll be the last Cold crushed him a second before ting boulders. The pines’ shad- patches from the white of his skull. ones across.” Draven nodded as he resurfaced. He glanced around ows were darker here. He glanced There was barely any of his feath- Flame and Blade waded into the him: Choppy waves, dark pines around him, noticing gray snowy ery black hair from the deep, long river. At the deep end, their heads and shadows, and hazy stars over- peaks poking up from the marsh. wound. Draven eyed his body, not- bobbed and went under from time head. He couldn’t tell if he was the “River! Wake up! You need to ing that wound - the wound he to time, but they were at the other only one to survive or not. Person- wake up!” Storm gazed to his couldn’t repair even if he came over side without drowning. Brazen by ally, it didn’t matter when he was left: Two yards away was Jay, tear- to his deputy in his final moments their efforts, the others waded and still breathing when his smoke- stained, frantically shaking River. of life - was truly the death blow. swam over, with similar results. scorched lungs had begged for air. He saw Draven stumble over. Jay Footsteps pounded over to him. Draven was watching as Storm “Storm! Over here!” He followed noticed his mentor as he half- He glanced around, and Jay, along glanced up and down the river. A where the voice sounded, and real- screamed, half-said, “Draven, we with everyone who had been thunder grew as he gazed down ized a gnarled pine was being pulled can’t leave until River gets up.” across the shoreline before the the river. He stiffened as a mas- by the flood. Jay was lying near a “He won’t wake. I dug the flood carried him and his com- sive wave of brown water with crook in one of the many boughs; grave. River drowned in a panions away, were gazing at him claws of froth reaching out for the Captain, who was calling him, flooded river. Ironic but sad.” in grief, shock, and horror. Fi- the debris getting swallowed. waved to him as he stood brazenly Storm stiffened as hot tears nally, Flame, screeching in grief, “Draven!” Storm screeched, trem- on the tree. At first he couldn’t see burned his eyes. His vision blurred came over, pushed him away, bling as he fought to keep breathing. River, then he noticed him clinging as Draven dragged the dead Atone- and cradled his mangled head. The Captain gaped for a mo- onto an old, cracked branch that ment Warrior. Jay was scream- Flame glanced around the ment, shoved River into the water, was half-submerged in the water. ing and sobbing wordlessly. He stone hollow. It token them ten and motioned to Jay and Storm. All three were waterlogged as wa- bowed his head, and added his days through the marsh, and five “Come on, we have to get across. ter streamed from their clothes, own howls of grief with Jay’s. days of scrambling over boul- If we stay, it could be a long time hair, and hands with bits of leaves A screech split the marshy air. ders and braving the thin, icy before we meet up with every- and twigs nesting in their hair. Forcing down his grief, Storm ran wind with heads bowed to only one on the other side, and we’ll Knowing he wasn’t any bet- over to the screams, which was meet two unknown survivors be too easy for the vampires and ter than the others, he used his where Draven had dragged River. from the Atonement Warriors. werewolves to kill if we stay put.” branch to keep his head above the He stopped at the side of a hollow. Draven had explained Lily, a Storm grabbed Jay, and splashed water to a nearby branch. Once Draven was dodging the claws of a white girl with ginger hair and into the water. He gasped as the at the bough, he grabbed it, and werewolf while a vampire leaped green-flecked amber eyes, and current swirled strongly around his two pairs of hands helped him for his throat. He noticed Jay com- Ebony, a pretty black girl with dark legs, which were numbing by the up. Jay and Draven gazed down at ing over. “Find a place to hide.” warm eyes and glossy black hair, shock of the cold water. His body him before Dark Ember came up Not waiting for a reply, he stum- had vanished not long before the seemed to weigh heavier with each to River, and grabbed his hand. bled down the hollow. Draven Atonement Warriors disbanded. step to the deep end. The thun- The boy was lying on the trunk a didn’t need to fight on his own. The Both gave their accounts of der roared in his ears as the spray moment later when another thun- werewolf went for him, and clawed what happened: Captain Lucas from the flood rushed over him. der roared. “Is there another flood?” him. He screamed, rolled away, but had gone on patrol with Lily, and River went under, and Draven River murmured. Eyes closed tight, the vampire bit him. Howling in they were attacked by vampires. pulled his head above the chop- he didn’t look up when Draven pain, he noticed Jay racing toward Lily had been left behind, even py, blue-gray water. “I won’t cried out in terror a second later. him; Draven had been ambushed when she was shouting for help make it; I’m going to drown!” Storm glanced ahead. Mist hung by two vampires, and didn’t no- to the retreating patrol. Ebony, he wailed as Draven nudged in the air as the water, which was tice Storm was losing the fight. who was friends with Hazel, him further into the water. growing stronger with each sec- He ran up to Jay, and pushed him wanted to make her friend happy “No you -” His voice was drowned ond, dropped. He gazed at Draven, up the slope. “No. I need you to by finding her half-sister. Nearly a heartbeat before a powerful wave who was as exhausted as he was, hide. You’re not a skilled fighter.” two days passed by the time they 23 Feb/Mar 2020 FEATURES DYING FLAME’S SHADOW CON’T found each other. Once they got the healing alcove, as they called as Draven and Ebony moved. The as a sharp pain tore at her head. to the Glass Castle, they saw the it - and practically tore someone’s black girl barely avoided the half- Draven scrambled up the rocks, remains of the battle by walking throat out for a mild ailment, vampire, half-human hybrid be- Jay at his side. “Don’t worry, I took past the hundreds of dead bodies. which, if both weren’t so tense fore his body was leaping in the air. care of him.” He swallowed. What As they buried them, they real- and edgy, they usually gave them A moment later, Blade and Draven had he done? There was the mo- ized the battle must have ended the herbal treatment with a light- were tangled in a screeching ball ment of snapping, and his fangs only twelve hours ago, as the for- hearted warning of avoiding where of thrashing legs and flying fists. sinking in his throat. He shivered mer Captain was the last to fall. the injury came from, or if it was “Stop!” Jay snapped, glaring at remembering the warm blood on Dark Ember had been horrified from a skirmish with a werewolf the frozen fight. Draven had halted his tongue, and the bittersweet he could have waited twelve hours or vampire, they’ll call out as that in the process of smashing his fist taste as he forced himself to swallow before seeing familiar faces, in- person was leaving: “Give that a as he shouted only idiots thought when the scent overwhelmed him. stead of the decade that passed. predator a few extra blows as a wood could stop vampires when Jay was shivering beside him. Once guessing the battle was way to give it a piece of my mind!” the silver dual swords had worked The traitor had fired two arrows due to the Atonement Warriors Draven, Ebony, Lily, Lex, and Half- before Blade was even thought of. at Jay’s eyes, and he had removed blind loyalty to Captain Lucas ears appeared from a cave which was The boy was under the Captain, his them, forcing down the fear and and his sinful ruling, they had the founders’ den, the place where leg raised to kick Draven’s stom- guilt clawing at him at his appren- formed the Redemption War- both Lily and Ebony slept, which ach, clearly he was hoping to push tice’s screech of terror and agony riors - a large band of exiled also doubled as a meeting cave. the warrior off him. Both looked that joined with the spurts of humans living in neighboring The two Captains scrambled up. “We have a battle to fight; not a blood. Now, he tried to find a place mountain ranges had fought their on the logs. “Let every warrior conflict within our lone regiment.” to keep Jay safe, His apprentice predators with the skills simi- gather to hear my words!” Draven “Your right. I think it’s best if never been skilled in battle with lar to the Atonement Warriors. called as Ebony shouted, “Let Ebony and Lily lead two ambush sight, and to ask him to fight blind They had seen a mock battle. every Redemption Warrior who parties. One party would leave would be truly impossible for him. These fighters relied heavily on is able to scale boulders effort- the camp twenty minutes after He realized the fight was ending partners to close the gaps where lessly come to understand my the battle patrol leaves; the other when he reached the camp. Many swords retreated, where a chance orders!” The two glanced at each forty minutes. I will lead the battle wounded were there, all hoping ei- to snatch of a gulp of air could other in embarrassment and patrol. Flame, Halfears, Lex, Ivy, ther him or Jay would help them. mean life or death, and the care- guilt. A heartbeat later, Ebony Shadow, Thistle, Thorn, Jase, and The final patrol returned. Ebony ful judgement of dangers outside leaped to the log below Draven’s. Sage will be with me. Ebony, as came over to Draven. “Frostine the fight. The clicking of tongues, Flame glanced at Lily, who gazed Captain of your regiment, is that said we have twenty-four hours to the light taps on shoulders, the in horror at her Captain. “Ebony, okay?” When she nodded, Draven leave. Whoever is left behind will scrape of silver on rock, and the why aren’t you on the highest log? said, “Good. We leave now. The die a very painful and slow death.” clatter of pebbles and small rocks You should! You helped find our battle would start. Ebony, Lily, He nodded, knowing what to rolling away as one these war- home in this valley!” By the time make sure you take four or five oth- do. He glanced at Halfears, and riors gathered for a sudden am- she had finished the question -ev ers with you. Whoever remains will jerked his head to him. “I need bush on the side, all