Anime Review: Heroman

Title: Heroman

Genre: Sci-fi/Mecha

Creator/Studio: Stan Lee/Bones

No. of episodes: 26

Recommended Age: 7+

Rating: 10/10

Distributor: None, streaming online at http://www.crunchyroll.com

Summary: Joey Jones is an ordinary American boy living in an ordinary American town. That is, until the local mad scientist successfully contacts alien life. Just one problem: it's the Skrugg, an evil, insect-like race. As fate would have it, lightning strikes Joey and his toy robot, turning it into a sentient (albeit silent) giant robot that Joey can control with a remote and voice commands.

Review: When I learned Stan Lee was involved, I had to check this show out. I'm a huge fan of his work. It's easy to see the parallels between this and some of Stan Lee's comics. For example:

1. It takes place in America. Stan Lee is a firm believer in "write what you know". It's why all his stories take place in New York City. He spent most of his life there.
2. Joey is a teen hero. Most of Stan Lee's heroes started out as teenagers.The hero has an alliterative name.
3. Joey has an alliterative name. Stan Lee gave many of his heroes alliterative names in order to make them easy for him to remember. (Okay, maybe that's not all that relevant)

I really enjoy most, if not all, of the cast. Here are my five favorite characters.

Joey is an admirable boy who wishes to be as heroic as his father, who sacrificed himself to save his fellow miners. He has a courageous heart like any true hero.

Next is Simon (aka Psy), Joey's best friend. What makes him so cool is even though the kid's on crutches, that doesn't stop him from helping out Joey and fighting alongside him. He's the kind of friend everyone wants.

Then there's Lina, a blonde cheerleader that fits another type found in many superhero stories: the plucky girlfriend. Lina is essentially the Mary-Jane Watson of the show. She has a cheerful personality and even though she gets kidnapped once or twice, she's courageous enough to prevent her from being annoying. There's only one thing preventing the two of them from hooking up: Will, her older brother. He's like Flash Thompson from Spider-man: a jock with a bad attitude (to be fair, Flash and Peter's relationship did eventually mellow out).

The last character I like is Holly, Joey's big sister. At first, I thought she was obnoxious because of her crass personality and her penchant for beer. (definitely not ladylike) However, as her character developed, I saw her as a foil for Joey in that their opinions on their father differ. While Joey admires their father, she feels as though he abandoned them. In fact, when she discovers Joey is controlling Heroman, she's understandably angry about it.

The Skrugg are definitely a scary race. They kind of remind me of the aliens in the Alien movies, and with the exception of their leader Kogurr, all have a hive mentality.

This is an excellent series, even if you're not a Stan Lee fan, although it's easier to appreciate if you like his stuff.

As for the plot and pacing, I think the show did it well. It moved at a quick pace, but it still took enough time to show us how the characters were reacting to being invaded. Some actually tried to negotiate with the aliens, while others saw them as a threat and joined Joey in the fight against them. And for once, Washington DC was brought into the story and we didn't get a George W. Bush clone, since it was being done during his tenure! This time, although the president does seem to vaguely resemble him, we aren't made to see him as a stupid person, just someone who makes rash decisions because he's concerned about the citizens. The plot didn't come to a complete halt when it was time to develop characters, which I enjoy.

Music/Score: The music was not what I expected. I'm used to a more stirring score in superhero stories, like in the Superman or Batman movies. This was a little too cheerful.

Sub/Dub: Because there's no dub yet, I can't give a comparison. I thought the voices were okay, but I felt Joey's voice was a little high for someone who's on the cusp of puberty.

Violence: 4/10: For the most part, the show's pretty mild, except for the fact that Kogurr eats those who fail him.

Sexuality: none

Religion: none

Nudity: none

Related Media: There's a Heroman manga that inspired this anime, but I don't know if it's translated into English yet.

Anime Review: Gintama

Hello, I'm Rocklobster! I sat through this somewhat entertaining shonen anime so you wouldn't have to. But seriously, I've decided to turn this site into a review site beginning with this post. Since I recently finished Gintama, I decided, why not start with this one?

Genre: Comedy/Sci-fi
Creator/Studio: Hideaki Sorachi/Sunrise
No. of Episodes: 201
Rating: 7/10
Distributor: Streaming online from http://www.crunchyroll.com. Also available on DVD from Sentai Filmworks, a subsidiary of ADV.
Summary: In an alternate history version of Tokyo called Edo, aliens established relationship with Japan centuries ago. As a result, today aliens can be seen as commonplace and the policemen are shinsengumi. The story focuses on Gintoki, a war vet who now helps anyone who can pay him for room, board, and the next issue of Shonen Jump. Helping him out are his two friends, Shinpachi (heir to a dojo and all-around nerd) and Kagura (alien girl with impressive strength and speed)
Review: When I first found out about the show’s premise, I thought I was going to get a straight-up action series. While there is action, this series is focused more on comedy. The only problem I have with the show is that it lacks cohesion. In between arcs is filler that ranges from tolerable to terrible. To sum it up, this is a guilty pleasure. If you like this kind of nuttiness, it make work for you.

I have three favorite characters: First is Kagura. She is very cute, but should not be underestimated, because she is impressively strong and fast. She has a very helpful personality, but has difficulty fitting in with her friends because she isn't human. Underneath is a girl who misses her father, who we meet later in the show. To make matters worse, she also has a psycho brother. (And I do mean psycho!)

