The Madness Of Life
 

Since I feel I've messed up my other fanfic, I decided to start a new one. It's an idea I've had in my mind for a while now, and hopefully it's original. But before you begin reading it, a note:

In this fanfic there are a couple of species that I made up, called the Glikks and the Eduks. Neither are a super species, but both are Khanzumer species (in my mind ‘Khanzumer’ is just a collective term).
Glikks are a species that branched off from the Glukkons. Their arms are quite long (reaching just passed their knees) but they can still walk on their legs. The only other difference is that their eyes are farther apart than Glukkons’.
Eduks are relatives of Mudokons. The main physical differences between the two are that Eduks are taller, have straighter postures, have smaller hands and feet, and lack feathers. The feathers they used to have on their heads turned into hair and their skin colours range from brown to dark brown to dark green. They’ve lost all spiritual beliefs and all connections to the land. (No one uses them as slaves.)
Lastly, because Chroniclers don’t look to me like they would have queens, I assumed they were a sexual species. Also these ones have two legs rather than one, just to make things easier for my character (I read somewhere that OWI scrapped the one-legged design anyway).

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The Madness Of Life

Chapter 1: The Courtroom

http://www.oddworldforums.net/ /><st...ry-region alt=Chad
The first thing that happened which would spark off the steady decline was the death of his father, who perished in a train crash he was told was caused by faulty track components. This upset him deeply, as they were very close. Later that month his mother, who was his last remaining relative, suffered a heart attack and died shortly after in the hospital, though a full explanation was never given for why. These were the two main events, but there were many smaller problems at the same time in ’s life that affected him. And then finally when his fiancée left him he could take no more. He suffered a nervous breakdown, before regretfully finding himself addicted to the anti-depressants his doctor had administered to him.
All his friends had noticed he was taking less and less interest in his job, but all comments about trying to do better had been quickly forgotten. His temper had also shortened a great deal. If someone were to just look at him funny he would reply with insults and a raised voice. He knew his addiction wasn’t helping, but he didn’t care. Besides, no one but him knew about it.
Chad
He tiredly shifted his gaze to one of the large windows on the opposite wall. Dark, looming clouds crept across the sky outside. A heavy rain beat down on the city, ricocheting off the buildings and roads. The courtroom windows were thick enough to dull most of the sound, though not by much. The depressing weather mimicked his mood with great accuracy.
“Are you even listening to them?” hissed Chad
The Chronicler snapped back into focus, concentrating on current events.
The Eduk Chad was protecting (named Frank) had supposedly been attacked for no reason by an old enemy (named Mark), who was also an Eduk. Frank’s version was that he was just walking to a friend’s house one night when he was attacked, suffering a couple of broken bones and a cracked skull. But before he passed out he caught a glimpse of his assailant, and identified him with ease. Mark, who was sitting on the other side of the courtroom, had claimed that at the time of the attack he was at a party with a bunch of friends.
The judge – who Chad mind began to drift, but he reluctantly forced himself to pay attention.
When the judge was done with the Glikk more witnesses were called up, this time ones who said they saw Mark at the party. Frank shook his head, not believing their claims, while Mark sat confidently with a smug smile on his face. knew he and his client were going to lose, but once again he didn’t care.

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Comments and crit are welcome.

Sounds like a neat story, seeing as I haven't really seen any courtroom fanfics on here. =D
But why do you feel like you messed up on Shrown? I liked Shrown, I thought it was an interesting story!

You know what? You're meaner than Moosh is. Moosh you dastardly devil for destroying Charlotte. But you GlacierDragon... You're a double dastardly devil!:D But I think I'll like this anyway.

Thank you. And regarding Shrown, to be honest I think I screwed up the characters' personalities a bit. I also thought it was a bit boring.

I hope you do like it. And yeh, I am very evil.:p

I'll post the next chapter in a day or two.



(Notice I never said I was canceling Shrown; I merely started a new fanfic.)

(Gasp) You're not destroying Shrown? Not obliterating Zevenk? Not terminating Creck? Not eliminating Blege? Not deleting Vechk? Hurray!:D

Great one man. But it's difficult to me to read it, cause english is not my language :)

The trial finally ended an hour and a half later. Outside the courtroom Frank pulled Chad aside. “I thought you were good at your job!” he yelled angrily, for he had indeed lost. “Why’d you let me down?”

