blue literary magazine - TIS Middle School 14-15

blue

the independent middle school literary magazine

2014-15

about us

blue 2014-15 executive staff: student editor: abby ottaway assistant editors: brenna donnelly, pax koenig-weber, natalie johnson, sophie solomon, and malina wagner marketing: edward sturm adviser: mrs. debra cole ---------staff members: olivia burkhart, grant burmeister, cole chandler, nitai dasa, rmaya davis, brenna donnelly, julie douglas, julia fetters, hannah hecox, rachel hugo, caroline jiang, natalie johnson, zoe johnson, carter jones, uday kabirapanthi, ashlyn mahoney, madison martin, miles martin, kylie mitchell, malar muthukumar, sebastien patino, aidan scott, sophie solomon, malina wagner, pax koenig-weber, and johanna yang cover art by - allyson murray shadow photo by edward sturm

table of contents ----------------------------confidence & pride “midwest dreams” by sebastien patino.............................................................................7 “my freckles” by madison martin......................................................................................8 “my lips” by hannah hecox................................................................................................8 “truth” by brenna donnelly................................................................................................9 “vibes” by madison martin................................................................................................9 “city selfie” by reema moussa............................................................................................9 “julia” by julia douglas.......................................................................................................9 “miles” by miles martin.....................................................................................................9 “dear little brunette” by tori dexter...................................................................................9 “6 word meme” by carter jones.......................................................................................10 “6 word meme” by zoe johnson.......................................................................................10 “6 word meme” by nitai dasa...........................................................................................10 “6 word meme” by kylie mitchell....................................................................................10 “hello my name is hannah” by hannah hecox..................................................................11 “my eyes” by graham burmeister.....................................................................................11 “my feet” by natalie johnson............................................................................................12 “dear false prosecutor” by johanna yang.........................................................................12 “our squad” by campbell flemming.................................................................................13

nature & animals “escape the deathly forest” by brenna donnelly..............................................................14 “blondie” by amaya davis.................................................................................................15 “the barn” by abby ottaway and miles martin.................................................................15 “the bird” by natalie johnson...........................................................................................15 “prisoner” by abby ottaway..............................................................................................16 “away” by julia douglas....................................................................................................17 “the pile” by lanna chase..................................................................................................17 “secret” by johanna yang..................................................................................................17 “whispering trees” by graham burmeister.......................................................................17 “quiet stillness” by campbell flemming.............................17 “leaves” by malina wagner.............................................17 word art by alex steven................................................18 6 word meme by edward sturm....................................18 6 word meme by hannah hecox......................................18 “cat kitten” by tate clem................................................19

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“blue sparkles” by gina defazio........................................................................................19 “beautiful sight” by aiden scott........................................................................................19 “he is free” by johanna yang............................................................................................20 “time” by edward sturm and nitai dasa..........................................................................20 “fox in the grapes” by natalie johnson............................................................................20 “cat in jail” by jonah bolin................................................................................................21 “the beach” by deena eichorn..........................................................................................21 art by hannah hecox.........................................................................................................21 art by JoAnna Pistotnik...................................................................................................21 art by Kiarra Farha..........................................................................................................21 “serenity” by jonah bolin.................................................................................................22 “dreaming on the beach” by grace gill............................................................................22 “rose” by julia fetters.......................................................................................................23 “coral” by malina wagner................................................................................................23 “teal” by zoe johnson......................................................................................................24 “violet” by madison martin............................................................................................24 “mint” by miles martin....................................................................................................25 “blue” by nitai dasa..........................................................................................................25 “pumpkin” by amaya davis..............................................................................................26 “amber” by abby ottaway................................................................................................26 “persimmon” by caroline yiang.......................................................................................26 “leaves and berries” by eleena armani............................................................................27 “fickle flowers” by abby ottaway......................................................................................27 “brown” by rachel hugo...................................................................................................27 “flight” by ashlyn mahoney.............................................................................................27

humor & shenanigans “the new thing” by bryson toubassi................................................................................28 “hygiene is our life” by madison martin and carter jones..............................................29 “not wearing poetry pants” by edward sturm and miles martin...29 “i’m sorry” by chase farha...........................................................29 “world war snow” by tate clem................................................29 “students’ favorite game” by aiden scott..........................30 “ready” by edward sturm and nitai dasa...........................30 “Classic dreams” by lauren skelton................................30 “war against twizzlers” by abby ottaway, zoe johnson and caroline yiang........31 6 word meme by sophie solomon.....................................31 “ yo, yo, yo, man: a one act”....................32-34 by johanna yang and bryson toubassi

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fear, sadness & loss “aliens are coming” by hannah hecox.............................................................................35 “the raven task” by nitai dasa..........................................................................................36 “grandpa” by tori dexter..................................................................................................36 “him” by malina wagner..................................................................................................36 “loss” by sophie solomon.................................................................................................37 “‘til the last hour” by julia fetters....................................................................................37 “the end is near” by uday kabirapanthi...........................................................................37 “alone” by madison martin..............................................................................................37 “chains of death” by abby ottaway..................................................................................38 “warning” by nitai dasa...................................................................................................38 “lost and found” by sophie solomon...............................................................................39 “again” by edward sturm.................................................................................................39 “justice” by natalie johnson.............................................................................................39 “grief” by julia fetters.......................................................................................................39 “a bully” by hannah hecox...............................................................................................40 “collaspe” by malina wagner...........................................................................................40 “bear attack” by miles martin and sebastien patino.......................................................40 “souls rise” by a big crew of talented writers...................................................................41 “the wall” by johanna yang..............................................................................................41 “misunderstanding” by sophie solomon.........................................................................41 “the horror of truth” by malar muthukumar..................................................................42 “where?” by malina wagner.............................................................................................42 “normal” by sophie solomon...........................................................................................42 “near the end” by kylie mitchell......................................................................................42 “the world has changed” by brenna donnelly.................................................................42 “the hunted” by cole chandler.........................................................................................43 “the hunter” by zoe johnson..............................................43 “the hunter” by malar muthukumar.................................43 “the black car” by sophie solomon....................................44 “falling in war” by pax koenig-weber................................44 “chained” by malina wagner.........................................44 “after death” by brenna donnelly.................................45 “dreams of suffering” by campbell flemming..............45