Second is Shinpachi. Shinpachi is the "straight man" of the cast. Whenever there is something that is just plain illogical, you can expect him to object to it, and like everyone else on the show, he knows he's a fictional character, so he'll often complain about the plotholes and such. (It's very funny, trust me)

Third is probably the strangest character on the show: Toshiro Hijikata. What's so strange, you ask? How about the fact that the dude is obsessed with mayonnaise. You'll see him dump almost the entire bottle on everything! (it's a wonder he actually has any in the bottle when he's done)

The stories themselves vary. At times, you get some really good action, but when the story goes into filler mode, it can make you wonder why you got into the show in the first place. I think the funniest story of all was the one that was a parody of Dragonquest. The most awesome one was when one of the Shinsengumi got a possessed sword.
Language: (6/10) There is a LOT of bad language and suggestive humor. Although most of it’s censored, it’s pretty obvious what’s being censored, and the sexual humor goes uncensored.
Violence: (5/10) The show basically has two modes: filler and arc. In filler mode, the show is quite humorous and uses slapstick. In arc mode, the violence can range from fistfights to some mildly bloody moments.
Nudity: (2/10) I saw a couple full-frontal male nudity scenes. Both were censored with pixel mosaics, but still unwelcome.
Sexuality: (3/10) While there is no sex per se, I’m giving this rating for the humor. It’s also hinted that Shinpachi’s sister has an intimate relationship with a woman who wears an eyepatch. She even almost gets married to her.
Religion: (1/10) Early in the series, Gintoki discovers a neighbor who’s actually a demon. Later, we meet a family that can summon Shinigami.
Music: The music ranges from great to okay. Let me put it this way, you’d better like j-pop. It's mostly very upbeat, and really fits the show. I really liked the third opening song.

Voice acting: To be honest, I'm not that great at differentiating Japanese voices. However, I think the voices were appropriate for all the characters.
Related Media: This is based on the Gintama manga from Shonen Jump and is distributed in America by Viz. There is also a feature-length movie based on the Benizakura arc.

Kayla's Wish Chapter IV: Kayla Meets Mutia

Torla gave Kayla a hand. "I know someone who makes good clothes. She also happens to be my sister. It'll only take a few minutes to get there."Kayla just stood there sheepishly. She didn't like being naked among strangers."Look, don't worry about being naked. A lot of us fairies don't wear much anyway."
As they walked Kayla looked around timidly. That was when she noticed what Torla meant. Many of them were wearing what looked like nightclothes, and some of them were almost transparent.
Moments later, they were at Torla's house, where she lived with her sister. A green-haired fairy greeted them.
"Mutia, this is our new houseguest."
Mutia waved hello.
"She also needs new clothes. She used to be human, but Titania took pity on her." Torla explained.
Mutia nodded and made gestures.
"What's all that about?" Kayla asked.
"She can't talk. And do you know why? Because your guardian, Selenia, took out her vocal cords when she caught Mutia spying. Now she only uses her hands to talk instead. SHe just said she'll start making your clothes." Torla said cruelly.
Mutia made more gestures." She doesn't deserve kindness, Mutia." said Torla. "For all we know, she maybe working for Selenia."
Kayla had had enough. "Stop that! Do you realize how she treats me? It's a wonder I'm still alive. She doesn't feed me. My clothes are rags. Frankly, I don't even know why she even took me in. Whatever plans she has for me, I want nothing to do with them."
Mutia began taking measurements.
"Sorry, but you're not going to get any sympathy out of me. As far as I'm concerned, you're the enemy."
"What can I do to make you change your mind?"
"For starters, you can get rid of that necklace."
"But that's my mother's soul. It's all I have of her."
"Exactly. You're not letting her rest. She deserves that, at least."
Kayla took off her necklace crossly. "Here. Happy now?"
Torla gave it back to her. "If you're really going to do this, We're going to have to do this publically. Your mother is too important. We'll do that later, maybe after Mutia gets your clothes ready."
Mutia nodded and left them alone. She went straight to work.

Chapter III: Kayla's Request

Queen Titania was alerted to Kayla's injury and came to help.
"So this is the child who was attacked by the zagool." She place a hand on the bite and wove a spell, counteracting the poison.
When she awakened, Kayla looked into Queen Titania's purple eves."What is your name, child?" asked the red-haired queen.
"Kayla." said Kayla weakly.
"May I see your necklace?"Kayla handed her the necklace.
As Titania held it, she felt a familiar aura.
"So you are my neice." Titania said. "This necklace holds the soul of my sister Varla. Varla fell in love with a human and that love must have created you. Did she give this to you before she died?"
"No. I got it from Selenia. I was wondering something. Golda told me you could make me a fairy. Would you?" she clapped her hands pleadingly.
"Kayla, are you truly sure you want to give up your humanity? Why do you wish to join us?"
"Because I am unloved. If I am one of your kind, perhaps you will love me."
"Child, I cannot give you your wish just because you want it. However, you did come all this way. I believe I can do something." She placed a hand on Kayla's forehead and recited a spell.
Kayla felt as though she was falling. Everything around her grew bigger. Then she felt as though her entire body had turned to ice. Sharp pains assaulted her back."What have you done?" she exclaimed. "It hurts!"
"Nothing is gained without suffering. It is time you learned that."
Moments later, the change was complete. Kayla walked over to a mirror and looked at her new wings in awe. They were a deep turquoise. She tried to see if she could move them. After a few seconds, she got one to twitch. She laughed, marvelling at the new gift.
Titania called for one of her guards, a female fairy named Tolka. A brown-haired fairy entered the room moments later.
"Tolka, I want you to take care of this child. She was once under Selenia's thumb and wishes to be one of us."
"Your highness, if that is true, then I must refuse. May I speak freely?"Titania nodded. Unlike Selenia, she welcomed differences of opinion, provided they were reasonably presented.
"Do we know anything about this child?" asked Tolka. "She lived with Selenia. You naively think she is to be trusted? Your highness, for all we know, she could be working for Selenia!"
Kayla started to object, but Titania shushed her.
"I understand." said the queen. "But we cannot know for certain where her loyalty lies unless we test it. Besides, she is not a full-fledged fairy yet."
"What do you mean?" Kayla asked crossly. "I have wings! I'm pretty sure I can even work them and fly!" She tried to do so but was unable to fully control her pattern. She eventually landed and realized it would be best to remain as calm and silent as possible.
"I purposely left the spell unfinished." Titania explained. "You look like us, true. But you possess no magic. I am testing you and if you pass, you will gain magic."
"And how can I pass?" Kayla asked.
"My people are brave, unselfish, and resilient. You must show that you possess all these qualities. But I will not be so heartless as to give you no one to protect you. That is why I chose you, Tolka."
Tolka shook her head. "I feel you are making a mistake, my queen. But I suppose I can fulfill your request. We won't know what Selenia is planning otherwise." She turned to Kayla."What is your name?" Tolka asked."Kayla."
"Well Kayla, I think you need some clothes, so that's what we'll do first. Your human ones are now obviously too big."

