Project Zero - Blog Posts

One day as we went out hunting, when we already were a bit in the nearby forest, Ingrid gave me her Bow and Arrows.

“Today it's up to you what meat we'll bring back. Use whatever means you want to get your hands on some game, I'll stay in the back.”

“W...What?” I looked at the bow and then at her in disbelief. “What did you say?”

“Don't kid me, I know you've got sharp ears, today you'll be the hunter and I the follower”

“But-”

“No but! You will hunt and we will bring back some game”

“Guess I don't have much of a choice”I looked at the bow. I wasn't the guy who really believed in himself, I was afraid I wouldn't bring back anything. But she said any means necessary, so I could set traps too... maybe even... No. Not while she's around. Not anytime for anything else than an emergency.I looked up at her again and saw that she believed in me. She knew I could do it.So I began looking for tracks, thanks to the newfallen snow it was quite easy.

First I found the tracks of a hare, I was relieved of that. I had caught many of those before. So like always I set up a trap at the tracks. Put some bait there too just to be sure it'd go through the loop too, and not around.

Not far away from the hare tracks I found the tracks of a stag. And this time I was sure. The tracks were pretty deep, must be a big one. Going at a steady pace, and seems to be healthy. We followed, or rather I, couldn't see Ingrid anywhere around but I had a feeling she watched from somewhere.

After some time I found him. I've seen her do this a hundred times, I can do this. She always shoots head or shoulder with such large animals so I'll go for that. But where does she aim on that distance?

I just aimed a bit over it's shoulder, knowing the arrow would curve downwards after some distance. I drew the bow, and released the arrow.

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

At first she used me mostly for carrying her game. I stayed in the back, observing her. And already through that I learned a bit about hunting. But she was always silent. Never said a word. Only gave me hand signals. Pointing to places, sometimes mimicing what she wanted me to do.

After a while tho she had me closer by her. Showing me what different tracks look like, whispering to me what you could tell from them. What kinda animal it was, the animals size, if it was hurt, how fast it was going. And all that from just a series of footprints.

After some time of just showing and describing she began having me look around in the area. Look for tracks, tell her what I'd read from them.

In the beginning I was often horribly wrong. I stopped counting how often she had slapped the back of my head for being wrong. But afterwards she always asked me questions about the tracks. Why I thought it was that animal, why at that pace etc. I got better with time. But I still made mistakes, but then we followed the tracks. I'd always knew there was something wrong when she let me go in front and trace the tracks.

The first time I mixed up deer and boar tracks was also the last time. That time I couldn't fathom how fast Ingrid was up in that tree. But after thinking about it, it definitely is understandable. She was on guard, she knew what tracks I was following and she had keener ears than me. She probably heard them already from far away. I was too focused on not losing the tracks.

Happy I survived that, but I guess I wouldn't if that Sow hadn't been distracted by her piglets.

Note from the Author:Sorry for not posting anything last friday. I wasn't really in shape to focus much on anything other than slow mewsik to be honest. So I had rather a day without a post than a day with a crappy, headache-filled post.

Thanks for reading and hope you leave some feedback.

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I slowly woke up in a warm bed, a rather slender arm lying on me. It took me a moment to realize this wasn't a dream, would've been the only good one I had for as long as I can remember. Not fully awake I stared at the ceiling for some time, my thoughts so far away I didn't have any.

Still lying down, I looked around a bit. I was in some house. There was a table with two chairs, a bow and some arrows near a door, another door, a fireplace, still some faint glowing embers in it. On the floor where some clothes, they seemed familiar.

Then this thought slowly came up from somewhere. This arm on my chest, this wasn't mine. Mine was touching some soft skin. I looked to the other side of me and fell out of the bed in fright, landing on the hard, wooden floor. Ouch.

From the jerk Ingrid woke up too, sitting up and grasping the blanket to cover herself.

“I did this for you!” She roared immediately

“Thanks... I guess”

“I heard some loud sound outside last night, turned out it was you. Fell asleep beside my door and fell over. You were ice cold. Pale skin, blue lips & all.”

“Ok... but wouldn't just lighting a fire... been enough?”

“I didn't want it to be my fault you froze to death, so I wanted to make sure. But don't you tell anyone about this! This was a one time occasion! Understood?”

“Sure, stays between me and you.”