was a way to eryone had come; Jay hung back stay with Jay. If Jay wishes it, he can you to watch this.” He gathered give out singles to one another, all near the healing alcove though. take a patrol near the battlefield.” the herbs, and did everything in complete and total darkness. “You are right, Lily, but he had Flame leaped at a werewolf. he could to keep any infection Now she was watching for a patrol more experience in battles. To- Overhead the stars flecked a black away from the boy’s ruined eyes. to come. At her feet was a steep-sid- day the battle would take place moonless night. The reek of blood “Do this for the next few weeks.” ed valley where tunnels broke the at sundown; Draven and I spoke invaded her nose as the brazen cries When he appeared, Lily had ap- gray. At the center of the valley was to Frostine when she found us, and thud of battle surrounded her. peared with Flame. He gasped. His a sturdy pile of logs - rowan, oak, and explained we can fight or A claw went for her throat, and she deputy was dead. Her flame-red beech, pine, birch, and ash - where leave peacefully. But we both scrambled away, shaking. Vampire hair covered in dust. Her body was Ebony or Lily called meetings. As know she would not let us go hands slammed her against the stiff and cold. She had been dead both had formed the unofficial without a fight.” Ebony glanced rock to her left. Throughout the for a while. His dead lover’s half- regiment, both were leaders; Ebo- at the deepening cold shadows battle, the icy wind bit her from the sister looked at him. “She died ny, as the older one, was declared above them as the sun sank. right as the air swirled around her. from internal bleeding. Both her the Captain while Lily was the Blade rushed up. Flame knew Stars exploded before her eyes, legs are broken, and she lost her life second-in-command, her deputy. what he was going to say. He had and she could barely believe she was by bleeding from the inside, not Jay appeared from a large alcove been saying it since after the Sec- in a valley with a lightning-struck the outside. I am so sorry, Draven.” ten feet from where she stood. She ond Battle at the Glass Castle. rowan on a craggy ledge overlook- “Halfears, you’ll be my next dep- noticed yarrow leaves hanging in The thirteen-year-old boy glanced ing the battle ten feet below. Two uty.” He didn't care he didn't use the shadows. “Is that red were- around to make sure he had an werewolves leaped for her as the the words he used since making wolf and Frostine still around?” audience. “We all know we have four vampires she was attacking Micheal his first deputy. “I have He eyed her nervously. Two days the silver swords to stop all the pounced. Flame, screeching in ter- something to say.” Draven had ago, Count Frostine had appeared werewolves, right?” He eyed ev- ror, fled. She lost her footing as the made the decision as he taught to the camp, which alone un- eryone, clearly waiting for even predators turned toward her. She Halfears the eye treatment. I need nerved everyone. And explained a murmur of agreement. When tumbled on the edge of the cliff. A to confront my past before com- to meet her and the red werewolf no one moved to stop him before heartbeat later, the rushed around ing back, or maybe I never will, by a small lightning-struck tree, he continued his featherbrained her as her body fell almost weight- he thought, swallowing tightly. four miles away from the camp. idea, he added, “Why not kill less as she instinctively twisted to Chelsea glanced at her sister. Since that day, Jay and Draven the vampires by stabbing their her feet. Agony flared at her legs “She’s dead. Let’s leave.” Both gathered herbs, usually with one hearts with sharp-tipped wood?” when she landed. She lurched for- sisters left the friend who had of them staying in the alcove - Splinters tumbled down overhead ward, and darkness claimed her been dying for weeks on end. Feb/Mar 2020 24 FEATURES REMEMBERING SELENA QUITANLIA-PEREZ By Stephanie Martinez Selena was nine when her nating the charts in 1994, she makeup, and even hair prod- Staff Reporter father realized her talent for won a grammy for Best-Mexi- uct line. Selena even opened Selena Quintanila-Perez, singing. He formed a band can American Album making up a boutique before she died. The Queen of Tejano music, with her siblings and named it her the first ever Mexican to Jenifer Lopez played her in had her life ended shortly af- “Los Dinos”. At 15 years old, she win a grammy. She has many the “Selena” movie. Selena ter she was shot and killed by won her first award which led hits that most Latinos(a) know was and will always be a key her “best friend” and fan-club to her major deal with Capi- such as “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”, part of the Latin commu- president, Yolanda Saldivar tol records. Selena walked so ”Dreaming Of You”, “Como nity and will continue to in- on March 31,1995 in Corpus other female Mexican artists La Flor’, and “Amor Prohi- spire generations to come. Christi, Texas. Thousands of could run. Since there weren’t bido”. Selena was also plan- people attended her funeral. many Hispanic females domi- ning to start her own fashion, HOSTILE PREY By Katherine Starfford the fire, and becomes shattered killing field - was silent. The ful wildness, and the calmness Staff Reporter enough to kill humanity by the sounds breaking the silence full of atonement at the same Hostile Prey is about hu- stress of a narrow survival, in were his screams, the crackling time, as the immortality broke manity being preyed upon by Chapter 4: The Darkest Ember. fire leaping for him, and the and destroyed his mortality. the savage werewolves and the Draven gasped. Blazing heat groaning of the dying who were The painfully growing fangs cunning, blood-sucking vam- tore at his left side as his hands waiting painfully for Death. had stopped after he’d been end- pires. The Atonement War- gripped the burning brambles. I’m all alone! If I survive, lessly repeating I will not lose my riors, the only known regiment Fire leaped for his face, and I’ll be a lone survivor! He swal- humanity! over and over again. trying to fight their predators, he reeled backed, tugging at lowed hard. My regiment is a No! I need to get the Atone- disbands in a battle - known his feet, which were tangled raging inferno viewed as the ment Warriors’ attackers slain as Battle of Disbandment, in the only smothering part of fires of Hell, not the flames of for what they did to us - the Battle of Lost Hope, or Battle brambles. He raised his hands protection; it seems fitting I regiment trying to save them at the Glass Castle. However, to his face, grimly smiling at should die from these burns. from the vampires and were- there is a struggle with both the first-degree burns making He crawled over to blacken wolves! The King should be reforming and prior disband- his hands too hot to be normal. brambles too burnt to allow willing to hear me if I swallow ment: alchemists with alchemy Trembling, he lowered his red claws of fire to shred them my pride and beg him on my that’s considered a dark art. hands to the flames again. in the shadows concealing a knees! Yes, they need to pay for Even after reforming, the Knowing he used nearly every small alcove. He settled in the ending a raging inferno they last Captain, Draven, strug- drop of his frost alchemy in the alcove while brambles, the thought they quenched with gles with the tragedies from first wave - the Death Wave, he burnt thorns, burrowed into his blood. He remembered what the battle, along with his de- called it if he did survive to tell flesh. He lowered his left side Oracle told him and his regi- mons causing an internal the tale - he summoned the last to the cold, thorny floor of the ment not long ago: Like water, war, which was created from ounces of magical frost he had. alcove, allowing the fire to be blood will quench the raging in- the Battle of Disbandment. The frost spread around him; smothered in the brambly snow. ferno. He knew it meant his reg- If the reader has read Dying flames feebly rose at him, bram- Shivering more from fear iment facing this terrible battle. Flame’s Shadow, which ended bles dusted with frost, as his left than cold, he eyed the Glass He didn’t know when the after five chapters, the reader side still seared with the fire de- Castle, glowing like green fire pain of sin and virtue would should remember Draven was vouring him. He laughed in re- behind the red claws tearing at end. It didn’t seem to be end- called Dark Ember. This part lief when his hands touched the the blackening brambles barely ing. The savage wilderness was from Hostile Prey’s tenth revi- cooling frost, which glowed like three feet in front of him. The fading, but it was etched into sion and fourth massive edit blue fire. A heartbeat later, the fire eating away at him had final- his very soul now. Swallow- after three and a half years horrible crack of frost breaking ly stopped, but the burns would ing tightly again, when what- of writing reveals how he sounded, and he screeched in be a problem if he couldn’t find ever was happening to him was came to become Dark Ember. terror and agony as the flames comfrey - or maybe he still did over, he finally flung himself During the tragic end of the reached for him with red claws not care to heal himself with out of his alcove and the black Battle of Lost Hope, Draven once more. No! My alchemy was the herbs he was taught to brambles, and rolled frantically flees with the apprentices, and is too weak to fight the fire! And use by two of his six mentors. to end the devouring flames. attacked by a vampire as a con- I know my alchemy; if it wasn’t He didn’t know if the red As he rolled around, he be- sequence. A red werewolf fights so weak, I could easily beat the werewolf or the she-vampire came aware that his ragged, the she-vampire who drank his flames! Damn, what do I do now? won. Personally, he didn’t care shallow breaths were from fear blood. The werewolf throws him He became aware of the or want to know the victor. If of looking at the destruction on the side of the hollow hous- sounds of battle - the clash of the vampire won, she likely had that would be in front of him. ing the Glass Castle. Not long swords against vampires’ claws, been wounded and ran off, or - Draven shuddered. He