Kayla's Wish Chapter II: Kayla Finds the Green

Kayla only got one thing for her journey, other than the clothes on her back: a jeweled necklace. Inside it was all that remained of her mother--her mother's own soul. She crossed the lake that surrounded the castle where she lived. She brushed her red hair from her face and smiled. She knew the fairies would accept her. Or at least she hoped.
She soon found herself in a forest. The treees were several feet taller than Kayla, making it difficult for her to see the sun. Not that she was looking for it. Instead, she was looking for a landmark Rela had told her of. She was to look for a circle of rainbow-petaled flowers and mushrooms.
"There they are!" she exclaimed. Then she closed her eyes and recited an incantation Rela had taught her. The air became mist.
"Human, how do you know of those words?" said a voice. A golden orb circled her.
"A fairy named Rela taught it to me." Kayla explained."Rela? You know Rela?" the fairy asked. "Oh, wait, my manners have come back. My name is Golda. And what is your name?"
"Kayla." she answered.
"Tell me, Kayla, what is your business here."
"For as long as I can remember, I have lived under Selenia's thumb. I ran away."
"Selenia? The witch? We fairies know her all to well. She was once among our kind." The fairy moved in for a closer look. "Wait a moment! Your eyes--they're purple! I must report you to the queen at once!" the fairy motioned for her to follow.
"Why are my eyes so important?"
"Only fairies have purple eyes. There is only one way you can have those. You must have fairy blood somewhere.""I was never told anything about that."
"Apparently, Selenia has told you little of your heritage."
"She doesn't even love me. That's the reason I've escaped. Rela told me you could make me one of you."
"Well, I don't have that ability, but I guess our queen could."Unbeknowst to Kayla and Golda, they were being watched by Selenia, using a magical pool.
"She is foolish enough to think she will not be watched." Selenia thought. "She doesn't realize that her departure was actually a part of my plan." She clapped her hands and a giant, doglike monster called a zagool appeared.
"What do you wish, my mistress?" it asked.
"Our plan is ready." said Selenia.
Moments later, a giant, dog-like monster spotted Kayla.
"What does that thing want with you?" asked Golda as he unsheathed his sword and began fighting the monster. The monster turned to face Golda and was momentarily distracted.
"I don't know. I know it works with Selenia, but it's never bothered me before."
The monster leapt onto her and bit her neck. She screamed as the world blurred around her and she fell unconscious.
Golda composed himself and readied an arrow on a spring-loaded crossbow he had on his arm. He fired at the zagool and knocked it out.
A guard came to help.
"About time you showed up." said Golda crossly.
"She could still be alive. I think the Queen could help her. She knows how to handle zagool bites."
The guard nodded and brought her to a guest room in the castle.

Kayla's Wish Chapter 1: Kayla's Decision

Kayla saw a flickering light outside her barred window."You won't believe how troublesome this was!" a voice said.
The light passed between the bars and grew bigger, materializing into a butterfly-winged human about the size of an infant. The room didn't have much else, just four walls, and a bed.
"I'm too hungry to care." said Kayla. "If that witch had her way, I'd probably eat once a month if I was lucky. I'm grateful to you, Rela, believe me."
"I know, little one." The fairy nodded and reached into a pocket. He pulled out a plate the size of a dime and waved at it while reciting a spell. The plate grew to the size of a dinner plate.
"Well, there's your meal." he said.
But Rela had been spotted. Moments after Kayla had finished eating, someone knocked on her door.
Rela disappeared for safety, as fairies often kept their existence a secret in the human world. Kayla was a special case.
Kayla opened the door and a black-haired woman entered."I know that fairy is here." said the woman. "I can sense his presence."
The light re-appeared. Rela materialized himself. "I don't understand. I thought they took away your magic."
"Oh, funny thing about that." said the woman. "I eventually found a way to get rid of those magic-sapping bracelets. I've even managed to get some of my magic back, although not enough to return me to my original state. In fact, I could use some of your magic." She smiled maliciously and recited a spell.
Rela felt weak and fell to the ground."No! Don't kill him!" Kayla pleaded."It's too late. I'm going to enjoy draining his magic from his soul." said the woman."Selenia...you will pay..." Rela gasped.
"I hate you!" Kayla exclaimed. "I'm going to run away and live with the fairies! Rela was going to take me anyway."
"Oh child, do you really think they'll accept you?" Selenia laughed.
"Rela has. He doesn't care that you are my stepmother."
"One mind doesn't matter as much as many." Selenia pointed out. Then she thought for a moment. "Oh, I don't care if you do leave. Go ahead."Kayla was surprised. A smile appeared on her face.
"But you can't take Rela with you. I haven't used his magic yet."
"NO!"
"Child, there is nothing you can do. You humans have no magic. So you see, it's futile. They won't believe you. And Rela will die, so I win either way. So go, I don't care."

