MTG Salvation

The Pocket Watch
That pocket watch meant everything to him. It was gold with the family crest of a hydra with two swords crossed behind it. His grandfather had the watch when he had crossed the ocean from England to the United States. It was passed down to his father when he had went out to make his own fortune in California. His father had made a good shipping business down at the docks that brought in some good money. When Damian said he wanted to travel the world for research to become a writer, his father handed him the watch saying that it would bring him good fortune and that he would always be watched over by his grandfather’s spirit. That day as he as he stepped onto the train, he pulled out the pocket watch and traced the fingers over the engraved words “Family and Fortune” on the inside of the cover. His father and mother were proud that he was going out to make his own in his own way. With the money he had made working at his father’s shipping business, the amount in the investments he had made in other companies, and of course what is left of his inheritance from his grandfather. Enough money to head to the World’s Fair in Paris, France where he was sure he’d find inspiration for his novel. Mad scientists, ideas of time travel, and of course the various historical sites consisting of ancient temples and castles. The gothic churches, the statues and paintings of the great artists, the libraries containing written records of kings, warriors, and the various battles they’ve partaken. The chances to sit in the pubs, bars, and gentlemen clubs where various tales of faeries, monsters, and mythical beings that have either helped or hindered the protagonists. Everything in this world can lead to inspiration for his writing; poetry was easy when you knew how to get the feeling of a scene, short stories were a bigger challenge but not by much since you end with something that is cheerful or sad, plays and musicals required a much more creative thought along with a wit to make the characters come alive for the audience. No he wanted to write a novel, something that they’ll remember him for the ages. He’ll work hard, travel across the distant lands, even to the Far East if he must to find material for his epic. A series perhaps centered around a particular person or group? Maybe an allegory set to teach the masses through symbolism of the characters like Pilgrim’s Progress; a mystery series like the great Sherlock Holmes, or perhaps something that was inspired by actual events like historical fiction? Science fiction was becoming a more popular genre as of late and of course the idea of far off planets and the species that live on them trying to conquer our very world? Maybe alternate dimensions where the rules of physics and other sciences are different or alternate timelines that allowed for different outcomes in history?
So much to think on but at last he had the time to think on them; and grabbing his notebook and pencils he began to scribble down some ideas, realizing that he was probably going to need a bigger notebook in the grand scheme of things. The concession trolleys and waiters came and went, the scenery he noticed at times when it was truly awe inspiring but when towns or cities came up they mostly went unnoticed unless it was something famous. The days went by, and forcing himself to sleep so that he could stay well rested and have a healthy mind to continue thinking of new ideas. Plus sleeping brought something important for any artist, whether you were a musician, a painter or sculptor, or even a writer: dreams. Dreams are like unborn children that are conceived in the mind’s eye and are birthed through the artist’s creations. Every masterpiece, every written symphony, all the novels and poems in the world’s libraries all started with a dream from their creator who nurtured their dreams into what they are today. Some of those dreams have become successful, while others have fallen to the wayside to be admired by those with similar tastes. Lives come and go but dreams, ah dreams would last forever. His dream will last throughout the ages, even if he is forgotten to time itself. The ticking of the pocket watch was always in his ears, even if the sounds of the locomotive were louder than it. The constant ticking reminded him of the time passing like the sands of an hour glass gently going through one grain at a time. Finally one evening as he heard the sound of a clock striking midnight, Damian felt his eyes started to grow heavy. Gathering his things he returned to his room and plopped himself on the mattress. Listening to the sounds of the train merge to the rhythm of the ticking from his pocket watch, Damian slowly found himself drifting into a deep sleep. Feeling his body grow light, and his mind beginning to wander Damian felt the embrace of night enveloping him. The world grew quiet, the sound of him breathing disappeared and soon he realized that he had found himself in an empty void of nothingness. Rather than fearing for his sanity or life, Damian instead felt himself dive deeper into the void, deeper into the dream state and set about crafting his own dream. Slowly he painted the images of elaborate castles and strongholds, fierce creatures of legend, wise sages, brave warriors, and beautiful maidens. Satisfied with the sites he now started to create the sounds. Using various sounds from memory of trips to the zoo, the sound of the bustling cities, the roar of cannons being tested at the naval bases down near the docks; everything was starting to fit his vision. Soon he found himself standing on a grassy knoll, an apple tree behind him and an old homey village in front of him. Without a word he waved his hand and everything began to move, to speak, to live. “Well done.” A voice behind him said, catching him off guard. Turning around, Damian saw a man dressed in all black with pale white skin, dark raven hair, and eyes that reminded him of the brightest of stars. He felt like he’s known this man all his life and yet somehow, he knew that he’s never met this stranger in his life. “T-thankyou sir, it’s just something I created through the stories I’ve heard as a child.” The man smiled at him and Damian felt a strange calming sensation from it. “Normally humans are unable to create their own dreams, but there are those rare few who can take the raw dream stuff of my realm and fashion it into what they want. It’s even rarer for those humans to remember afterwards what they have done, and almost impossible for them to understand what they have just done and the process of how they do it.” “That’s all well and good sir but I must ask what your purpose is here?” Damian slowly began to understand what this stranger was but couldn’t exactly put it into words. “Damian, I’ve been watching you for a while and I have to say I’m impressed by what you’ve done. Your ideas are amazing and while you’ve been writing them down they’ve slowly created themselves into my realm as actual existences. You’ve brought to life ancient cultures that most have long since forgotten, given old gods a chance at new life, and creatures that have long left your physical realm a place to thrive once more. I’ve come here to offer you a deal: in exchange for all these realms, I will move events so that you will go on a journey like no other and create the masterpiece of your heart’s desire that will last throughout the ages. All you’ll have to do is survive and return to your home when you know this journey had concluded. Everything you’ve experienced will be recorded by myself personally and you will even be granted a place amongst my subjects if you so choose.” Damian’s eyes grew wider at what he was hearing from the stranger. “Please sir, tell me your name and whether you are an angel or a demon that has come to test me.” The man smiled once more and touched Damian’s forehead. “I am neither angel nor demon, I am of all faiths and ideals, so you are in no danger. If you accept my offer you will never have to worry for your success, however if you refuse your future will be decided through normal circumstances.” Damian backed away and turned around thinking of what was being offered of him. Realizing though he was in a dream he laughed and turned towards the stranger. “Alright then, I accept. Please tell me your name though kind sir.” “I am Morpheous, also known as Dream of the Endless but you will barely remember me or this conversation. I am glad you have excepted my offer Damian and I promise you it will be worth your while. Good luck and safe journey to you.” Damian felt himself being dragged to the wakened world, and feeling like something great has happened without him knowing it bugged him in the back of his mind. He heard the conductor say call out their next stop: Richmond, Virginia. From there he’ll be boarding another train to the coast and there he’ll board a ship to Europe. The World Fair was waiting for him and he felt like it was going to be the event of a lifetime. Looking at his pocket watch one last time Damian walked out of his room and headed towards the dining car. A chance of a lifetime, which will lead to the story of a lifetime; somehow this was going to be unforgettable.