“And... I am sorry for yesterday, shouldn't have shouted at you because of this old bastard. I'll let you stay, as long as you're a help on the hunt. Else I'll kick you out. Got it!?”

“No worries, forgiven, understood & accepted. But one question-”

“Your clothes? They're by the fireplace”

I looked down at myself and reddend again.

“...n... no... but thanks...”

I paused shortly, trying to get somehow comfortable with the situation of being around her naked, again.

“How... how did you get me in here?”

She laughed “Easy, I'm a hunter, I'm used to carrying full grown deer to this place. I admit you are a bit heavier, but I didn't need to carry you very far.”

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I asked around a bit, knocked at two three wrong doors until I saw a familiar face

“...Ingrid?”

“Mr. Naked guy, a surprise to see you here” She laughed

embarrassed I scratched the back of my head, looked at the ground and forced out a short laugh

“riiight... So you're the hunter of this little village?”

“I am, huntress to be precise. What brings you here?”

“This old guy, Ernest I think, he told me you'd need help hunting and...” I paused for a moment “...and that I could stay at yours as long as I prove to be a help on the hunt”

her face changed suddenly “That old Bastard. Still trying to convince me the housewife's life is what a woman should strive for. To stay in this hut all day, do chores, make food, get knocked up, have a few kids. Bastard.”

“...well I... I can go and talk to him, I'm sure you're not the only one in town who'd need help”

“I'll show it to this old bastard. You know what? Come in. Knock me up! He'll see what good it is if his only good hunter is worried about a kid rather than bringing some meat on the table.”

“...What? No, No, definitely not. I'll rather stay outside the winter than do that.”

“Fine with me. Stay out!” She banged the door shut

I sat down besides the door for a moment, to think through my options So that is Ingrid, quite some temperament. And it sounds like she doesn't really like Ernest, or at least the way he thinks things should be. It looks like I have three options, go back to Ernest & ask for some other place to stay, try to get on Ingrid's calm side or try to get to the next town before it gets too cold.

It was already chilly outside, but the evening sun was still warm. So wonderfully warm, it was great. Not hot so you'd sweat but like lying besides a camp fire that's burnt down all the way, only embers remaining. It made me drowzy. So incredibly drowzy. And tired.

Picture Barbarian Girl by Simon Gocal

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

So my travels began It didn't take long till I came to a village I wasn't really greated by anyone, didn't expect it either the only thing I noticed strongly were curious but harsh eyes They were all around me, every single one watched me with them After looking around for a while, always being kept an eye on, an elderly man came up to me, trying to put on a friendly face to hide his distrust

“What brings you here, stranger?”

“Well, actually I'm just looking for some work, maybe a place to stay”

“We cannot pay you”

“Oh no worries, a roof over my head for the winter & some food would be enough pay”

“Are there any crafts you know?”

“I did work for a smith for some time a while back, but that got kinda broken off 'cause of... reasons”

“Reasons? Hmmm... whatever it may be, I do understand that there are things you won't tell a complete stranger. The smith already got too little to do on his own, but the hunter needs a hand”

“Great.” I smiled & reached him my hand “Bjorn”

“Go to the other side of the village and ask for Ingrid. Tell her I said you can stay at hers as long as you prove to be a help on the hunt”

He took my hand, shook it & this time with a slightly more honest smile said “Ernest”

Picture humble village by Skvor

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

She left shortly after Wasn't anything here for her, she said, so she didn't want to waste time

I had a few questions I wanted to ask her What she'd tell that guy if she met him again, where the nearest town is, what her name is but I didn't want to keep her, wasn't anything important anyway and in my current situation I did neither need nor want company Especially not some stranger who'd see me eat nearly a quarter of a deer, half raw, and in less time than some need for a 'normal' portion of meat

I found some branches, sharpened them on the rock walls of the cave, put some meat on them, and placed them over the fire

I was hungry, and that made me impatient so I held one stick right into the flames it took only a few moments till it was scorched on the outside but that was all, inside it was still as raw as before I didn't care, I did that a few times till that hole in my stomach began to fill Then I became patient enough to wait, but there still was one problem I had no idea of cooking, so it was still raw in the center

After eating all the meat I had prepped earlier, I put on the clothes They weren't completely dry yet but at least no longer soaked So I went to the road, by the pond on the way there, only had to choose which way to go now, east or west I'm unsure but I think I came from west, better go east then, I'll have to tell them that I'm alive some other time

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

As I came out again, both arms stacked with raw meat A woman was inspecting the fire I had made Are you serious? No one for years but NOW someone comes by? As she looked up again she noticed me immediately

“Is that your fire?” She asked, eyeing me

“Yeah. Any problem with it?”