must into watching the battle be- hissing from vampires, brazen He swallowed tightly. No, look up; however, fear kept tween the predators, he falls into screams of anger and defiance, there was no way she’d want to him with his head toward the the hollow and onto burning cries of agony, the thud of bod- finish what she started. His very earth and his eyes shut tightly. brambles. See how he escapes ies slamming onto the snowy soul seemed to be suffering sin- He swallowed hard, sum 25 Feb/Mar 2020 FEATURES HOSTILE PREY moning all his courage to raise new Captain fisted a hand, and not breathing. Hazel’s head flected the blow. His arm was his head and open his eyes. He hit his jaw as hard as he could. thumped into the bloody snow. too busy vibrating with the first clamped a hand over his mouth He slammed him to the “I think not! Yes, you’re loyal clang to be ready when she went and gulped the bile down. ground, and grinded his hard- and brave, but maybe your blind for his bloody throat, which The dead were glassy-eyed soled boot into the man’s face. loyalty has led you to walk the bobbed as he swallowed hard. and bloody. Some had the claw Suffocating, his hands thrashing dark path of a killer, my Captain. He backed up a pace as the slashes from the cruel vampires, around wildly, Lucas tried to get You came to us with a mother snow lessened more. Light- while most - his regiment - had away. But, Draven took this time who didn’t need you, and a fa- ning turned the Glass Castle the cruel markings of humans to let him catch his breath, grab ther killed that day! Hell, I behind him into an enormous slain. Maybe our predators were him by the front of his tunic, never swallowed your story of emerald flame waiting to swal- right to prey on humanity if and glare at him at eye level with my deputy killing your father; low him whole. The thunder those humans can be so cruel as the tunic twisted in his hand. I’ve always said, and have told rumbled loudly overhead; he to attack their own race? He halt- The other held his lover’s head. any human, that you killed your was half-convinced the ground ed, shivering in terror. Was he “Traitor!” The for- own father to prove a damn- beneath him would split, and even human now that she-vam- mer Captain gasped as he ing worth into this regiment. send him falling into a bot- pire attacked him? He crawled raised the head of his lover. “I took you in. An orphan tomless darkness forever. a few feet, and something silky Draven, tear-stained, snarled, without parents - even though The vampire snarled, rais- brushed against his hand. “Thanks to you, human- you were, and still are, a po- ing her hand to grab his throat. How had he not seen her ity has ended us. It’s all your -” tential orphaned killer - I took Panic controlling him, he head? She was the one to jolt “My fault! No, it isn’t, boy. You pity on you. You, wallowing slammed the sword’s blade into him out of his depression. The slaughtered hundreds when you in self-pity, are fully at fault. her pale hand, and dashed into one to get him to eat again when were nine! You killed your first “You’re the reason we are in the Glass Castle. He glanced his idea of saving his regiment and second mentor when they this hell. You’re the reason I had over his shoulder, and no- was to hunt and not take any were teaching you; your third to make everyone turn on you. ticed the vampire chasing him. food for himself. She was the tried to make you understand You’re the reason we live in the Blank-minded and hope- one, calm and sweet, to kill the the world doesn’t revolve around Glass Castle. You’re the reason -” less, he threw open the glass fears from both the children and little brats* who kill their teach- The hidden dagger’s hilt doors, and dashed past the mentors when fear chilled them. ers and the innocent; your was warm in his hand a sec- thick glass walls, floor, and A lump formed in his throat fourth couldn’t even get through ond before he plunged the ceiling, and towards the duel- as he stared at her red hair with you; your fifth mentor blade in the former Captain’s winged staircase in the center. and gold-flecked brown eyes. would have better training the chest. The silver opened flesh He spotted a door under the “Hazel,” he choked. He wiped most savage werewolf than you; and muscle, grazed ribbones, staircase, and flung the pine a tear off his raw face, breathed and your sixth teacher - I don’t and cleaved the heart, franti- door open before slamming it deeply, gulped, and let the cheek know if her drowning was an ac- cally pounding a lifetime of shut. He panted, gulping in air. of his dead lover rest against cident, or a savage child* want- heartbeats before swiftly ended. He glanced around the pine his own cheek as the tears fell. ing to become a warrior faster. Someone breathing rag- bookshelves with tomes, a large He stroked her flame-red “I did say when she died, or gedly stormed over to Draven. pine table with ten dark chairs. hair as he used his forefingers on your thirteenth birthday, Not afraid, he whipped around, A podium stood at the head of to close her gold-brown eyes. you would have completed all and his courage drained out the room, along with a gavel Draven kissed her on her blue your training. And next thing of him just as quickly as the resting on the table. Draven, lips. Hating himself and Cap- I hear, she drowns on your first sudden flood of fear had his legs trembling and weak, tain Lucas, he remembered birthday of entering the best crept in and chilled him. settled into a chair, know- that one night where they lost birthday of your teenage life! It was the she-vampire, ing this was a meeting room their virginity together. Now, “Then, two weeks later, you clawed, bleeding, and want- for only the Captain and the he’ll only have the memory came back, Frost Alchemist ing to end him! He gasped senior Atonement Warriors. of it, and he could never en- and your grandfather, your loudly, letting the former Cap- “C-calm down,” he said in joy her in that way again. only grandparent on both your tain’s corpse drop. He flung the candlelit room. His heart Something inside him broke. parental and maternal sides, himself away as the vampire still pounded and his hands Instead of sobbing and scream- has died mysteriously when he dived to him. A chill breeze continued to tremble. The sav- ing for his dead lover and regi- was simply trying to talk you clawed him as she slashed age wildness rose like bile when ment, he climbed to his feet, and out of this regiment because at him, trying to grab him. he heard the door began to be hunted down the former Cap- we are supposedly corrupted.” He unsheathed a silver hook knocked on gently, then harder. tain. It wasn’t hard to storm over Lucas contemptly snorted. sword. The tiger blade had a He broke down, letting the to the Captain, who was sev- Draven glared at him with long pole with a curved hook tears splash on the smooth, eral moments away from death. so much venom he was shocked where the blade should be, glassy pine wood. If this was Ignoring the blood trickling the former Captain wasn’t writh- above his hand was the arched what it was like to be a vampire, down his face, a half-closed eye ing in agony with his blood hav- blade where the hilt was, and the he would rather end his life. A and one completely shut, and ing turned to acid. His breath- spear was at the end of the hilt. dagger snicked, and he held the his raw, bleeding hands clutch- ing was so constricted that he The vampire dived at him, trembling blade to his heart, ing Draven’s black tunic, the was sure he’d die simply from swiping with her nails. He de- concealed by flesh and mus- Feb/Mar 2020 26 FEATURES HOSTILE PREY cle as it was caged by his ribs. your humanity. Disgusting hy- the blood had stopped dripping. rest until the light of dawn col- The tears still falling, he brids like you truly piss me off. A spark flared, and ven- ors the moonless, starless night whispered, “Can you kill an The only hybrid we can stand is geance to end humanity stifled with red, purple and orange.” immortal vampire like this?” our Master. She gave us life, and his horror and grief. “Human- And Dark Ember, sheathing Pine wood splintered as in return we gave her immortal- ity will not know me as Draven the bloodied dagger, leaving the a bloody fist appeared. He ity and the knowledge human- River Lionfrost. Humanity will dead vampire to bleed in the looked up, his mind even ity will be finished for good.” face the consequence of ever Glass Castle, ran. He halted in more blank now. His weak legs “So, I’m human?” If he was even thinking the Atonement front of Hazel. After gathering trembled visibly. If he rose and a hybrid, he has to be more Warriors were the fires of hell.” her body parts - her head, torso, tried to run, he’ll only land human than vampire, or else He paused, swallowed hard, arms and legs like a grisly bro- on the ground, too scared to she wouldn’t be trying to kill double-checking with him- ken toy - he dug a deep grave. even get up, let alone fight. him if he was more like her. self if he was willing and brave Hating himself more than The fist retreated, and an “You are less human than enough to continue. Yes, he Captain Lucas and human- instant later the door was every human still playing hide- was. “Humanity will remember ity in that moment, he simply damaged as she ran through and-seek behind the Walls; the Atonement Warriors for placed her body parts as close it, pine splinters scattered. A you’re less vampire than many sin, and I will resurrect that ru- as they’ll go in the right places. splintery trail towards him! of us; however, you contain mored sin into sinful, bloody sin. He pushed snow into the hole, I am Draven River Lionfrost, the arrogance and savagery “The Heroes, if you have which was at the same place the last Captain and Atone- of both human and vampire. truly formed under my orders where he found her head as he ment Warrior, and I will fight! “In short, you don’t need as a captain to traitors, you rolled around to end the flames. He screamed in terror rather blood like us vampires to sur- can disband, if you were even Smiling grimly, he ran than anger, and leapt for her. vive; your own humanity clings there. Whether you’ve existed away from his lover and her She dodged his swipe with to you for survival, your fangs or not, I will