Portfolio Guide

1. The Lost Prophets - This story explores a more modern and altered version of Rama, Sita, King Sugriva, and Lakshmana. I wanted my story to be filled with realism and a somber ending to show the reality of how when there is one ending there is always a new beginning that will follow.

2. The Final Stand - This short story represents three important characters in the book version of R.K Narayan's "The Mahabharata." The Kauravas or the sons of Dhritarashtra, the Pandavas, and their wife Draupadi are the three main characters. My story is a spinoff of the original story with some added realism.
3. The Forgotten - This story is a remake of the comic book story, "She Gave Her Heart to Krishna." Mira, a princess, gives her heart to Lord Krishna and promised to only serve him. Her loyalty was tested when she marries a prince who tells her she cannot worship Lord Krishna. My narrative is about the similar struggles Mira is faced with but in a more modernized setting.
4.The World War that Changed Millions - This story was inspired by a comic book story called, "Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love." The story is about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who showed a simple path to God when they were under place of strict Muslim rule. He showed that religion is a great way to safety. My story is a depiction of a World War Two and how many ran to a belief during that time as a way of seeking some type of refuge. Much like the comic book revealed is important to do in everyday life.

Week 15 Improvements for India Epics

I honestly do not have much to say in the way this class is going. I was one of the people during the survey of this class and said I enjoyed every bit of it. I think the ideas Professor Gibbs gave are great ideas. I would like that the class was harp more on individuality within the stories though. I felt some stories within the class that students wrote could have been better if the professor pushed for each student to write more of their own thoughts within the story. I felt some students did not add much of their own twist to the story and stayed too close to the original so they did not have to think too much on what their story would be comprised of. In all honestly though it did not mean I did not enjoy reading some of those stories I just wished there was more creativity. My favorite idea that was given by Professor Gibbs was her idea on revolving the weeks reading around themes. I think that would help each student cover more within the class. I think I stayed more towards my own theme and never allowed myself to venture out. I think with this idea students will be able to cover more material and maybe find a topic they thought they wouldn't like but ended up really enjoying. Overall I enjoy this class and to me there isn't much I would want to change.

Storytelling Week 14: The Unlikely Hero

The Comic Book

The Comic Book
"Grandma, Look what I got!" As Billy said running towards his grandmother. She was now residing in a nursing home in the sunny state of Florida. She used to be more lively but age as brought more turmoil on her body. Things in her life used to be vastly different and it made her sad that her time on Earth was nearly over. She sat mainly in a wheelchair cause her body was too frail now to move much. She spent many years being active as she can be and now she knew that time has caught up with her. Billy brought to her a comic book. He was so excited because it was one of the first editions. It was called Hawkman and Hawkgirl. In this time period super heroes did exist. Superman was not just a fictious man but he was real. Most of the time the heroes parade around on TV but Hawkman and Hawkgirl have not been seen in a long time. Little did Billy know its cause his Grandma had something to do with that. As Grandma Joy sat there excited for her grandson she knew immediately what this was. She did not know how to respond to him or reveal this secret that she held deep inside. Immediately Joy went inside her head in deep thought to a different time.

Comic Book

60 Years Ago

Joy was a young 20 year old just trying to figure out the world. She was walking steadily down a street on New York City when a man bumps into her.

Man:  I, uh, joy? Its me. Do you remember me.
Joy: No.. I am sorry I have never met you before.

The moment felt a little awkward. This man who was close to her age felt like he knew her. He tried to convince her that they were somehow meant to be and that she had to take the leap to believe him. Joy calculated her risks too much. She spent the majority of her life abandoned  by her mother and she grew up in foster care. Somehow she always felt out of place. The man kept telling her there are reasons why if only she would just open her heart to him.

Hawkman and Hawkgirl

Later that day she was buying a pretzel on the New York City streets when a Taxi driver started going crazy and almost ran into her. She closed her eyes tightly thinking this would be her last breath and the same man picked her up and saved her. Although it was not just any man. He had wings in his back! He said again, " Joy, do you believe me now." Instantly a part of her changed. It was Roy. Her beloved. The man that for centuries it was said they would meet over and over again. They were meant to be. Her life finally made since. He flew her up to the top of a building. She overlooked the city that she now realized she was meant to protect. She jumped off with Roy and her wings began to unfold from her back. All it took is her remembering this part of herself. Her ancestors all had to do the same thing. As soon as they remember who they are then they receive their powers and their love. From that day forward she knew life would never be the same.

Hawkmand and Hawkgirl

Present Day

She looked at her grandson so full of hope and as she looked at the comic book that was created for her and her now fallen beloved. She smiled. For the secret she bared will never be spoken. Until maybe her next life.

Author's Note:
My story was inspired by multiple different things. I wanted my story to reflect a comic book about Hawkman and Hawkgirl that is part of DC Comics. The story about these two is they are from ancient Egypt. These two were created as protectors of a world. They are also deeply in love and every time they die or killed they are born into a new life. In this new life their mission is to remember who they are cause after they die they forget than after they remember one of them has to find the other and get them to do the same thing. I wanted to write a short story for this but I felt adding when they first met and when she remembered would be a good background story for my readers. Also because of that part of the story I was able to add some parts from the Indian comics I read. The story I got ideas from is called, "Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince." Karna was also abandoned like my character by his mother and he had his own fate in the end like my character. They both have duties towards specific people. Also Karna had a set of skills and Hawkman and Hawkgirl did as well, they just could fly and he could not. Also with Karna's death and after life he is appreciated more so was my character. Joy spent much of her life protecting people but she did not get the recognition she wanted deep down until her grandson Billy showed her a comic book that was actually about her. I wanted my story to be simply yet still gather concepts from stories I read. This way my story can be somewhat of my own but still inspired by stories I enjoy and can somehow relate them together.

References:
Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince

Reading Notes- Part B, Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince

For my final selection for my story I decided to read a comic book story "Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince." I would like my story to be focused on just one story and maybe some ideas come from the other two stories that I have already read. I like the idea of Karna because he was this child who was born as a gift, yet he was abandoned by his mother Kunti. Then he was found by another family who were poor and was brought up by them. He also was a great archer but it was taken from him because he did not possess the right "birth right." Through another slew of events and a battle he dies but in his death his mother finally opens her heart to him and basically the Pandava Family was forced to pay ritual praise to him. I would like to use a part of this in my story because he was a real and genuine character. Many people do not reach their full potential because they did not have someone there for them or the resources to be able to turn into the best they could be. When I read this story and the background I kept thinking about the many children even today that get abandoned. This story and what happened to Karna is not an ancient action. People still are selfish today, and not everyone gets to grow up in a loving parental home. I want to allow one of my characters to experience a little of what Karna did so my story can reflect more realism than idealism. I like how the theme of my stories is to touch on subjects many may be fearful to but I think the more real I am the better my writing can be.