“Not really, was just curious who made the fire”

“What are you looking for out here?”

“That's my line”

She seemed rather defensive, from her looks she was a hunter Had a bow, arrows, knife and some sturdy leather boots Looked pretty professional from what I knew

“So, are you looking for anything out here? Or maybe just hunting for sport?”

She squinted at me “Yeah, right. Some half naked guy told me there'd be some creature around here, gave me some good money to take a look. He seemed drunk to me, no clothes and all. So I thought, why not? You seen this... creature?”

That guy really made it to a place where someone listened to him? Impressive.

“Might have, Any hints on what it looks like?”

“Guy was rather panicky, but he said something about nightmarish skin, claws and a horrible screech”

“He was drunken you said?”

“Probably”

“There's this hollow tree further in the forest, really creepy looking. Got 'arms' and has some red plant growing all over it. Can show it to ya if you feel like it”

She laughed “No need, I think”

Wow, that lie worked out far better than I imagined. Good I made this up in the time I was stuck here.

I allowed myself a short laugh too

“Any more problems then miss huntress?”

“Only one question; Any particular reason for being naked?” She chuckled

“Oh” I felt my face redden “Long story”

Picture MMMMeat by NadiavanderDonk

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I went back into the cave To have my peace and quiet while transforming Although I had mastered it pretty well I still needed all the focus I had

It was risky to do this outside I'd be completely unprotected for the whole time and someone could see me transforming There was no way I'd take that risk

A few days later I was back looking like me again Dammit, again those scars from wounds I never had They were everywhere, on my arms, my legs, my chest I do have a few scars that genuinely are 'mine' who I got by myself, from being careless around the forge I paid well for those unwary moments, a large burn on my left arm and smaller ones on my right Naturally some on my hands too, but those are rather usual After I was done in the cave, I went to the pond to wash the clothes I got from that old man Wonder if anyone found that guy

I went back to the cave, put the wet clothes on a flat rock then I gathered a few stones, put them in a circle and stacked the firewood inside I got the fire going with some dry grass and Flintstones and went into the cave to get the meat I had cut up Hope it isn't spoiled yet

Picture Night Plains by danielwachter

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Don't Look Back

Great, now I even have to wash these Anyway, him fainting makes the whole thing easier, at least partially... He won't complain, but I'll have to take off his clothes myself

It was no easy feat to undress the man with these claws and transforming back would've taken too long and been too risky But I managed to get his shirt and pants, without hurting him although the clothes did look a bit butchered Holes and cuts in a few places, all made by me

I went back into the forest, to my cave

Now I do have some clothes, probably won't fit too well but far better than running around naked

Now all I had to do were some preperations I hunted myself a deer first, skinned it, cut part of it in pieces then got myself some wood, piled that up at the cave entrance now all that was left was turning back and washing those clothes

but first I went to the pond another time to get, for now, a last look at this wretched creature I was to burn it into my memories, to be motivated by it

I'll get rid of this cursed thing inside of me someday I'll be cured of this form I'll find a solution to this

Picture Forest Pond by Ruth-Tay

Music Don't Look Back by CMA

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I gave away my presence a bit rashling in bushes, cracking twigs, jumping through tree crowns, even a short growl

That's was the first time he actually looked afraid guess he must fear wolves good then that I aint one

The whole encounter itself was over before it began

I screeched, loud, and I was less than a dozen paces from him He fell on his rump, spilling some of the baskets contents

It was filled with vegetables So I was right with the selling stuff

He was crawling away from me, stumbling over potatoes and carrots

I am able to arouse such fear in people without them even seeing me

I jumped out of a bush, landed right over him he just sat there, paralyzed by fear I leaned over him, getting on all fours Still trying to 'run' from me he got closer and closer to the ground As there wasn't any more room between him and the dirt the moment I was right beside his ear Saliva dropped on him I really am one of these fiercy monsters, even drooling The moment the saliva hit his face

He pissed himself and fainted

Picture [Study] old man by GDYang [EDITED]

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

That was by far easier said than done

I waited two days and nights by the road but not a single person came by Why hasn't anyone come by this road yet? No, don't give up now, you need some clothes you gotta be more patient.

