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
.

Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Part B

During this week's reading I read the rest of part B and began reading into part C of the Mahabharata. As I was reading I formulated some topics I could bring up in my unique twist of the story. The part that stood out to me was during the game of dice. Shakuni tells Duryodhana that they can get revenge on the Pandavas in this game. Shakuni has been known for being a very great player of dice and he believes he can beat Yudhishthira and take from him. Yudhishthira loses everything he owns even Draupadi. Then Duryodhana goes to his brother and ask him if he could fetch her for him. He wants to drag her out in public and strip off her clothes, but calls out to Krishna for help and when her clothes are yanked off, new ones appear. Through this story I will create a modernized story about it. Possibly ways I could create my story is by changing my characters in certain ways. I could allow the scene to be about a super hero and his side kick trying to save a damsel in distress. One super hero  could represent Shakuni and the villain can represent the Pandavas. The super hero could be called Sun Strike and the villain Die Grosse Boom, which in german would be the Big Boom. My story could open with explaining how the characters came to be who they are and what led to their rivalry. The girl in the story will be the protagonist sister and he is trying to save her from the villain. My story will be different because instead of being a princess my characters are related.





Superman and Supergirl

References:
R.K Narayan's Mahabharata, Link to Reading Online

Famous Last Words: Things I Have Learned

Writer

During this class so far I have learned a lot about myself and what truly interests me. I have enjoyed reading both versions of the stories and how it all comes together within the story. The endings are not stereotypical endings that we are used to but that's why to me I enjoy it. I like the different writing styles and the different culture that is portrayed within the stories.

During the writing assignments this week I enjoyed writing my new story titled The Last Hit. It brought to light about domestic violence and I felt like I did a good job incorporating the Mahabharata but also filling my story with a more modernized approach my readers can relate to. A lot of where I get my ideas for writing is from either my personal experiences or those around me.

Someday I would like to be a writer full time and I want my writing to always be genuine and real.
Instead of this class I am in three others and for the most part every class is going well. I am in a math class that is not my favorite but I have a friend in that class that makes it a little bit better. For the most part my favorite class is this one. I used to write a lot growing up. Writing was my outlet for my emotions when I did not feel like I could truly talk to anyone. After awhile I stopped and I could not figure out how to get back to it. This class helped me see that maybe someday I would like to write a novel and be a published writer.

During this next week I hope to get a lot done for school and somehow manage to spend some quality time with my loved ones. I have had trouble organizing time for fun and for school. Sometimes I get so focused on school and work that I forget to enjoy life more. One thing that college has taught me is that life is too short to not enjoy yourself some.

Week 5 Storytelling: The Last Hit

He pushed her hard against the wall in their living room. They have been having screaming fights for weeks and she felt trapped. Her body trembled in the harsh grasps of his rugged hands. He tossed her around like a piece of junk.  Paul crushed every sense of self she 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 begins 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 wailing at both sides. She looked up 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 lifeless 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 street lights flicker and began to run down the street.

Domestic Violence

Sally finally stopped running after a long period of time and suddenly walked by 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 in a row for people to come and go. The cafeteria was bleak and painted white walls filled the space. 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 hit rock bottom. She could not believe this is what had become of her. The pain succeeded on all accounts but she knew that she had to keep going or else hope will be lost. Then suddenly she catches a man staring at her and 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.

Homeless Shelter

Harry introduced himself as the director that runs the homeless shelter. He was smitten with her. He felt a deep connection with her and felt like he needed to protect her. She gave us this vulnerability that no other woman possessed. It revealed how feminine she is in nature and it intrigued him, likewise she felt the same about his features. There was an instant connection and within weeks they fell in love. You would never find them separated and even if they were separated by a short distance they could not keep their eye off each other. The happy ending does not end so quick because after it all Sally still was hiding from Paul and she knew he would not stop till he found her. She kept him and that past in the back of her mind. Sally could not bare Harry knowing or getting involved. She kept Harry at a distant as much as she could. She would tell him they can be together when she "gets her life together", but deep down that was far from the case.

