I’ll be lying if I say I didn’t miss you.

It has been quite a while now since you left my life. I admit, even till now, I still did not manage to get through this. I know, I can be tough, I can be strong, but sometimes, this is just too much to digest. Honestly speaking, almost every night I have a dream about you; it was mostly flashbacks of what we went through together when you were here, where in the end, I woke up with tears.

My circle of friends isn’t much, what more of a person like you. You were the friend I have known for a long period, if not the longest. Honestly, I never thought we could’ve been this close. You and your lifestyle, me and mine, it was vastly different, yet you were not like most people of your status. You were, well, different. You were the first person to ever show me of how first impression can be ever so wrong, and you made me change my whole perspective view on people altogether. You are the reason I came up with perception is deceptive. You literally changed me.

I know, people often saw us bickering, arguing, but only some of them know how close we were. You were always there when I needed you, but you never even once grew weary of my needs. Not even once did you show you were tired of me.

It is true then, what the common saying means, that you never know good things till they’re gone. Your lost, was one of the hardest things I have to accept for, and even now, I still couldn’t swallow it. I knew, all that sudden disappearances and rarely talk to you again must meant something. I asked you, I remember, but you assured me that nothing was wrong. In the end, you’re gone. You told me once years ago, that I should stay optimistic; no matter how dire the situations are, so I am sure you have your reasons why would you do something like that, and with that, I will not question or doubt your reasons.

Maybe it was good that you were a person who dislikes giving mementos to people, especially to a person like me. Now, I see the reasons as of why you dislike that so much.

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِفُلَانِ وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي الْمَهْدِيِّينَ وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ وَأَفْسِحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فِيهِ

I miss you, friend.

Please don't take my sunshine away..

Please don't go..

Coretan terakhir sang puitis yang terseksa.

Izinkan coretan yang hina ini diberi laluan buat malam yang fana ini.

Aku tahu, aku tidak layak untuk menerima seseorang insan sepertimu, mahupun beritahumu sebegitu. Namun, jikalauku tidak memberitahumu, hatiku tetap merasakannya. Sudah ku janji untuk tidak mendatangkan lagi kepayahan dalam hidupmu, dan ku sanggup beransur kembali seperti mana keadaan kita sebelum bertemu.

Aku tahu, sudah banyak keheningan yang ku tinggalkan, sudah hancur hidupmu ku perlakukan. Tiada sepatah ayat, mahupun satu perlakuan yang ku buat yang tidak menyakitimu. Oleh itu, kufaham sekiranya kau tidak mahu berbicara sesamaku, dan jikalau kau melangkah keluar dari hidupku, aku nampak kebijaksanaan keputusanmu dan merelakannya.

Namun, aku tidak akan mengaku kalah, tiada bendera putih, tiada melutut ke tanah, keranaku amat menyayangimu, dan akan senantiasa fikirkanmu walaupun kau tiada lagi disisiku.

Jikalau kita bersua muka dimasa hadapan, dimana aku rasa kita akan berjumpa lagi, akanku lihat mu pergi, sambil lidah terkelu, mata terpadam, mulut tertutup, aliran air mata jelas terpampang, memikirkan betapa kau sudah pun mencorak hidup masa hadapanmu tanpaku.

Beeeep

I dialed your number.

*Hey, this is Arief. Please leave your message here after the beep sound and I'll catch you back. *Beeeeeep*

I disconnected the phone, and dialed your number again.

*Hey, this is Arief. Please leave your message here after the beep sound and I'll catch you back. *Beeeeeep*

Again, I disconnected and dialed again while clutching the newspaper with the title "Teen died in a car crash"

*Hey, this is Arief. Please leave your message here after the beep sound and I'll catch you back. *Beeeeeep*

_____________________

Its been awhile.

Part 6 : Chant of the Fallen Lord

Twelve marked the coming of midnight.
Eleven crows soared in harmony
Ten crosses carved on stones
Nine knights swore an oath
Eight amulets of the Gods
Seven swords of heaven
Six shields of moonstone
Five crowns of the Kings
Four treasures to be kept
Three millennia they stood watch
Two conceived coup d’état
One fell from grace

Part 5 : Circle of Magi of Hatten

Circle of Magi of Hatten

The Circle of Magi of Hatten is the governing body of magical order in the city of Hatten of the Maralux Dynasty, located at the icy continent of Strasza. The Circle is led by the Council of Six, where five of the six elite arch magi hold all the political powers of magic and rules the magi in Maralux. It is one of the most influential Circles amongst the rest, despite its Council consists of six very young magi. Many magi of other Circles felt that they are too young; hence inexperience of ruling the magical society of the vast kingdom of Maralux, however, the duration of their ruling without many problems silenced the others of their doubts.

Syros, Grand Mage of Hatten

Syros sir Krieg, Grand Mage of Hatten, leads the Council; hence, leads the whole Circle and the magical society of Maralux. Currently, he’s just twenty six years old; gaining the seat of the Grand Mage at the age of twenty, a feat that impressed the some of the magi around Aelus, while some doubt his capabilities of leading the magi in Maralux. However, Syros disregards the others, as he had ruled throughout the entire six years without any complication. Moreover, the Grand Mage wouldn’t take any magi under his tutelage.

Syros has silky blonde hair, and a handsome face. His half-closed ocean blue eyes hide a brilliant mind, perhaps one of the most intelligent wizards of Aelus. He wears crimson red robe, with violet spaulders and carries a long staff with gnarling roots at one end and a glistening opal on the other end. A necklace with the symbol of Xalanar around his neck is one of the treasured magical artifacts, an heirloom from his ancestors.

Despite the young age, Syros is an enigmatic arch mage with vast knowledge of sorcery. He had master spells his peers can’t, delves in magic deeper than most of the other arch magi capable of, and his vast wisdom and knowledge gained the respect from all beings in Aelus. However, Syros is known by his fellow Six to be the most quite person they ever encountered. He only speaks when it is needed, and often remains in his chamber at the tower of the Circle in Hatten. He rarely goes out, but if he does, it would only be for dire matters that require the Grand Mage to be there. Other than that, he spends his time researching or visits the Sanctum of Ash’alar in Feluschia, seeking its vast knowledge.

Syros had participated in the War of the Lions, a war between Maralux Dynasty and the Tarshian Empire, started in Year 842, two years after he was appointed as the Grand Mage of Hatten. The war broke off when Queen Anora, the monarch of the Tarsh ordered the execution of a Maralux’s messenger due to suspicion of being a spy. Moreover, due to the fear of the Maralux Dynasty plotting with the underwater kingdom of Narxiria to invade Tarsh, Queen Anora, distressed and paranoid of the growing power of Maralux, ordered the invasion of Maralux. Syros had led the rest of the Council and Maralux’s magi throughout the four years of war, where he and the Council themselves had fought in the front line. They had won several crucial battles, thanks to impeccable strategies, and the might of the Council itself. With that, they managed to won the entire war, defending their homeland from the invasion of the Tarsh until a treaty of peace finally signed between Queen Anora Diazs Fordz of the Tarsh, and His Highness King Faramir and the Council of Six of Maralux.

