Merry…er, wrong holiday.

Has anyone ever been so excited to see something that your words get mixed up? Yes, I did that today. (Though I think no one noticed…luckily.) So here’s me, all excited and things, and as I’m on my way out the door, (We are seeing these same people tomorrow for a New Year’s Eve party) I shout over my shoulder, “See you tomorrow! Merry New Year!” Talk about embarrassing. :)

But, here we are, 2014. (almost….) I have plans for a New Years Eve party (Yay!) which includes Just Dance 2014….plus root beer floats. (Double Yay!)

And as 2013 draws to a close, I realize that I did my top favorite movies….which has nothing to do with writing, by the way…and not top favorite books of this year. (that I’ve read this year, not that came out this year.)

Without further ado….

Wait, hold it, hold it. I have a story. Once upon a time there was this blogger who got sick with strep throat. She had such a high fever she had hallucinations. Then she got a cold. Then she got all better. That blogger was me. The end. (Just thought I’d let you know….I don’t actually know why I said that…but the point is, I’m all better! :))

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
This book. Just this book. It changed my life. I am Divergent, I can not be controlled. I am selfish; I am brave. I have a theory those two are the same thing. I don’t wanna be just one thing, I wanna be kind, and selfless, and smart, and truthful, and brave. I wanna be Amneditedoress. :) Here is the trailor for the 2014 movie……!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

This definetly was a great book. I’m really surprised they didn’t make it into a movie earlier! (Though if they had, Asa Butterfield wouldn’t be in it….that would be a big setback!) I just got it for Christmas from my lovely sister Addison (plus watching the movie with her….!!!) It has a lot more depth than most books I”ve read this year, which was nice. I really like the way it ended. If you haven’t read this book, … READ IT OR ELSE YOU WILL BE MISSING OUT ON A LOT OF GOOD READING! 

Here is also the trailer for the movie…I can’t figure out who is who though….except Ender. 

3. Eragon (the Inheritence Cycle) by Christopher Paolini

May I just take a moment to say, Christopher Paolini was fifteen when he wrote these. He was home schooled. May I just say, Oh yeah. That’s right. This book actually got me interested into the fantasy genre, right now I’m actually working on a mini project set in fantasy. 

4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I wish this was lower on my list of insperational and good books, but it is what it is. The Hunger Games gave me a good idea of what people like and want to read, not just what I want to read. Plus, it was pretty entertaining.

5. Double Vision by F. T. Bradley

This book gave me a really good concept of how to give the perfect balance of humor and light, happy things, and then alternately suspense and sad things. Plus it was very interesting and I read it all in one night….

Those are my top five good reads this year. A bit skimpy compared to the movies, but hey, I don’t really have a lot of time on my hands. (Except to watch movies…:D)

Happy Writing!

Scarlet

Ho, ho, ho and all that jazz

Derp, derp, derp. Christmas Eve is here again, and just as long as it was when I was a wee child. :) So every Christmas Eve, all my close family go to my Grammy and Grammpy’s house to open presents. It’s more Christmas than Christmas Day to me! But, I digress. I was bored (As you are on Christmas Eve) and was all…”Oooh…A computer! Well, it looks sad. Me too, buddy. Me too.” *proceeds to hug it then realizes that is not culturally acceptable* *Starts blogging because it’s cultually acceptable*

I realize this is going to  be a meaningless time-squandering post, but bear with.

I decided to focus on my unusual experience at my church in London.

So, there was a Carols by Candlelight service at my church. And one of my close friends was going too! :) So all of us youth went to sit in the balcony (!!!). But me and my friend were enthralled by the wax that would drip….So I began blowing on my flame, as you do, to get a massive waterfall of wax.

My friend, on the other hand, was busy pulling out strands of her hair and burning them in the flame. You know, as you do.

At the end of the service, she then grew extremely jealous of my waterfall of wax (She was aiming for the same effect…only she didn’t really get it. :D) so to solve her waterfall-less candle she just broke mine off and melted it onto her’s. :D

But other than that, all went smoothly…except she and I, in our attempt to get a waterfall of wax, blew out our candles….But we always got them relit! (Luckily)

So that is the most unusual Christmas service I’ve every been to….

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…and good Christmas services!
Scarlet

Cheers Y'all

Greetings from the great state of Texas! In my little mind palace, I thought that the flight would basically be like flying on a cloud, I’d breeze through the airport, the sun would be shining, and all in all everything perfect. Most of it was, but during the flight, I somewho managed to get melted chocolate all over my pants, and basically, was zonked by seven thirty. :)

But, I realize this has nothing to do with writing, but I like movies. And on the plane, I watched a bunch. So this is kinda a filler before a short story is done and Christmas. But, here are what I considered to be the top ten movies this year. (Next year will only be the top movie: DIVERGENT!!!!!! :D)

Yup, ten hours of movie watching. I did the math, and I realized I could potentially watch five movies. And I did. (You want to know which ones? Prepare yourself, innocent person who does something other than watch movies….After Earth, Man of Steel, Austenland, MU, and Blue Jasmine. The only two worth mentioning (to me) were After Earh and Austenland, though I will get to Man of Steel)

1. Hunger Games: Catching Fire
So, I am not a Hunger Games fanatic. I do enjoy it, but seriously, the only one I am a fanatic for is Catching Fire. The movie was amazing. Just no words. Mainly because of the romance in it, and also thats when I realized what Suzanne Collins was trying to do exactly. And I decided I hated Gale and that Peeta was obviously the better choice. You don’t believe me? In the third book, Gale was a jerk head. He had no feelings for Katniss’s breakdowns and pains. Replace Peeta in Gale’s position and Katniss probably would have been more mentally stable. Just saying.