So I waited.

Three more days I waited Then finally someone came by

A man. He was wairing a basket on his back, probably filled with stuff he wants to sell somewhere. He was older than me, already had snow white hair but he was very young for having such white hair. Last time I saw Martin he probably was older, and had just grey hair Guess it's different from person to person

I followed him for a while it was hard to attack him This helpless, innocent, old man who just was looking forward to earn some coin

Still I had to do it Either that or I had to wait even longer

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

The Plan

And after that? I could travel

Maybe, just maybe, I can find a way to rid myself of IT Perhaps I'll find out what IT really is, what IT wants from me

And even if I'm destined to live with IT till the very end I'll get to see new places, learn new things Probably help people in need Maybe even hinder something like back then, when my hometown got burned down, to happen again

And so my plan was set Only one question was left Where should I get some clothes from now? I could rob a caravan or the like, naturally without hurting anyone, just taking what I need

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Thoughts

But what now? I had learned to transform by will, had gained back my human self.

There was something I still had to do but... I was much to scared of that scared of going back to my dreams scared of continuing on that path wherever it leads.

So what else do I have left? Living out here would be an option, no one has come yet to solve this monster problem I guess it's true what they say; Out of sight, out of mind

But then again, it would be quite lonely out here peaceful, at least at peaceful as it can be with IT around but very lonely

And I could walk around without problem I got this transforming thing under control But how to continue out there? I can't stay with Martin & Ruth, I'm unsure how much they did notice, and I don't want them to live in fear

But I should at least them tell what happened or at least bits of it, maybe just that I'm alive They should know at least that

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Morrowind Soundtrack

First the other hand, then my feet, head after that, then legs & arms and in the end my whole torso

that was the first time I actually looked into the pond again and didn't just drink from it

I had longer hair than ever before was quite a bit taller and naturally I had aged a bit even gotten a few stubbles I had 'gained' a few scars all over my body too

But I didn't stop there, didn't walk back home I had to learn to control this turning to the best I could

Transforming my whole body took a few winters & since I was sure this wouldn't be the last time I had to do it I had to drastically improve that time

It took a bit longer than another two winters nearly reached the third but in the end I was able to turn within a few days and although it took far less energy now I still felt like I could eat an elk afterwards

Picture cave by pilot-whale

Music Morrowind Soundtrack by Jeremy Soule

Note from the Author

I know I'm a lil late but, Happy 2k16 to everybody ^^

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I woke up As tense and abrupt as usual But for the first time I was thankful for it

I looked at my hand it was still normal

What happened there what happened to me?

I was still clueless only had the assumption that it came from the claw

but how could that be? How could just that claw make me that hideous?

It doesn't matter at least not right now

I know how to turn my body back I just need time

And it wasn't just time I was out daily, to feed, to replenish my energy but I ceased to count the days after a while

I remember there beeing three snowy seasons but I do not know how many there were before I managed to turn my hand

in the end I learned how to channel my energy more effectively it actually took less and less work to turn a part of my body

Picture Snowy trees by TheMichaelMacRae

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

At first I didn't hear him at all I was still scared of myself

What am I doing? I do hate this guy for what he did but Just a moment ago this hate consumed me I was only this hate for him no more, no less

I was afraid of it where did this all consuming hate come from and how could it take control over me like that

Many questions, no answers only the idea, the conclusion, that it came from IT somehow through the claw.

But how?

I wanted it gone but I couldn't focus enough not enough to get rid of it again

''Hey! Boy! We're done here! You can go on.''

I looked at him shortly and in him I saw a solution only a temporary solution but better than nothing

''Hit me''

''What?''

''I said Hit me! Like those hundreds of times before''

''But-''

''Just do it for fucks sake''

Note from the Author

Thanks for reading, for following, for liking. It's good to get some feedback, and even better if it's mostly positiv.

Merry Xmas to all of you ^^

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

POWER

I looked at my hand for a moment clenched it in triumph

Moments later I was lying there anew with that fucktard right beside me

''Are you ready to lose to me another time?''

''Not this time.'' I said grinning

I held up my right hand

Closed my eyes

Concentrated

Drove the energy from deep inside into it

As I opened my eyes again they were there.

