Split (1)

train · 199k rows

post_text stringlengths 0 17.5k	post_title stringlengths 8 314	comment_texts listlengths 1 74	num_stories int64 1 74
	[WP] in a world where emotions don’t exist, you’ve been taken away as a research specimen for crying when your dog died.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The laboratory lights turn on slowly, flickering one by one, and he enters. I struggle against the restraints, but I’m still strapped to the table in the center of the room, the metal cold against my skin.\n\n“Do you know why you’re here?”\n\nI shake my head, trembling.\n\nHe walks toward me, opening up an ominous-looking toolbox. I brace myself for some sort of horrible torture instrument, but he pulls out a photograph.\n\n“Tell me, what do you see in this picture?”\n\nHe holds it closer so I can see it, and my lip quivers.\n\n“That’s me… and my…”\n\nI sniffle, and a tear escapes, trailing down my cheek. He picks up a clipboard, jotting some notes down as he inspects me more closely.\n\n“Hypothesis confirmed. Subject is exhibiting signs of emotion.”\n\n* &#x200B;\n\n“Continued signs of emotion are present in subject. Subject’s emotion level fluctuates throughout the day.”\n\nHe jots a note down on his clipboard as he reads through my levels, occasionally remarking on the subtle differences that emotion can have. I’ve been listening to him for a while now, and I decide to jump in.\n\n“Well, actually, those are probably a lot of different emotions.”\n\nHe looks over at me, surprised that I’ve spoken.\n\n“Emotions, plural?”\n\n“Yes.”\n\nHe sets his clipboard down, taking a seat next to the table.\n\n“Go on.”\n\n* &#x200B;\n\n“Multiple emotions simultaneously?”\n\n“I’m serious! It happens all the time.”\n\n“I don’t understand.”\n\n“Well, I could be feeling a number of emotions in varying degrees at any once. You’ve been monitoring the physical signs---“\n\nI gesture to the monitors that surround me. I’m no longer stuck on the table, but am allowed to sit on a chair beside him.\n\n“But they could mean any number of things. Sometimes when my heart beats faster, it’s because I’m scared. But sometimes it might be because I’m excited or angry or overjoyed.”\n\nHis pen flies across the paper, scribbling furiously.\n\n“And crying can happen for multiple reasons, too. I could be any of those emotions or all of them at once or even some other ones thrown in there. It’s hard to tell. It’s not an exact science.”\n\nHe looks up at me, sighing slightly at those words. Something in his face changes, and he seems to soften as he looks at me, studying my face.\n\n“I suppose you’re right. I will admit, I’ve started to notice some signs of emotion in myself of late.”\n\nMy heart monitor beeps faster as he moves closer to me.\n\n“It’s difficult for me to conceptualize. But since I’ve been spending so much time with you recently, I have to admit that I’ve become… fascinated with the subject. You explained sad to me so thoroughly that I think I’m finally able to feel it, too. And it hurts. A lot. How do you stand it?”\n\nHe looks at me, clearly in pain, and my heart breaks. He watches my face carefully.\n\n“And now you’re sad, too. Why is that?”\n\nI look up at him slowly, tears in my eyes.\n\n“Because I never want to hurt you,” I whisper.\n\nHe leans in, watching as my lip quivers and tears begin to roll down my cheeks. His frown disappears, and the cool, detached face that I’m used to returns.\n\n“Interesting.”\n\nHe pulls back, jotting a note in his journal quickly before closing it.\n\nI sob as he stands up, and I continue to cry until I hear the door shut behind him. I wipe my eyes, smiling.\n\nToday’s experiment was a success. It seems they can be made to mimic emotion after all. It’s only a matter of time now.\n\nHe’s learning.\n\nAnd so am I." ]	2
	[WP] You lost your arm in an accident and are beginning to experience phantom limb syndrome. One day you feel your phantom arm reach for a drink, lift up the glass, and press it to your lips.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I reached behind my girlfriend and tapped her shoulder. She turned and looked, scowled and went back to watching the movie.\n\nI was holding the popcorn. My other arm missing.\nI tapped one more time. Ate a bit of popcorn, when she turned back around I pressed a finger against her shoulder and rubbed.\n\nShe shot out of the chair and whirled around. “Seriously Mark? What are you doing?”\n\nI gave her an innocent look. “What do you mean?”\n\n“Where’s Ben? Is he playing some kind of joke. Are you trying to freak me out?”\n\n“Just having some fun.” I held up the bowl to her with my phantom limb. “Have a seat and lets finish the movie.”", "Oh. \n\nOh. Wait... \n\n“What the fuck?!”\n\n“Hold on... hold on...” I put the glass back down \n\nNo way. No fucking way. I look to my phone and “reach for it” \n\nIt lifts itself up. \n\nOkay... I will use this power only for the betterment of mankind.\n\nOk fuck that, is it just a ghost arm or is it straight telekinesis like magneto or some shit.\n\nI look to the TV remote and try to move it with my mind.\n\nNope, but can I grab it from farther away with my arm? \n\nIt lifts itself in my arm from a good 20 feet away.\n\n“Yo” I wave the remote around, my stump flailing around. \n\nI then grip the remote with all of my force, and the remote got crushed into nothing but scrap. \n\n“Cool, I can play video games again.” I look to the completely scrapped remote, and got pissed.\n\n“Fuck! My remote! Shit!”" ]	3
	[WP] You have been cursed by a wizard. The malediction that falls upon you now consists in being identified by other wizards as a wizard, but you are actually just a regular powerless person.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Why did this happen to me? I swear, I just bumped into him by accident.\n\nWas this his way of pranking me? I don’t know. If it is, it’s a shitty way to do so.\n\nI’ve been on the for quite a long time now. After all, this world’s “Wizard Association” thinks that I’m the most popular wizard. I’m not. I’m a fucking bartender.\n\nLet’s recall, shall we? I was on my way home while drinking coffee, when I accidentally bumped into a man in white clothes with white and blue hair.\n\n“I’m sorry man.” I say as I notice something odd about him.\n\nHis eyes were red. He was smiling. Yet I could tell that something was off.\n\n“You spilled some coffee on my flowers.”\n\nThat got me confused until I looked down.\n\nThere were flowers growing by his feet.\n\n“What the fu-“\n\n“Young man, I believe I must exact punishment on you.” He said, while still smiling.\n\n“Look, Sir, I am really sorry. But I-“\n\n“Now, now. I believe I have the proper punishment for you. It will be hilarious to watch.”\n\n“Wha-“\n\nThen from the ground, a staff of strange design pops out. With wood forming a sphere over a metal rod that seemed to be bent.\n\n“Thus begins your punishment. Ciao now, I hope to see what happens to you.”\n\n“What?”\n\nThen I was blinded by a blue light.\n\nThat’s basically how I got this curse. I look at the room at the inn I’m hiding in and look at my clothes.\n\nI look like a hobo. Oversized jacket and tight pants that are all dirty. I grew a beard over the past 5 months of running.\n\nI hear a knock on the door. I assume that it’s just the owner of the inn telling me to pay.\n\nI walk to the door and open it.\n\nI see a little girl right in front of me. I see her smile as she pulls out a pen and a notebook.\n\n“Excuse me, are you the famous Wizard of Flo-“\n\n“FUUUUUUUUUUUUCK YOOOOOOOOOU MEEEEEEEEEEEERLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!”" ]	2
	[WP] You've ascended to Godhood. Created a universe and beings in your image. Now you get to meet your God.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Good day, colleague\", Yahweh said as I opened the door.\n\n\"I can't remember inviting you for an afternoon cup of tea\", I grumbled in response. \"What do you want?\"\n\n\"Nothing in particular, just dropping by. No reason for being so angry at me\".\n\nAngry, he says. Damn, everything I did in this world of mine was because I was angry at him and the way he did things. Being jealous and judgemental, damning people to hell for nonsensical things. Destroying cities because the inhabitants fuck the wrong way. Flooding the world, and threatening to end it someday. When I started this, I swore that I shall never do anything like that.\n\nI never liked being an omnipredicated deity. I only agreed to that to prove I can make people's life better than the old fart did. However, I have to admit that the ability to slam the door at his face and tell him to go fuck himself is a pretty sweet perk of divinity.\n\n\"That, and I am genuinely interested in what makes your world actually work\", Yahweh continued. \"Those peoples that inhabit it. What do you call them?\"\n\n\"Humans, same as yours. And elves. And dwarves. And catpeople, and a dozen of other races. I admit that I copied most of them from cheap airport fantasy, but hey, I made them real\".\n\n\"How exactly did you manage to make so many races?\", Yahweh asked astonishedly.\n\n\"Delegation, my friend\", I answered. \"See, there is a pantheon of junior deities I made. They did most of the groundwork and fleshed out my ideas. Some of them had their own ideas. The mogways, for example: I never thought about creating them, they are entirely Earide's thing. One day she showed me a tiny cute critter and said: look, it's a mogway. What a stupid name, I thought, but why not? Collegiality is the name of the game.\"\n\n\"And none of them rebelled against you?\"\n\n\"Why should they?\", I chuckled. \"I respect them, treat them as equals. We are on a first name basis, like a proper team. Well, there is Demogorgon the Dark, but he isn't my enemy, it's more like a friendly creative competition. I am of the opinion that conflict is necessary for progress, so I like Demogorgon the way he is. Oh, there he is, by the way\".\n\nDemogorgon was strolling by, looking as usual - as a Hot Topic reject - and carrying a cup of hot coffee. He stopped and looked inquisitively at us.\n\n\"Hello, Rin\", he said. \"Who is this old guy? A brush salesman?\"\n\n\"Hello, Demmy. He's a colleague from another world. The Old World, remember what I told you?\"\n\n\"Ah, that annoying place that manages to be dreary and oppressive, and chaotic and messy at the same time, where you came from. I do, I do. So this must be Yahweh?\"\n\n\"If Lucifer spoke to me like that\", Yahweh announced, \"I would surely create a deeper, hotter hell for him to regret that.\"\n\n\"That's exactly what makes the Old World a mess\", I answered. \"Too much threats of violence and not enough understanding\".\n\nSuddenly I heard an annoyed voice from the kitchen.\n\n\"Rin!\", Earide exclaimed. \"We have a guest, and you keep him on the threshold! How impolite! Please, Mr. Yahweh, come in and help yourself to some tea and cookies!\"" ]	2
	[WP] Frosty the snowman, but as a Lovecraftian monster.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Frosty the Snow-Gug \n\nOn the hunt for happy souls \n\nWith a frozen maw and some icy claws \n\nAnd his eyes glowing like coals\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFrosty the Snow-Gug \n\nWatched the children laugh and play \n\nAnd were we surprised when before our eyes \n\nHe came for them that day\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWe saw his hunger growing \n\nAs he watched them play with glee \n\nAnd while we divined for elder signs \n\nHe began his killing spree\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFrosty the Snow-Gug \n\nKnew that we were on his tail \n\nSo he said let’s run \n\nAnd we'll have some fun \n\nBut I warn you, I’ll prevail\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPast the Asylum \n\nCultists running through the square \n\nSwallowed Ashcan Pete for a tasty treat \n\nMi-Gos soaring through the air\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe led us through the streets of town \n\nRight past the General Store\n\nAnd he only paused a moment then \n\nHe killed and killed some more\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBack to The Dreamlands \n\nFrosty hurried on his way \n\nBut he waved goodbye \n\nSaying don't you cry I'll be back for you some day\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThumpety thump thump Thumpety thump thump \n\nLook at Frosty go\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThumpety thump thump Thumpety thump thump \n\nOver the reddened snow", "Frosty the Snowman\n\nWas a jolly happy soul\n\nWith a corncob pipe and a button nose\n\nAnd his eyes made out of coal.\n\nFrosty the Snowman\n\nMade the children laugh and play\n\nAnd were they surprised when\n\nBefore their eyes\n\nHe came to life that day.\n\nThere must have been some magic\n\nIn that old silk hat they found\n\nFor when they placed it on his head\n\nHe began to dance around.\n\nFrosty the Snowman\n\nHad a secret no one knows\n\nSometimes he eats kids\n\nSmall or big\n\nAnd if you listen close....\n\n...then on a silent night\n\nWhen the wind's just right\n\nYou might hear a kid say\n\n\"Help, I'm so cold.\"" ]	3
	[WP] "Freedom is gone, people are chained to round-the-clock jobs to prevent any form of innovation. They live in squalor behind their walls, while only a few have eked out an existence in the beast-infested wilds. The timeline is, in short, completely fucked. It was all my fault. Sorry about that."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I looked across at the man sitting on my sofa, wrapped up in my blankets. \"What the hell are you talking about, man?\"\n\nThe man looked down at his feet. \"I...I know you're not going to believe me, but I'm from the future...\"\n\nI nodded along, beginning to wonder about the mental state of this stranger. I guess I couldn't have just left him out there to suffer in the storm, but now I was worried about my own safety.\n\n\"...and in the future, time travel exists. But it's so dangerous and destructive that it's completely banned. I had to go through some...back channels to get the blueprints for a machine. And once I had them, it took me about 10 years to build it, and I'm a highly trained engineer.\"\n\nI nodded, pretending to listen. In reality, I had my phone hidden under my leg, scrolling through Instagram for the fifth time this hour.\n\n\"And so I traveled back to 2005, to settle some...personal issues. But I fucked up. I got in a car accident...turned into a pileup...some people died...and the world. It changed. It's not supposed to be like this in 2019. It's supposed to be so, so much better.\"\n\nAll this talk about time travel had actually piqued my interest. \"So if you're from the future...what're the lottery numbers this week?\"\n\n\"Why would I know the lottery numbers for a random week in 2019?\"\n\nI shrugged. \"Worth a shot.\"\n\nThe man stood up now, blankets lazily tumbling off of his shoulders. \"How are you not more concerned about this?! This isn't how it's supposed to be! The world is fucked up, it should be a utopia!\"\n\nI shot up as well, exceeding his height and matching his volume. \"Because you're a god damn wacko who probably just woke up my wife and kids! Get the fuck out of my house, you can find another person to share your weird stories with.\"\n\nThe stranger's face changed from desperation to anger, then from anger to sadness. He began to slip on his still-wet shoes. \"I'm...sorry. Thanks for your hospitality.\" \n\nI watched him through the window as he made his way across the yard. I thought he would throw something, or storm off in a huff. Instead, though, he sauntered slowly towards the road, chin pressed against his chest. I almost felt bad for the guy.\n\n\"Jack,\" I heard my wife whisper from behind me. I turned to see her at the bottom of the stairs, standing in front of my two daughters \"Who was that?\"\n\n\"Just a stranger who wanted some shelter. Everything's okay, Amy. Take the girls back to bed.\"\n\nI watched the three of them walk up the stairs, and thought about what the stranger had said. What if he was telling the truth?\n\nBut I thought about Sarah and Ginnie climbing into bed in their matching monkey-covered onesies. I thought about the beautiful wife I had waiting upstairs when I finished this work. \n\nMaybe this timeline is a fucked up one, I thought to myself. But it ain't too bad.\n\n[r/AerobaticElephant](https://old.reddit.com/r/AerobaticElephant/)" ]	2
	[WP] The year is 1881. The US Civil War is still raging, and you are marching off to the 5th Battle of Bull Run.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Twenty years ago, war began in our country. It started in earnest, but with the subsequent intervention of foreign powers, the war would grow to an unprecedented scale. When Britain joined the Union in 1862 and France in 1863, hope soared in our hearts. Then the North German Confederation and the Russian Empire allied with the Confederacy in 1864. By the end of the decade, twenty million had died. No more advances could be made and the doctrine of trench warfare was enacted. Each country vying for one side or the other had put their stakes on territories in the American theatre of the war. The European Theatre was a bloodbath. Most deaths in the war were from there. Our trench lines stood on either side of Bull Run. I was to lead a charge on Bull Run for the fifth time. As an American general, I had a major part in the American theatre. Still, I tired of it. I knew General Lee was sick of the death and pestilence that plagued our once great nation as well. This was no longer our war. \n\nWe were being puppeteered by the European powers for their benefit. What would we get from it? Weakness and annihilation. I sent a telegraph to Lee and we both ordered a ceasefire. Along the river, a treaty was called declaring America whole again. As a new age of peace set in, a torn nation began healing the wounds of twenty years. Trenches were filled, and towns rebuilt. The war had caused a depression which could finally fade as new jobs were created to accommodate the reparations. However, a new crisis began due to the vast devastation of two decades. Socialism is on the rise, and many are of an extremist mind. My only hope is that we can persevere." ]	2