2. Thor 2: The Dark World
Chris Ecc, Chris Ecc, Chris Ecc. (The Doctor, the Doctor, the Doctor) Thor in this movie was fine, you know, Thor-ish. Jane was eh, and Darcy was lol, and that intern, when he through those keys into that weird paradox thing and the disappeared? Way funny. Loki was the villain, and did a good job. But Loki wasn’t the villain. It was totally Malekieth who stole the show. (Come on guys, admit it) Malekieth was played by Chris Eccleston, the Ninth Doctor, and my personal favorite incarnation. So, there is just one more thing I have to say: the Dark Elves looked like evil Telly Tubbies. :)

3. After Earth
I have absolutely no idea if this came out this year, but I liked it. So the story was good, and of course, I love it when Will Smith and Jaden Smith do a movie together. I thought there was a good balance between action and sentiment. I really don’t have anything else to say on this matter except watch it.

4. Iron Man 3
Okay, I really think this came out last year, but who cares. It was good, in fact, I think it was my favorite Iron Man movie. So, it’s all wintery, cold. The usual. Funny, and strangely enough, a bit more sentimental than the others. :)

5. Catch me If you Can
MMk…this definetly didn’t come out this year, but I saw it this year, so that counts. :D Leonardo Di Caprio and Amy Adams…If you haven’t seen it, I recomend seeing it. It’s really clever (As my British friend says…) about this sixteen year old who imposters people and forges checks. It’s really, really clever. :)

6. Despicable Me 2
Me at the begining: Aw…Gru got a girlfriend!
Me in the middle: Aw…Margo got a boyfriend!
Me at the end: Aw…the minions are not purple freaks anymore!

7. Downton Abbey
Forgive my inner fangirl…this isn’t a movie…but it did come out this year, if that makes it any better. So, this season was emotional tramau. I don’t think you understand me…TRAMAU! Yes…tramau. I was inwardly crying. I almost physically cried. *Sniffs* *Begins howling like a baby, only the baby wouldn’t have the lung capacity to do what I did*

8. Doctor Who
*Cowers behind chair while readers tired of hearing about my fangirlness throws hard objects at me* Forgive me, this is another emotionally tramautically season of DW. On Christmas day (Yes Christmas Day) as a present from the devils at BBC, Matt Smith is going to regenerate. Well thanks, BBC. That sure topped my Christmas day.

9. Man of Steel
Smash, smash, mores smashing. Is it just me, or was the whole movie Zod smashing Superman through a building, then Superman smashing Zod through a building? Obviously I missed the main point of this movie. Regardless, I still enjoyed it. Whoever played Superman was very, very good looking. The only problem was, he had the face and ambiance of a cheeky sassy guy. I was expecting a bit of Iron Man mixed in with Superman. Ah, well.

10. Austenland
This was actually surprisingly funny. Keri Russel (Love that girl) starred in it and it was just really funny. I especially loved the airport scene where she climbs up on a random persons suitcase and basically shouts, “I’m done here” And then proceeds to be very pleased with herself. :)

So there you have it, my favorite movies this year. I’ll probably do one on books before New Years.

I have one more question. My dad takes each of us every so often on a “date night” (I.e. Dinner, movies, etc.) In March (March 21 to be precise) I want him to take me to Chicago for the Midnight Premier of Divergent. He already said a strong NO to that, so I just want him to take me to the midnight premier in London. How exactly should I do that? Blackmail?! :D

Merry Christmas and Happy Writing! (And watching)
Scarlet

Review 0004: Let it Snow

I return to my homeland of Houston tomorrow (Yay!) And I felt like I should get one more post in before Christmas. (I still have some short stories that will be out soon…no crosses!) And what is the best thing to do when you are sitting watching (possibly) the snow fall and you have a cuppa in your hand and perhaps carols in the background?! Curl up and read a book and sip your tea, of course! So here is my holiday book recommendation.

So it's all Christmasy and rainy over here, and I still haven't finished my Christmas shopping and yet I still got time to read Let it Snow. Written by three different authors, Maureen Johnson, John Green, and Lauren Myracle, it is a holiday romance. I'm planning on taking it on the plane to Houston. :) (to read...again in the past two months. :D)

So the only reason I got this is because I got Insurgent and it was marked with a buy one get one half price stickers, so I just picked up a Christmasy looking book. :) Turned out it was good.

It's a romance novel, set on Christmas eve, about three different sets of people. So, I'm not going to go into the plot, because that is always a give away. But basically, these three sets of people all meet in one town by some strange and remarkable way.

I really enjoyed Let it Snow. It was hilarious. I mean, I read a part of it on the tube. Yeah, bad idea. I was literally laughing out loud. All these people were just sorta staring and subtly moving away from me.

