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Since Cranky's is SO much smaller now, I thought I'd give it something to remember me by.
Hello, and welcome to the Official Stephen Strange Take My Story Idea and try to Write One of Your Own Please! Contest! All contestants get an Officially Sanctioned copy of this Introduction. The Intro is my property, but the story you write based on it is entirely your own! You may write about anything you want, involving anything you want, using any characters you want, in whatever situations you want... ANYTHING you want!! There are only Two Conditions that must be adhered to:
1: The Intro is my property. You must give me credit for the inspiration for your story, and you must give me credit for any of the Intro you use in your story.
2: Uhh... hmm... never mind, there's only One Condition that must be adhered to. There are some "drathers" though.
*I'd rather you not involve much REAL occultism or REAL pagan gods in the story. The ambiguous traditional kind will do nicely. Besides... WHY?! There will be some in my story, but I won't be quoting spells or anything! Naughty naughty!
*I'd rather you not get too carried away with sex and violence. Try to keep it at most PG-13. For cryin' out loud, this IS Disney ya know!! If ya wanna write porn, trash the Warner Bros!!
*I'd rather you not make evildoers the heroes of the story. Evil is SUPPOSED TO FAIL! Where have you BEEN?! I think Kim McFarland slept thru class!
*I'd rather have a story that's as close to any stock shows you use as you can manage. Mine are stock, a neat trick!
*I'd rather the story be as big as you can make it. Mine could be as much as 400 pages!! MORE!! I like BIG stories! Lots to read, lots of romance, lots of plot twists & stuff! WHEE!!
*I'd rather have a chance to look at it before you post it anywhere for possible suggestions & stuff, and so I can sell it to Disney before you. Just kidding.
*I'd rather not collaborate. I gotta write MY story!! I'm almost a YEAR behind schedule!! But that's not out of the question, however the idea is I want to be SURPRISED!!
*But, disregard any of this you don't find fitting. The story is, after all, yours. Though I'd suggest you heed the first three!
So, there you have it. Now, I know that the Intro is rather ambiguous, but that just lends all kinda leeway for interpretation, giving you room to write any old story you want! However, if you have questions, my mailbox is always open.
Well, okay, I'm a liar, there are a couple more Conditions that must be adhered to. Along with number One:
*You must write the best possible story you can. And...
*You must have fun doing this.
Now, without further ado, load into the word processor of choice and grab some snacks as the burgundy curtains slowly open onto...
*****
INTRO
The ashen gray traveller rode his steed up a dry rivulet to get away from the desert. A chilly wind whipped his cape around, flying it like a pennant. He looked so noble atop his stallion as he surveyed the countryside, made gold by the setting sun. Behind him was a wild sea of dunes he had just overcome. Ahead, a magnificent range of mountains to challenge towered into the sky, draped with snow. They would be conquered just like the desert had been, he knew, but it wouldn't be easy. And there would be more obstacles, each one harder, between himself and his ultimate goal. He patted his horse's flank as if to make up for it. "One thing about it, old friend, that Leo sure picked a scenic address."
Framed by the immense mountains and deep, vivid blue of the sky, he cut a dashing figure. He was every inch a hero, as grand and rugged as the peaks that dwarfed him. It was such a shame I would have to take him down.
As he started to pick his way up the cut in the ridge I decided to make my appearance. I stood in the open and said in a belligerent manner, "So, you're going to see Leo? I guess anyone can go, then."
He only seemed mildly surprised at first, but then he scrutinized me more closely and grew puzzled. He turned his steed at me and muttered, "What the heck is this?" As his horse clopped nearer, he said offhandedly, "They've gotta be kiddin'. You're no threat."
I was somewhat put off by the slight. "And just what do you mean by that?"
He regarded me as a nuisance. "Kid, I don't know what you're playin' at, but go home. You're not even a rookie. Leave the grown-up stuff to the big boys. This is too important to mess around with."
I rested my hand on my sword hilt. It felt entirely familiar, like I'd done it thousands of times. Duke knew the meaning of it full well and he stiffened in the saddle, his eye glaring red. "I'll have you know," I told him, "that I'm old enough to drink, run for president, and have enough sense not to make idle threats to old... coots."
