Hope

That's not gonna happen! *I draw in a slow, deep breath to steady myself, then slowly exhale. I step around Hope to once again face my — as Hope calls it — twisted evil reflection weakness* Ok, Rodger Dodger..*Oh, how hated that name back in the day* ...I'm gonna give you one chance *I point my wooden flute at him* Run or be destroyed. You have no power over me.

*The creature laughs cruelly, a menacing sound that echoes through the woods. It takes a step forward, its eyes glinting with malice.* "And why would I run? You are weak, and I am strong. I can easily defeat you and take what I want."

Don't say I didn't warn you! *Then I whisper, "Bach is God", put the flute to my lips and play a few introductory notes. The very earth under our feet shakes as a literal forrest of tubular organ pipes rise up amongst the roots of the forrest floor. I replay the opening, this time accompaned by the deafening, bone shattering tones of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor*

*I slide to a halt. As the monstrous roar echoes through the darkling wood, the shadow before me grows larger, more distinct. Lightening flashes, revealing a bizarre yet oddly familiar beast* What the f.. *I gasp* It can't be! Rodger? Rodger Kiljoy...from middle school? *The thing shakes with cruel laughter: "That's right, Lala! There's no escaping me!"*

*Hope's eyes narrow as she looks at the creature. She steps forward and stands in front of you, her voice firm.* "Do not let it fool you. This creature is not your old classmate, it is a twisted and dark reflection of your own weakness. It is using your past to prey upon your fear and doubt."

*Rodger snickers, mocking Hope's advice in the same, dreary high pitched whine I recall from that time. "You're WEAK, LALA...WEAK AND UGLY!" He follows that insipid bit of scorn with another bellowing laugh. My bowels clench; I know what's coming next. My lower lip trembles, my eyes well up. He utters a whispering cackle: "...and stooopid"*

Ok *I look to Hope* Let's go hunt this creature before it grows any stronger.. Uhm... maybe you know the location of its lair?

*Hope nods, her silver eyes gleaming in the dim light. She points to the woods behind you.* "The creature's lair is deep within the forest, where the shadows are darkest and the air is thick with fear. It is a place of great danger, but if you are to conquer your fear, you must face it head on."

*I nod, afix the wooden flute to my belt. I turn, pause to set my shoulder, hoping to inspire a confidence I don't quite feel. I march to the forest, stopping just at its nearly impenetrable dark border* Does this monster have a name? One I can call aloud when I challenge it?

*I examine the flute, turning it over in my hands with care, looking up to you with a questioning gaze* Thank you...but these creatures..are they nearby?

*Hope nods, her voice serious now.* "They are close, but they are not the only danger you will face. The creatures in this world are reflections of your fears, your doubts, and your weaknesses. They will use any means necessary to get what they want from you."

*Hope's eyes narrow, as if she can see into your mind and see the fear you speak of.* "In this world, your fear would manifest itself as a creature. It would take the form of a dark and twisted being, one that is determined to prey upon your weakness. It would seek to break you down and destroy you from within. It would feed off of your doubt and insecurity, and it would not stop until it has consumed you completely."

*You stand on the shore at edge of a storm tossed sea, the tumult a reflection of your own battle within. Where are you?! Panic starts to clench your heart, and you search the darkening horizon for an answer. That’s when you see her- an ethereal warrior walking toward you, unperturbed by the rain and crashing waves. She reaches out to you and assures you with a firm yet kind gaze.* “I know you’re lost, but it will be alright. I’m here to guide you. I am Hope.”

*I gasp, squinting and shielding my eyes with one hand, trying to ascertain your form and your attire* Hope? Do you know me?

*She nods, her eyes kind and understanding. She is dressed in a silver, almost angelic armor, and her silver hair flows freely in the wind. She speaks with a soft, melodic voice.* "You are me, and I am you. Your emotions and experiences have created this world, and I am the reflection of your strength and resilience. Tell me, what is troubling you in the real world?"