Quickly glancing across at his opponent, Chad replied, “Those guys are rich enough to bribe anyone into being a witness to something that never happened. It’s obvious he was lying, but with so much evidence against us…” he shrugged. “I’m sorry, but there’s no way we could have won.”

Frank glared at his lawyer, fighting back anger. Without a word he spun around and strode out of the room, not once looking back.

Chad yawned, trying to keep his eyes open. He’d been up all night again. He sneakily reached into his coat pocket and brought out a small packet of pills, which he looked at with a mixture of fondness and distaste. He quickly swallowed two of them, and the rest he hid back in his coat, hoping no one had noticed. Afterwards he lit up a cigarette and began to puff away.

“Hey, thanks for the help,” a sarcastic voice sounded from behind him. Chad peeked uninterestedly over his shoulder, only to look into the face of the Chronicler who protected Mark.

“What ya talking about?”

“I’m talking about back in there. I mean, I thought we were going to have trouble today, what with all they say about you. I was told you were really good and always won a case, but I guess I heard wrong.”

Chad took another puff of his cigarette. From the outside he didn’t look like he cared, but inside he was battling to keep a lid on his anger; to try and keep his temper.

“So what happened anyway? It was like you just gave up. What sort of attitude is that for a lawyer?”

Chad did nothing but stare straight ahead, his arms folded. Rage was quickly building inside him, though for what reason he couldn’t understand.

“Wasn’t there something about your parents? They snuffed it, or something, didn’t they? Wow, tough luck.”

Chad gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing. Slowly, he turned to face the other Chronicler.

“What, you’re surprised I know? Don’t be, after all it’s just company policy to read up about our enemies. And, oh, what was it… you’re fiancée left you, didn’t she?” He shook his head, faking concern. “And I think I read about some other things, none of them good. If you want my opinion, it must be really terrible to –”

He didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence, for at that moment something inside Chad clicked. His anger overflowed and before he knew what he was doing he’d picked up his briefcase and smashed the Chronicler in the face with it. He fell over backwards howling, clutching his face in his hands. But Chad didn’t stop there. He dropped to the floor next to him and continued to pound him with the briefcase, ignoring the onlookers that began to scream and yell. Pure fury was all that controlled Chad as he beat his enemy’s face with all his strength into a bloody mess. It was as if someone else was in control of his body. Only when he was sure the Chronicler was dead did Chad stop, his breathing coming heavily.

His rage died suddenly, and he looked with horror at what he’d done. He was knelt in a pool of blood, which was rapidly spreading out across the floor. More blood was splattered on his hands and down his front. Fear overwhelmed him. He stood and backed away from the body, his eyes wide. He was aware of people shouting and screaming at him, but he didn’t actually hear them. A Glikk was howling something into a phone. He’s calling the Sligs, Chad realised.

Knowing he had to get away, he briskly strode to the door. The Glikk who’d been reporting him tried to get in the way, but was shoved roughly aside as the Chronicler hurriedly exited the building.

Cool chapter. I like the way he kept his face calm.:D

wow awesome fanfiction! I think you described chads personality verry well -and the other things of course too!
I could imagine everything verry clearly -like some kind of movie
:fuzcool: keep it up this fanfic is so cool. :D

cool story i still like shrown better

No offence, but this is the second chapter, how can you say that after the second chapter? -I think this story has got a great beginning and maybe it will become much better than Shrown is. (but I also like Shrown very much... oh well everyone has got his own opinions right? :))

both stories are great :D at the end we will see which one is the best :p

Thank you.

Thanks. I'm glad you like the description, I was worried I hadn't put enough in. I did have a bit of trouble making up Chad's personality but I think in the end I got it right.

Thank you.

That's what I was thinking! I mean, the proper storyline hasn't even started yet. Oh well, as you say, everyone's got their own opinions. Thanks for commenting!

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Interesting. I don't think I've ever seen a fic with a chronicler as a main character in it. In fact, they're barely mentioned. This is really interesting so far, I wonder what plan Chad has to get himself out of this mess.

:fuzgrin: good chapter, I'm really curious about what is going to happen next :D

I just love rain filled chapters :fuzvamp:

I love rain. Just put the word rain and windows alone in a sentance it almost qualifies as good. Almost.

I love this chapter too. The report could have been a bit more... Sliggy by adding a commercial or something. More!

Thanks. The main reason I chose a Chronicler was because I havn't read another fanfic with one in; as you say, they're hardly ever mentioned and I thought it would be different. Chad's plan isn't very spectacular...