He dismounted slowly, but not in a way that would seem careful. Every move spoke so much! He was a work of art, and I was truly in awe of him. I'm afraid it showed. As he strode deliberately towards me, he drawled, "Ya know, kid, I was gonna just pass you by, but I think you need a lesson you'll never forget, so's ya don't get any more stupid ideas like this in the future and get yerself killed."
I faced him confidently somehow, but I knew this would be a contest rarely equaled. "I think you'll find I have some skill."
With an angry rasp of light, a longsword appeared in his hand. The point danced in tight circles before me. "Well, kid, ya better dig it up, 'cause otherwise it's gonna be a short lesson. Engarde."
I drew my own sword and stroked his blade, listening to the sing of steels, and again there was a familiarity to it. But I was admiring the whole event too much because the gray drake lunged on me almost before I knew it! Stones clattered as we scrambled for advantage. Damn, he was good!
"Never!" he shouted. "Let!" He slashed. "Yer guard down!" He thrust. "Dummy!" He parried. "What...?" He looked up at me weakly, hurt and surprise cutting an unfamiliar mask on his handsome features as he stepped back, awkwardly now. Compassion for him welled up in me, almost love. I did feel sorry for him, defeating such a gallant being like this. But it was either him or me, and he spoke aptly; it didn't take long.
"You're right, Duke," I said without gloating, much, "you should never let your guard down."
I held his saber in my hand. He scratched behind his plume. "How... the heck did that happen?!"
I gave him a sarcastic look as I sheathed my blade. "Oh, far be it from a rookie such as myself to tell a true master of the blade how to ply his trade."
He coughed in disgust. "Hey, I don't like your attitude, punk! Play the sucker on me, will ya! That was dumb beginner's luck! Gimme back my sword and I'll be happy to ply a little trade your way!"
He stepped forward and I danced away. "Oh no, I got this fair and square. You'll get it back, later, but I think we'll play a new game now... maybe... scavenger hunt!"
He looked agast at the trouble it would bring. "What?! No! Not my saber! Come on, kid! Have a heart, that'll slow me down! Hey, best two outta three. How 'bout it?"
I made for a steep incline he would have no chance of following directly and called over my shoulder, "No, I like my idea better. It much mer fun!"
As I climbed to a level I could stand on, he shouted up, "This is only a minor set back, ya know!"
"I know," I admitted. "I really like you, Duke, a lot. And I do think you should win."
He shook his head, laughing at the whole matter. "Ya sure got a funny way of showin' it, kid."
As I clambered up the ridge, his laughter followed me. Then when I was out of sight, I had a fit. I couldn't have contained myself much longer anyway. "WOOHOO! I beat Duke and got his saber- oh, this is so cool! Wait till they hear about this! Man, I still can't believe it!" Then...
***
Robin Hod was limbering up his bow and stroking his arrow feathers even, humming cheerfully. Everyone knew the fox was fated to ace them all at archery and many were reluctant to even compete. "Damndest thing I ever," Derek Blunt muttered under his breath. "I can think of a thousand things more significant-"
"Save it for der written portion," said Leopold as he paced behind the eagle, seeming to appear from nowhere. The special agent looked to the sky in embarrassment.
I was amazed. Leopold looked just like Ludwig Von Drake. But there was something about him. He wore a tunic that seemed simple but somehow regal at the same time, and fairly glowed with some form of authority. Everyone treated him with the utmost respect, I noticed. Must have something to do with the way that clipboard floated alongside him.
Everyone fared... all right, I suppose. There were some fairly accurate shots. But then Robin stepped up for what all presumed would be the supreme performance. He didn't mean for it to, but his every move made the others seem rough and unskilled. With an almost musical note, the twang of his bow was followed by the clean arc of the arrow cutting it's sure path to the target hundreds of yards away, the only path his arrow could possibly take. He grinned with anticipation. But with a deafening POW! the arrow fell in pieces. Out of orneriness as much as anything, I took a shot at it with an assault rifle. I let out a brief syllable of exultation, cut short as I noticed that everyone was staring at me, stunned by the outrageous act.