Syros’ prowess in all twelve arts of magic is tremendous, with power capable of obliterating a whole battalion in a single swipe of his hand. However, there is a particular magic that differentiate Syros with the other Grand Magi of other Circles. It is his command of Angra Mainyu, the Sword of Swords, and Ahura Mazdah, the Shield of Shields. These two are the most powerful magical artifacts, inherited by sir Krieg family. Angra Mainyu, the most powerful offensive artifact, with blades made from light itself. Each blade is capable of cutting through any materials of defense, like a knife through butter. It can also be dispersed into millions of petal-like blades for more offensive power. Ahura Mazdah, on the other hand, provides the perfect shield of Syros, made from the hardest substances from earth, and protecting him from any attack at any angle. It is also considered as impenetrable shield, as none can break the shield.

Eschate, Mother of the Sanctum

Eschate seir Fionissia, or the Mother of the Sanctum by most people, is second in command of the Circle of Magi of Hatten, but she holds no political power over the society, as she wishes not to be involved in it. Instead, she oversees the welfare of the magi in Maralux and becomes the person for those who seeks reconciliation. Her sanctum houses refuges and shelters for those who sought them, and houses charity events from time to time. She treats everyone equally with love and care, without concerns of statuses and wealth, as that is why she is considered as a benevolent figure amongst the magical society.

She has a pale white skin with long, wavy white hair. Even her eyes lack pupils. Her facial features, however, are matched with her white robe, sash, and her pouch containing various herbs for alchemical potions and minor treatment. She often carries around a white oak staff strapped on her back. Despite the ghastly appearance, her smile soothes the atmosphere, and the common folks wish nothing but to please her for her smile.

Eschate is considered the best healer in the history of Aelus so far. Her presence alone soothes tension and raises morale. Her hymns of valor strengthen her allies while her restorative chants heal them of their injuries. Her melodies of destruction, however, are as destructive as a fire consumes the forest.

Being attuned to the celestial beings and the nature, she had helped the Empire in several occasions throughout the War of the Lions, and often turning the tide of battles to their favor in spite of her never been in the front line, and never once been offensive. But her presence and prowess in her fields were two of the vital key roles in winning the war against the Tarsh.

Caer sir Foresthyer, the Darkness Within

Out of the entire Six, Caer sir Foresthyer is probably the most feared and dreaded by almost everyone. Dubbed as the Darkness Within, his personality is that between a mad wizard and a sadistic maniac. Some people called him insane, while most cower in sight of the mage. None is brave enough to even talk to him, fearing his wrath as he is known to be unpredictable and short temper.

He is hooded and clad in what the Sand People are wearing. The only visible feature of him is his blazing amber eyes, with streaks of blonde hair and pale white skin seen at the opening of his hood. The Dagger of the Void, crafted by nether essence from the void, is sheathed inside a pouch strapped on his waist.

The Darkness Within’s prowess, however, is noteable. His affinity to the dark arts, afflictions and destruction is comparable to the powers of Syros himself. Caer favors tormenting the enemies before killing them slowly. The excruciating pain inflicted fuels him more, where he sadistically tortures the enemies with malicious spells and demonic sorcery. The cries and wailing excites him more, and he does anything in his capabilities to prolong the misery of his unfortunate victims.

Caer sir Foresthyer participated in the War of the Lions, albeit moving unnoticed from battles to battles. His allies steered away from his presence, as during the heat of the battle, his sorcery knew no allies. The soldiers of Maralux moved on to another battle to let him with his pleasure of inflicting agony to the Tarshian army. However, during the battle on the field of Fjord, just outside the southern gate of Hatten, Caer was confronted by Narsussius and Nessirlia Feywood, and Kris ilz Zion, three of the Six of the Circle of Magi of Maexnna from the Tarsh Empire. The battle between the epic magi lasted for a long time, but in the end, Caer managed to outmaneuver his adversaries, killing them, thanks to his Dagger of the Void, which provided unlimited resource for spellcasting from the Void, and empowering one spell after another. The death of three of the Six severely crippled the magical forces of the Tarsh, resulted in the victory of Maralux over the Tarshian Empire.

Part 4 : Forming Aelus

Sanctum of Ash'alar

"A black tower stands mightily in the eye of the sandstorm that forever rages. The tower housed the Sanctum of Ash'alar, a temple that contains vast knowledge of the universe bestowed by the Pantheon that shaped Aelus, and also new knowledge that was gathered by the Keeper from time to time"

Book of Caliph, page 251.

In the middle of the Bashir desert in Feluschia, lies a sanctum within a black tower. The sanctum holds books, grimoires, tomes, artifacts, and all sort of source of knowledge and lore from the time of Aelus' creation up to the current time. The sanctum is divided into four wings and a hallway that acts as the entrance to the rest of the area.

Hallway of the Ancient

The hallway leads to the main hall of the Sanctum. It is decorated with floor of glimmering crimson marbles layered with glasses that shines when the lanterns hanging on the wall light the hallway. The wall is also covered with pearl white marbles with fractures that were purposely cracked in an artistic way. Supporting the roof are huge pillars that made of teak glazed with amber. The ceiling, however, has the image of a gloomy night, covered with stars of different sizes with the moon as its center.

At the end of the hallway, lies a tall, wooden door with elven architecture that leads to the main hall of the Sanctum and the four antechambers. However, just beyond the door, Thalia, one of the wardens of the Sanctum safeguards the entrance. There, she decides whether to let in any travelers who wish to seek wisdom within the Sanctum. She is capable of sensing the true nature of the travelers, and sends away those with dark and evil desires to abuse the knowledge that they sought.

Main Hall

The main hall, with wooden floor, walls, and ceilings features thousands of pictures and portraits of beings with significant importance in the past, whether they may be noble or infamous during their lifetime. There are four doors that lead to different chambers containing vast knowledge and a repository of the teaching of the Keepers of the Lore, with one Keeper guarding each vault, and teaching the travelers what they sought to learn.

In the middle of the Hall stands Naxos, the Curator of the Sand. He leads every traveler to any hall that he seems fit for them. However they were warned that nothing that were seen, taught, touched, heard, and smelled in the vaults should be told to outsiders, so, no records or details of the mysterious vaults ever known by those who haven't entered them. The Keepers remain unknown, and exactly what knowledge that is contained in the vaults continues to be unheard.

P/S This was written hastily and I'm sure there are silly mistakes; grammatically or such.

Part 3 : Aelus

Millennium ago, Aelus was a young planet, filled with streams of molten lava, uninhabitable until the arrival of Pantheon, a group of colossal beings with cosmic power. They moved from young planet to another, shaping them till they deemed the planet to be habitable.

Golganoth, the Shaper, forged the earth. He gently flattened the land, built mountains and hills, dug caverns and moulded islands with his bare hands. Nepturon, the Tidebringer poured stream of water from his gigantic urn strapped on his back, cooling down the lava and formed granite, created the seas and rivers. Al'ar, the Gale breathed air to Aelus, thus created the sky and the cloud. Anivia, the Matron of Life, tilled and seeded the land. She also breathed life towards the land, creating the first life forms on Aelus. Finally, Aman'thul, the Keeper of the Titans, bestowed down time itself on Aelus, where the plants started to grow, and creatures evolving. Then, as Aelus had been shaped to their liking, they left, leaving the young planet to grow, becoming home for humans, dwarves, dragons, and more.