Adoption

References:
Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince

Reading Notes A part 2, Megasthenes-Ambassador, Traveller And Observer

During last week I read a comic about a princess born of fire. I was not able to put together a story last week due to time constraints. I decided for this week I will piggy back off the idea I had last week. I read a story today about a man named Megasthenes who was an ambassador, traveler, and observer. He went to India during the time of 4 BC and 5 BC, which I found out by researching some more on the background of the story. He traveled to India during a prominent time for Indian history. He documented what was happening in India. The story is what explains what he saw and what was happening. He wrote it all in a four volume book. I decided to use this as part of my last story this week because I could use this type of writing style to tell my story. I have wrote every story in a similar tone and way. I want this last story to be told in a different point of view and seen a little differently. I could still write a similar story about Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Instead of writing it in a narration I could tell the story in a new way. I could tell it in a way like someone is watching everything unfold and retelling the story of what they saw. The person can be a traveler in a different time who sees situations unfold and is telling his grandchild what he experienced. I have seen this type of storytelling done within movies. There is usually a character who is older and is retelling an experience later on in life. For example in, "Saving Private Ryan." This movie started with an older man visiting a military grave site with his family and then in another scene it is the same old man but younger and in the war. I want my story to be told in a powerful way like that.


Back to The Future



References:
Megasthenes- Ambassador, Traveler, and Observer

Reading Notes A, The Fire Princess

I read in a graphic novel about Draupadi, the fire born princess. I only read the first part of the story just in case I decided I wanted to either read the second portion next week and do a two part story or if I decided I want to go a different direction I can. In the story a prophecy is said and she is born as a beautiful princess from a sacred fire. The princess loves one prince Arjuna, the Pandava prince. In strange events she finds herself wed to all 5 of the brothers. Their cousins, the Kauravas try to harm her and her husbands. There is where my story reading has stopped. I decided I could go a few different ways in retelling my story but I decided to take out the five husband deal already and write about Draupadi and Arjuna. I wanted to give my characters more complicated issues but I did not want all these lovers be one of them. A possible idea I have about writing a story would be to mix my characters with the comic book characters called Hawkgirl and Hawkman. I could crossover the two stories between her being born of fire, yet having this old destiny that Hawkgirl and Hawkman have of being together. Since she is born of sacred fire she can symbolize that rebirth and forgiveness of sins as she dies and is reborn from the fire. I can allow my characters to go through their own complications with their own villains and also somehow incorporate the Justice League, which they both make an appearance through DC comics. With the retelling of my story I can also bring to light the story I read to bring about a moral and lesson that each person should learn and know about.


Hawkman and Hawkgirl


References:
Draupadi- The Fire Born Princess

Storytelling Week 12: The World War that Changed Millions

Zweiter Weltkrieg/ World War 2
There were raids happening for weeks trying to find those who were Jewish. Johnny was one of them. He was of polish descent and was sent into hiding like many other children during this time. Although he is polish since he has been hiding in a catholic orphanage on the border of Germany he has been able to learn some German so he can speak to the other kids around him. At this point it has been recorded that at least half a million kids have been eradicated and about a half a million were about to meet their maker soon. Johnny was one of five children who were Jewish that were hiding in the church. If they were to be found out the church and others around them were going to be punished. But this group of people did not care. They wanted the children no matter what religious descent to be safe. Through this love and kindness he was able to find God and found that refuge in Him could only keep him safe now. His parents were already killed about 4 months prior to this moment and it was during one of the house raids of Hitler's regime. All he remembers his mother saying was, "Uciec" which is a polish term for run away. He turned out of fear and ran and hid in a hole already dug in the backyard and he covered dirt on top of himself to hide from the Nazis. He heard the Nazis speaking from under the dirt.

Children

"Wo ist dein Kind?"
" Es ist ganz sicher, Sie brauchen keine Angst zu haben."

He could not understand most of what was said but he did know the word Angst meant afraid in German. He felt like they were trying to say he was safe and he shouldn't worry. Johnny was a smart ten year old and knew that he shouldn't feel safe at all.
After a considerable amount of time had passed he picked up his head from under the ground. Johnny heard his parents scream go from loud to soft. He was scared and dirt and tears were all over his sweet innocent face. The soldiers said, "Heil Hitler." Then sped off from what he could make of the surroundings from the dirt hole. Johnny's next move had to be discreet but he did not know what to do. He looked over at another family that was in a hole and decided to make a run for it. He knew they had to be nice for the fear in their eyes is the most familiar face he knows now for he wears the same one.

In Sicherheit/ In Safety
One, two and three and he began crawling out of the hole and running towards the backyard and through the barbed fence that stood between the yards. Johnny arrived at the hole and jumped in. In this big hole that was dug there was two small children like him and the parents were in the hole next to him. The mother and father were headed to a catholic church that they know are hiding Jewish. The family was waiting for the signs be clear of the Nazis and for night to fall.
As Johnny looked at the door of the catholic church he wondered where he be if he did not find this German family and if he did not take the leap of faith running to them. The war was over soon and soon he will be able to begin his new life. The family decided to adopt him and make him a part of their family. The lives of the 6 million who died will rest in paradise from this awful event. All Johnny knows is that because of the refuge he experiences in his God he has the path that he needs to follow.

Child in hiding

Author's Note:
I wrote my story based off the comic "Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love." The story is about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who showed a simple path to God when they were under place of strict Muslim rule. He provided a new way of seeing Hindu religion. There was a quote that said, " Forsaking all dogmas of religion, take refuge in me." His message is to show that this religion is the way to all safety. I used this as part of my story by allowing my character to be of Jewish descent yet truly finding his God when he finally takes refuge in Him. I first thought of World War 2 because I know a lot of soldiers or people impacted by the war find a God usually. The idea of a protector during war is seen as comforting to people who are in the midst of danger. I felt like World War 2 was a big indication of the fear that was instilled within people of this religious background. I know because I have studied German and the language that there were many people who opposed the Hitler and also did something about it. I used stories I have heard from Holocaust survivors I met when I was younger and with the history I know about Germany to make my story. I was told a story about a survivor who really did hide in a hole for two weeks to hide from the Nazi soldiers that would come in and raid homes. I wanted this to be the focal point to show that with God at Johnny's side he was able to be safe and even found a family. This relates to the comic I read because they both relate to God and how religion tends to save people.

References:
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love

Reading Notes: The Miracle Messenger of Love, Part A

During yesterday's reading I sat down and looked over Chaitanya Mahaprabhu "The Miracle Messenger of Love." After also looking at background information of the comic book story I decided to do a story that revolves around its teachings. Krishna makes a point within the story to forsake other dogmas and to take refuge in him. The story is all about taking refuge in their beliefs not let anyone get in the way. If everyone were to follow him than they are His and no questions are asked beyond that. I could go along with my theme for this semester on loyalty and how to stay true to something you believe in. Possible story ideas could be writing about a time someone had to stand up against people who believed they were wrong. I could allow my character go through some turmoil, like those who were in World War Two. Those that were taken captive were Jewish and had to be on the run for their survival and in order to stay with their faith. Those that back downed and decided to join the Nazi side were alive for maybe a little while longer but at what cost? Many during the war stood up for their beliefs and what they felt was wrong with Germany and that was Hitler. I could do a story based on those events and show that Indian religions do honestly teach so much about the world and have morals that could be used not just for those who follow Krishna but want to leave a better life. I could center my story in the World War Two era and allow my character go through some tough challenges but because they decided to stick with what they believe in they triumph in the end. Id like my readers to get something out of my story and I want that something to be positive.