Kayla's Wish Prologue

It was an event few would forget. Selenia had murdered many fairies in an attempt to gain their souls and increase her own magical abilities by drawing energy from them. She was not good at covering her own tracks, and eventually was caught.
The accused fairy was brought before Queen Titania. Her violet eyes shone with defiance."Selenia, you have been accused of treason and murder. You have killed three fairies, including my husband and my sister." said the queen.
Selenia spat on the ground. "I should be queen. That is part of the reason I did what I did. Your sister and your husband got in my way. Be glad I at least spared your neice. But you'll have that unfortunate stain of her birth still on your family. She is half-human, after all."
"Your acceptance of your guilt will not make this easier." Titania said.
"I was not expecting it to. Can we just skip to the part where you tell me my punishment?" Selenia blew a tuft of her black hair from her face.
Titania nodded to two guards. "Very well." The guards fitted Selenia's arm with cuffs that had a spell cast on them that resisted magic. She would still be able to move, but unable to cast spells without removing them first. They then forced a foul-smelling liquid down her throat.
"Selenia, when you approached the Age of Turning, you were given a potion that stopped your aging. Did you not think we had an antidote?" Titania said.
Selenia swallowed the potion with no resistance."You now have only forty years to live. Now, for the second part of your punishment, you will be forced to wear those restraints for the remainder of your life. You will not have the pleasure of drawing magic from nature. Finally, you shall be exiled from our domain."Selenia was led away, screaming insults and pleading for mercy.
"You've ruined your chances for that, I am afraid." Titania said sternly.
"You do realize she will be taking the child along." said a fairy named Golda. "I do not know what part that innocent child may be forced to play." said Titania. "We shall have to wait and see."

Dragon Children Chapter XIV: A Visit to Paradisia

(Note to Readers: As of next update, I will be taking a break from my updates. I need to get the creative juices flowing. In its place will be a whole new story. I might even alternate)
Pandora watched from her scrying pool as Sophia recounted her story of how Stephan had killed her husband and daughter.
"So, she still grieves for them." she thought. "This gives me an idea."

Drak approached Saiyune. "I have received a message from Pandora." he said. "We are to enter Paradisia."
"But I thought that it was impossible to enter Paradisia without dying." said Saiyune.
A goblet materialized before her. "Drink that." said Drak. "It will induce a state that is close to death. This will alleviate that."
Saiyune nodded and drank. Her heart quickened, then slowed until it almost stopped. She found herself in an arid, desert-like void. There were melting clocks on the landscape.
They soon came upon a green-haired and green-eyed girl wearing a white dress that came down to her ankles. She was quietly picking petals off a flower. The girl looked about ten years old.
"Who are you?" the girl asked.
"My name is Saiyune. Your mother has asked for you." Saiyune said.
"My mother? But she wants me to wait until her work is complete."
"She feels she needs you to help her." Saiyune explained.
"Then I shall help you. My name is Ariel, by the way."

****

Meanwhile, Jewel had grown hungry in her cell. She approached the cell door, which was guarded by a bat-winged demon.

"I'd like some food, please." she pleaded.

"Your mother has said you are not to be fed more than once a week." said the guard.

Suddenly, a dragon appeared at her window. It was Abdiel. He had a slain deer on his back.

"Your mother's spell did not work fully on me." said Abdiel. "I am working on an escape plan. In the meantime, eat this deer. You will need your strength."

The Dragon Children Chapter XIII: Ariel

Sophia was an apprentice to the Spirit Mage, Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a tall man with white hair and blue eyes. He was three years older than Sophia, who was in her twenties at the time. She had come here five years before with her dragon, Minerva. She was told by Iawia that she was to be taught by him. During that time, their relationship had blossomed into a closer one, more like lovers. She soon gave birth to a green-haired joyful girl named Ariel.
When Ariel turned seven years old, she was bonded to a White Dragon named Cirrus. Two years later, a young boy and his black dragon arrived at their doorstep. The boy's name was Stephan, and his dragon was named Kor.
"The dragon's voice is in my head and always makes me do bad things." Stephan explained. "Can you help me stop it?"
"The fact that you have come to me is proof that you have hope. " Ezekiel said.
For four years, Ezekiel was able to help Stephan suppress Kor's influence. Then Stephan met a beautiful woman with long, flowing red hair and green eyes. Her beauty bewitched Stephan and he fell in love with her. This woman was Pandora. In time, she was able to seize his will and became her servant. He no longer attempted to suppress Kor's influence. After that time he returned to Ezekiel and Sophia.
"I see the prodigal son has returned." said Ezekiel. "Have you turned from Pandora's influence?"
"No." said Stephan. He pointed at Stephan and drained his life energy from him within moments.
Ariel rushed to her father's side.
"What have you done to him?" she asked.
"You will join him, child. Don't fear." said Stephan. He killed her as well.
Sophia saw the whole thing, but was too stunned to act.
"Why are you doing this?" she tearfully asked.
"Pandora knows she cannot kill you yet. You cannot die until you have completed your mission. Pandora has sent me to convince you to reconsider."
"Do not let him convince you." said Minerva.
Sophia shook her head. "I will defy you and Pandora. I will make sure you pay, not just for my grief, but all the grief you have caused."

