Tears In The Rain With A Dash Of Despair And Loneliness

It rains, and, with your face turned up to the sky, your tears are lost in the downpour.

“Why are you crying?” someone suddenly asks.

You feel surprised as you did not even hear his approach and now he’s right behind you. You sigh, eternal frown on your face. You close your eyes then open them again, suddenly pleased that it is raining even though you’re soaked to the bone. “I’m not.”

“Don’t lie.” He sighs, looking concerned and worried.

“I’m not,” you say again.

“Why are you sad then? And please don’t say that you’re not. I can tell.”

You bite your lip, brows furrowing. Your lips curl into an angry sneer. You turn to face him, glaring. “Leave me alone. What does it matter to you anyway? What does it matter to anyone?”

He tries to say something, but you cut him off. “Don’t tell me that someone cares because no one does. Don’t lie,” you throw his words right back at him. “I know no one cares. I’m alone, always alone. No one even listens to me. I speak, write and cry out, yearning to be heard. But my voice is lost in the wind as the world ignores me.

“I am nothing. Nothing. I’m just an insignificant little thing that matters to no one. Who cares what happens to me, what I say, what I do?” You continue to cry, not even trying to hide it anymore.

He moves closer to you and enfolds you into a hug. You struggle for a moment, hitting him on the chest with your hands curled into fists.

But you soon melt into his arms and hug him as you cry your eyes out, sobbing loudly and screaming out your frustrations, hurts, anger, hatred, despair and loneliness.

He simply holds you, tightly, and doesn’t say anything. You still feel reassured anyway. Maybe, just maybe, all you need is even just one person to be there for you. And all will be well, right?

*Notes:
- Crying girl anime pic is from Amazon.com

Can We Talk Without Fighting Or Starting A War?

When we last left the 2 Superheroes, both were silent as they wondered what to say to each other. They wanted to talk, but they didn't want to end up arguing again.

The events of their last encounter was still fresh on their minds and they didn’t want a repeat of that incident.

After what felt like an eternity, East was finally the one to break the silence first. “Blueberry,” East says, “I do not wish to fight you. I do not wish for us to fight. I would appreciate it if we could just talk. Can we not try to settle things in a peaceful and diplomatic way?” East asks.

“This is what the Spades Kingdom and the other kingdoms want as well, though it might not be working out all that well for them, not at the moment anyway. But,” East went on. “Perhaps, if we can settle things between us, we can help our Citizens get along and settle their differences as well. What do you think, Blueberry?”

*Notes:
- This is part 59 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 58
- Image is a screenshot from the Sword Art Online: Lost Song - PlayStation 4 game from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent East wanting to talk with West in a peaceful manner without resorting to violence

The Truth Behind The Smile

What does your smile mean? What is really hidden underneath that smile, cloaked in your aura of happiness and shrouded in the joyous upturn of your lips?

When you smile, the world believes you’re so happy, that you’re just bursting with delight. When you smile, everything seems all right, as if nothing bothers you, as if you couldn’t be happier, as if you have no problems and worries.

Everyone thinks you’re fine. No one suspects a thing. No one bothers to look deeper, into the hidden depths, past the illusions, past your façade and straight into the dark, dark truth.

No one can see it. But the truth is that your smile is fake. By now you’ve perfected the art of smiling without meaning it, without it reaching your eyes.

Your smile holds a wealth of pain and misery and sadness and sorrow all its own. Your smile hastens to reassure people and cheer them up, but the truth is you’re the one that needs the reassurance.

Why do you keep smiling even when you don’t feel like it? What do you hope to gain by smiling all the time? The truth is that you want people to look beyond your smile.

You want people to be able to see the truth, to be able to tell that you’re unhappy, that your smile is fake and that you really do need help. But everyone is blind to this truth.

And that hurts much more than you’d care to admit, even to yourself. So you just keep smiling and smiling even when you’re slowly falling apart.

*Notes:
- Smiling girl anime pic is from Amazon.com

Don't Want To Hurt You

Also known as, "At a loss for words," and "Don't know what to say, don't know what to do. Just don't want to hurt you."

East and West are finally starting to talk to each other. We saw West’s reaction at being called by yet another term of endearment by East. Now, let’s see East’s reaction to West’s response.

East was also smiling somewhat. Clearly, the Superhero missed calling West nicknames or coming up with new names to call West and having the latter reject them all even though East knew that West didn’t really mind them all that much.

After addressing each other, they were silent for a while as they just stared and looked at each other, pondering and wondering what else to say.

They really didn’t want to say something that will end up hurting the other. They wanted to patch things up between them. They wanted to work things out and talk to the other.

But they were both at a loss for words, having no idea what to say to the other. Several times, East and West open their mouths to speak, but no sound comes out.

*Notes:
- This is part 58 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 57
- Image is a screenshot from the Kokoro Connect anime from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent East and West looking at each other

Don’t Know Why I’m Still Here

Feel so disappointed and hurt, so discouraged and depressed. It’s like I’m falling into an endless abyss.

You feel the rage and the pain and the despair and you just want to lash out and make them pay, right? You want to take revenge against all these people who have hurt you.

The darkness is eating you. You’re suffocating in the shadows. The pain is overwhelming, unbearable and you wish for the destruction of all, of everything.

And you swear you’ll make them pay. Someday, do you promise that you won’t be alone anymore? That you’ll be happy? That no one will ever hurt you or break your heart? Don’t let them win. Fight back. Don’t give up. But it hurts too much.

What can you do? How can you win? Someone, please, please, help me, you scream and it hurts so much. It’s like glass breaking and mirrors and shards falling all over you and you fall, you keep falling. When will this madness end? Someone free me from this place, you scream.