not look at the grave, fleeing his regiment. his dual sword. She raised a are shorter than ours, and you stars with the knowledge of Ran away from his past. Ran hand, before plunging it into can shape-shift. I’m going to eyeing the righteous heroes. I away from the only life and his flesh. He cried out, -shak kill you. Hope you can pray to will stare at the stars knowing world he’d known until now. ing all over again. How could whatever god or gods you -” I was a fool to make something she have done that to him? She choked, the blade burrow- out of faraway and uncount- *Captain Lucas’ language “What - ? How - ? I’m one ing toward her heart. The vam- able flecks of white, little lights. in Hostile Prey was watered of you,” he choked, trying pire convulsed and went still. “Humanity will know me as down due to inappropriate to pry her hand out of him. He pushed her away. Pain tore at Dark Ember, not the last Captain language. The asterisks rep- He resisted gulping as she him as her hand retreated from and Atonement Warrior, but resent where the language hissed like a cat before snarling, the wound she had caused. He their darkest reality in this end- would be unsuitable for The “No you’re not. You have some of sighed in relief when he noticed less night where the dead cannot Lightning Bolt - Katie Stafford MONTHLY DOSE OF MAKEUP By Brianna Butcher 5 full size products and a big vibrant colors such as blue, News Editor makeup carrying case, and the pink, and a rainbow palette. Wouldn’t it be great to have Glam Bag Ultimate for $50 that In past months I’ve received make-up delivered right to comes with 8 full size prod- both the Glam Bag and Glam your door? Ipsy is a personal- ucts, 4 travel size product, and Bag plus and was also very ized beauty box subscription a big makeup carrying case. happy with the amount of that is delivered every month. 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I also received a mois- care to subscribe to Ipsy and are three different bags to turizer that retails for around get your own personalised bag choose from: the Glam Bag for $120. This is also a great way today. To get more information $12 that includes 5 travel size to explore makeup products. on how to subscribe go to Ipsy. beauty products and a little I’ve received plenty of eye- com or visit Ipsy on the app. travel makeup bag, The Glam shadow palettes that include Bag Plus for $25 that includes 27 Feb/Mar 2020 FEATURES FUN IN YOU THE REVIEW By Stephine Martinez that first turned into a Life- of Joe is so good, it makes you Staff Reporter time series in 2017 and is now a feel bad. Fans grow to love this “You are a student here at FRED popular Netflix show.The show sociopath. They wrote Joe to By Brianna Butcher Chanellor. You sometimes follows Joe Goldberg played by be the hero in some cases such News Editor come on time, sometimes Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley, a as when he killed his abusive Are you tired of going to the you don’t. You’re stressed. It’s bookstore manager/serial kill- neighbor or Deliah’s rapist,who mall all the time, or going to very clear that the math prob- er who falls in love with Guine- also tried to rape her little Wawa for the 7,000th time this lem still hasn’t left your head, vere Beck. Joe spends his free sister,Ellie,played by Jenna month because there is noth- but that’s okay because you time doing what every stalker Ortega. It may be his actions ing to do? Well here are a cou- don’t know any better .That’s does: stalking Beck.Through- that cause people to like him, ple of other activities you could okay. I can fix you. WE can out the show, Joe kills every- or the fact that his childhood do instead that completely fix you. I’ll do this..for you” one toxic in Beck’s life as well is very sad, but everyone has a beat going to Chick-fil-A for ( SPOILER WARNING) as people who may get in the reason to like him.The writers the 1000th time this month. Sounds creepy right? Then way. Viewers may be thinking are just that good..The show why do we swoon when Joe “He’s a sociopath! Why would may draw you. You will leave Break It - Stressed out be- Goldberg says it? You is a novel anyone like him?”. That is the you at the edge of your seat. cause of school and want to get written by Caroline Kepnes question. The show’s writing some anger out of your system without getting in trouble? Vis- LOVE YOUR PET DAY it Break It! This is a local recre- By Brianna Butcher us in ways other people don’t. havior in children, heightened ation center that has hammers, News Editor Sure they can’t talk (birds don’t understanding of others, in- February 20th is Love Your bats, and other “weapons” to count sadly), but it’s their lov- creased immunity, and lower Pet Day, the day you should break things like printers, toy ing stares and comfortable anxiety levels So take this day give your best friend at home cars, and various objects. This silence that makes us feel un- and make it extra special for extra love, no matter if they’re is located on 4705 Plank Road, derstood. On top of that, own- your friend. If you don’t have furry, scaly, or feathery. Suite 207, Fredericksburg, ing a pet can help you stay in a pet do something nice for an Love, cuddles, and playtime VA 22407 . Prices are located shape, lower stress, lower heart animal like donate items they is a perfect way to spend it. on their website @https:// rate, and lower blood pressure. would need such as blankets, Animals hold a special place www.breakit-fxbg.com/ If you have a younger sibling, food, treats, toys, and beds. in our hearts. They understand animals can help improve be- Rush Hour Live Escape Games - If you like puzzles HELPING THOSE IN NEED this is the perfect activity for By Natalie Arnold her nerves. Even though Hur- was going to be tough. Little you! In the escape room you Staff Reporter ricane Maria was over two years did she know, the people from On the morning of Wednes- are locked in a room for 1 hour ago, the aftermath is still prom- where they were staying cel- day, September 20, 2017, Hurri- and given clues to get out of inent. The area that Arnold ebrated her birthday for her! cane Maria struck the island of the room. They have plenty stayed was not where the earth- What occurred to Arnold while Puerto Rico and its many resi- of different escape rooms quakes happened, so she didn’t she was staying there was that dents. A little over two years you can participate in for see any damage from them. the atmosphere and condi- later, a devastating earthquake about $28 dollars per person, “The trip made me appreci- tions were very different. Be- struck Puerto Rico on Tuesday, so don’t be afraid to invite a ate the things I had and not ing on an island is extremely January 7, 2020. Rachel Ar- friend! This is located in Spot- take anything for granted different from here. Tsunamis, nold, a Chancellor High School sylvania Towne Centre. Visit ever,” Arnold explained, “It bad earthquakes, or bad hur- Alumni, knew she needed their website @https://www. also made me realize that ricanes are not an everyday to help those in Puerto Rico. rushhourliveescapes.com/ family isn’t just blood related thought for us, but when she Arnold flew to the airport in and that even when some- was there, it was. “It’s a beau- San Juan, stayed in Carolina for FunLand - How can you one may be in a bad position, tiful place, but it can become the first night of the trip, then go wrong with laser tag! For they would still give you some- destroyed by just one natural for the most of the trip, stayed $8.00 per person you and your thing because they are thank- disaster,” explained Arnold. in Patillas. Although she stayed friends can participate in a ful!” The trip affected Arnold’s This was a learning experi- in Patillas, their worksite that fun game of laser tag. There mindset on life a little bit. ence for Arnold, and in the she travelled to everyday, was are also other activities that Arnold spent a week in Puer- end, she didn’t want to leave. in Guayama. Arnold had never you can do including go karts, to Rico, which happened to be This unforgettable experi- been on an airplane before this video games, and mini golf. the week in which her birth- ence has made her eternally trip, so it was a scary experi- For more information visit @ day was on. Arnold turned 21 grateful for her own blessings. ence to think about; but, she https://www.funlandfred- whilst in Puerto Rico, and it was surrounded by people who ericksburg.com/ for pricing was her first time away from made her feel safe and calmed and information on the rides. her family; so, she thought it Feb/Mar 2020 28 SPORTS SOFTBALL SEASON IS IN FULL SWING By Natalie Arnold wasn’t enough for him. He wants wishes for each and every nesses. He is a patient coach as Staff Reporter to be able to share his knowl- player to exude confidence well as a good motivator, and As the winter season of sports, edge of the sport and make an each time they step onto he helps his players learn from here at Chancellor, comes impact on, “every player I meet the field. He has seen most their mistakes. A weakness that to an end, it is now time to whether it be with the sport of of the players through Morgan has is that he wears welcome the spring sports softball itself or even just in life the fall and winter, so his heart on his sleeve and teams. Softball is one of and even prepping for post he sees the potential they all takes being a coach as a huge the main spring sports high school.” Being a player have and he wants to see it all pay responsibility. He takes that is played here at is way different than being off. When asked about a motto losses as his fault and Chancellor. Similar to oth- a coach, and each has their that Gromer lives by, he feels like he could’ve done er sports, if one doesn’t strengths and weaknesses. As responds with, “I actu- something different to play softball, then they a player, Gromer was a team ally live by two. 1) ‘Be the help his team win. As Head probably won’t know player, driven, and motivat- one to light a fire.’ Just Coach for the JV Softball the players and especially not ing. Like some of us, Gromer as a way to motivate myself to team last year, he knows the coaches. Well, here’s an in- never settled for “okay.” He al- take initiative with everything I how everything works and troduction for those who don’t ways strived for the best and do and not sit back and wait for knows what areas he wants know the coaches of the soft- continues to in hopes that the to work on. Although, ball team. Brent Gromer is players see the drive that he has the speed of the game new to the Chancellor Soft- and picks up on it. His strengths is different between the ball Family. This is Gromer’s as a player have aided in his JV and Varsity teams, so he need- first year coaching, but he is coaching abilities now. A weak- ed to adjust for that. Consider- very familiar with Chancel- ness of Gromer’s is that he gets ing that Morgan has been here lor. Gromer attended ChHS in his own head, like most of us. since last year, he has an idea of and graduated in 2011. Pitched While playing baseball, what needs improving, not only and played centerfield, he he thought of it as his life in the softball aspect, but the was also part of the baseball rather than a fun com- team aspect. This year, he wants team. Later, he attended James petitive activity. If he to focus on the team and believe Madison University, but did not slumped on the field, he would in everyone because everyone play baseball due to the amount take the slump into his everyday is an integral part of the team, of strenuous use on his shoulder life. Since playing high school no matter their role. Morgan’s during his high school ball ca- ball, he has loosened up on him- expectation for this upcoming reer. “I had it looked at in college self. Gromer knows that feeling, season is for each girl who is because it would hurt at times and he wants to draw attention on the team to know how im- and the doctor just said to it and make sure his players portant they are. Morgan also I have a bunch of micro aren’t feeling this way. Enjoying someone else to do it, and expects a lot of growth out of tears in my labrum that the game and having fun while 2. ‘Never lose your dinosaur,’ these ladies and wants them to I can’t really do anything being able to play is what is (From Step Brothers). I think it’s be excited to come back for the about.” Because of his past expe- most important. While new to important to keep your in- next season. He is most excited riences with Chancellor, I asked the family, Gromer has a plan ner child alive no matter to show all of the other teams Gromer if coming back here to for these girls. “My plans for how hard life hits you.`` that they play what Chancellor help out and coach was always the season are to instill a win- Dave Morgan is the Head Softball is all about. He wants something he wanted to do. He ning mindset into both the JV Softball Coach at Chancellor. everyone who sees the team to replied, “I never really thought and Varsity teams and to hon- He has been coaching for 7 see how much passion they play about coming back and helping estly, as cliche as it sounds, to years. Behind every coach is a with and that all of them have just simply because I was gone make this game fun. I want story or an inspiration as to why positive attitudes. When asked from Fredericksburg for so long every player to be excited to they wanted to coach. Morgan’s about a phrase or motto that and then establishing myself in come to softball.” Although, inspiration was that he Morgan lives by he responded, a new job; but, once I found out as much as he wants fun, he loves to teach and see the “We are going to come up with a about the opportunity, I didn’t also wants the players to go growth that each and ev- team motto as a team this year.” have any doubt it was what I into each game with a winning ery player has from the The Chancellor Softball Team is wanted to do.” Once Gromer mentality. Gromer does have beginning to end. He already clearly in good hands. Gromer found out about the opportunity expectations for the team to not has seen some of his players and Morgan have their plan through Dave Morgan, Chan- roll over and quit after taking a improve throughout the winter and expectations for these girls. cellor’s Head Softball Coach, he loss, but to persevere. This sea- conditionings, which is only a They are ready for the season recalled how much he missed son is fast approaching with try- snippet of the improvement that to start and to begin working being on the field. Gromer does outs on the 24th-26th. Gromer he will see. Since Morgan has with the team. Please come play slow-pitch, but that small is very excited to see how well been a coach for seven years, he to the home games to sup- amount of time on the field the team comes together. He knows his strengths and weak- port the softball team! 29 Feb/Mar 2020 SPORTS HIGH JUMPER ONE OF

By Nicolas CarterBEST IN STATE Freelance Reporter jumper and he jumped 2.42 me- Chancellor High has ex- ters which is 7 feet 11 ½ inches. traordinary talent on Javier Sotomayor is the world their track team this year. record holder and he jumped Alexander Blair, 9th grader 2.45 meters which is 8 feet 0.46 at Chancellor High School, is a inches. Blair is on his way to high jumper and he is tied for achieving similar greatness. 1st place in the state of Virginia. Blair is not originally from High jumpering takes a lot of Virginia. Born in Nebraska, he practice and it is a year round moved here when he was two sport. Blair practices long years old. He has five siblings hours with his coaches. He and none of them are high picked doing the high jump jumpers, but one is wanting over any other event because to to try out for cross country. him it’s more entertaining, and Blair motivates himself by when he is doing it he has more watching other high jump- motivation towards it. This ers and compares himself to season he has jumped 5 feet them. He used to take park- 10 inches and his goal for this our classes, but he doesn’t do season is 6 feet 2 inches. To them as much as he used to. put this in perspective, Mutaz In his spare time he listens Photo by Nicolas Carter Barshim is a professional high to music and he just relaxes. Alexander Blair KICKING OFF THE SEASON WITH KING By Kaitlyn Garvey ditioning for the upcom- to the extent you would girl’s soccer team. “I’m Sports Editor ing season. So far, the during soccer season, and so the just excited to go and play “The team atmosphere this girls have been working beginning part of conditioning and have fun regardless if we win year is the best it’s been in all my well together, and push- really killed me.” The team is or not,” King says. One of her years of playing,” states senior ing each other to work always being pushed hard- goals this year is to push herself Hadleigh King. “All the harder. “I think the hard er than they were be- harder than ever before. “It’s girls are really close as work we’re putting in now fore. “Just because it’s out senior year so that means se- a team and are showing is going to be really reward- of season, doesn’t mean nior night, and a lot of lasts.” great promise this season, the coach goes any easi- “Whether you are a good team, working together and push- er on us,” she continues. or a bad team, I believe that if ing themselves harder There is a lot to look forward you’re having fun and working each and every day. There’s “I’m just excited to go to for the players with the start harder then it is worth it.” The no drama like there’s and play of the season coming up. “I’m main goal this time around for been in the past, and so I looking forward to the mem- King is having fun over winning, think that will definitely and have fun regard- ories and growing closer which is what the game is all help us in building chem- less if we win or not,” with everyone,” King ex- about. “I don’t think you can have istry and showing that on plains. “It’s going to be a good season if everyone isn’t the field.” special, because this is go- having fun in the process. [This King has played soccer her entire ing to take up my time from is] my last year playing soccer life outside of school, so she has now until after graduation.” probably since I’m going to art a unique appreciation for the This season being King’s school; it seems like I’m enjoy- sport. “I started play- senior season, it will be ing it more because I want to ing for school my fresh- ing.” Conditioning is eas- her last playing for the get the most out of it that I can.” man year,” she says. “I was ily the most trying part Chancellor Chargers. “I’m Girl’s soccer is off to a good start on varsity my freshman and of any sport, and it’s no not looking forward to ev- this year, and King has high sophomore year and was different for soccer. “The erything ending so quick- hopes for the season when it captain sophomore year.” worst part about it for ly!” she states. “As soon officially starts. “I think King took a break from me was the first few days as it starts, it always flies that over the last few soccer her junior year to that I went,” King states. by, especially since years of playing, I realized focus on work and school, but “I haven’t played since it’s my senior year.” that because of the time she’s back for her senior season. my sophomore year, or This season is looking that you give up playing sports, Right now, the team is con- frankly even worked out to be a good one for the it’s all about having fun.” Feb/Mar 2020 30 SPORTS FIELD HOCKEY COACH LARKIN ACHIEVES

By Stephanie Martinez 350TH WIN, EARNS VHSL HALL OF FAME Staff Reporter The Virginia High School Hall of Fame Class of 2020 select- ed fourteen athletes, coaches, and contributors for this year. They will be inducted into the VHSL Hall Of Fame on Sun- day, April 26. The Hall Of Fame Class of 2020 includes our very own.... Jim Larkin – Chancellor High School Field Hockey Coach. Coach Larkin has over 350 career wins and 6 State Titles. His impact has been profound and we want to thank him for the outstanding contributions to the high school athletic pro- gram here at Chancellor High School. Coach Larkin - we thank you and congratulate you on this wonderful honor!

