Ok. I tried writing a short story for the first time in like... well since I was a fan-fic writing newbie.

Problem is, I never did learn how to do this properly. So, uh... if anyone has the time and expertese, could they skim over this prose (story wont work without context so there's no point in reading for story) and letting me know how I could improve my writing.

I realise my tenses switch drastically though I'm not sure what the correct version would be for the context of a first person retelling of a story.

Also, I have no idea how to use commas so advice on that would be very appreciated.

And... yeah. Anything else. Don't bother responding about the story, it's just the writing I'm interested in.

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I've always thought that the best way to know a friend is to know their dreams and ambitions. If you know their deepest desire, you know their drive and thusly the very core of that person. I also believe that to be a good friend, you must do everything you can to help someone achieve that dream.

I'm not much of a dreamer so it's hard for people to understand what I truly desire, and for half the time I'm not even sure myself. When someone lacks a definitive life goal, it's best to keep their hobbies in mind.They may not be the core of their being, but on a shallow level people will be driven to do the thing they enjoy the most.

It's due to this logic that Christmas is both a huge hastle and yet a great reward for myself, as I tend to get just the right gift for every person. Though I did survive the gift rush this year, there was alot of drama to deal with. Despite that, I feel it went well.

I bring this up because I was given a Digital Camera as a gift which is by far the most useful and considerate thing anyone has ever given me. The video games and books were appreciated and put to more frequent use, however.

Ok, so it may have been about five or six months before I finally decided to dig that kind and considerate gift out, my girlfriend bought it by the way, and put it to good use. The point is, I did and I think it was one of the best things I ever did.

I should explain.

My name is Craig Bayfield. I'm a 22 year old and currently residing in a small plot of paradise based a few miles out of the Sega City suburbs. This particular heaven takes the form of a wooden lodge by a forest and a lake. Ideal location for vacations and as I'm currently on the fifth consequative year of vacation, my opinion on this matter is very valid.

To say it's been a peaceful vacation would be exagerating just a bit. I would elaborate on my older tales of woe, but I feel one story at a time is logical. My life is complex, so I'll just explain as I go along otherwise we'll never get this ball rolling.

It was a warm summer evening when I first broke out the Nikon D-50 work of art which my wonderful girlfriend had so kindly purchased for me. This was before all of the recent drama she had faced involving the mayor of Sega City and so I am at a loss to how she would have paid for it. Such matters are irrelevant in the long run. The point would be that we were having a celebration of sorts and I felt that capturing it for prosperity would be the most logical plan of action.

I had yet to consider the idea of digital photography without the possession of a personal computer. C'est La Vie, as they say.

The celebration was of a simple nature. It was the first time the entire lodge family had been together for several years. Infact, with the addition of Cari and Tamara's elder sister, it would be the first time the entire family has gathered at all.

Fortunately the event organiser had been considerate enough to make this all happen on a weekend, so I was able to sleep in past noon before crawling under my bed and digging out the golden box with the Nikon logo on it. It took a while for me to set up and get to grips with all the settings, but within the hour I was dressed in my usual jeans and t-shirt combo and ready to make memories.

My first photograph was of Cari and Kay, pouring their entire hearts and souls into a recipe for the night's feast. I should explain. Cari is a abnormally tall Goddess with heavy long blue hair and a constant smile which has a nasty habit of infecting those who come into contact with it. When I call her a Goddess, I do mean it in a literal definition. I've never been fully briefed on the specifics, but I'm aware she is from some sacred realm and is trying to run away from her makers in order to live a peaceful life.

Kay on the other hand was yet another fantastic anamoly. I'm told that she is my own daughter, though from an unspecified time in the future. Her presence in this reality has caused me a great number of headaches, but all of them are due to the circumstances of fate and destiny, never from the kind young creature carefully stirring a pot with a wooden spoon. Recent events have removed that stress from me and created some very major concerns and deep thoughts. To mention them now would ruin another story which can wait another day. The point is, she is my daughter and I would fight through the depths of hell to protect her. I'm sure I already have on some occasions.