The White Rose



References:
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love

Week 11 Storytelling: The Olympic Journey

Chapter 1: The Beginning
Timothy was a young boy when he decided running was going to be his passion. He remembers being in little league and running around the bases and how freeing it felt. As soon as he entered middle school he joined the cross country and track team and he never looked back. Now he is a sophomore in college and training for the 2024 summer Olympic trials. Over the course of the years that has passed Timothy experienced extreme heart ache. His mother died of a heart attack 5 years back and his father has been a drunk since then. Because of the on going stress at home Timothy did not have time for friends and spent most of his days alone. On this particular day Timothy was sitting in his dorm window watching the rain beat down against the window. His father had no idea he was training for the Olympics. Every time he would try to speak to his father he would either pass out or dismiss him. He was alone or so he thought.

Kid Running

The next day came and went with a blur. Timothy was running on autopilot and even during training at the track he wasn't all there. His fellow teammate approached him and began taunting him, "What is the matter Timothy? Did your mommy not wake you up this morning." Timothy looked at Chandler who was taunting him and shrugged him off. He did not feel like putting up a fight today and looked out at the massive track and field that was in front of him. To his left was a set of bleachers and he stared for a moment of some of the parents who showed up to support their children. Timothy wished he had that same support. Sometimes he wondered why was he even going to the Olympics. No one would care that he was there.

Track Running

Chapter 2: Fresh Start
The next week came quickly and on this particular day was filled with bad news. Coach Mike brought everyone on the track team together for a team meeting to explain that assistant coach Mack was fired. That starting today there would be a new assistant coach named coach Belichick. After coach Mike was done speaking Belichick stood up and started speaking. Timothy could not help but drift into his own thoughts. He was up late last night having to help his father back into the house before he left to get back to his dorm. He sat on the grassy field with his legs crossed and rocking back and forth hoping that the speech would be done soon. Timothy's thoughts were interjected when he heard coach Belichick say his name and to meet him in his office after the team meeting is over. He was nervous now and was hoping he wasn't about to be kicked off the team for a particular reason.

Track Coach

About 10 minutes later the meeting was over and Timothy was on his way to Belichick's office. His palms were sweaty and he did not know what to think. Before he could think a second more he was standing in front of the wooden door that was the entrance to Belichick's office and knocked. He heard someone yell, " Come in!." Timothy opened the door and walked in. Timothy immediately spoke, " Hi. Uh. I am Timothy.' Belichick quickly responded, "I know who you are Timothy. You have beaten every record that has been set in the nation. You are ranked in the top 10 to place in the next summer Olympics. What I want to know is why haven't you gone yet." The coach took a few deep breaths as he was looking at some papers that were spread across his desk. Then he began speaking again, " I have talked to the head coach and he shared your unique situation and because I see such promise in you I want to train with you and help you get to the next Olympics." Timothy could not believe his ears. For the first time in his life someone has decided he is worth the time. He felt skeptical at first but before he ruined the moment he shook the coaches hand and did not look back.

Chapter 3: Four Years Later
Timothy lined up his feet on the track to give himself the best position to help jump start his run. He looked at the other young men next to him who seemed nervous and anxious. Today was the day and Timothy was ready to race. He looked to the stands and saw his coach standing there waiting to applaud his finish. He looked at the track beneath him and then the shot was fired. He began swooping his arms at his sides as fast as he could. He propelled his body forward until complete exhaustion. He was in 5th place, 4th place, and now third. He was rounding the turn of the track and kept running forward. The last stretch was upon him and the cheers grew louder and moments later he finished. Timothy placed in second for the Olympic trials and allowing him to be one of the men to advance to the Olympics. His heart was pounding and his heart felt full for the first time. He looked up in the sky and said, "This is for you mom."

Olympic Trials

Author's Note:
I wrote my story based off of the Indian comic story, "The Boy Who Heard God." The comic is about a boy who heard God at a young age and grew a passion for the Lord. Everyone around him saw him as a untouchable within the society and so he was denied visiting the temple. Instead of Chokha letting that happened he became a temple himself by his reverence to God. My story is not about religion or about my character finding God but it is about him finding a part of himself. I left out a lot of detail for my character because I wanted my readers to be on the outside looking in. My character was closed off person because of his father and losing his mom but he loved to run and never stopped. He had his peers make fun of how he lost his mom and show extreme disrespect towards him. Instead of lashing back my character took the high road and continued to train. He is similar to Chokha because instead of Chokha not worshipping he still continued along the path. I wanted my character to have something he works hard for even with opposition at his door. The best way I felt I could represent this is by a sport. I grew around sports and I have not always been the best but I never let it stop me from doing something I love. The similar idea exists within my character. He never stopped loving to run and just needed one person to believe in him. Sometimes in life all you need is that one person to think the world of you to get you through life. Timothy had his coach. His coach saw he was more than what Timothy thought he was and because of that he was able to attend the Olympics in the end.

References:
Chokha Mela: The Boy Who Heard God

Reading Notes: Part B, Brain vs Brawn

The second part of my reading this week I read a tale about brains vs. brawn and the characters were all birds. My stories are not centered around animals with human characteristics but I could easily input certain parts of the story into my characters. The moral of the story with the birds is all about being wise in situations and thinking before you react. In my story I could allow my character to deal with a dilemma in which he/ she needed to think before she acts or  be wise in a situation. Since my story more than likely will be about an athlete I could allow him/ her to be involved in a situation where he may go against the morals my character believes in. They could be around people who are trying to convince them to get involved in steroids to make the process of training become a quicker process or they could be doing cocaine or something and tell my character it helps with nerves to try and pressure them into doing something they should not be. I can use that as a way for my readers to relate to my character in some way. Every person during their life will experience peer pressure in some form. Some may experience it worse than others. Some may decide to break under pressure and some people in the moment are strong enough to say no. Regardless of the situation the bottom line is that everyone experiences it eventually. I want my story to be able to grab the reader's attention and keep it. The way I feel like I can best do that is by allowing my character to be relatable in some way. My story will have the basis of the comic I read yesterday and have parts from the story I read today.