Chapter XII: Sophia's Home

The Resistance arrived in a village. Sophia did not want to be here, and Joanne could see this.
"What is wrong, mother?" she asked the blue-haired priestess.
"This is where I lived before I began my journey to recruit followers."
"This is where you were born?" asked Damien.
"No. I was never actually born. I was created to save this world. This is where I learned my purpose."
The village was surrounded by oak trees, maple trees, and trees unlike those on Earth. Some had green leaves, while others were as colorful as rainbows. Birds flew freely, oblivious to the humans and dragons. Lizards crawled up the trees looking for tasty insects. Bees were pollinating flowers so new ones could bloom. Farmers were plowing their fields. Cattle were lazily chewing on grass.
"It's beautiful here." said Cypress, Damien's dragon.
"Yes." Sophia said as a tear trickled down her cheek. She walked into the village's graveyard, passing by several tombstones. Then she stopped two. One beared the name Ezekiel, the other, Ariel. It was here that she stopped, knelt, and wept.
Karin looked at Ariel's grave and noticed that the tombstone said the person inside only lived for ten years.
"Who was this person?" Karin asked.
"She was my daughter. I remember how it felt carrying her inside me. My first child. She had beautiful green hair that I never tired of combing. She had sparkling eyes as green as the foam of the sea. She had an almost ceaseless zeal and an infectious laugh. I enjoyed every moment I spent with her. That is until Stephan killed her."
Sophia turned to see silent surprise in the girls' eyes. The same person who had killed their parents and burned their house down had also killed this innocent child?
Sophia said. "I have come to terms with her death. But there are times I admit I wish she and her dragon, Cirrus, were still alive. Perhaps I was allowed to give birth to her so I could understand what it is like to hold a life in your hands. I would not regret giving birth to a life like that.

The Dragon Children Chapter XI: Reunion

When Saiyunne reappeared, she brought Jewel to Stephan. Stephan brought Jewel to his mirror and Pandora appeared.
"Hello, my child." said Pandora.
"Who are you?" asked Jewel.
"I am Pandora, queen of Hecate."
"Hecate?" asked Jewel's silver dragon. "The realm of the damned? What do you want with my child?" he asked.
"Who are you?" Pandora asked, her eyes flaring with anger.
"I am Abdiel." said the dragon.
"Abdiel, you do not realize this child is actually mine. It is my blood that is in her veins."
Jewel was astonished. "I am of the damned? But I have a silver dragon."
"This is not your true dragon. BUt I can give you the dragon you truly deserve. Do you see that chalice over there?" she asked, pointing to a chalice ordained with opals. "Give it to your dragon. It will make Abdiel a dragon worty of my service."
"But that woman who brought me here said you would make me stronger."
"This is part of it." said the sorceress.
"Do not listen to her!" exclaimed Abdiel.
"Child, I am your true mother." said Pandora.
Jewel gulped. She obeyed and gave the chalice to Abdiel.
"Those kartol are my creation." Pandora said to Abdiel. "If you serve me, they will not harm the child."
Abdiel considered what Pandora said. He realized there was truth in what Pandora was saying.
"You understand I'm only doing this for Jewel." said Abdiel. "I want to be by her side. That is all." The dragon drank from the chalice. Moments later, both the girl and the dtagon were writhing in agony.
"My stomach!" exclaimed Jewel. "It's on fire! It's as though I'm being eaten from the inside out!"
Abdiel began to change. His silver scales blackened like charcoal. Within moments, the transformation was complete. Both child and dragon bowed before Pandora.
Pandora ran her hand through her red locks. "Excellent." she grinned evilly.
"We will serve you well, my mother." said Jewel obediently.

The Dragon Children Chapter X: Night Raid

When Night falls in the Rathlian lands, it is difficluty to tell. This is because the land is shrouded in an almost perpetual fog.
A woman materialized in Stephan's quarters. She had fiery red hair and green eyes. She was tall and slender and had an appearance that would make anyone feel at ease. Stephan knelt before her.
"What is your command, my leige?" he asked.
I have an assignment for your newest recruit." she said.
-------------------------------
Hours later, Saiyune and her new dragon, Drak, touched down in a village. Saiyune had changed dramatically under Drak and Stefan's tutelage. It was as though all kindness had been expelled from her.
Drak turned to her mistress. "You know what to do?" she asked.
"Yes." Saiyune nodded. She dismounted and placed her hand on the ground. It was time to test her new abilities. All members of the Black Dragon Clan were able to control the creatures who had aligned themselves with Pandora, the queen of evil. She smiled. "Arise, kartol!" she commanded.
Holes immediately formed in the ground and skittering noises could be heard. The townspeople heard the noises and stepped out to investigate. At that momnet, giant eight-legged creatures crawled out of the holes. They had stingers that sprayed acid. These were the kartols.
"Feast!" she sneered.
Drak joined in the chaos and began torching the houses. They soon found the one particular house they had been instructed to leave undamaged.
"There is a little girl inside. We have orders to take her alive." Drak reminded her.
"Stay back. I don't think we should frighten her any more than she will already be." Saiyune said.
Saiyune entered the house.. She found a dark-skinned girl who looked about eight years old and was cowering in a corner. She had blue eyes and short, pinkish-red hair.
"I-I'm scared." shivered the girl. "My dragon is in the next room and surrounded by those...things."
Saiyune noded. "I'll get the dragon." she said with mock sincerity. "What's its name?"
"Scarlet." said the girl.
"And what is your name?" Saiyune asked.
"Jewel. The monsters ate my mommy and daddy."
"Well, we'll just have to get you new ones." said Saiyune. "But first, let's get you to safety."
She took out an axe and began hacking at the door. When the door finally gave, she saw the kartols closing in on a red dragon.
Saiyune said strange words, causeing the scorpion-like cratures to back away.
"Burn them." Saiyune said. "Violence is the only language they understand."
The dragon nodded and breathed fire ont he monsters.
Saiyune turned to the child and offered a hand. "If you come with me, I can teach you to be brave. You will even make these creatures fear you."
Jewel's eyes widened. "Can you really teach me that?"
Saiyune nodded.
"Then take me with you." Jewel pleaded.
Saiyune nodded and the three of them left the village as the kartol continued their chaos.

