Some authors in chat talked about a book's worth. 

Most agreed that its value depends on the readers' willingness to pay for a novel. And the most selling here in WN are romance and h e n t a i.

Honestly, it is true in a sense that most authors who don't write these two genres or have the general audience receive lesser income to none. However, there are also other genres that are popular.

What saddening is that a story which has no s** will be buried deep in the list of books.

One time, a person told me that he won't read books without s**. I think you understand what I mean.

Sad... 

Those good literary authors will just choose Amazon. I totally agree with that.

But, is that what really makes a book valuable? So, the authors will just resort to writing stories with s**  since most will welcome it.

I feel sad if it is.

I've been reading and watching epic and classic stories like Mary Poppins, The Twelve Kingdoms, Fushigi Yuugi, The Vision of Escaflowne, Star Wars, Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, and others. 

These are great books but I'm not sure if the new generation is still reading them.

Hoping they are.

So, what is the worth of a writer? Of a person's storyteller's heart and creativity?

Will it just be buried deep in isolation? Will it just be following the flow of readership and abandon its desire to produce good stories?

I disagree. We still love good stories. There are still more readers who love good reads. In fact, these type of stories are more engaging and imploring. Those epic stories won't be called epic if no one reads them anymore. They are classified as such because their worth is beyond trends.

They simply go against the flow and create a tsunami, leaving people awestruck.

That is the type of book I want to write. I prefer to be remembered as an author who writes good stories without compromising the principles I believe.

Don't get me wrong. There are still good books with a bit of those s** things out there that you can read. But they don't focus on those scenes but on the story itself.

I am a person who never follows trends. And I care less what people call me. I will rather be true to myself than to follow the crowd and lose my self-respect.

In my opinion, the worth of a story is not only on the business side but also on how much heart and effort the author gives to his/her books.

To authors: Let us enjoy writing good stories. Let us be proud of what we write for not everyone can be authors. And not all writers can finish a book. The truth, most books here are unfinished.

To readers: Support good books and give the authors that confidence to continue writing good stories. Without your support, the authors might give up. If no one read good stories, then there's no point on writing one. But I believe most readers still love those type of books.
-----o----
Inspirational Quotes for Authors:

"I try to create sympathy for my characters, then turn the monsters loose." — Stephen King

"If you can tell stories, create characters, devise incidents, and have sincerity and passion, it doesn't matter a damn how you write." — Somerset Maugham

"Any man who keeps working is not a failure. He may not be a great writer, but if he applies the old-fashioned virtues of hard, constant labor, he'll eventually make some kind of career for himself as writer." — Ray Bradbury

"I have been successful probably because I have always realized that I knew nothing about writing and have merely tried to tell an interesting story entertainingly." — Edgar Rice Burroughs

"The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp. The reader, reading it, makes it live: a live thing, a story." — Ursula K. Le Guin
-----o----
Inspirational Quotes for Readers:

"Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light."
–Vera Nazarian

"Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself." —George Bernard Shaw

"Great books help you understand, and they help you feel understood." — John Green

"The only important thing in a book is the meaning that it has for you." —W. Somerset Maugham

Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled "This could change your life."
–Helen Exley

Have a good and fruitful day.

😁😁😀😄💖💓💞

I  invite you to read the short diary of my daily struggle as a writer. No clear update but I will try to write every day. Don't expect very long chapters.

Started as an entry for fun and submitted for writing prompt #63: One chapter post but still ongoing.