References:
Bird Stories: Jataka Tales of Brain Versus Brawn


Funny Picture

Reading Notes: Part A, The Boy Who Saw God

I would like to somehow combine two different stories I have read and one is called "The Boy Who Saw God." The story is about Chokha a boy who experiences God at an early age. He was not able to go to any Temples because he was known as an untouchable in his society. Even though this was his sad truth he never stopped singing praises and his body and heart became a temple. I want to incorporate this like my other stories into a more modernized theme and twist. I could possibly write a story about an athlete who is training for the Olympics and growing up in a background that is not supportive of the dream. It can be similar to the original in a way because in the original he devotes himself to God and never lets anyone allow his faith to be ceased. My character could triumph through different obstacles as well by what he/she faces training for the big event. Also in my story I could add a romantic dynamic. The dynamic will allow my story to keep to the theme I have provided for this blog, which usually revolves around some type of relationship. This story could be focused on the relationship someone has to their hobby. Some people feel so connected to a particular object or desire as if it is their child or baby. Some dreams to people are not just dreams but something that could alter their life the way they know it. This in a way describes the way love is pictured in movies. My story will light the fact their is a romantic encounter to be had but instead their focus is on their current dream. Some people do not have a happy end with another person. Sometimes people's happy end is the goal they set and the goal they met.

References:
Chokha Mela, The Boy Who Saw God


Olympian

Week 10 Story: When Dark Turns to Light

The Beginning
The waves crashed against the beach as the winds began howling louder. Timothy Rider was just a tiny boy when he got taken away from his parent's home that resided near the beach. He did not remember much but the crashing of the waves and the howling of the wind as he was taken from his home to the van that the agency sent. His parent's were drug addicts for many years and when his mother found out she was pregnant she did not stop. She went from men to men until finally she got Timothy. Timothy was even named after the man who delivered her baby because she was so ill prepared for him. It was only a matter of time till he was taken away from the amount of neglect he experienced.


Beach Storm

One day in the foster home Timothy was adopted by this wealthy no-good family. He was beaten to a pulp on many occasions when he did not mind well. The father, Kennedy Rider, was a well known corrupted businessman. He owned lots of land and even did experiments on animals and people. Most of the experiments were not sanctioned. He wanted to create super soldiers, like the ones you read in the comics. His adoptive father wanted to be the first to actually do it and nothing and no one would stand in his way. So he drank for long hours and worked and with all his frustrations came anger and when that happened Timothy was the first to get the brute of his anger. Because of this Timothy grew dark and angry and when he got older his darker side began to take him over until one day a miracle happened.

Child

Redemption
As the thoughts of his childhood zoomed out of his head in a flash Timothy came back to reality. He was sitting in his business meeting trying to focus on one of his employees sells pitch. A part of his was high from some weed he smoked before work. Lately he has tried everything to calm his anxiety but weed is the only substance that does the trick. He was a cold dark person who would never let anyone see him with emotion. Lately something inside has began to change. He felt like someone was nudging him to be different but he could not listen. Before he could continue his thought he was interrupted.

Smoking Weed

"Ryder. Are you awake? "Do you understand the new sales plan."
"Yes. Continue on."

After that was said Timothy stepped out of the room and of the 28 story building to catch some air. It was during lunch time and the sky was a bright blue and the trees were in full bloom. He began to round corner after corner until he stepped out into this dark alley way. He started to embark down the ill-lit passageway when a peculiar man grabbed him and put a gun to his head and screamed for his money. Timothy's palms instantly got sweaty and his heart pounded intensely in his chest. His thoughts became blurry and in the spur of the moment he was shot. Timothy lay almost lifeless on the hard concrete beneath him. He was grasping for air when he started begging for his life. He begged and pleaded with any God who would listen. " God please. If I turn out ok I will change. My life will be lived in a selfless way, and I will love others and show them respect." After he said his plea he blacked out.

The next day Timothy woke up in the hospital with a bandage the size of a football on his side. The room around him was well lit and colorful with bizarre photos of different settings. For a moment he felt he was seeing things but soon realized where he was, and his first thought was how lucky he was to be alive. Soon the doctors came and went and spoke about the miracle that Timothy Rider was. Timothy felt different. He felt he had honor, courage, and commitment. He could be a better man and from that day he would be. His tombstone would no longer be empty but filled with flowers and love from left behind loved ones.

Man in Hospital Bed

Author's Note:
My story was inspired by a comic called,"Andhaka, The Dark Lord Who Saw Light." The story is about Andhakasura who was a son of Shiva. He was put up for adoption and taken in by an evil family. Later on in life he is redeemed to being a good person. My story reflects that because my character also had a bad hand at life in the beginning. He came from a greedy family. I did not go into grave detail because I wanted my story to be up for interpretation. I provided the beginning to a story that could be molded easily into something entirely new. Even though I allow my story to have more of a different ending I wanted to stay with the basis of the original story. I felt like the original story had a deeper meaning that can be reflected in today's society in a similar way. Kids around the world have a rough start but it does not mean they cant change as an adult. Andhaka had to go through fire to change into a better man. Timothy was shot in a dark alley and because of that it changed him. Sometimes in order to change people need to go through their own "fire" to be able to reach to the other side. Timothy and Andhaka went through their own trials to become the man who they became in the end. Both my story and the original present the same message, which is about how others can change. The world does not have to be set in the ways it is in. The world can be open and filled with diversity where everyone has a chance to be who they want to be and no one could tell them otherwise. My story reflects that.

References:
Andhaka, The Dark Lord Who Saw Light

Reading Notes Part A-B, The Dark Lord Who Saw Light

 

The story I read was "Andhaka: The Dark Lord Who Saw Light." The story is about Andhakasura, the child of Shiva. The child is born early and is adopted into an evil family called the Asuras. He end up growing older and having a dark soul because of it. The story is about his liberation and the steps his soul had to go in order to be redeemed. He had to go through a fire journey in order to experience the destiny he had in front of him.


The way I could set up my own story is by allowing my character to have similar issues. My story could be about a girl who may see herself as ugly and go through a journey of loving herself and being "freed" in her own way. I could also twist my story into a type of Sci-fi theme and write a spin off of Harry Potter. My main focus can be on my own version of Lord Voldemort and instead of him being completely bad he somehow turns out to be one of the good guys but he has been framed all along. My stories usually always have a theme to them or a moral I want my readers to think about. This time I could focus my writing about not judging a person by the way they look but who they are on the inside. There are evil people out there but no one really takes a second to think why they might be that way. A serial killer is not born to be that way but was transformed by the hand of another. I recently saw a movie that reminded me of that concept. Even though it may be hard to forgive someone who has wronged you, it can also be freeing. I want my story to illustrate a concept similar to that.


Not Enough
























Voldemort


References: 
Andhaka, The Dark Lord Who Saw Light  

Week 9 Storytelling: The Forgotten

The Lost

Nights and days began to blur as she tried to continue life without him. She remembered the last goodbye. He held her tightly in his grasp and she never wanted him to let go. The way his face glistened with tear-filled eyes broke her heart into pieces. They spent every day together. She played memories of them in her head over and over on repeat. The first night they kissed, and even the first night they realized they had fallen in love. The memories were endless and she never wanted them to fade. He had left for the United States Navy for deployment. She has not heard from him and she was given information that he was lost at sea. Kallie waited for him to call. Weeks went by and then months, yet still no call. The military police came by to break the news. "Ma'am, I am sorry to say but your husband Jamar has been lost at sea. The SEALs' ship got caught in a big undertow and pulled the ship down." Her cheeks began to swell and her eyes filled with tears. Her ears could not believe it. Jamar, her rock, her husband, her friend was gone. She wished she could fall into a deep sleep that will allow her to skip so many of these days without him.

