The most crucial step in any self-development or magical practice?
Release and shedding anything that is blocking your success, blessings, and keeping you from achieving your destiny! Get rid of old habits, negative thoughts patterns, and any beliefs that keep you are not serving you or your purpose anymore. Anything blocking you, you must let go of. So, basically...
Empty the cup of bullshit= to fill it up with new shit ! Am i right ?!⚡️? Lol . 😆
Shedding self-limiting beliefs is like clearing weeds from a garden so your desired manifestations can grow. It takes awareness, consistent effort, and self-compassion.
Here's a comprehensive approach to effectively shed self-limiting beliefs:
### **1. Identify the Belief:**
You can't shed what you don't recognize.
* **Prompt 1: Belief Audit:** "What are 3-5 beliefs I hold about myself, my capabilities, or what's possible for me that consistently hold me back or cause me stress? Where do I think these beliefs came from (e.g., childhood experiences, past failures, comments from others, societal messages)?"
* **Prompt 2: Emotional Triggers:** "When do these beliefs typically surface? What specific situations, conversations, or feelings trigger them (e.g., applying for a new job, starting a creative project, considering a new relationship)?"
* **Prompt 3: The "Payoff":** "What immediate, even misguided, 'benefit' do I get from holding onto this belief? (e.g., it keeps me 'safe' from failure, it validates a familiar story, it allows me to avoid responsibility)."
### **2. Challenge the Belief (Logical & Experiential):**
Once identified, put the belief under scrutiny.
* **Prompt 4: Evidence Hunt (Against):** "What evidence do I have that this belief is *not* true? Are there times I *did* succeed despite it? Are there people similar to me who *don't* share this belief and are thriving?"
* **Prompt 5: Evidence Hunt (For):** "What evidence do I have that this belief *is* true? Is it based on fact, or on an interpretation of events? Could there be another way to interpret past 'failures'?"
* **Prompt 6: Reframing:** "If a wise, loving friend looked at my situation, what perspective would they offer on this belief? How can I reframe the past events that formed this belief into a lesson, not a limitation?"
* **Prompt 7: Worst-Case Scenario (vs. Reality):** "If I challenged this belief and it didn't work out immediately, what's the *actual* worst-case scenario? How likely is that? How would I cope?"
### **3. Reframe & Replace with Empowering Truths:**
Create new, supportive beliefs to plant in the cleared space.
* **Prompt 8: The Opposite Truth:** "What is the exact opposite of this limiting belief? Write it down. How does it feel to speak or think this new belief?"
* **Prompt 9: The "I AM" Statement:** "What powerful 'I AM' statements resonate with my desired reality, directly counteracting the old belief? (e.g., 'I am capable,' 'I am worthy of abundance,' 'I am a quick learner')."
* **Prompt 10: Future Self Affirmation:** "Imagine my future self who has completely shed this belief. How do they act, think, and feel? What advice do they give me about living without this limitation?"
### **4. Embodiment & Consistent Practice:**
This is where the magic happens – living the new belief.
* **Prompt 11: Daily Micro-Actions:** "What is one tiny, achievable action I can take today that is aligned with my *new*, empowering belief, even if it feels uncomfortable?" (e.g., if the belief is 'I'm not creative,' spend 5 minutes doodling).
* **Prompt 12: Affirmation Integration:** "How can I integrate my new empowering affirmations into my daily routine? (e.g., write them on sticky notes, say them in the shower, visualize them before sleep)."
* **Prompt 13: Celebrate Small Wins:** "What small victory today, no matter how tiny, showed me that I *can* shed this belief or that the new belief is true? How can I celebrate it?"
* **Prompt 14: Radical Self-Compassion:** "When the old belief resurfaces (because it will!), how will I respond to myself with kindness and understanding, rather than judgment? What words of comfort or encouragement do I need in that moment?"
### **5. Release & Trust:**
The final step is to let go of the struggle and allow the new reality to unfold.
* **Prompt 15: Symbolic Release Ritual:** "What symbolic act can I perform to physically and energetically release this old belief? (e.g., write it on paper and burn it, crumple it up and throw it away, write it on sand and let the tide wash it away)."
* **Prompt 16: Surrender & Trust:** "What does it mean for me to truly surrender this belief to the universe, trusting that it's being transmuted and replaced with something better? How does that feel in my body?"
By consistently engaging with these prompts, you'll not only identify your limiting beliefs but also actively reprogram your mind, shift your energy, and cultivate a deeper, more empowering sense of self.
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Shedding self-limiting beliefs is a powerful and ongoing process that allows you to unlock your full potential and align with your desires. It's essentially about rewiring your brain and energetic field. Here's a comprehensive approach with actionable steps:
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### **1. Identify the Limiting Beliefs:**
You can't change what you're not aware of. This step requires introspection and honesty.
* **Become the Observer:** Pay attention to your self-talk. What thoughts automatically pop up when you consider a new goal, face a challenge, or compare yourself to others? Listen for phrases like "I can't...", "I'm not good enough...", "I don't deserve...", "It's too late for me...", "That's not realistic...".
* **Journaling Prompts for Discovery:**
* "What do I believe about myself or my capabilities that consistently holds me back from pursuing my dreams?"
* "When was the first time I remember feeling this way? What event or person might have contributed to this belief?"
* "If I were to achieve [your desire], what unspoken fear or belief might be stopping me?"
* "What's the 'story' I tell myself about why I can't have/do/be [your desire]?"