Fight Club

Six months came and gone quickly and Sally found a job as a bartender to get by living in a  cheap studio in Bronx of New York. She still was very close to Harry and spend many moments with him, and if she was not 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 an estranged man handling her roughly. He was drunk and using her to keep himself up. Harry sprang into action and beat his face in as soon as his arm was within reach. Sally fell to the ground beneath her and 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 in 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 lose their gaze. She began smiling and kissed him passionately and the world around them grew fuzzy. Their love blinded them from all the cruelty around them.


Man holding Woman

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 Dhrtarashtras were a family known for demonic birth and were said to be incarnations of demons. They wanted nothing to do but destroy Pandavas family. The Dhartarashtras tricked one of the brothers and took the Pandavas and even the wife Draupadi. My story is based on the ridicule they brought to them and the abuse that Draupadi endured. Sally is resembles the wife and the two other men represent the Pandavas and Dhrtarashtras. I stook with three characters representing the story because I wanted to go more in depth so my readers can follow easier.


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

Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Part A

As I began reading part A of R.K Narayan's "the Mahabharata" I came across an interesting idea that I could do for my own story. The reading starts out with this woman who marries this man and she keeps throwing out the babies. Then on the 8th baby it was saved and she went away. Later on negotiation was had about the dynasty that would be left and Bhisma said he could not break his vow of celibacy even if it meant help princesses to become mothers. Satyavathi asked for Bhisma to forget his vows and help her give children given birth since the men they chose were duds. He said no and then a name popped into her head, it was Vyasa. He owed her a favor and he was sure to do it. He then says yes and enters in. I am basing at least the basis of my story about these scenes and the scenes going forward. Instead I would like to write a story about a woman in an abusive relationship and how she has been hurt from the previous man. Kind of piggy backing off of the idea that all the princes lost their lovers in some way. In this way this princess will eventually lose her lover do to abuse and Vyasa's character will instead save her from the terrible person and help her heal. My story will in a sense have a lighter ending and gives realism to my story, considering domestic violence is common in America I felt like I could write a story to bring that to light. The character Bhisma will be the abusive character and instead of him not wanting to give in and go against his purity he will be the bad character. It will give my readers a sense of how the story could have been different if the characters are different.



Domestic Violence


References:
R.K Narayan Mahabharata Link to Reading Online

Feedback Focus

Doing this assignment helped me see a lot of different techniques when learning how to truly comprehend something I read. I really enjoyed the reading out loud technique. I feel like I am able to understand more when I can hear the text in my ears. It is easier to see mistakes or to see how a writer wants their story portrayed. Also another reason I like the reading out loud technique is because you can sense the pacing of the story. If the story is meant to be a thriller than the pace should be fast and exciting.

Secondly, when I tried the copy-and-delete strategy I realized how helpful it was. Reading a chunk of material and then reflecting on what was read helped me see parts of the story that I would not have otherwise. It is very easy to forget what you are reading when the story is complex and the notes help close that gap. Although because it is time consuming I did not choose this as my number one technique that I will use consistently in the future.

The timer strategy was not my preferred method because I do not like the sense of being rushed. I would not say I am a slow reader but I feel like knowing there is a timer going makes me feel rushed. Instead of focusing on the content in front of me I start to focus and wonder about the timer ticking away. The general idea about the method is good, but some strategies that work well for some do not for others. The importance is finding a strategy that works well for you and use it. In my case the timer strategy was not the best but does not mean it will not work for someone else.

Book Reading

The Lost Prophets

Chapter 1

Stiles stood under the streetlight in the pouring rain. It was a cold, somber rainy day and Stiles was heartbroken. His muscles tensed, and his eyes welled up with tears. He lost his beloved Malia. The gang had found where she lived and had kidnapped her during the night. Stiles was involved in gun smuggling. He stole guns from another gang to make a profit. Malia had insisted on helping him. They were now seeking restitution for the guns taken from them. It was up to him to save her now. Stiles gave a shake of his head to scatter his thoughts, and started walking toward his apartment on the south side of town.