So other than the humor it was moderate. The first half, The Jubilee Express was definetly my favorite part. The romance was very good in that one, as was the humor. The second part,  A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle, was ok, but a little disappointing after the Jubilee Express. The last but not least part was the Patron Saint of Pigs. It wasn't really about romance, but basically a barista who is a bit self centered and was clumsy and forgetful. She basically forgets this teacup pig, and has to get it before her friend who thinks she is already to sefish finds out she forgot her pig. :)

So it wouldn't be one of my FAV. reads, but it would be considered pretty good. All in all, it's good to read when you have some spare time during the holiday season because your snowed in, rained in, or you simply can't be bothered to go outside. I recommend it served with a cup of Echinacea and Rasberry tea and a window sill to look out of. (The window sill I didn't have...but does a plane window count? All I know is it was nice to look up every once in a while and look out the window and then dive back into the book. Do you know what I mean? :))

So yes, read it and enjoy it. :D

Happy Reading, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Scarlet

Short Story 0002: Kill the Man- Part II

So, again, I haven't posted in forrrrreverrrrrrr… So again, I apologize. So this week was literally a strict schedule week. Woke up at about 6 finished school at about 9. This week I saw The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, had a practically all Sherlock marathon, went to a talent show for all us homeschoolers, had a Clarinet concert (Which I almost passed out in….strangely.), had a youth Christmas party, and finally, had hours of homework to catch up on. Well, I think that was all this week…it was definitely in the general vicinity of a week's time. So on the 20th I get to go on a ten hour flight back to Houston. Oh, joy. Luckily I can just watch movies for ten hours! Bwahaha!

Andddddddd….between all that school and wrapping up things here in London and buying gifts…I've found time to work on all of my stories. Those are Kill the Man, another short story, a longer project, and my original story. The original story is literally taking forever…So it might be a while before I am even ready to put out the first chapter. But I assure you, there'll be a few more short stories coming out soon. Someday. Next year. Just whenever. But, yes….Enjoy!

************

Hello, all. Finally! You know, you might think Brad is a nice guy, but believe me, he could talk the ear of any girl. So, Zi here! You can now be assured that everything will be the truth, as told from Zi.

So on that note, first things first. My name is not actually Zi. My name is Zilianna Theodora Lancet Carter the third, princess of the Republic of Genia. The Republic of Genia is right of the tip of Japan, a country of about a hundred people. The industry of Genia? Assassins. All great assassins were trained in Genia, my mother (the queen) being one of them. It is the responsibility of the queen and princess to take on an assassination every two years, and to be a master at at least one weapon.

That's what I'm doing here in Vienna. My third mission.

Kill the man.

A note, a plane ticket, a calendar filled with events and times awaited me one day in the palace. I followed the calendar till I met Brad in Vienna. Surprisingly, Brad went to all the places the calendar directed me. But you know the story, blah, blah, blah.

While Brad is pulling out his extremely in-depth knowledge of BBC, I am formulating a plan. A minute is sixty seconds. There are sixty guards. I can kill a man per two seconds. I can completely destroy all security in the opera house in two minutes flat.

I launch into a fighting attacking frenzy. A pile a guards surround me. I quickly calculate that we have about thirty-eight guards still left. Someone turns on the lights and the alarm.

After Brad drags his buddy to the door and has him firmly tied, I begin the retreat from the guards. I am pulling out techniques I didn't know I knew.

I see Brad come up beside me to help me presumably with his...dust rag.

As the first guard approaches, I hoist my katana and leap through the air until I land right on front of him. He draws his stick. I stan him through the gut. Stupid Europeans. Police are only allowed to carry puny sticks.

The next two approach us, and Brad steps in front of me. I take advantage of the distraction to sneak behind them, using my daggers on them. As they fall to the floor, all of the guards start towards us. I flip my katana in the air, checking I have my daggers.

And just as I get ready to plunge into the glory of war, Brad pulls me up on a table.

"Can you make the little watering hose thingies go off? On the roof?" I do my best to glare at him with several guards running towards us.
"Here." I pull a sword from my back, then tell him to keep them of the table.
After I hit the "little watering things" I take over keeping the guards off the table. The guards were unfazed by the water raining down on them.
"Got a plan, Brad?"
"Yep."
"Is it going to kill us?"
"Nope. Just the guards." By now, water drips from everywhere, covering the floor. Suddenly, Brad curses.
"Dang! Hold them off. I forgot to take care of Mr. Evil." I don't watch as he leaps off the table. He returns a little later, dragging Andy with him.
"Okay. Surrender."
"'Scuse me?"
"Just do it. Trust me. I'm the Doctor!" he adds in a murmur. Reluctantly I throw down my sword and put my hands behind my head.
"We surrender!" I call out. Then Brad draws his dust rag and shouts dramatically, "I surrender my dust cloth of doom!" He throws it down.

Blue electrical fingers stop the men's heart beat. If only I knew what our assets were to begin with.

"Run! The fire department will be here any minute!"
"Not to mention the police…"

As we run, we drag Mr. Evil behind us. Outside, the car is waiting for us. After knocking Andy unconcious, Brad jumps into the drivers seat, and pulls me into shotgun.