 Please add tags: #diary #drama #comedy #author #writing

Please read my ongoing story:
The Sorceress' Heir: Blossoming Youth and Power

 I love you for reaching the finals, am very grateful to have been on this journey with you, thank you for your humble time and patience, keep looking forward to my next project, am humbled, my gratitude to Jehovah for the good health, the wisdom and peace of mind not forgetting my mum, Loice Mpate and sister, Karen Luvuno who pushed me and encouraged me throughout the writing process, they are the source of my motivation, my close buddies, to my poppa, Festus Mwakai I guess this will be a start for a good father-son relationship, thank you even if you long lost hope in me.
Dedication
My late grandfather Wilson Mpate
My grandmother Beatrice Lozi
Mr. Wisindi Miheso- my English teacher at Vitengeni Boys high school Kilifi for inspiring and believing in me
Madam Nancy- my deputy headteacher & and also my English teacher at Ushindi Baptist primary school
My friends and relatives at large whom I will mention just but a few Ronny Adamba, Peter Waka, Duncan Otianga, Eric Mzungu, Joyce Mwake, Immaculate Apadet, Safari Saul, Franklin Ngowa, Clement & Peter.
And Kenyans at large, thank you for believing in me.
Foreword
This story is based on a true lifetime occurrence.
The names of people and places in this story are fictitious. Any resemblance to other circumstances is purely coincidental.
Telephone No: +254743811594
Email: gmwakai020@gmail.com
Nicknamed: Holly Molly Ke
Real names: Gift Mwakai
Currently in Mombasa, Kenya
Student at East Africa Student Of Certified Studies.
School of Information Communication Technology &amp; Engineering
Hobbies: Touring, Travelling new places, Watching stars during the night, Reading &amp; writing inspirational stories, swimming, skydiving, watching Disney world &amp; Nickelodeon movies, listening to music.
Talent:  acting drama in the theater, doing amazing stuff with my computer, singing in a choir.
Languages: English, Swahili &amp; a bit of French.
Pet name, Simba, a very friendly bulldog.
Hometown Kaloleni is also known as Kalos
I love those who appreciate me for being who I am.
Religion: a Christian catholic
Birthday date 3/3
star, Pisces
Born within six an half month, stayed in the incubator now here I am, alive &amp; shiny
No enemies invited in my life coz in this small brain of mine I always yearn for peace.
Don't take me for a weirdo but sometimes am a loner, I just like sitting in quiet places, enjoying the view, and breathing fresh air.
My first book was edited by 
@wanderingcyansocks, a very good friend. Thanks a lot for your efforts, I will forever be grateful.
So to the reader out there. find your time to walk through my page and get to reading 'Loving You was a Crime'. Leave a comment, and also get to follow me on my social website so u can get to know me better as my follower.
I treat everyone with respect not bias, your comment means a lot to me.
And my success is yours too, regardless, coz without you, we writers would no longer exist.
Don't confuse my sex though. Am a young male dude.
BOOK TITLE
"Loving You Was a Crime"
SUBTITLES
The Valentine's Day
Homage for Silvia
In the Spirit World
In the Land of the Living
Angels of the world
Just About Time
Adasa My Love
Fall Out
Growing up
Ready or Not
AUTHOR'S NAME: Gift Mwakai
"KENYAN'S PRIDE"
Here is a sample of a poem I wrote for my date this valentine
I dream of a voluptuous wench,
I even found a perfect way,
To cajole her,
Yet I have got nothing to say,
Deep there, inside my heart
I have been longing for her,
Could this be a crush or love at first sight?
I can even smell her from a distance,
Could this be true love or just my hallucination,
Maybe and only maybe, she might be the one,
The chosen one,
My one and only,
My chocolate candy bar,
My peanut butter,
My asthma,
My cutie pie,
U truly rock in my dreams,
#beauty in melanin,
#Melanin Queen,
That sometimes I wake up and say to myself,
What a mesmerizing, brilliant, hungry, nymphomaniac cuteness,
U are a truly amazing baby gal,
U are an enchanter,
And I deeply confess,
#Your beauty is my weakness girlfriend.
Drought from tears,
I am not for you,
I've cried a lot for you,
Now I cry no more,
I've made hustle and bustle to get you,
Now am letting go,
Our small and stupid convo meant more than you know,
But you have left me hanging,
Tell me something gal,
I wanna hear
Hope you have enjoyed reading see you soon, thank you.

I stood there besides the casket with my unkempt hair, looking gloomy and disturbed, my almond-shaped red eyes, popping out as If I had not slept for days, my face looking wizened due to the sorrows of my heart, my gleaming, snow-white teeth now are nowhere to be seen, looking thin and frail, I surely knew without a shadow of a doubt that my life was now over, I stood looking at Adasa as she comfortably slept on her coffin not knowing the bitterness that she had left in my life, she had left a hole that could never be filled, it's as if she had left with some part of me, I stood there and spoke to her lifeless body with my raspy squeaky voice, no one could hear what I was saying, all they could hear were murmurs.