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love, joy & fantasy “peace man” by tori dexter..............................................................................................46 “love” by kylie mitchell....................................................................................................47 “shoot the moon” by graham burmeister........................................................................47 “remember” by caroline yiang.........................................................................................47 “variance” by malina wagner..........................................................................................48 “broken” by julia douglas................................................................................................49 “dropped from the heavens” by abby ottaway................................................................49 “the saw” by graham burmeister.....................................................................................49 “what she once was” by abby ottaway.............................................................................50 6 word meme by madison martin...................................................................................50

heroes & hope “best teacher” by carter jones..........................................................................................51 “the state fair” by abby ottaway.......................................................................................52 “not yet” by miles martin.................................................................................................52 “the note” by graham burmeister....................................................................................52 “a hero flying high” by lanna chase.................................................................................53 “dr. king” by brenna donnelly.........................................................................................53 “joyland” by carter jones.................................................................................................53 6 word meme by malar muthukumar.............................................................................54 6 word meme by natalie johnson, malina wagner, and malar muthukumar.................54 6 word meme by kylie mitchell.......................................................................................54 6 word meme by abby ottaway........................................................................................54 “scavengers” by brenna donnelly....................................................................................54 “felling” by hawk breen...................................................................................................55 “she is one of a kind” by rachel smith.............................................................................55 “blue” by hawk breen.......................................................................................................55 “looking” by julia douglas................................................................................................56 “the lotus” by pax koenig-weber......................................................................................56 “baby cinnamon” by ashlyn mahoney....................................56 “am i flying” by edward sturm...............................................57 “the super 7: graphic novel”.............................................58-79 by graham burmeister, lanna chase, tori dexter, julia douglas campbell flemming, bryson toubassi, and johanna yang “quest” by abby ottaway...............................................80

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Hand Art

by Brenna Donnelly

confidence & pride

Midwest Dreams Photo & Words by Sebastien Patino cool beans on the very top chase your dreams and find the best cast across the Great Plains achieve greatness or fail 7

My Freckles

by Madison Martin My best feature is unique and uncommon.

My sister and I are the only ones in our family who have them.

Sweet.

Other people tell me that they are like angel kisses, and others judge me.

I wish the best part of me would let me see the good in people before it was too late.

My freckles are a characteristic that makes me who I am, and without them, I wouldn’t be me.

My Lips

by Hannah Hecox

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My lips, pink and sweet, tell others my thoughts and feelings.

The best part of me A reflection of my beauty A first love. A first kiss.

They speak somethings I couldn’t and somethings I shouldn’t.

The best part of me

Truth by Brenna Donnelly

Vibes by Madison Martin

City Selfie by Reema Moussa

Julia

by Julia Douglas

Miles

by Miles Martin

The Independent School Joyful - Expressive To Inspire - To Grow - To Shine Lights, Camera, and Action To Create - To Control - To Expand Beautiful - Friendly Determination

The Independent School Creative - Berzerk To Express - To Understand - To Explore See What is Possible To Challenge - To Develop - To Bloom Friendly - Resourceful Community

Dear Little Brunette

by Tori Dexter Dear Little Brunette: I would like to tell you that the person you taunted is now long gone.

You called me a name that no girl should ever be called.

You told me that I was a waste of time.

You told me that no one would care if I dropped dead.

So during our next encounter, I’m going to forgive, but not forget, and act as if it never happened, but always remember the fact that those words will not affect my life.

I will never forget those words.

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10

6 Word Memes: Upper Left by Carter Jones Upper Right by Zoe Johnson Bottom Left by Nitai Dasa Bottom Right by Kylie Mitchell

My Eyes

by Graham Burmeister My eyes - The best part of me They’re blue and light and help me see.

They help me cry and feel.

I can see the world and how it heals.

They are the best part of me.

I would be sad if they left me.

They look like my late grandpa.

I hope they will one day stop giving me migraines.

I would be sad without my eyes.

Hannah

by Hannah Hecox It means creative, different, and smart.

It is the number 11.

It is like a mermaid’s tail, the shallow sea.

It is the idea of the family all together again.

It is the memory of Annie, who taught me to be myself and live life to the fullest, when she shows me the world, and we splash in the water together.

My name is Hannah; It means a forest of animals awaiting my protection.

11

My Feet

by Natalie Johnson My feet are the most beautiful part of me.

They are unique, like no one else’s.

They take me to beaches and mountains.

They take me to forests too.

I need them to do what I want, and I want them to do what I need.

They take me to places I love and away from places I don’t.

I like them to be polished, pink, blue, and green.

I like soft socks.

My feet are the best part of me.

Dear False Prosecutor

by Johanna Yang Dear False Prosecutor: I would like to tell you that I don’t know why you feel the need to be rude to me.

You tell me that I’m not worth anyone’s time.

You tell me that I am not a Christian.

You call me something that no girl should ever be called.

You make me feel like I am less than I am.

So during our next encounter, I will tell you that I don’t need your idiocy.

So when it’s all over, I will have said my grace, but when it’s REALLY over, you will have absolutely no significance.

I am in charge of me.

Your words are irrelevant, and I am choosing to like me.

12

Our Squad

by Campbell Flemming our squad big freaks and dorks you mess with us, we bite back you never know where we are at look out world, here we come

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Escape the Deathly Forest Photo and Words by Brenna Donnelly sky climb vine to the clouds girls dream of reaching the sky forest, grabbing for my future sever all human ties

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nature & animals

Blondie by Amaya Davis The Bird

by Natalie Johnson The rooms of the palace were simple and cool; the windows were kept open so that birds could fly in and out.

The mockingbird perched on the Queen’s hand.

She loved that mockingbird’s song, so she ensnared it.

She kept is in a golden cage, with the purest water and the fined food.

No matter how much she tried to cheer him, he still would not sing.

The bird was forever unhappy.

The mockingbird died sad and alone.