Those deep black talon like claws My skin slowly falling off, revealing what is beneath

It was difficult to hide my agony the pain of the transformation was tormenting but I managed

I was still grinning, like a maniac and I looked at him, saw fear in his eyes

I felt amazing,

POWERFUL

''Hey, you're cheating. That ain't part of your body''

''I made it part of mine''

Then his face turned

He began grinning it felt like looking in a mirror and then I realized

This wasn't me

''That's all I wanted to hear, boy. You may pass''

Picture Glowing by Eemeling [EDITED]

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Dark Cave Ambiance

Back in my dreams. As always he was standing right beside me; waiting, laughing, provocating.

But this time I was ready, I knew what to do.

Again he did the first hit, a stiff right. As usual. Blocked.

Ok, now turn. In that moment I realised something, but I didn't even have time to think it.

I woke up

''Damn that bastard!

Wait, calm down. This was your own fault.''

I had totally forgotten how I turn my eyes. I knew how to, but couldn't recall the steps. It had become automated.

Like breathing.

So I stayed awake. Sitting in my cave, remembering how I turn my eyes, trying to apply that principle to my arm.

But it was exhausting. By far more than turning my eyes,

I could feel this 'energy' stream trough my arm, but it wasn't enough.

I'm unsure how long it took exactly, sitting in the darkness of that cave the whole time. But after what probably was a dozen days or so I finally did it.

I turned my right arm back to normal. Only the lower part but now I knew how to do it.

Picture Hand Study 1 by irysching [EDITED]

Music Dark Cave Ambiance (Part 1) by Cr1msonKing

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

And again I woke up.

''GOD FUCKING DAMN IT!!! There gotta be something I can do about this Bastard.''

Annoyed at my own uselessness I went out of the cave again. I was hungry, but it was the middle of the night. ''Guess I'll have to switch to beast eyes''

I jumped through the trees, I had gotten pretty good control over this body in the past time. Using much of it's potential.

Only got a hare that night.

But on the way back, as I was inspecting my claws, I got a flash of insight.

''Why don't I use my claws? I know how to use them, I just need to bring them forth. I'm far better at using them than fighting with my hands, although I just hunted prey with them so far.''

This idea was groundbreaking to me, I just had to be able to actually turn it into action.

I needed to be able to turn by my own will.

I knew how to turn my eyes, I knew the sensation of it.

This concentration, combined with this stream of... Something.

I had just to repeat this with my arm...

Hopefully.

Picture when rabbit howls by Anklebones

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Routine

And again, I woke up.

Damn it, I need to try again, be stronger.

I took another walk to the pond, got some water. But I went back at once to try again.

I gotta beat him somehow, I just gotta block better. ...And I need to hit him too.

So I went back to the realm of dreams. And again I woke up directly besides him.

''Back for 'nother beating? Ha Ha Ha'' ''Not this time'' ''I'm ready boy, come at me whenever you want''

I hesitated for a moment He let's me do the first hit?

But he didn't wait for me to attack him. Again the right swing. Wich I managed to block. & again the undercut. Wich I again failed to block.

And again, I woke up. ''For fucks sake!''

Again, a walk to the pond and back again. Again, I went to my dreams.

And... Again. I was beaten.

This continued for some time. I have honestly no idea for how long. I lost completely track of time, of day and night. When I woke up while it was bright I used my own eyes. When it was dark I used the beast eyes.

I fully went into routine, doing the same thing day after day. In between hunting a deer since I got hungry, but that wasn't often.

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I was back in the cave.

I wonder when I have to eat again. Maybe I’ll never feel hungry. Yeah, maybe…

I laid down and fell asleep.

“Ah, you’re back for revenge I guess?”

I had ‘woken up’ directly besides that guy.

“Hey, do you actually have a name?”

“I do”

“So, what is it?”

“I don’t know”

“How can you not…. It’s because your just the image from a memory, right?”

“Exactly. Done talking? Thought you came here for finishing something.”

“Yeah yeah, I’m ready for you”

“As ready as last time?” Ha Ha Ha

He took on the same stance. And again threw a left at me.

I blocked it with my arm.

The same stance, the same attacks? No time for thinking, remember instead.

Again he tried to hit me with the uppercut. I crossed my arms, and threw them downwards.