“Annyongi jumusaeyo.” Was the last thing his opponent heard closing his eyes. Death was a slumber that he will never wake from…well barring a resurrection spell or a necromancer. That wasn’t his concern though as he walked to the docks. He was about to be late for ship that would allow him to continue his journey to learn the ways of swordsmanship. His style was inspired by a past renowned swordsman who inspired the schools of swordsman both the regular and arcane. He managed to learn the basics by himself through proper practice and his occasional duel. It was a style that had spread throughout the world throughout the different cultures. Only those that truly want to know the style had to learn it through their travels. The Twin Strike, the Shield of Blades, and the Careful Slice were the attacks that were seen throughout the schools of swordsmanship that had inklings of this style. Mastering those three led him to learning the Two Dragon’s Fang and finally to Duelists End. Those moves could only be used at key points of a duel and once used would either cripple or finish an opponent. “Is this the ship to Milithia?” he asked the sailor. “Yes it will take you to Milithia however we will be making stops along the way. Remember we’re a merchant ship so understand that it’ll be a while until we reach Milithia.” The sailor replied and of course Jihoshi nodded in acceptance. He boarded the ship and sat on the deck looking skyward at the moon contemplating his name: Zukiryuu Jihoshi, the Moon Dragon of Twin Stars. He decided his name will be remembered like the renowned swordsman. However in order for that he must travel to Milithia; where it is said that most of the true adventurers are born from, even the Bakujen ones. As he watched the stars twinkling he felt the ship move and listened to the sounds of men at sea. Some men were talking amongst themselves about the different sites they’ve seen on their journeys, others were gathering to sing songs about the sea to the various water kami, some Bukajen and other culture’s deities. He was asked if he’d like a meal and asked for only water and rice. “I’m afraid the only water you’ll be able to get is the kind we’re floating on.” The sailor replied. “Rice wine will be sufficient then.” He said standing up and smiling to the sailor. He walked forward and leaned against the railing of the ship looking forward and feeling the sea breeze against his face. He turned his gaze to the two katanas that were at both his sides. They were trophies that he had acquired throughout his travels; wagers against swordsmen that he had challenged over the days. He had started off with simple blades that his parents attained for him and through the years of practice and dueling he had earned these new blades that have served him well in his latest duels. He had heard tales though of enchanted blades or enchantments for blades that helped with techniques or even created techniques for other swordsmen. Blades of the elements, some of deities, some that represented the powers of animals both legendary and common, and even some that were enchanted with the powers of the demons that came with special properties that would corrupt the wielder if they were weak willed. Jihoshi did not know if he was going to acquire these blades but he wouldn’t mind having some in his belongings for later on. “Always press for the advantage” was the cardinal role of this style even if it means that you have to use enhanced weapons to defeat your opponent. A different sailor said that food was served in the galley and if he’d like to join the crew or have his food brought to him out here. Jihoshi looked up at the night sky and saw the moon’s light start to fade a little. “I’ll gladly join you and your crewmates in the galley.” He said walking towards the door to down below. The meal was simple but the atmosphere was warm and inviting even in the cramped galley. After he had eaten Jihoshi was offered a hammock which he accepted. “Good night world, I shall see the ocean shine brightly off the sun’s light in the morning.” He said drifting into sleep while keeping his senses open for anything suspicious.