The Dragon Children: Chapter IX: Set's Baptism

Set watched as Joanne baptized Caleb and his mother.
"What is the point of that?" he asked.
"It is a sign of Iawia's love." Joanne expained. "It shows that they are now under her watchful eye and care. Weren't you baptized?"
"I...don't remember." Set tried to search his memory, but nothing came.
"The memory might have been blocked." said Sophia. "Stephan often blocks the memories of those he kidnalps. It makes them easier to control."
"Yes." said Malika. "He did it to me too." said Malika.
"Do you think you could baptize me as well?" Set asked Joanne. "Even if I was already baptized and don't remember?"
"We were already baptized before Joanne did it. So I suppose Iawia doesn't mind." said Tayla with a shrug. "Although I barely remember my first one. Perhaps Iawia will bless you anyway."
"I don't see why not. It's part of my training." Joanne shrugged.
"Training?" Set asked.
"You mean you haven't guessed?" asked Karin. "She's a novice. Sophia is her mentor. As children, we were orphanned by Stefan. Sophia found us and said that she wished to be our mother. I don't know why, but I felt compelled to trust her. I felt I'd known her all my life. SO we let her take care of us. That was ten years ago."
"Please baptize me then. I don't want Stefan or Ba-Pef controlling me anymore." Set pleaded.
Joanne nodded. "Undress and follow me into the water."
She wadaed into the water and Set obeyed. Joanne poured the water over his head and performed the ritual. As Set waded out of the water and redressed himself, he looked over at Ba-Pef. Ba-Pef had changed. He was no longer black, but green.
"Ba-Pef, what's happened to you?" Set asked.
"I...I don't know." Ba-Pef stammered.
"It's Pandora's magic." Sophia explained. "You see, long ago, black dragons never existed. Pandora and her minions found dragons and used dark magic on them. This is what turned them black. It must've happenned to you as well. When Set was baptized, Iawia blessed you both and broke the spell."
"I am sorry for all those times I took over your mind." said Ba-Pef. "I was under orders to corrupt you."
Karin called Set over and knelt on the ground. Set came over to her.
"Set, I've got something to show you." she said.
"What is it?" Set asked.
"Place your hand in the dirt and concentrate." she instructed.
Set placed his hand in the dirt. He felt a strange engergy coarsing through his hand.
"That's the planet's life force." Karin explained. "Like Damian and myself, you can now control it."
Set ran over to Joanne and kissed her.
Karin laughed. "When did you start loving my sister?" she asked snarkly.
"Since now." Set said. Joanne laughed and kissed him back.
"Are you jealous?" Nolk asked.
"No, I'm happy." Karin said.

The Dragon Children Chapter VIII: Saiyune's Pact

Saiyune and Kor arrived in the Rathlian Lands. When they approached the castle, they were stopped by a grotesque-like creature with bat wings.
"Kor, who is this?" the creature snarled.
"Her name is Saiyune. She wishes to learn true power." Kor answered.
The creature nodded and let them pass.
Stephen was there to greet them. "So child, why have you come?" he asked.
"I believe that if others fear me, I will be able to stand against them. Kor told me you would train me in this way." Saiyune answered.
Stephan inspected Saiyune's finger. "You will need to make a new pact. Come, I have the perfect dragon for you."
He led her to a cave. There was a dragon whose eyes glowed brightly. "This is Drak. If you bond with her, she shall guide you down your new path.
Saiyune looked down at her finger. An image came to her mind. She was seven years old. She entered a cave and wasled by the keeper. She closed her eyes and heard a gentle voice call to her. She walked enchantedly to a white dragon whose eyes were like diamonds.
"Hello child, my name is Nefron. I would like to be your friend." said the dragon.
Saiyune was astonished. No one had ever wanted to be her friend before. She hodded and the new pact was made. She walked out with her new dragon.
"What is this?" her mother thundered.
"He is Nefron, my new friend." Saiyune said nervously.
Her father slapped her down. "This is unacceptable!" he said angrily.
Nefron flapped his wings, creating a fierce wind and knocking her parents down.
Yes, Nefron was a goood friend. But he could offer little solace for Saiyune. If she had power though, she wouldn't need love. She showed a finger to Drak. Stephan priced her finger and drove a torn into Drak's talon.
"Your turn, child." Stephan said.
Saiyune nodded and placed her finger into the wound. The pact was made.