"What was that?" I ask as we drive off at a speed that is way over the speed limit.
"What was what? Oh, you mean my exceptional idea? Water carries electricity, duh."
"It was a dust rag."
"Of doom!"
"Brilliant!"
"Really?"
"Brilliant impersonation of an idiot."
"Well, your Sherlock addiction didn't help you outta this situation. But lucky for you, I watch Doctor Who. First New Who episode with Daleks. Dalek hits those fire waterers and then electrocutes all the guards. Them Rose is saved, and, well. End of story."
"You..."

Andy chooses this time to wake up. He stiffens, his eyes darting for a way out.

"Hey, Sleeping Beauty! Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey!" Brad calls out.

For another thirty minutes we drove, having a very heated debate on which is supreme: Sherlock or Doctor Who.

He parked the car outside a small cottage, surrounded by RVs. Brad jumped out, stretching his legs.

"Ah, home sweet home. Alright peoples, let's get this show on the road!"
"You chose a trailer park for our head quarters?"
"'Course. Who wouldn't?"
"Yeah, a cottage in the middle of a trailer park is so the obvious choice. This is what your mind palace came up with?"
"Shut up."
"I'm not saying anything, just..."
"You're thinking. It's annoying."
"Haha, Mr. Holmes. You take care of Moriarty."
"Your wish is my command."

I attract many stares as I walk across the park to the cottage. They must not get a lot of people carrying three swords and multiple daggers around here.

The cottage is three rooms, a living room and kitchenette, two bedrooms and a bathroom. We put Andy in the closet, tying him to the door handle and knocking him out.

"Roomy! See, it's bigger on the inside than the outside!"
"Psychopath," I mutter under my breath.
"I'm not a psychopath, I'm a high-functioning sociopath; do your research."
"Oh my word. Will you just shut. Up!"
"Not my division!"

I ignore him.

"We actually have a job to do here, and unless you are going to help, get out."
"What I don't get is what Andy has to do with anything."
"Isn't it obvious? He has something the men that were killed knew about. That must have been there discovery."
"Ohhhhh!"
"Nicely done, children." We whirl around. Andy holds a gun and is wearing a grinch smile. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment to keep. Toodleoo!"

Brad by this time has stepped forward, and begins sweet talking him.

"Andy, what are you doing? It's just us."
"If you please, it's Mr. Evil to you."
"Whoah! Thats your actual name?! I thought I made it up!" Mr. Evil pinches the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes. Meanwhile, I sneak behind him. He still is focused on Brad. I quietly draw my sword and am about to use it, when Andy whips around, and with one blow, knocks me out.

**********

When I come around, Brad and I are tied to a chair, while Moriarty take care of his oh-so-important cuticles.

"Hello, sweetie."
"Shut it."
"Fine. What are we going to do about," he motions his head toward Mr. Evil.
"I'll tell you what you can do, children. First, the facts. Why did you kidnapp me?"
"Didn't like that, huh?" I asked him.
"I must admit, you were pretty clever to sneak in at night.  And your dust rag of doom was a nice touch. But why?"
"Ever heard of...assassins?"
"Oh, this just gets better and better. Assassins. Hired by Enterprises, I suppose."
Brad gaped at him.
"How'd ya know?!"
"This isn't the first time I've been kidnapped. Just last week a stranger stabbed me. Luckily he was far sighted. Completely missed any vital organs. The arm." He rolled up his sleeve to show us the cut.
"Enterprises has hired multiple assassins to kill anyone who worked with me. They want the invention I have to stay hidden. Now they want to kill me. Did the note, by any chance, say, "Kill the worker?""
"No. 'Kill the man.'"
"Now they're trying to kill me, too. Children, I'm afraid you've been had." he untied us, and even handed me back my sword. We were speechless.
"My invention will save millions. Time travel. I have successfully created the first time travel machine." He smile happily and looked expectantly at us.
"Except for the TARDIS." Brad pointed out to the displeasure of Andy.
"May I point out, boy, this...TARDIS you speak of does not exist."
"In the hearts of all fangirls it does!" He shouts in a mock dramatic voice, "long live the Fandom!"
Mr. Evil roles his eyes and mutters something under his breath. I copy him.
"So, how do we know its a time machine? And why would someone want to stop it from being announced? And why don't you just announce it?"
"Last question first: it was not my sole invention. The other men who are now deceased deserved most of the credit. I don't know why someone wouldn't want it to become known, maybe they are rivals. They want to be the first to invent a working time machine. And how you know it's real, follow me."

He led us to the truck. After another thirty minute drive of Brad's quoting BBC, we arrived back at the opera house. On the drive, we had pelted Andy with questions, until we felt that we could trust him. Brad and I decided not to kill him. But one thing still bothered me: my country. They expected me to return home triumphant. My thoughts were interrupted by us arriving. As we got out of the car, Brad asked out of the blue: "Can I call you the Doctor?"
"Sure, Sherlock. We all need code names. And by the way, my last name really is Evil." He winked at us.
"Okay, so I'll be Sherlock, and Zi can be Pond, and you are the Doctor. And our mission is...TARDIS Blue. Oh yeah." He proceeded to strut ahead, doing his best  Matt Smith/William Hartnell imitation.
"So, Doctor, where is it exactly? I mean, it had to be pretty big, right?"
"Pond, the best hiding place is in plain sight."

He led us in to the opera house. It was swarming with police and hospital crews. All Andy had to do was flash his card.
"Police inspectors," He said, motioning to us. When we were far enough away from the police, Brad began talking. Of course.
"Woah. Do you have psychic paper? You really are the Doctor."
"I believe it's called...lying."