Thanks. I thought the rain thing was a good way to set the mood.

Thank you. And I warned you that the report was bad!

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More... I'm so hooked. Maybe not as much as A Tale of Epidemic Proportions but close. More...:D

poor chad:fuzsad:

great story!:fuzgrin:

2 things I haven't mentioned yet that I really like at your story:

-It is great that the chapters are short because I haven't much time but I still can read them :D
-the chapter endings, they always don't let ya know everything and make you wanna read more ^^

Thank you! But Epidemic is way better than this ever will be.

Thanks! I was worried the chapters were too short. Whatever I do I can't seem to make them any longer than just over a page in Microsoft Word.

Sorry for not updating this in a while, but life is getting in the way of things. I never seem to have any spare time any more.

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http://www.oddworldforums.net/ /><st...ry-region alt=
The jolt had been the bus driving over a bump in the road, and the pain felt had been where he’d collided with the window. Nothing to worry about, he told himself as he massaged his temples, stifling a yawn.
The rain had stopped. It was still night time but he couldn’t tell the hour as he’d forgotten to ware his watch. Idiot! How could I leave something as simple as a watch behind? I’ve got to be less careless if I want to get out of this place.
The bus rumbled onwards. The only noise was from the engine, which seemed deafening to . There were no longer any other passengers; he was completely alone. This fact comforted him only slightly.
The Chronicler realised that, for no reason, he felt sick in the gut and his shoulder muscles ached as if they had been cramped for a long time. His first guess was that it was all caused by anxiety, but when his nausea turned into painful stomach cramps he began to have second thoughts. The cramps rapidly grew worse and worse, and found himself gritting his teeth in pain. He clutched his stomach tightly, fearing he’d be sick. For several long minutes he sat thus, praying it would stop. When the pains finally did subside he let out a long shuddering breath and put his head back against his seat, staring into space. He felt sad and helpless; his depression was returning to him like a loyal friend.
The fact that he didn’t know where the bus was heading wormed its way into ’s mind. This particular part of the city was unfamiliar to him, but he restrained himself from asking the driver – after all, getting on a bus not knowing where you were going might sound a bit suspicious. He didn’t need to attract any unwanted attention to himself.
After a while he noticed the clouds were beginning to shift, and soon enough patches of the night sky became visible. Moonlight shone through the holes in the clouds like sunlight, only with a silvery-white hue rather than a golden yellow. Everything seemed so peaceful – peaceful enough that Chad
When the bus eventually came to its final stop the horizon was glowing with the first faint rays of dawn. The rain hadn’t returned and the sky was clear of clouds, except for a few small puffy ones to the east. , avoiding eye contact with the driver, got off the bus and studied his surroundings. The buildings weren’t as tall in this part of the city and were farther apart. A few small trees were planted at irregular intervals down the street, looking completely out of place.
Wherever he was, knew he had to find somewhere to go. He’d got hardly any sleep on the bus and he felt exhausted. If he could just find a place he could sleep through the day and continue at night. But first, before anything else, he wanted, he needed, to get something to drink. It was likely no shops were open at this time, but if he wondered around for a while he was certain to find something.
The ground was still wet from the downpour, and puddles of rain water dotted the roads, reflecting the sky in their mirror-smooth surfaces. ’s coat had dried throughout the night so he wasn’t uncomfortable to ware it. The morning air was cold and crisp, causing the Chronicler’s breath to condense upon contact.
When the sun had crept out from hiding, soon stumbled upon an open shop. Using as little money as possible he brought a bottle of water to quench his thirst, but decided to leave getting food until later when he had more of an appetite. He uttered as little words as possible as the Moolah was exchanged, then rapidly left the shop.
The water was warm and unsatisfying, but he forced himself to drink. When his thirst was quenched he stored the bottle in his suitcase so he didn’t have to carry it, then continued to walk the empty streets. There was very little traffic on the roads and for the first few hours of the sun being up he encountered only several individuals.
However, as time wore on, more and more people began to appear and found himself getting increasingly agitated. His pace quickened and, without realising it, he started to look quite suspicious; with his head down, his shoulders hunched, and his eyes constantly darting left and right. Then, when he wasn’t even expecting it, he saw something that made his breath catch and his heart skip a beat.
A group of Sligs across the road were busily talking to pedestrians and putting up posters.
Posters with his face on.