The ship traveled to distant lands that Jihoshi had only heard of through passing travelers that had come from said lands. The Midgard was the first stop where Jihoshi gladly walked around the fresh snow laden lands. Though the food on the ship was sustainable for traveling he was hungering for something a little more satisfying. A fresh snow fall was starting and a sailor had said that if the snow fell that the ship would not leave until it had stopped so that they could clear the deck of hazards that would cause the men to slip. The frigid air was nipping at his skin as he walked drawing the hood of a cloak that he had bought over his head and drawing the rest of it around him for warmth. He knew that Milithian was the common tongue amongst everyone and asked a fisherman where the nearest tavern was. “The Frost Giant’s Brewery is not too far from the market place. It’s got nice fires to sit by and the drinks will warm you nicely along with cooked meat and vegetables.” The fisherman said pointing in the direction of the building. “The sign has an ugly mug like mine only it’s painted blue so you can’t miss it unless it gets covered in snow quickly. It’ll be written in Futhark first but Milithian second, may the god’s of our land treat you kindly even in this weather.” The fisherman said laughing and Jihoshi nodded smiling. “Thank you sir, here for your troubles.” He said handing the man a Churl and making his way to the tavern. It didn’t take him long to find the tavern afterwards and walking in he noticed a few pit fires that were at certain parts of the tavern, the largest being in the center. The bar was located in a far corner and the smell of meats roasting over the fire made Jihoshi’s mouth water at the smell. Looking into his coin pouch he hoped he had enough for something that’ll keep him full until he had to leave. “Can I help you sir?” Said a young lady who was carrying a tray that empty glasses on it; she appeared to be picking up glasses as she traveled around while another women came around with refills. “Service would be nice miss, I thank you.” Jihoshi said to the young woman. “Please seat yourself around any of the fires and someone will be right with you. Mind the drunks they get a bit rowdy around foreigners they don’t recognize, especially ones that are dressed like you.” She said smiling. Jihoshi took the hint and sat by a pit fire that wasn’t occupied by many men who looked sober enough not to cause him trouble. He looked across the room paying attention to the decorations that were on the walls, the weapons that were at some of the men’s sides, and even musical instruments that glowed different colors at the sides of different men. Song’s, stories, and even jokes were told around the fires and even a few insults and challenges were hurled at one other for drinking contests and brawls. A different waitress came towards him and asked what he’d like for food and drink. “Nothing strong to drink if you’d please and fish, along with two small loafs of bread will be just fine for me.” The waitress nodded and a few minutes later he was given some warm water mixed with honey. He was handed a good sized fish on a stick and promptly held it over the fire while a plate with two small loafs of bread was placed next to him. Cooking the fish didn’t take much time over the roaring fire and he quickly placed the two loafs of bread over it. He examined the stick to make sure it didn’t hold any meaning markings and after finding none he threw it into the fire. “Seems like a meager meal for a warrior like yourself there.” A gruff voice behind Jihoshi remarked. “I don’t have much to spend and I’m on a journey to another country, so what may seem meager to you is a necessity for me.” He responded without turning to see who it was that made the remarked. An older man seated himself next to Jihoshi and placing a good sized executioner’s type axe against the wall. “Sounds reasonable if you’re on a journey then, it’s nice to see people of other countries visit Midgard even if it’s not for very long, my name is Rothlan Wintersbeard.” Rothlan said offering a hand to Jihoshi. “Zukiryuu Jihoshi it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Wintersbeard.” “Ah Bukajen you can call me Rothlan; we aren’t ones for using surnames here unless it is during wars.” “Very well then, I’ll call you Rothlan if you call me Jihoshi.” Jihoshi responded giving a friendly smile to Rothlan. Rothlan returned the smile and accepted a tankard of ale from the waitress that served Jihoshi. “You seem to be attracting some negative attention from the men at the table on your far left. I overheard their conversation, they plan on trying to take you by surprise steal your belongings. I was wondering if you’d like some help with them.” Rothlan said in a whisper to Jihoshi. The wandering swordsman took a quick glance to his left without giving away that he was watching the other men. “I have one question: is it legal for a man to kill here in self defense even if he is a foreigner?” Rothlan gave a slight nod. “Thank you Rothlan, I will deal with these three myself though, however if your ever finding yourself wandering outside and see me having some...issues with the men; I wouldn’t be against you feeling inclined in giving me assistance.” Rothlan gave a hearty laugh as Jihoshi beckoned the waitress over. He asked the price for his meal and paid her accordingly, then walked outside wrapping his cloak around him. The three men at the table stood up and followed right after him. The snow was falling still but it was only a little worse than it was before. “Hey you there! Turn around and throw us everything you own including your weapons.” One of them said at Jihoshi. The wandering swordsman stopped in his tracks and turned around slowly drawing both his blades. “If you want them, please come forward and claim them.” He responded menacingly showing no emotion in his eyes. All three men drew their weapons: one had an axe and a round shield, another had a great sword, and the third was wielding a long sword and an axe. They were each dressed in leather armor covered in furs and all three wore helmets that had longhorns attached to them. They were large and muscular but nothing that seemed threatening to him. After he measured them up he placed himself in the proper stance and waited. “Common thugs are all the same no matter where you go in the world. The only difference is how they die.”

