A Writer’s World

“He was different. Serius was just born different. He grew up fast and matured very quickly. Although he doesn’t look very tough on the outside he has a complex brain; he thinks fast in is always up for a challenge.  He was special, and I knew one day he would make a difference in the world.” – Grandfather Harrie

 

“I got an A on a test!” said Serius. As he said that, he knew that his parents would not care. His parents, Julia and Shawn never paid much attention to Serius, because Serius had an older brother, Blake. Blake played a lot of sports including hockey, rugby, and football. He was very athletic and always was popular at school. Serius was the opposite of popular. He was very shy and always got bullied, even by his brother. He could never protect himself; he was small with jet-black hair and had no muscles for defense. He would always come home and get lectured by his parents for not being more like Blake. His parents loved Blake. His dad always supported him at sporting events, but never supported Serius in any of his spelling bees or chess tournaments.

 

Over the years Serius became very lonely. He would have become very depressed if it were not for his loving Grandfather Harrie. Harrie was always nice to Serius and Serius respected his grandfather greatly. Every Sunday Serius would go and visit his grandfather in Berkeley. It was not to far a trip from where Serius lived. Serius lived in the great city of San Francisco. He would take a bus to the U. C. Berkeley campus, which his grandfather lives closed too, and ride his old, blue mongoose bike to his house. For years Serius would travel to meet his grandfather. It was always a day of talking about the week when he visited and Serius just knew there was something very special about his only true friend.

 

One Saturday Serius got a surprised and urgent call from his grandfather.

 

“You need to come to my house today as fast as you can. I need to tell you something in person. I don’t have much time.”

 

“In a curious voice Serius said, “Why?”

 

“There is no time for questions, just come.”

 

In a very worried and startled voice he said,”Ok.”

 

Since Serius was not able to drive, the only way to get to Berkeley was his old and rusty mongoose bike. His parents never liked Serius visiting his grandfather; they thought he was strange and very dangerous. As fast as Serius could he pedaled to the bus stop down on his street. He took a quick glance at the bus schedule and saw that he had to wait 30 minutes for the next bus. He knew he had no other choice but to wait and sit on the filthy bench.

 

            As he was waiting for the bus to come, an old lady, with long gray hair, came limping up the street.

 

            Being a nice boy Serius said, “Hello.”

 

            She responded so fast that it seemed that she had read his mind. “Hello little boy,” she said in an eerie voice.

 

            Serius sat there anxious for the bus. He wanted to go see his best friend, his grandfather. He thought of what was so important that he had to rush over and talk to his grandfather. What could be wrong with his grandfather? What was so important? He had so many questions on his mind. On the other hand Serius was very scared and cautious about the old lady. Every time he looked her way, she was staring right at him. Finally the bus came and as Serius went to get on, she tried to persuade him to stay. Serius kept saying no but she just grew angrier. Finally when he refused for the last time, she got this strange smile on her face and said some sort of spell, “Growth Xnormus.”

 

            Then at that moment her small body seemed to grow larger and larger until she was 15 feet tall. Serius started to turn around when the old lady took hold of the bus and shook it. Serius suddenly gripped the door of the bus until his knuckles turned white, feeling as cold as ever. Seeing Serius grip the door made the giant lady shake it even harder. Finally Serius’ grip on the door was loosened and he fell to the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

           

            Serius was in total shock. His hands started to shake and he felt a blanket of evil surrounding him. With every breath Serius took the evil wrap seemed to tighten. Serius was help less; he could not even dare himself to look at the creature in front of him. Then a sudden breeze or force picked Serius up off the ground. He felt paralyzed floating in the air. What’s going on Serius thought. What’s happening?

 

            The breeze picked up speed and started to circle him. A quick jolt in Serius’ back made him woozy. With his quivering hand Serius felt his back. Something had sprouted out of his back. In his peripheral vision Serius could see white and silver wings enlarging on his back. In a blink of the eye, the breeze stopped and Serius was hovering over the ground like some angel.

 

            “NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!” the old lady shouted. “It’s not possible. You were not even supposed to live to that point in your life. Your not even 13.”

 

            Serius had no clue what the creature was talking about, but he felt strong and powerful floating above the air. He felt in control for once in his life and he liked it. In a split second his hands started to glow and at that point he knew he had to pulverize the monster. With one glowing punch he knocked out the monster. The breeze picked up again and surrounded the beast, making it dissipate into smoke.

 

            “Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Serius yelled with excitement. He knew this was not a dream. It couldn’t be but just to make sure he pinched himself.