     Bella
      It has been a month since Dad, my uncle died. I have stayed in my apartment and did not even bother about going to the mansion. Anyway, Gladness keeps me updated with what is going on. 
         The detective has informed me of Mrs. Wisdom and the family lawyer meeting. It was impossible to know what they discussed so I move all my properties  out of the knowledge of the law firm and made the new lawyer Gladness got me in charge of any things that concerns me. Gladness has warned me not to trust anyone including Daniel and herself. We can not underestimate Mrs. Wisdom I knew she was up to something.  But I was making my own plans not to be taken by surprise.
         My examination has started and I was sitting in the garden in the estate my apartment was. Usually, before examinations, we were rank to see how we were all doing. I have moved from the top three in my class to seven. Elizabeth was still second and Lisa was third. I have to put in my best in the exams as my coursemates were very intelligent and hard to beat.
       I wanted to go for the writers seminal and my only ticket there was finishing the semester at top five. This was going to be very hard. I Am trying to get some inspiration for my first paper. We don't sit in the hall and answer boring questions.
        Exams were practical  and we have been given twenty-four hours to come up with a poem. The score will be based on content uniqueness, originality, and how much poetic device used in the poem.          I was not so good with poetry but Ray had said that the best form of inspiration  was nature. I have been sitting down in the garden for two hours but I have found it impossible to come up with any meaningful write-up. I wonder how nature was the best form of inspiration when I was feeling very sleepy with the cool atmosphere. 
     Just sitting down there made me feel more worried I was running out of time and ideas seems to be avoiding me. I needed to get good grades in all my examination if I will make it to the top five and go for the writer's summit.     
       Trying to write an inspirational  piece I had a voice said. 
  I turned to look at the person speaking to me. He was a very handsome young guy but I was certain I don't know him. He was smiling  and his white  set of teeth made him look very cute. 
       You seem to be trying to get some inspiration he said.
    I nod my head still wondering how he knew that. Except he also schooled at mount wings. 
   Wondering how I know he asked. I nod my head. 
   You are holding a book and pen he said oh that's right I mentally slap myself. Why did I not think of that? Plus he continues after the pause I have been watching you for thirty minutes you keep looking around then try to write something. 
Oh, I said. 
  He took a seat next to me. You know if you came to get inspiration from the garden you will not get some looking so serious and worried he said.
 Really I asked. 
        Yes, he said. You have to first enjoy nature, feel the air close your eyes listen to the music the air river insect and flowers and plants make. You have to feel relax. 
    I laugh you can't be serious I said. I came out here to get a nice piece for my exam not relax and enjoy fresh air I said the other part to myself. 
Try it he said then he got up and went a bit away from me.        I thought about it for a while there was no harm trying. It not like I have gotten any good idea since I have been sitting here. So I  closed my eyes and appreciate nature while my eyes were closed I tried to relax and let go of my worries, it not like worrying about them now made any difference.
I opened my eyes after some time and looked at the beautiful sight before me. I have always walked in the garden without paying much attention to my surrounding  but now I put my eye to look at every flower in detail. I even got up to smell some of the ones closest to me. 
   Now that I was not thinking about what will make a perfect poem an idea suddenly comes to mind. 
A walk by the garden 
Wow, that's an interesting topic for a poem I thought to myself. I quickly sat down and took my pen and book to turn the beautiful sight I just saw into a poem 
      In another hour, I come up with something wonderful. I was so happy, this will give me a good grade. 
    I stood up to go then I notice he was still there. I walked up to him. Thanks, your tip was helpful I said. He nods his head then turns around to face me. 
      You are most welcome he said. I was surprised as to how good-looking he was. I noticed it, when he first spoke to me but because my mind was preoccupied I did not know he was this breathtaking mentally slapping myself out of my thought I asked Do you live here. The question comes out of my mouth before I could think about how strange it was to ask that question out of no where. 
 Yes, he replied just a few blocks away he said.
 Bella, I said holding out my hand. Jace, he said taking  my hand. See you around I said, he smiled at me and walked away.

.... "Bella" Ray called her name with so much melody. Pulling her hand close to his chest to allow her listen to his heart beat. See. My heart beat for only you, Ray assured his girlfriend 
 Raymond Williams a successful singer and novelist is in a twist between the past that hurt and uncertain present. When an ex girlfriend comes back, knocking with a child.
  Can he trust the woman that hurt and broken his heart three years ago. Or the woman who has never giving him a reason to worry.

"You have no brains, you have no talent, you are useless just like your mother this is what Bella hears from her adopted mother for the past seventeen years of her life. 