*Notes:
- Depressed, sad girl anime pic is from Amazon.com

What Brings A Smile To My Face?

Also known as, "Missed these terms of endearment" and "Don't call me magenta. I don't like it, I swear."

Previously, in this series, East and West happen to come across each other at the Superhero Headquarters. As they stood in front of each other, they were silent for a moment or 2, but now they're ready to speak. What do they say?

“East,” West says.

“Magenta,” East says.

That one word from East brings a bit of a spark in West’s eyes, making them light up in a way that they hadn’t done for what felt like a very long time.

There’s a quirk to the Superhero’s lips as West tries to hold back a smile and fails.

Clearly West has missed being called these terms of endearment by East. The Superhero looks happy to finally get to hear these nicknames once again.

Of course, West pretends not to like them, but that wasn’t anything new, so it didn’t really matter. “Don’t call me that,” West says, pouting somewhat though still with that small smile on those lips, complete with that sparkle in those blue eyes.

*Notes:
- This is part 57 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 56
- Smiling girl anime poster is from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent the smile on West's face

This Broken Reflection Is Nothing But An Elusive Lie

“Hey, don’t ever be sad, please. I’m here for you, you know? Always. I care about you. You’re not alone. Please, don’t forget that.” The voice sounded so inviting and sincere and nice.

She looked up at that, smiling sadly, teary-eyed, but said nothing. She looked skeptical.

“It’s true. Believe me. I’m not lying. I swear, I’m not. Talk to me. Tell me your problems. I am here, I will listen. Always.”

She bit her lip, longing to believe the voice, but still looking unconvinced.

“Come on now, you know I’m not lying. Why would I lie to you? You’re special, you know? Just give it time. Everything will be okay. You’ll see. Don’t give up, okay? Will you let me give you a hug? You wish to be held, right? Don’t worry, I won’t mock you or make fun of you. Cry as much as you want to. Hug me tightly. Let yourself feel reassured and safe.”

Her eyes glittered and tears fell down her face. She ran to hug the voice, her arms outstretched.

And she promptly crashed straight into a mirror.

She blinked, staring at it.

Her reflection stared back at her.

She gasped as realization hit her.

She opened her mouth then screamed, now crying and sobbing loudly. She clenched her fist then moved it to punch the mirror. It shattered into a million pieces, broken beyond repair.

But she couldn’t bring herself to care as she collapsed on the floor and cried her heart out, wishing that it hadn’t been a lie and that there really had been someone there for her.

*Notes:
- Broken reflection anime poster is from Amazon.com

The Truth That I Don't Want To Admit

Also known as, "I have missed you" and "How long are you going to keep staring? Talk to me, please. Say something."

Previously, in this series, the 2 Superheroes have finally met face-to-face after being apart from each other for so long.

East and West stand a few feet in front of each other. They're both surprised and yet very happy to finally be able to see each other after what felt like an eternity of being apart.

Of course, they hide their true feelings, instead choosing to present a façade and pretending that they don’t really want to be here right now and that they're not pleased to see the other.

East looks cold and indifferent, mouth set in a thin line instead of that usual small smile. The Superhero looks serious and grim.

West is pretty subdued and dull-looking, definitely not as lively as usual and not looking cheery or cheerful or happy in the least. There was no smile on that face and yet there was no frown either.

There is silence as the two just stare at each other. What are the first words out of their mouths? Who will speak first or are they just going to keep looking at each other?

*Notes:
- This is part 56 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 55
- Image is a screenshot from The World God Only Knows anime from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent East and West looking at each other

Melancholy Melody

“Wow, it’s beautiful. It sounds so spectacular and amazing. So, this is where that lovely sound was coming from. I didn’t know you could play the violin.”

“Oh, it’s you. It’s actually a Stradivarius.”

“Huh, I see. Okay, then. You’re an awesome Stradivarius player.”

“Thank you. Do you really think so?”

“‘Course I do. Why would I lie?… Although…”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“Well, I was thinking- I mean, uh, why don’t you play something else?”

“What? What’s wrong with what I’m playing?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all, really. It’s very nice. It sounds so awesome and magnificent and out-of-this-world. I mean it. No lies. You composed it yourself, right?”

“Yes. So, what’s wrong with it then? How am I supposed to believe your earlier words of praise if you don’t even want to listen to what I’m currently playing on my Stradivarius?”

“Look, I didn’t mean it that way. It just came out wrong- my words, I mean. But your playing, nothing’s wrong with that. Swear.”

“Then why did you want me to play something else?”

“Because- I mean, this one sounds really sad and bittersweet and melancholy. It’s really kinda depressing actually. I feel like crying when I listen to it. There’s a haunting, tragic tone to it. Can’t you play something happier?”

“I don’t have any.”

“Huh? Don’t have any what?”

“I don’t have anything ‘happier,’ as you so nicely put it.”

“Oh, come on. I don’t mean to offend. Really, I don’t. Don’t get mad, please. What’s wrong anyway? Can’t we talk about it?”

“Not right now, no. Maybe not ever. Just go away and leave me to play my Stradivarius in peace.”

*Notes:
- Your Lie In April anime poster is from Amazon.com

Will This Cold War Ever End?

Also known as, "I want to see you. I miss you."

In the last episode of this series, we finally find out the real reason why East and West frequently go to their main headquarters.

However, though they keep visiting the Superhero Headquarters, they never got to see each other there. Somehow, they always manage to miss the other or end up going there while the other isn’t there or has just left or hasn’t arrived yet.

This goes on for two or so weeks. It was two weeks later that East and West finally end up meeting one another again.