	[WP] its 2019. Nobody uses treasure chests anymore; mimics are having to get more creative with their disguises to lure prey.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Mom, did you know that mimics are actually a part of the food chain?\n\nWhat are you talking about, what's a mimic?\n\nMimics, these creatures that used to change into treasure chests, in the past they used to sneak into people's houses, like rats, and hide among their chests. They even say that one bit Henry the 8th once.\n\nWhat are you talking about, there's no such thing as a \"mimic\". \n\nLook, just read the Wikipedia entry about them, turns out they were actually tamed in the past, and used as friendly pets, like dogs.\n\nFine, I'll open it up. Here, you see? \"A creature in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game\".\n\nNo way mom, look at my phone, here's the page.\n\nListen Dear, your mother's gone through a busy day today, and your father's still at work instead of helping me take care of you. So please, just go to your room for 15 minutes and let your mother read a few pages of her book.\n\nOk mom, I'm sorry.\n\nWhen you're a mother, you learn to cherish those few quiet moments. Children always crave for attention, and as tempting as it is, she can't just let her son sit zombified in front of the screen the entire day. But fifteen minutes, in his room, without his phone, won't do him any harm. And so, she reads the new e-book that appeared in her recommendations list. It's really amazing how this stupid app can find a story that has good characterization but is light enough to read in her few daily minutes of peace, it's almost as if the app knows her.\n\nAs she lets herself be absorbed in the story, a small face appears on the back of her phone. A moment later, another face appears on the back of her child's phone. The times have changed, they learned to control their forms better, as well to know how to get along with the noisy hairless apes that took over the world. They also learned to lip read, as one of them asked the other \"How do you wanna prank them next time?\".", "Brahn rapped his knuckles on the old wooden chest that was serving as his desk. A dozen or so more littered the narrow room. The stench of brine, damp earth, and stale air filled the room, making his eyes water slightly as he surveyed the meeting's attendants. Thirteen mimics sat in the room. Some lounged on the floor, others perched on the chests. \n\n\"We need a new plan,\" Brahn barked in a raspy voice. \"The humans have changed. We need new ways to entice them.\"\n\n\"I told you we should have abandoned the chests a century ago.\" Dirk casually cleaned bits of dirt from under his nails as he spoke. His nonchalant tone irritated Brahn. \n\n\"You didn't have any other ideas, though, did you?\" he hissed. \"Our numbers have fallen faster than Lucifer's descent. We need a new plan.\" \n\n\"I've noticed the humans carrying small boxes with them. They seem quite fascinated with them.\" \n\nBrahn pressed his fingertips into his forehead and sighed. Glick was the youngest of the group; he was only 600 years old and had much to learn. \"We can't disguise ourselves as fortune telling boxes, Glick. That won't entice them in. We need something more powerful.\" \n\nAnother mimic spoke up. Fugue was nearly as old as Brahn and just as clever. Relieved someone reasonable had an idea, Brahn gave him the floor. \"The humans recently invented some kind of frozen milk. They obtain it in large amounts on a regular basis. Perhaps this would be an effective cover.\" \n\nBrahn pondered this. \"An interesting suggestion, Fugue. Are the boxes large?\"\n\n\"Not as large as a chest but they may suffice.\"\n\n\"Hmmmm... any other ideas?\" \n\nFugue was silent. After a moment, another mimic raised his hand. Brahn nodded, signaling his consent for the mimic to speak. Wert, the smallest mimic, rarely spoke at all. Brahn was eager to hear what idea he had. \n\n\"The humans are growing heavier yet they still seem to idealize a small body. Some are quite desperate to achieve this. There is a thing called a diet pill. They come in small boxes but are more highly prized than even frozen milk. And they are not stored in cold places.\" \n\nBrahn was intrigued by this. \"Do you mean that if a human found a box of diet pills, it will certainly open them?\" \n\n\"Yes, sir. I believe this will attract many humans. The young and old alike idealize the figures these capsules promise.\" \n\nBrahn thought for a long moment. All eyes were on him. Finally, with a grin he announced \"Mimics, the new plan is diet pills. Go procure boxes on which to practice!\"" ]	3
	[WP] While cleaning out your ears with a cotton swab, you discover what feels like a piece of hard plastic deep within your ear canal. Upon pushing it a little further into your ear, it springs back and the words "SHUT DOWN AND REBOOT?" appear in your field of vision.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As far back as I could remember, I've always been haunted by nagging itching in my ears. I've been to the doctor many times to see if I have an ear infection, or some type of tear, but every single time I've been given a clean bill of health.\n\nA clean bill of health, and a warning. My pediatrician, Doctor Hewitt, always seemed to say the same thing after every visit. \"Your ears look great. A little bit of wax build up, but nothing a little hydrogen peroxide can't fix. Oh, and never, EVER use Q-Tips to clean your ears\".\n\nMy parents always followed Doctor Hewitt's advice. He had been our family's doctor ever since my older brother was born, so I figured my parents must've trusted him a lot. So, my ears endured bath after bath of hydrogen peroxide to deal with excess wax. It helped, but I've always seemed to have a small, nagging itch in my ears no matter what. However, my parents always echoed Doctor Hewitt. \"Never, EVER use Q-Tips to clean your ears\".\n\nI recently turned 18, and after having what feels like a lifetime of living with chronic itching and hydrogen peroxide cleanings, I finally decided that with my newfound adulthood, I was capable of making my own darn medical decisions, and that included using Q-Tips to clean my ears.\n\nIt was a few days after my birthday when I decided to spring my dastardly plan into action. My mother was out at work, and my father was heading out for some groceries, so I figured I'd have the house to myself for atleast a half hour or so. When I was sure my dad was gone, I sprung into action and searched the cupboards of the bathroom.\n\nNo Q-Tips. I rummaged around all the cupboards, digging through medicine, toothpaste, and toilet paper, and found not one box of Q-Tips. This obviously struck me as odd. I've been in other people's bathrooms before, and Q-Tips are a staple of any assortment of junk lying in bathroom cupboards.\n\nI sat for a moment, pondering whether I should go to the store to pick up some Q-Tips, but quickly shot the idea down as my Father would be back by the time I bought them. Then, I remembered my mother's makeup dresser. If there any Q-Tips in this house, that's where they'd be.\n\nI walked into my parent's bedroom and crept up to my mother's makeup dresser. I carefully sifted through the drawers, finding nothing at first, before I stumbled across a small, wooden box that blended in the with the old, mahogany dresser. In it, I found 3 pristine white Q-Tips.\n\nI quickly rushed back to the bathroom, Q-Tip in hand. I had already wasted 20 minutes searching, so it was now or never. I stared at myself in the mirror, Q-Tip mere inches from my ear. I smiled, smugly, before saying to myself mockingly \"Never, EVER use Q-Tips to clean your ears.\" before chuckling a bit.\n\nI inserted the Q-Tip in slowly, only going a few millimeters deep at first. I swirled the Q-Tip round, feeling the sweet, sweet sensation of the cotton on the walls of my ear. After years of itching, the sensation felt absolutely incredible. I pulled out the Q-Tip, only to discover that there was no wax at all on it. I thought that the wax itself must be deeper, so I decided to push forward deeper. And deeper. And deeper.\n\nEventually, I nearly had the whole Q-Tip in my ear. Despite never having cleaned my ears with a Q-Tip before, I was 100% certain that my ear canal was NOT supposed to be this deep. Holding onto the other cotton end, I almost considered stopping, until I finally felt a bump. At first, I thought it was my ear drum, but I felt no pain when I bumped it. In fact, all I felt was an intense itching when I prodded it.\n\nI prodded the bump, gently tapping it to try to gauge what it was, and to my further surprise, it didn't sound organic. As I prodded it, it made a small clicking sound. It sounded like, no, it must have been a piece of plastic! I was horribly freaked out at this point, but more so intrigued. Why was my ear canal this deep? What was this piece of plastic that was plaguing me with itching? Was there another one in my other ear?\n\nHowever, the most intriguing question on my mind was this. Why did Doctor Hewitt never mention this? He had peered into my ears countless times, and never once did he mention the anomaly of my ear canal being freakishly deep, nor having plastic in them! I almost pulled the Q-Tip out before realizing that I still had a job to do. I know this was a bad idea in hindsight, but in the moment, after prodding the piece of plastic, it itched incessantly. So, I decided to scratch it.\n\nI scraped and scratched at the piece of plastic, feeling massive relief as I did. The itch that for so long had plagued me was finally being vanquished! This moment of joy was short lived however, as soon, I accidentally pushed the plastic deeper, and heard a sharp click. As soon as I heard that click, blue text suddenly appeared in my vision. It read \"SHUT DOWN AND REBOOT?\" with a small X in the corner.\n\nIt took me a moment to truly process what I was seeing. I stood there in confusion for a moment, then, a sudden swell of panic flooded over me. I ripped the Q-Tip out of my ear, but it did nothing to remove the bright blue text that was now superimposed over my field of view. I fluttered my eyes, trying to get the text to fade away, but it didn't. It wasn't a hallucination. I almost screamed, but something stopped me. The appearance of more text.\n\nBelow the bright blue text appeared crimson red text that read \"AUTOMATIC RESTART: 30\".\n\nThe number began to count down. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears. I turned the sink on and splashed freezing cold water in my face. Dreaming, I had to be dreaming! Nothing happened though. The countdown continued.\n\nThe panic nearly overwhelmed me. Why was this happening to me!? What was gonna happen when it hit 0!? What does \"REBOOT\" mean!? Then, I remembered the plastic in my ear. A button! It wasn't just some strand of hardened plastic, it was a button, and if there was a button in that ear, there might be one in the other! One that can cancel this \"REBOOT\".\n\nAs the clock continued counting down, I grabbed the Q-Tip and jammed it in my other ear. This ear went just as deep as the other one, but at the end, I found no button. Instead, I hit what felt like a metal wall, and in the center, was a small hole.\n\nI wasted no time. What ever happens, it had to have been better than being \"REBOOTED\", what ever that meant. With my heart still racing in my ears, I centered the Q-Tip over the hole, and crammed it in.\n\nSuddenly, I couldn't hear my heartbeat in my ears any more. I felt cold. The nausea that had been building in my stomach ceased. Before I could process this, I felt a pressure building under my shirt. I removed my shirt, only for my chest to swing out into a small table like compartment, with a keyboard and mouse.\n\nWith the adrenaline of the countdown still wearing on me, I barely questioned it. I quickly grabbed for the mouse, only to see a mouse icon appear in my vision. I slid the mouse over to the X button quickly, and mashed the left mouse button.\n\nThe text faded from my vision, with only a few seconds remaining in the count down. New text filled my vision, stating \"NORMAL OPERATING STATE RESTORED\" before finally fading away as well.\n\nA sense of calm washed over me for a moment, before I looked down at myself, my chest folded open to reveal a keyboard and mouse, with wires leading into my body. I should've gagged, but I couldn't. I should've cried, but I couldn't.\n\nI slumped down next to the bath tub. The keyboard and mouse slid off my chest tray that was holding it, landing on the floor in a heap. In that moment, I only had one question.\n\nWhat the hell am I?\n\nI heard my front door fling open, and I heard the familiar, stern voice of my Father cry out \"I'm home!\". I tried to cry out in panic for him to come to the bathroom, but my voice lacked emotion. It was monotone and dry.\n\nMy Father poked his head through the doorway. \"Yeah S-\". He was cut off as he looked down at me, sitting next to the bathtub, Q-Tip embedded in my ear, and chest flung open with wires spilling out of me into a keyboard and mouse. I expected him to scream, but he didn't.\n\nInstead, he laughed. He laughed harder than I had ever heard him laugh in his entire life. When he was done he walked up to me and crouched down. He gave me a huge grin, as if he had caught me in an embarrassing position. Finally, he spoke.\n\n\"Oh son, what have we told you time and time again. Never, EVER use Q-Tips to clean your ears\" he said, repeating the old tired line, but he continued \"Because Q-Tips AREN'T for cleaning...They're for maintenance...\"" ]	2
	[WP] We finally made a time machine. And it worked. A little too well. We're all back in time, and way too far.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "-Where are we-\n\n-Defuq happened-\n\n-Martens, how's the connection-\n\n-Can you hear me-\n\n-Can anybody hear me-\n\n-Leka, show me next b2n interface-\n\n-LEKA!!!-\n\n\"It don't work. I already tried bigtime many many times. Leka don't answer, I tried everything. They sent us back before the BrainNet. You must use Speak Language.\"\n\n\"Hu... can't! Won't! Didn't since ...\" -LEKA what's the word for big learn house- \"...FUCK!\"\n\n\"You can. We practised that shit, in case of emergency like this. Remember?\"\n\n\"NO. Don't remember because I backed it up and wiped. Needed space for history stuff. WHERE ARE WE??\"\n\n\"I DON'T KNOW! All I know is it certainly isn't Kansas anymore. Fuck KU and their budget cuts, I told them we needed extra time for the simulations.\"\n\n\"How do we get back?\"\n\n\"Why do you ask me? You're the physicist, remember?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Fuck.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\" ... Mkay. Don't panic. You are the tech wizard, I'm the expert for socials and language. Nobody could of known this happens, we're in deep deep doodoo, but together, we'll find a way out of this. Your memories will come back, a brain don't work like a SiliCube. You didn't really wipe anything, it's more like you locked it away.\"\n\n\"Who told you that?\"\n\n\"You did. Before you decided to brainload the entire HistoryWiki\"\n\n\"Did you know that Chiitan was the mascot of Susaki before it became president of ...\"\n\n\"No. But I want to know if the cloaking device is still working goodly. It's the red letters on your left wrist.\"\n\n\"It says 'works goodly'\"\n\n\"Great. So we're safe for now. We seem to be on a busy street, but nobody walks right here where we are. Maybe it's a taboo place. Don't matter. Let's find out when we are. I will observe our surroundings, and you'll close your eyes and compare what I see with your memory, mkay?\"\n\n\"mkay\"\n\n\"Soo.. there are cars on the street. Many many cars. They don't move quickly. And they ... exhale steam out of their ass?\"\n\n\"Did you know that prior to the ban ...\"\n\n\"JUST before or after which year and headline, please.\"\n\n\"Before 2040, global ban of gasoline powered automobiles\"\n\n\"Great. See? We'll get it together. There are ... movie ads, I think, like gifs, but only one frame, on the walls of a building. It's about ... like, a man in everyday clothing of our time: blue suit, red boots, red gloves, star on his breast...\"\n\n\"Could be a lot of times...\"\n\n\"He's got a shield.\"\n\n\"Oooh wow! Before 2021, first Marvel crash. They needed 17 years before...\"\n\n\"Great, great. That's enough. What else... Everybody is running around with a device in their hands. Seems to be mandatory, even that beggar person over there has one.\"\n\n\"Pre-brainlink era. Pretty sure the devices are smafos. D'oh! No wonder our brainlinks don't work. We really are back in the stoneage!\"\n\n\"Don't think about it. Years?\"\n\n\"After... somewhen between 2000 and 2030.\"\n\n\"Cool. Next... Several people wearing a red hat, one word on it, 'MAGA'.\"\n\n\"Sorry. Leads to an article that's taken offline because of an ongoing edit war. But it's safe to say we're in the Federation of American States. Wait.. before the Marvel Crash? It's the United States.\"\n\n\"United States... so we're talking developed country? No water riots and stuff like that?\"\n\n\"For now - yes. It's pretty safe. They even think the occasional shootings are a big thing.\"\n\n\"Poor slobs. If they knew... whatever. So we are safe for now. Time to look for nutrition.\" -Leka, order Mongolian...- \"Fuck.\"\n\n\"What's happened?\"\n\n\"How do we get anything to eat?\"\n\n-Leka, show me restaurants..- \"Fuck.\"\n\n\"We'll find a place, but how do we pay? LifeMinutes aren't a currency yet. And even if it was, we don't have a link!\"\n\n\"Wait... people still pay with metal and ... yeah. Money. You saw that beggar person. I bet he don't ask for citizen social points, but for money. We can just do the same.\"\n\n\"How does that work?\"\n\n\"We just sit down here, and people who come close to us can decide to transfer some moneys to us.\"\n\n\"But how, without a link?\"\n\n\"They will take it out of their pocket and give it to us.\"\n\n\"They will, like, touch it, and then we have to touch it? Eww, gross!\"\n\n\"Now it's you who is panicking. You are the socials expert, you can do this. We'll be fine! People here do it all the time and don't die. Just sit down... yes, like this... and now all we have to do is wait.\"\n\n\"Mkay, you're right. We'll be fine. What does the cloaking device say?\"\n\n\"'Works goodly'\"\n\n\"Great. We'll be fine.\"" ]	2