The Barn

by Abby Ottaway & Miles Martin Early morning rooster call The cluck, cluck, cluck of a chicken The barn is awake Outside there’s a lamb so small Be ready with your gloves and feed It’s time to start the day The horses stand so tall Trot, trot, trot trotting along The pasture is teeming with life The clanging of the foot hitting the trough After they eat, they roll in the mud The pigs with curly pink tails As the barn grows tired The eyelids grow heavier The barn is asleep

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Prisoner by Abigail Ottaway

Away

by Julia Douglas

The Pile

by Lanna Chase

It’s cold as can be Wet and cold but still alive Life, it flows away

Woods have been cut down All in a tremendous way So brown this rustic pile Secret

by Johanna Yang River rushing by Perfect image of stillness We came here - Don’t tell

Whispering Trees

by Graham Burmeister

Quiet Stillness

by Campbell Flemming

The trees speak to me.

They say when the seasons end.

The trees whisper with ease.

The quiet stillness The sound of machines far, deep A dead bird in a cage

Leaves by Malina Wagner

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Tree by Alex Steven

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6 Word Meme by Edward Sturm

6 Word Meme by Hannah Hecox

Cat Kitten by Tate Clem

Blue Sparkles

by Gina DeFazio The way blue sparkles, from the wind to the sea The sky is the happiness of the day.

Saltwater is the fresh smell.

You can hear the wind roar.

And the twilight zone is on the dark blue side.

The taste of blueberries To the sea, to the shore, the sea shells flow.

The sky is light and dark on different days.

In the winter, the snow sparkles.

Beautiful Sight by Aiden Scott

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He is Free

by Johanna Yang

Time

by Edward Sturm & Nitai Dasa

“Then what are you?�

He is a cloud soaring high above The height of any plane.

He is also the sky, a deep endless picture of freedom.

He is an eagle as he flies up through the clouds into the sky.

The other birds envy him.

He is free.

He is free.

Unnaturally Speeding Round and Round Confusing Numbers Circled Sequentially Sitting Silently Waiting Hands-a-Spinning Whirling By The Clock

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Fox in the Grapes by Natalie Johnson

Cat in Jail by Jonah Bolin

The Beach by Deena Eichorn Top Image by Hannah Hecox Middle Image by JoAnna Pistotnik Bottom Image by Kiarra Farha

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Serenity by Jonah Bolin

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Dreaming on the Beach by Grace Gill

Rose

by Julia Fetters Rose looks like the tint of a teenager’s lipstick.

Rose sounds like salmon slapping on the shore.

Rose smells like a sweet perfume.

Rose tastes like tangy and tart cranberry juice.

Rose feels like orange chocolate melting in your mouth.

Rose is a girl’s bouquet at her wedding.

Coral

by Malina Wagner Coral looks like a light rose complete with thorns.

Coral sounds like the crunch of freshly fallen leaves in the fall.

Coral smells like freshly cut fruit, ripened to perfection.

Coral tastes like a grapefruit with tang and no sugar.

Coral feels like a cork board, pockmarked with pinholes.

Coral is like Peeps, covered with sugar and squishy without an ounce of staleness.

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Teal

by Zoe Johnson Teal looks like polka dots on a freshly painted wall.

Teal sounds like water dropping of a petal after rain.

Teal smells like the air before a storm.

Teal tastes like a homemade blueberry pie.

Teal feels like a luke warm bath on a summer day.

Teal is like floating freely on top of water... just because.

Violet

by Madison Martin Violet looks like a million dollar watercolor painting that drips with the darkness of the unknown.

Violet sounds like the tinkling crystals of a chandelier swaying in the wind.

Violet smells like sweet cotton candy at the state fair.

Violet tastes like a juicy popsicle on the fourth of July.

Violet feels like the confidence of a model wearing a jeweled necklace at a photo shoot.

Violet is like a retro dance night complete with couples popping and locking.

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Mint

by Miles Martin Mint looks like the skin of a sea turtle drifting with the new morning current.

Mint sounds like the water flowing gracefully over the waterfall.

Mint smells like the mist of the sauna slowly coating the room with a moist layer.

Mint tastes like the tangy slurp of a hard-earned pop.

Mint feels like the bubbly surface of a block of soap.

Mint is like dessert after the satisfying main course.

Blue

by Nitai Dasa Blue looks like a cool sky on a hot day.

Blue sounds like the song of birds at noon.

Blue smells like a salty ocean breeze.

Blue tastes like ice cream treats on the beach.

Blue feels like the soft caress of a bird’s feathers.

Blue is like gentle waves on the sand.

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Pumpkin

by Amaya Davis Pumpkin looks like a tabby cat sitting on a chilly window sill.

Pumpkin sounds like the snapping of crunchy vines.

Pumpkin smells like autumn’s earthy soil.

Pumpkin tastes like swirly Cool Whip thawed and ready to top.

Pumpkin feels like the warmth of a Jack O’ Lantern candle on Halloween.

Pumpkin is like Apple Jack’s Pumpkin Farm ready to treat guests to warm food and drinks.

Persimmon

by Caroline Yiang Persimmon looks like a warm smile from a kind grandfather.

Persimmon sounds like a crackling fire in the woods.

Persimmon smells like fresh citrus fruit when it’s ripe.

Persimmon tastes like a gush of sweet & tart lemonade hitting my tongue.

Persimmon feels like warm sunlight on the skin of a careful student.

Persimmon is like a stone of amber ready to put on a royal crown.

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Amber

by Abby Ottaway Amber looks like a glowing light in the dark attic at midnight.

Amber sounds like a maiden bellowing a low note.

Amber smells like carmel, all chewy, gooey, and smooth.

Amber tastes like freshly squeezed white grape juice.

Amber feels like angled, sharp, and hard-like stone wall.

Amber is like perching on a window sill on a rainy day, snuggled up in a warm blanket.

Leaves and Berries by Eleena Amarani

Flight by Ashlyn Mahoney

Fickle Flowers

by Abby Ottaway Mrs. Gibbs’ Garden: peas, beans, hollyhocks, heliotrope, and lots of burdock.

He placed his hat on a rock beside the picket fence a place of serenity, a place of growth, and a place to think wavering between these three choices.

The flowers seemed to lean in and listen to his thoughts.

The garden decided for him.

Brown

by Rachel Hugo Brown looks like sweet, German, milk chocolate - smooth and mellow.

Brown sounds likes the sounds of wood being chopped in the woods.

Brown smells like the earth in our garden after a rainy day.