I'm not a huge fan of American Comics, even if I'm American. I loved characters like Batman, Spiderman, and Wolverine because they were the hero's I grew up with through the shows. I didnt' like Superman because they constantly made him more out there but I still respected the fact that he holds back because he cares about his home world. I read Ultimate X-Men because the art really got to me and the story line felt different from the original X-Men but at that point I was reading Manga like most nerds around me. Anime felt different than normal cartoons in every way: violence was the kind you'd see in movies, stories felt more real, and artwork was just different and cool. I pretty much stopped looking at Marvel and D.C. simply because I just didn't feel that interest. Super powered guys in spandex weren't exactly gripping enough for me, especially after reading a stories of Half-Demons, Multiversal Travelers, and Teenagers that had to decide the fate of the universe. So pretty much I kept away comic books, and in my mind i thought it was a nice way of aging: when your young you like comic books, when you get older you like manga, and when your around your parents age you were reading more thought provoking hardbacks...until I met people at my parents age that loved comics and manga.

Then as I was walking through borders I looked around the manga/comic book section and for my amusement I decided to take a peak at the comic books to see if anything changed, and to my surprise a lot has. Art was better, the characters I grew up with had gone through massive changes, and both companies had changed their image. But one comic in particular caught my eye: New Avengers Vol. 1: Breakout. I heard about the Avengers, Marvel's twist on the Justice League but if you want to know more just ask a pro becuase I couldn't begin to describe the details of the original Avengers. So of course I saw something weird on the coverart: Wolverine, Captain America, Iron Man, and Spiderman along with three other's I didn't know about: Spider Woman, Luke Cage, and The Sentry. Now the back was pretty much described this: Spiderman, Captain America, and Wolverine teaming up with lesser known heros Luke Cage and The Sentry. Of course I thought "Well Captain America, Spiderman, and Wolverine in a team together is pretty badass. I guess I should give it a shot." And I loved it.

Here's a question I'd like to ask you: What happens when you put Captain America, Iron Man, Spiderman, Wolverine, Luke Cage, Spider Woman, and The Sentry in one room...You'd probably think this was Secret Defenders. Well actually your half right, New Avengers feels like Secret Defender's mixed with the original Avengers. The storyline is a bit shaky, and the roster changes a lot after Civil War (which I understand to an extent but would like to ask questions about to Marvel), where it started off as those seven (eight technically but Daredevil felt too good to be true and they pretty much keep him out on purpose because of his comic events) where characters like Ronin, Iron Fist, Doctor Strange, Ms. Marvel, and such.

I have all 11 Volumes that have been released and thanks to New Avengers I picked up comics again with my latest collection: Cable and Deadpool, along with the first Volume of Deadpool. I'll talk about my interest in Deadpool later but this is just for my amusement.