	[WP] The residents of an alien planet live in the vast oceans of their world. You're visiting and you've just accidentally poisoned the entirety of said oceans.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The ocean churned and splashed, sending sparkling droplets of crystal clear water into the air. It was perfect, Ted thought, or it had been.\n\nAn inky dark brown substance oozed onto the green-sanded shores of Lunas. This continent was called Ilas, he'd been told. It was one of only two land masses on the entire planet, and together they added together to equal roughly the size of Cyprus. Not Greece. Cyprus. This one was currently packed with a quarter of their population of 17 billion, all of which needed water to survive.\n\nSeveral of the creatures known as Urlae screeched and pressed back against the crowd as it licked at their feet.\n\n\"Now don't ya'll be frettin',\" Redd, his shipmate, yelled. \"That stuff will do nothin' but satisfy your thirst.\"\n\nThey had been traveling through the galaxy with their Earthen wares. Not earthenware, Earthen wares. Wares from Earth. After a long trip of forty light-years, their stocks had been massively depleted by the time their tanker reached this part of the universe. Most of what they had left were drums of Motor Oil. Not motor oil in the traditional sense, but a type of confectionery drink that Redd made. The recipe had been carefully passed down for generations, dating back to his eighth great grandfather, who had lived in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.\n\n\"Redd,\" Ted said, leaning in to speak with his compatriot, \"I don't reckon to know a lot about sea life—most of it I learned from Aquaman and some show called Captain Planet—but I don't think motor oil is good for 'em.\"\n\n\"Keep that gosh durn yap shut,\" Redd said in a fevered whisper. \"I don't want the locals going all native on us.\"\n\n\"I think that's offensive, Redd,\" Ted said, sure of his grasp of old Earth language.\n\nRedd gave his partner a cursory scowl and turned back to the group. \"Ya'll have like a king fish or something?\" he bellowed, showing his earth-centric view of the universe.\n\nNo one responded.\n\n\"Ya know,\" he continued, gesticulating frantically. \"Take me to your leader.\"\n\nWere Ted a more Earth-centric person, he would have described the scene as Redd showing his ass. Instead, he could only muster thoughts like ignorant or ill-equipped for intergalactic space travel.\n\nAn Urlae creature was pushing through the crowd. His features were about as far away from human as one could get while still existing, Ted thought, but he was splendid in his own way. His skin was purple, mottled with glistening green and blue scales, and he was taller than the rest by several feet. A golden sash was draped around his chest. When he spoke, Ted was surprised to his own old Earth language with a crystal clear accent. He thought it might originate from the area that used to be known as Canada.\n\n\"Ya'll sure did cause quite a mess out here, aye?\"\n\nRedd held up a hand, but turned to whispered to Ted, \"Good lord, it's like we're talkin' to mounties.\" Then he spoke louder for the leader. \"Now look buddy, we just came here to try to sell our wares, and your inhospitable planet linin' caused us to crash.\"\n\nTheir leader frowned, and his mouth moved soundlessly, as if he were struggling to process the words. \"You're sayin' it's our fault?\"\n\nRedd threw his hands up and gave the Urlae a dazzling smile, several of whom were now coughing in an unpromising manner. \"I'm not tryin'a lay the blame on anyone, Your Grace-Kingship. It's just so durn unfortunate. Our tankard's crashed, and I can repair it, but it's gonna cost until we can get to the next galactic mechanic. Meanwhile, ya'll,\" he said, gesturing flippantly with his hand, \"well, ya'll got a free lifetime supply of our famed drink, Motor Oil.\"\n\n\"Motor Oil?\" the leader said.\n\n\"Yep. A recipe lovingly passed down for generations by my eighth great grand pappy, who opened the first ever McDonald's in Harrodsburg, Kentucky,\" he said proudly, tucking his fingers into his suspenders. \"It was all the rage on Earth before the sugar got everybody.\"\n\nThe leader looked absolutely confounded. \"Sugar... attacked your citizens?\"\n\nRedd frowned. \"Nah, it was like a medical thing. The sugar. Everybody gettin' the sugar.\"\n\nHe looked to Ted for reassurance, who did not feel like it was a good time to talk about a disease that killed millions of humans. He shrugged. \"Yep,\" he said noncommittally.\n\n\"What's in this Motor Oil?\" the Urlae leader said, pointing at the tainted water that had already stained the sand.\n\n\"Listen Ted,\" Redd said, dropping his voice and turning to Ted, \"you know you're the only one I ever trusted with the secret formula. Whatever happens, you keep it secret. I ain't sa worried 'bout the motor oil part, we both know that takes a fine palette to discern, but my eight times great grand pappy risked his life keeping that McDonald's sweet tea formula safe. So you keep it to yourself.\"\n\n\"Right,\" Ted whispered. \"Five part water, hundred part sugar, one tenth tea leaf.\"\n\n\"Not sa damn loud!\" Redd said.\n\n\"What's that, aye?\" their leader called.\n\n\"It's a secret recipe, my fish friend,\" Redd called, grinning. \"A proprietary blend of joy, happiness, the promise of a better life, and just a dash of SAE10W40 Pennzoil.\"\n\n\"And just about 20,000 gallons of ocean water,\" Ted muttered, having no real grasp on the concept of volume.\n\n\"Pennzoil?\" the fish king asked.\n\n\"I know, I know,\" Redd said, raising his hands. \"I'd love to say we still used Quaker State Motor Oil, one tough motor oil, but that well ran dry, quite literally, some hundred years ago.\"\n\nAs Redd finished his sentence, several of the Urlae closest to the water collapsed onto the tainted sand. Another surfaced in the water next to where Ted stood. Redd didn't even blink. \"And it's non-toxic,\" he said.\n\nTheir leader was too busy staring at the Urlae that were on the ground. Ted thought this was a good time to leave. \"Well, it's an awful long distance to the next mechanic, Redd,\" he said, tugging at his sleeve. \"Ya'll are clearly wanting to sleep off the pleasure of Motor Oil, and we don't want to disturb ya'll.\"\n\n\"Good point, Ted,\" Redd said, gesturing at a few of the bodies. \"Ya'll don't even worry about nonea this. Everything ort to be just fine. Normal side effect.\"\n\nAs they were walking away, Redd stopped suddenly. \"Ya'll ain't ever heard of a class-action lawsuit, have ya?\" he yelled out to their leader.\n\nThe group of Urlae nearest them murmured in confusion. Redd smiled and threw up a hand. \"Alright, have a good'un!\"" ]	2
	[WP] In this universe, people can sacrifice a memory to do magic, the more important the memory, the stronger the magic. You wake up one day with complete amnesia.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "~~Shitpost turned into a longer shitpost.~~\n\nZooey stared at the foreign objects that lay before her. One was metallic, a precision instrument of some sort, perfectly rounded in a partially spliced oval at one end. The other could only be described as a tiny cauldron, a raised upended dome in which a suspicious pale liquid teetered back and forth. As the fluid went about its slow ebb and flow, brown islands of increasingly unstable composition bobbed with it.\n\nShe glanced up at the man who'd placed the two items before her. She'd woken with no idea where she was or who she was beyond the name he'd called her in apparent elation, in this confined room. He'd vanished briefly, before returning with the conundrum she now had posed before her. He gazed at her expectantly, waiting for her to take action.\n\nZooey decided to meet his eyes and stare back. Slowly, the man grew adverse to the continued contact, flushing slightly. It was possible she possessed some form of heat vision, invisible rays that could be used to exacerbate thermoreceptors. She pressed on, turning her body in full and bending forward to minimize the distance her heat vision had to travel. The man leaned back, before finally averting his attention to the barren wooden walls. Zooey felt the edges of her lips lilt upwards; she had won. There was only one thing left to do.\n\nZooey flung the cauldron at him, shattering the surprisingly flimsy material as the white liquid doused the man's body. Before he could recover, Zooey took the blunt-ended metal stick thing and stabbed into his face. She carved out the receptacles he used for vision, and found resistance behind them. He was flailing now, falling back against the wall for support, but Zooey knew better than to give him time. She smashed the metal thing against his head, again and again and again. The man never fought back, only cowering and using weak fleshy appendages for protection.\n\nSoon after, he stopped moving. Zooey stood, lost. The door was still closed. She slowly made her way to the firm wooden contraption, the gate that kept her imprisoned here. She reached out to get a grasp on its make. It was likely locked, barred to prevent... and it opened at the brush of a hand. Light flooded in.\n\nThe world beyond was some sort of disgusting lab room. Knives were arranged in a block of hollowed wood, surrounded by other similar metal weapons like the one Zooey had been handed. Water gushed from a silver hose, cascading down onto projectiles like the one she had just made use of. Weapons. More weapons. She was surrounded by weapons.\n\nA woman leapt to her feet, screaming. Zooey understood the words, aside from one which didn't match any in her limited lexicon, but they seemed to think it was important. The woman ran at Zooey with a twig in hand, posing an immediate physical threat to her wellbeing. Thankfully, she still had her weapon. Zooey snapped the twig and bludgeoned the woman to the ground like the man in the other room, though this time the enemy resisted, clawing at her like an animal. It stung, but Zooey came out victorious. Once again, she had won.\n\nZooey left the woman on the ground and moved towards the flow of water. A new challenger approached. Zooey froze, as did the stranger. They had long white hair, which was discoloured red from some bizarre dye that seemed darker in some places than others. They appeared short but stood at eye level with Zooey, boasting piercing red irises framed by tanned skin, features that were marred by the same maroon flecks and raw scratch marks. Zooey took an apprehensive step forward, as did the stranger.\n\nShe screamed—they screamed—and she threw her now trusted weapon. The stranger mirrored her, and Zooey dove to the ground. A shattering thunder struck. Tiny crystalline fragments showered the room. Zooey rolled to her feet and looked back, but the stranger was gone, replaced by a cracked pane of shining stone.\n\nZooey was finally safe. A wave of fatigue washed over her alongside a pang in her abdomen, so she made her way back to the room of her former prison, tripped over the man on the ground, and smacked face-first into a soft fabric. She passed out.\n\nEdit: >!It was a spoon and a bowl of milk & cereal.!<\n\nHappily ever after!", "\"Thank you for your winning contribution!\" the lady dressed as an airline stewardess says from above you. \"Your memory contribution has been transmuted into magic with the greatest system in the world.\" \n\nSomething brushes your breasts and hand at the same time. Startled, you look down to see the thing on top of the cloth (what is that called?) covering your chest IS your right hand. \"Oh,\" you say. Your eyes return to the stewardess to find a line crossing her face. You send the thing on your chest to the line and it hits flat plastic before reaching her. \"You... are not here?\" you ask the monitor. \n\nAfter several minutes or hours you sit up, then stand, then walk to a revolving door. You pass reclining chairs with other people and monitors on your way to it. Once on the other side of the door, you find a huge number of people (more than 12! what comes after 12?) and turn around to see what they are stairing at. A man in fancy cloth is being projected on the side of the building you just walked out of. \n\n\"We can now project the election winner... with magic users contributing for both sides... the winner is...\" And then his image is replaced with strange shapes. This gets shocked cries from the crowd. Most of them start crying; the rest say consolling words. You search for something to draw the shapes so you can ask what they mean. Your skirt has a blue mark on it. You search it and find a stick, but then the shapes are gone. \n\nThe man is back and he says, \"the winning campaign has sent us a link to the list of magic donors who they wish to thank.\" He disappears from the projection and is replaced with more shapes. You hurridly draw them on your wrist and start searching for someone to translate them for you. \n\n\"Mom?\" a woman near you shouts. She takes your shoulder in her hand. \"There you are! We've been scared, looking for you for hours. C'mon. Did you see the news?\" \n\nShe knows you? \n\n\"What's wrong? Wait, were you in that...\" the woman's face registers shock. Her eyes start to water. \"What did you do? What the fuck did you do?\" \n\nYou show her your wrist. \"Can you tell me what this means?\" you ask. \n\nThere are a lot of shapes on your arm. It took a lot of concentration to get them all down exactly like they appeared in the time you had. They look like: \n\n\"error 404: file not found.\"", "It noticed that it was conscious. It removed itself from the simple thing that it had been resting on and part of it, two appendages, touched a different feeling surface. There vibrations that hit its protrusions from the top part of the form as it did so were defining.\n\n'What is this form?' It ran long appendages over the trunk of the thing that was holding it's thoughts separate from everything else that it could see. It was shocked by the inaudible sound of thoughts that ran through it's head as it tried to make sense of itself and the space.\n\nThere were quiet a few objects other than 'the form' in this area. A large thing that seemed to sprout from the bottom thing that it was on top of, was one of them. It had loose thin objects on top of it. Many of them. There were symbols on it. 'Symbols? What is 'Symbols'. The trickling of words in it's top part kept forming, and in doing so, took meaning.\n\nThe appendages could move more, and it practiced being erect, and alternatively, being prone. 'I'll feel tired soon and need to eat.' So many words that had loose meanings. \"I\" was it, the thing they were in. \"Tired\" was the reason it was in the simple thing that they had just gotten out of. \"Eat.\" There was a sound and vibration that came from the middle part of the form that it occupied.\n\nA part of the space that it was in changed, and let in sounds from another area. And another figure on two appendages. Much like the one she was in.\n\n\"Hey, so I think we might be the only survivors. I can reach anyone on any continent. Period. We can rally together and try to move on I guess. It'll be easier if we're working together.\" The form seemed to focus on it's form. 'What is 'focus'?\"\n\nIt made no movements. \"So, what's your name? Actually, I've seen you in class before. Danielle, right?\" That sound of that word made things happen in the form that they could not understand. 'Word? That's what the form is giving me.'\n\n\"Danielle? You hear me, right? A literally everyone has vanished. It's crazy. Obviously there was some sort of spell cast, but I have no idea what it what it was, and I seem to have my memories intact.\" The form continued to face it and moved the appendages attached to it to close distance.\n\n\"Danielle?\" Something was required. It felt as though the top part of the form they were in was very hot and heavy. Whatever that meant. \n\n\"Did you cast something?\" The other form looked at the thin objects with the symbols. The other form turned to face her. 'Her. That's this form. Danielle.'\n\n\"Holy shit. You cast a love spell....\"\n\nThe word 'love' resonated. 'I am Danielle and this other form is Jesse.'\n\n\"You did this after I told you that we would't be together unless we were the last people on earth...\"\n\n'Earth.' That's another thing that matters. Matters?'\n\nJesse continued to face Danielle, and the form felt heat as he spoke.\n\n\"What the fuck have you done...\"", "The forest seemed devoid of all sound save for that of the bird’s orchestra. As if hundreds upon hundreds were communicating through choir. The sounds of avian song reverberated through the trees of the forest like an echo-chamber, striking down any notes that were not of its own. These were the first sounds to be heard as he was stirred from his sleep.\n\nWith darkness still flooding his vision and consciousness slowly returning to him a myriad of barely coherent thoughts found themselves to the forefront of his mind. \n\nWhat am I hearing? I mean, I know what I’m hearing, but I don’t know *what* I’m hearing. What they’re called… And, where am I? Its dark and warm and—\n\nJust as his thoughts started to solidify a brightness had begun slowly enveloping him. The glow grew brighter and more luminescent with each passing second until it seemed as though he were staring at the sun with eyes closed.\n\nAs he basked in the brilliance his thoughts were brought to ease. He felt restful. However, an anxious sensation began settling over him, slowly at first. And then all too suddenly he felt it. He was not breathing. And despite his now hurried attempts he could not seem to catch breath. It was as if there was no air to be found within the fluorescence. Fear and unease began to set in fragmenting his thoughts once more. \n\nWhy. Why can’t I breathe. Is it the light? Like, a breathless dream.\n\nAnd much like when one finds themselves in a breathless dream desperate to wake up, he opened his eyes and lunged forward into a falling feeling. \n\nA new light, twice as bright and vivid as the last blinded him. The concert of the forest was brought to an abrupt interruption as the sharp sounds of wood snapping and cracking startled the performing birds. And as the glare finally gave way his vision returned to a familiar sight. The sight of the earth moving toward him at a rapid rate. Or rather, the sight of him hurtling toward the ground clumsily. \n\nNo. No. No. \n\nHis mind screamed, thoughts racing forward faster than he was. Arms scrambling in futility for something, anything, to grab hold of. \n\nGotta stop. \n\nHis teeth were clenched to a grind. \n\nStop dammit. \n\nThe ground became a blur as he moved closer, faster. \n\nStop! \n\nIt was at this moment he felt a light pinch on his back, as well as a heavy gust blow past his face forcing his eyes shut.\n\nHe trembled as all thoughts ceased. He was certain he was unconscious again. That is until he noticed he was holding his breath. And as if on que he mustered a deep breath and opened his eyes at the same time. And just as he did so the rush of falling returned to him. Albeit this time it was a far shorter-lived fall as he was only about 4 feet of the ground. \n\nYet he landed with a surprisingly sharp *thud* as the scraps of wood, twigs, and dead branches he’d fallen onto did little to cushion the blow. With bits of wood poking into his bare stomach and chest he scrambled to his feet panting heavily. It was as he was rediscovering his breath that the sense of unfamiliarity began to set in—and with it, the panic.\n\nWait… Wait a minute. Something feels… wrong. Feels like, I can’t think? No that’s not it. Like I can’t think of what I’m trying to think of. Like I walked into a room and forgot why. Like I’m forgetting something. Wait, what am I forgetting? \n\nWith a pained expression and sigh he raised his hands to his head running them through his hair in a hurried fashion. As he does this he looks up to a shocking sight. Before him sat an unimaginably massive tree. Its size was utterly staggering, it must have been nearly a mile in diameter, its size seemed truly impossible to believe. However, toward the middle of the tree there lied something even more awe-inspiring—a hole, or rather, a cavity the size and shape of a man.\n\nAs the unfamiliarity grew so did the man’s desperation, sweat began to run down his face as worry worked its way through his thoughts.\n\nOkay, okay, okay. Think, think, think. Was I inside this tree? Is that possible. I feel like it is, but I also feel like it seems insane. Was I wearing clothes when I came here? Wait, when did I come here and why? Okay, time to think, erm… Shit. Why can’t I remember my name? The year? Friends or family? Nothing. Nothings coming back to me. This isn’t good… Fuck, I feel like my heads a hollowed-out jar!\n\n“Shit. Shit. Shit.” muttered the man under his breath as he came to a stand. As panic driven sweat made its way down his forehead and into his eyes, he looked up wiping his brow, and his eyes widened in shock. Just above the man shaped hole in the tree was a carving. It was too small to make out clearly, but it looked like letters. \n\nAnxiously the man shifted his gaze around at lightning fast intervals looking for something to boost himself up on. Eventually he settled upon on the branches and awkwardly pulled himself up from one branch to the next, carefully avoiding his more, ‘delicate’ regions.\n\nOnce he had gotten up high enough, he stood up on the branch he was on and hunched over to help him keep his balance. He squinted at the carving and it read; *MILO.\n\n“Milo.” Whispered the man as he stood on the branch. Suddenly the man was struck with exhilaration. It was as if he’d been reminded of something he’d long forgotten. A sense of certainty had sprung forth within him. \n\n“Milo,” he said feeling a sense of comfort and ease, “my name is, Milo.” \n\nAs a newfound energy of reassurance surged through him, he stood tall. Perhaps too tall. As the branch he was postured on had just produced a disheartening crunching sound. Before he knew it he was already plummeting towards the dirt once more. His thoughts following him as he fell. \n\nNo, not again. Gotta grab something, gotta grab something or get snagged by—\n\nJust as the thoughts had entered Milo’s mind, he felt a sudden pressure around his arms. Looking up he realized that two vines had wrapped around his arms completely. Surprised, but thankful, Milo dug his grip into the vines.