   Bella wisdom a nineteen years old lady who trys to survive in a world where she  felt had no place for an orphan like herself. After two years of trying to get into college to become a lawyer Bella find a new part to become a writer but first she will need to get admitted into Mount Wing where only the very talented and wealthy students are welcome.
  The new part opens a new world of opportunities but challenges for her as she trys to find her new happiness. 
  
"Life will always have new challenge but  when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Bella Wisdom Wealth repeated her motto to herself. Blinking back the tears that were about to drop as she looked at her reflection in the full length mirror.

Chi Mi saw how THE Mrs. Qing slip out of the room. Her head tilted to the side. Why would she leave right in the middle of an important meeting?
Chi Mi dared not look behind her shoulders for the expression of the people as Mr. Qing Zihao presented the idea of her invention. She might not think too much about the emotion of other people, but when it comes to her creation she caved. She was scared to see them frowning and disagreeing. She had spent years of her life trying to make this perfect. She couldn't bear the thought that it wouldn't take off.
She knew that she was confident with her work. She knew that it would help the earth. But her insides were wavering a little.
Chi Mi was in the front row. They were placed there as they would be called at the end of the presentation and for the pictures. What the Qings were selling today was the idea of it. A few scientists and engineers were also invited today to give the 'Certified by Experts' sign on it. Granted, all of those experts were in The Kingly's payroll.
She turned her head to the side and saw Qing Chen, a few seats away from her. He was looking upwards his father. He looked like he was listening intently but she knew that there was something else going in his mind.
What happened to his wife? Why did she leave?
Chi Mi looked through the open zipper of her bag.
She had just the thing that would make Qing Chen smile today.
=======
Chi Mi didn't know why she was so fascinated by Qing Chen. It would only be the fourth time that she would be seeing him in person. Before that, she had seen his picture on a magazine. Something about bachelors. She saw it from the waiting area of her dentist. It was why she was so surprised that he said he had a wife. That magazine had been outdated.
After that encounter on the first signing of the contract, Chi Mi researched her way to know more about the so-called wife. It was an arranged marriage, not that she was surprised. It seemed to be far too common in this side of the world. Especially within the circle of rich people.
His wife was called Feng Xuan, a daughter of one of the tycoons in real estate industry. She was young and pretty. Their wedding celebration was one for the books.
One would be surprised at how extensive research could go with only the internet. Some might not know it, but a person's whole life could be found there. All you had to do was look.
She knew that Qing Chen and Feng Xuan only knew each other for a few days when they celebrated their marriage. How come they looked a lot in love in their photos, was one of the mysteries that she would never uncover.
She read about everything: the way that Feng Xuan opened her own restaurant, the fashion line, how she was kidnapped by a senator, and how she lived abroad for a few years when she was younger.
Chi Mi shouldn't, but she compared herself to Feng Xuan. It's no comparison!  her mind cried. She could never reach the level of the grace and exuding femininity of this woman.
Chi Mi was a cliche smart girl. She was the kind of people that TV shows would give makeovers to. But she wasn't the kind of person writers would write about and they would end up with the most popular jock in the school and be prom princess towards the end. She wasn't THAT bad in her opinion.
She was the kind of girl who lived below the radar. She was nerdy but not nerdy enough that she would be bullied for it. She finished second of her class during high school, which relieved her because she would hate standing in front of many people and try to make an inspirational speech during graduation when all she wanted was to get out of there.
She had her love interests… but she mostly kept it in her head. She would imagine with her dream boys during the night with every possible happy ever after there was. She knew that she would be luckier in college. She had taken an interest in the sciences and she figured that she would be finally be with the people who were in the same wavelength as her.
She wasn't disappointed. She had a few flings with the guys who tried to get out of their shells to ask her out. She had time to explore. But it wasn't until their graduation that she met the man that would make all her dreams come true.
This certain rich man came to the school in behalf of his whole family. They were one of the biggest sponsors and the school honored them with a certificate. In her eyes, he had been the most handsome creature that her eyes set upon on.
She finished the top of her class and had successfully got through her speech even with her wobbling knees. Afterwards, she didn't miss her chance backstage with the man, and introduced herself. She told him about the invention that she was set on creating. She only got to speak for a couple of minutes until that man got whisked away by his assistants. But he left her his calling card.
At first, they only got to talk about the invention which then was only an idea, but he kept on supporting her that she couldn't help but fall in love with him. It was no secret that they had a relationship despite him being almost ten years older than her…
She thought that she had the perfect man for her…
Until she saw this dashing CEO in the form of Qing Chen.
Everything will be perfect, she just needed to make him hers.