 

            Floating back to earth, Serius’ wings folding and disappearing on his back, Serius heard footsteps behind him. It was his grandfather in kaki pants and a Hawaiian shirt.   

 

            “I see you found out earlier than I expected. I knew you were the one Serius. Congratulations!”

            “Congratulations for stopping the monster?” Serius said

 

            “No. Congratulations for being the chosen one. Here, lets go to my house so I can Explain Everything to you. You look a bit confused.” So they headed for Harrie’s house near the Berkeley campus in the green pt cruiser. When they got to the house they both took a seat on the old brown leather couch to talk about the situation.

 

            “Serius,” Harrie said, “you are very special. You are an angel and are going to grow up into a hero who might save the world. See, you have already sprouted wings before you have matured at 13. The prophecy says that the child who matures early is the chosen on-…… Sorry Serius. I cannot tell you your prophecy; it might ruin your life. If I tell you your prophecy you will know what comes ahead in your life, which might kill you. One other thing I can tell you. When you were born a villain was born and your quest is to defeat your enemy.”

 

            “Awwwwhhhh,” coughed Harrie. “I don’t have much time to live. Take care child.

 

            “Wait what do you mean. You can’t die.”

           

“I can’t do it grandpa. I am too young.”

           

            “No you are not. I took the challenge.”

 

            “Fine I will do it.”

           

“Son, when every hero matures in the family the past hero in the family dies off. I was the past hero………………… You will do well son. Take car-…….

 

            “Grandfather don’t go. I need you; I need more information!!!!!”

 

            At that moment Serius knew he had just lost his one and only true friend. But he knew what he had to do then, defeat his archenemy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            When Serius’ family found out about the death of their relative, they suddenly blamed Serius for not calling the paramedics.

           

 

“Why didn’t you call them Serius?” His mom said sternly.

 

 Serius tried to defend himself but it was no use. His parents had made up their mind that it was Serius’ fault. Serius knew he would get punished he just didn’t no how bad.

 

            “You’re going to military school in Montana!” his parents said, “and you’re not going to complain. You know you deserve this and you should take this experience as good discipline.”

 

            “GOOD DISCIPLINE!! My best friend just died and all you can think about is good discipline. He is your father Julia.”

 

            “Go to your room, mister, until you can talk with respect.”

 

            Serius had made up his mind. He would run away the day of the flight to Montana. He would have to start packing now for his quest to find his archenemy. How will I know who my enemy is Serius thought, but I don’t care I will destroy whoever he is for my grandfather.

 

             

   

 

 

 

            The day of the flight came and as usual Serius was as nervous as ever. This was his first time he was on some sort of mission. He had packed all his things a few days a go and was ready to get out of this prison he lived in. Serius had no idea of where to start looking for his archenemy but he knew that when he found him they would have to fight. One of them must fall in battle. He just hoped it would not be him. Serius was thinking of the battle when he was interrupted by his mother.

 

            “Hurry up Serius, your cab is waiting.”

 

            Serius grabbed his gray adidas bag and hurried out of his room to the yellow taxicab.

 

            “Where to son,” the old taxi driver said.

 

            “Downtown San Francisco please, Chinatown.”

 

            As the old banged up taxi drove the young troubled boy to downtown San Francisco a strange cloud followed the car.

 

            Serius didn’t notice the cloud until he was dropped off on the sidewalk. That’s funny he thought. That cloud looks like my grandfather’s face. As he started to walk down the street he noticed that the cloud was following him. The cloud started to turn from gray to black. Then it started to get really cold and the cloud started to descent and fast. It sent a chill down Serius’ spine. Serius looked up in astonishment.

 

            “What is that?”

 

            The cloud was now right above Serius. The cloud turned into fog and started circling Serius at a very fast speed.

 

            The fog started to transform right in front of Serius. It started looking like a figure of some sort, like a boy the same size and shape as Serius. The weird figure stood in front of Serius with an angry look on its face. He had a cut lip with a long scare across his neck.

 

            “My name is not important to you, I am your archenemy.” The figure said.

 

            “If you are who you say then we shall battle,” Serius said.

 

            Serius had never fought before but somehow he thought that this time was different. He felt his grandfather’s wisdom and strength with him.

  

           

 

             

 

                

The figure took out two swords from his black backpack he was wearing and handed one to Serius.

 

“This shall be a fair duel Serius, the loser shall fall.”

 

Serius attacked first not knowing what his archenemy would do. The figure deflected the sword with ease. Serius had never dueled before but he loves watching Star Wars movies so he wasn’t clueless. Then the figure took a stab at Serius and ripped his sleeve off.

 

“That is it, your going down,” Serius said.