Navy SEAL

The next couple of months dragged on even more and Kallie grew desperate on believing he would return. She noticed his best friend Mike was coming around more often at her job at the "Giggly Wig Journal,"where she was a writer and reporter. Mike and Jamar had been friends since they were kids and before the accident were inseparable. One thing that drove them into arguments was in fact Kallie. At one point Mike admitted his attraction to Kallie and Jamar became very displeased. Now Jamar is gone and Mike had a mission and Kallie knew it was her. The one problem with Mike is his handsome features. His smile lit up the room and melted women's heart. He had a defined muscular core and arms. His eyes were a deep green and his hair was dirty blonde. He was what young girls call "the dream guy." Even though Kallie knew this could be wrong she kept him at a short distance and allowed him to be her friend. Little did she know that might have been her biggest mistake.

The Betrayal

About eight months had passed since her husband Jamar went missing and Kallie was holding up a little bit better. She decided to believe he was gone. The only thing she could do was move on and hope maybe she could be wrong some day. She typically stays to herself unless Mike came around. Lately he had been fixing things in her home and helping her clean up. She lives in a big house and for her alone it would be hard to keep up. One day Mike started acting strange and Kallie could not figure out why. He would shrug her off when she asked if he needed help fixing some light bulbs. He declined the lunch she had made for him, and he did not speak very many words to her. Kallie soon realized she could not take the tension anymore, and started stomping her way toward the pools edge in her backyard where Mike was. She began yelling, "What the hell is your problem?" In a disinterested tone Mike exclaims,

" What do you mean?"

She continued, " Well, you have been ignoring me, not talking to me, and so I want to know what is your problem?"

He paused for a second and stood along the pool with a puzzled look on his face, and then he explained.

"Well, after everything I have done I figured I would at least get some action if you know what I mean."

Outraged by what he said she yelled at him and told him it would never happen. She said she still loved her beloved husband and until she knew he was truly gone she would remain loyal to him. After she screamed she stormed into the house and did not look back.

Colton Haynes

Beautiful End
After some minutes inside her big empty home she heard a noise coming from the front door. She began to walk steadily toward the door to investigate the sound. As soon as she reached the front door she noticed it was open. As she turned around she saw a figure standing in front of her. She began to cry in disbelief. It was her beloved. She ran and jumped into her arms. She knew he would come back. He brushed her hair out of her face with his manly fingers and told her how he made it off the ship before it crashed and sank. That they survived off this abandoned island in the China Sea and they ate their military rations to help keep them alive all this time. Her heart sank to the floor as she was wrapped in her man's arms. She could not believe he was here and it could never have come at a better time. Life after that point was a blur. She was happy now more than ever and she also found out she had a little boy on the way.

Lydia and Stiles

Author's Note:

My story is based off the comic book story, "She Gave Her Heart to Krishna." The story is about this little girl Mira who gave her heart to the Lord Krishna and promised to only serve him and not another Deity. When she got older she married a prince who was against her strongest belief. She was told to stop worshipping Krishna and she would not. My characters are different. Kallie is a representation of Mira yet she has a happier ending. Kallie instead loses her husband who is a Navy SEAL and she gets tempted in other ways. Mira's loyalty to Krishna is tested and she stays steadfast. Kallie in her own way stays completely loyal because she never touched another man while her husband was away. She was a good wife like Mira and stayed true. Another interesting fact is I started out with the military theme because my husband and I both met in the military. He was my " man in uniform" and I also wore the uniform. I began to think about the first time we were separated due to the military and I remembered how bummed out we were. I took my story from there adding twists and turns in the story so I could provide a more adventurous appeal. My husband is not a Navy SEAL but if he was lost at sea I know I would wait for him. My story is a reflection of how in real life we come to a point where we are tempted in some way. The way we think is questioned and things may derail what we believe in. The key to this all is to remember who you are and where you came from. The only person that will ever be strong enough to live your life is you. I wanted my story to represent that.

References:
Mirabi- She gave her heart to Lord Krishna

Reading Note's: She Gave Her Heart to Krishna, Part A

During this weeks reading I decided to choose the comic book that is titled, " She Gave Her Heart to Krishna." The story is about a little girl named Mira who at a young age gave her heart to the Lord Krishna. When she gets older she marries a prince named Bhojraj who had a great passion for hating Mughals. Later on she is tested for her devotion to Krishna and she stands by him while the prince's sister, Uda tries to sabotage Mira by speaking to the prince about where Mira goes when she worships. The different ways I have thought about changing up my story but staying within a similar theme like my previous stories is make it into a greater love story. I can speak about a wife and her devotion to her husband who loves her back. Then one day she could be tempted to be unfaithful because the marriage gets increasingly difficult. Instead of allowing herself to be tempted she walks away. She soon realizes it is her husband she wants to stay loyal and dedicated to. I think it will illustrate a more modern yet different approach. In the stories we have had to read this semester most of the endings are not pleasing because they end in a somber way. I want my story to be focused on a real modern marriage. Everyone in a marriage at some point will be in conflict with their spouse. Although what the important part is in how they argue and talk it out. That is an instant sign on if a couple will end or continue by how they handle each other during conflict. I want my story to reflect a true, modern, and genuine marriage that will help build onto my stories to come. I think this edge will provide my story with more in depth details.


Peyton, One Tree Hill






Resources:
Mirabai- She gave her heart to Lord Krishna

Week 8 Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset

After viewing Carol Dweck's video about children in school and changing their mindset it brought a lot of thoughts to my mind. The video spoke about a study that was done between a fixed mindset group of kids and a growth mindset group of kids. It showed over the course of two years that the kids in the growth mindset group excelled more. The reason she said they did was because they were thinking more positively. The kids with the fixed mindset did not take risks and therefore did not succeed like they could have. The growth mindset group, on the other hand, excelled because they learned new ideas and material just to learn. This study goes to show how much better someone is internally when they believe in themselves and focus on growth and not perfection.


Looking at the growth mindset in my own life I tend to fall short. The biggest problems for me is I consistently think I am not good at something or I like my comfort zone quite a bit. At a young age I was bullied for my weight and made fun of for ridiculous reasons, like not being "popular." I think because of that it put an idea in my head that I should not try to excel at anything because I already get a lot of attention and I do not want it. Overtime as I grew older I began to see myself slightly different. About two and half years ago I boarded a plane to China and did a study abroad. That was one of the first times in my life I have ever done anything "ballsy", per say. I decided one day that I could not sit around and wait for opportunities to happen so I created one. After I spent about 6/7 weeks in China I returned home and had a different view of the world. That moment I realized that I needed to be more positive about myself and how I feel. I think my strengths would be I learn well from my mistakes and I am always eager to learn more. I consistently makes mistakes because I am human. Instead of putting myself down I usually get up quickly, brush myself off, and move on to better things.