As luck would have it, or perhaps this was fate and destiny’s doing, both just happened to be at their main headquarters at the same time that the other was. So, they finally get to see each other at the Superhero Headquarters.

What do you think will happen now? How will the two react? What will they say? Will they even talk to each other? Is this going to end in a fight again? Are things between the two Superheroes ever going to get resolved and fixed?

*Notes:
- This is part 55 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 54
- Image is a Howl's Moving Castle poster from Amazon.com
- Castle in pic is meant to symbolize the floating Superhero Headquarters in the story

Cheer Up, I Won’t Lie To You

“Hey, what’s up with you now? Why are you sulking and moping?”

“I’m not. Go away. I wanna be alone.”

“Do you really?”

“Yeah. Now leave.”

“Okay then.”

“Wait, you’re really leaving?”

“You said you wanted me to leave.”

“Uh, yeah…”

“Shall I stay then?”

“If you don’t mind.”

“I wouldn’t have said it otherwise. You know that.”

“Um…”

“All right, ready to tell me what the matter is?”

“It’s just… well, you know, it’s this..”

“What is ‘this’ exactly?”

“This- this paper. The numbers on this paper are terrible.”

“What?”

“Like grades and statistics and financial stuff, and, you know, math stuff. Those kinds of stuff. It’s- they’re all just depressing.”

“You’re not making sense.”

“Just look at it.”

“Ah, I see.”

“That’s it? That’s all you’re gonna say?”

“Well, what did you want me to say?”

“I dunno. Was hoping you had something uplifting to say.”

“I’m not some fountain of hope. I won’t lie to you just to make you feel better.”

“Oh.”

“But, while I won’t say all will be well, I will say that I will be here and I’ll help you in any way that I can.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Oh. Well, thanks.”

“No problem. Now, cheer up and stop pouting.”

“Hey, I’m not pouting. I don’t pout.”

“That would be more believable if you actually said that without pouting.”

*Notes:
- Sad anime girl pic is from Amazon.com

The Lies You Tell Yourself

Also known as, "The real reason why I'm here right now," "I miss you. I want to see you. Please visit me." and "Lying to myself because I don't want to miss you. I don't want to see you. I don't want you to visit me."

Previously, in this series, we found out that East and West regularly or frequently visit the Superhero Headquarters.

The reasons they give themselves as to why they're there are untrue, to say the least. They pretty much just make up whatever reason they can come up with just to avoid revealing, even to themselves, why they're really there.

The real reason they go to their main headquarters is because they hope they can see each other there. They are hoping that the other will be there during the time that they come to visit the place so they can see each other and maybe even talk.

If you’re asking why they don’t just visit each other in their domains, well, the answer to that is simple. Neither want to be the one to visit the other’s domain though they will readily welcome the other should the other decide to visit them. They just don’t want to be the first one to go to the other’s domain.

*Notes:
- This is part 54 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 53
- Image is a screenshot from the Howl's Moving Castle anime from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to symbolize the Superhero Headquarters mentioned in the story

Please Don’t Cry

Don’t cry. Please, don’t cry. You hear the words, but you know it doesn’t mean anything. How could it mean anything when it’s only your reflection that speaks and looks at you with dead, soulless eyes, the despair etched in your features and the shadows devouring you whole?

You really shouldn’t be crying anyway because no one cares and you always have to present a strong façade. You need to smile and smile some more and pretend that everything is all right because, of course it is, isn’t it? Nothing’s wrong.

Aren’t you so happy that you feel like crying tears of joy and happiness? Hey, stop crying. You’re not supposed to cry, remember? It’s okay. Really, it is.

Even if you see people hugging and embracing and being happy and smiling and laughing in front of you, what does that matter? You don’t care, right? You’re still happy, aren’t you? You don’t need that.

You don’t need a shoulder to cry on, you don’t need to be comforted, you don’t need to be loved. You’ll be alone forever because no one cares. This is the way it works. It can’t, won’t, change. So, don’t fight it and just stop crying. Do you want to say goodbye and end it all?

*Notes:
- Crying Fairy Tail anime pic is from Amazon.com

The Real Reason Why I’m Here Right Now

Also known as, "I'm not here to see you. I don’t want to see you. I'm not here because of you. I'm not here for you."

As time continues to pass after the aforementioned fight between East and West, the 2 continue to miss each other. They continue to want to talk and see each other again.

The result of that is they try to go to the Superhero Headquarters as often as they can. This is their main headquarters which is located in the very center of The World where the 4 lines of the Visible Demarcation Line meet or intersect.

The headquarters floats high up in the sky, above the clouds and is as grand as the domains of each of the 4 Superheroes.

The two tell themselves that they're going to their headquarters to see South or North, or to access some important information or to get something that they left there or to look at the magical computers and the databases.

They give reasons like this regardless of how believable and realistic they are just to hide the real reason why they even bother going to the Superhero Headquarters in the first place.

*Notes:
- This is part 53 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 52
- Image is Dragons Around The Floating Castle poster from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent the floating Superhero Headquarters

Depression: What It Means To Be Alive?

“Looking at this beautiful scenery. It makes me feel melancholy. The world looks so perfect when seen through this rose-colored glasses. It’s like I’m looking at an illusion. Sometimes, I wonder if I really exist.”

“What are you talking about? Of course, you exist. You’re not making sense.”

“Do I really? Exist, I mean. It doesn’t feel that way. Sometimes, I have to wonder if I’m even still alive. It hurts. I feel depressed and alone. I feel invisible and insignificant. It’s like I don’t matter, like no one will care if I’m not here anymore. Sometimes, I want to just give up and say goodbye. Why am I still here?”

“You feel pain? You said ‘it hurts’.”

“Yes, it does. It hurts so much that I don’t know how much more I can take.”