We walked past the auditorium. He led us to a room. A single security guard stood in the entrance of the room. I had left my swords in the car, but I wasn't unarmed.  I was wearing combat boots, and I was able to slip a dagger or two into my shoes. With one swift motion, I yanked my dagger out and before the guard could react, I had knocked him out the window.

Andy barely looked at the heap that was once a guard plastered on the pavement below. He leads us into the room, then goes to the closet. He turns to us.

"Now children. What you are about to see will change all of history forever. And what do you do with something like that?"
"Don't touch it," Brad said, boredly,"and can we quit with the 'children' thingy. I'm twenty-one."
"And I'm sixteen, if your wondering." I piped up.
"Well then, youth, step into a world like no other."

Andy smiled as Brad then I slowly walked into the closet. We heard shouts and Andy rushed in and quickly shut the door behind him.

"Time to disappear, youth."

With that we lifted off, spinning and twisting in the air.

"Now, youth, step through the door and look out the window. Tell me what you see!" he shouted after us as we turned and ran out of the door. I heard him mutter, "Just like children."

**********

*Rounds of applause because I finished one story in three weeks* I seriously have a mental illness where everything I do needs to take at least two weeks min. Yeah, just call me a super weirdo. 

But anyways, back on track. This is the last part to 'Kill the Man' but another story, 'The Time Wars' will be coming out, featuring….you guessed it, Zi and Brad and Mr. Evil. 'The Time Wars' will be my tribute to the ever fabulous Doctor…and his TARDIS and companions. :D

So, hope you enjoyed it! :)

Happy Writing!

Scarlet

Of Faith and Authors

This is me apologizing for not blogging in about a week. SOOOO…basically, some lovely British friends of ours and I (and Addison) decided to start a blog! Bit of a random idea, really. We were over for dinner and talking about blogging (???) and we had a random idea to start one. :D Go check it out! (I'm Miss Scarlett…which is not based off my pen name, by the way. We did Clue characters.) And Part II of Kill the Man will be out soon…and well yeah.

So onwards we go.

I have a question. Who else was confused about Veronica Roth's faith? She hinted she might be a believer by making Tris and her family pray and believe in God. And when Tris's mom rescues her from the drowning tank thingy, she thinks about God and is glad she didn't shoot some clone/person/sleepwalker. In the acknowledgements, she gives thanks to God for giving her a competent brain.

So is she a Christian? It shouldn't actually be that hard to tell. I mean if you are a Christian you're supposed to...radiate God and his love.

The book had flaws, I will do a review later, gentle readers.

Okay, why did I bring that up? If authors have faith...

1....You tend to idolize whatever they say. So if you find out your favorite author/singer/actor says he/she is a Christian, you are like, "Oh my gosh! So and So is the best person ever. He's a Christian and a celebrity! Blah,blah, blah." They are human too, they are not perfect. But for whatever reason, we make them sound perfect and basically play copycat with them. Yeah, not a good idea.

2....Then there writing is somehow....immediately awesome and that's why they get published. I'm sure there have been tons of Christian authors who have NOT gotten published. If only it was that easy...

3….Their writing is perfect, so we should write our books based on their's. Not going to tell you how many times I've done that…basically just substituted a few words and characters in their book and called it mine…to be fair, I was in second grade.

4….Everyone should love their books. If who and who says, "So and so's books are awful." you say, "Whatever…" Then list reasons why that person's writing is supreme above all else. Concluding with, "And they are a Christian. Is Suzanne Collins? No, I didn't think so."

Btw, substitute all the you's for Scarlet's and yep, that is what I am struggling with most about the Divergent books. (And any book…) This was not meant for anyone but myself. Besides the fact that I am also trying to get my writing to reflect God better. (So far it hasn't really. If anyone else is struggling with that check out this.)

Happy Writing!
Scarlet

Short Story 0002: Kill the Man- Part I

So what's been up? While I was away in Vienna, I thought I'd write a story set in Vienna, in the places we've been. Just a warning, NONE OF THIS HAPPENED TO ME! I did not get punched by some random girl, and I certainly wasn't there to kill anyone. That cleared up, enjoy.

***********

I took off running. I ran till my lungs were in flames and my breathing was next to nothing. But no one had caught me.

I was on my deadliest mission. And before you stop reading and  start to think, "Whatever, they all say their's is the deadliest and it never is," just hold up. I said MY deadliest mission, not THE deadliest.

So what exactly is my 'deadliest' mission? Complicated, to say the least. But I'll get to that when I get to that.

For now all you need to know is that two dudes-in-black are chasing me. In Vienna. The day before Thanksgiving.

And, before you ask, no, I am not a spy. Why do people assume that whenever I say 'mission,' I'm a spy?  Apollo 11 was a 'mission ' and they were definitely not spys. Well, unless you consider the Alien Infiltration Association a spy association. But I get sidetracked. This story is about me, not Neil Armstrong.

So anyways, here I am, a scrawny kid bundled up in my heaviest winter coat, dashing through the city and causing a general pandemonium wherever I go because two evil guys are going to kill me if they catch me.

I stopped running and looked around. So far, no evil dudes carrying guns are in sight. Excellent. I began to try to find out where exactly I was. Several wooden stalls hung with lights and pine lined a square, dividing it into roads.