Brown tastes like what ugly worms might taste like.

Brown feels like the mustache of a young man.

27 Brown is like a woods full of animals.

The New Thing

by Bryson Toubassi tush touch fist pump our way only good friends greet like this everyday after school hours this will be the new thing

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humor & shenanigans

Hygiene is our Life

by Madison Martin & Carter Jones A Poem?

Forget it, Mrs. Cole.

You are joking, right?

Sorry, we’re vegetarians.

Um....we broke a nail.

Our freckles fell off!

We didn’t brush our teeth and dental hygiene is our LIFE. His pencil just broke after I stepped on it.

Sorry, we just found out that...we’re deaf? What? What?

HIS doctor said that I am allergic to poetry.

Time’s up? Is that the bell?

Wait....You like our poem? No kidding?

Thanks, Mrs. Cole.

Want us to write another one?

Not Wearing Poetry Pants

by Edward Sturm & Miles Martin A Poem?

Forget it, Mrs. Cole.

You are joking, right?

Our Uncle’s fish just died, and the sorrow is overwhelming.

We just had math! You think we can THINK? HE’S not wearing his poetry pants.

Our eraser is off kilter.

Oh no! Mike and Ike just broke up.

We left our glasses in our good suit, and we don’t wear THAT until Sunday.

We just had school lunch. Our digestion is all we can focus on right now.

Wait! We have one more excuse to write...

What?

Time’s up? Is that the bell?

Wait....You like our poem? No kidding?

Thanks, Mrs. Cole.

Want us to write another one?

World War Snow

by Tate Clem dry air cold and chilly soft but cool free and white a person afriend a snowball in my hand zipping through the air 100 points it hit! anger while laughing ready to attack but fled I was sorry but instead I was not sorry

I’m Sorry

by Chase Farha I’m sorry if this poem is not so great.

I don’t want this poem to stink like fish bait.

I want to be good at writing poems, but I’m not.

Good writing skills aren’t something I got.

I’m sorry you have to go through this pain.

Writing this poem isn’t something I should sustain.

I know this poem is not worth pay.

With this sentence, I say good-day.

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“Ready”

Ready

by Edward Sturm & Nitai Dasa

Students’ Favorite Game

by Aidan Scott Who will I hang out in the ladies’ room?

That’s all the kids at my school’s favorite activity.

Even the boys enjoy it.

We just sit around on the toilets and talk about boyfriend drama.

The teachers don’t think it’s fun though.

They say it’s “not school appropriate.”

But, it’s loads of fun.

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Sunshine awaits me.

Darkness engulfs me.

My happiness is free.

My sorrow overwhelms.

Simple joy.

Complicated sadness.

I’m ready. I always have been.

I’m dreading. Forever dreading.

It’s time for math.

Classic Dreams by Lauren Skelton

War Against Twizzlers

by Abby Ottaway, Zoe Johnson & Caroline Jiang A Poem?

Forget it, Mrs. Cole.

You are joking, right?

Our arms are cramped! We have to go to the nurse!

Her shirt is black, and she can only write when her shirt is green.......AHHH! The peanut butter touched the jelly on our sandwiches! How horrid!

We’re from Minnesota, so we can’t write poetry.

The Jollyrachers declared war against the Twizzlers.

I MUST HELP! We have split ends! We need to get our hair cut.

Her mom’s middle name is Susan, so basically, poetry is impossible.

Our favorite show just ended, so we are too depressed to think.

Time’s up? Is that the bell?

Wait....You like our poem? No kidding?

Thanks, Mrs. Cole.

Want us to write another one?

6 Word Meme

by Sophie Solomon

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Yo, Yo, Yo, Man! A One Act Play

by Johanna Yang and Bryson Toubassi Narrator: This is the story of 2 lost causes and the bear that helped them see the error of their ways.

It all started deep in the woods around a campfire.

(Scene opens around a roaring campfire, where two young rappers are “blinged” out and don’t fit in their surroundings.)

Skittle: Yo, Yo, I’m a rapper, yes I am.

I rap all day and …… Eat some yams?

Large Wayne: No, no, man. Hear this: Beats, beats, all day long. be….Singed?...Sunged? How should this end?

If I can’t rap it…..in must

Skittle: We’s gonna be rich, Large Wayne with our boss raps!

Large Wayne: Yeah man, I’m gonna buy a home theatre system and huge pool with a slip n’ slide!

Skittle: And I’m gonna buy myself some money and a Bugatti.

Large Wayne: AAhh yeah man this gone be sweet. It’s a good thing we dropped out of college to do raps.

Skittle: But I want a degree in rappin’, man.

Large Wayne: You can’t get a degree in that man… that’s why we did this. Duh! Narrator: From the depths of the woods, came a bellowing growl.

Large Wayne: Did you hear that?

Skittle: Yeah was that you? That beat was sick!

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(GROWLS AGAIN) Uhh...yeah that was definitely not you…

(LARGE FEROCIOUS BEAR ENTERS STAGE RIGHT - Large Wayne and Skittle panic and hug in fear.)

Narrator: Our 2 “big and brave rappers” weren’t so big anymore.

Large Wayne: Dude, I never had a chance to get my rapping contract! Or my Jacuzzi! It was gonna have lights and everything!

Skittle: Oh shut it! You’re not the one who just lost his shot at a Bugatti!

Beau the Bear: Rappers! I think rappers are sooooo juicy and flavorful.

Large Wayne: This isn’t good man, we gotta climb that tree over there.

Skittle: But I can’t climb trees, bro. What do I do, man? Hey, where did you go?

Large Wayne: (Yells) Every man for himself!!

Skittle: That’s not cool, mannnn! What’s yo prob’m?

Large Wayne: It stinks to be you right now, Skittle.

Narrator: Just then, Beau the Bear tried to knock down the tree, and Large Wayne fell out.

Large Wayne: Heads up, Skittle! Catch me!

(Skittle moves out of the way and lets Large Wayne fall on his face) Hey man, that’s not cool! I told you to catch me!

Skittle: You’re the one who bailed on me to climb a tree.

Large Wayne: Dude, it’s time to come clean! Hey bear, were not really rappers!

Beau: Hold up….

Skittle: No, were actually quite intellectual, and we want degrees in physiology!