Capturing a photograph of them in the middle of their joy, I slipped away. Spoiling the suprise of tonight's feast would be a great shame and they were very busy.

The living room was actually rather bare today. The twins had saw it fit to set up a large outdoor living room for the party and all of the armchairs and sofas were prey to their magpie like lust for the perfect comfort zone. A solitary wooden chair sat at the back of the room besides the window. There sat "Little Navi", the eldest of Cari's two siblings.

As always, her eyes were burning deeply into the heart of a book. I did not bother to lean down and check the title, though I did raise my D-50 and ask for a quick shot. Navi shrugged, so I took a quick shot on the automatic setting. My SD-Cart was large enough to keep all the shots I'd want for the day. Please remember I have yet to realise the neccesity of a PC.

"That's a good camera" she said, looking up from her book with a neutral expression, very typical of her by the way, the only time I've ever seen her smile was while half the lodge was in various dimensions and Lee was babysitting her.

Ah, that reminds me. I should mention that unlike her stupidly huge sister, Navi has the physiche of a young girl, almost Kay's age. I didn't mention Kay's age? How forgetful of me. Kay is about 9 years old now. I'd know the exact age, but that would require knowing her birthday and knowing the birthday of your future daughter is a dangerous thing... does it still count after the whole fate affair?

I'm derailing myself. Starting my story at year five is bad enough without me drifting to irrelevent subjects.

Returning to that moment, Navi had complimented my camera, which caused me to beam into a bright grin.

"six-point-one megapixel CCD imager yielding three-thousand and eight by two-thousand images. Continious shooting at two-point-five frames per second for a continious burst of one hundred and thirty seven pictures using the default JPEG settings..." my eyes blurred as she continued to admire the camera, taking it from my stunned and unresisting hands. Her technical analysis of it down to the very screw was another typical quirk of the ancient goddess in the young girl's body. I would probably be twice as worried and scared had she not have shown off her vast intellect and curiosity to all things she has never seen before.

Yes. This was her first time touching a camera.

Did I mention she scares me?

Having acquired my second photo, my feet lead me outside where the twins were setting up for the evening. One of them was flying between trees tying long pieces of string between branches and setting up lanterns on each one. The other was huffing and heaving while moving the largest sofa of the living room to a small spot around a bonfire, all prepared for the evening.

The airbourne twin was named Sapphire. The way to differentiate between them is their hair and attire. Sapphire sported blue hair and wore a light blue spaghetti strap with stupidly short denim... shorts. Is there a way to describe short shorts without saying short twice? If there is, I'd like to know it.

Her personality is hard for me to describe as an onlooker, and I am partially convinced the twins switched hairstyles and clothes a year or so ago. Time was she was a psycho with a huge sword, now she's a mellow medatative intellectual who seems totally out of place without her trademark tea-cup full of whatever leaves are in the kitchen at the time.

The sister, Ruby, on the other hand was a firey red head... and by red head, I mean crimson, not ginger... who was fueled by passion and rage. She became mentally unstabble for a while due to a relationship which didn't work out too well, but she seems to have calmed over time which is a blessing. Her attire is a medievil gown with brown waistcoat, by the way... she carries a sword like Sapphire's, too.

The key thing to say about the twins is that they are time Goddesses. Infact, they're the same Time Goddess, only from different timelines. It was alot of hastle to deal with when it happened and it'll be alot of hastle to deal with now. If I go over their story, I will in great detail. This is a promise. For now, bare with me.

I catch a picture of Sapphire hooking up a lantern with the greatest expression of care, and another of Ruby lifting the heavy furtniture with the greatest look of frustration and annoyance on her beet red face. Perfect representations of both sisters, if I do say so myself.

I sat down on one of the two sofas already lined up and take a look to see if the previous shots had come out alright. Despite the miniscule size of the screen, I could tell they were good quality shots. There was maybe a split second of smug joy before a shrill scream of "BANZAI!" erupted from above me and I found myself starring up at a sailor girl belly flopping from a tree aiming for the sofa I was on.