I was in the middle of a Christmas market, right in front off the City Hall. Time to get integrated. I casually (or as casually as I could manage) loped into the market, admiring the baubles and other handcrafted Christmas-y decorations like the tourists.

"You looking for somethin', mister?" a rough and unfriendly voice asked. I looked up and saw a short, plump, bald-headed man. A client of mine. When he recognized me, his eyes widened and he made a strangled noise. I forgot to mention I am notorious for blackmailing my clients if they don't continue to help me.

"Actually I was. Work. You look cold, Monsuier Jaques. Why don't you go get a mug of..." my eyes landed on a stall selling punch, "a mug of punch. I'll look after the stall for a few minutes. And it won't cost you much. Just a euro a minute."

I saw his face change from surprised to angry. I smiled my innocentest smile and winked at him. After he let me into the stall and walked off to get punch, I ducked under the counter. I had seen the black guys walking (more like jogging) into the market.

"Hey! Mister? How much for this ornament?" a loud rough American voice asked. I poked my head from above the counter.
"Ya talking to me?"
"Duh. How much? Cuz if you EVEN try to sell it to me overpriced, I will punch you."  Okay. Well that was unexpected.
"Mmkay. You know what, have it on the house."

So here I was, trying to be a thoughtful and generous person, and I get punched, along with a few wood carved Christmas-y things. As I said, unexpected.

"What was that for?" I wiped my mouth. Blood. What the heck did this girl think she was doing here in Vienna shopping? She should be in the pro boxing stadium. For mens.

"You just want to tell me its free then have me arrested for 'stealing.' And all the witnesses happen to be conveniently gone. Nice try, German."
"Technically it's Austrian. And no, it is free for real.  And just out of curiosity, why was that the first thing that popped to your mind when I said it was free?"
"Hello! Hyperactive imagination, Big Bird."
"Did you just call me a giant unidentifiable bird that is shaped as a cone and dances when he stands?"
"You forgot the bit about him having eyes the size of UFOs. And what are you doing? Hiding from some evil guys dressed in all black?!" she said it like she was about to laugh.
"Actually, yes. Now if you could just go find some other cheap stall to buy a Christmas ornament, that would be helpful. See ya never again!"
"Oi! You better..."

At that point, the two goons pushed her back roughly. Pretty smart of them to follow me here. They glanced around then addressed me.

"Hey kid! You seen another kid? We're gonna catch him.Ya seen him?"

Okay, so maybe they aren't so smart. I ducked lower and adopted my excellent German, ahem, Austrian accent.

"Why yes, Frau. A young man came flying through, almost as if he had wings on his feet, and had a knack for running and looking behind him at the same time. If you are looking for him, he went toward Stephanplatz."
"Dankeshin."

When they had crossed the street, the now very annoying girl once again punched me. Then she entered the stall. She closed the cover down with several customers still holding ornaments. I was a bit scared, since I was in close quarters with a girl who had punched me more than once. She stared long and hard, tapping her foot repetitively on the wooden floor. I knew I had to say something, but I had no idea what.

"The, uh, the things are...are still out there."
"Do I look like I care about the things? That is nothing compared to why two buff guys are chasing you. You are a kid, not some convict."
"Exactly! Someone understands! If only the authorities do."
"Oh. Oh! The authorities! The. Authorities. You are a criminal. Okay. Wow. Cue panic attack." She pulled out an inhaler and did whatever people do with those. Then she folded her legs and sat down. Her hands absently tapped her legs as she stared at me. I waited for the punch, but luckily it never came.

"So then. Who are you?"
"In light of these past events, I don't think I'll tell you."
"Yeah, and in light of my knowing you are a criminal, just answer my questions."

I crossed my arms and put on my most stubborn look. She crossed her arms and put on a much more stubborn look.

"Fine. I'll just go tell the police you're a criminal." She stood up, brushed her jeans off, and began walking to the door. I grabbed her sleeve and pulled her down again.

"Fine. Fine. Name: Brad Morgan. Rank: EX-criminal. Crime: info withheld."
"What was your crime?"
"Info withheld," I said like a computer.
"I believe that...never."
"Fine. I tell all. I am a thief."
"Last time I checked the police didn't send two goons just to catch a thief. So you must be a...um...a..."
"Not your common pickpocket, huh? Any crime you need done, just call 1-800- Brad Morgan. Stolen some big things, killed some important people, kidnapped some kiddies, arranged crashes and assassinations, you know, the likes."
"So criminal mastermind?"
"Call it what you like, me, I prefer 'XYZ'"
"XYZ?"
"Yeah. You know, random crimes. XYZ? Get it?"
"No. One more thing, why were those guys chasing you?"
"I get in trouble all the time. I was investigating for a mission that is witheld from certain people. So who are you?"
"Zi Carter. Professional at everything, mostly sword fighting. And computers and such. Hold your applause."
"Sword fighting? Are you sure it isn't boxing?"

And guess what, fellas, she punched me. And another shock, I punched her. Then she decided to help me. Looks like XYZ got another member.

So after our unlikely pairing, Zi decided she needed to know everything about my mission. Then she had to write it down in XYZs first file.