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Large Wayne: Yeah, I LOVE playing chess... and checkers...and Mahjong!

Beau: Wait a second. You’re both talking differently!

Skittle: Well, yes, were actually nerds not rappers.

Beau: That changes my whole perspective. You have to be yourself these days or it can get you into a lot of trouble! You are free to go.

Large Wayne: I guess it’s back to Harvard, Skittle... oh wait... Melvin III! Skittle (Melvin III): Okay, you’re right, Large Wayne. Oh who am I kidding... your name is Dumbley!

Narrator: In the end, both former rappers earned their degrees in physiology and ended up being professors at Yale.

The End

34

Aliens are Coming

by Hannah Hecox two heads mutant woman coming toward you sucking blood it gashes teeth roots finding gold you taste better than gold

fear sadness & loss

35

The Raven Task

by Nitai Dasa She nervously twisted one of her curly, raven black locks around her finger, a habit she would retain all of her life.

Tomorrow was the initiation day.

She had come so far - so many tests.

She looked up at me and whispered, “I’m terrified.”

This moment would make or break her.

I squeezed her hand, “I’m sure you’ll get in.”

After letting go of my hand, she drew her knife and walked through the door.

36

Him by Malina Wagner

Grandpa

by Tori Dexter Grandpa Dexter brilliant - sharp to thrive - to excel - to achieve heart stopped pumping to decelerate - to fight - to surrender literary - genius grandfather

“Til the Last Hour

by Julia Fetters His voice never rose above a whisper.

I knew that this was the last voice that I would hear.

My version of dying wasn’t like this.

I always imagined I’d be at home, and all my family would be around me.

I never thought I would die this young and this way.

I hope I will be remembered for who...

Loss Desire life, you graciously Humbly desire Admiration Friendship was kept a secret Loss of a friend Immediately alone by Sophie Solomon The End is Near

by Uday Kabirapanthi We are face to face with the rest of the world.

The aliens have shown themselves.

The dragons have shown themselves and scorched the humans.

The end is near.

My life is so short, and I forgot to mention that monsters...have combined forces.

I feel frightened for my soul.

Alone I understood I was alone I drifted only slowly in the quiet frozen country

by Madison Martin

37

Chains of Death by Abby Ottaway

38

Warning

by Nitai Dasa Cassidy let out a yelp and nudged his head under my leg.

He seemed terrified - the poor dog.

I scratched his head and asked, “What’s wrong, boy?”

He whined and curled up, looking at me as if he was trying to tell me something.

“Dad, something is wrong with Cassidy.”

And then, sirens started crying out.

I bolted to the basement.

Lost and Found

by Sophie Solomon That stormy night, his life was lost.

Who knows where it went.

What terrible thing happened that caused him to loose such a valuable thing?

Some say it was out of nature.

I know what happened.

Once a life lost, now’s a life found.

Again I can’t I don’t see I’m afraid I haven’t found it yet Perhaps I ought to turn away again

by Edward Sturm

Justice

by Natalie Johnson Absolute justice could never be attained in practice.

A crime like this is worth the morgue.

He said that people were “drowning in their own blood” like it was a good thing.

The long black coat was flowing from behind him.

The hat was five feet tall.

The sky was red.

Who is this man?

Grief Scream of grief Impossible to describe Arrows My hands and face My spectacles Under water I was drowned

by Julia Fetters

39

40

A Bully

by Hannah Hecox

Collapse

by Malina Wagner

Some kids liked to go behind him and drop pennies down the gaps.

He never knew.

Children.

Joking with him.

He did find out.

He was furious.

Anger flowed through him.

He slammed one head on the wall.

Then he saw what he had done.

They just didn’t get it.

I would love being here, if I had made it honestly.

It wasn’t my fault; It wasn’t.

Free yet trapped, trapped by myself.

Pressure suffocates, suffocates more than the body.

Emotions suffocate and die off too.

Too much pressure for me.

Bear Attack by Miles Martin & Sebastien Patino

Souls Rise tender it pierces the souls slated, fractured, broken beasts to the frigid sky they rise sudden death defies all

by Abby Ottaway, Natalie Johnson, Julia Fetters., Edward Sturm, Pax Weber, Brenna Donnelly, Graham Burmeister, Hannah Hecox, and Malar Muthakumar

Misunderstanding

by Sophie Solomon Because you never let us.

We have been captivated by these chains that so strongly grasp us.

We tried to explain our reasonings, but you never let us.

I’m sure if you just listened to our every single word, you might understand why we did what we did.

But before we had the chance, everything went black.

The Wall

by Johanna Yang Avalon, St. Martin’s land, the place of sudden mists A land of dragons, griffins, and magical creatures This land was created to cause both joy and disorientation.

The creepy twists and turns led me to the wall.

I didn’t know that it would the last thing I saw.

41

The Horror of Truth

by Malar Muthukumar

Where?

by Malina Wagner

I was getting off the bus.

The mailman dropped an envelope into the mailbox.

It was red.

I cried in shock and ran to grab it.

Hands shaking, I opened the letter and read the first line.

I froze.

All at once, I screamed, tears streaming out of my eyes.

Half a dozen attendants forward to...

I don’t know what... interfere no doubt.

But with what?

I can’t remember.

Black.

Then suddenly light.

I woke up here.

But where is here?

Who am I? I look down at a body not my own.

Normal

by Sophie Solomon Normal...hah! I was never meant to be what people these days refer to as normal...never will be. One may call it “a 6th sense.” I don’t understand the obvious, but the deeper, more complicated things are as simple addition would be to an adolescence.

Well...to me that is. I have never been one to fit in with the normal happenings these days. Perhaps the whole world has just become blind to the things they call invisible. Normal...now what does that word even mean?

Near the End

by Kylie Mitchell Adults don’t like the idea of kids.

It is because they remind them of their own youth and remind them they are near the end.

Near Death.

Death is a weird thing.

If you go to hell, what is it like?

Fire? Unholy?

Death is weird.

People mourn.

People cry, yet those people 42 go with God.

The World has Changed

by Brenna Donnelly They believed they were living in a new age.

The world was different before...better.

People were nice, sharing...human.

Then it all changed. We changed.

Our souls are now cold and dead.

We walk around the cold Earth numb and emotionless.