Happy Ending 

Chapter 2
Stiles set on his couch and looked toward the big glass window that overlooked the bustling city beneath him. He waited for a knock on his door from his friend Rodger. Rodger was his partner who helped steal guns from the gang, The Lost Prophets. Rodger was like him. They were one and the same. Pete was also involved within the gang, but had yet to arrive as well. They had good intentions, but always seemed to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. As soon as the thought of Rodger faded from his mind he heard a knock. In the hallway stood Rodger.

Hey, Man. Sorry, I tried to come as fast as I could.
"It’s ok. Come in."
"We need to leave soon."

Rodger sat on the couch and crossed his arms waiting to hear what was to come next. Then Stiles began speaking.

"Alright, so, listen up, Rodger, if this is going to work, this is what we must do. When we go at him we can't be careless. You and Pete will split up. One of you will go to the east side of the house and the other to the west. Make sure you have a clear shot of the back deck. When I give the signal, put the red dots on his chest. I will go through the front with the counterfeit bag of money. Keep a watchful eye because the situation will unravel quickly."

Pete arrived shortly and perched himself next to Rodger on the couch. The two men studied Stiles face wondering if he might be bluffing.   Instead Stiles stood quietly and waited for a response from them. Offering no response, the men stood up and headed for the door. Everyone agreed on what came next.


Chapter 3
Stiles arrived at the house where he met Jesse, the main man in the opposing gang. He would pay his dues to the gang, and right his wrongs. Jesse thought one million dollars should do the trick! Stiles arrived holding tightly to the brown bag of counterfeit money. A big burly man opened the door. Stiles stepped inside the tiny run down house. Jesse stood inside the room near the door. Beyond him, Stiles can see out the window and sees his buddies crouching and waiting for his signal. He approached Jessie to stand in front of him, and raised his hand toward the window. He gave the signal. Gun shots exploded in all directions. Staying low he ran toward the door. Guns continued to fire over and over, and suddenly the world around him was a blur and pain overcame him. He had been shot twice.

Malia was hiding in the back of the house, and quickly began to try to free herself. She raced out of the house, but tripped over Stile's body during the attempt. Malia became hysterical when she realized his fate. Jesse who was consumed with anger shot her. As she gasped for breath she fell and landed next to Stiles. Their arms entwined, and then her body went limp. Stiles turned his head toward her one last time.

His dying wish was that she would survive. He remembered the day he had become an organ donor. He wanted to provide for her after he is gone. His thoughts faded and he turned his head toward the sky and the world went black.



Crime Scene


Chapter 4
Malia woke the next morning in the hospital not fully aware of what happened. There were flowers and get well cards scattered around her hospital room, and Rodger was there. He told her how the brawl ended and that Stiles was dead. As soon as those words were spoken her heart sank. Her one true love was gone. There were no words to express the agony she felt.



"I know you do not want to hear this Malia, but when you arrived at the hospital you were close to death. One of your heart valves was damaged when you were shot. The surgeon immediately called for emergency surgery. They cut an incision down the center of your chest. Tubes were placed in your chest, and connected to a bypass machine to await a new heart. The surgeon put the new one in and connected the blood vessels so there would be no leaks. Malia, you would not be alive if Stiles did not have the heart that was a perfect match for you. You needed Stile's heart. He died, but because of him you live."





In Memory

The words hung in the air and for a long time and she did not respond. He loved her with a love she could never comprehend. She felt her chest and moved her fingers over the patch that covered her wound. Malia could feel the heart beating against her chest and she knew that her world would never be the same.