Fortunately for me, she missed. Unfortunately for her, she was now faceplanted into the ground. A large black swirl appeared above the figure's head as she muttered "owieowieowieowieow!"

Context time.

The figure so ungracefully lying facedown beside me is one of the bigger anomolies of this insane lodge, and as I explained the existance of 5 Goddesses a moment ago, that is a huge compliment. Her name is Camden Bayfield.

No relation.

She happens to be from another dimension and ever so coincidentally happens to be me... if I were female... wearing a Sailor Scout costume... and defied the laws of physics. Infact, to defy them would be to acknowledge their existance. She ignores them and creates her own. Hence why the 10 foot fall onto her face would not have caused her any major harm, it's also how I could get away with watching her with a bored expression.

Of course, following Camden is always her partner in crime and leader, Sailor Orange... who was twice as insane as the alcoholic sailor plastered to the ground. How much has she drunk already?

"I'll save you!" screamed her orange haired acomplice as she swung dramatically from a vine, plucked up her partner and disappeared into the trees. Somehow my reaction times were good enough to get a blurry shot of the two of them swinging from the vine.

These are evergreens and pines. Where the hell did the vines come from?

Ignoring such mysteries, I turn my head to the roof for the expected sight of "Tyler Dawn" and Lee Cypher. Yes, I'm sure you all want me to finish listing off every darn person who has ever decided to sleep in this lodge. You'll sit and you'll listen, this is my story and I tell it my way.

Tyler's original persona was "Stressed Bayfield", my alter-ego. That's another long story. Suffice to say he is a manifestation of all my latent dreams and desires, possibly why I no longer harbour any. He lives his own life now, kind of an intellectual dark mage anti-hero dude. We don't get on, but we don't really hate one another, just have no need to care that the other exists.

Lee Cypher, however. He was important if only for the fact he is an enigma. Stressed, or Tyler... whatever you want to call him... he brought Lee to this world after an exile where he got involved in a holy war. Lee claims to be an angel and is currently in love with Cari, who seems to love him back. Bastard. No one is allowed to hurt Cari, she is the most pure and innocent creature in this or any other world. If you dare make her feel even the slightest bit displeased, I will seek you out. This is a promise.

It is also worth noting that Stressed is in a relationship with Tamara.

Speaking of which, where is she?

Tamara is the final sibling of Cari's. She's normal sized, maybe a bit small, tanned skin and dressed in a more red themed version of Sapphire's attire, except a whole damn lot more modest.

I bet she's brooding. She's always angsty and depressive. I'll never get her... her mood swings have jeapordised us all on more than one occasion.

Huh... is my tense changing as I talk? Ah well. Try to keep up.

Another angsty and depressive person who doesn't seem to be about right now would be Genesis, an enigmatic woman who I really cannot describe. She's absoloutely unique in every single way. Much like the hobogirl. The hobogirl is another mystery, but she's alot more lively and scary that Genesis. Genesis is the type of person who would rather ignore you, even though a single glance from her cold and calculating eyes tells you that she is judging you constantly. Hobogirl? She's different, she's very upfront and direct and will approach anyone at any time and slam them for anything.

Trust me, I'm often on the recieving end. Is there no alligance for us non-powered humans? Or are you hiding a secret too?

Ah... I didn't mention that, did I? Everyone here has a power of some kind, even Kay. I'm unique in the way that I'm the only person who is... well... normal. Imagine waking up every day to a house full of people hundreds of years older than you who can fly, morph, influence people's thoughts or bend the laws of physics like the Sailor twins.

Well, I was unique. Hobogirl stole my thunder.

I'd like to mention that I don't know her name. Hardly anyone does, it's the best kept secret in the lodge.

Finally snapping a dramatic shot of the two guys on the roof, I settle down and enjoy the hectic atmosphere around me, occasionally snapping a candit shot or two. Everyone had their role, wether it was setting up, cooking, burning off energy so they wouldn't be hyperactive, getting it out of their system or just enjoying some banter before the event, everyone was doing something vital to their enjoyment of tonight.