The land of Aelus is divided into seven great continents. The two continents up north, namely the Eastern Aria and the Western Aria were once a great continent, until the midland was destroyed by reckless use of magic and the constant war between the Tarshian Empire of the east, and the nomadic tribe of Hyor who rebelled against the oppression from the empire. During the War of Aria (Year 767 – 788) on the Plains of Hun, King Ilan the Third of the Tarsh led the empire magi into creating a grand spell that would totally obliterate the Hyorian pests forever, but at a cost. The spell succeeded on decimating the rebellious tribe whole, however, left an abyssal void that sundered the earth and everything in its path. King Ilan the Third himself had perished into the void, with much of his army. As the void grew, miles of Aria being sundered into oblivion, from the land of Tarsh, through the Plains of Hun, to the frozen forest of Irakleia, when suddenly, the void stopped growing. Thus, the sea occupied the spaces left by the void, separating Aria into two continents. Now, the Eastern Aria is governed by the ever cautious Tarshian Empire, and the Western Aria, a frozen wasteland and uncharted by any explorers due to its unforgiving weather that had consumed some.

"It is with great honor that my father died trying to bring justice to Aria. The Hyorian tribe was savages, barbaric. Many of our brothers and sisters had fallen in the battlefield, in the name of Tarsh till finally; justice prevailed, where the Hyorians were wiped from the face of Aelus forever. With this, I bless our fallen comrades, our ever vigilant soldiers for their valiant effort and prayers from the Chapel that brought us peace, and my father, King Illan Svir Rosernberg the Third, the Savior of Aria"

Queen Anora Fordz Rosernberg

Queen of the Tarshian Empire, Year 802 -885

Part 2

Zaa, the Serpent's Embrace

He is an ancient warlock that several scholars have different opinions on his origin. Some said that he was abandoned by his parents in the enchanted forest of Irakleia and mastered sorcery all by himself, centuries before the devastating sundering of Aria. Some said he was once a serpent, transformed into a sentient being, a human by the twisted magic abuse during the War of Aria, hence his mastery in art of venomancy. There's no actual theory as of where he came from, as there were almost none ever recorded in history about him. However, none can argue that this enigmatic figure is dreaded by even the most stalwart soldiers.

Some said he roams throughout the world for fun, toying with anyone he encounters, and finally killed them in joy. Some even said he ate them as there were no corpses but blood left, while some said they were corroded to nothing by his venom. None had ever survived encountering Zaa, so details about him are scarce.

However, in the journal of a man named Zech, a mage of the Tarshian Empire, had the most detailed and precise information about Zaa ever recorded, as Zech had personally came across the Serpent's Embrace and the first to live to tell the tale.

"It was already night yet the battle for the coast of Hun hadn't ended. These brutish Hyorian put up an epic fight, however, defenders of Tarsh remained unmoved, ever vigilant to defend their homeland. Spells after spells were thrown at these savages, but they were endless. For every Hyorian fell, two came up to fill back their rank, and four more at the back. Their magi were the worst we could've endured, as they worked in unison hence, more powerful magic, something my brethren couldn't achieve in many years.

As the battle went on, I heard a laugh. A sinister laugh. The footmen were too caught up with the battle to notice it, but me and the other magi heard it well. We looked at the direction of the laugh, and there stood a figure in gleaming green armor, untouched by the war. Then, it proceeded to the battle.

We were surprised when it hissed, raining purplish liquid to the ranks of the Hyorian. Then, we heard them screamed in agony. The liquid seemed to corrode even the armor of the Hyorians. Many fell down, rolling around while trying to remove their decaying armor, but then remained motionless, presumed to be dead. A Hyorian was seen trying to kill the figure with his sword, but the figure effortlessly dispatched the foolish warrior, and to our surprised, it bit the warrior on his neck, with two fangs obviously seen, sank in the flesh of the warrior. The warrior fell.

Then the figure flickered in a flash, and gone. The massacre of the Hyorian ranks in mere seconds left the battle quite. The magi were whispering to each other, questioning who was the figure and wondered its alliance lay with whom. But then, a scream was heard from behind. We looked back, and the figure was choking a mage and held her high. A serpent was seen gliding from its hand towards the mage, and bit the mage at the neck. At first, the mage was struggling, but then remained still. The figure dropped the dead mage down, and walked to us with a malevolent smirk on its face. Chains of lightning lashed to the figure from the tip of my staff, while flames and spears of ice were fired towards the figure by the other magi. Grand explosion marked the striking of the spells to the figure."

However, one of us warned to look up, and we did. The figure leaped to the air, and reached its hand towards us, where suddenly it rained the same liquid that decimated the Hyorians. As soon as the droplets touched the soldiers, they fell, shrieking in pain. The corrosive liquid melted the armor and flesh of the footmen. The magi shared the same fate, as their robes were crumbling bit by bit and their flesh disintegrating. All fell down, some died faster, while the other still trying to rid the liquid from them, but it was futile. I was the only one managed to put up a barrier, protecting myself from the deadly rain. Soon, I was the only one survived, as others died gruesomely.

Then, the figure stood directly in front of me. It hissed in glee, obviously showing its snake-like tongue. Its green eyes were similar to that of a serpent, with slits that showed how it relished the slow deaths of my comrades. It stood in full-fledged emerald skin-tight armor that seemed scale-like, with bloodied taloned fingers. It fangs were dribbling venom with crimson lip that carved a malicious grin, and had a mane of that of a cobra with black, whisker-like tattoos on its face.

Then, it spat another greenish liquid, but without hesitation, I casted a spell that warped me to safety, while screaming at the pain of the acid that partially hit me at my arm."

5th Leo Year 773

Diary of Zech Fon Krieg, mage of the Circle of Magi of Tarsh, deceased.

Back with what I do best; writing !

Yeah. I like to write what I write best; fantasy story !

Enjoy !

________________________________

He walked through the hallway gracefully, like a serpent glides through the shifting sands. His eyes, ever watchful while his taloned fingers stretching inward and outward. Zaa hissed along the way, with a hint of venom dripping every hiss. The lanterns hanging across the hallway marked the coming of the Serpent’s Embrace with his slender silhouette on the marbles of the hall.

Suddenly, sparks of flames flickered in front of Zaa. This had made him paused his movement while observing carefully when suddenly a figure appeared as the flame vanished. The figure was cladded in black robe and an oddly crafted spear grasped on its right hand. It was Naxos, the Curator of the Sand, Zaa’s mortal nemesis. He staggered backward.

“I knew it was your taint that was desecrating this sanctified ground” Naxos claimed, impaling the spear into the ground. The marbles of the hallway cracked, with pillars of earth jutted from the ground. Zaa hissed, spitting corrosive liquid that was capable of dissolving the deadly spears of earth projected from the ground. With a lash of his hand, he fired two fang-like projectiles towards Naxos. Naxos deflected one and another, but was hit by a third that was fired during his evasion of the first two. Then, Naxos was covered in flames, and as the flames dissipated, so did Naxos.

“Come out, come out wherever you are –“sneered Zaa, echoing throughout the hallway. He hopped across the hallway, taunting Naxos all the while. With his every step, he left trails of corrosive liquid that dissolved the marbles he stepped on.

Then, two explosions blasted behind him. Zaa turned backward, and saw Naxos kneeling in agony, with another female figure besides him. It was Thalia, a warden of the Hallway of the Ancient, the hallway they were battling in.

With a swift wave of her hand, Thalia summoned shards of piercing glasses, and blasted them towards Zaa. He clapped his hand, and the earth cracked open. A monstrous basilisk lunged outward and swallowed the incoming missiles, and vanished in the thin air as fast as it appeared. Frustrated, Thalia withdrew her dagger from her pouch, slashing the air. Then, Zaa felt as if she was slashing him for real, as if was like she slashed him from his right shoulder to his left hip. However, as Thalia slashed the air for the second time, he reacted quicker, dodging the direction he assumed the invisible blade went. He lunged his hand forward, with a blast, where green gas appeared.