Author’s Note
I wrote my story based off of the stories beginning from" The Rainy Season" and the next few chapters following. My character Stiles was based off Rama, who was upset at King Sugriva. He was annoyed that he was not helping him find Sita sooner. So instead he took some of the measures into his own hand and reached out to Lakshmana to go help them start more search parties across the land. I decided to turn my story darker because of the reality of the world these days. Some times in life there is no happy ending but there is just an ending. Stiles died but he did what he set out to do, which was to save his love. Malia (Sita) was pure in heart and because of that was saved. Stiles and his friends, who represent King Sugriva and Lakshmana, were good people but surrounded by bad environment. I wanted my characters to have depth to them. They have good hearts but never had a good role model. I wanted to provoke the question of what if Rama was not a good man? What if he was filled with greed? How different would the story be? I added to my story as well by expressing more of his thoughts behind certain decisions he made. I felt it would add more understanding and flow as my readers are able to connect more with my protagonist. I chose the research and learn editing method last week to allow my story to be more believable. I learned about how heart surgery is done so my audience can realize the depth of what Malia went through being part of the story. Last week I choose start strong and end strong as my editing method. This week I chose sharpen and focus because my story was originally quite lengthy.

Bibliography
Narayan, R. K. (1972) The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic.
How Heart Surgery is Done

Week 4 Storytelling: The Lost Prophets

Stiles stood in the streetlight on the cement pavement and watched the cars zoom past him in the pouring rain. It was a cold somber rainy day and Stiles could not believe the heart ache he was experiencing. His muscles grew tense, and his eyes  began to swell up with tears that were hidden from the rain. He couldn't believe he lost his beloved Malia. She was holding his hand tightly with a grasp that he felt would never let go. Then in the next moment  she was taken. Stiles was involved in bad business, gun smuggling to be exact. He thought he could steal their guns and get away with it, but he did not. It was his goal to save her from his mistakes and maybe even save her from himself. Stiles began to turn around from the spot in the street he was fixated on and headed towards his apartment in the south side of town. He started down on the street path and raised his right hand for a taxi and whistled loudly. A taxi arrived shortly and he got in.

Stiles was sitting on his couch and his body was turned in a way that was able to turn his head toward the big glass window that overlooked the bustling city beneath him. He was awaiting a knock on his door from his friend Rodger who was involved with the attempt to steal the guns from the gang The Lost Prophets. Rodger was a kindred spirit to Stiles. They were one in the same. They both had good intensions in life yet ended in the wrong place at the wrong time. As soon as the thought of Rodger faded from his mind he heard a knock at his door. Stiles quickly approached the door and turned it slightly. In the hallway of the apartment building stood Rodger.


" Hey Man, Sorry I tried to come as fast as I could."
  "Its ok, come in. We need to leave soon."

Rodger went and sat on his couch and crossed his arms together waiting to hear what was to come next.  Then Stiles began speaking.


"Alright so listen up Rodger, if this is gunna work this is what we will have to do . When we go at him we can't be careless. You and Pete will be split up one of you will go to the east side of the house and the other to the west. You both need to make sure you have a clear shot of the back deck. When I signal both of you put the red dots on his chest. I will go through the front with the bag of money and then like I said just wait for my signal."


After he was done Pete had arrived and let himself in and was perched next to Rodger on the couch. Both of them eyeing Stiles and tracing his face wondering if he may be bluffing. Instead Stiles stood there silently and waiting for a response but no one could say a thing. The men after a few moments of silence stood up and head for the door in agreement of what they were about to do. Stiles went ahead to get there first to set up their scheme.

Stiles arrived 20 short minutes later at the house where he told Jessie in the gang he will pay his due. Jessie said if he gives him 1,000,000 dollars than he will right his wrongs. Stiles got the money but no one dared ask him how. Stiles slowly creeped to the door holding tightly to the brown bag of money. The door opened and a big burly man stood in the doorway. Then gun shots started
blazing off in all directions and he hovered low and started to ran. He heard his buddies in the distance blazing their guns repeatedly and in an instant everything went blurry. He had been shot twice in the mid section of his body and the pain overcame him. Malia, who finally had been set free, ran to him and started profusely crying over his body. Soon she was shot and barely grasping for life as well and their arms crossed as her body crashed further into the ground.