On September 25th Spanish teacher and girls Varsity Field Hockey Coach James Larkin, along with Assistant Coach and English teach- er Amy Bernard and the Chancellor Field Hockey team, defeated King George 6-0. This accomplishment was Larkin’s 350th win, and makes him 2nd in career wins in the VHSL all-time record book. “To be honest, I had no idea it was my 350 win,” states Lar- kin. “It’s very exciting, and I have just been so focused on im- proving each day for each game this season.” When asked if he would go up to his 500th win he replied that he’s not sure, since every year he re-evaluates to see if its still an interest. Larkin is working hard to coach his team to win the State compe- Photo courtesy of Dae’ Chaun Scott tition this year. Coach Larkin MAKING RAQUET B-BALL By Emma Purcell began to reminisce on some By Savannah Aversa Staff Reporter of her favorite moments on Editor-in-cheif With spring sports right the team. “My favorite ten- Our boys basketball team around the corner, so is the nis memory would probably had a great season this year! end of the 2020 school year. be the away games and get- They won the district champi- Senior Kylee Tuebner, a fourth ting to bond on the bus af- onship in a close game against year player on the Girls Var- ter a win with my friends.” Courtland and came out the sity Tennis Team, gave some As for a learning experience, victors on Friday February, 21. insight on how she is pre- she says, “The biggest thing Coach Booth helped the boys paring for her final season I learned while on the team all year with his great coach- at Chancellor High School. would be to never underesti- ing skills and helped the team “This year I’m most looking mate yourself. In fact, a famous reach gold. They came back forward to playing with some quote from Coach Aste is “Any- in the second half after be- of my closest friends and mak- one can win on any given day.” Kylee Tuebner in her 2019 season ing two points down in the ing progress in my game,” says When asked if Tuebner had first half. The game had the Tuebner when asked about her any specific feelings toward crowd out of their seats. They hopes for this season. “I first leaving the team behind, she put up a really great fight and got into tennis because of my responded with, “I’m super sad won the district championship. friend Megan Earnesty. She about this being my last year Two of the players got 5 fouls loved it, we were good friends, of tennis. It’s so fun and enjoy- by the fourth quarter and and she convinced me to try it. able to play, and to also relieve cheered on the rest of the team I absolutely loved it!” She ex- stress. I love my teammates and while they fought for the title. panded further into the ques- the coaches so much!” Tuebner Coach Booth was so proud of tion, mentioning, “I also want- also finished off her interview his team for their hard work ed to try a different sport and saying, “I definitely plan on and commitment to the game. thought tennis would be a fun, continuing to play tennis after They went on to play re- life long sport I could play.” I graduate! I started tennis in gionals and lost the game. As this is unfortunately Tueb- hopes to play after and I en- Chargers basketball put up a ner’s last season of any sport at A.J. Coghill drippling the ball. joy it so much, I think I will.” good fight but they are unfor- Chancellor High School, she tunately done for this season. 31 Feb/Mar 2020 CHARGING CENTER DEATHLESS RUN OF MARIO ODYSSEY By Katie Stafford words, a failed deathless run, at Death in the Cap Kingdom matter if it’s hot or not; Antan- Staff Reporter will be treated as a few-death - the tutorial level of the game! tic is considered a desert be- Mario Odyssey came out on run because of article dead- Clearly I haven’t learned cause there is no rain, just snow! October 27th 2017. I hadn’t lines to meet.. With the rules in my lesson by making fun of I was able to snatch two Power played this game since 2017; place, I start my little challan- Death. On the bridge, I nearly Moons easily. One from a small as it’s 2020, this game would lge of a deathless run with the fall just by showing off I can landing in the Sand Kingdom feel like my first gaming - ex knowledge Mario can’t fall into play this game. Once Mario’s town, and one from finding a perience. Because it’s Febru- voids, commit suicide by walk- panic of realizing Cappy has way in the shop without the ary, it seems fitting to play a ing off edges into chasm-voids him possessing a frog’s body, front door. Funny how the shop game where Mario and his new or poison, freeze to death after I’m too close to the edge to be owners aren’t terrified Mario friend Cappy saves Peach from being in icy water or drowning, called safe for a deathless run. has found his way into the shop a forced marriage by Bowser, or have lava baths, and Cappy After meeting the Broodals - to rob them. They’re scared who has stolen - sorry, kid- can’t stab Mario in the back by Topper, Rango, Spewort, and he’ll come up from behind, and napped - Cappy’s sister, Taira. leaving him unable to get on Harriet (I gave her the nickname suggests using the front door. Instead of a boring playthrough safe, firm ground leading to Ma- of Maniac due to her crazy, Because of the rules I set in of a game nearly three years rio dead, and Cappy a ruthless, high-pitched laughter) - I fight place, I have to tell the reader old, I decided to make it a little cold-blooded murderer who’ll off Topper easily. With Topper about my first death. I was try- more interesting. I would love be not let off the charge of my defeated, and Mario capturing ing to get to the place to sum- to do a no-damage run of Mario mentioning a few billion times. a pole, the title of the game ap- mon Jaxi on top of this plat- Odyssey, but that’ll take skills I During a fight in Bowser’s air- pears before the plumber and form just barely short enough have no possible way of doing ship, the antagonist throws his his new friend un-capture to for Mario to jump on, which is when I can barely do a Cappy- top hat to send Mario flying the Cascade Kingdom. With surrounded by poison. Mario roll jump (an advanced move in the air, with a time-freeze exposing our first Power Moon bonks his head; I can’t save him where Mario rolls into Cappy to moment similar to the Smash from the help of Chain Chomp, before he dies. This means I’ve soar through the air longer than Bros Brawl (2008) for the Wii’s it’s found a rusty Odyssey. failed in a deathless run; how- a normal throw-Cappy-dive- moment where a cannonball Instead of the long way to ever, now we’ll do it a run with bounce jump). So, I’ll do the sends the red-clad plumber fly- Madame Broodal (or, Demon as few deaths as possible. Feel- next best thing: a deathless run. ing into the blood red clouds. Bunny as what I like to call ing brazen and deficient of this Remember: I’m no profes- His hat under Bowser’s shoe, her), I take a shortcut. Capture death, I do the same thing that sional gamer; I’m mediocre at Peach is feebly protesting as the realistic T-Rex, expose the led me to this fail: back to the best, and at worse I’m decent. he wonders if Mario is jealous trampoline-like boost pad, un- deathtrap of a platform. It just So, don’t expect me to do glitch- of forcing Peach to be his wife. capture swiftly, and dive to the leads to Mario dying in disgust, es, or some super-swift button The red cap flies into the breeze battlefield, and the cutscene with poison splattered across mashing that’ll actually take as the airship soars. Cappy would start. After a fight with no his face, clothes, and Cappy. skill to do. Speaking of glitches, takes it and races downwards. problems, I get the Multi-Moon My shameless courage and I have some rules I gave myself. After scaring our new cow- (a trio of Power Moons), and I bold disobedience over, I One: no glitches. Two: I have ardly friend, Cappy explains power up the Odyssey, and make headed off to the tower, where to beat every boss. So, no way Bowser has taken his sister, and my way to the Sand Kingdom. I got rid of the cati by tossing am I collecting all the Power he would chase him down if the When Mario is in the Odys- Cappy to them. One bounces Moons in Sand Kingdom to cap-airships weren’t wrecked sey after Cappy transforms into back to Mario, who landed cheat myself out of potential with smoke billowing onto the a Captain’s Hat, his new friend in one before this one. This failure. Three: I have to collect gray-tinged world with only the asks him, “So? How do you like means two things: one, Mario at least the minimum Power orange sparks flying into the me as a Captain’s Hat? Pretty is one health point from death; Moons; I don’t need to collect air like embers over a fire. -Af classy . . . wouldn’t you say?” two, Cappy is clearly trying to every single Power Moon in ter explaining they - as both of Once no longer as a hat, Cappy kill Mario so early in this run. the Kingdom to move on. Four: them are hunting down Bowser would tell the player how to do Do you really want to be re- to complete this run, I have to for similar reasons - should a skill. He then goes on to ex- membered as a killer, Cappy? get Mario, Peach, Cappy, and head off to Top Hat Tower. plain that the Sand Kingdom At first I try getting on top Taira on the raising Odyssey to It doesn’t take me long to has a famous Binding Band, without 2D Mario; however, leave Bowser in the dust on the nearly fail at the deathless run, which is like a wedding ring. even when I know it’s doable, moon. Five: If I die, I’m allowed as, on the way to the lever to ex- In the Sand Kingdom, Cappy I don’t know how to get up to continue the journey to save pose the bridge, Cappy nearly comments, “But why is it so there without overshooting my Peach, or else this run from re- kills Mario by having him fall cold? I thought deserts were jumps. Admitting defeat, I go to starting would only get as far as into a void. Crying out in shock supposed to be hot.” Cappy, can 2D Mario, which ends badly. Go- Sand Kingdom; however, I have and fear, I was somehow able to I give you a little geology lesson: ing too fast for this section’s lik- to mention if I die, so the reader keep Mario away from death. Deserts are deserts because of ing, I ran right into a little bullet can know this wasn’t all Power This was when I realized this the amount of rainfall; if it’s less bill, and I cried out in shock as Moons and no boss fights, and wasn’t going to be an easy run than sixteen inches of rain per the classic death theme played it just becomes a run with as when I’m already poking fun year, then it’s a desert. It does as Mario’s body falls off screen few deaths as possible. In other Feb/Mar 2020 32 Stock Photo CHARGING CENTER DEATHLESS RUN OF MARIO ODYSSEY PT. 2 with the classic