“You’re crying.”

“Because it hurts.”

“That settles it then.”

“What?”

“You exist, you’re alive. You’re here, right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you feel pain, sorrow, hurt, anguish, depression, despair, loneliness, doesn’t that mean that you’re alive?”

“Is that what it means to be alive? I’m not sure I like that.”

*Notes:
- Depression poster is from Amazon.com

I Didn’t Mean To Hurt You, But I Don’t Want To Say Sorry

Time passes. East and West don’t see each other again after their fight.

They don’t even get to talk to each other as both are busy trying to sort things out and take care of the problems in the respective kingdoms under their jurisdiction.

While the 2 are ignoring each other, tensions continue to rise between the western and eastern kingdoms near the Visible Demarcation Line. Many of the kingdoms still seem poised and ready for war.

But, with regards to East and West, the 2 Superheroes themselves don’t really want to fight anymore. Honestly, the truth was that they miss each other and they want to see and talk to one another, but they refuse to admit these facts, not even to themselves.

They're much too stubborn. They don’t want to be the first one to apologize and try to talk to the other. While they are both really sorry about hurting the other, neither want to be the first to apologize, thinking it’s the other who is mostly at fault, and, as such, that person should be the first one to ask for forgiveness.

*Notes:
- This is part 52 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 51
- Image is a pic from the LBX: Little Battlers eXperience - Nintendo 3DS Standard Edition from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent the rising tensions between the eastern and western kingdoms of The World

Save Me, Please, From This Nightmare Called Life

What am I doing here in this dark, dark world? The shadows swallow me and I’m lost in this maze of illusions. Nothing makes sense anymore.

I’m just looking for someone to save me, someone to help me. Please, can’t anyone hear my cries, my shouts, my screams? Can you see the tears falling down my face? I only wish for salvation in this cruel reality.

Hey, hey, I’m searching for the sun and the light. It’s so cold. I just want to feel some warmth. I keep struggling to live, working so hard, just trying my best to survive in this nightmare called life. I don’t know how much more I can take. Should I just give up? Is it worth it? Give me a reason, a reason not to say goodbye.

The smile is frozen on my lips as I gaze into this crystal mirror. My reflection stares back at me, mocking me. You’re laughing at my pain, aren’t you? Do you find this amusing? I’m alone and hurt and broken and no one cares. Can you pick up the fallen shards of glass that scatter around you? Can you put everything back together, make the broken pieces whole again? Is that even possible? Don’t leave me, please. I’m falling, falling into the endless abyss.

*Notes:
- Sad, crying girl pic is from Amazon.com

In Which Nothing Is Resolved

Also known as, "Who says I'm crying? Because I'm not. Just so you know" and "The superheroes are alone".

In the last episode of this series, we saw that West was about to leave the Winter Palace. Will East stop the other? Will they talk to each other? Let’s see, shall we?

West eventually reaches the closed door. The Superhero stands right in front of it, hand on the doorknob, ready to turn it to open the door. But West hesitates and just stands there for a moment, as if waiting for something.

East’s eyes are still focused on the back of West, watching intently at what the other is doing. But East says nothing, biting those lips as if to refrain from speaking or, perhaps, it’s because the Superhero wishes to speak, but refuses to do so.

West waits for a moment longer before sighing inaudibly then finally opening the door. The Superhero steps outside and hesitates, seeming to get the urge to look back, to say something, but West does neither of those things.

West just steps outside the room, closes the door then starts walking away. The western Superhero swipes at those blue eyes that seemed to be glistening. Inside the room, East leans against the wall, looking up at the ceiling with eyes that also appeared to be glazed.

*Notes:
- This is part 51 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 50
- Image is a screenshot from the Hell Girl anime series from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent East looking up at the ceiling with sad, glazed eyes

You Used To Smile At Me

It seemed like eternity ago when we held hands and walked down the lakeside together. Your eyes were bright and lively, sparkling with mirth and true happiness.

Your beauty was indescribable and your words held so much love and meaning. You were smiling. You were always smiling. You had many different kinds of smiles.

But the one I cherished the most was that one sweet smile that was reserved only for me. You used to smile at me. All the time. You would gesture wildly with your hands, looking up at me with that sweet, sweet smile as you weave a fantasy world.

The memories overwhelm me and I can feel the tears that just won’t stop. I am lost in the depths of my sadness and despair. I am alone now. But I can still see it so clearly that it’s almost like you’re still here. I can see your beautiful smiling face and your sparkling sky-blue eyes.

I can hear your words, I can feel you. You used to smile at me. Always, always, you smiled. I never saw you frown. But now those days are long gone. Now, I am alone and I only wish that the end would come faster. I wish to fall already. I want to see your smile again. Please smile at me.

*Notes:
- Sad, depressed, crying girl poster is from Amazon.com

Will You Leave Without Saying A Word?

Also known as, "The aftermath of the clash."

Previously in this series, there was a fight that seemed more like a World War. What will happen now? Will this clash ever end?

The fight between East and West seemed to go on forever. It seemed that they would never stop.

But, eventually, they did stop though they didn’t look tired at all. It seemed that they just refused to fight anymore. There was no clear winner. If anything, this match would certainly be considered a tie. It seemed both were equally matched in power and skill and prowess and strength.

The 2 stood in the middle of the room, facing each other, but refusing to look the other in the eye. They stood like that for what seemed like an eternity, saying nothing but seeming as if they were waiting for the other to speak.

No one says anything though. Eventually, West moves and turns around, back facing East. West starts walking towards the door, slowly. East watches the western Superhero but says nothing, not even to stop West or prevent the other from leaving.