***********

File 00001: Brad Morgan

Rank: Mastermind
Crime(s): All
Age:21
Job: Crime performing

Resume: Assassinated X (names withheld) Stolen the Mona Lisa, Crown Jewels (England), and the likes. All replaced with fakes. Kidnapped several children from wealthy and influential homes and replaced them with look-alike robots that killed the rest of the family then self detonated. ( Made by Apple in China)

Description: "Being a kid, Brad is able to achieve many crimes that would be hard to mange as an adult. And with his natural charm and innocent looks, he can easily fool police and victims. As far as responsibility, he is still childish. That childishness, though, is useful because the performance of the crimes are then illogical and random, making it hard to trace back to XYZ. Overall, a topnotch criminal."

-Zi Carter, Criminal for XYZ.

Credentials: The Prime ministers of France, England, and China
The President of America
Mr. Hatten (President of Bank of Gold)
Mrs. Wally (Women advocate of America)
And numerous wealthy and powerful people.

Organization, Country, Government: None, other than XYZ.

**********

Then I got to do one on Zi. Bwahahaha!

*********

File 00002: Zi Carter

Rank: Criminal for hire
Crime(s): Assassinations and heists
Age: Withheld
Job: Sword master and Criminal, assassin

Resume: Assassinated the Ambassadors from England to Japan. Killed numerous others. (Names withheld)

Description: "Zi is a fiery talented girl who is a natural leader. She is strong and smart, though often doesn't think and just punches. She is clearly the brawn in this operation, though has a fair share of ideas. Zi's strength mostly lies in agility and surprise attacks. Overall, she has many admirable traits that are necessary in a criminal."

-Brad Morgan, Criminal mastermind

Credentials: Japanese sword fighting award for men and women 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 200, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
World Sword Masters Competition 2012 and 2013
Carol Bringner (Papal office orginizer)
The Pope
Vincent Kong (Japanese Sword Fighting Award for men 9 times)

Organizations, Countries, government: G.N.A (Genia Ninjas Association) and C (Crimes) and XYZ.

Loyalties: XYZ

**********

I know, a whole load of rubbish about how Zi is a wonderful addition to XYZ, how she is the best sword fighter in all of town, blah, blah, blah. She made me put all that "many admirable traits" nonsense in. (She made me write it at sword point. That stuff about her being a great sword fighter is true.)

But enough nonsense about me and Zi. My mission.

Kill the man.

That's it.  Just a note, three words with no specific man in mind. Or so it seems. Reports throughout Europe tell of unimportant men being killed, for no apparent reason. Then the family, at the press conferences, say he had made a great discovery and had been planning to announce it before he was killed. No files, no hints ever remain as to what the "discovery" was. Whatever the discovery is, my client wants it to stay hidden. Heck, he's ordered men to be killed, twenty-seven of them. Twenty-eight, if I succeed.

"But if you kill the wrong one...I mean, we can't just go around and kill random people. I can just see how that would be so not obvious," Zi said.
"I know. But what man? We have nothing to go on, except he's in Vienna."
"Wait a second. Nothing to go on...but the twenty-seven deaths! All of them were going to announce something, right? So we just have to find out what linked them. And, ya know, the bonus of what they were going to announce."

I decided I really hate that adventure-thirsty smile of hers. Why doesn't  she go sword fight or something? So thats why I'm hiding behind a dusty, hot, heavy red curtain at 3:30 a.m.

I am dressed in a curators outfit, complete with a broom that doubles as a club and a dust cloth that electrocutes you. Armed with the Dust Rag of Doom, I creep out from my hiding spot.

The stage is dark, and the seats all seem to stare at me. I heft the broom, ready for the security guards if they come. She still hadn't shown up. Happy day if she doesn't come. I allow myself a silly smile in the dark.

I am standing on the stage that has seen talent from over the centuries. Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, the list goes on and on. The opera house in Vienna, constructed by Franz Joseph. I am standing in the center of music.

Then she's here. Dressed in all black, tightly fitted. She had a mask, so that all you can see are here green eyes. She has two swords crossed in an X on her back, and a belt of daggers around her waist. She carries another sword in her hand.

"Ka-tan-a. Remember, ninja?"
"Hmm. Unimpressed face on right now. Hello! We are trying to sneak around not look like we belong in the set of Thor!"
"Oi! I prefer, the set of Sherlock. Yes, I have one weakness. And a Telly show of all things!"
"Who cares what set you're on! Performing a high tech break in here, not dress-up!"
"Alright, Moriarty. Besides, this was a costume in the basement. I figure I'll just tell them I'm trying on old costumes. I think I might keep this...it fits really well."
"Shut up; you lower the IQ of the whole street."

We made our way our of the auditorium and into the main hallway. We were looking for the security guard  "Andy." We had been through the files, and had discovered a link between all 27 deaths. They all had contact with a man names Andy. It didn't take long to figure out which Andy.

We hid behind the ticket counter, out of sight.

Zi saw him first. Her katana was unsheathed, ready to strike. He was skinny, sour. He looked like a candle who's been used one two many times. All in all, scary looking.

But luckily asleep.