The biggest Idea I will take from the growth mindset for this class is being more diligent. Even if I have a lot of assignments going on and I am overwhelmed, I will make it a point to devote time to the class. I can challenge myself more in this class and step out of my comfort zone when it comes to my writing style. I also believe in myself in order to create a more fluid and imaginative story. The second half of the semester will allow me to showcase more of my abilities as a writer and strengthen me as well.


Determination

References:
Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset

Week 8 Reflections

Readings
As I was reading through my notes in the past I think I did a pretty good job at setting up for my story that was to be completed the next day. I believe the biggest way I can approve my story notes would be to break down on what I think my story should be. I write in such a way that I am already waiting a story, I could try the opposite. I could write my notes in a note taking form instead of in paragraph form. So I don't give away too much of what will happen with my story. My favorite story thus far has been reading about the "Nine Ideal India Women." I found the different take on R.K's Ramayana's stories were beautiful. I like the way they were interrupted differently and I really liked the stories about princesses. I do believe the writing is a bit darker but these versions had a more pleasant ending. Also I found that writing at night is better for me because I work and go to school during the day and sometimes do not get home till 10 pm. So I find the best time for me to write is late at night. During the weeks to come I cannot wait to read about Gods and Goddesses. I think that Indian epics shows how well the writings depict certain topics through Gods and Goddesses. It provides the story with more interesting background and I quite enjoy it.

Writings

During this half of the semester I do like the writings I have posted. I like the way I take the original and twist it into my own story based off of my creativity. I do believe that I could improve my writing overall. My biggest issue is my grammar. Sometimes I may rush my writing and if I took the time to edit some more and sharpen my story than it would be a lot better. There are times I may rush through more than others and I think the extra time could help me improve. I have liked the other ways my peers have created their stories. I have seen some use diary like speech within their writings to tell their story, and I was not as into that. I feel like that is just too easy to created within a story. Usually within a writing its not very descriptive except maybe descriptive about the main character's thoughts. I think there are better ways to write that involve some more thought and calculation to make the story great. I like that I describe my characters feelings and also try to incorporate the background they are in. I do believe sometimes I don't describe the same amount of a situation in the first part of the story like I do the first. I think if I focused on a strong ending like the beginning than I could create stronger stories. In the second part of class I will focus on my editing better and use the helpful hints the professor gives as well as sharpen my skills.

Connecting
I have already stated above how I feel about some of my peers stories but I could add a few more. I saw a story one of my peers wrote and was amazed. He made me think about the different ways I could write a story for this class and the future. He spoke through to the reader breaking the 4th wall, so to speak. I felt like he really captivated the reader instantly and kept their attention. The way he spoke suggested us to think about something other than what we are writing. I think everyone deep down needs a sense of belonging and a sense that in this world we wont just amount to nothing. The idea is breathtaking. To think we are brought here for a reason and continue to be for a reason. I think instead of giving more critical criticism I wanted to praise that story. Regardless of what I just stated I think I could give better feedback to my classmates by giving more detailed feedback. I felt like sometimes I would be too vague on what feedback I gave and I could do better.


Writing

The Final Stand

The Final Stand


Chapter 1: The Last Hit
He pushed her hard against the wall in their living room. They had been having screaming fights for weeks and she felt trapped. Her body trembled in the harsh grasp of his rugged hands. He tossed her around like a piece of junk.  Paul crushed every sense of self Sally had. His threats grew louder as the days went on and she could not break free. Sally spent nights awake with bloodshot eyes trying to shut the world around her. She came seconds to ending her own life and spent hours pondering if that would be the better choice. But in this moment in time she could not stand it. He began yelling, "You dumb slut. You will not amount to anything." She hovered in the corner with tears crashing onto her cheeks that were swollen. He began to pace back and forth in front of her, yelling threats with arms whirling at both sides. She looked from her reddened eyes and immediately stood up. She took the lamp that stood on the nightstand that was next to the bed that she was near; Sally whacked him in the head when he got distracted. She ran out the door as he lay unconscious on the bedroom floor. Sally tripped running to the door as the tears on her face began to turn to sweat. She ran out of the house after she quickly composed herself. As she stepped outside she frantically turned her head in both directions as the upper Manhattan streetlights flickered and began to run down the street.


Girl Crying


Chapter 2: Lost and Found
Sally finally stopped running after a long period of time and stumbled upon a homeless shelter. Not knowing anywhere else to go and not wanting to return to the man who has been abusive towards her, she walked in. The place was far from glamorous. It was only made up of a few rooms. One room had rows of twin beds lined up for people to come and go. The cafeteria was bleak and painted white and was filled with cheap dining tables. Rows of cafeteria benches stood sporadically in the room. Volunteers stood around and were walking in and out of the kitchen getting ready for the afternoon meal. The place made Sally feel like she had hit rock bottom. She could not believe this was what had become of her. The pain made her want to surrender but she knew that she had to keep going. Then suddenly she caught a man staring at her and she began to feel flushed. He had manly features and was quite handsome. He stood with broad shoulders and a chiseled jaw. His eyes were a sparkling light blue that reflected brightly under the fluorescent lights.

Harry introduced himself as the director of the homeless shelter. He was smitten with her. He felt a deep connection and felt like he needed to protect her. She was vulnerable in a way no other woman was. It revealed how feminine she was in nature and it intrigued him. She also felt the same about his features. There was an instant connection and within weeks they fell in love. The were two peas in a pod. Nothing could separate them. Even though they were so close Sally was still hiding from Paul. She knew he would not stop till he found her. She kept him in the back of her mind. She knew she was lying to Harry because she did not tell him about Paul. Regardless, Sally could not bear allowing him to get involved. She kept Harry at an emotional  distance as much as she could. She would tell him they could make their relationship public when she "gets her life together," but deep down that was far from the case. Sally felt a gaping hole within her. She did not feel her past deserved to be reopened. Maybe Paul would never find her, or maybe she could live free without ever being seen. Her life had been falling apart for ages. It all began when she met Paul. He was always so controlling but to what end? Harry could not love her to the depths of her soul. No man could. But to her surprise, she might finally be wrong.


Couple

Chapter 3: The Haunting Past and The Bright Future
Six months had gone quickly and Sally found a job as a bartender to get by living in a  cheap studio in the Bronx. She still was very close to Harry and spent many moments with him. If she was not with him then he was steady on her mind. Harry would surprise her at work but on this particular day he decided to show up to her studio and walk her to work. As he was rounding the corner he saw a strange man handling her roughly. He was drunk and you could tell he was using her to keep himself up. Harry sprang into action and  ran towards them. Sally quickly tried to shove Paul off but continued to struggle. Sally yelped," I am so sorry, Harry. This is my ex. I did not want to frighten you with my baggage." She quickly tried to catch her breath. Harry in an irrational state of mind beat Paul's face in as soon as his arm was within reach. Sally fell to the ground beneath her and her eyes started swelling with tears. He finally was able to see what kept her from his love. He picked her up as if she was his bride and he was taking her inside their new home. He whispered sweetly in her ear, " You are safe with me. I will never let another man touch you unjustly." As the police car lights in the background began approaching closer, they still did not stop staring at each other. She began smiling and kissed him passionately and the world around them grew fuzzy. Their love blinded them from all the cruelty around them.