I was no different. My mission is to wait for the only name I have ommitted from this lengthy introduction. Not hobogirl, I didn't omit her name, I just don't know it. I'm referring to the one who bought me the camera which rests so comfortably in my grip. The angel who lights up my life, my solace from this world of madness, the reward for surviving whatever danger threatens the world this week.

Tricia Greiner.

Tricia Greiner, my girlfriend. The love of my life. I honestly do not believe I would manage with this insanity if not for her. Perhaps Kay and Cari, too. But mostly for Tricia.

We met a short while before I came to this lodge in a coffee shop in Sega City. We hit it off quite quick, I introduced her to my world of insanity in the form of the lodge and she introduced me to her world of insanity.

Her world is another well kept secret of the lodge. Please do not ask me unless it is relevant to the story, for I cannot tell.

She recently got a job as a cop in Sega City and was working today, so my duty is to sit here and await her return. It's an important duty, as important as the angsty brooding sessions going on inside.

I wonder, does Navi's book reading count as brooding or getting it out of her system?

I am quite sure that's everyone. The entire cast. Every person who made this "everyone's home at last!" party possible. It's been a long time coming, and we are missing quite a number of minor faces such as: Chris, the warrior from another dimension who enlisted Sapphire and Tamara's help to save both our worlds; Amberleigh, Stressed's surrogate sister from his solo adventure; Kim, the school teacher who once used her hypnotic gaze to take over... the lodge; and the rest. My mind slips out of nostalgia mode as it notices the sky slipping into an orange colour already.

Could so many hours have been wasted reminising or did Camden try to bellyflop again and land on me, rendering me unconcious? Such questions would have to wait. Tricia was home.

"Hey there!" she smiled in her ever loving manner, giving me a warm embrace which makes the world stop for me, if only for a moment. I occasionally forget myself in these sweet moments and pray for a world where I could stay locked in this hug for all of time.

Tricia's arrival was the official cue to get this party started. As she ran off to her room to get changed from her uniform, Kay and Cari came in and out of the lodge with tray after tray of snacks. Navi had returned to the group, no longer armed with a book and was the first to tuck in. Genesis and Tamara arrived within the next ten minutes and picked spots on the sofas to sit down and stares at the lonely bonfire, which was still dry and unlit. Stressed and Lee also made their ways down to the party, which was characteristic of them. They split up and embraced their lady friends. Lee, in his ever fluent dancing moves waltzed back to the lodge with Kay and Cari to help set up. Stressed on the other hand gripped Tamara's hand and squeezed it wordlessly without looking at her.

I had to admire such an unspoken bond of trust and devotion, neither one of them were very comfortable with the party scenario, yet drew strength from one another to survive it. I felt a small twang of guilt as I snuck in the photo. The diminished sunlight caused the flash to go off and I was rewarded with a stereoed glare for my efforts. Serves me right.

Tricia soon returns in casual attire and I cannot escape my destiny to hold her tightly and sit beside her with the stupidest grins on my face. Even if I were to escape it, would I truly want to?

Using this moment of peace, I show Tricia my efforts so far. The smile on her face from the fact I had finally dug out the old Christmas present was a huge confidence booster, but her enthusiastic reaction to each shot exceeded all my expectations.

Who knew I had such a flair for capturing moments of life onto digital film? This said, I have a vast history of being an observer to incredible events. Next time a giant monster or robot appears, I'll make it a mission to grab a photograph of it.

I looked around everyone, now with their party plates and settled into their positions. Camden and Orange loitered around, Camden constantly chugging from a large brown bottle of lord only knows. Ruby sat grudgingly down on the arm of the furthest sofa, pouting into the non-lit bonfire. Sapphire floated cross legged by the side of the food table, closing her eyes and enjoying the atmosphere, for a moment I caught both sisters giving one another a single glance. Perhaps just a tiny flicker of hope for their damaged relationship. One day you'll work it out, girls. Sisters cannot stay mad forever.