*Notes:
- This is part 50 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 49
- Image is a screenshot from the Dead or Alive 5 PlayStation 3 video game from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to symbolize the fight between East and West and how neither of them were injured during said fight

Feeling Depressed And Discouraged

You sigh and it’s filled with so much despair and sadness.

What am I doing here, you wonder? Why am I still here, you keep asking yourself? Why do I keep doing this?

Why do I keep struggling when nothing seems to work, when nothing happens, when everything remains the same, when all my efforts are for naught, when everything is a failure?

You have so many questions, but no answers. It hurts so much and you can’t help but think about giving up. You just want this madness to end. You just want an end to this suffering. You just want to find the happiness and joy that you seek. You just want those who hurt you to pay for their sins and crimes. You just want retribution and revenge and redemption and vengeance.

But nothing is forthcoming. There is only darkness, despair, shadows and illusions looming in the background. You’re surrounded, you’re being suffocated. And all you want is to be free from all this. When will this madness end? When will you finally end it all? Someone, please help me, say something, you scream.

*Notes:
- Depressed girl pic is from Amazon.com

The Clash Between East And West

Also known as, "Will this madness, conflict, fight, and pain ever end?"

Previously, in this series, East and West have started to fight against each other. Well, the conflict isn’t over yet.

The fight between East and West goes on as they continued dancing and moving around the room of the Winter Palace. They said nothing, no words passed between them. Both seemed unwilling to make the situation worse than it already was. Both didn’t seem to want to say any more hurtful things to each other.

Pain was visible in each other’s eyes, but neither saw how the other looked as they focused their gazes on anywhere but at each other’s eyes. Eventually, the room was completely trashed. The walls were cracked, tables and other furniture torn and broken to pieces, all the debris and rocks and parts scattered all over the floor.

It was a real mess, almost as if the entire room had been bombed or as if a war had taken place there. In the middle of it all stood the 2 Superheroes, facing each other though still not looking into each other’s eyes. Only they were unharmed, unhurt, with not a single scratch marring their skins.

*Notes:
- This is part 49 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 48
- Image is a screenshot from the Kaze No Stigma anime series from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent the fight between East and West

Where Did All The Time Go?

Time – it moves so fast, is it even possible to catch up to it? You want it to slow down, don’t you? It doesn’t care what you want though. It moves even faster (faster than the speed of light and the speed of sound) just to spite you.

And yet, when you want time to hurry and move and end and stop being so slow, it will crawl to a snail’s pace just to spite you.

Where did it all the time go? How did you manage to miss it? Can you believe that the day is over already? The day is ending and the night is starting. No, wait, even the night is ending already. A new day is about to dawn and you find yourself wondering, what happened? How could it end so quickly? Weren’t you planning to do a lot of things today? So much needed to be done and yet how come there’s never enough time to do what you need to do? Time is always running away from you. You keep chasing after it, wishing it would stop for just one moment.

*Notes:
- Sunset poster is from Amazon.com

Cold War Dance

Also known as, "We fight, but do you really want to hurt me?"

Previously, in this series, East and West were ready to fight against each other. There was a clash of power, a deadly dance between two of The World’s Superheroes.

It would have been interesting to watch, what with how gracefully they moved and glided and exchanged attacks as if it had been choreographed, but this wasn’t a game. It was reality.

East and West moved around the room, throwing punches and kicks at each other as they focused on attacking their opponent while defending themselves. Their movements were beautiful, precise, perfect, and yet the whole thing seemed like a farce of a fight.

They attacked, but no one got hurt, not physically anyway. It seemed that all the attacks they threw were all half-hearted. They didn’t put their full strength and power in their offensive moves. They didn’t even use their magical powers or weapons. They just stuck to using martial arts. It seemed they didn’t really want to hurt the other.

*Notes:
- This is part 48 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 47
- Image is a Sword Art Online poster from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent East and West fighting with each other

Why Can’t Russia And America Just Be Friends, Try To Get Along Or Stop Fighting?

Alfred was still frowning and he still looked upset as he glanced down at the newspaper on the floor in front of him. He soon turned away from it to glance at Cyrus who had gone back to looking out the window.

The silence bothered him so he quickly broke it by saying, “I heard America was being mean to Russia too, you know?” They’d been talking about the rising tension between the two countries and how the 2 weren’t exactly getting along at the moment; it was like they were having a lover’s quarrel, really.

Cyrus raised an eyebrow at that. “What?” What in the world was Alfred talking about now?

He wished the latter would just drop the matter and stop worrying about things he couldn’t change or do anything about. It wasn't like he could stop the USA and Russia from trying to wage war on each other and the world or something.

“Well, I saw this map in Wikipedia. It showed the world map with the current members of NATO in one color and Russia in another color. It seemed like the USA and NATO were everywhere. It looked kind of unfair to me,” Alfred explained, frowning as he recalled the map in question.

Cyrus face-palmed; he wasn’t going to pretend he understood the way Alfred’s mind worked. Sometimes, Alfred could be really confusing, not to mention strange and odd. “Don’t use Wikipedia as a source,” he said instead.

Alfred refused to let the matter go though. “I heard that Russia was feeling threatened because it’s like NATO was encroaching on the country’s borders. That does make sense, doesn’t it, I mean for Russia to feel all threatened and stuff? Why can’t Russia and America just be friends? Why can’t everyone just be friends and try to get along and solve all these problems in a peaceful and diplomatic way?”

Now Cyrus knew Alfred was either quoting from somewhere or had recalled something he’d read or something because there was no way Alfred could have come up with these words all on his own. Really, since when did Alfred know words like ‘encroaching’? “I suppose it’s like with personal space then.” He shrugged, unconcerned and uncaring. Why should any of this matter to him? After all, this had nothing to do with him. Let them do whatever they wanted as long as they left him alone and didn’t bother him, Cyrus thought, scoffing.