This message is to let you know that we're coming for you.

Yours truly,

The Mafia's Rose
— 

After her mother’s death, Feng Xuan was sent overseas to continue her studies and was under strict instructions to never come home.

Feng Xuan had always known she was going to marry someone she did not love. That was why she was not surprised that when her father finally allowed her to come back, she was off to be married immediately.

Upon marrying the handsome, somewhat brooding but caring, Qing Chen, a hotelier and the new mafia boss on the side, Feng Xuan started to realize that she might not be the woman whom she thought she was.

There was only one condition that allowed Qing Chen to marry Feng Xuan: he is to keep her protected from the world, and from herself.

****

This is a story about a woman who uncovers the long buried details about her life, the society, the world, and her mother’s untimely death. Along the way, she discovers who she really is; smart, ruthless, cunning, and powerful.

****

WARNINGS: (If you comment anything about this, I will direct you to read these AGAIN)
1. This is a slow-paced story, because of this ROMANCE CAME LATE FOR THE LEADS. I'm saying this again, LATE. There's a huge reason behind this, if you will be patient you'd get there. 
2. Male Lead is weak AT FIRST. As this story is slow-paced, character development took a while. 
3. Female Lead will start to reawaken around Chapter 80 and ML will rise into his full potential shortly afterwards--once you start reading you'll know why it took this long. 
4. This book is not just about the romance part, it is also has a lot of mystery and later on, action in it.

English is not my first language. Please do not hesitate to comment corrections regarding spelling and grammar. Thank you!

This is an original story.
The picture on the cover is not mine. Credits to the real owner.


Update schedule: One chapter a day.

Kurt Peters' POV
"Go to the Daily Publisher building and tell the lady at the front desk that I have sent you." I said to myself as I was walking down the road.
I was reading the text Ms. Veronica sent me this morning, she called me saying that she won't be able to pick me up because she is needed early in her office. She said that she will just meet me there. She sent me a text with the instructions telling me what to do once I reach the DP building.
I placed my phone inside my pockets as I continued walking towards the Daily Publisher, I could call a cab to take me their and it will be a lot faster if I did, but it's such a beautiful day today, plus, I needed the exercise, so I decided to just walk it.
Minutes of walking passed and I finally reached the building. I nearly got lost though if I hadn't checked my phone for directions. I don't know where the Daily Publisher is located and Ms. Veronica didn't give me any address or whatsoever which would've helped me getting to know where the building is located.
But I didn't get lost and I finally arrived at the building. Upon seeing the building, I stopped as I gazed the size of the building. It was even bigger than I have ever imagined. I can't believe that I will be working in a place like this.
I looked around and I saw people talking and entering the building, some in large groups and some in pairs. They must be the employees working here. I took a deep breathe and I took my first steps towards the building.
I went inside and the welcoming atmosphere hit me hard, the vibes inside the building gives that of the vibe of a library, maybe because it's quiet and there are rows and rows of books displayed inside. The atmosphere feels so calm and welcoming, the ideal atmosphere in writing a story, well, for me at least. This kind of atmosphere is the type of atmosphere which helps me in writing my stories, quiet and calm.
After looking around, taking in the atmosphere and surroundings, I walked up to the lady behind the front desk, just like Ms. Veronica instructed me.
"Hi, uhh, Ms. Veronica sent me here and told me to talk to you."
"Ah yes, good morning Mr." The lady paused a bit as she looked at some papers. "Ah, Mr. Peters, the Prodigy's invitee. Yes, Ms. Veronica told me that you'll come today and wanted me to give you this."
Prodigy's invitee? What does she mean by that?
The lady gave me a key and a piece of paper, on the paper is a printed map of the building. "Ms. Veronica told me to give you the key to her office. You can find her office on the third floor. You can use the map in case you get lost." The lady said as she smiled. After she gave me instructions what to do and where to go, she went back to arranging papers.
"Okay, thank you." I said with a smile. I don't know why she gave me a key or something, isn't Ms. Veronica in her office? Ms. Veronica did tell me that she'll wait for me there. I then began walking, looking for Ms. Veronica's office. I went straight to the third floor since the lady said that Ms. Veronica's office is located on the third floor.
I didn't use the elevator in the building because I wanted to explore a little bit. I met a lot of people, asking me if I was new. Everyone is so nice here, everyone is giving a calm and welcoming environment.
Minutes of exploring passed and I finally found Ms. Veronica's office. It was easy to find because their names were written on the door. Well, not written directly on the door, their names were on metallic plates and the metallic plates are pinned on their doors, you know what I mean.
I knocked on the door a few times but no one answered so I used the key the lady gave me. The door opened and I saw that Ms. Veronica's office was empty, she wasn't here. I hesitated to enter her office at first because I don't want to barge in without the owner's permission, I feel like I'm committing a serious crime.
But then again, Ms. Veronica did say that she will meet me in her office, well, might as well wait inside. I went inside her office, closing the door behind me.
Upon entering Ms. Veronica's office, I saw lots of certificates and awards in frames and hanged on her office wall. When I say lots, I mean lots. There are like 20 certificates, maybe more.
'Shining Star Award' 'Author of the Year' 'Most Books Written in a Month' 'Helpful Writer' 'Inspirational Author Award'
These were only some of the awards and certificates that are hanged on the walls. But a particular certificate caught my attention.
'Prodigy Award'
As I gazed on the awards and certificates, I received a text from Ms. Veronica.
"Hiya Kiddo, it's me again, Ms. Veronica. Are you at the office yet? Listen, I just wanted to say sorry that I am not there yet to help you on your first day. Another thing just came up and I had to take care of it, I don't know what time I'll be there so, have a look around the building, get to know a people or two. Explore the building, walk around. The lady at the front desk should've given you a map so you know where to go. Anyways, I'll be off now, I'll see you when I get there, take care and have fun on your first day."
Well, I guess I'll be giving myself a tour today. I put away my phone as I gazed on the awards and certificates of Ms. Veronica again. Is Ms. Veronica one of the top writers of this place? If yes, then I'll be under the wings of a great writer.
I smiled as I went outside Ms. Veronica's office, locking the door behind me.
Okay first day, what do you have in store for me?
-End of Part-