Help me.

I am the only one left in this world.

The Hunted

by Cole Chandler

The Hunter

by Malar Muthukumar

My friends and I went to the woods to film a scary movie, but we didn’t know the myth was real. As the monster chased me, I let out a blood-curling scream as I saw my friends dead on the ground.

Their eyes were as white as the clouds above.

My heart was beating quickly.

I was sweating. I thought sweat was dripping, but it was something else...blood.

I looked back, and the monster was running the other way. I looked again and saw the monster was ten feet taller.

I then remembered the pistol in my pocket. I could use it. I reached down only to find where the monster had sliced me - right through the pocket. I had no pistol, only a bloody leg.

I lurked in the woods, awaiting prey, hunger pinching the insides of my belly. At last! My keen ears heard the tiniest snap of a twig in the field. I turned my head, bared my sharp, pointed teeth, and charged.

The world was a blur. I saw nothing but the food before me. Closer, closer, closer to meat.

Closer to ripping flesh off bones. Closer to food sliding down my throat. I smiled viscously.

I had forgotten what it was like to be on the hunt.

Which part was the juiciest?

Today, at last, I will have a full belly. But as I leap into the air and roar, I wonder, how long will this meal last?

The Hunter

by Zoe Johnson I finally saw the perfect person in the perfect place to me my prey. As I chased my prey, it fell, and I went in for the kill. I felt the sense of its fear pulsing through my veins as adrenaline followed. It was going to fight back and make it a game for me. I hoped it would run.

I hoped it would run so long that it became night and dark. It needs to run long enough, so that I won’t be the prey - the hunted.

43

Falling in War

by Pax Koenig-Weber The Black Car

by Sophie Solomon Was it supposed to be this way?

I don’t understand...

Well...then again, I don’t understand many normal things....Do I? In this room, well, I know I don’t belong here. It happened through the course of a day. A day which seemed normal...at the time...

I dreaded that big, black car.

The big, black car which had parked RIGHT in front of the building.

RIGHT where I could see it as I excited the building.

She walked up to me.

“What are you doing here?”

I sternly questioned here appearance.

“Get in the car” were her only words. I obeyed, knowing what would happen if I refused her command. We drove and drove.

We stopped at a large, crowded building. They sat me in a room, leaving me for hours and hours.

Finally, I was brought to another room, and questioned about my doings in the past week. After we talked, they put me in another vehicle, taking me to where I lie now. I didn’t rest ‘til midnight.

Restless, I thought about all that had happened. It put me here. In a hospital. All alone.

44

been stabbed staked and falling impaled, I’ve been - friend below heat of battle - warriors forged I’m dying good-bye, friends.

Chained by Malina Wagner

After Death

by Brenna Donnelly On the right, close to the mouth, you’d see a large creek named Wist. I was my Wonderland, full of dreams and nightmares.

Angels and demons flew around. I was enchanted, yet scared...curious, yet hesitant.

It came up to me...the demon.

It reached for me, and I ran.

Something saved me. I don’t know what.

Dreams of Suffering

by Campbell Flemming The people who might have landed and poked and pried saw only clouds of whiteness and went on their way.

It was dark.

The white clouds were mist.

They heard the monsters were roaring.

They heard the screams of humans suffering.

The devastating crash led them there.

They were marooned on Monster Island.

45

Peace Man Words by Tori Dexter focus meditation floating in the air, peace out! flying high on the cold concrete Woohoo! Yoga is fun!

46

love, joy & fantasy

Love

by Kylie Mitchell We were huddled over a game, my head on his shoulder.

Would we grow old together?

Would we love each other forever?

I wonder.

Does he love me?

Do I love him?

Are we right?

I look over.

He’s gone.

Forever.

Then I realize, I do love him, but it doesn’t matter.

Remember

by Caroline Yiang Remember when you used to give me cherries, and I ate them and spit out the seeds?

My grandma would clean the floor, since the seeds were all over the ground.

My mom asked me why I spit the seeds on the ground. I replied, “I aimed for the table, but I guess it rolled on the ground, and I don’t know what to do.”

My grandma chuckled and said that my excuse was reasonable.

I was 2 years of age at that time.

Shoot the Moon

by Graham Burmeister Remember when I used to “shoot the moon” with only an ace, king, queen, deuce, and trace? Ten Point Pitch was an awesome game.

We were the kings of Ten Point Pitch. All we did was win.

If we were on opposite sides, we usually would tie.

But, everyone knew I would be a really good player.

We used to have contests and toward the end, and I would beat you.

You were so good because you played it often.

I was so good, because I learned from the best.

47

48

Variance by Malina Wagner

Broken

by Julia Douglas bendy I am broken toes and hands touch the cold ground the morning sun wakes to greet me the dawn has arisen

The Saw

by Graham Burmeister Dropped from the Heavens

by Abby Ottaway The queasiness has stopped.

The worry has gone.

The dizziness vanished.

I’m completely still, yet descending toward the Earth.

Falling.

The saw vibrated in Dad’s arms and his whole body shook under the force of it.

Will he slip and fall?

Will he stay strong?

Will he cut wood?

Will he run and cut a tree down?

Will he sever his hand by accident?

No. He will spend time with me and build a birdhouse.

49

What She Once Was

by Abby Ottaway Muncie stumbled backward into the electric fence.

Her back hit the wire.

She fell to the grass scattered with wilted daisies.

They were just like her Once beautiful with sparkling potential.

6 Word Meme by Madison Martin

50

Best Teacher Photo and Words by Carter Jones high five I’m teacher’s pet slowly reading and finding in the sun with the best teacher spending time together

hope & heroes

51

The State Fair by Abby Ottaway

Not Yet

by Miles Martin She was pretty and that was nice, but he did not really know her.

He knew she had a secret that he needed to know.

He knew that he couldn’t judge a book by its cover.

She wasn’t “too pretty” to resist.

She was beautiful but mysterious.

She was not the right person.

52 Keep looking.

The Note

by Graham Burmeister He should come forward and set things right.

But what should I do?

Should I go up and talk?

Should I just wimp out?

I need to do this.

There she is.

She is looking at a note that was mine.