Genesis was interesting to watch, also. Without a hat to hide under she sort of shrunk into herself almost like a turtle would hide it's head in it's shell. Her long flowing brown hair worked as a curtain to keep eyes from her face. Mine did catch hers for a brief moment, but the gaze was aimed towards Cari and her eyes were shimmering with a pain I had never viewed before, perhaps as Genesis seemed to really dislike me. I made a mental note to ask Cari about this later.

Lee and Cari were laughing and dancing and sharing many moments of overly fluffy love. As someone who considers himself fluffy and lovey dovey, he makes me want to vomit or punch him in the jaw. Maybe I should, would I be able to get away with it?

Kay was running around the table and... oh my gosh, playing with Camden "Kay, you get back here!" I called. No daughter of mine, past, future or present will consort with such rude alcoholics. Never. No way. Not my Kay.

She comes back with a bright grin. It's rare for me to see anything other than joy plastered on her face and I guarantee that every time I see her smile I feel a wonderful bubbling sensation in my soul which gives me a great sense of comfort and relief. Oh Kay, I'm so happy to have been blessed with a daughter, even under the unusual circumstances. I grab a picture of her as she runs towards us and in her ever excited manner she demands to see it, which I kindly oblige. She seemed to be a fan of my work, just like her mother.

Soon the night came and the bonfire was finally lit. Something about it changed the atmosphere almost immedietly, for Tamara and Genesis found themselves with something to rest their gaze upon and with something as casual and even enticing to look at, such as an open fire, their positions seemed alot more natural and relaxed, rather than the pained and avoidant glances they wore moments ago.

Breaking that soothing mood, Camden and Orange took turns jumping through the flames. Orange even went as far as to dive to the floor and roll around screaming "I'm on fire! I'm on fire!"

Cari and Lee looked at eachother, holding one anothers hands and whispering to one another, their love is refreshing... but I still hate the guy. I grudgingly grab a photograph of the sweet scene and return to create my own sweet scene with my darling Tricia.

To savour these moments in my memory is enough for me, every small whispered word, every light soft touch, every kiss, every embrace, every smile, every beat of our hearts. These moments are ours and ours alone. Even if I wished to recap everything which happened, I doubt I could. To describe these emotions would require a language which can not be translated so well into words. I refer of course to the language of love.

Wait, that makes it sound like sex. Damn my attempts to be poetic, how does that scraggy blonde bastard keep it up so effortlessly?

So, the evening dragged on, the food table emptied, people vanished. Cari kindly offered to put Kay to bed and Lee eagerly followed as if we all can't tell what he wants... slimey bastard... before we all knew it there was only Stressed, Tamara, Tricia and myself left. A sofa each and the bonfire was still crackling and popping, offering it's red and orange warm glow.

By this point, both Tamara and Tricia had somehow managed to pass out and were now sleeping comfortably against their Bayfield. Stressed and I exchanged an odd look at the situation and after taking a photo of them together I put the camera away for the night and softly stroked my true love's hair. She'd worked so very hard to protect us all, it's no suprise she'd be tired out. Poor lass.

Don't worry Tricia, I'll always be here to comfort you when you're worn out and tired, as I'll lean on you when I'm weak and helpless. I love you Tricia. Even if that @#%$ Glint were to rise from her grave and try to take you away, I would be standing there right by your side. Dream peacefully, my saviour. Know that I'm here to protect you while you rest.

With a final kiss to her sleeping forehead, I lay my jacket over her and let the night breeze away into the past. Thank you, camera inventor man. Your beautiful vision has helped create this device which sits to my right, waiting to unleash it's powers. The photographs you hold are anchors which tie us to our past, gateways to memories. Allowing us to revisit magical moments such as these.

Ruby and Sapphire can travel through time literally and they can create portals too.

My special gift is to create portals which can travel through time, too. The portals are pictures and the time travel is memory.

As far as powers go, it's a very precious one and I am grateful for it each and every day.

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Thanks in advance for the help and valuable lessons.