* **Recognize the "Payoff":** Sometimes, limiting beliefs serve a subconscious purpose (e.g., keeping you "safe" from failure, avoiding discomfort, validating a familiar identity). Ask: "How does holding onto this belief currently serve me, even if it's in a negative way?" (e.g., "It means I don't have to try and risk rejection.")
### **2. Challenge and Disprove the Belief:**
Once identified, put the belief on trial. Is it actually true?
* **Evidence Hunt (Against):** Actively look for evidence that contradicts your belief.
* "When have I, or someone similar to me, succeeded despite this belief?"
* "Are there exceptions to this 'rule' I've made for myself?"
* "Is this belief a fact, or is it an interpretation of a past event?"
* **Question its Origin:**
* "Is this truly my belief, or did I absorb it from parents, teachers, society, or past experiences?"
* "Would I tell a beloved friend that same limiting belief about themselves?"
* **The "What If I'm Wrong?" Exercise:** Actively consider the possibility that the belief isn't true. How would that change your perspective and potential actions?
### **3. Reframe and Recreate a New Belief:**
Consciously replace the old, unhelpful belief with an empowering one.
* **Flip the Script:** Directly state the opposite of your limiting belief.
* *Old:* "I'm not good enough."
* *New:* "I am inherently worthy and capable."
* **Create Empowering Affirmations:** Craft short, positive, present-tense statements that embody your desired new reality.
* "I am capable of achieving my goals."
* "Abundance flows to me effortlessly."
* "I am worthy of all the love and success I desire."
* **"Bridge Beliefs":** If a new belief feels too far a stretch, create a "bridge" to make it more believable.
* *Too big:* "I am a millionaire."
* *Limiting:* "I will never be rich."
* *Bridge:* "I am open to receiving more money." or "I am learning to attract wealth." or "It is possible for me to be wealthy."
### **4. Embody and Integrate the New Belief:**
This is where consistency and feeling come in. You need to live *as if* the new belief is already true.
* **Daily Affirmation Practice:** Speak your new affirmations aloud, repeatedly, with conviction and emotion. Do this when you wake up, before bed, and whenever the old belief resurfaces.
* **Visualization:** Spend time every day vividly imagining yourself living from the perspective of your new belief. How do you feel? How do you act? What does your environment look like?
* **Inspired Action:** Take small, consistent actions that align with your new belief, even if they feel uncomfortable at first. This builds momentum and provides real-world evidence for your subconscious.
* *If your belief is "I'm not confident speaking in public,"* your action might be to speak up once in a small meeting, or practice in front of a mirror.
* **Mindful Self-Talk:** Catch negative thoughts as they arise and immediately reframe them with your new empowering belief. Don't beat yourself up for the old thoughts; simply acknowledge and redirect.
* **Surround Yourself with Support:** Seek out positive influences, people who uplift you, and content that inspires growth. Limit exposure to negativity that reinforces old patterns.
### **5. Release and Trust:**
Once you've done your work, the final step is to let go of the attachment to *how* or *when* the results will appear.
* **Symbolic Release Ritual:** (As discussed previously) Write the old limiting belief on paper, infuse it with your intention to release it, and then safely burn or tear it up, symbolizing its dissolution.
* **Cultivate Trust:** Trust that the universe, your higher self, and your consistent efforts are working behind the scenes. Obsessing or doubting can create resistance.
* **Gratitude:** Express gratitude for the old belief's lessons and for the new, empowering reality that is unfolding.
Shedding self-limiting beliefs is a journey, not a one-time event. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. Each time you challenge and replace a limiting belief, you clear more space for your true potential and desires to manifest.
The sunlight had just peeked over the hills in Germany but Vivian was already awake and getting dressed for the day. She had hardly slept at all in her excitement. Normally Vivian slept in until it was the latest moment to leave in time for school but not today. Already dressed in a jean vest over her white tee shirt with a jean skirt to match, enough leg room to run if needed. Her Counselor suggested to wear tougher clothing from here on out. Blue jean attire was the best she has for now, Vivian was sure she may have to upgrade later.
Checking herself one more time over in the dresser mirror, making sure her project from last night had finally settled the way she wanted it to.
"Wunderbar! Perfect!"
The smell of breakfast found it's way into Vivian's room and her stomach responded accordingly with a growl that her father heard and chuckled about from downstairs. This was the deciding factor to finally gather the rest of her school stuff together and head downstairs. The smell became stronger as she skipped every other step that she could.
"Slow down. The food is already cooked. It's not going anywhere."
"Guten morgen, papa!"
Her father was sitting in the living room, reading the morning paper with a cup of coffee. Normally he would be at work but, given the circumstances, he took the morning off to see his daughter off to her big day. Vivian hugged and kissed her father on the head as she passed. Her mother stood in the kitchen, fixing another plate of food. On the table sat a plate of scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon with a tall glass of milk. An excellent meal to start the day.
"Guten morgen, mother!" Vivian didn't hesitate a second longer after saying hello to shovel the morning meal into her face. It was an exhilarating mix of flavor that she wished she could never stop experiencing.
"Guten morgen to you as well." Her mother looked a miffed, turning to her daughter from the stove. "Aren't you going to say hello to your Counselor?"
"Hm?" Vivian paused for a moment cause she didn't see anyone else there.
"Haha! It's perfectly fine ma'm. I didn't want to distract her from her meal. Breakfast is very important."
The voice came from nowhere. Vivian swallowed her current mouthful and blinked. In that fraction of a second, her Counselor appeared in a sharp black business suit across from her. He was a darker toned person with short hair that nearly matched the color of his attire.
Vivian finished her milk and smiled form ear to ear.