Alfred blinked. “Huh? What’cha mean? Do you mean that America likes Russia lots and wants to get close to the country, so America is expanding NATO?”

Cyrus face-palmed again; really what was Alfred going on about now? If he’d said it once, he’d said it a hundred times- sometimes, he really had no idea how Alfred’s mind worked. Strange didn’t begin to cover this. “Somehow, I highly doubt that,” he muttered. “I mean that if someone gets too close to you, would you like that? They-” he started to say before amending his words as he remembered that Alfred had absolutely no concept of personal space whatsoever.

He should know as the guy had way too many friends and had no problems being all friendly with people, smiling at them, clapping them on the back, giving the occasional friendly hug and even holding hands or grabbing people’s arms to drag them off somewhere (the last was most familiar to him; how many times had Alfred grabbed his hand or arm and insisted on dragging him off to some place or other?). “I don’t like anyone getting on my personal space,” he said instead, almost growling.

Alfred pondered this, frowning.

“Besides, think about it,” Cyrus said. “If Russia made alliances or tried to build military bases and the like near the USA’s borders or whatever it is they do-” Cyrus rolled his eyes; like he cared what they did. “Do you think America is going to like that? Don’t you think the USA will protest that?”

Alfred said nothing.

Cyrus growled. “This is ridiculous.” He stood up, approaching Alfred. “Look,” he said, attempting to change the subject (he’d already tried earlier and it didn’t exactly work, but what’s the harm in trying again, right?). “Weren’t you going on about some new ice cream store or something? Why don’t we go there now? It’s too hot here.” Well, don’t look at him like that. He does want some ice cream and besides, he was sick of dealing with a moping, sulking and upset Alfred; it was completely out of character for the normally cheerful guy.

Alfred’s eyes sparkled, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Ice cream? I love ice cream.” He grinned. “And I want some now. Oh yeah, there was that new place, and, come on Cy, we gotta go now. Also, did you know that-” Alfred moved to grab Cyrus’ arm. As he dragged his friend off towards the ice cream store, he started talking about the new flavors of ice cream the place offered and the kinds they should try.

Cyrus pulled away from the grip, but walked alongside Alfred who was now gesturing wildly with his hands as he went on about something or other, smiling widely and eyes sparkling. Cyrus wasn’t really listening though he had a half-smile on his face. Finally, he’d gotten rid of that annoying frown.

Prequel: Why Russia And America Have To Involve The Entire World With Their Lover’s Quarrel?

*Notes:
- First image is a screenshot showing Axel and Roxas from the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Nintendo DS game from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent Cyrus and Alfred who are close friends just like Axel and Roxas
- Image with added text was modified by Freya Yuki (CC:BY-SA) based on the image by Nikolas Becker (CC:BY-SA) from Wikimedia Commons
- Image features a map of the world to represent the countries and how they fight and ally with each other
- YouTube video shows the reset button that America gave to Russia; this just shows that the 2 countries are capable of being friends / can get along even if they may have differences as long as they just try
- Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Check the disclaimer linked in the footer section of this blog for more info

Is This The End Of The World?

Also known as, "This fight is the calm prelude before the storm".

Previously, in this series, we’ve just established that the two Superheroes are hurt by each other’s words. How much more can they take? East is already saying that West should leave the Winter Palace, implying that the western Superhero is no longer welcome in East’s domain. What will happen now?

West seemed oblivious to East’s pain or wishes. “That’s all you can say ‘cause I’m totally right and you're totally wrong,” West taunts in response to East’s words in the previous post.

“Leave before I do something that I regret,” East growls, unable to take it anymore.

A huge amount of power was emanating from the eastern Superhero, eyes flashing and blazing, fists clenched. East was already in a fighting stance, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

“Gonna fight me, huh?” West says. Power was also emanating from the western Superhero as they got in a fighting stance.

There was only anger and fury now. Any hurt and pain they felt at the volley of words they hurled at each other was hidden away as they pretended they weren’t affected and they definitely couldn’t care less what the other had to say.

*Notes:
- This is part 47 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 46
- Image is a screenshot of Mido Ban from the Get Backers anime from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent both East and West who are both so mad that power is emanating from their bodies

Why Russia And America Have To Involve The Entire World With Their Lover’s Quarrel?

Alfred stared at the newspaper in his hands, eyes wide with horror and surprise. “Wah, this is really scary,” he exclaimed. “What’s going on with the world? Why is this happening?”

Cyrus, who was looking indifferent as usual, glanced over at Alfred and at the newspaper in the other’s hands. He noted what the headline proclaimed in very large font and rolled his eyes, exasperated.

With such a headline, you’d think the world was ending right at this very moment; what a way to instill panic into some people, he thought with annoyance. He glanced back out the window; the sight outside was certainly more interesting than the newspaper in Alfred’s hands.

“Someone needs to tell Russia and America that if they want to have a lover’s quarrel, they shouldn’t involve the entire world.” He snorted. He glanced at Alfred again who was frowning and looking rather upset. He rolled his eyes. “What’s up with you anyway? I thought you’d find this stuff interesting. Don’t you like fighting and wars? You’re always going on about cool moves and awesome fighting styles and the like,” Cyrus pointed out.

Alfred looked even more surprised at that, not to mention shocked and horrified. He dropped the newspaper onto the floor, shaking his head in denial. “What?! No, I don’t,” he said. “I mean, I only like that stuff in movies and games. Those can be fun and they’re not real, so it doesn’t matter. But it’s different if it’s really happening here in the real world.”