Happily Ever After

Author's Note:
I read through the first part of the book version of R.K Narayan's "The Mahabharata" and created my story based from that. I decided to go with a more realistic approach and incorporate domestic violence. In the story the sons of Dhritarashtra were a family known for demonic birth and were said to be incarnations of demons. They wanted nothing to do but destroy the Pandava family. The sons of Dhritarashtra tricked one of the brothers and took the Pandava family and even their wife Draupadi. My story is based on the ridicule the sons of Dhritarashtra brought to them and the abuse that Draupadi endured. Sally resembles the wife and the two other men represent the Pandava family and Kauravas. I decided to stay with three characters representing the story because I wanted to go more in depth so my readers can follow easier. I wanted the major focus to be on Draupadi. She  is represented amazingly within the story. Out of the many stories they had in that time period this story was chosen to be remembered. The way they represent Draupadi to tell a tale makes her character interesting to read about. Draupadi may not be based on a historical figure, but that does not mean she doesn't carry meaning and significance. In modern times abuse, like in the past is common overall in relationships. Women all across the USA struggle with some form of abuse. Draupadi experienced verbal and emotional abuse from the readings. Physical abuse is not the only type of abuse out there. Every woman deals with the abuse differently but overall everyone can agree that abuse is never okay.


References:
Narayan's "the Mahabharata," Link to Reading Online
Background Information about the Mahabharata

Week 7 Storytelling: In Sickness and In Health

The Accident
It was in the middle of the night and the phone rang loudly in Melanie's hear. She was instantly started and her heart skipped a beat. Who could this be she thought? Where am I? Rubbing her tired eyes and wiping off her face, she answered the phone. "Hello", Melanie said sleepily. On the phone was a surgeon who was about to operate on her husband do to a horrendous motorcycle. Her husband
was named Michael. Michael was a kind hearted man, whom loved Melanie deeply. The way their eyes first caught a glance of each other when they first met sent them into a spiraling of emotion. Now he was lying on a hospital bed begging for life, and begging for one more moment on the Earth with his beloved. He decided he had to own a motorcycle and that he needed to immediately go for a late night ride. The time seemed to stop around her and around him as if slow motion was turned on. Everything went silent in her head as she closed her eyes and cupped her face. She took a deep breath, put on a coat and proceeded out the door. Soon after she arrived at the hospital and was told to wait while her husband was in surgery. Instantly she went into her mind of the night they met.

Motorcycle Accident

Summer of 1975
The air was warm and the day was bright and sunny. Melanie sat in her bedroom window overlooking the beautiful bed of flowers in front of her. It was the time when Elton John was considered top 3 out of 100 on the music hit list. The time when a Ford Mustang was around 4000 and gas was 44 cents. Times were different but the way everyone lived was wild and freed. Melanie had dreams of taking on the world and finding a prince charming to sweep her off her feet. She would sit down and watch Charlie Brown with him and carry on her family's tradition. Love was catching everyone in town and she wished to be infected.

The next day she met with one of her friends Melissa, whom spoke her about a party that was happening for the Freshman class. They were both a Freshman in college at Boston University. Melanie studying nursing, and Melissa studying microbiology. They became fast friends on the first day of class a couple weeks back and have been inseparable every since. Melanie was excited there was a freshman bash tonight at one of the fraternities house and was ready for a new start to the new year. Before the party they would do their hair and get dolled up and then head their way out into the night.


1970s Photo

The Party
They both arrived about an hour after the party started and the sun went down. The stars were shining bright and hanging in the sky. The moon shed bright light that lit the whole ground beneath them. Both the girls knocked harshly against the door and waited for a reply. The music inside was banging against the fraternity's boys walls. The door swung open immediately and a storm of noise hit their ears. Melanie followed Melissa into the house and pushed and shoved through the crowd of people. She immediately felt insecure and wondered if what she wore was enough. She was poor and could not afford most the clothes that were being worn by the young girls around her. She felt out of place and decided to head out the door to the backyard to get fresh air. Right before she stepped outside she looked back at her friend flirting with a tall dark haired blue eyed handsome young man.
Melanie stood by the bushes in the background and looked up into the starry night sky in silence. She wondered if she would ever meet the right man or ever feel like she could belong in this world. She always had a feeling she was a part of something bigger and better but yet here she was, lost and lonely more than ever. Then instantaneously a dark figured appeared in the distance. The closer he got the more she was able to see his features. He had broad shoulders and a chiseled jaw. His eyes were a light blue that sparkled in the moonlight. He approached her and began to speak but her heart could only focus on how handsome his features were and how tall he was. Her heart sank and her body felt different. She knew this must be it. He spoke to her gently and nothing in the world in this moment made more sense. She did not know why he chose to approach her but for her it was love at first sight and she never wanted to let go.


Party

Present Day
The doctor emerged two hours later from surgery with positive news. Her husband has emerged from surgery and was awake and that she could visit him. She reluctantly said OK and began to approach the room where he lay. As soon as she turned the corner of the hospital walking way she came to the front of the room. She turned the knob slightly and the door opened.
All around the room was a dark somber feeling. A part of it made her want to become queasy and she felt the happiness zap from her body. She ran over to her husband body who lay limp on the bed. He turned his head slightly to look at her in the eye and used all his strength to move his hand towards hers on the bed. She insisted he save his energy and placed his hand back where it was and kept her tight grasp on him. She told him no matter what she wouldn't leave his side and could not believe she was not there. She tried to blame herself and all he could express in words were, " My darling, you have no idea how high I can fly." In that moment she knew he would not give up so easily on her or on his life. Her body began to feel at peace with his words and in this moment everything was OK.


The Notebook


Author's Note:
My short story is based off of the reading, "Nine Ideal Indian Women." I chose to base my story off of Savitri and Damayanti's story of their lovers. I wanted my story be a twist on how their stories turned out. In the story about Savitri her husband was killed and she followed death around to make sure she could have her husband back in this life. On the other hand, Damayanti's story was different. In her story her husband lost all his belongings and she had to explain to him that it does not matter because she loves him. I wanted my story to be placed in a more modern setting and instead I wanted the woman to be the one who feels love at first sight. I think every relationship is different and who says the woman cant be the first one to notice the man? I wanted to still include that he did approach her, like in the original stories. The men noticed their princess and approached her in romantic ways. In my story Michael sees her from across the room and goes to her. Than later on instead of him dying or losing his belongings I wanted to show their love lasted. They met in the 70s but their love lasted and in this accident it showed they had what it takes to make their love last through sickness and in health.