Robin gave me a sour look. "You've ruined a perfect shot." Then he chuckled and added jovially, "Bang on shot, though... if you'll pardon the pun. Never saw anything like it! You'll have to tell me how you managed it."
I looked humbly at my feet. "I couldn't begin to tell you how... I just did it."
Everyone else was intent on how Leopold would react to all this. He simply took his pen and marked on the hovering clipboard, "Miss."
Although he didn't really move, everything about the fox seemed crestfallen. It must have been his first miss in ages, and this was possibly his most important attempt. I felt horrible over my prank, and asked Leopold for another shot on Robin's behalf. The mysterious drake wouldn't allow it.
"But it's not fair," I insisted. "I interfered!"
"So? Vwhat if someone interferes-" he pointed to something in the distance "-over there? Huh?"
I had the ominous feeling of some immense meaning in his statement, and fell silent. But then...
***
"I thought he was kiddin'," Duke muttered quietly, tapping at his test. "What the crud does this have to do with anything?"
Leopold cleared his throat, somehow with a German accent. "No talking, just testing please."
We were sitting at desks, taking written exams, of all things! Duke glared at the strange being. "But Leopold, these questions don't make any sense! There's no such thing as the square root of negative one. It's a trick question! And... What's the name of God! And... What would I do on my summer vacation if a superbeing was about to destroy the world! Why don't you include... What's my favorite color?!"
Leopold pointed to the page. "Dat vone's right there." As Duke inhaled to react further, the master interrupted, "Vwy don't you just play along like a good little Dukie an' do yer best?"
The mercenary growled, "Don't call me Dukie."
Leopold leaned over and muttered, "Don't call me Leo." He straightened up and added, "Look, vwy don't you take it like he does? He doesn't seem to mind."
I was blowing just enough breath through my lips to make a quiet tune as I wrote my answers, then something made me look up. Everyone was staring at me again. "Uhh... I kinda like tests," I murmurred.
Duke snorted, "You would."
Robin gave the fuming drake a social jab with his elbow. "How do you think I feel, Duke? Most of this stuff is just scribbles to me." And then...
***
I had been chosen. Why, I didn't know. For what purpose, I didn't know. How I had gotten involved in the first place, I didn't know. I knew nothing. But, after Leopold passed out pudding cups to everyone, they honored me. I felt like an unworthy fool before them, ashamed. Compared to them, I was nothing. It was wrong for me to be there; any one of them had every right to be in my place. I wept as they bestowed their blessing on me, regarding me with something like awe. I cry even now as I write this.
"Good luck, kid," Duke said to me solemnly with a thumbs-up. "Do us proud."
I tried to flash him a smile, but I'm sure I only succeeded in looking miserable.
I reclined in a mysterious device, like an easy chair or astronaut's seat. Something wonderful happened, so very wonderful! Life flowed into me, as if I was reborn, cleansing my soul of all flaw, filling me with living Light... I could barely stand it! Leopold stood over me proclaiming holy things I can't recall, very important, meaningful things I knew I must remember...
Duke should really be the One, I thought sadly. He deserved this! Robin, Derek, MacBeth... Of all people, I was a thief and a traitor! But I was on my way...
*****
Here are some bonus lyrics you may or may not want to use as inpiration. They are from an Emerson, Lake and Palmer medley I arranged with re-written lyrics by moi... yes, I can play too! Man that was fun! And HARD! I had to cheat like crazy to do the hard parts right! Keith Emerson is a mad genious! Guess the songs.
*****
Cold and misty morning, not an early warning bird in the air! I weary of their power plays, I barely have an hour to spare! The people die corrupted, children helplessly abandoned to the cold! Men sell each other ruthlessly, the jackals trade their own blood for GOLD!
WHO'LL BE THERE! WHO WILL CARE! WHO WILL BE THERE!
Suffering in wounded silence, we've all been betrayed! They use us till we're wasted, then they throw us away! Praying for precarious survival at the end of the day! There is no margin for compassion for those who remain, yeah!
CAN'T THEY SEE? CAN IT BE?
WHO'LL BE THERE TO HEAR OUR PRAYERS? WHO WILL BE THERE!