"Good morning, Haniel!"
Haniel grinned, though not nearly as much as Vivian.
"Good morning, Vivian. I take it you are ready to begin your story?"
"YES!" Vivian shot up from her seat, eyes wide with excitement. Haniel chuckled at her enthusiasm.
"Sit down, young lady!" Her mother scolded. Vivian did reluctantly. "You will be leaving on time today but you're up early enough you can spend time with your father and I before you go." Her mother took another plate of food to her father and sat a plate for herself next to Vivian. "Are you sure you don't want plate, Counselor Haniel?"
"Just Haniel, please, and no thank you. As much as I would like to enjoy earthly meals, wouldn't do me any good."
"You're missing out." Vivian teased as she took her plate to the sink.
"Heh. I'm sure I am." Haniel watched Vivian sit back down, noticing how much she was suppressing her excitement.
"I know you've told us before, Haniel." Her mother was far less enthused as she ate her meal. "But why has Vivian been chosen for this... Story?"
"Well, Vivian has a high aptitude for potential skills that will help maintain the balance of the world. My employer-"
"You can say God in this household, Haniel." Vivian's father joined the company with food remaining on his plate. He took the seat next to Haniel, across from his wife. "We understand that you're an angel. Not the ideal one we've come to expect but you'd be lying if you said you were anything less."
Haniel chuckled. Vivian rolled her eyes, her father has always been very direct. Red tape and series of long words only got him worked up when a point could have been made with just five words.
"Well I'm not one for lying so I'm inclined to agree with you, sir." Haniel smiled at her father. "I've been appointed, by God, to guide your daughter through her own story. As her parents, you've been made aware that stories are more than just tales but events that keep world together and spinning."
"Aware is an understatement." Vivian's mom giggled. "I've seen an old man carry a sword three times his own height to battle the hellions that tried to come through the northern pass."
Vivian's eyes went wide with excitement. "You never told me that!"
"I remember that story now." Her father nodded. "That was some time ago. Now I wasn't there but I recall the book that printed based on it. Sold well. Said to have inspire our army to take a stand against overwhelming odds against the English Noble Crusaders. I wonder if we would've lost had that book not existed..." He trailed off into thought.
"Which in lies the importance of your daughter. Even if her actions don't directly influence the world around her, they could, and most likely will, resonate to other worlds."
"Now that's where you lose me, Haniel." Vivian spoke up. "There are other worlds? Like...Yeah, what do you mean?"
"Well... How many those manga books do you own?"
Vivian thought for second. "Like... A hundred and three?"
"I've bought too many of those." Her mother sighed.
"Each one of those is story that has taken place elsewhere. Some point in time and space, the events that take place in those manga books has actually happened, with some edits here and there of course."
"Wow!" Vivian's eyes sparkled intensely. "Even 'The Space Princess of Blue 9'?!"
"One of the stranger stories but yes." Haniel nodded. "Although I could've sworn that was suppose to be 'Space Prince'..."
Vivian looked puzzled. "That story would be weirder if it was."
"It's getting close for you to go, Vivian." Her father spoke up. "But I have another question, Haniel."
"By all means, ask."
"How do the stories get around? If they can be so out-of-our-world, how do people find out about them?"
"Easily explainable. Scribes."
"Come again?"
"Oh, authors. Writers inspired in a moment of deep thought or meditation."
"Or high as kite." Vivian giggled.
"Vivian!" Her mother scowled at her again. It was a frequent thing to do.
Haniel smiled and shrugged. "She's not entirely wrong. Some authors were even there to witness the events themselves."
"I guess..." Vivian's mother sighed. "I'm just nervous. After all, you are my only daughter that's about to on a journey of... Cosmic proportions." She shook her head as she finished her thought.
"Mom..." Vivian turned to her mother. "Don't worry so much. I might not even leave the area. Like you said about that one guy, his story took up place at the northern pass. That's not far from here."
"He was from Japan..."
"Oh." Vivian smiled nervously. "Well..."
"I think you'll do fine." Her father smiled at her. "Regardless where your story takes you, you'll do us proud." He then turned to Haniel. "And you'll keep her safe?"
"I'll provide her means to keep herself protected." Haniel stated clearly. "I am, unfortunately, prevented from interfering directly. I will, however, stay at her side and guide her every step of the way."
"As long as you do that." Her father took a look at the clock. "It's time for you to go to school."
The family dispersed from the table. Vivian's parents returned their plates to the sink while she herself picked up her school bag. Haniel appeared by the door, arms folded behind his back.
"Here, sweetie." Vivian's mom handed her note. "In case you need to leave school for any reason, hopefully this will get you out of it."
Vivian took the note and looked it over. It was an excuse to her to skip out school, already signed by her mom.
"Thanks, mom!"
"Do NOT abuse it." The words were stern supplied with a look only a mother could give. "Just because you may have to leave school, doesn't mean you don't do your work. You still have another year to go through, I expect you to pass."
"Yes, mother..."
"And you." She turned to Haniel. "Be sure that she makes it school. Adventure or not, my girl will complete high school next year."
"I'll do my best ma'm." Haniel bowed lightly.
Vivian picked up her bag and threw it over her shoulder. Wasn't terribly heavy, only four major books tote around. Her father opened the door to let Vivian and Haniel out the door. Vivian reached up to hug her mom around the neck, they both traded kisses on the cheek. She turned to her father and they did the same. Haniel had appeared outside by the mail box. Vivian wondered how he does that.