shocked look take damage from bullet bills. I take another stop before path branched off, I decide the of a player who didn’t take her I was able to save a bullet bill the Inverted Pyramid, and go Wooded Kingdom first before time crosses the plumber’s face. from exploding a stone block to the Northwest Reaches to the Lake Kingdom. On the trip With taking my time, I was able before getting to this one part do a bullet bill maze. I didn’t over, Cappy wonders if Bowser to get the Top the Highest Tow- near where a secret area is. die, but I nearly failed to get would steal a whole wedding er Power Moon to continue the Looks like my reflexes are fine the bullet bill out of the maze after kidnapping his sister and story and journey. Having col- in games, but my attempts before it exploded, ending the taking the Binding Band. After lected some of the purple coins of not dying are slightly lack- capture. Then, I go to the In- going over a skill, Cappy says that’s the regional currency in ing. Once dying twice, I was verted Pyramid, which has the Soiree Bouquet is known each Kingdom, I head off to the able to get a hidden Moon. a massive hole that leads to to be in the Wooded Kingdom. place with the Moe-Eye. I try I skipped the cutscene before the Underground Temple. The Wooded Kingdom is to be confident and do the sec- fighting the only female rab- In the Underground Temple, a large forest with creaking tion without the Moe-Eye, but bit; I mean, Harriet - no, sorry, I did some tricky jumps, and robots, piranha plants, and fall into poison because I wasn’t I meant Maniac. The fight was shamelessly allowed a stack of later, tanks everywhere. Out watching where Mario was simple. I was able to bat her Goombas to fall into a void; it of all the Kingdoms, except landing in his triple-jump. This explosive spiky balls back at felt much better than doing it for Jump Up, Superstar! from doesn’t mean I used the rocky her to make the battle quicker. with Yoshi. At one point, I was Metro Kingdom, the music Moe-Eye. I just stopped being At night, the Inverted Pyra- trying to get over a large chasm in the Iron Road: Entrance as so show-offy and overconfident. mid rises, and Cappy comments with a bullet bill. The bullet bill to my favorite. And I love the Tentatively, I inch Mario to on it floating in the air, and the exploded, and I was able to save first time Cappy gets - swal this one Moon Shard, fearful sudden drop in temperature. myself by moving pillars. I used lowed by a piranha plant: “Do of another death. I didn’t die, Remember that first death that a simple throw-Cappy-dive- I look like plant food to you?!” and Cappy was able to safely quickly showed me I do not bounce jump to get to safety. On the journey to a tower, I get the Shard safely. With all have the skills to successfully At the Deepest Underground, learn the very ends of the flow- the Moon Shards collected, complete a deathless run, all for I made it to the battlefield. er road can have Mario bonk I was able to get further into the Jaxi and the bit I wanted to After skipping the cutscenes, his head, resulting in another the story: Showdown at the In- show-off getting him? Well, I I was ready to do battle with death in this few-death run. verted Pyramid. Before that, I could have saved me the trouble this stone head and hands. At Then Cappy kills Mario by helped this one civilian gather of my first death by the simple one point, I grabbed a heart not saving him from a death- his three sheep. In that process, act of paying him at the front a second before the hand void chasm. After through the I had accidentally on purpose, of the Sand Kingdom town. could hurt Mario. Overall, tower, I fight Spewurt. The sent one of his sheep down a On the way to the Inverted the battle wasn’t hard at all. battle was quick and simple deep gorge that led to a death Pyramid, I go to this hole to go Before leaving the Sand with him only able to hit Mario barrier. Yeah - Mario is the to this icy underground cave. I Kingdom, I wanted to buy the once, because I misjudged my killer, and not Cappy! With his died soon after I entered, be- cowboy outfit; 20 coins for the jump on top of his ginger hair. sheep at his side, he gifts Ma- cause I panicked on the ice, hat, and 25 coins for the out- With the first boss in this rio a Power Moon for his three and Cappy and I allowed Mario fit. I had enough for the outfit kingdom over, I buy the ex- sheep, including the respawned to fall to his death. Sometime with fourteen left. I captured plorer outfit and hat to finish sheep Mario murdered. into the section, I knew how to a rocket, and got to this part up the little adventure in the Once inside the Inverted get on top of these pillars that where a scarecrow was there Wooded Kingdom. When I get Pyramid, I died once I tried to move up and down, trying to for Cappy to stay while Ma- to the Forest Charging Station, show off, and Mario fell into a crush Mario, but the ice was rio parkoured all on his own. I I get a pink Goomba a stack of void. On my second try, I was too slippery. As I try to avoid tried getting across this chasm, brown Goombas to fawn over able to parkour to the green the deadly pillars, Mario dies. I which would have a bridge to before she gives me a Power pipe to do the 2D section of died after trying to parkour my safety if Cappy is on the scare- Moon. At the Iron Mountain the level. I then died in the 2D way to the same part, however. crow, and the Goomba on this Path, Station B, Mario dies. part. I was trying to rush, and Then, Cappy is no longer an small platform was just at the It’s a part where Mario has to there’s this drop that leads to attempted killer in this game; right place at the right time: I capture a tank, and get rid the void. Guess who missed the no, he downright let Mario captured him just as Mario fell of a barrier with balls hurt- edge by one pixel? Another bit bonk on a wall that had him to his death. However, I died ing him. I didn’t notice until of trying to show off has Mario land in a death barrier, then he after Cappy failed to save Mario the final barrier was destroyed dead. I guess deathless runs are does it a second time. Thanks, from a rotating platform that that Mario was killed by one. not as easy as I first thought. Cappy. I tried the section a sec- wouldn’t allow him to cling on With the barrier done, I take After the show-offy death, it re- ond time, and got it. I was able to. I was able to get some purple on the final boss in this -king sults in me capturing the bullet to get to the part, and do the coins from the Sand Kingdom dom. I died once: I got hit bill to the other side. This time, parkour to get a Power Moon. to get me the cowboy hat, and by the lasers by mistake. The I was able to speedrun the whole I entered a pipe to Jaxi Ruins, then I head off to the Odyssey. boss is this robot stealing flow- 2D bit. I even got in some pixel- which was where I was aim- With the red-clad plumber ers, and once destroying these perfect jumps before I could ing for before my first death. dressed as a cowboy, and the blue balls protected by blocks, 33 Feb/Mar 2020 CHARGING CENTER DEATHLESS RUN OF MARIO ODYSSEY PT. 3 it exposes the boss’ weak area. the game came out. Once out, rescue, I blindly jumped down plants, which are swiftly dealt Wooded Kingdom’s bosses people talked about it, but it into part of the ocean of poi- with. After the Power Moon, over, I still have to gather Power was more because they saw it son. Then die to poison again I leave as the festival goes on, Moons. I go to the Dark Woods. funny before growing used to it. when I panicked. I decided I’ll as I saw it as something extra The Dark Woods is a subsec- Because I didn’t have enough just land in poison in my jump to do, and not an actual boss tion in the Wooded Kingdom. coins, I farmed them by gath- to the Mountainside Platform, fight, leaving Pauline to - for The Dark Woods as a T-Rex ering already collected purple which I get two Power Moons ever sing Jump Up, Superstar! that chases Mario, which is coins and Power Moons, go- for. However, I died four times At the Snow Kingdom, which why I don’t care for the Dark ing into areas where I can on the 3D Power Moon at is famous for its Frost-Frosted Woods. Each time I enter, I find get coins, along with some the Mountainside Platform: Cake, I find the purple coins to myself fleeing a rampaging di- more Power Moons. Once I two times trying to get onto buy the snow outfit and hood nosaur. I only need one Power had enough, I was able to en- the platform, once when I for Mario, and get enough Moon, so I do the “Underneath ter the room to get the “I Feel jumped off, thinking I didn’t Power Moons to leave. I don’t the Roots of the Moving Tree” Underdressed” Power Moon. make it, and when I ground like the race that happens at Power Moon, with that I leave Then, I battled the only boss pounded into the poison. the end, so it’s a mad dash to the Dark Woods, and go to the in Lake, Rango, with Mario in With all ten Power Moons get enough Moons to leave Lake Kingdom, which is fa- his nice cowboy outfit and hat. soon in hand, Mario and Cap- as soon as that race Moon is mous for its Lochlady Dress. The fight was jump on his hat, py repair the Odyssey, and go able to be gifted to Mario and In his cowboy outfit and and let the bunny have Mario’s to Metro, which Cappy says is his friend, who happens to hat, Mario goes to the Lake head crashing down on him. powered using the energy us- be a killer in a few-death run, Kingdom. I go straight to this However, I almost died because ing Power Moons. At Metro, a Cappy. With only doing one high wall that isn’t too hard to I didn’t stomp on him correct- storm with gusting wind and room, I only have three Moons get up. If able to get up at the ly, and I got hit by his tossed, pelting rain disturb the night, to find, and I decide to do all first try, Cappy said, “Wow! spiked hat. With one health along with Bowser’s airship. four before leaving for Seaside. Great jump!” when all I did point away from death, Ma- At the Construction Site, I At the sandy beaches and was a triple jump, a wall jump rio was able to end the battle. panicked on this one moving gleaming sea on a nice, warm off the wall, throw Cappy be- On the way to Metro, Mario beam and fell. After that, I was sunny day at the Seaside King- hind Mario, dive into him, and and