“Thalia, don’t breath in this fume!” warned Naxos. As both Thalia and Naxos covered their noses, however Zaa just laughed maniacally.

“Fools!”

Naxos’ eyes widened, as he looked at his robe disintegrating bit by bit. Thalia was already screaming in pain. They found out that the green miasma wasn’t just poisonous, it was caustic as well.

As the fume slowly tormenting the two, Zaa smirked at the anguish of his foolish opponents. Then, he proceeded leisurely towards them to finish them off.

Forced to write....

Due to computer class held today, I was forced to write this. I got rudely awaken by my roommate, and forced to come to this class.

Oh, btw, I'm in college !





Toodles ~

LOL.

The term LOL , which means Laugh out Loud often used in instant messaging like Yahoo!Messenger, Windows Live, and the likes. It's suppose to tell your friends that you laughed at what they said.

Ex.

A : Yo momma's so fat, when she walk in front of the TV, I missed the whole marathon
B : LOL !

or

Cathy : I think I just saw you in a salon the other day.
John : LOL. I don't =)

But these days, people often misused the term. One that I observed was

D : My cat died today.
E : lol

or

Gigi : I just got fired. Now I don't have a job.
Gaga : Lol.

Now that's a LOL =)

Eco-Bio

My report for the school regarding the Eco-Bio Camp

Eco-Bio@Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve Program

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) had launched a four days and three nights camping program called “Eco-Bio@Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve” at Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Puchong, Selangor. UPM had invited 32 students from four different schools, namely SMK King George V, Seremban, SMK Aminuddin Baki, Kuala Lumpur, SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur, and Sekolah Seri Puteri, Cyberjaya, all of which are the “adopted high school” of UPM.
SMK King George V (SMK KGV) had sent eight of its Georgian, and two invitations for students from SMK Mambau to participate in this program with “Explore & Enjoy Nature” as its main theme throughout the whole program. The participants were also escorted by two teachers from SMK KGV for the whole program by Cikgu Hazlan and Cikgu Khadijah.
Ten participants from Negeri Sembilan consist of Jibrail Fitrah, Ahmad Hatimi, Danial Redzuan, Kok Bo Gyn, Tee Wei Jie, Mohd Afiq, Nurul Ain, Nurul Fatimah, Nur Atiqah and me, Zulfadhli. The trip was started around half past seven in the morning, on fourteenth of March. We arrived at the Faculty of Forestry, in UPM, approximately at nine in the morning, and we were the first to arrive. We were greeted warmly by the staffs in-charge, registered, and had breakfast served by the faculty itself. After the rest of the schools’ students arrived, all of the participants gathered at the lecture’s hall, for the official opening for the program, declared by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Assoc. Prof Dr. Awang Noor Abd Ghani.
After the official opening ceremony ended, the whole thirty two students were divided into three groups, and were introduced the four facilitators for each group to assist and guide us throughout the program. Then, all of us were brought to Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Puchong by the university’s bus. The female participants were separated into two chalets, while the male participants shared a chalet with Cikgu Hazlan and some of the facilitators while the rest of the teachers were given their own chalet.
At night, a program “Night Walking” where every participants lined up, and guided to walk into part of the forest without any help of torchlight and totally dark and only guided by the facilitators. There, all of us could hear different sounds emitted by various creatures, from crickets to birds. Some of us were even lucky enough to spot fireflies flashing, as it’s not a common sight for all of us since most of us lived in cities. The main objective for this program was to show the participants how beautiful our forest is, and also to create awareness that the area of the forest in the world are declining due to human’s wrongdoings.




During the morning of the second day, fifteenth of March, after Subuh pray, all of the participants gathered at the opening for a morning jog around the area. Then, we played a game called “Squirrel / Hunter” where it tested how alert we are towards commands given, and how fast we could react. Then, we walked a little towards a hall for another activity. Here, each group were tasked to gather different types of leaves, and described them. Usually, when we walked around, we saw most leaves looked the same, but this activity taught us the minor differences in which making each of them unique in their own ways.
Then, the groups were brought deeper in the forest for the next activity, where each group were given a 10 x 10 plots of the forest for profiling, mapping, calculating the volumes of the trees, and calculating how dense the plot was. After the tasks were completed, we were brought to the Herb Garden, where the facilitators introduced the plants and trees around. They also taught us the history of specific plants, types of plants in the kingdom of plantae and such. At the evening, we were tasked on creating a handcraft out of bamboos and bertam leaves and at night, we should promote the handcraft, convincing that each group’s handcraft was better than the other’s. The day was packed with activities, and most of us were tired and went to sleep, while others enjoying a late night tea with a soothing ambience.
For the third day, from morning to evening, all of us were brought to two different faculties, Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Engineering, where professors and lecturers of those faculties introduced us the programs offered by those faculties and benefits of joining it, and also to instill an urge or need for the students to further their studies after they have passed their SPM examination.
There was supposed to be a campfire activity, but since it’s raining hard, we gathered in the hall for the activity. Each of the group must perform for the night. The first group, EcoRangers did an act of television news program. Despite the humorous performance by the EcoRangers, the motive of the performance was still to create awareness of the importance of the forests towards human being. The second group, Bugs Bunny, did quizzes regarding incidents and reactions of the facilitators throughout the whole program. This shows that the second group observed their facilitators closely and thus easier for them to cope with what the facilitators had taught them. The third group, which I am in, Terra QuaDiez did a minor act but canceled at the middle of the act as it was considered dull and boring. Then, Naquib of our group organized a train dance, where everyone joined and Naquib managed to pull it off.
After that, we were told that it was one of our participants from Negeri Sembilan, Mohd Afiq’s birthday after a gimmick set by the facilitators. There, we enjoyed the cake and the gifts given to the participants from our facilitators. Then, all of us went back to our chalets to pack our belongings because we would return to UPM for the final day and go back home.





The fourth day started with visiting the other two faculties in UPM, which was the Faculty of Veterinary, where we were explained of the programs offered and endorsed by UPM, procedures of animal treatments and such. Then we head to the Faculty of Science, where the professor gave us some details and information regarding the faculties, the area of studies and also some minor visits at the laboratory of physics and chemistry.
At the evening, all participants, escorting teachers, and facilitators gathered back at the lecture’s hall in the building of the Faculty of Forestry for the closing ceremony. The program was official declared closed by the Deputy Dean of Internationalization Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaidon Ashaari. After that, all of us said our goodbyes to our new friends from different schools, the facilitators, and head back home to Negeri Sembilan.
It’s an enjoyable moments throughout the whole camp. We’ve learnt a lot from the facilitators and the willing lecturers. The whole program’s objectives were to create awareness of our forest that is declining today and also to expose students of the life in universities. We also met with various kinds of people whom can get along well despite the difference in their lifestyle. Besides, the program was also to attract students to further their studies in UPM and Forestry.
The students participated were the first batch, as this is the first time UPM did such program, and will held another for the next year. The impact of the program was so great that all of the participants requested for another session and hopefully, there will be another in the future for the first batch.
Written by,


Zulfadhli Saifuddin
5 Izzuddin, SMK King George V

Music in my life.

Everyone ought to have their favorite kind of music, and also their least favored music genre/s.

"Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River"

Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver

While I listen to almost all genres, I prefer country, like John Denver, Faith Hill, Shania Twain's songs and more. I also love pop songs, like Kelly Clarkson's and pop rock Kris Allen's songs.

These people that I favored their songs so much is because they have unique voices, voice that could make them a real singer. Michael Bublé and Adam Levine of Maroon 5, have that unique voices that made their singles and songs a hit worldwide, Celine Dion and Faith Hill have that strong voices that went perfect with "Because You Loved Me" and "There You'll Be' respectively.

"In my dream I always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there always be a place for you for all my life"

There You'll Be - Faith Hill

But lately, our radios are filled with songs from new artists, singers, and the likes. What I noticed is that, most of these songs are popularized not due to the quality of their voices that are equal or better than the artists I've mentioned above, but rather due to their catchy lyrics and beats. Rarely did I found new new singers with great voices, saves for Kris Allen, Susan Boyle and David Cook.

Some, like David Archuleta, has a great voice, and probably could be a phenomenal singer. Just listen to his performances in American Idol, and you'll be mesmerized. But after American Idol, try to observe the songs, singles, and debuts he did. It just doesn't appeared as appealing as the songs he sang during American Idol, well at least to me and my mom, though.

Judging on other than the song itself, newbie singers mostly doesn't have a good voice. Try Akon. I mean, seriously, even that not-so-great voice of his, he's famed worldwide for his songs. Try Iyaz of "Replay". For me, he has a nasal voice. While it does appeared as favored by, I dare say, the majority of the world, probably due to his catchy lyrics and "cool" beats. But in the mean time, I beg to differ. Justin Bieber, in one case, I think he's too young to be singing. I mean he's 16,and even with that age, he has voice sounds like a boy under 10. People probably likes him due to his appearance, as he does has a decent looks, and once again, catchy lyrics and funky beats.

Well, all in all, I think that everyone has their own perception when it comes to music. Its just matters of different preference towards different genres of music. I did not mean to criticize those mentioned above, but rather just expressing my opinions about them. No hard feelings intended.

That's all from me. Cheers !

Thank you for the music
The songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty ?
What would life be ?
Without a song or dance what are we ?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me

Thank You For The Music - ABBA

My Life, My Time, before, during, and after Eco-Bio

Before the trip

I was told there would be a camping trip for four days and 3 nights held by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). I didn't get most of the details, but someone mentioned it would be in Ayer Hitam. I wondered, "Ayer Hitam Johor ke ?"

Then, Jibrail came to my class, politely asking the teacher's permission for me to leave to meet Puan Zawakhir, the Guru Penolong Kanan of Curiculum, briefing us of how we should behave and shows the other elite cluster schools of how the students in King George V (KGV) are. Then, Jibrail started to panic. Pressured from Puan Zawakhir's speech, as he is the leader elected not formally to for our school :P. I sighed in relief, as knowing that there would be two teacher accompanying us, Cikgu Hazlan the hype/sporting teacher, and also Cikgu Khadijah, the new, yet kind and caring teacher.

Its been a long time since I last went to a camping trip, to be specific, it's like, 6 years ? I couldn't recall exactly. So, when packing, I went like "Allah ! Apa aku nak pack ni ??!!!" Almost panicking, I remembered Jibrail. He's used to go to camping, so I contacted him. I've bombarded him with tons of questions regarding what to pack, either thru the phone, Facebook (FB), or Yahoo! Messenger(YM). Thank God he was there for me, if not, I could have used up the same clothes again and again.

Even with Jibrail's advice and guide, I packed most of my attires at the last minute. My parents and the other siblings went to Kota Bharu, Kelantan for my aunt's wedding, so I was alone at home for 3 days. Good thing that there's my cousin Kak Syida that helped me to go to school, if not, I would've missed the whole trip.

During the trip to UPM, a lot of funny moments happened, especially during our breakfast at one of the Rest & Relax (RNR) stations. Cikgu Hazlan asked Jibrail to buy a cup of "tongkat ali" for Cikgu, but Puan Zawakhir mistaken that Jibrail was going to drink the tongkat ali, instead of Cikgu Hazlan. Haha, up until then, the "tongkat ali" incident was mentioned thru most of the time during camping :P

During the camping

We were the first school to arrive. Hehe .. and we were greeted warmly by the Faculty of Forestry's staff. Then, the other schools arrived. I had a first impression that they would be like, as typical elite school students with rich parents and families, they ought to be snobbish. Well, it was proven wrong.

During the first briefing, they were cool and friendly. After our briefing about UPM and the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, we were divided into groups of three, comprising with Afiq, Fatimah, and me from KGV and 8 others from those three other schools, Sekolah Sri Puteri Cyberjaya, Sekolah Menengah Aminuddin Baki, Kuala Lumpur, Sekolah Menengah Convent Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur. We were then sent out for ice-breaking event, and from that moment, Terra QuaDiez was bornt. Terra means the earth in Greek, resembling the program's objectives of nurturing and teaching us regarding the forest, Qua, short form for quartro, number 4 in Latin, meaning 4 facilitators that would guide Terra QuaDiez along the way which consist of Abang Khairul, Kak Jalilah, Kak Laili, dan Abang Zul, and Diez means 10, although our members were in total of 11, which is Once in latin, we decided we would best go for Diez =).

We were given chalets to stay. Boys, mostly from our school and one more, Naquib, from Aminuddin Baki, the abang2 facee, stayed at Rumah Palas, name taken from Pokok Palas, as well as other chalets, that is Rumah Kelubi, and Rumah Bertam ( thanks Fini =D ).

Food is served almost every 3-4 hours intervals during the camp. Dah la sedap, tambah2 lagi :P.. naik 3 kilo pula !! haha.. The first day, at night, we have an activity where each of the students, facilitators (facee) and teachers to show off our unique trademarks. Mine was "Hobin Jang Hobin!", the Negeri Sembilan's football team's trademark. I don't know why exactly I picked it, as it was a random ones. But the most memorable trademark was a boy from SMK Aminuddin Baki, Naquib's "saya masih single" We laughed out loud, as it was accompanied with a funny and sly tone. That still lingers in my mind and I couldn't stop laughing every time I remembered that :P

For the second day, in morning, we were asked to gather at the Dewan Serbaguna, around 5 minutes walk from our chalet. For our first activity, we were told to picked up three various leaves, each differs from the others and asked to draw and listed out the characteristics of the leaves. Then, for the next activities, we were separated by our given groups, Evo Rangers, Terra QuaDiez, and Bugs Bunny, to walk around the nearby forest to identify various types of plants, leaves, and woods. It was a useful information, as before that, we would all look at the leaves, and say " Semua nampak sama je..", but after that, we could recognize a slight difference between leaves of different trees.

During the afternoon, in our own groups, we went deeper in the forest, where we were tasked by the usual students of the faculties did, to profile and mapping the given plot about the locations, diameters, types, etc etc of trees. For our standard, we got a 10 x 10 plot. We split works, Tara for profiling, Timah, Afiq and me for mapping and the rest did the calculations, and others while our facees guided us throughout the whole process. It was fun, as Timah and Afiq continuously arguing, where Afiq would go for a round-up number of the distance of trees, example 6.5, 7.0, and 3.5, and Timah would be more accurate, example 6.8, 7.2, and 3.7. This sparked out arguments, which I found it funny as I was observing them from down the slope. Moreover, those two also love doing the job, when I said finish, they told me "Zul, lagi satu pokok, lagi satu pokok !"