"Okay, now what?"
"Not my division." She glares at me over her shoulder.
"No seriously. Now what?"
"Shut up; I need to go to my mind palace." I closed my eyes, and put my hands together, placing them under my chin. She punched me in the arm.
"This is definitely a three patch problem. Hmm...I need you to text someone. That number on the desk, and these words exactly, 'What happened...'"
"Shut I up will you? Jeez, act your age!"
"Fine. Now John, listen to me. This is very important. Hold off any security guards that come. I'll take care if Mr. Evil." She nods, ignoring my rapier wit, then silently moves past Mr. Evil and towards the exit. Boy, as much as I hate to admit it, she is smooth. As smooth as...well, me.

I step out of the safety of the shadows and towards Andy. I pull out a length of rope and begin by gagging him. I shove an apple into his mouth. Then I tie his feet together and his hands behind his back.

"All done, Watson!" I whisper shout to Zi.
"What?!" She whisper shouts back.
"I said, 'All done, Watson!'" Louder this time. Loud enough to bring guards to see what the sound was. Again, Zi sees them first.
"Oops, Molly, it appears you have attracted some attention. I'll get them, you leave. See ya soon!"

With that she walks over to me, kisses me, then slices down the first guard with her fancy ninja sword, as you do. I begin dragging the now awake Mr. Evil towards the door, but he struggles and is heavy.

Ahead of me, Zi is busy whirling, slicing, and generally causing damage wherever she is. Then everything happens at once. The lights come on, the alarms go off, and guards come swarming to us from everywhere. I leave Andy tied up to a chair and start attacking the guards with the Dust Rag of Doom.

*********

So part one of three or four. Basically, I wanted to try to do a present day mystery/adventure. So this is one of my only present day stories. How'd you like it? Or should I just stick to writing futuristic stories? :D Once again, none of this happened. But I did use this song to motivate me. Put it on a loop. It is so good. Yeah for Murray Gold, Stephan Moffat, and Matt Smith! 

Oh, and all those random quotes, like "Shut up; you lower the IQ of the whole street," Those are from Sherlock BBC. I tried to put in my favorite quotes. :D 

Happy Writing! (And Merry Christmas! Though in the UK it's "Happy Christmas…")

Scarlet 

Aiyayi!

So I've been gone a long time from the world of the Internet. Hotels do not have good Internet, as you can imagine, when three people are using it and one more is trying to use it, plus all those other people staying in the hotel. So, short story long, I have had no internet for the past five days. Yeah.

So, hey. Thanksgiving, Vienna, coldness, yummy food, German speaking people who are not German but are Austrian, Lucy and Desi and Vivian and William, a Vincent Van Gogh painting (With no  face in it, unfortunately) and some kinderpunsch. That just about sums up my past five days. Oh, and concocting one short story and about fifty possible Doctor Who episodes. :D

This has nothing to do with writing, by the way. Just some life tips if you write about Vienna.

I will not tell you the particulars of Vienna, I'll leave that for Addison. Here's the highlights and the lowlights.

Highlight: The food was awesome. The drinks were awesome. Now don't start being all "Jordan, you can  get wata' and coke anywhere. Just who you think you're foolin'?" Austrians sure know how to make drinks. Ever heard of Almdudler? (Alm doodler) Thought not. It's an Austrian drink. They call it soda but it has almost zero fizz. Plus kinderpunsch is good. And warm. (Kinderpunsch is kids punch) So delicious on a day where it is practically zero degrees out. :D

Another highlight: We got some good hot food at this Christmas market, a very busy Christmas market. We shared a table with a German lady. She told us (In German) what the food was and kinda began talking to us. In German. We talked to her in English. And it was like we understood exactly what the other was saying. No joke, she was telling us what it was…I'm almost positive. And we were telling her it was delicious and she kept nodding and agreeing. Coincidence? I think not!

Sorry but one more highlight: We watched the Lucy-Desi comedy hour. So funny! If you have an hour…actually five and a half hours…watch "Lucy want a Career." But only if you have five hours. Cuz first, watch Sherlock, Merlin, Doctor Who and Downton Abbey, THEN Lucy-Desi.

Lowlight: It was so darn cold. Freezing! It was in the thirties and lower the whole time. Sad. And the worst part is, it didn't even snow. Well, it did, but more like drizzled snow. But the day or so before, it had snowed, and it still was on the ground so we made tiny snowballs and thew them at my dad. Fun, fun. :D

Another lowlight: No DW, Sherlock, Merlin, or DA for five days. Jk, the only one that was bad to not see for five days was Merlin. In the process of watching it and it dropped us at a really suspenseful bit.

So how was y'all's Thanksgivin'?

One more little tiny thing. After Thanksgiving dinner, did you all rush to put on Christmas music? I did. I listened to every single song on my iPod that was Christmas. (Which is about 12 songs. :D) So, on that note….

Wait….One more thing. I wrote/writing a short story set in Vienna, which will be out right after my Leeds castle story. It might be out in about a year. :D So on that note…

Happy writing, listening to X-mas music, and walking around the house saying "Almdudler. ALMdudler. AlmDUDLER." (Come on, I know you said it with different inflections each time. And walked around the house randomly saying "Almdudler." I know that cuz I did that too. *sigh*)
Scarlet

That Vincent Van Gogh painting had no face. Not sure if I mentioned that but….basically it was a GREAT Doctor Who episode about how Vincent could see this weird alien and blah, blah, blah….Basically it was a GREAT DW episode and if you have five and a half hours, watch this DW episode.