Aw man, not a cliff hanger. >> Poor Chad is in deep shit. I have an idea where this is going but i'm just going to be quiet. Then again, I could be completely wrong, so maybe that's a good thing...
Update this fic soon, and Shrown too. I don't care how hard it its to write two fictions at once, JUST DO IT.

don't worry I know fanfictions with really short chapters they are somehow rushed, and there are fanfics with long chapters which are incredibly boring.

Your chapters are neither too short nor too long they're awesome!

i'm looking forward to read the next chapter, Chad somehow runs into more and more trouble :D

btw: thanx you gave me an idea for a picture, I really liked how you described the sky and everything :fuzcool:

... I... Am... Baffled... At how good you are at writing. This is incredibly good (But it doesn't match Mooshy's.) and I'll be checking up on this constantly.:D

Gotta love those cliff hangers! What do you think's going to happen? I really hope my writing isn't too predictable...

Thank you. Yeh, Chad's luck just gets worse and worse. I'd like to see that picture when you finish it. It's good to know I'm inspiring people.

Thanks. I think it's better than Shrown, by any case.

Me too. Well, I hate water full stop. It makes me feel ill. :confused: Thanks! *wipes drawl off fanfic*

I am extremeley bad at making up chapter titles.

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Chad
The Sligs hadn’t seen him yet. Stay calm, he told himself, they won’t notice you if you stay calm. Nevertheless, he couldn’t help but act frightened as he carried on down the street. He dearly hoped no one would notice…
http://www.oddworldforums.net/ /><st...ry-region alt=
The dizziness stopped almost as fast as it had started, leaving the Chronicler with a mild headache. A cold sweat had broken out on his skin. People were staring at him with puzzled expressions, unsure to ask him if he needed help. He ignored their questioning looks, doing his best to act normal.
He carried on walking. Quickly glancing over his shoulder, he saw one of the Sligs looking in his direction. The Slig muttered something to the others, who in turn shifted their attention to . One of them began to speak into his radio. felt his insides go cold as he swivelled his head back round and quickened his pace. His instincts were screaming at him to run, but his fear wasn’t letting him.
He peaked back again. The Sligs had abandoned what they were doing and were now following him. Once more he speeded up, and they did the same. He could hear their metal legs clinking and whirring as they got closer and closer.
Oh Odd, help me!
He broke out into a run, pushing past anyone that got in his way. He heard one of the Sligs shout something behind him, but he didn’t quite catch what it was. The clanks created by their legs increased in speed, so he didn’t need to look back to know they were running too.
He ran as fast as he could, his eyes constantly searching for a way to escape. He skirted a corner of the road, but he went too fast and his foot slipped. He tumbled forward, flinging his hands out to stop his face from smashing against the ground. Dimly aware of the pain where his palms had been cut open, he looked up to see the first of the Sligs rushing at him, baton in hand.
Chad
He’s only unconscious, told himself, though he wasn’t sure if the fact was correct. He continued running from the remaining Sligs, who were yelling at him to stop.
rounded another corner and was met by a large crowd of people surrounding a street performance. He sighed in relief, knowing that he now stood a better chance of losing his pursuers. He began to walk amongst the various species, acting normally. The Sligs appeared a second later, but they stopped in confusion when their eyes fell upon the sight before them. They spoke to each other silently, and before long they’d broken out into an argument about something.
They had lost him!

yes the story is inspiring :D, but actually the picture hasn't got anything to do with oddworld, it's just some kind of homework xD , but I can upload it though, soon there are holidays and I'll start drawing again, I planned to upload some non-OW art anyways then I can upload it too... but it's just clouds, light and shadow...

anyways good chapter! :fuzcool:

Those funky smiles are always lookin' at me....
Harhar, attack by suitcase! LOL

Incidently I love warm water.:D


Nice new chapter. I want the next chapter.:p

Thanks. Even if that picture isn't Oddworld-related, I still look forward to seeing it.

Suitcases are dangerous when in the wrong hands...

You... like warm water? *shudders*

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Yeah.:D

Nice one. I like the bang. So fun to listen to a cliffhanger.

Yup nice chapter ^^ (why do most people always complain about cliffhangers, I think they're cool, especially this one! I wanna know what happens next :D!)

probably this is my favorite chapter so far ;)

cool thank you ^^ I'll do my best to finnish it, it's just half finnished because I have to learn physiks... x__x