References:
Narayan's Ramayana, Nine Ideal Indian Women

Reading Notes: Nine Ideal Indian Women, Part A

During my reading this week I decided to choose the reading about the Nine ideal Indian women, and I chose to read part A. The readings for part A are about Savitri and Daymaniti. Both of these women were princesses who fell in love with two realistic type men. Savitri lost her husband to death and followed death around until her husband was brought back because she did not want to raise the child alone. On the flipside, Daymaniti's husband did not die but gambled away his belongings and wanted her to leave him because of his "sins." Instead she stayed with him and said it was not the money she wanted but him. I could somehow combine both of these stories together and allow them to correlate together. The two women could be friends and I could change one of the stories for them to meet in a more modern setting, like a party or in a class at school. Another possible idea I could do for making my own twist to the story is allowing one of the husbands not be royalty but be a very wealthy man. He could fall in love with a woman who resembles the beauty of a princess. Then he could get into a bad accident and instead of losing money to gambling, he loses his legs. On the other side, I can allow her to see her lover from across the room and see him as love at first sight. In doing that it can allow my story to have a different spin on it because the roles in which male and female are switched. I can alternate my stories back and forth so readers can understand both sides of the story. I could write from the males perspective and female and speak about it from both stream of consciousness.


Prince and Princess

References:
Narayan's Ramayana, Nine Ideal Indian Women Link to Readings Online

Storytelling Week 6: Justice Deserved

Introduction

In a city filled with around one million bustling people lived one fortunate man named Moxin Smith, Mox for short. Mox was strong and dedicated to those around him. He was masculine and stood tall over many people. The way he walked in the room captivated those that were in his presence because of his handsome features. He also had a friend named Brady Jenkins. Brady Jenkins was younger but still strikingly handsome. Mox met him during a big brother program that allows people to sponsor a foster kid and help become a positive role model  for them. They were seven years apart and counting, but were inseparable. They both did not have a lot of money or even many loved ones but they had each other, they had their brotherhood. One day Mox and Brady came across an ancient artifact while running through the piny woods near their town. Mox was jogging swiftly through the woods when his foot caught on a hard object sticking out of the ground. At first he thought it was part of a tree that tripped him up, but it was a fine golden point that was sticking out of the ground. Brady sprinted to Mox with heavy breaths wondering what was going on. Suddenly a bright light shot from the ground and a golden egg shaped artifact sprung in the air displaying a light that blinded them. They both fell to the dirty ground unconscious and from this point on their world changed.


Golden artifact

Chapter 1: Becoming a Hero

Mox and Brady lay in the plush ground lifeless. The moon hung high in the sky surround by bright twickling stars that lit up everything that surrounded them. A loud noise startled them both awake suddenly and for a moment they forgot why and where they were. Mox gripped the ground beneath him feeling the dirt fill in between his fingers and smelling the fresh outdoor air. He sat up and looked to his side where Brady lay eyes opened staring at the sky above them. After moments of silence Mox stood up and began walking away without a word. He felt off. His body felt consumed by something he could not explain and he could not bring himself to speak. Brady followed behind him closely to make sure not to lose him.
About an hour later they arrived in Mox's apartment. It was about half past 9 and neither of them have eaten all day. He could hear his stomach growling. He began to take steps towards the kitchen and felt a rush of heat overcome him. He thought maybe it was just hot in his apartment and shrugged it off. Mox walked over to his rusted grill and placed two steaks on it about an inch and half apart for him and Brady. Instantaneously, his fingers began burning and shooting fire in all directions around him. He jolted back and almost fell from the experience. Brady promptly walks in.

"What the hell was that?"
Mox replies, " I have no idea."


Fire Hands

Brady began to feel a strange feeling inside of himself and bolts of electricity began shooting out of him and he took one look at Mox and passed out on the hardwood floor beneath him. Minutes later he was awoken him Mox hovering over him. Both unsure of what to make of their new found power, they stood up and headed toward the living room to sit down. As they were walking toward the couch to sit down Mox received a call. Brady sat waiting while Mox stepped out of the room to take the call.
About 2 minutes passed and Mox came in the room with his phone barely clinging to his hand. Mox's sister was with her boyfriend and he was threatening to do unspeakable acts to her. Mox begins speaking.
"We have to go now. My sister is in trouble and I am afraid of what will happen. I do not know why this artifact chose us but it did. So we should at least try to use this for good. We  can use this as a new beginning for us."
Brady did not have many words to say but agreed instantaneously. They walked out of the door as fast as a cheetah hunts down their prey, and left for the start of their new destiny.

Chapter 2: Hero vs. Villain
The two of them hopped in a cab and began their journey towards Maria's location, which they were able to find because they tracked her phone. About 10 minutes had passed and the taxi parked in front of an apartment complex surrounded by the slums. Every street corner had drug dealers making deals, and prostitutes begging for some time. Mox instantly felt concerned about his sister. He had no idea she was in this environment and struggling worse than he was. He wondered why she never thought to bring it up or explain to him that she needed help. His heart sank the more he thought about it. Brady interjected, " Ready to go man?" With a quick nod opened the door and walked up the apartment steps.
Mox slammed the door open and left a gaping hole where fire came fuming out of him. The apartment was dirty and old. You could see rust and mildew everywhere. He saw this estranged man forcefully handling his sister and he threw his hands up hoping the fire would shoot out of him, and it did. The fire zoomed right past the other man's head barely and hit the fridge door next to them. He suddenly let go of the grasp he had on Maria and looking mortified and started trying to run to the next bedroom to hide. Before he could get there Brady swung out his right arm, pointed at him, and shot an electric bolt that zapped him. He shook for a couple seconds and then fell immediately to the floor. Maria realizing what just happened ran to stand behind her brother for safety. All of them stood together staring at the lifeless. Brady motioned to the door for them to leave and everyone agreed. Stepping out of the apartment Mox wrapped his arm around his sister and felt a sense of relief that she was safe. Breaking the silence Maria says, " So are you guys going to tell me what that was." Both Mox and Brady looked at each other with wide eyes and laughed. Mox finally responds, " Brady should you tell her or should I?"

Electric Hand/ Fire

Author's Note:
  I wrote my story was based off of the beginning of "The Gambling Match" and then to the rest of the chapters that unfold Draupadi fate. My heroes of the story represent Shakuni and Duryodhana as they seek revenge for Draupadi. That is my first different between my story and the original. In the original they were not particularly good people but for my story I wanted them to be. Also I thought it would be a great twist to add her as being a sister so it could allow for more of a bond between my characters. So like in the original they are seeking revenge but in a more admirable way. The villain in my story, which was the estranged man represented the Pandava family as a whole. He represented dirtiness, and malice. I never gave him an actual name in my story because I wanted him to be more of a dark mysterious character. The way I described him was mostly be detailing about his surroundings. He is from the slum area of town, his apartment is dirty, and there is mildew everywhere. It shows he has a lack of respect for himself and for others, like the Pandavas. Towards the end of my story I wanted it to be a more positive end so I allowed Maria to be saved. I also noticed in the stories I have read in this class humor is not included within the writing so I decided to add some for a little flare. I got the idea of allowing my characters to receive powers because I felt it would add more depth and meaning to my story if I allowed them to have a second chance of life. Both Mox and Brady had a hard start to life and I felt they deserved a new one.


References:
N.K Narayan's Mahbharata, Link to Reading B&C
.