The Battle of Us

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 
The Battle of Us. 



I've held a deep admiration for art ever since childhood. It was a simple action—drawing my beloved cartoon characters—that made me realize my inherent talent. However, I didn't actively nurture this gift; it remained undeveloped.

Deep within my soul, I knew this talent existed, urging me to channel it toward growth. Despite this awareness, I struggled to find the opportune moment, space, and the necessary support to foster its evolution.

My fascination with art traces back to the ancient Greek sculptures, sparking a curiosity that blossomed further with discoveries about the Renaissance. Interestingly, shortly after delving into this realm, I stumbled upon an anime centered around a high school reminiscent of Julliard's art school. In this anime, students possessed magical abilities that manifested through their art, imbuing it with energy. The sheer strength of these manifestations captivated me, igniting a quest for knowledge and exploration across diverse artistic realms.


Check the anime here: Magic Kyun Renaissance



As I gaze upon this statue, its depiction evokes within me a profound metaphor—me in battle against myself, a conflict of Me vs. ME.

There were moments where I found myself metaphorically scratching, pulling at my own hair, as if choking and striking at myself, all within the realm of my mind. It wasn't a physical struggle, but a mental turmoil where I seemed perennially lost, unable to locate my true self no matter where I ventured. I felt perpetually stuck, encountering walls that seemed insurmountable. In moments of frustration, I'd metaphorically collide with these barriers, hitting my head against them with an intensity that mirrored my internal strife.


As I've grown, I've embarked upon a journey to confront my deepest fears and battle the demons that haunt me. These skirmishes have constituted some of the toughest battles I've ever faced, leaving my body marked with scars from the struggles.

While walking along the streets, these haunting apparitions manifest vividly, attempting to halt my steps, stifle my breath, and silence my voice. My legs tremble under the weight of this psychological burden.

Encountering the devil of temptation is a stark and raw experience. He stands exposed, bare and unapologetically true to his nature, smiling grotesquely at me. He beckons, inviting me with a gesture that transforms ugliness into an illusion of beauty, seeking to blind me to his deception.

As I stand my ground, he inches closer, his proximity evoking hesitation within me. In these moments, his welcoming gesture, his hands outstretched, grips my shoulders, and he reassures me not to fear. He coaxes me, asserting that making a mistake, a fleeting moment I may not even recall in time, is nothing to dread or regret.


Then emerged a striking figure, a beautiful presence intercepting my path. With resolute assurance, he declared there was something better, an alternative to the darker temptations. He proposed a journey to superior places, where freedom to be oneself existed without the fear of making mistakes.

The demon and this mysterious figure engaged in a fervent debate, each vying to reveal the path that would lead me to a brighter future. Amidst this chaos, my inner self materialized, gently grasping my hands and guiding me toward a radiant light. There, all my fears and worries dissolved, leaving me adorned in a white dress—a long-awaited dream fulfilled.

In that moment, my inner self spoke words that resonated deep within me: "It's always your choice, and no one can decide for you." This statement struck me profoundly, sending shivers down my spine, a moment of profound truth and realization.

Questions swirled within my mind—where am I? What have I done? What lies ahead? But 'why' ceased to be a question. I had known the answer all along but had chosen to evade it, surrendering to my demons and the allure of that enchanting figure.

I am both my demise and my deliverance. A perpetual battle rages within, an incessant struggle to set things right, though success is not guaranteed.

There's the demon, the human demons, and then there's you.

To confront yourself, you must confront the first two. Do you seek absolution? Choose the path to salvation. Desire sorrow, misery, and blame? Opt for the path of your end.

Remember, after we depart, our names will echo first, followed by the echoes of our manners and actions—whether good or bad. Those who deeply loved us may occasionally forget, but our deeds will resurface in their memories, reminding them of who we were and what we did.

We, as individuals, as (We) hold significance. Choose wisely.



Arafa Alhammadi
The Alchemy of Souls





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