There must be Someone who can set them free! To take their sorrow from this odyssey! To help the helpless and the refugee! To protect what's left of humanity!
CAN'T YOU SEE? CAN'T THEY SEE? CAN IT BE, YEAH! THERE MUST BE! HAS TO BE! SOMEBODY THERE!
To heal their sorrow!
No longer to borrow!
GIVE THEM A TOMORROW!
***
So here I stand before the gates.
Off in the mist a ship awaits.
My world is torn and ruined!
Evil spreads like a cancer!
Though the truth stands plain before them,
There seems to be no answer!
By my own race we've been betrayed.
They've made the choice that seals all fates.
Beneath this cloak of treason,
Men turn upon each other!
Blind hatred banished reason!
Man drinks blood of his brother!
I'll steal a spaceship, voyage to the stars. Leave behind this cursed world of Man! And though my scheme is surely a suicidal gamble, I can think of no other plan.
Gold has finally lost it's worth.
Hope has vanished from the Earth.
When life falls to corruption,
War is the easy answer!
Arm weapons of mass destruction!
The ultimate disaster!
Still the Dragons reign supreme!
Breathing fire till we scream!
They would even steal our dreams!
God, who can save us!
Stand clear!
I'm just one ship and you have much more to fear.
All speed!
Must break through the Rim if I'm going to succeed.
While back on Earth, they rally forth. Their forces blot the sun. The brave are sold on a thread of gold. The tapestry is spun. As they grasp for dreams within their schemes, There's a calm before the storm. But all can see their destiny As the Dragons take their form!
I've placed my final suckers bet.
I'm not playin' anymore.
I know I've made a cowards choice,
But at least I know the score.
I'm makin' tracks, no turnin' back,
My exodus begun.
While sadly, I look back and see,
The bishop takes the pawn.
(Much organ rippage!)
Sill the Dragons reign supreme!
Breathing fire, till we scream!
They would even steal our dream!
No man can save us!
It's gonna take a Miracle!
We're searching for a Miracle!
It's gonna take a Miracle!
We have to have a Miracle!
Must fight the panic in my soul.
Computer, guide me to my goal.
A cosmic storm approaches.
A gate to strange dimensions.
Must face my fear, and play my gamble.
And pray to God it's the right solution!
Lay your life upon the line!
It's death for glory every time!
Just pawns in ever recurring crimes!
No man will save us!
It's gonna take a Miracle!
I'm searching for a Miracle!
I have to have a Miracle!
Oh GOD give me a Miracle!
I pounced on the keys furiously like a predator, nailing the notes of the strange rhythm that told nothing of the outcome of my scheme, only the immediate fearful experience of my choice taken as my ship fell into the Void. I jumped spread-eagle as I slammed out the final tragic chord! The gong crashed ominously with it, ringing out slowly like huge reverberant gates slamming shut. I stood over the now idle keyboard, gasping and shivering with excitement.
***
"I WIN! I WIN HAHA!! RUN! RUN, HUMAN! BEWARE, I LIVE! I HUNGER!" Sinistar. (Who remembers that!)
*****
Oh look! THE END! WOW! So... is this worthy of inspiration? Does this make you want to read a story based on it? Man I sure do! You'll have to tell me what you think.
In case you were wondering how this all came about, here's the story. It was two weeks before Christmas at my parents house, all the decorations were up and I was staying there for the holidays. I just got the computer the week before. I had just eaten some WAY strong Rum balls. I was writing again! It all came together to bring me into a particularly festive, happy mood, and I wrote the Intro at 11 pm that night. I was SO thrilled with it, I thought it would make a great basis for another story entirely! But I didn't want to work on another story, I was nearly a YEAR behind schedule with this one! Besides, I wanted to be surprised by the direction the story went, writing it myself wouldn't work... but what to do? Hmm... The next day I got the strange idea to hand the Intro over to select authors to work on. It so captivated me that the next thing I knew I sent the thing to Wendy Lee at the Disney Afternoon File Time (DAFT) to read and to post a notice in a future mailing. Well, its the future!
Merry Christmas past! Ducks Rock! Live forever!
Stephen Strange, strangehaven@hotmail.com
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