Vivian's home wasn't too far from town but it was up in the hills. The house had a wonderful view of the town below with the ocean next to it. The wind blew in the smell of salt every day. Vivian walked down their drive way to catch up to Haniel, passing by her fathers truck.
"Take care honey!" Her mom said from the doorway. "And do be safe!" Tears were swelling up around her eyes. Her father stood next her mom with a broad smile under his mustache.
"I will! Bye mom! Bye dad!"
"Wir lieben dich!"
"Ich liebe dich auch!"
Vivian was halfway down the country road before her parents decided to turn inside. Her mother sat at the table, taking another sip of coffee. Her father gathered his outfit for work now that his daughter headed off for school.
"Edits." He chuckled. "How strong that word really is, we'll never now."
"Shush now." Her mother smiled. "You're late for work but I'm sure they understand."
"From Japan. Huh." He continued, paying no heed to his wife. "Who's idea was that?"
"Enough!" She smiled as she shoved his lunch bag into his gut. "Take this and have a wonderful day at work."
"Hmhm." He smiled cheerfully. "Ich liebe dich."
"Ich liebe dich auch. Now go!"
*****
The walk was downhill from her house. It was about five miles out from town but it was never a problem and good exercise. Vivian walked along side the shoulder of the road as she always has only this time Haniel walked beside her. She was rather tall for a junior in high school but even she felt tiny in his presence. Haniel was about a head over her.
"So Vivian." Haniel broke the silence. "I'm sure you have questio-"
"Why are you black?"
"Questions about your story..." Haniel looked annoyed about his choice of appearance.
Vivian stared right him, gaze unwavered .
Haniel took a deep breath follow up a long sigh. "I can see how you are your father's daughter. To point with no filler in between. However, tact may be your first lesson."
"So...?"
"So the reason for my appearance is simply because of the available racial appearances, this one goes well with the suit." Haniel adjusted his tie as he spoke.
"So really it's the suit?" Vivian raised a brow at Haniel.
"I love this suit. One of the few things that humans have made that I just cannot resist. A man once said, in a story of grand scale homeland security, that he made this suit look good. I agreed with the idea."
Vivian rolled her eyes at her Counselor. They were halfway down the trail, the sun was now casting a glow over the morning dew. The smell of wet grass filled the air around the two travelers.
"So... Do I get powers?! Or a weapon?! Or a robot?!" Vivian busted with excitement that had been pent up since she found out about starring in her own story.
"Slow down, girl!" Haniel stepped away from the zealous Vivian. "You'll find out in due time."
"Ugh!" Vivian threw her head to the sky. "Don't I get something for being in a story?"
Haniel grinned and cocked his head sideways. "Not everyone is given something to help them along. Many people had nothing but their own wills to get through. Others had to make something."
"Well, this seems boring."
"Patience, Vivian." Haniel sighed. "Of course, I knew that was your worst trait going into this."
"What was that?"
"Heh. Nothing." Haniel laughed to himself. "Nothing at all."
The two of them finally made it to town. The streets were paved with bricks where the pedestrians walked where the main roads for vehicles were made of pavement. It made accidents minimal and developed a healthy community. Shops were opening up for the day, a variety of fruit and meat shops. Tourist loved coming by for the pottery and flower shops. While not being a large town, it was busy and pleasant.
Vivian walked briskly past the shops, heading towards the main center of town where she met up with her friends so they walk to school together. Haniel was appearing all over the place, looking at the all the goods for sale before walking next to Vivian again.
"Can't they see you?" Vivian asked, noticing that no one paid attention to what just happened.
"Unless I allow them to, no." Haniel answered coolly.
"Like with me this morning."
"Bingo."
"Oh hey!" The fountain in the main square came into view. "There's Ana and Richter!"
Vivian picked up her pace as she waved at her friends. Richter was playing in the fountain, splashing the water with his hands. His short, black hair flickered with the breeze. Ana jumped up and down as she waved down Vivian, her long brown curls bouncing with her.
"Morning, Vivian!" Ana came running up to her. The two giggled as they shared a hug. Haniel rolled his eyes, watching from a distance.
"Vivian, I'll leave you to your friends." Haniel said while starting to walk away. "I'll return when necessary."
Vivian smiled at him but said nothing. She was going to fill her friends in about the news but she wanted to keep Haniel a secret for now. He seemed to enjoy to working discreetly.
"What are you smiling at, Vivian?" Richter joined up with the girls. He was wearing a red polo wit his khaki pants. Par for the course for Richter's taste in fashion. "And why is your hair pink?"
"Good morning to you too, Richter." Vivian stuck her tongue out at him. "I'm setting a new fashion trend. Something you could take hint from."
"I'm never dying my hair pink..." Richter said coldly with a glare just as such.
Ana laughed at her friends. "Okay, there's something else going on, isn't there Vivian?"
"Only if you can keep a secret?" Vivian playfully looked around, pretending to act as if someone was eavesdropping.
"What's the big deal? You're acting stranger than normal."
"Grow a funny bone, Richter!" Ana barked at him.
"It's fine. I'm going to star in my own story!"
There was a blank look on the faces of her friends.
"You mean... Like a school play?"
"Ugh!" Vivian dropped her head in disappointment. "I mean..."
"NO WAY!" Ana blank expression exploded with unexpected excitement. "That's like things of legend!"
"Keep it down!" Vivian covered Ana's mouth, muffling her excitement. "Yeah! Today is officially my first day. That's why I'm spiffed myself up for the part."
"Well you definitely look adventurous." Richter complimented. "But are you sure this is for real? Not some kind of hoax?"
"Given my source of information, it's not a hoax."