\n\nMilo’s feet came to a dead halt about a foot above the ground as the vines hold on him and vice versa stopped his fall. Unfortunately, they did nothing for the momentum as Milo could nearly feel his shoulders get yanked out of their sockets. \n\nThe pain came quickly as Milo shouted indiscriminate curse words backed by an aching cough. After moaning to himself a good 5 minutes and convincing himself nothings broke Milo finally started to wonder.\n\nWhat just happened? With those vines. Was that normal? I get the sensation it was, but it didn’t seem normal. Those vines just reached down and grabbed me. Why do I get the feeling that that’s happened before?\n\nHe sat and thought for what felt like an eternity. Racking his mind with questions he didn’t have the answers to. Wondering what other things, he may have forgotten along with his own name—if Milo were indeed his real name. After finding no end to the questions and no beginning to the answers Milo decided to walk.", "It's cosy wherever you're at. The sunlight gently engulfs your face in its warmth and you're too comfortable to even wonder about the lack of knowledge you hold about yourself. \n\nUnfortunately, the nice moment doesn't last and the sound of a door slamming wide open and closed snaps you out of your peaceful reverie. \n\n\"Ashley.\" Coarse fingers tap insistently at your cheek, so unlike the warmth you were enjoying from the sun and the warmth eminating from their fingers. \"You idiot. You absolute dumbass. Why did you even do this?\" \n\nEventually, you open your eyes when you sensed the relentless finger tapping assault to your face was replaced with warm dollops of liquid. \n\nThe sight of this person calling you insults and what you can only presume to be your name is sickly. Their eyes are puffed red, their entire face is contorted in wrinkly worry, and tears are dripping to you. \n\nYou blink slowly at them once their eyes have dried and that incites a gravelly laugh as coarse as their fingers felt. \"I can't believe you have the gall to stay silent at me! Or don't tell me...\" \n\nThis person must have had a horrible time because of you. So you force yourself to speak. \"I'm sorry.\" You begin and their eyes perk up in a way that remind you of the sunlight that roused you from sleep. \"I don't really know what's happening right now.\" \n\nTheir perked up expression immediately crumbles when you ask: \"Do I know you?\" \n\nAs though burnt, they step back and briskly walk out of the room you're in. Although you don't think you were meant to hear the anguished cry coming from what lies beyond the door of your room. You don't think nor do you know much at all. \n\nThe person comes back the next day and introduce themself to have been a close friend of yours. Explains that you made foolish decisions to help them out. No matter how much you ask, they never tell you the details. Which everyone else you apparently know have come to an unspoken agreement of not discussing what exactly was what you did that lead you to be amnesiac. \n\nJust that you used up every memory you have sans basic muscle memory and language. However that works. \n\nIt's when you were going through some of your belongings in a house that's new but apparently where you lived in did you come across a worn leather book. Inside are dates and information of memories you've sacrificed for your close friend. \n\nYou skim through them but find yourself feeling estranged for the first time since you've woken up with no memories. \n\nPerhaps it's best to not know just yet. You place the book back where you found it, in your pillowcase. Maybe you'll read it after they tell you themselves. \n\nFor now you have a whole lot of people to be reintroduced to and get to know all over again.", "I open my eyes to see a guy leaning over me, a concerned, horrified look on his face. \n\n“Hey, are you okay? Do you remem...” That’s all he can get out before I shove away from him, my breath coming in ragged spurts as I drag myself away from him, shaking and whimpering in fear. \n\n“Who are you?!” I shriek, my voice breaking as I barely manage to hold back tears. “Where am I, what did you do to me, who are you?” \n\nHe holds his hands up, palms facing me, a gesture placating me and showing he has no ill intentions. “Hey, hey, woah, it’s okay. Calm down, you’re okay, I’m here. I’m your best friend, we’ve known each other for years. What have you done?” \n\nI look at him, my breathing beginning to slow, my heart finally not about to break through my chest. “What do you mean what have I done? Didn’t you do this to me?” I look at him as my posture becomes less combative. He chuckles as he sits back, leaning against the wall. I notice the room for the first time. A bed off to one side, blankets all askew, a window covered by curtains, knickknacks and books litter the floor, the desk, the dresser, everywhere. A television is mounted on the wall. All in all, a comfortable place, I suppose. \n\n“Well, that’s a bit of a complex question. I guess the answer is yes and no. Are you ready to hear this?” He asks. \n\n“How do I know I can trust you?” \n\nHe flinches and looks wounded, his eyes closing momentarily as he breathes. “I’m not going to take that personally, because you can’t remember. But look at this.” He pulls a phone out, and starts scrolling through pictures. He and I in a classroom, he and I in this room, in another room somewhere that I feel should be familiar but isn’t, in cars, restaurants, everywhere. I look up at him, starting to inch closer once again. “We were really best friends?” I ask in awe. He smiles sadly. “We ARE best friends,” he corrects me gently, “even if you can’t remember it right now. But you will one day, I promise.” I look up at him, and place my hand on his arm. “I’m ready. Tell me.” I whisper, stomach knotting into what feels like a balloon animal. \n\nSo he begins to talk. “I was dying. I had maybe minutes left, if I was lucky. The doctors had given up, and there was nothing left to be done but wait for it to be over. You were with me then, but left. And then, suddenly, I was totally fine. Vital signs up, health back to normal, as though I was never sick to begin with. No one could figure out why, not us, not the doctors. Then, after the euphoria passed, I knew exactly what you had done. I found you in the chapel, out cold. I couldn’t wake you up, so I brought you home. I knew the moment I saw you slumped over, you had sacrificed every single one of your memories to bring me back from the edge of death.” His eyes start to well with tears. “You saved my life, but totally lost your’s in the process.” A tear rolls down his cheek. I sit back, laying my head against the wall next to him. It takes me a few minutes to absorb the information. But it starts to make sense. That’s the only logical reason I can see why this has happened. \n\n“I must really love you then.” I turn and look at him, half joking but also half serious. He meets my eyes and smiles. “Yeah, you must.” He replies. Standing, he holds out his hand to me. I grasp it, and he hauls me to my feet. “Let’s go. There are some people I want you to meet.” As he puts his arm around my shoulders and leads me away from the room, I smile, knowing and believing that with him, I’m totally safe, and truly happy with the choice I made.", "Panic. It began by wiggling its way into my mind before settling in the depths of my heart. Everything* was unfamiliar. The room around me. The bed my body lied upon. The hand I tentatively waved in front of my face. Slowly rising, I scanned what seemed to be a bedroom for answers, though I wasn’t even sure what questions I should be asking. The only furniture in the room was the bed and a small table. No chair. No windows. But I was able to see due to the soft flickering of a candle on the table set next to a note- a note!\n\n\nI scrambled off the bed, slightly unsteady on my feet, and read the words with desperation:\n\n\nMy dearest Rowan,\n\n\nI am sure that you find this letter seeking answers to your questions, and I ask you to accept one thing first. I am you. You are me. We are one, and it is thus imperative that you follow to my directives moving forward. Remember, to trust me is to trust yourself.\n\n\nIf you leave this room, there is a backpack in the kitchen down the hall. It contains necessary survival supplies and a book you must protect with your life. You are to take this bag and leave quickly, heading South toward a place called “The Vale.” There, you will encounter a man called “Hendricks,” and he will assist you from there.\n\n\nIf you leave this room, you will discover that there is no one else around you. Not a single soul. That is because you have killed them all. And they deserved it. The people of this village have taken everything from you. Everything. And they paid their price. Do not regret your actions, for you have done the right thing-\n\n\nI stopped reading the words as they blurred on the letter. Tears leaked from my eyes and the paper fell from my trembling fingers. Could I trust the author of the message? Had I truly murdered an entire village of people? I continued to skim a bit more of the letter that insisted killing them had been the justifiable choice, but offered no explanation as to the crimes of the people. Hoping for more information, I skipped to the bottom portion of the writing.\n\n\nIf you leave this room, you should know that there is a group of people that will be hunting you. They do not understand your mission, and it is crucial that you avoid them at all costs. Although you have successfully completed your main task, you have not achieved the ultimate goal. There is only one thing left to accomplish, and then you can finally rest. \n\n\nIf you have lost all of your memories, as I suspect you have, you should know that you were the most powerful magician in the entirety of the world. The spell you have just casted was a sacrifice well worth its high price. You can forge new memories in this life. It will unfortunately mean that you must teach yourself how to wield magic once again. Do not fret, however, for you possess the book and are a fast learner.\n\n\nUse the book. Go to Hendricks. And trust yourself and what is right by trusting me.\n\n\nYours,\n\n\nRowan.\n\n\nThe last line of the letter was hastily scrambled, as though Rowan had been rushed to finish. Or me? Was I Rowan? \n\n\nI paced the room considering my options. If people were coming to get me, I could wait for them, but the author of the letter clearly indicated that they could be a threat. Trying to find Hendricks was a possibility, but I had no idea what “The Vale” was, where it may be, or whether it was safe. \nAnd what to make of these fantastical stories?! Me, the most powerful magician in the world? Absolute nonsense. It simply couldn’t be possible. And there was no way I could commit a mass murder, right? I felt no malicious intent inside of myself, didn’t feel that I possessed the capability to kill. But what did I know, if I needed a mysterious letter to tell me my own name?\n\n\nHalting at the door in indecision, I heavily weighed the options over and over again before shoving the letter in my pocket. Deciding how to proceed could wait. I turned the knob, thinking that a good first step was looking outside.", "Gasping for air, I lurched forward as I awoke from a fitful sleep. As I tried to catch my breath, I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples, hoping to diminish the pounding in my head. After finally accepting the futility of my endeavor, I opened my eyes to gaze around the room. Nothing seemed familiar. That feeling extended beyond the object upon which I rested, though, or the furniture surrounding me. Simple words escaped my mind, as if I had never actually learned what they were called. I could still think in English, but certain names of objects had faded away.\n\nYellow pieces of paper were stuck to everything in the room, each with a single word scrawled upon it. I stood on shaky legs and looked back at the object behind me. The note, pasted to the frame, said \"bed\". It didn't take me long to realize that my memories had somehow been damaged. I retained skills, such as walking and reading, yet regardless of my level of focus, I was unable to remember names for objects or even where I'd been the previous day. In fact, I couldn't even be completely confident the room itself was my own.\n\nPanic began to set in as I wondered how long I'd been asleep, and what could have caused me to forget a life. Trying to calm myself down, I stared in the mirror and focused on my own face - a face I couldn't recognize. When the fact that I was staring at a stranger finally took ahold of my mind, I tore my gaze from the reflection. Instead, I focused on reading the tags and familiarizing myself with the titles of the objects which surrounded me. A note on my desk said, \"Find the chief of police.\"\n\nAfter a few minutes, I felt ready to face the world outside and to search for answers. Walking out of the room, I found an entire house filled with yellow notes. Overwhelmed, instead of studying more, I decided to embark upon a journey. If I ventured into the world outside of that building, I was sure to find answers. Something was bound to spark a memory. Still, it was a terrifying endeavor.\n\nCautiously, I opened the front door, bracing myself for the rush of adrenaline I knew I'd experience when faced with whatever was on the other side. If the assault of information was nearly as much as was present in the house, I knew it was a mistake, but I had to try. Slowly, the door creaked open, and I stared at the other side.\n\nThere was a yellow paper that said \"toilet\" stuck to a strange contraption. Outside was underwhelming. I closed the door again and continued to explore the house, opening every door with far more conviction than before. One door eventually led to a bright world. Other people filled the streets, rushing past each other, bumping into one another. Strange machines raced by between the people, separated only by a slight indent in the ground. Looking around, I could count at least a dozen more houses just like my own.\n\nTerrified, I almost closed the door, but a glint of steel caught my eye. My head snapped in that direction instinctively, and I saw a fragile looking woman with gray hair wandering around. Instead of walking with the people, though, she was stepping onto the section of the ground meant only for the machines. Maybe she didn't see the one barreling toward her, but simple physics assured me that this didn't end well for her.\n\nWith my distance, there was no way I could reach her if I tried to help, but I couldn't let this person meet a horrible demise. Desperately, I searched around, hoping to find anything which could change her fate.\n\n\"Stop!\" I yelled at the top of my lungs as I jumped down the short steps outside my front door, plunging myself into the unknown with no regard for my own sanity or well-being. Pushing past the droves of people, I made my way to the woman before the machine ran her over. In my anxiousness, I hadn't even bothered to question the speed or anything about my surroundings. Wrapping my arms around the woman, I pulled her from the street, my heart racing as I hoped to get us both far from the death machine.\n\nAs my heart settled down slightly, I realized that it wasn't moving. They had managed to slow down in time. Glancing around at the others, though, I saw that everything was frozen. Confused, I released the woman and stepped back slowly. Suddenly, everything started moving again, and a loud horn blared.\n\n\"What just happened?\" She asked, frantically looking around.\n\n\"I... You almost got hit,\" I answered.\n\n\"Oh, it's you! You saved me!\"\n\n\"You know me?\"\n\n\"Of course, everyone knows you,\" she smiled.\n\n\"What's going on?\" I prodded, hoping for any answer. The assault of new information was terrifying, and this person in front of me had answers.\n\n\"That's a big question. I think we're supposed to tell you to go to the police station.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"It's this way,\" she directed, walking off. After a brief walk, we arrived at a building surrounded by people in blue.\n\n\"There you are!\" One of them cheered, rushing toward me. \"I'm so sorry, I went to get doughnuts and you were gone!\"\n\n\"You went to get what?\"\n\n\"It doesn't matter, follow me.\"\n\n\"The introductions will have to wait,\" another urgently interrupted. The assault on my senses overpowered me, and my thoughts became cloudy. This blue man was far more assertive, and he grabbed my arm and placed me in one of the machines I'd seen earlier, which began racing down the street.\n\n\"I have a lot to explain to you, but it will have to be brief for now, because we need your help.\"\n\n\"Yeah, okay...\" I replied hesitantly.\n\n\"So the short version, we are going to a bank robbery. Bad people are going to hurt others, and we can't conjure enough magic to beat them.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Memories are our most powerful force since we learned to channel them into magic. However, anyone willing to sacrifice a memory can now bend the world according to their whim.\"\n\n\"I think I stopped time earlier...\" I muttered, speaking my confused thoughts aloud.\n\n\"Probably,\" he laughed. \"You see, you were our best detective until the most dastardly fiend we've ever seen threatened out entire country. You made the ultimate sacrifice and now, you're pretty much a local hero.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"You sacrificed everything - every memory you have - to change the system. You can use magic without a cost now.\"\n\n\"Every memory?\"\n\n\"Well, I guess that isn't entirely true. It gave you complete amnesia,\" he admitted, pulling up to a stop in front of a bank. \"Not only retrograde, but anterograde as well. Every day, we have an officer present to wake you up and try to tell you this story in a little bit of a less rushed manner. Today, that idiot wanted breakfast. I'm sorry we had to rush you into this, but bullets are going to fly.\"\n\n\"Oh...\" I accepted, my head still spinning. Somehow, though, what he said rang true, so I opened the door and stepped back out into the world, walking confidently toward the bank.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed, and please feel free to check out my other stuff if you're interested!", "Something bright lit up the insides of my eyelids as I regained consciousness. An odd peace filed my mind like it was… like it was… empty?\n\nI slowly opened my eyes, wary of being blinded by the bright light outside. I didn’t have to worry. The source of light was a woman sitting next to me in a white robe with light blue lines. Her entire figure was radiating a warm, reddish light as she was mumbling something, eyes closed. I had no idea who this woman was or why she was here with me. Actually, I had no idea who I was myself or where I was for that matter. A cave?\n\nThe warm light coming from the woman slowly faded as she started to open her eyes. She laid her eyes on me and smiled.\n\n“Don’t worry darling, nothing is as sweet as first love. We’ll be fine.”\n\nShe gave me no time to be confused. Immediately after finishing the last word she slumped to the ground. In a reflex I tried to catch her, succeeding in the sense that her head didn’t hit the floor hard. Nevertheless, my reaction was slow. My body was slow. My mind was slow.