After that, we went on for the next activity, where we were asked to create a unique and useful handcraft from the given bamboos and I think some bertam trunks and leaves. We managed to build a mini camp with various purposes, and readied it for our oncoming activity of promoting it.

Third day, we visiting different faculties, including the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Engineering. The brief from the Professor at the Faculty of Engineering was a blast, as the Professor there is hip, cool-headed guy despite the graying, or I say, white hair indicating his old age. And along the way, we got goody bags ! and nice treats (again, even with roti telur and karipap sardin, I'm getting fatter !) ! ;=P When the trip to faculties for that day finished, we were going for our buses, but suddenly, the common incident of "he" appearing. My sight was spinning LITERALLY, and my legs were partially numb. I hasten my steps towards the bus, and when we reached our chalet, the feeling gradually fading, and sitting on my bed. It was still a bit blurry, and a friend of mine, I couldn't recognized who, called out the facees for help. Tension and worries arose. I could not speak or response, so I could just nod and such. People are worried and curious of what happening to me, but it was rather embarrassing to tell. Sometimes, I would like to talk about it, but words just won't come out from my mouth.

At that night, we're on for promoting our handcraft. It was fun ! Naquib managed to pull it off, earning him the credit of several positive reviews towards our humble yet useful product :P.. useful la sangat :D.. then, we're on to our persembahan.. The first group did a tv reporting session, where Jibrail and Ricky's "ghayness" acts earned bursts of laughter from all of us. The third group did performed second, making a quiz where their members react on the facee's memorable moments, and asked us which facee did the mentioned acts. I managed to get most of it :P with the help from my group members, of course. Then, we were up next, and performed a small acting scene.. it was horrible ! People were almost going to die out of boredom,so we quit the acts, and Naquib suggested that all of us did the train dancing.. It started slowly, but eventually all joined us, and Naquib managed to pull it off for the second time.

Next was the teacher's time to perform. Cikgu Hazlan representing the whole teachers from other schools, mendeklamasikan sajak, where the choice of words and how Cikgu Hazlan mendeklamasikan the sajak made me laugh so hard my stomach aches. Then, Abang Zuhir and Zulfadli came in, saying that their money and belonging was stolen. I was crushed down. People closed to me knew that I took a trait from my mother, where when situation gets bad, all of my mood to have fun gone. I was wondering "Astaghfirullah! Siapa lah yang buat tuh ??!!!!" I almost cried. Yala, abang2 and kakak2 ni dah baik dengan kita, bantu kita. I respected all of them. I felt like they are my older brothers and sisters which I never had, since I am the eldest of my siblings. Sometimes, I want to feel how it's like to have someone older than me to help me out thru life. And once I got that feeling in this camping trip, some shit like this happened. I worried sick, and wondering what would they feel after this. But suddenly, one of them came in, bringing cake and candles lighted. I realized it was a gimmick, as that day was Afiq's birthday. Others were surprised with joy, but me, my mood had gone. While other peoples celebrating and singing, I just stand there, dumbfounded. Then I headed towards my chalet to relax my mind for couple of minutes.

After having some midnight snacks, I went out of my chalet, and sat at the pathway, watching and admiring the works of God, the beautiful nature where it couldn't be found in where I'm living currently. Took pictures, and abang Amir approached me, engaging conversations about his life and background, and so did I. I wanted to tell him of part of my life, parts which made my life so complicated, yet to no avail. There are urges to speak, but the words just won't come out. I don't know. But it's common for me, and maybe that's why I'm not that talkative in school. I would prefer typing than saying because of that particular reason.

On the fourth and final day, we visited the Faculty of Veterinary and the Faculty of Science. Nothing interesting, as I have less interest in those two subjects. Then it came to my most dreaded moments during the camp, the official closing event, meaning that the program would come to an end soon, but before that, all of us took the free time to note down all of our emails and telephone numbers, including the facee's so that we could contact each others in the future. During the closing event, bla bla bla, it's officially closed.

I was going home with my mother. After saying goodbye to all of my new found friends for the time, I sat around the area of the faculty. Before I knew it, tears are flowing from my eyes thru my cheeks. I watch around, as it would be my last time around here. The trees, the fresh airs..

Then my mother arrived, I said my goodbyes to Abang Amir, Abang Sham, Abang Farhan and others before heading home.

After Eco-Bio

During the ride towards home, I remembered our moments during the camping. Everything of it lingered in my mind. At night, before I sleep, I cried again, wishing that it would not end this soon, but like Abang Amir once said to me, "setiap pertemuan ada perpisahan". I understand, and I'm hoping to cope with the "rindu-ness".

Thanks

Special thanks to :

Abang Amir Affan
For helping me out when I'm not well, kerana sudi berbual dengan saya, and for taking care of me, and all of us during the camping, and for being like an elder brother I never had... Thanks a lot. I will heed the advices given. Once again, thank you very much.

Abang Khairul, Kak Laili, Kak Jalilah, and Abang Zulfadhli
For being the Terra QuaDiez's facilitators, for all your help, guidance, and assistance throughout the whole program, dan kerana sudi menjaga kami sepajang program. Terima kasih banyak-banyak. *senyum mata hampir tutup* Ape name .. haha.. trademark abang Khairul.

Abang Sham dan Abang Farhan
Kerana sudi berbual dengan saya, dan mengajak makan bersama2..

Tak lupa juga kepada abang-abang dan kakak-kakak facilitators yang lain kerana bantuan dan pertolongan yang diberikan. Terima kasih and one last word, "KEEP UP THE COOLNESS YAH !! haha

And lastly, I'm sorry for making everyone worried during the camping. I didn't mean to. And I appreciate all of what I had during the program. Kalau ada terlajur kata harap maaf, kalau ada tersilap ejaan nama harap maaf, tidak berniat, dan kalau ada saya buat sesuatu yang menyinggung perasaan dan sakit hati, I'm really really sorry.

All of this written based on truly what happened but not chronologically. I may have missed out someone, an event/s or so, and I apologize. And note, there aren't any exaggerations written here. All based on true story and honestly written.

Last but not least

Takkan dapat ku lupakan,
Takkan dapat ku lukiskan
Takkan dapat ku gambarkan
Hanya dapat ku kenangkan

Well, I think that's all from me. Cheers !

2010...

New year has come ! Goodbye 2009, welcome 2010 ! Hahaha... 2009 had been a blissful year, although the ups and downs were there, but it's life, right ? But how about 2010 ? Who knows.. Well, like Eleanor Roosevelt once stated, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why its called the present." So, happy 2010 everyone !

I sent a new year greeting to over 500 contacts through Yahoo!Messenger and Windows Live, and all of the replies were the same, friendly greetings of New Year, but one of them really piqued my interest. Lemme share it.

"PERHATIAN WAHAI UMAT ISLAM..!! Bila smpi 31 dsember,brape rmikah yg brsedia mraikn thn baru??ttpi sdrkh mreka bhwa tlh difatwakn oleh Sheikh al Azhar,Sheikh Tantawi,Sheikh Yusof al Qardhawi..dan ulama2 kontmporary bhwe myambut Thn Baru bererti mymbut ulangtahun hari jd tuhan yahudi & kristian.Bagi mrk yg x tahu,hukumnyer fasiq(dosa bsr),ttpi bg yg dh thu..hukumya MURTAD.. Astaghfirullah.."

When I read this, I went like "What the ****?" Was this fella serious ?