Malia woke up the next morning in the hospital not understanding what was going on or where she was. She awakened to flowers and get well cards. She looked to her left and Rodger was standing there. He eventually broke the silence and told her of how the battle ended and how the gang ended up with the money. That Stiles was dead. As soon as those words broke into the air her heart sank. She could not believe her one true love was gone. Nothing could compare to the agony she felt until Rodger broke her the news.

"I know you do not want to hear this Malia but he did not just die. He was an organ donor and his blood type matched what you needed and his heart was given to you. You are alive because of him."

The words hung in the air for so long she did not know how much time has passed. The love he had for her was infinite and now she will always have his heart.







Author's Note: I wrote my story based off of the stories beginning from" The Rainy Season" and the next few chapter after. My character Stiles was based off Rama, who was upset at King Sugriva. He was annoyed that he was not helping him find Sita sooner. So instead he took some of the measures into his own hand and reached out to Lakshmana to go help them start more search parties across the land. I decided to turn my story darker because of the reality of the world these days. Some times people are not so lucky that things go wrong. Stiles died but he did what he set out to do, which was to save his love. Malia (Sita) was pure in heart and because of that was saved. Stiles and his friends, who represent King Sugriva and Lakshmana, were good people but surrounded by bad environment. I wanted my characters to have depth to them. They have good heart but never had a good role model. I wanted to provoke the question of what if Rama was not a good man? What if he was filled with greed. How different would the story be.  I also would like to say I got the name for the gang, "The Lost Prophets" from my husband. He said he wants some of the rights just in case my writings ever become famous.

References:
Narayan's Ramayana, Book Link
Gun Picture
Gun Shot Picture
Talking Men Picture
Movement Picture

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Part D

Earlier today I read through the rest of the version of the Ramayana that I chose to read. One chapter that stood out to me that could best fit my story was titled, "The Armies." During this time Rama gets infuriated with Sugriva, who promised to  find Sita. During this time the rainy season has come to an end and since Rama was getting nowhere with Sugriva so he called upon Lakshmana. He asked him if he could remind the monkey king about the promises he has made to him. I could use this circumstance by allowing my character to have a knock at his door be someone he works with. Then on their way to find my character that represents Sita, they are stopped. They run into one of his friends who says he wont let him save her without him. He in a way can represent Lakshmana. In the next scene Sita does eventually get saved and in my story so will my character. Stiles/ Rama can be in the streets with his acquaintance and his friend. They start running quicker until they end at an intersection. Stiles looks both ways and approaches a car. In the dark blue Porsche  a dark figured man with light-skinned hands stuck out his hand with a white piece of paper. Stiles will quickly look down at the paper and sighs. He is not sure what to do or think but he turns back to the two other men behind him and he motions them forward. The man in the Porsche drives away and they begin their journey. Stiles tells them they have to ride the bus outside of town. They both get into the bus and sit on different ends to avoid suspicion of what they are about to partake it. As my story comes to an end I will allow my character to be killed because of him wanting to save her and she gets badly injured and is only brought back to life because her lover was organ donor. He then saves her life in many forms. In a sense my story will symbolize Sita's purity of heart. I read on Wikipedia that Sita has been known for being pure and courageous. Usually the pure of heart always triumph in the end and that's how I want my story to be portrayed.





References:
Narayan's Ramayan, Link to Reading Guide D
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Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section C