The Dragon Children: Chapter VII: Caleb and Tayla

In a village that was a three-day journey on foot from where Sophia and her friends were lived a boy named Caleb. He had long orange hair that ened in a ponytail and turquoise eyes. he had just turned seven years old, the age at which a child of Krangor was traditionally bonded to a dragon. His mother, Tayla, who had the same hair color as he and also had blue eyes, offerred him a ride to the nearest dragon cave. Caleb climbed into his mother's saddle and their dragon, Kritor, took off.
"There's a cave below, Kritor." said Tayla after they had flown about ten miles.
Kritor nodded. The white dragon then slowly descended.
A man dressed in a dark brown tunic greeted them. This was a keeper, whose job it was to assist in the bonding. He had no hair and green eyes.
"Is this the boy who will be bonded?" he asked Tayla.
"Yes." Tayla answered.
The keeper took Caleb's hand and led him inside. The cave was dimly lit and filled with groups of dragons of every color.
"Close your eyes and breathe slowly." said the keeper. "This will allow a dragon to choose you." For in reality, it was the dragon who chose the rider.
Caleb obeyed. Moments later, a voice entered his head. He opened his eyes and walked around the cave enchantedly until he stood in front of a red dragon that was just his height.
"Hello." the dragon said to Caleb telepathically.
The keeper came up to them. "Nicah, is this the child you seek?" he asked.
The dragon nodded.
"What is your name?" the keeper asked the boy.
"Caleb." the boy answered.
"Caleb, this is Nicah. She shall be your dragon." said the keeper.
"This is great! One of my ancestors was the founder of the Crimson Order, a group of heroes who all had red dragons!" Caleb said enthusiastically.
"Then give me a finger." said the keeper.
Caleb gave the keeper a finger. The keeper pricked it with a thorn. He then did the same to one of Nicah's talons.
"Place your finger in the wound." said the keeper.
Caleb did as the keeper said.
"From this moment on, the two of you are one" said the keeper.
Caleb led Nicah outside.
"Shall we go home then?" Tayla asked.
But as they flew home, a gentle voice called to them, urging them to take a different route. They obeyed, and three days later, they arrived at another village. They were greeted by Sophia.
"Greetings." she said. "I have caled you both here because I sensed that your village was attacked. If you returnhome, you willhave none to return to. The Black Dragon clan raided it in your absence."
Tayla stared at the woman. "You're a priestess, I presume?" she asked.
"Yes. My name is Sophia." said Sophia.
"Then we have no reason to doubt you." said Tayla.
"This is your new home then, with us." said Sophia.
Joanne approached them. "If you like, I can baptize the both of you. That is all that is required now."
Caleb and Tayla nodded. Joanne led them to a stream.
"Undress and wade into the water." Joanne instructed. For in this planet's chief religion, baptisms were done with the initates naked. This was to symbolize the baptism cleansing them of their sins. "I have purified the water. It will purify you."
Caleb and Tayla obeyed. Joanne cupped water into a conch shell and poured it over their heads. Then she recited the words Sophia had taught her, using the ancient language of Iawia's priests and priestesses. She then led them out of the water and gave them a towel to dry themselves off. When they redressed themselves, they became members of the Resistance.

Some thoughts about the Virgin Mary

I've heard people, especially fellow Catholics, say that the Virgin Mary is a difficult person to relate to. I can certainly see that. She seems so perfect. But let's not concentrate on the differences. Let's look at the similarities:First, she was human. True, there is the doctrine of Immaculate Conception that Catholics ascribe to, but she was still a human.Second, she had a choice, just like we do. She chose to follow God's plan. She could have refused to play a part in our salvation, but she did not. Like all of us, she too had free will.Third, she suffered. Imagine the scandal that must have arisen because of her pregnancy. She was a stranger in a strange land when she was forced to flee to Egypt. She also suffered the heartbreak of watching Jesus, the same child she carried in her womb for nine months, as he was crucified. True, she didn't suffer physically, but there was certainly mental anguish.
For all these reasons, I believe Mary is an excellent role model. That's the reason I reflect on her life as well as Jesus's.

The Dragon Children: Chapter 6: Saiyune Departs

Thinking quickly, Saiyune used her mental link with Nefron to create a tornado, but the Joxer stood its ground and sent more lightning bolts at everyone.
Damien hid behind a tree.
"Damien, this is a terrible idea." Cypress chastised.
"You have any better ones?" Damien asked fearfully.
"Yes, place your hands on the ground. I will give you some of my power." the female green dragon said.
Damien did as Cypress said.
Cypress said, "Now, command the ground. Have it dispose of the Joxer."
Damien nodded and exclaimed, "Dirt of the earth, swallow the Joxer!"
A hole opened under the Joxer. It backed away, but the hole became larger, until gravity forced the Joxer to fall into the hole. The hole closed up arouind it, cutting off all air. The Joxer would quickly suffocate.
Night fell, and they had dinner, thanks to some villagers who provided them a meal.
Saiyune was not eating with the rest of them. Nefron saw this and confronted her.
"Why are you not eating with the others?" he asked.
"I don't feel comfortable eating with them."
A black dragon approached them. "Hello, child." it said.
"Who are you?" Nefron asked. "Weren't you with Stefan?"
The dragon scoffed. "My name is Kor. And don't be absurd. I serve none but Pandora.
"Pandora?" Nefron asked. "The immortal sorceress of evil?"
"Yes." Kor said. "And I believe I can offer you something Sophia will not."
"What?" Saiyune asked.
"Sophia cannot help you ease the misery that has plagued your life." said Kor.
"How do you know what I've been through?" Saiyune asked.
"Saiyune, don't listen to him!" Nefron said.
"All dragons can read minds." said Kor. "I can see into yours easily. I can see the pain caused by your parents. They never loved you, child. You on't need love. What you need is power. Power can make you strong. With power, you can have all you ever need."
"Saiyune, if you go down this path, I cannot accompany you." said Nefron.
"You don't need him." Kor said. "Come with me. I can show you true power."
Saiyune thought about it. Could Kor be right? Everything he said seemed to make sense somehow.
"Yes I will." she said.
Kor turned to Nefron with glowing eyes. Nefron's eyes grew heavy and he slowly fell asleep.
Kor flapped his wings. "Follow my lead."
Saiyune nodded and stretched out her arms. She let herself ride a current of air and followed behind him.
Minerva came outside and saw Nefron. She broke the sleep spell.
"Minerva? Saiyune has left me." said Nefron when he was awakened. "I don't know what I should do. She will not listen to me anymore."
"Then pray for her. Perhaps Iawia, the great Creator, will help her." Minerva suggested.
"Can't you go after her?" Nefron asked.
Minerva shook her head. "We cann't force her to do what is right. She must learn that herself. Love does not force itself on anyone." she said solemnly.