This book is a compilation of different stories ranging from 2 to 5 parts. When one story has ended, another story will begin.

Log of August 21, 1945...

We have had a break in the Usui shrine, but now, we are ready to embark on the journey that risks our lives... To carry out our mission it was necessary to be informed of what awaited our path, it is difficult to believe that this is a fantasy world, it is almost what the writers embody in their books of new worlds and almost as far-fetched as the legends I heard during my wartime... we walked outside while I adjusted the bandages that had a few blood stains.

Hekima: Do your wounds still hurt?

Giorgio: No, thanks to your healing, the wounds were close, but the bandages were stained with the blood that remained in my suit...

Hekima: Alright, just tell me if you have any kind of pain and i will use my spells...

Tokage: This morning looks so peaceful...

We stood in silence for a while until the magician girl took the word with an inspirational face...

Hekima: Well, this is the plan... we have to go to the kingdom of the land of Gingetsu, it's not far away.

Giorgio: What are we supposed to do there?

Hekima: Well, despite the magic and fantasy, because of the constant contact with your world, we have adopted some doctrines such as records, protocols and meetings between representative leaders, in this case, it is necessary to meet with the kings of Gingetsu to inform them that we will use the crystals of the silver moon...

Tokage: And that is necessary?

Hekima: Of course, we are talking about powerful weapons that can create and destroy. Do you also make those kinds of treaties in your world, Mr. Lombardi?

Giorgio: Something similar, before coming here I heard news of nuclear bombs that caused massive damage in Japan and ended the war, from there I heard that it would be necessary to establish a treaty for the use of such weapons...

Hekima: Oh, i see...

Tokage: What is a nuclear bomb?

Giorgio: *sigh* It is the most powerful and deadly weapon created by the human being ... it is a bomb capable of causing damage equal to what you saw of that demon called Behemoth...

Tokage: Why would someone do something like that?

Giorgio: Ignorance... there is nothing capable of justifying that ... people believe that by taking thousands of innocent lives you get peace but the cost is greater than the result... unfortunately it is part of human history...

Tokage: Is there something I can't figure out ... Isn't it something ironic that someone who used to participate in wars speaks badly about these?

Giorgio: Not necessarily, I did not go to war for pleasure, literally throughout Italy they requested men to fight for the country, even when we were part of "the bad guys"... even friends of mine died saving my life...

Tokage: What?