During the chapter, "The Rainy Season" in Narayan's Ramayana a massive rain has befallen on the land. The story is set up grim. Rama lost his beloved Sita and he has elected Surgriva to help him. I could begin my story with the same grim atmosphere leading into my tale. The setting can be in a city like Seattle, where rain can be never ending. The scene can start out on a street. There is a young man looking in both directions gasping for air all around him in the pouring rain. He sees a glimpse of light in his field of vision and he cannot quite make it out to be. Then he wakes up. I could have this character be Rama. He is having nightmares of losing his lover to be and that could set up my story to show what will be driving my narrative. Then I can describe the next scene as  being a completely different snap shot but it is of Malia, who will portray Sita. Malia is begging for these gun smugglers save her lovers life and to take pity on them. The smugglers agree and in exchange they take her. Just like in the story Sita in my story will still have her being taken but in a way this type of sacrifice will bring out the courageous and pure aspects of Sita that she is known for in the Indian myths/ beliefs. Then it snaps back to Rama/ Stiles and shows that he does not know why she was taken but that he wants to find her. I then can let him walk into this crowed street towards an apartment building and walk up to what will be his place and walk to his closet and uncover a 50 caliber, showing that he is about to take them on. Then there is an abrupt silence and a knock at his door and it could be someone who owes him a favor/ a really close friends who understands him and the relationship he shares with his lover. That person can resemble Surgriva. Then the story fades into some of the conquest they had to go through to save Sita.







References:
Narayan's Ramayana Link to Reading Guide C
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Week 3 Storytelling: The Beginning of Kal El

He looked out of his mansion size home at the vast desert canyons in front of him. The sun of his planet pierced the ground and reflected off high rises as a glowing red beam that splintered off in all directions. Today was the day Kal El would become ruler over his planet and his father would pass the throne down to him. His father Jor El was becoming very old. His hair was thinning, his breathing was getting heavier with every step, and his limbs could only take him half as far than before. Jor El reigned for many years of the great planet of Krypton but now it was time to turn in the towel, so to speak.

mansion

Suddenly Kal El heard a CLICK... CLICK outside of bedroom door. He walked hurriedly away from the glass window overlooking the city and opened the door. As soon as he turned the knob to open a flying robot swirled and dived around his head until it made it to the center of the room and quickly deescalated to a stop. After a moment of silence within the room the robot spoke, “Kal El King Jor El is ready to begin your final review now.” As soon as the robot was done he flew through the open door and vanished.  He stood for a moment within the room looking around at what lie in front of him. He house was painted different shades of blue and red and the furniture was handcrafted wooden pieces that stood in elegance bringing an earthy feeling within the home. Kal El continued to survey his environment because he knew very soon his life was about to change but he did not realize how much.

 He showed up about ten minutes early to his final review. Could he be fit for this planet as a rightful king, or is his fate filled with more sorrow than that? He kept pondering. He knew with being king he would possess powers unlike any he has every experienced and deep down Kal felt like he could take on it all. Instantanously, the door from which he was sitting outside waiting opened. His father Jor El came out to great him. Jor El looked pleased and excited to see his son through warm gray eyes. “Oh, my dear boy. How long have you been waiting here? Please come in. I have some very unique news for you.” Before Kal could answered he was rushed into a big room with windows on all sides. If the glass was not so visble then it could almost feel like one was walking in the clouds. Before him were a panel of high ranking officials within the planet’s kingdoms. Anyone from the assistant to the king or the assistant to the assistants were there. Kal stood with his arms down at his side trying to monitor his posture. Jor El quickly begins to tell Kal there has been a change of plans. Kal El shall be sent to earth to help rule and save the people within it. His cousin Kara Zor El will take the thrown as the ruler and instead of Kal El he will be called Superman.

Superman

Author's Note:

The story I based mine off of was Narayan's Ramayna from the chapter called," Two Promises Revived." There was a man named Dasaratha, who is a king. He is ready to give up his thrown and wants his son to be next in line. I got the idea of the father and son dynamic from this part but I decided to use Superman and his father instead to make my story more interesting. Then something in the story immediately changes and Rama does not become ruler but instead lets himself get exiled, while someone else by the named of Bharatha. I changed my story to be more happy. I decided to let superman become who we know him as through being exiled. So in a way he was taken away from his planet but it was because he was destined for more than the planet he is from. The situation is overall happier. I also selected the pictures I did from google because I wanted my readers to have a better visual of what to imagine what is happening within the story.

Bibliography

Narayan's Ramayana. " Two Promises Revived". Link