Cyrus sighed. “Well, at least you can actually distinguish between fantasy and reality,” he muttered, too quiet for Alfred to hear as the latter was still frowning down at the newspaper on the floor. In a much louder voice, Cyrus said, “Don’t get so worked up about this. It’s not like it’s happening right where we are. You’re far from where all the fighting and conflict is. It’s not like you’re going to die or something,” he pointed out.

Alfred didn’t really look reassured by those words though. “Oh, I wish Russia and America would just kiss and make up already. Can’t those 2 countries and their allies talk things over without resorting to war and violence and fighting?

"It’s not fair for everyone else in the world who just want to live in peace. Why do they have to involve everyone in this? What about all the people who don’t want to fight and who just want to live in peace? People should have a choice. People should be free to choose what they want. They should have freedom. And they shouldn’t have to deal with this if they don’t want to. Like, who wants to fight anyway?” he said, waving his hands around. His eyes were dull and the frown on his face didn’t look like it was going away anytime soon.

Cyrus sighed again. He was certain Alfred didn’t even realize he’d repeated some of his words. And, really, why was Alfred so idealistic? “I’m surprised you know what ‘resorting’ means,” he said in an attempt to change the subject or at least stop a certain idealistic someone from stressing and worrying over what was happening with the world.

Alfred pouted, still looking upset. “Cut it out, Cy. Don’t be mean.”

Cyrus merely rolled his eyes.

Sequel: Why can’t Russia and America just be friends, try to get along or stop fighting?

*Notes:
- First image is a poster of Edward and Alphonse Elric from the Fullmetal Alchemist anime from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent the characters Alfred and Cyrus who are friends 
- Image with added text was modified by Freya Yuki (CC:BY-SA) based on the image by Nikolas Becker (CC:BY-SA) from Wikimedia Commons
- Image features a map of the world to represent the countries and how they fight and ally with each other
- YouTube video shows the reset button that America gave to Russia; this just shows that the 2 countries are capable of being friends / can get along even if they may have their differences as long as they just try and make an effort
- Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Check the disclaimer linked in the footer section of this blog for more info

What Hurts Much More Than Hearing These Horrible Words?

Previously, in this series, both East and West are emotionally hurt thanks to each other, though it could be argued that East feels more pain since West can’t seem to stop talking and saying such horrid things to the eastern Superhero.

“I think it’s time for you to leave,” East says, eyes full of pain at West’s horrible words. The purple eyes are closed to hide the pain, to will it away. It looks like East is trying hard not to be affected by West’s hurtful words.

No more words are said as East does not wish to say something that the Superhero will end up regretting.

But, really, much more than West’s unfounded accusations and trying to blame everything on East, the latter was more hurt by the fact that these words were coming from West.

Of all people to say these kinds of things, it was hard to believe that it had to be West. If it had been anyone else, East might have still been hurt, but not as much because, much more than the words that were uttered, what really affected and caused East pain was the one who was saying them.

*Notes:
- This is part 46 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 45
- Image is a wall print pic of Edward Elric from the Fullmetal Alchemist anime from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent how sad and hurt East is thanks to West's hurtful, horrible words

Why You Should Not Lose Hope, Why There Is Always Light, And Why Change Is Always Possible?

The alternate title is ‘what is the color of hope and change?’

“Do you really think they can see it, how you struggle, how you exert so much effort, how you work so hard?” The man sighs, sounding tired and weary. “Oh, what a joke, a total riot,” he murmurs.

“What are you talking about, dear? What is the matter?” asks a woman who was sitting on the couch. Her gaze was focused on the scarf she was busy knitting.

The man briefly glances at her before returning his attention back to the window. “It’s that young man,” he says, pointing at someone outside their dull and dreary little house. “He always passes by here every single day. He’s so young and oblivious and naïve and innocent. Doesn’t know anything at all about how this world really works.” This was said in a sad tone of voice.

The woman frowns, but doesn’t look at wherever and whoever the man was pointing at. “Maybe it will be different for this young man,” she murmurs, a wistful tone in her voice.

The man laughs. “Do not be delusional, my dear. There’s no reason to hope. That young man is doomed. No matter what he does, no one sees anything. Those who do, do not care in the least.”

The woman bites her lip. “He sounds honest, good and kind.”

“Hah.” The man snorts. “Useless qualities. He should learn to throw them away. Quickly. Or he’ll drown, he’ll fall. You know as well as I do that honesty doesn’t exist in a place like this. The reality is that people are dishonest. They have no qualms in cheating and doing whatever it takes to get what they want. They think only of themselves.” He says this in a resigned tone of voice and he sounds even more tired and weary than he did before.

There’s silence for a moment. Finally, the woman stands up and takes the finished scarf in her hands. She walks towards the window until she stands right beside the man.

The man glances at her, waiting.

“I think,” she finally says. “I really think he’s different. That young man, he could be exactly what this place needs. He’s-”

“Do you even know who I’m talking about?”

“Yes. I’ve met him. I’ve spoken to him. I’ve looked in his eyes. Those eyes, it’s been a long, long time since I’ve looked into eyes like that. I didn’t think I’d ever see such a look again.” She sighs, looking haunted and distant. “His entire personality, his character- he’s a breath of fresh air. He’s hope. And those sparkling, pure eyes filled with honesty and sincerity- that’s the proof. He’ll change things.” She smiles, and, for one brief moment, there’s a spark of light in her eyes.

Do you sometimes feel like giving up and think that
there is no hope for change, that the light of the sun has
been swallowed by the darkness? Don't we all need
something to remind us that there is always
hope and light and that we shouldn’t give up?

The man looks at her and sighs. “And when will that happen? When it’s all over for us? Do you really think we’ll still be around to see this change that you hope for?”