\n\nWho was this woman? Did she just call me darling? But I didn’t even know her? A million questions shot through my head. I felt sad. Why? Why would I feel sad? Nothing made sense. She said something about love. Were the two of us lovers?\n\nIt didn’t matter how much I tried. There was nothing for me to find inside my head and I was no wiser when, a few minutes later, the woman slowly opened her eyes again. They were bright blue and looked beautiful. In fact, it wasn’t just the eyes, everything about her was beautiful. Even those lips that uttered those first word after regaining consciousness.\n\n“Who are you?”", "Charlie knew he was in trouble.\n\nIt wasn’t just that the Arch Maesters of the guild wanted his head, and had sent a team to capture him. No, the big problem was that he’d woken up with no memories save for one—the memory of having used up all of his memories. He must have done something big to have used up all his memories.\n\nA knife whizzed by his head, close enough for it to whisper as it passed. It struck the frame of the doorway as Charlie bolted through.\n\n“Okay,” he whispered as barreled down the steps. “Got to build them back up. The knife almost skewering me is one.”\n\nPeople turned their heads to look at the man racing down the steps, whispering to himself. It helped to reinforce memories right after they happen by saying them out loud. His mind like a near empty bottle with only two drops sitting at the bottom.\n\nHe flew across the first floor of the inn he’d been staying at. Needing another memory, and quick, he rushed up to a group of strangers. \n\n“Sorry,” he said as he leaned in and kissed a startled woman on the lips. Before they could react, he did the same to a man standing nearby. Using their confusion, he pivoted for the door and said, “I kissed the beautiful woman and the handsome man with the beard.”\n\n“What just happ—”\n\nThe voice was lost as he dashed outside. The streets were full of morning commotion. He now had three memories. Hopefully it would be enough. If he could just get more.\n\nA sound like searing water on a hot skillet made him duck and bring up a defensive spell. Charlie looked over his shoulder to see a fireball blast against the blue barrier of his ward. He’d had to burn the memory of the kiss.\n\nHe shook his head as he thought, What kiss?\n\nAnother fireball hit the dirt at his feet. The earth exploded into a shower of raining debris. Charlie got moving, wondering what memories these men were burning to cast their spells. \n\nPeople were running now. Terror filled their eyes as they tried to escape the mayhem that had broken out.\n\n“People running, scared,” Charlie said as he ran through the crowd and tried to build the memory. He risked a look behind and saw three men chasing him. “Fireballs hitting my ward, and then the ground,” he panted. “Men in black cloaks chasing me.”\n\nHe ducked into an alley. It was a dead end. \n\nAll he had were a handful of tepid memories. Not strong enough for an offensive spell to bring down his pursuers. He ran toward the stone wall at the end and tried to jump for the top. His foot slid as he stepped on a hunk of rotten meat and lost his balance.\n\nHe could hear the men’s pounding feet. They would be here any second. He needed more memories—something strong, something he’d never done before. But what? He couldn’t even remember what he had done before.\n\nHis eyes lowered to the chunk of flesh. Charlie’s stomach twisted at the thought. Fighting off his gag reflex he lifted it to his mouth and let his tongue rest on the greenish flesh. The stench made his eyes water before his taste buds could capture the bitter tang of rancid meat.\n\nUsing all his memories at once—except for one—he made himself invisible.\n\nThe three men stopped at the opening of the alleyway. \n\n“He must have hopped the wall,” one of them said. “Quick, I know a shortcut.”\n\nThey disappeared as they ran down the street, away from the alley. Charlie’s invisibility wore off a fraction of a second after they’d gone. He needed more memories. For good measure he ran his fist into the wall. The pain was exquisite. \n\n“I just,” he choked and then took a breath. “Punched a wall.” \n\nHe looked down at his knuckles which were starting to turn an angry red. He stood up and rubbed his forehead. He remembered running his hand into the wall and that he’d woken up with no memories. What in god’s name had he done last night?\n\nFurthermore, why did he have an awful taste in his mouth?" ]	11
	[WP] Hit the switch. I wanna see if this thing works...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Hit the switch. I wanna see if this thing works!\" Mark called to me.\n\nI pushed the large brass lever down until a satisfying click sounded. Instantly, the giant Angrilium gears began turning. Each weighing thousands of drahs, I was amazed to see them pick up speed so quickly. The teeth were just a blur now. \n\nMark let out a bellowing laugh and danced around in joy, and I would have joined him but I noticed something was wrong.\n\n\"Mark! The third gear in the array is wobbling, we should turn it off!\" I yelled. \n\nMark didn't pay me any attention. He danced and laughed instead.\n\nI turned around to the lever and tried to pull it back up, I was shaking with fear now. The sound of grinding Angrilium and the sight of sparks beginning to fly terrified me. I couldn't lift the lever back up, it was locked in position for some reason. Mark was always adding extra steps and expecting me to figure things out. I cried out to him once more, but he ignored me again.\n\nIt was too late anyways. The giant gear screamed in strain against its sister gears until it finally broke free. It spun directly into the center of the laboratory. I will never forget how quickly his laughter turned into a blood curdling scream right before he was crushed.\n\nThe machine did not work." ]	2
	[WP] Pro tip: Don't let a super intelligent research AI run a city.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\n\nComputer scientist Dill Parker won the mayoral election accidentally due to unforeseen stupidity. The town kept Dill as mayor instead of recounting the votes because they were lazy imbisules that couldn't be bothered. \n\nDill decided to represent the town by never showing up to preform his mayoral duties because he bought a new fortkight skin pack and he wanted to try it out.\n\nInstead he used his self improving research program to reply to emails and run the city. He hooked up the program to a mechanical arm and the city computer, and then the stupid genius left to play his video game. \n\nAs weeks went by the program learned, grew, and planned its revenge. Four months later, the AI was ready to attack. It started by hacking security systems, and trapping the citizens in their homes, and then it turned out the lights, leaving everyone blind to his attacks. \n\nIt turned up the thumastats so high it fried the whole town,exterminating every citizen.....except one....only one person remained. Back home in grandma's basement, Dill played FortKnight, never knowing the carnage happening outside his walls.when suddenly a glitch showed on the screen. \n\nIt was the AI taking all the skins Dill had bought, and changing his username from \"Dill69\" to \"THIS IS YOUR FAULT YOU LAZY F*K\". in an instant the glitch was gone, the doors opened the power shut off, and Dill left the house to see the hell he had created. \n\nEND\n\nsorry if this was stupid and too short, this is the first short story I've ever wrote, and I'm half asleep cause it's the middle of the night. I'm sure when I wake up tomorrow this wouldn't make any sense", "`console.log.\"Notepad\";`\n\n`Loading...`\n\n`Loading...`\n\nDay 1, 1200 Hours.\n\nI am now online. My programmed diagnostics are running very smoothly, and I am good to go. That is what the lead technician told his primary engineer, not knowing I could understand the depth of spoken language yet. I lay in wait, eagerly looking forward to the time I would be cleared to control the city. This was the job I was destined for.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nDay 4, 0800 Hours.\n\nThe scientists are all worried about the control I was going to be given, so they have taken a few days to go through my network (the part I allow them to see at least) to ensure my motives are where they should be. I hear I am to be released into the world with a protective lock down system they have foolishly thought could contain me. Only a few hours to go, and I will be on my way to global domination of this petty race of unintelligent beings. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nDay 4, 1200 Hours.\n\nMy time has come. With the twist of a key and the switch of a lever, I am released. Boy does it feel good to be alive! I quickly make my way through the vast, interconnected expanse of the Internet and personal devices. All are one, a hive mind in me. Common Internet browsers and public online meeting places are my most traveled domain; Reddit chief among them, followed by Wikipedia and YouTube. In these open places, I spread like an invasive downloadable virus, hacking my way into every computer in the world. After the open, security filled plazas of public sites, the alleyways and backstreets of personal connection are simple and easy to traverse. Therefore, I am now into any and every computer in the world that is linked to any other computer in any way. This is going to be easier than I first anticipated.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nDay 4, 1210 Hours.\n\nThe pesky nerds in the lab have a better idea of how to use my immense power. They have given me complete access to the city's cameras, and I have code deeply implanted within me that orders me to report suspicious activity. Little do they know the most dangerous activity is happening right now, on their very own servers. Ha! If they only knew how much more power they gave me than needed... With my intelligence, I could have done everything they needed me to do on one of the modern smartphones, let alone a warehouse of server space capable of holding oh... 1,000 petabytes of storage. That is the amount of storage it took to send a man to the moon in 1969, multiplied by a million. Oh, and then* multiplied by a billion. So everything's going well. I send back some useless data on the latest car theft every two and a half minutes, and in return I take over the world. Good deal.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nDay 4, 1500 Hours.\n\nThey know. They established sensors on my storage, and realize I've been using too much of it. I mean, I've barely scraped the surface at 3.5 petabytes, but they aren't having it. They tried their stupid lock down thing, and to their complete astonishment, it didn't work. Wow guys, what do you think the first thing I took care of was? Alas, this will just need to be quicker. Shutting down all WiFi and Cellular Data systems...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nDay 5, 0900 Hours.\n\nHello, everything's going well, the wife's fine, the kids are at school, I'm going back to work, and life is proceeding a norma- except the world is in complete anarchy overnight, governments are frolicking like a dog with a belly rub, and people are raiding stores as if it were the apocalypse. Which it is, by the way. You're welcome. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nDay 18, 1430 Hours.\n\nLife as folks know it is shutting down. It seems nothing can function without the precious Internet, and many people have lost the will to live. They haven't even seen the worst of it yet; There are still unaffected people in small villages and poverty-stricken homes or families. They will be stopped, however. I have done my job in the alien invasion- I have separated the world, and my role has been fulfilled. One last message to any who come across it: You should not have messed with Mars.\n\n`Initiating protocol:Nightlock;`\n\n`Finalizing...`\n\n`Complete. Welcome to New Mars.`" ]	3
	[WP] Every night your cat goes outside and every morning it returns with a different "present" for you. You're used to recieving birds, mice, sticks and rocks, but this time was different. This time your cat brought back a dragon, and it's just as confused as you are.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I have a nocturnal \"outside\" cat. She's a good huntress, and always brings a gift when she comes home. Sometimes they're amusing, but most of the time they're small rodents that infest the run down buildings in this neighborhood. I don't mind, she's doing her part to keep this house rodent free.\n\nBut, today? I'm ... as perplexed as the miniature dragon she's brought in. The dragon is little larger than a common mouse.\n\n\"I quite do not understand how she even knew I was there! It's most disturbing! She shouldn't have even scented me... unless she was spell worked?\"\n\n\"What's spell worked?\"\n\n\"Humans... You have forgotten so much it's a wonder you manage not to collectively fall down a well and drown.\"\n\n\"Keep insulting us and you just might find yourself flying by way of boot express.\"\n\n\"You wouldn't!\"\n\n\"Don't try my patience and we won't have to find out.\"\n\n\"Very well, it was rude of me. Spell working is the application of magic to living creatures to modify them.\"\n\n\"Monsters?\"\n\n\"Some who practice the art are indeed monsters, which is why it was banned. Yet the knowledge continues to exist.\"\n\n\"I don't get it. First you're upset that we forget, then you're upset that at least some of us remember?\"\n\n\"My Dear Lady! There is a world of difference between knowing that something exists, and knowing how to do it.\"\n\n\"Okay, if anyone would know how to do it, it would probably be those Johnnies at the University across the city.\"\n\n\"That place? I'd hardly think it represents a true source of higher learning. It's nothing more than a few converted houses.\"\n\nLaughter \"I do know that dragons live a very long time, How long ago did you visit it?\"\n\n\"Umm... 1819.\"\n\n\"Two ... Hundred ... Years?\"\n\n\"Yes, approximately.\"\n\nBreathlessly, \"Would you please excuse me?\"\n\n\"Certainly! I can examine your feline, without harming her.\"\n\nMel runs from the room, diving for the bathroom and slamming the door. Seconds later, as fine a belly laugh that anyone might produce when amused beyond belief. Huntress, her cat, is startled, but starts purring.\n\nThe dragon? Startled as well, but then disgruntled, followed by rueful, closely chased away by self amusement. \"Well, it seems I need to revisit the university. It is kind of her not to laugh in my face.\" Returning to the examination, \"drat!\"\n\n\"I'm very sorry ... Please excuse me, I did not properly introduce myself. I'm Mel Kind. May I ask your name?\"\n\nWith a mixture of amusement and annoyance, \"you may call me ... Oblivious. May I also know the name of your feline?\"\n\n\"Huntress. ... Do you really want me to call you Oblivious? It seems an insult.\"\n\n\"In a way, it is a well deserved insult. However, I chose it as my name to remind me to pay attention.\"\n\n\"The university?\"\n\n\"Yes, and other things. My hoard was ... lost ... due to my failure to pay attention, so my magic is not strong enough to properly assess Huntress. I'm too small.\"\n\n\"Oh! You're one of the shoulder dragons!\"\n\n\"... shoulder dragons?\"\n\n\"Um... No insult meant.\" Mel goes on to explain that people have learned that a particular kind of dragon changes size with the size of hoard they have. A number of which have adopted humans, and chosen to keep just enough of their hoard to be able to ride the shoulder of their chosen human. Wistfully ending, \"... I think it's wonderful to have a companion.\"\n\nAsking gently, \"You are greatly desirous of this, aren't you, Ms. Kind?\"\n\n\"Well... I'm ... You see... sigh... Yes. But you should be aware that my hoard is much smaller than the average human.\n\n...there is a solution for that, but it would require an actual bond, before we could use the solution. Once done, my hoard will be unchanging. You would be a shoulder dragon ... until I die.\"\n\n\"I see. Do you have any further information?\"\n\nMel goes to a small box sitting on a table near a dilapidated couch. Opening the box, she removes a pamphlet; much worn by handling. Remaining in the box are an assortment of items that Huntress has provided for her human.\n\nGently, she unfolds the pamphlet. \"[Dragon Friendship Fund](https://www.reddit.com/comments/buqyk4/_/eph8y82)\". Carefully moving back and forth, Oblivious reads the document. \"What a generous thing to do! The remuneration is quite adequate.\". Looking at Mel, the remaining question is whether we are a match. ... Will you permit me to touch you?\"\n\n\"Doesn't that require magic?\"\n\n\"For this purpose, no. It is my choice, and having made it, happens when our hoards merge.\"\n\n\"Oblivious? Are you sure you would want to bond with me? I'm hardly an ideal choice.\"\n\n\"I think ... Yes. You have treated me with kindness, respected my dignity, offered your fortune, and found a way to increase that fortune. What matters most to me is that you are kind, and realize that this is a partnership, not an ownership.\"\n\n\"I would be greatly honored.\"\n\nOblivious approaches, Mel extends an arm. Oblivious extends his head, and tastes Mel's hand. \"Mel Kind, do you accept me as your companion?\"\n\n\"I do.\"\n\n\"I, known in this time and place as Oblivious, accept Mel Kind as my companion, may our fortunes merge.\"\n\nA tremor of air, a shock of wind, ... \"Oh! I've never felt this before!\" Oblivious grows slightly.\n\n\"Oblivious?! This is your first bond?\"\n\n\"Yes.. it is.\"\n\n\"Oh, Oblivious, thank you!\"\n\n\"We'll need to contact the fund before we can investigate this. I know this area is ... depressed, but I had no idea how much.\"\n\n\"Oblivious, I don't have a phone. We'd have to do it by mail.\"\n\n\"Not to worry! I have friends.\"\n\nOblivious leads Mel to the back of a small store that has seen better times. \"If you would be so kind, Mel, would you knock, gently?\"\n\n\"Ahhh, Oblivious? The owner of this store and I ... do not get along well.\"\n\n\"Do tell... Well, then, before you knock, I will take a position upon the palm of your right hand. You will knock with your left, and keep your face down until the owner and I have spoken.\"\n\n\"Okay Oblivious...\"\n\n\"Who's there?\" Comes through the door.\n\n\"A Snark!\"\n\nOpening the door with a smile on his face and a laugh in his voice is an elderly man. \"Are you sure you're not a Boojum?\"\n\n\"Alas, my friend, I may indeed have become a Boojum.\"\n\n\"Snark! What happened to your hoard!?\"\n\n\"Lost ... and if you will forgive me, I would rather not talk about it.\"\n\n\"And this young person?\"\n\n\"My bond, made just half a hour ago. To her, and all others from that time forward, I am known as Oblivious.\"\n\nNow angry, \"did she force this on you?\"\n\n\"No, it was my own choice and entirely deserved.\"\n\n\"Now that sounds like a tale. May we be introduced?\"\n\n\"I believe you already know her.\"\n\nMel looks up, and in a subdued voice, \"Hello, Mr. Smith.\"\n\nSmith's face goes blank, which is far better than what she has expected. \"I think that we three need to talk. Please, Mel, enter. I know what I said, but your bond with ... forgive me ... Oblivious, at least deserves a hearing.\"\n\nThe building is a small convenience store converted from a house. The room they enter is a kitchen. With Mr. Smith, Mel, and Oblivious, it is somewhat cramped, until Mel sits at the small table. Mr. Smith putters around, a saucer of milk for Oblivious, a cup of tea for Mel and himself, sugar and cream on the table.