Giorgio: You see, in my country there was a fascist policy that provided support to the German Nazi army and that positioned us on their side ... I was against all that, but they put me into war against my will, just my young 17 years old, I had to see burned cities, children and whole families dead, all because of a false idea that there was a "superior race"...

Hekima: And how did you get out of that?

Giorgio: I didn't do it, the kindness and heart of the Italian people took the mediocre one, that got us into that mess, out of the power and after that we left the Germans and their comrades to their fate...

Hekima: How old did you say you are currently?

Giorgio: I'm 21 years old, I had to endure years of war and I had to forge a strong character to avoid being intimidated by anything that could happen during a war but at the end i just discovered that i didn't deserve to live a normal life...

Hekima: I understand you, our land has also seen violent wars, the most known was the one that Behemoth made against all the life on earth many years ago, so we must stop it now that it is vulnerable, to prevent it from committing more suffering.

Tokage: I want to avenge my family and regain the honor of our blood..

Giorgio: Well, count on me, I will try to give my whole life to fight for what is good... *whispers* i don't care if i die...

Hekima: Very well, changing the subject a bit, the journey to the kingdom of Gingetsu usually takes 2 days, so it would be better to stay in the next village, it is called Shingetsu, it is a cozy and quiet village, we will look for an inn and We will spend the night there... at dawn we will leave for the kingdom...

Tokage: Understood.

In this way, we continued on our way to the village as the sun disappeared on the horizon, we were less than an hour to reach the village when suddenly the earth began to shake...

Tokage: Someone is using the crystal of mother earth ! I can feel it!

Jigoku: You guessed, I've come back for what belongs to me.

Hekima: Being from the devil, nothing on this earth is or will be yours!

When the tree demon came out of the earth I shot him in the right leg, but a layer of moss covered the hole I made...
Jigoku: I see you bring your company again, however this time they won't have the same luck, every one of you will shed your blood here!
I turned immediately to the two girls and told them...

Giorgio: We know his weakness, this is the plan, I will attack him face to face, Tokage will get away enough and you, Hekima, will use the fire crystal!

Hekima: Understood!

I ran to the devil, he tried to attack me with his vines with thorns but this time i dodged them and destroyed them with shots, the demon hit me with his arm but I got up instantly held him...

Giorgio: Now!

Hekima: Okay! Crystal of eternal fire, apply a blast to my enemy!

A flare went to us, I jumped to the right and crouched down to avoid the impact, the demon began to burn but slowly the same moss as before began to cover it quickly, before it moved, I used the rifle and shot it in the head, it was completely destroyed and I let out the crystal of the mother earth, Tokage approached to grab it while I realized that the demon was regenerating but very slowly...

Hekima: Move, I'll use my magic!

We walked away while Hekima pointed her staff at the demon...

Hekima: Incineration spell!

In seconds, the demon began to become ashes, meanwhile, his jaw that had already regenerated began to say something...

Jigoku: Even if you destroy me, you must still kill four other demons and I doubt you could even reach my master...

The ashes scattered in the wind ...

Hekima: *sigh* With that, we already have two crystals... we only have two more...

Tokage: Look! A village, could it be shingetsu?

Hekima: Yes, let's go, the magic application really drains my energy...

Upon arriving at the village the morning was arriving, I could deduce that it was already twelve in the morning, we settled in an inn and began to rest...

These two girls seem to be overly optimistic when it comes to fighting but I see that they have never really been in a war, I hope they don't have to go through what I did...

End of the log.

to be continue...

In a chaotic world hope will be rise again, a young man along his company has to gather the four crystals of the silver moon and bring peace back to Gingetsu ... Violent times are approaching and you have to be ready...

Gandhi and I.