 

Serius charged him with fury. He slashed his sword, but the figure was to fast. The archenemy then took a chance and threw his sword at Serius. Serius tried to get out of the way but the sharp blade blazed through the air and pinned Serius’ shirt to the wall of a nearby store. Great, Serius thought I have let my grandfather down.

 

“I have you now, right where I want you.” The figure said.

 

Serius felt sad, like all he wanted was to see his grandfather again. While he was sobbing Serius felt a pain in his leg. He though He might have got struck in battle but as he put his hand in his pocket he felt something sharp. He took out the sharp object only to find a knife the size of his hand. He looked over the object quickly and surprisingly   found an engraving on the handle. The engraving said:

 

Grandfather Harrie

    It was from his grandfather. While he was wondering how it got in his pocket the figure charged at him. Thinking quickly, Serius held his newly found knife and stabbed the figure in the stomach.

 

“No, it can’t be. I was supposed to win.”

 

The figure dissipated just like the old lady had, but this time it dissipated into Serius. Serius felt a quick jolt in his body. The jolt wasn’t painful though, it felt soothing, like a piece was filled within his body. Serius got up slowly, trying not to rip his shirt to bad. He knew his grandfather would be proud of what he had accomplished. He just hoped his parents would too.

 

 

 

            Serius started heading home with an optimistic mind and knew that someday his parents would respect him. He had finally found his place in the world, to protect the human race from mysterious monsters. For once in his life Serius felt complete, like a peace of his heart was filled, filled with peace and harmony.

 

 

 

A flame burns inside of me
I am antsy to go outside
To feel the wind through my hair
To run freely in the streets
To have a care free day
But someone, something stops me
I am detached from the world
As if no one cares about me
The world has become a hateful place
The atmosphere is filled with hatred and anger
I am slowly suffocating to my death
There is no clean or peaceful breeze in the air
I can no longer carry on
The evil has won
I take my last breath of air, feeling defeat take over my body

The walls of death surround us
Seeming as if they inch closer to us everyday
We are concealed by a wooden shelf
A shelf that separates us from the outer world
Yet seeming to protect us from evil and the death that lies ahead
We all fall in
One by one into the pit of darkness
Never again to see our loved ones
Never again to see the sun shine
Never again to be free in this once unified world

The book, Butterfly Revolution, written by William Butler, is a book about a journey through a revolution in summer camp. The revolution takes a turn for the worst when Frank Reiley and the rest of his followers begin doing bad things. A revolution only works if everybody included is fighting for the same cause.

Frank Reiley is the leader of the revolution. Throughout the revolution, Frank became more of a dictator than a good and friendly leader. He starts to make bad decisions that hurt people. He was becoming a modern Hitler, a man who discriminated and killed off many innocent Jewish people. He starts to fight for a bad cause and he doesn’t notice it. He feels he is doing the kids at the camp a favor, instead he is putting them in a lot of harm. By becoming a dictator, most of the kids at High Pines camp became very mad at him, just like how some German siblings tried to rebel against Hitler, by writing and publishing fliers that questioned Hitler’s ideals and rule. Everybody had lost respect for their leader, Frank Reiley. He started to tell lies. For examples, he said that Don Egriss is a big traitor of the revolution, just because Don wanted to leave camp. This accusation relates to when Hitler killed off many Jewish people just because of their religion. Frank then sent Don to the brig, the detention room, for being counterrevolutionary. Another reason people lost respect for Frank is because he used decent so people wouldn’t turn counterrevolutionary. Frank had told people if they donate money to the revolutionary bond, then they would get paid back in return. No one got their money back. Also, Winston Weyn, a 13 year old boy got really heated and mad at the actions of Frank Reiley. Frank Reiley just let some girls from Low Pines, the girl’s camp, hang Don Egriss, Winston’s friend. After Winston complained to Frank, Frank told him. “I had to let the girls have Don, too many kids in both camps either wanted to kill Don or turn him over to the police, anyhow, there was a danger of a counterrevolutionary just because of Don.”

Things started to go really bad when kids from both camps noticed there leader had broken many promises he had made. In the beginning, Frank stated that the revolution was supposed to bring fun to the camp and that no one would get hurt. Little kids are having no fun. They are only able to swim in the river and do other things they used to do before the revolution. Also, three people died by the revolution, Don Egriss, John Mason, and Mr. Warren. Each leader, Reiley and Hitler, brought violence to their reign of leadership.

Frank Reiley had lost even more respect from kids because he started to bribe them. He stated, that if you were high enough in rank and have contributed to the revolution, only you, the few people, will get paid. By doing this, he is bribing others to stay with the revolution and stay true to the leadership of the revolution.