"Who's your 'source'?" Ana added the quotations with her fingers.
"I'll tell you about that later but we need to get to class or we'll get in trouble."
The three of them trotted off, weaving their way through the rest of the town. Thankfully they didn't waste too much time, the tardy bell sounded off as they made it to their history class. The rest of the students were talking among their clichés. Those that weren't were either daydreaming or had their nose in a book. Vivian and her friends took their normal spots next to the window.
"Settle down class." The bowl-cut teacher walked in from the hallway. Mr. Steinway was rather tall and lanky with eyes that reflected his disinterest in teaching juniors and a voice that droned on and on. The students were often more interested about rumors and celebrities than the rich history that has taken place in their own country. "Take out your books and turn to page 176. We will be going over the Industrial Crisis of 1925. Adolf, you will be begin reading at the top of the page."
There was a grumble coming from the kid sitting a few seats over from Vivian. He was deeply engrossed into his drawings. Vivian also liked to draw and the two of them would sometimes exchange ideas and pens. Adolf put his pen down with some disgust and began reading from the text book.
Time marched on as students took turns reading from their books. Vivian stared out the window, day dreaming about her story and where it will take her. Will she go to the far reaches of universe, dancing in between the stars? Or perhaps to deep inside an enchanted forest, having tea with the sprites and faeries that live there?
"Vivian."
Or maybe to another world where trees are made of fire and oceans stir of liquid metal?
"Vivian."
Or maybe to...
"MS. VIVIAN LEED!"
Reality snapped Vivian back into the classroom, looking up at Mr. Steinway glaring unhappily at her. The whole class was staring at her. Vivian could feel the heat rise into her cheeks with the embarrassment settling in. There were a few giggles among the class.
"Sorry, Mr. Steinway?"
"'Sorry, Mr. Steinway' are not the words that describe the rise of steel workers and business', Vivian. I suggest you follow along in your book that I hope that you are not doodling in." Mr. Steinway turned away, heading back to the front of the room. "Again."
"She looks like she's trying to be a character to a comic book." One of the boys said to a friend but loud enough for the rest of the room to hear.
"Are you..." A girl leaned over to Vivian. "Are you trying to have... You know... A story?"
"Well..." Vivian couldn't help but grin.
"Enough of this clatter!" Mr. Steinway's voice snapped through the air. "This is a classroom for facts and moments in history that have come to past. Not for fantasy nonsense that you children like to feed each other you all call 'Stories'. They are nothing more than that. Myths. Legends." Mr. Steinway sneered. "Garbage."
Frustration filled Vivian's heart and mind. Her teacher was denouncing the very thing she believed in and was suppose to embark on today. She dropped her book on her desk with a loud thud and stood up at her seat, fist clenched at her sides.
"It's not garbage! Stories really do happen!" Vivian shouted at her teacher. "They inspire the rest of world and worlds beyond this!"
"Sit down, Ms. Leed!" Mr. Steinway said sternly. "I will not tolerate idealism of the fantasy ideas that you whimsically day dream about in my classroom. Just because you dye your hair such ridiculously colors doesn't make you the star of some delusional lie."
Vivian felt like crying but she didn't want to give Mr. Steinway that satisfaction. She looked around the room, looking for some kind of support or hoping Haniel show up and make it all better. The rest of the class were either confused to what the two of them were yelling about or rolled their eyes at Vivian and scoffed at her under their breaths. Haniel wasn't showing up either. She sat down quietly.
"Thank you, Vivian. While stories told from medium can be fascinating and engaging, they are nothing more than that. Just stories. Not facts, not history. No one in history ever embarked on a journey to worlds unknown. Such things don't happen."
Mr. Steinway's words stung for a moment and echoed through Vivian's mind. Maybe he was right, maybe stories don't really happen. Maybe they were just fun things to pass around to make people feel happy and nothing more than that. Maybe Haniel was nothing more than a clever illusion by her parents to make her think she would be a hero of a story. The idea of Haniel existing was actually quite a boggle, if he was real.
For the rest of the day, up until lunch, Vivian kept to herself. Her cloud of self doubt hung over her head all morning. Her friends tried to cheer her up but Mr. Steinway sucked all enthusiasm right out her. She really wanted Haniel to show back up and make her feel better about all of this but he was no where to be seen.
Vivian took her lunch outside the school cafeteria, there was an open area for students to eat at. Richter and Ana sat next to her at a table with their own lunches. Tuna sandwiches was the meal for that day. Richter and Ana scarfed down their sandwiches but Vivian barely touched hers. The two friends exchanged looks of concern, Vivian not eating was never a good thing.
"Hey Vivian?" Richter broke the silence among them.
"Hmm?" Vivian didn't even look up from the table.
"Are you ok?" Ana asked. "You've been acting weird outside your normal weird."
"Oh?" Vivian glanced over at Ana. "I'm just... I don't know about this whole story thing anymore. Maybe it really isn't a thing..."
"Well, today is your first day right? Maybe what your looking for just hasn't shown up yet?" Richter tried to add optimistically but wasn't very good at it.
"Yeah! Don't give up yet!" Ana tried to encourage. "No hero gives up at the first sign of opposition! Definitely not someone like Mr. Steinway."
Vivian finally grinned a little bit.
"Heh. You guys are right. I can't let someone like-"
BOOM!
"What was that?!" The trio exclaimed together.
There were screams that followed the explosion from the students. Smoke rose over the buildings next to the school while sounds of buildings crumbling could be heard even by those inside the school. For moment, it felt like time stopped.