A Hero Flying High The Richard Chase Story

by Lanna Chase The altimeter was spinning out of control and the left engine had smoke steaming out of it. There was a great deal of snow on the ground-about 8 feet! His head had many thoughts racing through it. He hoped to land safely, and if he did, he needed to have a plan to make his way back to the Air Force Base. No time for that now, he had to prepare himself to crash, with his seat belt fastened, his arms wrapped around his knees, and his head tucked in between his legs. KABOOM!!!!! He had crashed.

Snow covered up all the windows of the crashed plane. He scrambled to see if the crew was okay.

Luckily they were.

Everyone on the massive plane had to help to try to open the door. They soon opened the latch, despite the snow that tumbled in the door.

Richard Chase was a hero to me by serving in the Air Force. He was 22 when he started, and 24 when he left. He served in the Intelligence Department within the Air Force branch. During his service, the Korean War was raging. Richard had many secrets to keep, because he was the Security

Officer. One of his secrets that makes him an even bigger hero was that he was the one that carried the codes to the nuclear bombs.

His son, Cran Chase, found out only a couple of years ago about this big secret.

“My father has many accomplishments to be proud of, but he would never think of himself as a hero. He is one of the most humble men I have ever met,”explained Cran.

Growing up in the country side of Kansas, Richard Chase never dreamed of the adventures he would soon have, or how he would be in charge of such a huge responsibility.

“I learned a lot in the country about hard work, self reliance, and responsibility,” said Richard.

After his time in the service, Richard spent his time ranching and farming for several years. He then decided that he needed a good job to support his family.

Richard started his own bank called Chisholm Trail State Bank. The success of that endeavor enabled him to purchase another bank in Derby, Kansas called First

National Bank of Derby. Later, he sold CTSB and changed the Derby bank’s name to “Verus Bank”, where his family still works today. Two of his sons, Kevin Chase and Cran Chase, now work as Executive Vice President, and a Chairman for the bank. “Verus” is a form of the Latin word “Veritas” which means true and genuine.

These two words also describe Richard Chase.

A hero doesn’t have to wear a mask or a cape, a true hero is also someone who puts others before themselves, or is an act of bravery and courage.

Richard Chase doesn’t think of himself a hero, but others will probably say so.

“I don’t personally think of myself as a hero, I’m just trying to live my life with high values and morales,” explains Richard.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. A hero is someone who is brave, strong, and most of all kind hearted. Richard Chase is clearly those three things. He was brave to enter the Air Force, he was strong when he crashed in the airplane, and he is truly kind hearted to the people around him.

Left: Dr. King by Brenna Donnelly Right: Joyland by Carter Jones

53

6 Word Memes: Upper Left by Malar Muthukumar Upper Right by Natalie Johnson, Malina Wagner, and Malar Muthukumar Bottom Left by Kylie Mitchell Bottom Right by Abby Ottaway

Scavengers

by Brenna Donnelly

54

She rummaged through the trashcan vigorously. She found a bright blue egg and squealed in excitement. Happiness spread across the children's faces as they ran through the yard. This would happen every Easter. But children grow older. We lose traditions.

It's nice to see we haven't forgotten it.

She is One of a Kind

by Rachel Smith She is very heart-filled. She loves life, animals, and people. She can be bossy at times, but that is just her. She gets confused a lot, but that makes her try harder. She can frustrate me, but I get over it. She likes different things than I do, but that is why we are friends. She is sweet and innocent, but bold and neat. She has a creative mind, and she likes to share it with the world. She laughs at a lot of things that I don’t get, but it makes me laugh. She seeks knowledge. She thinks hard and words hard. She loves to smile and have a good time. She is kind to all people.

When she is scared, she looks for help, and this is were I come in. She makes me cry. She makes me think. She is one of a kind.

Feeling by Hawk Breen

Blue by Hawk Breen

55

Looking

by Julia Douglas The majority of women came from nearby midwestern states.

One thing was their goal: Water.

The famine was great and had killed many.

These few women made it out alive... alive.

An expedition for food Looking and searching For forever homes

The Lotus by Pax Koenig-Weber

56

Baby Cinnamon by Ashlyn Mahoney

Am I Flying?

by Edward Sturm falling gone forever pulled into darkness...I think floating, flying, fleeting, falling hold your breath don’t feel fly

57

7

The Super

A Graphic Novel

By TIS Advanced English 6

58

Written by Graham Burmeister, Lanna Chase, Tori Dexter, Julia Douglas, Campbell Flemming, Bryson Toubassi, Johanna Yang - Designed & Photo Edited by Mrs. Debra Cole

“Before you embark on a journey, dig two graves.”

-Confucius

It is widely known that most heroes start from tragic circumstances.

These 6 young warriors were no different...

Deep in the forests of Japan, a large dojo stood among the echoes of the ancient waterfalls.

In one room, a pensive young man, examined ancient plans and writings. His journey to that exact moment had been long and painful with the memory of his parents’ tragic death.

As architects in Tokyo, their death by The 7 Deadly Riders shocked all at the building dedication.

This time, he would be old enough and strong enough to stop them. Maximum Method was ready.

In the meditation room, an energetic young woman absorbed the energy from the nearby waterfall. Power had always been her strength, but it was the downfall of her parents.

As engineers, examining power lines was a weekly activity. The 7 Deadly Riders made sure it was their last check up.

Ma x Me imum th od

The power from that explosion was her now her fuel. Next time, she would be charged enough to zap their hearts.

Miss Moxie was energized and waiting.

Mi Mo ss xie

Deep in the lab, one brilliant young man was creating a new deadly bacteria. His scientist parents had discovered a brain growth chemical.

The 7 Deadly Riders thought they had destroyed their dreams with their deaths. Little did they know, their dreams had absorbed into their child.

e Th in a Br

His intellect would now be the key to their demise.

The Brain was educated and ready to teach a lesson.

Ga m Se e Ma t tch

Behind the Dojo, stood a tennis court with a determined young lady refining her deadly serve.

As tennis coaches and doubles partners, the young girl’s parents were not expecting the deadly match at the 1973 Wimbledon final rounds.

With the force of an enchanted tennis ball and an ancient Japanese racquet, she planned on this match being The Riders’ painful last. Game, Set, Match was trained and a score of love was not a part of her plan.

