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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Good and Bad (05/07/09)
Daniel was at his computer, trying to come up with an article for the Writing Challenge. His wife, Lisa was sitting at the couch, reading the latest from Terri Blackstock.

Daniel stared at the topic typed at the top of the page.

Good and Bad.

Hmmm.

Good and bad.

He tried to come up with an idea in his mind’s eye, but the day’s work and challenges soon caught up with him, and Daniel leaned back in his chair and ‘rested’ his eyes.

He awoke to the sound of rushing water…

-----

Michal and Gabil stood on the bridge of white and watched the fast moving river below.

Gabil broke the silence. “So we caught a glimpse of the histories. A glimpse of them.”

“We did,” said Michal. His wings made a dragging noise as they scraped against the floor of the bridge, his white, bat-like body rocking back and forth.

Gabil’s words had Michal in deep thought.

Gabil continued. “Where did it go wrong for them? Why did they fall?”

Michal considered the question. He looked to his right, toward the black forest. The forest that stood for all things evil, all things bad. The Shataiki were quiet, and he saw no signs of the creatures, creatures that sought only to devour all in sight. He thought of the life-taking water of the black forest. He thought of Teeleh, and his devious desire to destroy, to conquer, to rule.

He then slowly turned his body to the left, and to the colored forest beyond. In contrast to the black forest, this one was magnificent. Shades of bright colors glowed from the trees. The water and foods of this forest produced life, healing, and wholeness. Its people were at peace, free to live out their hearts desire to worship Elyon, creator of all things.

Two forests.

One good.

One bad.

Simple.

The wise Roush sighed as the thought of the other world, the other earth and its inhabitants. He turned again to his friend. “The line of good and bad for them was a blur.” He frowned. “So much gray.”

A sad look came upon the usually playful and happy Gabil. “So much that it led to their destruction.”

“Sadly, yes.”

They both sat in silence for a long period.

Finally. “Come, Gabil. It is time to prepare for the Gathering.”

A smile came on Gabil’s face. His wings started to flap up and down and then suddenly he was airborne. He shot straight up into the air and did a three-sixty loop, all the while shouting playfully. He began to spin in the air, around and around, and then suddenly he straightened and hovered, as if suspended. He continued to hang in the air as he waited for his friend.

“Always the show off, Gabil.” Michal said as he flew from the bridge to the side of his friend. “Always the show off.”

Together they flew toward the village…

-----

Daniel woke up. The disorientation he was feeling left him confused as to where he was.

He looked over at Lisa. She was still reading.

She looked at him. “You fell asleep while you were writing.” She noticed the confused look he had. “Are you okay?”

He tried to produce a smile. “Yeah. I just had the weirdest dream.”

She looked at him questioningly. He continued.

“There was a bridge, and these two winged…bat looking creatures. There was a black forest, and…a colored forest…and…”

“Slow down, honey.” She laughed. “You seem really agitated. Remember, it was only a dream.”

He shook his head back and forth. “Yeah,” he whispered, “only a dream.”

“Although…”

He looked at his wife.

“Although?”

She lifted her eyes from the book she was reading. “Wouldn’t it be weird if the dream you had was reality, and this, right here – right now, is the dream?”

He laughed nervously. “Yeah. That would be weird…”

----------

A bit of fan-fiction. Thank you, Ted Dekker, for the worlds you create. “Pure escapism with inescapable truth.”
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This article has been read 1412 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanne Sher 
05/15/09
I was totally into this. Great stuff!
Philip Barnes
05/17/09
This was outstanding. I love different, creative, and out of the box ideas. I enjoy a world that opens one piece at a time. This was great!
Catrina Bradley
05/18/09
When I saw the title, I HAD to find out if this was about THE Roush, and YES IT WAS!!! I was happy to see Gabil return to his usual self; I didn't like the sad Gabil. ;) I was SO glad to return to the colored forest, even if it was just a glimpse of it. Nice bit of fan-fic, but it didn't tell us anything new (unless the reader has no idea what you are writing about. lol) I'd have liked to have seen a new adventure.
Mona Purvis
05/19/09
I thought I had already commented...but maybe I dreamed it.
Captured my attention.
Mona
Betty Castleberry
05/20/09
The first part of this mirrored the frustration I sometimes have trying to come up with ideas for the challenge.

I enjoyed the fantasy element to this, although I'm not sure I understood it well. It is well-written and enjoyable, though. Thanks for sharing.
Colin Swann
05/20/09
When I was in the army in Germany's Black Forest my friend killed a snake - fits in nicely with your story. If there are German writers in here - I'm sorry we killed your snake.

Unusual piece - but interesting.

Colin
Patricia Herchenroether
05/21/09
Before I read this,I looked up "roush" in the dictionary!
It wasn't until I read the comments that I realized this must be part of a series! Sounds like a neat fantasy. Also, I related with the guy trying to come up with a story. Nice read, once a person knows what it's about!
Eliza Evans 
05/21/09
Awake thou that sleepest and Christ shall give thee light! :)

Great stuff. :) Love it!Thanks for sharing.