Cappy are halted by Bows- able to get two Power Moons dom, which is known for its four bounce to get the last boost up. er appearing. At the Nimbus before facing the boss, which giant fountains and the central With only three Power Moons Arena in the Cloud Kingdom, was simple: Capture one of the fountain containing the Sparkle to gather in the Lake Kingdom the player gets a taste for how tanks and destroy it. Not too Water, I put back on the cow- after less than three minutes the final battle would go down. hard, but I always hated using boy outfit and hunt for Power gathering Moons. I then re- Bowser will toss his top hat with the tanks because they had to Moons. After fixing the foun- member the way to get into this boxer gloves attached, and Ma- use motion controls to get good tains to anger the boss, whose one is to look like Mario’s ready rio has to put it on. During the aim, and I don’t like the feel of gulping down from the central to swim. One way is to find the fight, Bowser will also toss shad- the motion used for the tanks. I fountain, he starts throwing regional purple coins and buy ow-hats to make getting the hat usually don’t mind motion con- rocks to try and hurt Mario. swim gear for 15 purple coins, a bit harder, but not by much. trols, but the tanks feel strange By the time I get the boss but I’m lazy and use up a thou- He’ll also throw rocks at Mario. to me for some odd reason. angered enough to fight, I sand yellow coins for the box- The last blow, he’ll try and hit With Mayor Pauline to only have one more Moon to ers, and I remember how this Mario with his tail; dodge that, talk to and Power Moons to get. I get ready to fight, and was a problem back then a few and Bowser is defeated by being gather, I find some Power jump, literally, into battle. I months before the game was thrown back onto his airship. Moons, and even buy the find this boss annoying, be- released. The problem wasn’t In retaliation, he’ll order Builder outfit and hat to get cause he moves around, and people seeing Mario naked ex- cannons to be fired. In his run these two Power Moons. I hitting him isn’t easy. Usu- cept for the boxers, it was some back to the Odyssey, Mario is did this Moon where it was ally, I find the Power Moons people noticed Mario had a knocked off his feet by a can- timed, and just barely pushed and leave, but the rules I gave third nipple. To me, it didn’t nonball exploding too close through the crowd to get it. myself means I have to fight. matter at all, as long as the to him. Mario, Cappy, and the Wearing the Builder’s outfit At one point, I fled to the game was both fun and had a Odyssey, which is busted up, and construction hat, Mario Odyssey to refill my three hit believable plot, which has both. are sent to the Lost Kingdom. talks to Major Pauline, who points; the Odyssey gives Mario I just remembered it because The Lost Kingdom is a small wants to put on a show, and his health back if stayed in there that was all the media had to isle surrounded by poison. I it’s up to Mario to find her for a certain amount of time. offer for nearly a month since know there’s a way to avoid musicians. When all four of Mario’s health replenished, he that discovery. Over time, it Klepto, but I never tried it, and the musicians are found, she goes back into battle with that wasn’t complained about; it was I don’t want this few-death run wants Mario to go to the Under- annoying boss. Once defeated, there for someone to remember given another death or two. So, ground Power Plant. It doesn’t Mario is thrown into the central all the issues that happened I left Klepto snatching Cappy, take me long to get to the two fountain with its Sparkle Water. over Mario in his boxers before who’s swiftly saved. After the big poison-spewing piranha With the sweetest Kingdom Feb/Mar 2020 34 CHARGING CENTER DEATHLESS RUN OF MARIO ODYSSEY PT. 4 to go to now, Mario and Cap- lightning, and remove its crown low the keep. One way of get- harder, but not by much; he py journey to the Luncheon to ground pound its weak point. ting a Power Moon, I learned also has new moves that are Kingdom, known for its Stu- The Odyssey repaired, Mario the hit box for the final wire easy to read. I found out if pendous Stew. After swiftly and Cappy go to Bowser’s King- is massive. After getting the Mario is stealing the real hat fighting Spewurt, I buy the dom. Ever since I got to Bows- Moon, I was able to meet with Bowser in front of Mario, Chef outfit and hat, and travel er’s Kingdom, I learned Cappy Bowser, and skip the cutscene the antagonist would steal the through this colorful, delicious would refuse to leave until to then fight Robobrood, hat when Mario clearly had it. kingdom; even Cappy likes the Bowser is dealt with. He would which didn’t take long at all. After Mario caputes Bowser, Kingdom, as he says, “What’s say, “Let’s hurry after those two!” With Bowser at the Moon it’s a run to get out. Taira and that smell? Dee-licious!” I always appreciated the overall Kingdom, both Cappy and Ma- Cappy reunite, and Mario hold- After getting to the part where growth in Cappy’s character; he rio go off to the Moon with a ing a rocket flower while his en- Mario captures a slab of meat, went from fearful in Cap King- completed, golden-sailed Od- emy has a bouquet of piranha a bird carries him to a mas- dom to willing to do anything to yssey. Mario’s floatier on the plants, tries to get the Princess sive pot, and after getting the save his little sister after eleven Moon, and it takes a while to of the Mushroom Kingdom to Multi-Moon, Mario is blown kingdoms’ of journeying for get used to the different feel. take his gift. Peach snaps at them back to the Odyssey with a this new friend of Mario’s to Once inside this cavern, the before heading for the Odyssey. volcano erupting. Then, it’s grow. He’s like Luigi, a coward gravity is less floaty, as if the Overall, the game is still fun. traveling back to the volcano who’s willing to save his friends player was in one of the other It’s not too hard if anyone wants by a different path to fight. and/or family when push comes kingdoms, like Lake or Lost. to win a game in a few hours, or Once capturing a lava bub- to shove. I kind of wish Luigi After getting through most of speedrun it for a time around ble, Mario then attacks the played a better role than Luigi’s the cavern, the Demon Bunny an hour. I’m still impressed by huge bird by traveling up the Balloon World - a minigame - I mean, Madame Broodal - the graphics. I was thinking lava it was vomiting, while where the player hides or finds is back with her golden chain the graphics would look a little avoiding the food. The bat- balloons in different kingdoms. chomp. The battle is the same older after nearly three years. It tle was sweet and simple. Going through Bowser’s King- as the first time, just with looks like the graphics that got On the way to Bowser’s King- dom is really interesting, as her little chain chop wearing everyone amazed. The game is dom, the antagonist stops Ma- the player has to travel from more hats. The fight over, Ma- more of a platformer, so the bits rio and Cappy by appearing one section of land to another rio and Cappy are able to stop where the player has to think of with a purple-black lightning by wire. The aura of the king- the wedding by Bowser open- a solution isn’t very hard, if there dragon. The dragon attacks the dom is more like Japan with ing a trap door under Mario’s is any. The ability to get Mario Odyssey, and Mario and his the Samurai, and Mario can feet. Cappy tries to keep him to higher places with Cappy is friend have to fight the dragon dress like a Samurai as well. from falling, but both land in still fun. Personally, I love an- to get the Multi-Moon to re- Still in his Samurai uniform, the final battlefield with Peach other game with Cappy. I know pair their airship, again. The Mario defeats both Topper trapped with the Binding Band. the fan base loved him around fight isn’t as cool as the Ruined and Maniac. With the battles Like in the Cloud Kingdom, the time Odyssey came out. Kingdom dragon. Just avoid the over, Mario is able to get be- Bowser’s moves are slightly PS, XBOX EQUAL COMPETITORS WORTH TRYING By Mikah Nelson with gameplay it has always tem called a PSP, Playstation different items. Both gam- Staff Reporter been Playstation vs. Xbox. Portable, Xbox remained con- ing systems have most of the There have always been argu- Both consoles have things sole and did not really branch same games but there are a ments about whether some- that are similar and things that out. As both systems grew they few that are only available thing is better than some- set them apart. Both have been both came out with a sort of to one system. Both gaming thing else and people will making new and better con- premium membership. Xbox systems have their ups and argue to make their certain soles like the Xbox One X or created Xbox Live Gold and downs, but the question and object seem better. Good ex- the Playstation 4 Pro. Though Playstations created Playsta- arguments remains: Which amples of this are Samsung vs Playstation through the years tion Plus. Both memberships gaming console is superior? Apple and PC vs Console.. But made a handheld gaming sys- give access to free games and SCREEN TIME≠DEPRESSION By Mikah Nelson ple think that if you are on your between what happens during with others online. These are Staff Reporter phone too much it can cause screen time and making one some factors that play roles in In modern day civilization you to have depression. There depressed. What a person does causing depression. There are most everyone has a phone. isn't any really accurate data on during their screen time can af- some ways to avoid this which Phones are used for a ton of this because screen time affects fect them. There are many fac- are simply just try to avoid things in everyday life, and everyone differently and there tors that are at play with screen negative things. All this be- some people spend most of isn't really a correlation be- time and for instance what they ing said, take care of yourself their day on their phones or tween screen time and depres- are looking at, who they are when you are on your phone. tablets. For some reason peo- sion. But there is a correlation talking to, or how they interact 35 Feb/Mar 2020 Feb/Mar 2020 36