Time accelerated quickly as large, black beast came crashing over the tops of the buildings and into the school yard. It's body was woolly and hulking like a bison but had legs and head like a dog with teeth showing in it's overbite. A golden helmet with curved horns pointing forward sat it's head as green eyes shined from the eye sockets. The beast threw back it's ugly head, letting out a blood curdling howl into the high noon sun.
Vivian and her friends got up from their table, staring at the horror that crashed into the school yard with their mouths dropped open. The creature sniffed the ground while it's tail whipped back and forth. Students ran every which direction away from it in confusion and fear. Richter stumbled over his feet and bounced right back up but this caught the attention of the glowing green eyes. Several other students were already running inside but the beast paid no attention to them.
"What is that thing?" Ana squeaked.
"I don't know..." Vivian could feel her heart beat in her ears. The pulsating sound hammered away quickly. "I think it's looking at us..."
"I think we should move." Richter whispered. The black beast scratched at the ground with it's paw. It snorted up a cloud of dirt in front of it. "Jetzt!"
The three of them made a run for the door, following a couple other students. The door slammed shut behind but it seemed like silence befell them. The sound of the door never came to Vivian's ears, she couldn't even hear the screams from outside or the confusion inside hallway. Even their own footsteps never made a sound. Her heartbeat, however, pounded away inside her head. Everything was in slow motion. Then she finally saw him. Haniel came walking through the hallway against the students who were in slow motion. He moved smoothly as ever through them as he approached Vivian. He stood just in front of her, looking from her to the rest of the school.
"Get ready." Haniel said finally. He didn't sound happy and this worried Vivian.
The sound came back and everything moved again.
The beast crashed through the side doors of the school. The glass, window panes on the doors shattered into a million pieces all over the hallway floor. Students screamed and scattered away from the disaster that just made it's entrance. Vivian's feet finally picked up pace and was keeping up with the rest of the school. Haniel disappeared into mist before Vivian even got one foot down. The hallways were rather wide, giving enough space for everyone. Even enough space for the beast to charge it's way towards Vivian, taking out a few lockers along the way.
"Run!"
"Get out of the way!"
"What's happening?!"
"Keep going!" Vivian cried out. Richter and Ana were just ahead of her along with a few other students. They ran as fast as they could but they had no idea if they were really getting away from their doom. The scratching and howling of the beast echoed behind them.
Then, it stopped. Vivian took a moment to glance behind her and realized that the thing wasn't chasing them anymore. She came to a sliding stop and watch some papers float by as the other students kept running. Ana and Richter finally noticed that their friend stopped a few feet behind them.
"Vivian!" Ana shouted. "Come on!"
"What's the matter with you?" Richter also shouted at Vivian. "That thing is back there!"
"I know!" Vivian replied. "But something isn't right. It's not chasing us!"
"Good! Let's get out of here!" Richter waved her to follow.
Then a scream came but it didn't sound like a student. Did it find someone? Did it hurt someone? Thoughts of a someone being eaten by this thing filled Vivian's heart with dread and fear. Something clicked inside her and she took a step towards where the scream was coming from.
"I have to go." The words quietly left Vivian's mouth. Her heart pounded faster and louder knowing what she needed to do. "I have to go! I have to go stop that thing!"
"Vivian!" Ana screamed at her friend. Ana went pale when she saw her friend no longer concerned about her own safety. "Don't! Stay with us!"
Richter put a hand on Ana's shoulder. "Come on. It's her story."
Tears streamed down Ana's cheeks. She might lose her best friend today and it terrified her.
"I'll be okay but I have to do this! I can't let someone get hurt!" With that, Vivian took off back down the hallway.
"You better not die!"
Ana's words bounced in Vivian's head. She grinned as she sprinted down the hallway and found the turn that the beast had to take if it wasn't chasing them. Plus the wreckage that it left in it's wake couldn't be more obvious where it went. There was another scream. It sound like a mans scream.
"Mr. Steinway." Vivian said breathlessly but she didn't lose her pace.
There were no students in the hallways, thankfully. It made running a lot easier. Claw marks were embeddedinto the tile floor and dents were in the lockers where it bashed from side to side. Following the trail a bit more, Vivian finally spotted the beast in front of the history class room. There, it had Mr. Steinway pinned to the floor.
"Mr. Steinway!" Vivian's feet pounded against the floor at pace with her heart pounding in her chest.
"No! Go away!" Mr. Steinway pleaded with the merciless beast as it snapped at his head.
Vivian charged at the monstrosity loaming over Mr. Steinway but it paid no attention to Vivian. Her fist clench and she found her pencil in her hand. It was short, pointy but effectively the best thing she had.
"Nein! Lass ihn in ruhe, du elende kreatur!" Vivian's voice roared from deep within her chest. She threw her hand back, pencil tip held forward, swung for the creatures face!
A spark ignited from her hand. A blinding light flashed, filling the entire hallway. Vivian found a sword that looked like it was made of glass that changed colors in her hand with the pencil inside the handle. The blade was lodged into the nose of the beast.
"Rrrawrrgg!"
The blade broke off and was stuck in it's face. It roared as it thrashed violently, trying to get the blade loose.
"Come on, Mr. Steinway!" Vivian reached down and pulled her history teacher to his feet. Other than a few scratches on his face, he remained mostly unharmed. The pencil in Vivian's hand returned to normal, it looked like it did before.
"What... What is that?!" Mr. Steinway's face was pale as a ghost. Vivian pulled him by the hand down the hallway. The beast roared as it finally freed itself from it's pain and charged after the two of them.