In the pitch-black basement of the Dojo, one young man moved without being detected by the razor sharp lasers.

Being invisible to enemies was not new to his parents as government snipers. Sadly, they did not see The 7 Deadly Riders who shot them in the backs.

Next time, The Riders would not see HIM coming.

For Stealth was his name and silence was his game.

The practice room had amazing acoustics in the Dojo, so one talented young girl chose it continuously to practice her piercing high notes.

aa!!! ! a a a Wa aaaaa!! !!

Wa aaaaa!

Wa

S

h alt e t

As the infant of Broadway Phantom of the Opera stars, her cries could be heard in the balcony when she witnessed a fellow, evil castmate slice the ropes of the chandelier causing their deaths.

Known now as The Drama Queen, she vowed that her heavenly high notes would burst the eardrums of cast mates of The 7 Deadly Riders.

rd Go

ian

Dr a Qu ma ee n

These were the young warriors that Gordian needed in her army - for righting the wrongs done by the evil was her mission in life.

These six were no puppets. Strings would never hold them down. These Super 6 would be legends if all went according plan.

Together, they would train and plan for The 7 Deadly Riders’ final ride.

Anger had always consumed a man named Repulse, but the day he lost his parents... something snapped.

His evilness splintered into 7 different pieces, each with their own sins.

From that day on, Letharg, Jealousity, Averice Avie, Conseta, Narcissa, Insatia, and Desiree left death and destruction in their wake.

Big plans were brewing for the evil 7, and the result would be lethal.

Through a secret door in the Dojo bathroom, The Super 6 met Gordian in preparation for the upcoming showdown.

“Ohayoo gozaimasu, my warriors.”

“Konichiwa, Gordian-san. We are ready.”

“What is their target?”

“And it is a good thing that you are, for word has reached me that The 7 Deadly Riders are near and ready to strike.”

“They are attacking what young people should treasure most.”

“Starbucks?”

“Game Stop?”

“My iPhone charger?”

“Nuclear power plants?”

“No. They are going after parents. The 7 Deadly Riders are planning on harming all the parents at a Friday night football game. There, they have access to the masses, and we must stop them. You six know more than everyone the pain of losing parents.”

“My props?”

“We need to save the parents, my friends. We must train everyday in preparation, for The 7 Deadly Riders are surely doing the same.”

The Super 6’s Training Dojo

The 7 Deadly Riders’ Training Lair

After a full day of training, The Super 6 awoke to a silence that worried the crew.

“Anyone notice that something is missing?”

“The energy has certainly shifted in the Dojo.”

“Then it hit them...

“Gordian is GONE!

On the doormat, stood two photos.

We h Gord ave ian.

“The game in ON!”

“Surely I can find a way to be undetected while releasing her.”

“No. Clearly those explosives are C2S5 hydrogen nuclear bombs. It will take more than invisibility to save her.”

As the The Brain stepped to lean against the wall, a button was triggered, and the wall opened.

Inside the walls of the Dojo, were powerful suits with technology never before seen. Each suit tailored to each heroes special ability.

“They messed with the wrong squad.�

As the Sun set, the glorious and bright moon shined upon a crowd of anxious parents at the local high school football field. It was game night, and the stands were full.

With all the excitement in the stands, few noticed the dark figure tied to the goal post, strapped with explosives.

A group of sinister figures, the 7 Deadly Riders, gathered behind the concession stand, ready to detonate.

“I’m going to push the button. No one else can.”

“I am the beautiful one.

It should be me!”

“Are you kidding me, Desiree? I can’t get enough of pushing buttons. It should be me.”

“Me. It should be me, Losers.”

“You think you are the beautiful one? They call me Conseta for a REASON! I am the beautiful one.....on the outside at least. I should push the button.”

“Out of the way everybody!

In 30 seconds, these parents will definitely go BOOM, and I will push the button that destroys everyone.”

I’m too lazy to push the button....but I can’t reach it from here.....Pwew....I’m worn out. I could care less who pushes. Knock yourselves out. I just want to see the BOOM!”

Slowly The 7 Deadly Riders start to walk onto the football field. A hush washes over the crowd for evil is in the air.

“Parents: We are the 7 Deadly Riders, and today is your final day on earth.

Prepare to say goodbye to your kids, for we never had parents, therefore THEY will no longer have parents.”

Tick Tick Tick

Just as the scoreboard showed a villainous countdown to destruction, one loan sibling in the audience noticed hope on the horizon.

“Look! Help is on the way....and there are 6 of them!”

With suits as slick as speed skaters, and pure determination in their eyes, our heroes headed onto the field from all sides.

“Whoa, we didn’t see you.”

“Exactly! They call me Stealth for a reason.

“Oh, no....I can’t run from these guys.

It’s curtains for me.”

“LETHARG, you need therapy....two times a day.

Laziness is infectious.”

“RUN!!!!!!!”

Just then, Maximum Method released Gordian to help with the battle that raged upon the field between good and evil.

Using his intellect and Maximum Method’s plan, The Brain grabbed the explosives that were once around Gordian, and while Drama Queen hit a screeching high note, Miss Moxie electrically helped him wrap The 7 Deadly Riders with the explosives.

With the strength of thousands, the heroes lifted The 7 Deadly Riders up as Game, Set, Match lobbed the evil crew into the air with her super racquet.

“YOU ARE TRUE HEROES, ALL SIX OF YOU, THE SUPER 6!”

“ACTUALLY...with Gordian by our side, we are now The Super 7!”

Once the dust had settled, out from the behind the bleachers, seven tiny shadows were cast upon the now Super 7.

“What did you do with our parents?�

Revenge had indeed dug a second set of graves.

“A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer.� - Unknown.

The End

Quest

by Abby Ottaway explore adventure waits look forward to the future dawn approaching sparking unknown maybe we can make it

special thanks to mrs. margaret floyd, mrs. laura norman, mrs. elizabeth brosius, mrs. penny cornett, mrs. marianne burch, mrs. elizabeth johnson, mrs. amanda evan, ms. jen pence, mrs. allison raney, and mrs. barbara morgan and her fabulous pre-k kiddos

the end

The Independent School BLUE Middle School Literary Magazine Attn: Mrs. Debra Cole 8317 E. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67218