The woman shrugs. “It matters not. What matters is-” She cuts herself off abruptly. Without another word, she starts to walk away.

The man frowns. “What the? Where are you going?”

“Out,” she answers without stopping. “That nice young man is back and I wish to give him a present.” She indicates the scarf in her hands and there’s a small, slight smile on her face.

The man stares. When the woman has left their house, he turns his gaze outside the window where he sees the young man and the woman talking as the latter proceeds to wrap the scarf around the young man’s neck.

“Yellow,” the man murmurs. “Like light, like the sun. Hope.” And he finally allows a small smile to tug at the corners of his mouth as he watches the young man talking animatedly and laughing and smiling and gesturing wildly with his hands.

*Notes:
- Image with added text was modified by Freya Yuki (CC:BY-SA) based on the image by hayashinomura (CC:BY-SA) from deviantArt
- Image is meant to symbolize the smile of the young man in the story
- Quote image is a print from Amazon.com
- YouTube video features the song entitled “Don’t Lose Hope” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Don’t Want To Regret Hurting You

Also known as, "There is no time or place for regret".

In the last episode of this series, East tells West to take back all the hurtful words that had been uttered by the western Superhero.

But West is defiant and refuses to do what East says. West wills away the hurt in those blue eyes as well as the remorse and regret at having to cause the eastern Superhero pain.

“What, affected?” West queries. “’Cause I’m right, right? I am so totally right and you know it,” the Superhero taunts. “You’re just causing trouble, lots and lots of trouble. I'm sure that South and North will agree with me and will side with me,” West declares confidently.

“That’s ‘cause you’re siding with the bad guys, the evil terrorists, and you don’t even care. Can’t you see how the Spades King is hurting so many people? Or is it that you just don’t care?” West questions. “Uff, you should be ashamed of yourself, East. You’re not fit to be a Superhero,” West proclaims.

Once the Superhero had started, it seemed there was no control over their mouth anymore. They just kept going on and on, unable or refusing to take back the hurtful words.

*Notes:
- This is part 45 of The Adventures Of The World’s Superheroes series, a story told in several short posts
- Part 44
- Image is Saber Lily from the Fate series by Type-Moon from Amazon.com
- Pic is meant to represent the hero/superhero that West is talking about

What Is The Reason Why We Keep Struggling To Live In This World?

“Argh. I can’t take this anymore. Why does this have to happen? Why do we even bother if the outcome is always the same? We still fail and we still end up being disappointed.” The blond growls, crumpling the papers in his hand before throwing them against the wall. He lies on the floor, surrounded by papers and pens and books.

“Hey, it’s okay, ya know? Don’t worry, we’ll get through this,” the redhead says, smiling. He sits on the floor, nearby, leaning against a wall.

The blond snorts. “You’re always so optimistic.”

“That’s because you’re too much of a pessimist. Someone has to balance you out.”

“I’m not a pessimist. I’m a realist. And you, you’re nothing but a dreamer, too idealistic.” The blond sighs. “I really don’t see why though. I mean, look at us, look at this. Come on, face the facts. Everything’s a mess. We lost. We failed. We’re nothing.”

“I-”

“Honestly, look. Don’t be blind. Open your eyes. Stop dreaming and open your eyes to this nightmare that we’re living,” the blond practically growls. He’s angry though it’s clearly not directed at the redhead.

The redhead sighs, biting his lip, frowning somewhat. “What do you want me to say?” He screwed his eyes shut. “I- I don’t want to dwell on it,” he says, as if ignoring it and not talking about it will make their problems go away and will make everything better.

The blond grits his teeth, frustrated. “We have to do something. If we don’t-” He groans, dejected. “I seriously can’t take this anymore. Whoever said money can’t buy happiness clearly doesn’t know what he or she is talking about. That or they have more than enough to last them several lifetimes and then some.” He glares at the ceiling, eyes stinging.

“Ya know, I’d say that’s meant to be all philosophical and-” the redhead began to say before he was abruptly interrupted.

“Pfft, who needs philosophy, huh? What good does that do us? What we need is money. Come on, look at us. How are we supposed to live without it? How is anyone supposed to live without it? I could really use some,” the blond begins, but cuts himself off, screwing his eyes shut. He lifts up a hand to swipe at his eyes and his face. “It’s really hot, isn’t it?” he says in an odd tone of voice.

The redhead looks away, his hair falling across his face and hiding his eyes. “Yes,” he says in a small voice. He swipes at his face too. “Very much so.”

“You know, sometimes, I just can’t help but wonder why we’re doing this,” the blond says after a brief moment of silence.

The redhead looks surprised at that. “What? What do you mean?” He sounds rather panicked now as he says, “But I thought we both believed in this. I thought we’re trying our best and I know you keep saying that I’m too positive, but I really think that we can do this, that we-”

“That’s not what I meant. I believe in this too,” the blond stated with much conviction as he indicated the papers all over them. “But, sometimes, I just want to give up, and, well, what I really meant was, why do we struggle so much anyway? We do everything we can, but for what? What have we got to show for our efforts? Nothing, that’s what. And after so many times of trying and trying, you can’t help but wonder what all this is for. In the end, will any of this even matter? After all, everything ends anyway, right, so what’s the point?”

There was no response as the redhead merely looked sad and thoughtful because, really, what was there to say to that?

*Notes:
- Image with added text was modified by Freya Yuki (CC:BY-SA) based on the image by CoDLia (CC:BY-SA) from deviantArt
- The red-haired melancholy, depressed and sad-looking figure in the image is meant to represent the redhead character in the short story
- YouTube video features a song entitled “Hold On” by Good Charlotte