But I couldn’t block it. There was just too much force.

Damn it-

He hit me again.

And again I was lifted off the ground.

Picture The Art of Punching by Lutherniel [EDITED]

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Wild Woods

I went out, to the pond again.

It was broad day. The sun was high and birds were chirping.

I looked around a bit at the pond.

Hmm… still no one’s come to fight this beast. Didn’t expect it to take them this long to find someone brave enough to kill this monster.

A deer got near the other side of the pond.

A deer?!

I looked down at my stomach.

Well, I ain’t hungry. At least I don’t feel hungry. I’ll let it live. No need to kill it just for sport. Don’t wanna overeat either.

Walking back to the cave I thought about this ‘dream’

How can I beat this guy? He’s superior to me in every way. Stronger, faster, more experienced…

I got his first punch, it hurt like a bitch to block it, but I know he isn’t almighty.

Just have to look out for upper-cuts now. Biting of my own tongue is even worse than getting hit in the arm.

Picture Deer by Jason Behnke

Music Wild Woods by Brandon Fiechter

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Beat by Memories

Looking at it afterwards I’m unsure what I thought. Although he was just an image from my memories, I did barely know how to fight.

The only experience I had was the training with that one guard. And hitting at a tree stump on my own.

I didn’t even know how to use a sword properly, and I had the brilliant idea to fistfight with this guy.

Oh shit-

He came at me with a right. By acting like I had a shield in my hand, I actually managed to block that.

It was a hard swing, It hurt like hell. But I had a small success there.

I was actually able to block that p –

He hit me under the chin.

I felt how I bit through my tongue, then lifted off the ground. Still pushed by his punch.

I woke up again. Panic-stricken, sitting up instantly

He beat me. Should have expected as much.

Picture DOWN + B by vashperado

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

“Gate keeper? Of what gate?”

“One of them who stand between you and your goal.”

“One of them?”

“Yes. One. But enough talk, you want through here, right? Then fight me.”

He changed his stance. Bent his knees slightly, raised his hands. He had no weapons, but he had his fire. Wherever he takes it from, he has control over it.

“How about this. I know you’ve got your fire, and I’ve got my sword. Let’s make this fair instead. No weapons, no fire, just bare fists.“

I took the risk of trusting him.

“You sure about doing this? My fighting involves far more movement than yours”

“You heard me, I won’t go back on that.”

An evil grin spread over his face.

“You’re on, boy”

His eyes began glowing red.

Might have been a bad idea to trust him

Picture Hellsing Fan art by Sharprock86 [EDITED]

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

The Gate Keeper

At first I was scared, but my curiosity took over.

What or who is that? And how did it get here?

I carefully went closer. Carefully. Closer and closer.

Mwuahahuahahua

What? Why? Wait… I know that laugh.

The other stood still. Not moving from his position.

A snap from his fingers.

Then I remembered. I remembered it all. That maniac back then. The one who killed my father. My mother. The one who burned down the whole town. And all in the name of the king.

Ah… So finally you remember me.

But how can you be here? These are my dreams. There’s no way you could get here… or is there?

Oh, no worries. You brought me here yourself. Kind of.

He snapped his fingers again.

This time columns of flames arose all around us. For the first time there was light in this Nothingness. But it all got eaten by the darkness all around us. It only reflected on him. And on me.

How did I bring YOU here?!

It’s easy boy. I’m in your memories. Deep down there somewhere. You could say, I’m burnt into your memory Mwuahahuaha

And what do YOU want here?! Do you know what this… wall or whatever is?

I do lad. I do. But I won’t tell. And you wanna know what I want here?

I am the gatekeeper.

Picture Gatekeeper (WIP 2) by JonathanGragg

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

The End of Nothing?

Lucid Dream

The night after I ‘awoke’ in my dreams again.

Blackness all around me, as usual.

But something was off, as if the blackness would end a few paces in front of me.

Has that always been there? Did I just not notice it?

I went closer.

Wondering what and if there was anything beyond that 'end', I carefully stretched out a hand.

My hand was stopped. It was cold and hard. And it had a rough feeling to it. Like stone. Or Bricks.

Does… does this... ‘thing’ end anywhere? But how can an end, end? And how can this nothingness even have an end? Are those the boundaries of my mind, my dreams?

I held one hand on this… whatever it was, this stone thingy. I held one hand on it, and went along, without ever letting go.