We have all heard of the name Gandhi. Or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. 
I was aware of who he had been and many years before had watched the three-hour long Richard Attenborough film. It was an extraordinary film about an extraordinary man, but here in Sevagram we had the opportunity to visit the Mahatma Gandhi museum. 
He lived here in Wardha for ten years between 1936-1946. The museum is a little bit dated with some old displays punctuated a few newer ones including mannequins. 
I started to get a sense of the man from the book collection and works that inspired him. 
Thoreau's book Walden tells of the author's attempt at a self-sufficient survival in the wilds of the American frontier and I had enjoyed reading it. I had studied this novel at university and found it inspirational. Living at one with nature, taking only what you need and respecting your environment – Gandhi was willing to read and follow any text that would offer a better world to his people. It did not matter what religion, creed or nationality the author was. 
I gathered my English literature students around me, there were three or four, and I explained the significance of Walden and how the local ashrams set up by Gandhi's followers would have used some of its central themes. But there were shelves of books, how many ideas did Gandhi take from the wisdom of writers from all ages and countries? 
And how brilliant was that? Here was a man of peace with a vision for the future and it was built on the wisdom and experience of all those that went before.
It started to bring the exhibits alive. Who was this man? He took on the might of the British Empire, he was the father of a nation of a billion people. 
We moved over to the Ashram and visited the simple single room huts where he had lived. A simple wooden bed, very few possessions, a cotton spinning wheel, the large tree outside under which he would contemplate. 
India, or Gandhi, was getting into my soul. It was bakingly hot but time had really slowed down. Wardha was having a big effect on me and this would be something that I would cling onto to counter-balance the darkness that was ahead.

The Ashram is unique in its simplicity. This was one of the most influential men of the twentieth century, I had learnt something. On my return to England I sat and watched the film Gandhi again. It drew me in and made me realise how magnificent a man he was. 
These had been two very positive days, I think the break from Delhi, the recovery from the illness had coincided with being in this peaceful haven. 

Our contact in the area Mrs Choudray, took us to see a school set up beside the Ashram, these were much happier children in their smart uniforms. It was yet another contrast that India was to throw at us. These children did not live in great wealth, but being away from the major city they seemed to have more of a chance. 

We had the usual tour of the school and there was a chance for the students to mix with the children. I don't know why my recollections of the school are not more vivid. I suppose there was nothing to report, nothing that tugged at the heart strings, no extremes. And yet these were children who would form the new India, just as the children in Delhi would,
We had kept back some of our charity funds so that we could set up a scholarship for a child in the community. The cheque was formally presented and some pictures taken. Then we were invited to the home of Mrs Choudray.

Young people in India are so keen to speak English to English people. Maybe it is something about the classroom not quite being a genuine place to demonstrate language skills? In other countries I have felt embarrassed not to be able to converse in the local language, not so in India. Speaking English is giving the young an opportunity to flourish in life. The language they learn is proper grammar and pronunciation, now seen by some as quite dated. It is a correct language, my views have changed in recent years though on whether this should be treated as an embarrassment to our young people in Britain and the language that they speak. 
The English language is always evolving and adding new strands from all types of other sources. What is spoken in England is a vibrant language, even if we don't like that evolution. These well educated young people in India are almost perpetuating some colonial myth to speak the 'Queen's English'. I'm certainly not saying it is wrong, our language has many unfathomable rules, and you cannot keep up with something that changes so quickly that we do not notice it. Before I would have said they spoke better English than we do, now I realise they have captured a 'prim and proper' version of our language. 
Years later I would find myself in a Spanish classroom teaching A-Level "English as a global language", and recall those days in India. But that is another story.

Linguistics lesson over – Mrs Choudray had prepared a few simple snacks for us, a welcome break from the hut in our centre. The simplicity yet exquisite nature of the foods live in the memory, she really wanted to be the perfect host. 

And then a shining moment. 

From her fridge she produced two large bottles of Coca-cola. I grabbed them.  I cuddled them. I caressed them. My illness on the train, drinking nothing but water and chi since had made me almost forget how wonderful a sugary, carbonated drink could be. I pretended that I would not be sharing any of the drink with the others, but I poured myself the largest glass I could without it looking too obvious how much I was craving this. 
Drinking it cheered me up beyond what I can describe here with simple words. It's that moment that you reconnect with your old world again. Suddenly everything was good again, since the trip I have always had an affection for Coke, there is a little tug of a memory that sits in my mind.
I recall that Mrs Choudray had two sons who wanted to interact with our party. They had questionnaires for us to fill in and they wanted to test their English. As with most young Indians I have ever encountered they were polite and charming and a credit to their mother. 

We returned to the Centre for a final night, in the morning we would finish our work and say goodbye – and then we would be back on a train for an overnight journey...

I was feeling much fitter and stronger now. In the hut we ate while recalling the events of the day. Gilly told me that I needed more variety in my meals, but I still stuck to simple potato and cauliflower dishes.

Next time… on the train again...

How can you end up in India, be totally out of your depth, and yet have a party of school students to look after?

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