By loss of respect for your leader, not keeping promises the leader has made, and illegal bribery, has led to chaos and turmoil of the revolution. The only way a revolution can work is to have everybody fighting for the same cause, but this did not happen, which led to the failure of the revolution

Loyalty. The state of being faithful. As a Loyalist I will always stay true to my king. Our loyalty to Britain will make our country stronger and more unified. We do not need war. Just stay true to your king and you will see the benefits of your faith and honesty.

Unification is one of the most important parts needed to be a country. In Britain we need unification and from a loyalist’s point of view, if we go to war with the colonies in North America that will disorientate our anarchy rule. Our country will no longer be unified as one. The colonies just need to accept the fact that the rulers in Britain have the right to tax them. They need to obey every law that has been brought forth to them. If the colonies will not cooperate we will have to use military power to keep things in order.

Loyalty, as I had stated in the paragraphs above is very crucial if you want to be a unified country. We all come from Britain and are all British subjects. We should be faithful and obey the British law, including obeying the anarchy rule. Also, being subject to Parliament too means if they want to tax us, we have to accept it. The rulers of Britain have the power and we have to respect that.

The colonies may be mad at these changes, but they do not have the right to start riots and mob violence against it. Colonists do not have the right to bring out violence in the streets of colonies like Boston. By bringing out violence and crime they show no respect for the rule in Britain. The colonists in the colonies have no right to disobey the anarchy and should be punished if they do so.

Loyalty is a key part in making changes in law and we, loyalists, need to enforce this change. If we have to take drastic actions to do so like using military power in the colonies, we will. War and violence is not the answer, but if the colonies don’t conform we will take action.

Veterans. The true superheros of America. The men and women who put their lives at stake to insure our well being. I think we should remember and honor veterans because they put their lives in danger to protect us and preserve our way of life.

Veterans sacrifice their lives to protect our country. I think going to war is the greatest sacrifice. Soldiers go to war and put there lives in jeopardy to preserve our country and our freedom to live the American lifestyle. Another sacrifice a soldier has to make is that they have to leave their families behind when they go off to war. They leave their own families to make sure other families in America have a better future. Also soldiers may have to go through losing a friend in the war. For example, two soldiers could have been best friends in high school. Then one of them dies in war. The family of the son who has died has to make sacrifices. That affects a lot of people connected to that family.

Families sacrifice their sons and daughters to the war. Even families with single children are drafted into the war. The father and mother lose their “baby” to a war. Emotions affect the whole family. During World War 1-2 food rationing was a big sacrifice for families. Families had to ration for food and essential goods to support the war effort. Having a child go off to war is very emotional for mothers and fathers, especially siblings. The family breaks apart by a son or daughter going to war and that leaves a wound in the family. The wound in the family can only be healed if the child returns home safely.

For soldiers to become superheroes they have to go through extensive training. Soldiers have to go through, not only physical training with guns, but they have to go through mental training. They have to learn how not to panic in crucial situations. They have to be calm and at the same time, focused.

During war, families make many sacrifices. One of the greatest sacrifices a family can make is having a loved one go off to war. We need to honor, not just the soldiers who go to war, but especially their families at home.

• Flipped : Wendelin Van Draanen
• Swear To Howdy : Wendlin Van Draanen
• Football Genius : Tim Green
• Football Hero : Tim Green

I am a surfboard gliding on a wave

Gently going with the flow of the water

Cutting a path as I carry on

The wave breaks

I am in the curl of a teal colored wall

Knowing I will find my way

There is an opening in the wall

Destiny is brought to me

I follow the right path

 

         I couldn’t fall asleep that night. I just couldn’t. I wanted to see what magnificent toy or prize was waiting for me in my family room. I had no idea what it would or could be. I finally fell asleep still dreaming of what was yet to come on that wonderful Christmas morning.

        I finally awoke feeling my heart already starting to race like it was in an Indy Cup Series. Jumping out of my bed, not even waiting for my sister to get up, I raced upstairs to find, sitting in my family room, a brand new bike. Not just any bike. My bike! Slick silver paint ran across the frame of the bike. A sticker that said “Pacific” was on the bike. Along with black knobby rubber grips on the handles. On the wheels were two pairs of black rail pegs.

        I practically jumped out of my pajamas and into my clothes when I finally got the chance to go outside and ride that amazing present. Finally the moment came to ride that silver bullet. I sat on the seat and pedaled to heaven. I felt like I was floating on a cloud. I could not and would not ever forget that day, that special, very special day.