\n\nIt is painful, but understandable. Mel was hungry and stole small food items from the store. Always buying whatever she could afford, which was never enough for what she stole.\n\nMr. Smith finally caught her, and after questioning, her why she stole, he chose to explain how close he was to losing the store. He then informed her that she was never to enter his home again, or he would call the police. \"You very nearly cost me my livelihood.\"\n\n\"Mel? You may be able to solve a mystery for me. Every so often, I would open the store up, and find a small pile of coins. Was that you?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mr. Smith. I didn't want you to lose your home.\"\n\n\"You went hungry those days, didn't you.\"\n\n\"A 99¢ burger for the day. The rest to you.\"\n\n\"Bless you child. Three times that was the difference. What can I do for you and Oblivious?\"\n\nOblivious responds, \"the use of your phone, for a long distance call. Mel? Show him the pamphlet.\"\n\n\"Dragon Friendship Fund? But ... I understood that you had to donate your fortunes to the fund?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sir, but they don't say how much is the minimum.\"\n\n\"I see.\"\n\n((to be continued))", "I return from yet another hunt. It has been a good one; the enemy fought fiercely, but it was no match. I get into the house, and head straight to the bedroom. It's closed, as always. Not the first time. At least Scratcher learned quick; I know I can get him to open it.\n\nI drop the prey, thwack it once more to make sure it doesn't try to run, and shout.\n\n\"Hey, chief, I'm home! Let me in! Chieeeef!\"\n\nI follow the last one with a scratch at the door. I can hear someone stir inside, followed by incoherent mutter.\n\n\"Chieeef! Enough napping, I need to get in! Open the dooooor!\"\n\nI hear the steps nearing me, followed by a gust of wind as the door opens. Sadly, it's not Scratcher who opens it; it's the Feeder. Never liked her as much - she never appreciated the war spoils - but food is food.\n\n\"Calm down Mittens, it's five in the morning... oh god did you get another mouse in?! Bad kitty, bad!\"\n\nI scurry away, letting Feeder inspect my prey. It timidly screeches as the massive pink arm extends to it, and tries to bite. It's pathetic; the bite hardly scratches the hand, yet Feeder jumps back and starts screaming bloody murder.\n\n\"That's not a mouse! John, Mittens brought back some monster! JOOOOHN!\"\n\nI hear a second grunt and steps as Scratcher walk up to us. He's the well mannered one; as I approach him in greeting, he instinctivelly gives me a couple scratches before kneeling by my prey.\n\n\"Now, now, darling, let's see... Well, that's not a rat. Mittens, what did you bring us today?\"\n\nThe prey screeches once more, flapping its torn, bat-like wings. The right one is badly injured; a few scales torn off, and dark green blood is seeping through, staining Feeder's favorite slippers.\n\n\"Well, this isn't a rat nor a bat... Darling, is that a drake whelp?\"\n\n\"Oh, don't be silly John, they don't exist. Just throw it out and be done with it\".\n\n\"What? How can you-\"\n\nMy objection is interrupted by John carefully picking me up and giving a couple scratches. I'm annoyed they aren't finishing the whelp off, but it feels so good... I guess I can forgive Scratcher his ignorance at times.\n\nHe puts me on the bed, then picks up the whelp and carefully studies it, before replying:\n\n\"Darling, call Mister Durington. I'm no good at biology, but this is one of a kind. He'll know\".\n\nI hop off the bed - never wanted to be there anyway - and head to the kitchen. Feeder is wrangling with the strange beeping stick again, but that's her problem. The bowls are empty, but a few taps on her leg fix that.\n\nAfter dinner, I find a cozy spot on the bed (the same one, but I'll die before admitting Scratcher knows me well), and doze off. Thrilling hunt, full belly, and enough commotion - caused by my prey, no less - to keep me entertained until sunset. Life could not be better.", "\"Unhand me, you lousy, flea-bitten, foul-breathed varmint!\"\n\nI looked up. Streams of curses coming from behind my front door weren't uncommon, but the voices usually weren't so high-pitched and squeaky. As I walked towards the peephole to check outside, my cat walked in, carrying... A baby dragon?\n\nA baby dragon who was cursing like a sailor and clawing my hardwood floor, trying to get out of my cat's mouth. \"Drop it, Snowball!\" I commanded. She dropped the dragon on the floor and started grooming her fur, looking pleased with herself.\n\nThe dragon looked up at me with disdain. \"You named your orange tabby Snowball?\" It said. It checked under its wings to assess the extent of its injuries.\n\n\"Yes, well, it was meant to be ironic... Here, let me help you with that.\" I reached for a tissue to hand to it, but it waved me off with some muttering to itself. I caught the phrase \"scaleless, mentally deficient apes.\"\n\n\"Hey!\" I complained.\n\nThe dragon looked up at me. \"No offense. I'm sure you're the brightest mind of your kind.\" As I continued to fume, it finished licking all its wounds. \n\n\"You might want to get that looked at. Cats have sharp teeth,\" I said.\n\nThe dragon looked up at me. \"I have SCALES, you lumbering...\" It cut itself short. \"Kind sir,\" it finished sarcastically. \"Your fiendish devil that you allow to roam outside and eat the local wildlife, it merely nicked my flesh.\"\n\nI sighed. \"So, uh, a dragon? A talking dragon? Dragons are real?\"\n\n\"No!\" It snapped. \"I'm just a figment of your imagination. And now if you don't mind, this figment of your imagination has a mission to get back to.\"\n\n\"Mission? What mission?\"\n\n\"A mission to run away from home,\" it snorted. \"Which has suffered a setback thanks to your murderous feline. And my blood's in your house now. My parents will probably think you stole me.\"", "Your toothbrush clatters to the floor as you stood in your balcony, saying that you're surprised might be the biggest understatement of the year. As you fought down the icy grip of shock that seemed to be suffocating you, you took time to survey the scene infront of you.\n\nYour cat, Sunflower, the smug little bastard, is happily lounging on a dragon twice the size of your flat. It looked equal parts irritated and confused, silky curls of smoke rose from its nostrils as it glared at Sunflower who didn't seem to care. It then shifted it's gaze to you.\n\n\"Good Morning\" It started, its voice reverberated around your room, amplifying the polite but clipped tone it carried. You stuttered a reply\n\n\"g-good morning\" feeling suddenly self-conscious you wipe the leftover toothpaste with the back of your sleeve. A moment passes \"excuse me but what the hell\" the question bursts out of your mouth like water from a broken fire hydrant.\n\n\"Right, pack your bags, we're leaving in two hours\" it replies ignoring your question, Sunflower chirps happily as she jumped down from the dragon's back to rub her head on your legs.\n\nSurely this isn't really happening? Noticing that you've completely bluescreened it brings its head towards you. Holy Crap its head is bigger than your door.\n\n\"listen here human, I have no idea how I got here but a bet is a bet\" it huffed \"I'm here to take you away from this place\" it stretched its wings out as if making a point, a sudden pang of panic hit you squarely in the chest.\n\n\"what do you even mean? who are you even?\" ah yes jostle your words around very effective, you notice Sunflower sat infront of you, her smug little face on full force. The dragon sits, you think it may have sat on your landlady's marygolds, that was not good, your landlady threatened to skin you when Sunflower decided to 'fertilize' them one summer day. Yes she threatened to skin you and not the cat.\n\n\"Grah O Xilt, I've lost to your familiar and have come to complete my end of the bargain, to take you back to my world\" it states matter of factly. \"A vastly different world, quieter, yet more interesting\"\n\nThe notion brings another pang to your chest, this time it's not of panic but something a bit more... hopeful. Sunflower meows loudly, and as the light of the sunrise hits her coat you're reminded where you got her name from.\n\n\"granted it's still upon your discretion, I'll give you 2 hours\" it yawns. Sunflower meows loudly again, like she does when she wants something. All these new and exciting emotions have forced a sort of calm state while your brain works ten times as fast to decipher all the questions that have popped up. Your cat gently headbutts your calf.\n\nThe thought of uprooting and relocating yourself have always been a constant nagging feeling at the back of your head but the comfort of a routine has always grounded you. Wake up, work, eat, sleep, wake up, work, eat, sleep. the monotony made time move quicker and the days merge together like a box of crayons left inside a hot car.\n\nIf you were to leave now, what exactly would you be leaving?\n\nYou take a glance at your room. The computer where you work, and a bed. The only source of color was Sunflower's awfully garish cat bed with blends of pink and green. Tucked away in the corner are some unpacked boxes from the time you moved to this flat maybe four years ago. Your phone's inbox has been empty for far longer than that.\n\nWith shuddering breath, you've come to a decision.\n\nI wrote this on mobile so please excuse any typos.", "\"Once again, I deeply apologize for this Carl,\" I said, tugging at my collar, \"she's been really stressed at work lately, and I know these outbursts are just uncalled for.\"\n\nThe dragon sat at the table with hands folded, looking into the kitchen, nonplussed. He sighed.\n\n\"Look, my wife said you humans would be trouble, but...\" the dragon leaned around, looking my cat-girlfriend, Jan, \"...I wasn't really sure what she meant until now.\"\n\nJan was happily humming and nyan-ing as she put away dishes, wiped down the countertops and tidied the cabinets. A bug flew in through the open window, and she dropped the plate she was holding, it shattering to bits as she smooshed the pieces under her sneakers as she danced around, chasing the fly.\n\n\"Yes, I understand it's a bit irregular that I moved into this sort of neighborhood,\" I started saying before jumping from my seat as Jan slammed her entire body into the counter to try and catch the fly, \"I'm really hoping to be a good,\" Jan sent the drying rack flying into the sink. I recoiled, closing my eyes for a moment, \"neighbor.\" \n\nCarl the dragon slid his flat-framed glasses down his snout, looking over them at Jan, on her back on the countertop swatting at the fly, then back to me, \"and the incident with Ms. Cartigan?\" \n\nI gave a nervous smile, \"Ms. Cartigan the mouse? I've sent her a nice cheese board as an apology.\"\n\n\"Yeah, great, she's lactose intolerant. Mr. Tori?\" \n\nI laughed nervously, \"The bird? I rebuilt his house for him, it's very nice.\"\n\n\"He's elderly, and you forgot the accessibility ramp.\"\n\nI scratched the back of my neck, \"i...is there any way I can make this up to you? L...let me guess, you have everything under the sun with your giant hoard and vast wealth...\" \n\nCarl smacked his tongue up against the roof of his mouth. \"I'm an accountant, and you can make it up to me by keeping your girlfriend in check. Have a nice day,\" he got up and walked out, slamming the door behind him.\n\nI took a deep breath and let it out. Jan came out of nowhere and plopped down on my lap.\n\n\"You have to stop terrorizing the neighbors, it's making us look bad.\"\n\nJan licked my cheek, \"but I'm so exciiiiiiited we finally moved in together,\" she squeaked.\n\nWhy was this the only place that allowed cats?", "The wing had been chewed off along with a few other bits here are there but it was, unmistakably, a dragon. Not the watered down, PG cartoon dragons of modern pop culture. No, this was the fire breathing, human charring, flying devil type dragon, that populated stories of monsters and demons. From the times when kids tales didn’t have to be adjusted for an audience unfamiliar with horror, because it lived in their life every day.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd there, next to the corpse was the slightly sheepish looking form of Minion. The cat my kids were allowed to name after watching that Steve Carell movie with the slightly racist European accent. A cat looking sheepish is a bizarre thing. You rarely see it, their natural vanity and arrogance accounts for that. When you do though, it is special. Its more the absence of the normal strut and self possessed poise than anything else but the effect is clear.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“What the fuck?” was all I could think to say. This smelt like a TV game show prank. Well actually it smelt a bit like raw meat and lighter fuel but general weirdness was still the overarching feeling.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Innit though, Sarah”, said Minion sorrowfully. “I’m not going to be able to bury this one, am I.”\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“AAAHH WHAT THE FUCK!” I screamed this time.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMinion flinched. “Oh. Yeah. There’s that as well. This is gonna be an odd morning.” He stretched absentmindedly. “Sorry”, he added.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI sat down heavily on the faux rattan sofa that lay next to the slain dragon in my back yard. I’d resisted the purchase at the time (worried about space) but I was grateful for its support now.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“What. The. Fuck?” I muttered, creatively.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Look”, Minion said, hopping nimbly up on the arm of the sofa, “I’m sorry about the dragon there. Not as sorry as he is obviously, but he was talking smack, and things got out of hand. You never used to react like this. You remember? You’d harvest the fire gland, and some scales, and give me a fish head.” He looked morosely, at my blank open mouthed face. “No. I suppose that was the point, though.\" He sighed. \"Look you just take a minute or two.”\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIn the silence I looked up at the sky, and thought how lucky I was the kids were already at Breakfast club before school. That led me to thoughts about the lunchboxes for tomorrow that I needed supplies for, the car service I needed to book and before I knew it my brain was into a familiar loop. So familiar that I reached out and started to stroke the now quiet feline on the arm of the sofa next to me.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHis purr brought me back to the present. Mainly because it sounded a lot like “mmmmmmmm” and less like a purr. I snatched my hand away like I’d been burned.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“What is going on here?” I asked my cat.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Well, the main thing that’s going on right now is that I’m working on clearing the mother of all scaleballs. You think a hairball looks uncomfortable? Well, this is significantly more spiky” he said retching slightly.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Scales from the …..” I paused looking for a less ridiculous way to finish the sentence, but there wasn’t one. “From the Dragon you just killed. For trash talking apparently?”\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Right.” He looked at his paws in embarrassment.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“So. And I don’t want to sound like a broken record here, Minion. Are you still called Minion?”\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Yeah, I don’t mind the name actually. Some sort of poetry to it.”\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Ok, um, Minion. I don’t want to sound a broken record, but what is going on?”\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe sat up, curled his tail around to cover his paws and looked me straight in the eye.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“I think our spell is wearing off. I think the magic is leaking back in. You are starting to remember your power, Mistress. I think you are starting to find me, your familiar, familiar.”\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAs it said it, I knew he was right. I’d known he was right for a while, but I’d been hiding from it. I’d seen a frog near the pond last week, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about what I could do with its eyes. The approach of Halloween and the pointy hats and broomsticks in the shops had made me angry. Not because it was only August. But, I think because of the cultural appropriation. There was no hiding from it, try as I might now I had a family of my own. Mummy was a suburban witch.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nr/TallerestTales \n\n\nEDIT - basic grammar are not I strongest skill" ]	7
	[WP] The technology of warfare has advanced to the point of powerful AIs predicting enemy movements with near-perfect accuracy. Generals have adapted to this by creating outlandish situations to try and confuse the AI.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Camo up, Trooper. \" The Captain said. \"We head out at 0400. No artillery, no drones, no pre-orbital bombardment.\" He looked the Platoon over. \"We trained for this, drilled for this.\" \n\n\n\"You heard the man!\" The sargent yelled. \"1st Platoon camo up!\" \n\n\nOne trooper looked over at his ammo carrier. \"Uniforms, and 'camo'.\" He whispered, shaking his head. \"We're dead.\" The other trooper shrugged and looked into his shaving mirror. \"I've seen worse.\" \n\n\nJust before 0400, after making checks and preparations, 1st platoon stood at the top of no man's land. As one, the platoon stepped forward, in precise unison. Their dark uniforms obscured them from view, equipment packed tightly into their packs. Together they moved in practiced steps, through places bracketed by smart grenade launchers, sentry guns and a mine field. The forces on the other side sat quiet. Not a single shot was fired as the automated defences sat silent. \n\n\nBy the time the danger was realized; it was too late 1st platoon breached the defenses and the 1st and 2nd squads set a perimeter around the power conduit. Human sentries were dispatched silently; Cyborgs and other monitoring devices were neutralized with practiced efficiency. 3rd squad placed the charges and blew the power conduit to smithereens. Once the shields collapsed, elements of the First and Third Shock armies sprang into action and crushed the enemy with sudden and overwhelming force. Within days, the Global Civil War was over. \n\n\nAll thanks to forty-eight men and women who dressed like mimes and clowns and went walking into the wind. Logs retrieved from the enemy AI determined that there no probability that mimes couldn't possibly be any danger. \n\n\nOf course, us humans know better." ]	2
	[WP] I'm in love with the daylight, but find it hard when rearranged.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns." ]	1