"I don't know Mr. Steinway!" Vivian panted as she ran. She wasn't use to this much running. "But I don't' think it likes us!"
The beast tore down the hallway like train. It's green eye's fixated on the prey down the hall. The claws dug deep into the tile floor, kicking up chunks as it sprinted. Vivian tried to get Mr. Steinway to safety but she couldn't get him to run any faster.
"We're not going to make it!" Mr. Steinway started to freak out. His feet stumbled as he tried to keep up.
"Don't stop!" Vivian turned to look at her teacher but the beast had leapt into the air at the same time. "Oh no..."
Rows of fangs filled it's mouth with it's claws outreached towards them. The golden horns scratched along the ceiling and it's tail whipped downward.
Vivian didn't think. She didn't' hesitate, not for a second. Pulling Mr. Steinway to the floor, out reach of the claws, Vivian stepped towards their attacker and drew out the pencil once again. The flash of light wasn't so blinding this time but instead of a sword, a wall of the same rainbow glass grew, blocking the entire hallway, between her and the creature as she swung the writing tool. The creature bounced off the glass with a very dull, vibrating sound and fell on it's back. It growled in frustration, being denied it's meal.
Vivian stood defiantly behind her protective wall but was unsure how long it would last. Mr. Steinway stared in fascination and bewilderment, completely awestruck at the student in front of him.
"How did you do that..." Mr. Steinway struggle to stand on his feat, his legs were shaking from all the excitement taking place. The creature slashed and clawed and bit at the glass barrier but it wouldn't budge.
"I don't know but we need to get moving." Vivian took Mr. Steinway by the hand again and lead him towards the front of the school. The howls from the black beast followed them as they ran for the exit.
"We're almost there. Keep going!" Vivian smiled.
The school was more intact but papers were floating everywhere in the halls. Vivian and Mr. Steinway ran out the front doors, hand in hand. The front yard of the school was empty with the students and teachers lined up along the edges of the road. Fire trucks had just shown up with their sirens blaring. Someone must have pulled the alarm thinking there was fire, Vivian wondered if whoever that was realized how far from the truth they were. Mr. Steinway caught up with one of the other teachers, exhausted and out of breath. Vivian walked towards the students, looking for her friends.
"Vivian!" Ana broke away from the crowd of huddled students. "You made it!"
"Hey!" It was all that Vivian could manage with a smile. "Yeah. We're all-"
"ARROOO!"
There were gasps and screams shared through the crowd. Even the firemen, who have braved fires and collapsing buildings, looked to each other with nervous glances.
"There! On the roof!" One of the firefighters pointed towards the top of the school.
The deep growl of the beast could be heard even from a couple stories above everyone. Vivian turned around to see the green eyes glowing in fury. It's face still had the open wound from where she stabbed it earlier. She couldn't imagine it being all to happy with her.
"What is that thing?"
"What do we do?!"
"It's going to kill us!"
No. Vivian felt her head swell with a sense of duty. No, I won't let it. I won't let it hurt anyone!
Vivian gritted her teethed and stepped away from the crowd. Her eye's flickered with the courage that her heart pumped through her. Everything that she was becoming, the hero she also dreamed of being, was focused on this black beast that threatening her friends, her school, everything and everyone she cared about. The pencil that she used earlier was gripped tightly in her right hand.
"Vivian! Get back here!" Ana screamed for her friend.
"It's okay." Vivian said over her shoulder. "I won't let it hurt any of you."
"Vivian!" Tears streaked down Ana's face. Fear kept her paralyzed from stopping her friend.
All eyes were on Vivian, even the green ones that belonged to the beast. The creature jumped down from the top of the building, landing with a loud thud that silenced the onlookers.
Haniel appeared next to Vivian, walking at her pace. The two stopped a good distance from the snarling behemoth. At that moment, Vivian could tell, that all the creature wanted to do was to tear her apart.
"Are you ready for this?" Haniel asked.
"I don't think I have a choice." Vivian said in a serious tone but no one else could hear her.
"You always have a choice. It's your story." Haniel advised. "How the story ends always depends on you. Just beware of plot twists."
Vivian grinned and chuckled to herself. The crowd could only see Vivian standing there with a pencil in hand, staring down the black beast. Many wondered what she thought she was going to do. Others just watched in quietly, unable to move due to fear or curiosity. Her friends prayed she would make out of this in one piece. The beast looked at Vivian like she would its next meal.
"Good luck, Vivian." With that, Haniel disappeared.
The beast snarled as it lunged at the pink hair girl before it. Vivian ran to her right, circling around to avoid being pounced on. She held out her pencil, pointing it towards the ground. A white line shined behind her as she ran. The beast wasn't happy that it missed and made a swipe with its huge claw. The attack barely missed Vivian's skirt, she could feel the wind off the claws. She stepped back away but kept her pencil towards the ground, making the line still.
"What's going on?" Richter finally caught up Ana.
"Where have you been?! Vivian's off fighting that thing!"
"What?!" Richter turned pale knowing now that his friend was in danger. "Is she... Does she know what's she doing?"
"I have no idea..." Ana trailed off.
Vivian continued to dance around the beast. Ducking and sliding underneath its attacks. The beast tried to bite and claw at her but she kept one step ahead, all the while drawing out the white line with her pencil. The beast roared and growled in frustration, nothing is worse than fast food. A grin grew on Vivian's face as she drew her line back to where she started. The beast leaped at her again, claws forward and mouth wide open.
"SPRINGEN!"