First of all, we, the people around the world use the Gregorian Calender, the 12-month based calender, since it was accepted worldwide, and plus, the Muslims also use the Islamic calendar.

The person who sent me the above message is seriously narrow-minded. Did he seriously think that we celebrated the New Year based on the Christian and Jew's belief ? No, we celebrated the New Year because it means the coming of a new year, in this case, 2010. We're living in a world based on the 12 months calender. We do activities, work, daily routines on a 365 / 366 days, but in our heart, we're Muslim, we pray, we fast in Ramadhan, we celebrate Eid, Maal Hijrah cause that is who we are. For me, never in my mind I celebrated New Year for the sake of Christian / Jew's belief, but for the coming of a new year, schooltime, and who knows what more to come. We celebrate to share the joy of the celebration, just as the other religions did with us during Eid-ul Fitr, and just as we did with them during Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali. We celebrate those festivals because of the joy it brings, the unity amongst ourselves, especially in Malaysia, where different races live in harmony. Not because we Muslims worshiped their God/s and follow what they preached. There are some Muslims that despise their brothers and sisters of Islam who join the other to celebrate religious festivals, but they need to note something, like during Christmas, not all Muslims, at least for me, was celebrating as a remembrance for Jesus's birth, but to join the joy the festival brought. What I like about Christmas are the songs played on radios, the movies with deep moral values, and also the decorations in malls and shopping complex, and not religion-based interests.

Right... This is just an opinion of mine. Being my second language, I don't think I represent my opinion smoothly, but you might as well roughly get my idea. If any of the words might upset, disturb, or hurt you, I'm deeply sorry in advance, but this is my own words and I stand strong by it.

Well, that's all for now. Cheers.

Photoshopping...

Did a simple repairing, cosmetic fixing, and coloring with my Photoshop :D

One of my hobbies

I really love to draw cartoons, anime and the likes, but ideas sometimes really come out of the blue... But whenever I got the urge to draw, I take my blue Pilot Shaker 0.5 Shaker and my black Pilot 2020 0.7 Shaker, an eraser, and start drawing and sketching that some may take up to 3 hours to complete, working like there's no tomorrow xD

Some of my sketches I didn't colored yet



Did a mini-portrait cartoons of my friends :D

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Some random dude... The scruffy hair was intentionally, as, well, it does look nice that way

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My Ragnarok Online in-game pet...

Out of boredness

Well, of course, first of all, I'll be playing games on the PC or PSP, but I do sometimes sketch, or write something interesting.

Here's one of my writings which I deemed to find interesting to read when I have nothing to do, well for me, at least. Seems like there's a lot of grammatical and vocabulary mistakes, but I try my best to narrow it down.

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Gazing towards the sky, Xylos let out a weak frown. It’s unnaturally red. Even when it’s not dawn yet. Perhaps it was tainted by the coming of the Burning Legion to Rune-Midgard. They are an army of demons, first appeared up north in Rune-Midgard. At early stage, they seem to be like some of those pesky demon raids, but soon the defenders of the north realize that they were only the scouts sent to gather intel on the northern cities. Thereafter, swarms of demons appeared out of nowhere. Though the defenders of the cities on the north put out a valiant fight, but soon fell by the might of the Burning Legion. One by one, the majestic cities fall. Yuno and Alde Baran had been decimated, Lutie had been laid to waste, and Amatsu was fully obliterated.

Now only the magical city of Geffen and the capital city of Rune-Midgard, Prontera, remain strong. The village of Payon was ravaged weeks before, and Morroc remained unheard, but some refugees from Morroc who sought shelter here said that the coming of the Burning Legion has awaken an ancient evil that was slumbering deep inside Morroc, and it seems that Morroc was considered destroyed too.

“Hey! Xylos!” Xylos’s gazing was interrupted by a familiar, elderly voice.

“Oh, it’s you. What is it now?” replied coldly by Xylos towards Axela, a colleague of him and one of the members of Kirin Tor, the governing body of Geffen.

“You don’t have to be that harsh, you know. I came here by the words of the Kirin Tor, by Antonidas himself. He asked if you would come to the meeting at the Chamber of Magi, on top of …”

“I know where it is, and I’ll be there.”

“Sheesh, being an arch mage in a very young age really got you arrogant, did it?”Axela retorted.

“Quit babbling and let’s go. We don’t want to make that old man waits till death, do we now?” Axela glanced at Xylos, but said nothing, as she was used to Xylos’s sarcasm. He took out his staff, and knock the staff’s tip twice, and the two gone within the thin air.

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Xylos and Axela appeared in somewhat seems to be like a room covered with magical darkness. Nothing can be seen; even Axela, but her spiritual power, and the other spiritual powers can be felt.

“Now that everyone has arrived, let this veil of darkness be lifted” said an elderly, raspy voice.

A minor clap was heard. The darkness soon dissipates, revealing the chamber, with elegant elven architecture, and three other magi, sitting on ethereal chairs, surrounding a huge round wooden table. The magi who are attending are the head magi of Kirin Tor, Antonidas, whose age and wisdom are far beyond comparison, the handsome elf mage Qiel Farfalla, the Loremaster of Geffen, the cold and calm slender mage Dionne, who’s perhaps the most powerful sorceress alive, and Axela and Xylos himself.

“You are late, as always” stated Dionne, whom Xylos known for having little patience. Xylos, however, remains silence, not because he is scared of her prowess, but rather, he is lazy to have any shows of rudeness around his colleague.

“Now, now Dionne, at least this time, he is here, in time. “ Antonidas chuckled.

“Now, for the serious issues. The King of Prontera had requested further aid from us. Although we’re busy dealing with this menace the Burning Legion has brought onto us, we cannot ignore plea for help from our ally. Axela, assemble a five-member team of the best magi out of the Arcane Sanctum and head towards Prontera to help.” said Antonidas.

Good riddance …. Xylos thought

“And you Xylos, I know what you are thinking. I have a task for you too. You ought to go work in a pair with Dionne to investigate the ruins of Payon, to search for any clue of how to counter these demons’s foul magic.” Antonidas’s sudden statement made Xylos grunts. Dionne, who has never like Xylos due to his laziness, glanced at Antonidas.

“Oh, you two shall get along just fine” mocked Qiel.

“Now, Qiel, we should discuss on what more to do with these savages right here…”

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Walking in the forest is never to the liking of Xylos. He tends to get tired so easily, but Dionne realizes this, and ignored it. Born with the arcane power, Xylos rarely walks. Usually he summoned his stead from the Twisting Nether for traveling purposes, but this accursed Dionne somehow forbids it through the use of magic.

“Quit complaining. Payon is just a few hours ahead.” Dionne coldly said. Dionne and Xylos never liked each other. The two are like oil and water. While Dionne is always serious and cold, Xylos is more of a carefree and cheerful person. Maybe that’s what made them dislike each other. But the two of them respect each other, as they know, that each of them is one of the most powerful magi in the world.

Suddenly, they heard a cry coming from the east. Xylos looks at Dionne, and she nods. They rush toward to the source of that cry. Just as they began to make haste, a little elf girl ran towards them. The girl, barely as tall as Xylos’s waist, hugged him closely, and Xylos kneels down and caresses the little girl.

“What’s wrong, girl? Where are your parents?” Xylos gently asked.

“Th-…. They been killed….” The girl weeps even louder.

“By whom?”

The girl twists to show, but gasps instead. Barely unable to speak, she points at the direction she came from.

