Silence and shadow. A peaceful serenity known only to the few. Many of the normal people that inhabitated the planet knew nothing of the peace a dark silence brought for they greatly feared it. Silence and shadows were their enemies for they could see nothing and could not comprehend it's mysticism. Or maybe they could. Perhaps they chose to ignore it's power for they feared the ancient knowledge it gave to all that sought it out. Or perhaps they feared what would become of them if they gained that knowledge for it destroyed all faith they had in the unknown. Knowledge is a reckless thing when combined with a lack of understanding. For one can easily delve too deep and be lost in a pit of neverending darkeness. Yet there are those willing to accept the ancient ways of shadowy silence for they have a simple gift. They are not who they are but what they were born to be. This is my plight The night was cold and moonless when it all began. The only light was the flickering rays of the overbearing streetlamps that loomed like endless towers on the curbside. Yet those rays soon relinquished their plight to the shadows as city met sandy countryside. An urban reality set in the middle of empty lands. A sandy place where dirt met sky and the only witness to atrocites commited was the evening wind. It had all begun here and thus this is where it had to end. A silent battle waged so long ago that was once again to be resumed in hopes of finally ending it. I stood staring at the distant streetlamps that continued to flicker throughout the city. Looking at the sand about me I kicked a rock and it flew forward. Eventually skidding to a stop a few yards ahead. The city is where I had to go and yet the vacant desert lands seemed far more welcoming. A cold chill ran through my spine and I could not make my body move forward. I was held in place by the fear of what lay ahead. My final battle was there in that decrepid city and yet my emotions raged so much so that I could not get my wits about me. "Get a hold of yourself!" I screamed into the air, letting the words be carried away by the wind. I knew very well that no one was there to hear. That was the point. The warm evening wind pulled up particles of sand and I brushed a raven lock from my face. What was wrong with me? Why could I not face what I had for so long wanted to destroy? This eve was warm, nothing like the cold moonless night on which it had all began. And yet I still felt as if history were repeating itself. My icey hued eyes looked to the golden sand about my feet once more before I silently trudged forward. My boots sunk slightly into the shifting sands as I moved and I longed for the warm rays of sunshine. I knew ne'er would I ever be able to experience a sunrise again, not after what had happened. Yet still my still beating heart longed for what was. Relaxing slightly I moved towards the city for now I knew it was only a matter of time before it was all over. Or so I hoped. But what I saw at the entrance of the city was nothing I could have ever prepared myself for. It was far worse then I had ever imagined....