The lines connect and the area inside the oblong shape lit up in a bright light. The creature didn't have a chance to react as it was launched high into the air by a bubble of white light that popped underneath it. Vivian could've sworn she saw it disappear into the clouds. The crowd cheered and began to run to congratulate their hero.
"Stop!" Vivian turned to face them, holding her palms out to the crowd. "It's not safe! Not yet!"
Sure enough, the creature was coming back down. It howled as it twisted and turned as it fell through the sky. Vivian turned back to her drawing on the ground and pulled out her pencil again. She stopped and looked at the strange mess of lines and splash marks on the ground.
"Umm... Well..."
Without really knowing if it would work, Vivian spun the pencil around and waved the eraser end towards the marks. Just as magically as they appeared, the marks disappeared into a mist of light.
"Awesome! Okay..."
Vivian didn't waste a moment and immediately started waving the pencil around, sketching out some kind of device. First a large circle was drawn on the ground. With a tap from the pencil, Vivian lifted the circle into the air and stretched it downward a little bit, giving it a cylinder shape. Quickly, Vivian sketched out a dome underneath the cylinder and a three pronged stand to sit it on. It was very elegant looking but the onlookers were confused to what she was doing and the creature was coming down rather fast. It's howls could be heard getting closer and closer, Vivian was running out of time.
Not that Vivian seemed worried as she was making final adjustments to her creation. She drew a few lines over the top of the cylinder shape, the lines hovered in line with the edge. With a tap on the edge from the pencil, a mirror formed over the open end of the cylinder!
"Yes!" Vivian leaned over to observe her master piece. In the reflection, however, she could see the black beast tumbling over in the sky above her.
"All right... One last thing."
With a quick swish of the pencil, Vivian created a little ball over the center of the mirror with short lines coming from it. Vivian scribbled in the center of the ball that gave it a strange yellow glow. The shadow of the beast was coming into sight, it would crash into Vivian if she didn't hurry!
But she didn't hurry. Vivian calmly gave the little ball a tap and stepped away from the contraption. The ball glowed brightly and fell gently on to the mirror.
FWOOSH!
A pillar light shot up from the mirror into the sky, piercing the clouds and engulfing the creature! The howls were drowned out by the roaring beam of light. The crowd shield their eyes from the brightness but Vivian was raising her hands in the air, soaking in the warmth that she created with a smile that stretched from ear to ear.
The event was short lived as the beast finally crashed down into mirror and it's stand with a horrible crunch of metal and glass shattering. There was an echo of gasps through out the crowd and the smile faded from Vivian'sface. The black beast slowly got up from the wreckage, glass scattered about it's fur, black ooze seeping from it's open wounds. A low growl came from it's throat and it crawled its way towards Vivian with hatred and malicious intent in its eyes.
The growl came to a stop. The green glow of the beasts eyes faded to black. From the paws of it's legs, its fur stiffened and turned to grey. This spread all the way up it's body and to the tip of its tail. Even the golden horns on it head became tarnished with the same color. Silence fell on everyone witnessing the beast turn to stone.
"Is it...?" Ana whispered to Richter.
"I think so..."
Vivian cocked her head to one side, wind blowing her hair around her face. She walked forward cautiously towards the statue, unsure if the creature was truly defeated. Keeping the pencil pointed at the beast, she gave it a soft tap on the nose.
A crack formed where tip of the pencil and the nose met and it splintered throughout the statue rapidly with a horrible creaking sound. Then, almost just as quickly, pieces of the statue broke off and fell to the ground. Dust from the remains swirled around Vivian before disappearing into the afternoon sun. For a moment, Vivian thought she heard the final howl of the black beast.
What she heard next was the howl of cheers coming from the students and teachers of her school. Vivian turned, shocked to hear so much excitement burst all at once! People were cheering and waving, shouting her name in celebration. Vivian laughed and waved as she found her friends jumping in the air, shouting with the rest of the crowd.
"You've done well." Haniel appeared at her side. Vivian made a quick glance, trying not to give away that someone was next to her.
"Pretty good story, huh?" She said with a big smile on her face.
"Would be if this were the end of it."
"What?!"
A loud rumble seemed to rise from all around them. The celebrating crowd became confused again and some of them screamed over the sound. Vivian stumbled and fell to her knees as the shaking got worse. Suddenly the ground split open by the road down from the school and giant, scaled wurm rose from the earth. It's large beak and beady eyes scanned its gaze over the small buildings and the crowd gathered by the road. There was sound of an unsatisfied snort came from the strange limbless being.
Vivian ran to the edge of the crowd, putting herself between them and the overgrown snake-like creature. She held her pencil firmly in her hand, she understood how important it was to her now and she couldn't afford to lose it. No one really knew what to expect out of this wurm that showed up from the ground but the moment it laid its eyes on Vivian, it let out a bellowing roar that shattered nearby windows and dropped everyone to their knees. Vivian covered her ears but it really didn't help much as she winced from the sound.
"Vivian!"
Shocked, Vivian opened her eyes at the sound of a voice she never heard before shout her name. She looked up, expecting to see the wurm speaking to her but instead saw a strange tribal boy with a long metal spear standing on top of the wurm creature. He didn't wear a shirt to hide his tanned body but his face was hidden behind a large skull mask with huge curled horns. A long grass skirt was worn over his black burlap pants but didn't seem to be wearing any shoes. He was muscular and stood proudly on the head of the wurm, feet gripped to the curve of the wurms head. He couldn't be any older than herself, or so she thought.
"Vivian!" He shouted again. "For the sake of my people and my story, I will defeat and destroy you! Here and now!"
