My name is Alicia Caterina Rivera Hernandez. There are times, like now, when I turn philosophical because I had a drink too much. Times, at which I wonder if this sentence is true. It is the name that has been given to me by my parents, yes. But is it my name? How much of me is still me? Alicia Rivera is a name whispered in the streets with awe, shouted during demonstrations with pride, hissed in the government's barracks with utmost hatred. I have seen my face tattooed across the broad chests of freedom fighters, printed on banners, painted on targets at shooting ranges. My name is included in prayers and songs, in threats and in curses. Is it still my name? Is it still my face? My name is Alicia Caterina Rivera Hernandez. Depending on who you ask I'm a soldier or a murderer, an idol or a terrorist, a hero or a criminal. If you ask me, I might be a bit of all of these. But most of all, I'm tired. And a little drunk. **** A collection of pieces on Alicia Rivera, a stubborn girl with a love for the sea, brought to her knees by a cruel government, emerged as an idol of the resitance.

It closed the distance between them with slow, deliberate steps. Mary let out an involuntary whimper. She wished she hadn't fled. Mary squeezed her eyes shut, desperately hoping this was a nightmare. It brushed against her. She felt its breath. This was where she'd meet her end. Just like her people had. She could've sworn the guttural sound it made was a laugh. "Run," it taunted. *** A Shifter's blood is more coveted than gold. Unfortunately, all Shifters have been dead for years. So when word gets out that one has been spotted, Mary is intrigued. Chasing what is likely a false hope, Mary travels to the Blue Forest with promise of great reward for a Shifter found alive. But the forest is scattered with corpses, and the few things that live there could easily add her to the death count. With the threat of Beasts and the greed of man, only the powerful or a fool would search for a dead race. Mary is neither, but this may be her one chance to meet a Shifter. Consequences be damned. *** Updates every other Friday 1st place in The Fam Awards 2020 2nd in My Hard Work Awards