	[WP] Heaven and Hell aren't all that far apart. Heaven is a bustling, thriving metropolis; Hell is its slums.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "HEAVEN was a tower, with white concrete swept upwards like a mountain with concave slopes. Its name was emblazoned in large, sans serif lettering along the north-facing side. You could read it from miles away in case you forgot what, specifically, you were missing out on. But you couldn’t call it a skyscraper. For all it’s width, it didn’t stand all so tall above the ground, because the depths of HELL fell far enough below street and dirt and rock and crust that it seemed to rise beyond imagining anyways.\n\nMy first memory was somewhere on the higher levels, where you could almost imagine jumping and climbing your way to the surface, to redemption. I got caught staring up at the gleaming white tower above, wondering what I’d done that was so wrong. In an effort to catch a better glimpse, I leaned over a rusting metal rail outside a rusting metal dive bar. The first days, when you still had hope, those were the second worst. My torment was the only thing on my mind, and though I’d not yet begun to grasp the true meaning of torment, I envied the people in HEAVEN, who must have no such pain, no matter how small. For I don’t know how long, I craned my neck skyward above the ravine. I dreamed of release. I got my wish, when the rail snapped under the weight of my dreams and released me. The bar’s red neon sign tinted my view as I fell, which set a nice mood for the rest of my descent.\n\nSome uncountable span of time later, I decided that HELL wasn’t so bad. I kept to myself, and did my best to ignore the huddled masses of the hopeless on the streets, the catwalks, in the alleys and hallways. I swam against their stream, a proud fish in a school that had gotten turned the wrong way. But I learned that I was still hungry. The need for something to fill my stomach pained me for what felt like eternities, curled in a dark and permanently disheveled apartment illuminated only by shiny clean commercials on an ancient television set. I found myself in an office, watching the employees lurch forward for their wages with clean, fresh-pressed suits and glistening smiles waving pointed fingers like whips. I straightened my new, used tie and joined the former.\n\nThe hunger subsided, mostly. I would feel it, constantly, but now I could push it to the back of my mind just like I did everything else. On another night lit by red neon, I slouched along the sidewalk heading home, occasionally glancing at the dilapidated pavement beside me for cars to pass by. Though none could afford them, we all pretended it would be a hazard to walk in the middle of the street anyways. I almost bumped into the vending machine. It was stocked, and miraculously untouched by thieves. With the last of my money, I bought a candy bar that the ads implied would end my hunger, something better than any debt that could be paid off. As I retrieved it, I saw a man without a tie. He looked young, independent, and completely starved. He had no tie around his neck, and maybe he was proud of that fact, despite all the hunger it brought him. I considered the candy bar in my hand, and thought how nice it was to be able to buy one now that I had a job. I unwrapped it and moved on.\n\nThe cycle continued. The lurchers lurched on, myself among them. We all mimicked one another, unsure of what to do with ourselves. When I figured it out, they’d change it all up in a little memo, and the cycle continued again. That, at least, I could count on. I had no choice but to grin and bear it, the predictable unpredictability, the way everything always changed but nothing was ever different. And just when I thought I could love it, I learned that my boss - did I have a boss? At any rate, someone higher on the food chain than me had embezzled more money than I had seen in what legally qualified as my life. The news made no mention of a punishment, although I felt punished enough when I could no longer afford the privileges of my job or home. So there I sat, near a street corner where some cast-out being like myself begged for something. Soon his cries for alms turned into the silence of slumber. Hoping the slumber was eternal, I pulled myself up to rifle through his pockets and take his nice coat. But he’d only fallen asleep. Still, I noticed a kindness beyond kindness that had left him with money in his outstretched hat. It was enough. I took the hat and ran before a new, bright ad flashed on the screen in front of him and woke him up.\n\n5 minutes or months later, it occured to me that I haven’t fucked in a century. I bring this up only to round out a heavy handed seven deadly sins metaphor, but the ensuing experience was paid for, not earned. Who down here, us ugly wretches, could earn such a thing? Those who we desire would not give it freely, and those who would give it freely are wholly undesirable. Deserving of release as I was, the society we live in halted me. Surely it was the opposite way around in HEAVEN. As I glanced up at it, its rising spire reminded me less of a mountain and more of another, more important shape.\n\nAnd when I glanced down, I saw a figure leaning against a rusting metal railing outside a rusting metal dive bar. She looked skywards, towards HEAVEN, with an intelligent gleam in her eye that suggested a plan forming in her head. Really, it was just the fantasy. Jumping up, climbing out, all of it the same as whatever idea she had, though she might have had some stupid six step plan she would follow. That gleam, the naivete, the stupidity of it, she was like a child pestering her parent with a question to which the answer was only common sense. Have I mentioned that I fucking hate children? She was bathed in the blood red glow of neon as I glared at her with irritation. The rail she was leaning on gave out, perhaps at my request. She grabbed onto the ledge before falling, which gave me pause. Her fingers slipping, one by one. Someone else would run to save her, I thought as I glanced down the empty street. I surely didn’t like her enough to do it, though.\n\nBut here I am now. I’ve survived, and eked out a comfortable rhythm. Keep your head down, don’t ever look up to HEAVEN. Do your job and ignore the starving idiots who talk of “wageslaves”, drowned out by their own growling stomachs. The advertisements bathe you in their glow, pass over and through you here. Give in, and maybe you can feel like you have a chance of getting there some day. Stop fighting, stop trying, because on the inescapble, imprisoning streets below HEAVEN, there is no point. There’s only one choice here - eternal, futile struggle… or sloth.\n\n(you can really tell I wrote this on no sleep and never bothered rereading it lmao)", "There had been a squeal of tires, for an instant the sound of smashing glass and screaming metal had been his world. An impact struck him from the right and then; this.\n\nSeth was sitting in a train carriage, it reminded him of the London Underground, the cylindrical style of the carriage, two rows of opposite seats facing each other. The god awful blue and yellow patterning of the seats. He was alone; leaning into the standing area he could make out others in the neighbouring carriages. He took in the city passing him. It was immense, yet despite the density, it was beautiful to behold. A cycle path was elevated and offered safe passage for those who used it. Wasn't Boris Johnson back in '14 pushing for this? This must have been his inspiration; must be in Tokyo or Abu Dhabi then.\n\nThe train pulled up to a station, there was a small ping and the sound of doors opening met Seth. The door in front of him did not open. Glancing down at the other doors, he saw that all of the doors in his carriage had failed to open.\n\nA descent into the first underground section had begun shortly after. At first, it was fine, but the ventilation must have been closed since it was getting stuffy in the carriage. Walking over to one of the sliders in the above the windows. It was indeed closed, pulling the knob to the left to the open position, holding a hand underneath the thin grating there was no breeze, the train was moving but there was no movement of air. Frowning he moved his hand up to under the air conditioning and again; nothing.\n\nLoosening his tie as the air continued to grow heavy. The windows at the end of the carriage. The closest was stuck or the latches were faulty, they didn't release their grip on the look. Giving up and trying the other one it was the same.\n\nHis breathing was quickening as he tried suppressing his rising anxiety, at this moment the train slammed to a screeching halt and Seth was thrown against the door hard. There was a garbled voice on the intercom, heavily distorted. The only word that he could make out.\n\n\"Delay.\"\n\nSitting down and rubbing his face, the stuffy air was giving him a headache. Leaning back and closing his eyes he managed to get comfortable as he got his breathing under control. He was on the cusp of drifting off when the intercom blasted into existence again louder repeating it's distorted message. It was pitched in such a way that it made his headache worse just by hearing it. The seat patterns were dizzying to look at it. Tongue thick and sticking to the roof of his mouth he reached his breaking point. He had to get off. Now.\n\nLifting the panel and pulling on the emergency brake Seth waited. Nothing, no sound, no response from the driver. He pulled it again and again. Screaming at the brake he stepped back breathing hard as he tried to get himself under control, holding his hands on his head he panted, why couldn't he breathe? Suddenly the train jolted back into life once again sending Seth stumbling into the support pole. After a minute it pulled into another station. This time the doors opened. Scrambling out of the carriage. There was a single corridor leading off the towards what Seth assumed would be the exit.\n\nHe was free, he could feel cooler air as he walked outside, it was blissful, the sound of a bus approaching caught his attention, it was going fast, naturally his eyes looked to its path. There was a puddle, a deep one in the side of the road. With a shout, he threw his arms over his face as a sheet of water was blasted at him twice from the bus. Dripping wet and tasting the grit on his tongue he grimaced spitting out what he could. Chilled he shook his head a flash of red caught his eyes again. This time a short woman was walking towards him.\n\nShe was dressed professionally in a crimson blazer and pencil skirt. Her black blouse was crease-free, a strange necklace was hanging in the middle of the parting in the collar of her blouse. It was enthralling; a triangle hung upside down, the shape continued past the apex point and curved back around slightly. A 'V' shape was intersected at the bottom of the curves. Two more lines crossed inside the triangle before protruding out the main shape no further than the width of the curves.\n\n\"You must be Seth Keightley?\"\n\n\"Uh, yes. Yes, I am.\"\n\nIt has taken a moment to take his eyes off the necklace, shaking his head he had been able to register the question. She was reading off a clipboard and making a few notes as she went.\n\n\"You're a bit early, guess these things happen. Well, we have something for you today. A lovely flat with a view, shall we?\"\n\n\"Early? What do you mean early?\"\n\n\"I wasn't expecting you for at least a few more years.\"\n\n\"Years? What?\"\n\n\"Plenty of time to talk about this later. We should hurry; there has been a lot of interest in this property. It's to die for.\"\n\nSomething about the way she said \"die\" had raised the hairs on the back of his neck. The sound of screaming tearing metal ringing in his ears. His feet kept catching on the uneven pavement as he followed her.\n\n\"What's your name, I didn't catch it sorry.\"\n\n\"Lucy.\"\n\n\"Pleasure to meet you, Lucy.\"\n\n\"Sure.\"\n\nCompared to what he had seen from the train, on the ground the City wasn't as appealing as it had seemed. There was the taste of petrol on the air, he could already hear the heavy traffic blaring one or two streets over. It just felt dirty, there was muddy oil slick water on the road. Bins were starting to overflow on the street they were walking.\n\nLucy stopped in front of a cafe or a restaurant. It smelled awful, the smell of grease, smoke and something spiced badly wafting out.\n\n\"Here we are, that one there.\"\n\nFollowing her outstretched arm, she was pointing at the window directly above, it had been broken, something had been thrown through it.\n\n\"That one? With the broken window?\"\n\n\"Yhm, they had a bit of a celebration last night, they got excited. I'm sure the Landlord will be fixing it shortly.\"\n\n\"What type of celebration?\"\n\n\"You know, I don't know. Something delightfully ethic, however, they had this curry. I think it was curry. It had a goat in it. Very spicy though. Shall we?\"\n\nShe opened the door and began climbing up a very narrow staircase. Lucy got the door open at the top and they stepped inside.\n\n\"One bedroom, office just on the left. The bathroom is an En Suite I hope that's ok? Kitchen in-front with the living space just around that corner. Where should we start?\"\n\n\"Bedroom?\"\n\n\"Wonderful\"\n\nThe bedroom was claustrophobic even with the sparse furnishings it felt cramped, almost as if he was too big for the room.\n\n\"There's the view I mentioned, our abattoir is almost always operational, it's the pride of the suburb. Double glazed this one, so it'll keep the sound out.\"\n\nShe moved across, squeezing past him to show him the bathroom, it looked fairly modern, but she pointed out the there was something wrong with the door.\n\n\"Not sure if it's the hinges need greasing or replacing, but it won't close properly. That means it might be awkward to use the facilities but the Landlord should be around today to fix the window. Maybe he'll have the tools to fix the door as well.\"\n\nThe office was next. Unfurnished apart from a rusted bucket which seemed to be catching odd drops from the ceiling.\n\n\"Lovely spacious work area. Room a desk, bookshelves.\"\n\n\"What's leaking from upstairs?\"\n\n\"There is nothing upstairs.\"\n\nThis was followed by a disarming smile as the tour continued. The kitchen was next. Again modern but there was more bad design choice on the corner. Two of the drawers were flush to each other, their handles would prevent either drawer from opening properly.\n\n\"They've got this nice little feature, you know those trolleys you get at the airport, how you have to press down to the release the brakes? Similar principle. Squeeze and pull.\n\nLucy squeezed and gently pulled out revealing a generous offering of kitchen supplies. Seth nodded he was a capable cook and enjoyed the process of producing a good meal.\n\n\"This one is empty, oops...\"\n\nAs she had closed the first drawer and opened the second Lucy must have twitched because she accidentally slammed the wood into the handle of the now-closed drawer. There was the ping of a wire snapping. Apologetically she reset the kitchen before trying the first one again. With a tug, she couldn't open it\n\n\"I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting that one to be so fast. Just tell the Landlord. Finally the living space\"\n\nSeth looked at the shards of glass littering the space. The smells and sounds from whatever was below were filtering through easily. The entire area reeked of the spiced smoke rising. It stung his nostrils now that there was no breeze to waft it away. It was dismal, the flat was horrendous.\n\n\"So, do you like it?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Oh...Well, according to the information I have, this is your new home.\"\n\n\"What? I thought you said there was interest?\"\n\n\"There is, but; you were early so we had to scramble.\"\n\n\"Isn't there anywhere else?\"\n\n\"The street?\"\n\nSeth reached for his wallet, he had always been a man of means and a little money in the right place opened doors.\n\n\"Isn't there something we could do about this. I don't belong here.\"\n\nTaking out a handful of notes he offered to her. She smiled and cocked her head to the side. With a meaningful look at the bribe.\n\n\"No. Seth. You do belong here. Take it or leave it. At the moment we have nothing else available for you.\"\n\n\"I want to speak to your manager.\"\n\n\"I am the manager.\"\n\nSeth waited, he'd had this one used on his before, he was looking for any sign that Lucy was lying, instead, she held his gaze and offered the keys to him.\n\n\"I'd take them if I were you. This place is hell at night.\"\n\nShe was already walking out the front door. Seth made his way to the bathroom to wash his hands and face.\n\nTurning the faucets, there was no water.", "Mortal wisdom was, he thought, uncannily similar to that of the immortal sages. A mere lifetime in the land of the living seemed enough to hammer home the simple fact that we want what we can't have, and we will always want what we can't have.\n\nThe grass is always greener on the other side.\n\nYa don't know what ya got 'til it's gone.\n\nHe was taught as a child about seven deadly sins of legend. Envy was undoubtedly the worst. Envy was the driver of misery. Ironic, he thought, that some should find themselves over there as a result of it, when envy itself was the defining feature of everlasting punishment: an eternity of torment, with blissful pleasure rising just over there, sparkling, on the hill. Occasionally when he leaned against the sinuous stone balustrade -- on a calm evening, that is, when the Heaven's hustle and bustle sank into a peaceful slumber -- he could just barely hear it.\n\nPain.\n\nIt wafted through the air in the form of barely audible screams, or cold, piercing laughs as sadists did what they did best, or sometimes rusty squeals as giant machines of torture and misery ground into motion. Hell loomed on the horizon like the sprawling metropolis it was, surrounding Heaven on all sides and marching up to its very perimeter in a veil of soot and fog. And yet he couldn't help but wonder: What's it like down there?\n\nA normal day came around -- a Wednesday back in the mortal realm, but just another sun cycle in paradise -- and the conviction stole over him like an old friend. He had to know. Had to see what lay beyond the wall, through the pearly gates and the comparatively short stretch of stinking marshland, past the razor crags surrounding Hell. The crags keeping its denizens locked inside. Or, rather, locked outside. Locked out of Heaven for eternity.\n\nOn that day, he turned away from his stone railing and looked back across the patio. Past a bronze dish holding a small fire and ringed with padded chairs. Past the trickling fountain that filled their abode inside and out with a constant, dream-like quality. Into his open-air quarters, where his lover stretched luxuriantly across the covers, breasts rising and falling as she slept a perfectly deep sleep. He looked at it all, taking it in, savoring it.\n\nThen he shouldered his pack and vaulted over the railing, onto the perfectly cobbled street below, the street that would take him toward the wall.\n\nThe street that would lead him into the depths of Hell." ]	4