The Dragon Children: Chapter 5: Stefan arrives

Stefan watched the whole thing from his scrying pool. He realized he'd better take drastic matters. He summoned his black dragon Kor and mounted him.
When they arrived Sophia saw him and sent psychic energy into the sky. Both dragon and rider were instantly sent tumbling down.
Stefan was unfazed.
"So we meet again, my former pupil." Sophia said.
"I have come to reclaim my clan's members." Stefan said.
"They do not belong to you anymore. I have freed them."
"Have you?" Stefan asked. Then he pointed to Ba-Pef. "You know what to do."
Ba-Pef nodded and stepped in front of Set, forcing him to make eye contact. Set's gentle demeanor instantly disappeared. He said strange words and bats encircled everyone. The bats on Krangor are different from bats on Earth. Krangor's bats can disorient people with their shrieks. Their shrieks brought every member of the resistance to their knees.
Joanne could read Set's mind. She could see the inner turmoil and pitied him. She crawled towrd him and placed a hand on his temple. Within seconds, she entered his mind.
She saw two versions of Set fighting each other.
"Why do you resist me? It's pointless." said one.
"I am nothing like you. I do not wish to be you." said the other.
Joanne realized that these must be the two opposing forces in Set's mind.
"Set, if you truly wish to conquer the evil within, you must fight it." she said. She rushed over to the good Set. "I know you can win." she whispered.
The evil Set laughed. "He fights me every day. I always win." He pushed the good Set to the ground.
The good Set got up. "You won't anymore!" he exclaimed and shoved the evil Set to the ground.
The evil Set disappeared and reappeared behind the good Set. He grabbed the good Set's left arm and forced it to his back in a hammerlock.
Joanne could not stand by any longer. She grabbed the evil Set's head and sent a psychic charge, forcing him to the ground.
The good Set turned to her and said "Thank you."
"I will help you to defeat him if you let me." Joanne said.
"Please." said the good Set.
The bats immediately dispersed.
"Very well, you've won this round, Sophia." Stefan said. "But I will leave you with a parting gift." Then he and Kor disappeared.
A striped panther-like creature appeared. It had black and yellow striped and glowing eyes.
"A Joxer." Elena said. "His cowardice knows no bounds."
The Joxer is no ordinary panther. It can control lightning.
It pounced on the Resistance. The heroes scattered.

Prayer to Mary the Dawn

This is a prayer to Mary I read. I thought it definitely deserved sharing:
Mary the Dawn, but Christ the Perfect Day;
Mary the Gate, but Christ the heavenly Way;
Mary the Root, but Christ the mystic Vine;
Mary the Grape, but Christ the sacred Wine;
Mary the Wheat, but Christ the Bread
Mary the Rose-tree, Christ the Rose blood-red;
Mary the Fount, but Christ the cleansing flood;
Mary the Shrine, but Christ its God adored;
Mary the Beacon, Christ the Heaven's Rest;
Mary the Mirror, Christ the Vision Blast. Amen.

Dragon Children Chapter 4: Damien

"Why did you bring us to this forest?" Karin asked.

"I brought you here so you could pay your respects." Sophia answered.

She led them to a clearing there were thatched houses arranged in a circle. She led them to a cluster of gravestones.

"Do you remember this village, Karin and Joanne?" she asked.

Joanne said, "Yes, this is where we were born and grew up. And this is where our parents were buried."

"That is correct." said Sophia. "Even though I took you in ten years ago, I never want you to forget your parents."

Karin placed her hands in the soil and concentrated on the life force of the plants. Two chrysanthemums came out of the ground. She pulled them and gave one to Joanne. They quietly walked up to their parents' graves.

A boy with curly brown hair and hazel green eyes was nearby. His green dragon walked behind him. Neither of them paid any attention to the resistance. The boy's name was Damien, and his dragon was named Cypress. Damien placed his hands on the ground.
"Cypress, the trees have suddenly become more full of life." he said.
"Yes." Cypress agreed.

Sophia saw the pair and walked up to them. "Hello, little one." she said to Damien. "I have not seen you here before. Where are your parents?"
"My mother died not long ago." Damien answered. "My father and I live in that house." he pointed to a red brick house with a thatched roof.
"Can I see him?" Sophia asked.
"I suppose."

Sophia followed Damien into his house. Damien's father had the same kind of hair and eyes as his son. He recognized Sophia as a priestess of Iawia, the goddess who created Krangor.

"Welcome, priestess. What bring you to my home?" he asked.
"Is your son responsible for all the plants growing here?" Sophia asked.
"Yes. I felt this would be a great way to help him with his abilities."
"He has great potential. I can help him become better."
"How?"
"I am gathering people to help me fight Stefan. Your child seems like he would make a great addition."
"Well, it wouldn't be up to me." he shrugged. "Why don't you ask Damien?"

Sophia bent down to Damien's eye level. "Would you like to serve Iawia, the Great Shepherdess and your creator?"
"My creator?" Damien asked.
"I think you should agree to what this woman is proposing." said Cypress. All the plants here became more vibrant than I have ever felt the moment she arrived."
"If Cypress thinks that way, I guess I should."
"I have to warn you." said his father. "My son is not talkative."
"That is fine by me." said Sophia. "Then come along, Damien. From now on, you shall see your true potential."