Xylos and Dionne both look at where the girl points and Dionne curses. There, several yards from them, stand a figure with goat head, humanoid torso, and goat legs. In its grasp is a massive black scythe. Sometime during Xylos studies, he remembered this exact demon in an ancient book he read. This is Baphomet, one of the demon lords of Rune-Midgard. Currently, the demon lords are ally with the Burning Legion, but what remains mystery to the Kirin Tor is what the Burning Legion did to convince them to join their ranks.

Dionne is the first to act. With a swift wave of her hand, blue flames appeared out of nowhere and began to engulf the demon lord. Xylos points his staff towards the sky, and requests aid from the heaven. The heaven answered, and bolts of lightning from the sky lash towards Baphomet. But Baphomet stands still. Although engulfed in flames and struck by lightning, it stood still, as if nothing happens. Then, Baphomet waves his scythe, and the flames and lightning vanish.

“Isss that all the powersss of the Kirin Tor? How disssappointing.” It was Baphomet’s. It’s mouth didn’t move, but the words are on Xylos and Dionne’s mind.

Then, Baphomet lunges his hand forward. An invisible force grabbed Dionne by her stomach, incapacitating her and it began to tightly squeeze Dionne.

“Run Xylos!” Dionne yelled. She thrust her hand forwards, summoning a gryphon out of the sky.

“But ……”

“Run Xylos!” she repeated “We are no match for this demon lord. Run! Take this girl to safety, and report to the Kirin Tor of what happened here”

Seeing Xylos hesitated to leave her, Dionne mutters an incantation, pushing Xylos and the girl from her. Finally, Xylos reluctantly obeys, and mounted the girl and himself onto the gryphon and started to fly away. Then, while on air, Xylos heard Dionne’s scream, and the demon lord, laughing at his cowardice. He had to flee, in order to saves the girl and himself, and also reports this to the Kirin Tor.

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After they both arrived safely in Geffen, Xylos immediately search for any priests around.

“You. You there! Please tend to this girl.” Xylos commanded, ignoring the disgusted face the priest did. The priesthood has never liked the magi. For them, those who gained power other then the Light is considered damnation.

But this is not the time for this. Xylos rushes towards the Arcania Laboratory, place where Antonidas usually had his experiments and studies. But the door is nowhere to be seen. This could only mean that he’s not here.

Then, he remembered the rest of the Kirin Tor. Trying to link his mind to them, he concentrates. Finally, he linked his mind to Qiel’s and started to converse telepathically

Qiel Farfalla! This is Xylos Sunreaver! I wish to know where Antonidas is! It’s urgent!

Oh, it’s you. You’re back early from expected. Where’s Dionne? Replied Qiel.

There is no time for this. Dionne’s dead and I need to meet Antonidas now.

Oh my … Antonidas is among the frontline of the magi defending Geffen, west of here.

Thanks were all that Xylos could’ve said. He needs to report this to Antonidas as soon as possible, seeing that one of the demon lords is wandering around Payon ruins. And now, he needs to search for his superior….

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Axela is flying above the battlefield outside Prontera using a hippogryph the stable master of Geffen had trained, along with her Crimson Hue squad which she just assembled. Down below, humans, elfs, dwarves, all are battling the demons which seeks to destroy Rune-Midgard’s civilizations. Scores of demons perished by the blades, arrows, and other weapons used against them, but by each demon fell, four to six demons appeared, filling up the gap left by their fallen comrades.

“Now, I want you all to focus on the battlefield, and think of the most powerful offensive spell you know. But don’t tell me what it is. Just release it when I say so!” yelled Axela. She is trying to re-create a grand spell the magi of Order of Yuno died working for. For the spell to be truly devastating to the demons, she requires random spells from each of the magi. Now, she thanks departed souls as their work will not go to waste, and hoping that these magi she picked will not fail her.

The others nodded.

Good. Just a little more …

“NOW!”

The sky begins darkening. Then, bolts of ice and flame fell towards the hordes of demons. Lightning flashes from the sky and struck the demons. Earth begins to melt, swallowing the demons whole. Out of nowhere, explosions occurred here and there. Roots emerged from the land, binding and squeezing the life out of those demons.

Then, a shriek of one of the magi took the attention of Axela from the battlefield. She twists to the left, and see that one of her comrade and his mount, shriveled as if the very water in their bodies are sucked out. Lifeless, both the mage and the hippogryph, they fell towards the battlefield.

Axela tried to locate the source of this foul magic, and instead, stared in horror at a grotesque figure below at the battlefield. It towers most of the demons, as Axela had realized, it was Dracula, one of the demon lords of Rune-Midgard.

“FALL BACK! RETURN TO PRONTERA!” shouted Axela

The others stared each other, confused. They don’t know what had befallen at one of their comrades, as they’re busy casting chains of spells at the battlefield.

Dracula took this confusion to his advantage, and held both of his palms upward. Then, the flesh of the mounts of two of the magi flying above suddenly decayed, quickly turn into bones and dust. The riders scream as they fall high above towards the field.

“Daelin!!”

“On it, mistress...” the mage beside Axela answered. He mutters an incantation, and a portal opened at the direction where the mountless riders fall. The magi fall through the portal, and hopefully, they are safe, wherever the portal might lead to.

“Now, all retreat to Prontera. We have no energy to cast a spell, what more to defend ourselves from the assaults from the demon lord. Make haste!” Axela and the rest of the Crimson Hue fly towards Prontera, and praying that the soldiers of the frontline be saved from the wrath of the demon lord.

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After searching and asking through the encampment, finally a sniper offered herself to lead the way to Antonidas’s tent.

There, Xylos thanked the sniper, and quickly bursts into the tent. Antonidas was testing a few tests and experiments on what seems to be a captured demon. Clearly, he is not pleased with this interruption.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but I have dire news. It seems that there is a demon lord, Baphomet in Payon ruins, and seems that it is on his way to Prontera, and Dionne is dead, holding off the demon lord and forced me to report this to you” stated Xylos solemnly.

Antonidas gasps.

“Dionne’s death is not in vain. She did what is right. But what more unsettling is that, I recently had news from Axela that there is Dracula, the demon lord on the battlefield outside Prontera. With your report, we can conclude that Baphomet is bringing reinforcement for Dracula’s troops.”

“Axela survived during the encounter of the Crimson Hue with Dracula, but not without casualties, what more if Baphomet is to be there.” Continued Antonidas.

“Then, what you propose to do?” asked Xylos.

“Young Xylos, you’re always the slow one to pick up. I shall call Qiel to prepare a portal to Prontera. And from there onwards, we will discuss with the Church of Prontera on dealing with the demon lords.”
Antonidas let out a weak sigh “ No matter how much the Church hates us magi, they will listen to this and decisions will be made if we are to save our world from this wretched demons”

“Now Xylos, you seem tired. Go ahead and take a rest” and Xylos obeyed, even he’s in grief and anger for the death of Dionne, he knows what’s best to do, and for now, he’s going to take a rest before heading to Prontera with Qiel and Antonidas.

Ps. I did this all myself, with sources from various games i.e. Ragnarok Online, Norse Mythology, World of Warcraft, and yadda yadda yadda

Inactive ...

Its been awhile since I last posted here. I was really out of ideas of what to write, as I'm not really aware of the current What's Hot, What's Not ..

Maybe I'll start being active again, as I had this sudden urge to start actively posting again, but I do hope it wasn't another "hangat hangat tahi ayam"..