After some time, I noticed something glowing.

Light? Here? How can this be?

I went closer. At a faster pace.

The lights were moving, and they twinkled every few seconds.

I began running towards it, since I didn’t seem to get closer.

Suddenly I realized what those lights were, they were eyes. A pair of glowing, twinkling eyes. And they had seen me.

Picture The Black Wall by Eleni Tsami / eilidh

Music Lucid Dream by Neeko Freeman

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I thought about it all day. What could have happened that got me my eyes back? Let’s go through it all once more

I ‘woke up’ there, in my dreams. IT, whatever its name may be, told me my real name, 片 Kata. Then IT shouted at me for not knowing what my real name is. That was basically it. How could that give me back my eyes?

Could it really be because IT told me my real name? But that wouldn’t make sense. IT wants to see me suffer, and I’m sure IT wants to take full control someday too. There's no sense in IT helping me so freely to turn back. There must be some catch to it.

Although I’m still unsure about ITs real intentions, now I do know that it really was my name that helped me turn back. It took quite a while till I found out what power my real name had. And what power I had if I knew ITs real name. But I can’t simply break of the whole tale here.

Note from the Author

Welcome to all my new followers and many thanks to the people who liked my posts. It’s not like I define myself through these followers and likes, but I always appreciate to get some kind of feedback ^^

That’s it, I won’t hold you off from whatever you’re gonna do now.

Have a nice day and thanks for reading

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Floating

I woke up again.

So, my name… my real name is 片 Kata. It’ll take time to get used to, I think. And IT doesn’t want to tell me its name. Why?

With all these thoughts it took a while till I noticed that it’s dark around me.

Am I blind now? Don’t I have eyes anymore?

Carefully I got up. Something in my view was changing. I could see silhouettes like before, but it wasn’t because something was gleaming. I saw things in the dark.

I found my way out of the cave. It was already morning again. The sun had risen and the birds were chirping in the trees. Suddenly I noticed the difference. I could see everything normally again. My view was clear, normally coloured. No blur, no gleaming things.

I looked down at myself, but I got disappointed. Still this burned flesh, these claws. Without much more hope I went to the pond again.

No ears, no nose, no hair. Razorsharp teeth, but my eyes weren’t black anymore.

So, somehow I did make progress. Only question is; How?

Picture Forest Pond by Ruth-Tay

Music Floating by Andreas B.

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Underground

And suddenly, I was there.

This blackness all around me.

Hey! -- Does it have a name? -- I know you’re there! I need your help!

Sssøö, yôü €åmé aftærr åll. Ýøû wånna knòw whät Ï’m cællêd, æh? Whÿ døn’t yôü leårrn yøurr øwn nåme fïr$sst?

My own name? But I know my name, I’m Bjorn.

Hr Hr Yøü sssêrïøusslý $till bêlïevæ zât? Wëll, sîncæ yôu cån’t wãlk ‘rrøûnd åskin pëøplê ‘bøût it, I’ll tell yøu. Sssincë yøu, 片 Kata, åctûally føûnd më yøursêlf.

Did IT just call me 片 Kata? How can that be my name?

IT sighed Yôü gûýss næverr lêärrn. Yêsss, ýøurr rRRëâl nåmë is 片 Kata!

Ok, Ok, I got it. 片 Kata. So, what do they call you?

Thåt, yøü’ll hâve tø find øût yöûrrsssëlf.

Music Underground by ◄-NATURE-►

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Dreams

A Way of Life

Then I snapped out of it.

What the hell am I doing? How could I accept to be this demon, to continue to live like it?

It was like I had lost myself, my own thoughts. Somehow. I had been controlling this body. But all this time, it wasn’t my will who steered me.

Did IT take over on that clearing? When I gave up on life?

I didn’t want to stay in this form. I wanted to become myself again. To rid myself of this unnameable horror. And so I did what had to be done.

I need ITs… help. ITs… counsel. IT knows how to shift shape, it can surely teach me how I can regain my body. My face.

I went back to the cave. Found a place to lie down. To sleep.

Is it that why dragons do sleep for eternities? Do they too search for something in their dreams?

So I went where I first had met IT. Where ITs domain lies.

To my dreams...

Picture Sleeping Dragon by Disse86

Music A Way of Life by Hans Zimmer

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016