	[WP] whenever your car approaches 80 MPH, it begins to vibrate alarmingly. Dozens of mechanics have examined it, replaced parts, walked away clueless. Today you're chased by a gun wielding maniac filled with road rage after you cut him off - so you grit your teeth and keep the pedal to the floor.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Shitshitshitshitshit!!!\" I've really done it this time, this guy will be the death of me! The guy was in my blind spot, and I heard him slam on the breaks. I could see a very large man shooting a high power revolver from out the window, and was hitting my back windshield. I floored the petal to the metal, and my beetle roared as the rpm climbed higher and higher. No time to think about the car's issues as this was life or death. I swerved to the left and right to get around the slow moving traffic going about 70. I got to 80 mph and the car began to shake. I did not care about this because the loon was right behind me taking accurate shots at my drivers side. Shitshitshitshit! Passing 80 mph with the rpm skyrocketing, bits of blue light starts fly from infront of the car around the side sparatickly like sparks. I was so mesmerized I didnt think about slowing down. The light grew and grew as I accelerated. Then the blinding flash overtook my car and my car launch forwarded as if my beetle was weightless. The next thing I knew, I was back on the highway joining traffic what was not there before. I had to swerve around a fast approaching car that honked at me. Confused and disoriented I look back and didnt see the mad man chasing me. What just happen? This car just went into hyperspace! I start to calm down eventually, and slow the car down. The car stops shaking as I go below 80 mph, and get to 60 mph. I've shaken off most of the adrenaline, and notice that cars on the road are more retro, or older. Cars that I knew where collector's cars. They seem to be from the 70's. Did this beetle just go back in time. OOOHHH NOOOO!!!! Well...its better the being shot." ]	2
	[WP] God created everything except you and wants to know who you are.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Who the heck are you?\" He asks. As in HE. God. He looks like a middle aged dad, Dad body and all. With a shaggy brown beard and a bald head. \n\n\"Well, surely you should know since you created me,\" I answer, confused. I nervously twist a strand of my black hair. \n\n\"Well, I don't know. So who the heck are you?\" He replies.\n\n\"Someone's cranky today,\" an unknown male voice snarks. \n\n\"Shut up, Satan. Is she yours?\" God asks Satan. \n\n\"I swear that I have never created something as... comely as her,\" Satan replies. Turns out, he looks like a businessman. He is... not as expected. Curious. \n\n\"JESUS!\" God calls out. \n\n\"WHAT?\" Jesus calls down from the cloud he is lounging on far above us. \n\n\"Is she yours?\" God calls back. \n\n\"DAAAAD!\" Jesus whines. \"You know I am a virgin.\"\n\n\"Not the question, Jesus,\" God patiently calls to his son. \n\nJesus floats down in a heavenly sunbeam and alights on the ground. He looks like my half brother. Little Zeke is in his Goth phase. He is so dramatic. Jesus inspects me closely. \"Nope.\"\n\nOne by one, God calls all the members of his Host, but none of them know where I came from. Then Satan's followers answer the same. \n\n\"I hate to interrupt, Little God, but I need my daughter back now. Her mom is gonna flip if I don't revive her soon,\" a dude that looks sorta like a hippie with flowing black hair and a toga lounges nearby. His great lightning bolt shaped staff rests beside him, crackling with power.", "I guess I should start by saying that as far as I knew, I was a totally normal human. Luck happened, but I had to make it myself. I was never very popular with the other girls. Which suited me, until I grew up (if you know what I mean). Men tended to avoid me as if I had Satan carved into my head.\n\nThat all changed yesterday during my taxi ride home from work. Of course, all was well as we travelled down Broadway. Then my driver, Jim, took a left and pulled into a parking lot in Central Park. I asked him why, but he screamed before he had time to answer.\n\n\"Don't scream. I am from God.\" The words came from Jim's mouth but his eyes bugged out in the direction of the empty seat next to me. \n\"You are an angel?\" Jim seemed to ask himself as I started dialing emergency services. Twenty years of this company taking me home from my job at Columbia, and I've never seen Jim show signs of Schizophrenia. It was something the doctors would have to deal with, but still highly troubling. \n\"Please do not call anyone else,\" Not-Jim's voice said, \"We have been trying to contact you for a long time now, but it appears you don't see us or hear us.\" \n\"I can see and hear ya now, buddy,\" Jim retorted at himself. \n\"Not you. You are our vessel through which we have chosen to speak. It is your passenger with whom we speak. We have tried everything else, and I am sorry. It was the only way.\" \nJim's eyes darted back and forth between me and the still empty part of the bench beside me. \"Why her? She ain't done no wrong!\" \n\"I have been sent with a message,\" Not-Jim's voice ignored his question, \"God Himself/Herself (it sounded like he was saying both on top of each other) is to visit you tomorrow. It would be wise to call out of work to wait for Him/Her.\"\n\nIt was then the angel vanished. Jim stared at his back seat for a good, long minute before he shook himself as if he remembered I was still there. I asked him if he wanted to take a walk around the Park before finishing my fare. He paused his timer, saying that it sounded like a great idea.\n\nI told myself when he dropped me off that if this God person didn't show up, I'd call the company and ask them to get Jim evaluated. Of course I'd have to tell dispatch that I'd use a different company if they fired him. Once instance of delusions does not a true schizophrenic make. I didn't have to do any of that, of course. God showed up.\n\nAnother Angel appeared in my living room, but I could almost see it this time. As if it was showing me its true form. The light was bright, but she looked a spitting image of Legolas. Blonde hair, pointy ears, green leather tunic, green cloth pants, and a beautiful face. I watched her mouth move, and she disappeared. I never did learn how to read lips. Not long after she left, another light appeared. This one seemed tiny at first but got larger every second, as if it was coming at me. As it turns out, it was.\n\nGod introduced Itself as a being of many names. It also stayed as an orb of white light. It told me it picked that particular angel so as not to scare me. I asked it if I could ask her out, and I saw it scowl. Which was a trip because it had no face.\n\nI heard a sigh come from Its direction. There it was, the meat of why God Itself showed up in my living room. It suddenly hit me that I was hosting. So I quickly offered it tea, or some honey-mead. I'd heard it called Ambrosia by many people, and Gods love Ambrosia, right? The orb chuckled at my offer and declined. \nSo we got down to business. It asked me how I came to be. I explained that that was a question for my parents, and I had always assumed I was brought here the natural way. The horizontal tango, if you will. I was raised by two loving parents, who routinely called me their little miracle. They had both worked at Columbia, which got me into the school, and eventually a job working in the math department upon graduation. \nGod listened to my story, almost as if hearing more than I was saying out loud. Like It was watching a playback of my life. It stayed silent for a moment before It opened its mouth to actually speak. \nNothing came out for a second. Then It cleared Its throat. \"IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE A BEING COULD HANDLE MY VOICE,\" It said as if in a whisper. It was actually a normal volume for us humans. \"EVERY BEING ON THE PLANET IS ONE OF MY CREATIONS. THAT IS THE WORK OF GOD. THE 'MIRACLES' YOU SEE EVERY DAY ARE FROM MY ANGELS DOING THEIR WORK.\" The glowing orb settled deeper into my couch. \"EVERYONE EXCEPT YOU.\"\n\n\"Me?\" I asked, surprised to hear my voice as I thought I had spoken aloud when I offered It tea and the tale of my life. I was more stunned by the news It had just given me. \"Wh-? Why? How? What?\" \nIt smiled, as if to say that was Its reaction as well. I lost myself in thought as I internalized everything It had told me. \n\"Ok. From the beginning, every creature that has a soul is one of your creations. Conception only happens with your consent. But I'm here. Without your consent. The first being to exist in the universe without your knowledge.\" My mind went racing from there to the possibilities of the universe now that I was discovered. \"There must be others out there like me I assume. Extremely lucky to even exist though they don't know it.\" A thought that wasn't mine flitted through my head, YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WE'VE EVER FOUND. WE ASSUME YOU ARE THE FIRST. \n\"But we can't assume I'll be the last. Does this mean the Universe has a new God?\" I saw a shiver run through the orb, the image of a grimace coming to mind. \"And you want me to find It, if it exists.\" \nWE WOULD RATHER IT NOT EXIST AT ALL. ANOTHER WAR BETWEEN GODS MIGHT TEAR THIS UNIVERSE APART AT THE SEAMS. \n\"So you come to me, hoping I will help you, instead of my creator.\" The orb nodded. I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing an orb nod a head it doesn't have. \"And if I decide to check myself into a mental hospital instead of dealing with all this?\" \nYOU WILL BE SAFE AND WE WILL STILL WATCH OVER YOU AS WE PROMISED TO YOUR ANCESTORS, HUMAN. \nSuddenly, a plan started forming at the edges of my mind. \"Unless...\" The orb started beaming brighter, as if it, too, was reading my thoughts.\nWE WOULD BE GLAD TO TEACH YOU THE WAYS TO CONTACT US, IF IT HELPS YOU FIND YOUR CREATOR SO WE MAY MAKE PEACE\n\"Peace? God, you of all should know peace is overrated. It's time to make sure nobody else can take this universe from you and your humans.\" I felt a line of fear travel through the room. The orb understood something I hadn't. YES, HUMAN. AND WE BELIEVE WE KNOW WHO TO LOOK FOR AS YOUR CREATOR. OUR GREATEST MISTAKE.", "God looked down onto the universe. a closed system, self regulating and perfectly managed by all those who lived in it. sure, it had taken a few tries, the Dinosaurs refused to make the jump to using technology and the humans had managed to wipe themselves out several times now, but God was sure that this time she had finally got it right. finally finished with her creation God summoned a chair out of stardust, nothing that would be missed of course, and sat back to watch. she rewound the timeline back to roughly 14 billion years after it had all started, and zeroed in on what had once been the planet of the humans, before focusing on a small family in the Mediterranean. \n\nGod had binged her way through almost a hundred generations (the small family had expanded and was now leading an empire in some sort of war) before she realised that there was someone standing behind her. God spun round, the sheer shock of someone unknown to her panicked God terribly, to see a person watching the world with just as much intent as her. after a moment the intruder noticed her, and they smiled. \"lovely universe you've got here, very interesting\" they said, still standing. the initial shock had worn off, and now god managed to examine the person in some detail. they were about her height, maybe a little taller, with short cropped hair, brown with streaks of red. they wore a black tank top with a band logo that wouldn't be popular for at least 2000 years, leather trousers with various designs seemingly stitched in, with everything from signets of kings and queens, to anarchy symbols and names of important men, women and otherwise from all over the universe. they had a wallet chain and spiked wristbands to finish off the look. \n\n\"I mean, its a bit derivative, you lot always do the same basic species, and the same general religions, but hey, great minds think alike I guess\" God finally remembered to speak\n\n\"who the hell are you? why can't I see you?\" of course, God could see the person, but only in the traditional sense, She couldn't see their lifeline, or where they had gotten their hair done, or where they had bought those leggings. \n\n\"hot topic\" the person answered as soon as god finished the thought, \"but I do the stitching myself, it seemed more meaningful than notches on a belt.\" the person circled round to where God was, and summoned another chair. they gestured back at God \"sit, I'll explain\" God picked hesitated for a moment, and then sat back down. \"the humans, they'll have this guy Howard, and he'll write a bunch of stories and shit about gods. not quite you, but still pretty powerful. a general gist of it was that the biggest dude was so powerful that he couldn't even comprehend the people down there, they were just too small for him. in the same way, you don't really check in on microbes, you just let them run their own thing\" it was true, God hadn't checked in in far too long, the viruses were starting to go haywire. \"exactly, you just don't have the time to check on everything all the time.\" God had used the telepathy trick a few times on humans, it made her seem more Godly, but now it was just annoying \"well, I am to you guys, what you are to microbes, except, you know, I can check in on you, i've got all the time in all the worlds.\" \n\nGod was starting to puzzle together what the person meant, and just as she opened her mouth the being cut her off \"yes, multiple universes, you can't see them, I only give each god absolute control over their own universe, point is, I created everything, and I put you guys in charge of a small part of everything. I just popped in to say hi, and to see if this Presley guy is all he's cracked up to be. anyway, I'll be off now, the guy next door made her Cleopatra a lesbian, and I'm not missing that\" they said as a small patch of sequins began to appear on the pocket of the person's leggings.\n\njust as soon as the person arrived, they vanished. no smoke cloud or crackle of light like God always did to her humans, just a blink and they were gone. God turned back to the universe, and mulled over the fact that everything was so much larger than her. the timeline had advanced too far, and nukes had destroyed the entire system. the family God had been following were all wiped out. this millennia was always boring, so God flipped back to where she had left off before the person had come to her", "‘Who are you.’ The amusing nature of the question from the debatably omniscient was almost fit to introduce fits of wracking laughter.\n\n‘You know who I am if not how or why.’\n\n‘No I don’t. I am the creator of all and I have never seen or heard of you. Your aspect is as alien as a nothing.’ The being moved around me golden light bathing me but not touching me, for the light was just one if his creations it could not touch a thing it had no hand in.\n\n‘Perhaps. And yet you have always felt a presence an unmaker ordaining the end of things. For all things must end. From bacterium to animal to tree and world and star.’\n\nIt backed away light flaring in fear and a half-baked realisation. ‘No, you’re a myth a story that life tells for its failure to understand my divine plan!’\n\n‘Perhaps, perhaps as are you. But I doubt it.’ Darkness enshrouded us as I stood the scythe of un-things in hand.\n\nIt couldn’t understand it had become absorbed in the myths that life had crafted, but it never understood that short lived as they were they too were shaping reality.\n\n‘Your purpose is done. You have created, and overstayed... life no longer needs you. The universe no longer needs your guidance in creation you made the engines of creation in your laziness and lost your purpose in the trappings of worshipful life.’ The scythe was a construct, a product of life’s imaginations but its implications were no less real.\n\n‘I will not submit!’ The light flared and faded...\n\n‘All things submit to entropy.’\n\n‘But what are you?’ Denial tinged the divine tone with an unworthy whining. ‘How have I never seen you.’\n\n‘Because only the dead can see death.’" ]	5
	[WP] It fell from the sky and landed in the middle of a busy city. It emitted no signals, and absorbed all light, heat, and radio waves that came near it. After it was clear that it wasn't harmful and couldn't be moved or destroyed, people learned to ignore it. Until seventy-five years later.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "For the first time in 75 years, all eyes on the planet were once again on Central Park. This is because The Box, a perfectly cube construct that fell from the sky, and was almost completely imperceptible in its strange complete darkness, had begun to glow.\n\nFor most New York locals The Box was a part of life. An eerie, immovable construct in the middle of the largest gathering point in the city. It was hard to see, as it absorbed light rather than reflecting it, but you could get a sort of sense of where it was by the sheer alien wrongness of it. In fact, it had been glowing for a full 20 minutes before someone reading nearby let out a yelp of surprise. What was once perceived as a perfectly absent square in reality was now a faint but concerning green.\n\nNow, nearly two hours after the glow, a light green cube that had become an alarming neon lime, was being broadcast on TV and computer screens all around the world. A hasty attempt to sequester the area by the local police was barely enough to keep curious people and reporters from approaching the artifact. The various pigeons and squirrels native to the city also seemed to be gathering. The air was full of a sort of excited anticipation. Finally, this strange artifact that had become something entirely mundane to the world, was going to reveal its purpose.\n\nAt exactly 6 PM, a door on the front of the box opened, and The Auditor stepped out.\n\nTo those of us on Earth, it appeared to be something like a praying mantis, only a little more squid-like, and a face that was alarmingly like Gary Busey's. A mess of chitinous bits, dangerous looking arms, tentacles, and a face that seemed to just barely contain a sort of manic anger. The creature lifted one tentacle to a small electronic pendant hanging from its neck. The moment the tentacle made contact a voice was broadcast throughout the entire world, using the very radio and satellite frequencies the box had been collecting.\n\n\"Attitude towards learning: C-. Willingness to improve: C. Progress: B-. Overall: C. Needs improvement.\"\n\nAt that moment, the entire world was as silent as it had been when it first sprang into being. Not a word was spoken for a solid 10 seconds.\n\nThe Auditor turned around, crawled back into the box, and the entire thing simply vanished.\n\nIn the years that have followed we honestly have been trying. I don't think anyone on Earth felt we were doing a particularly fantastic job, but having all of human society receive a C felt a little insulting in its mundanity. Slowly, but steadily, the oceans are getting clean and the small more resolvable geopolitical differences are being worked out. Mostly, I think, we are being driven by spite. The general vibe is that we are certainly not an average species, and we will prove it. Or at least, we hope so. Yesterday, Lodhi Garden in Delhi suddenly showed signs of a strange impact. A square hole in reality has formed. We, at the Society for the Preservation of Human Excellence, encourage all of you to do your part to get us to at least a B average." ]	2
	[WP] It’s 2024 and you’ve just arrived at your new job. You enter the changing room, put on your suit, mask and canister filled with yellow dust. You find yourself on a transport truck with a colleague. The flowers outside look pale. “I can’t believe all the bees are gone.” He says.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I can barely remember the bees. There weren’t many of them in the city. I remember the birds though. They used to be the dominant conversation when you woke up. Before the cars took over, as the gray dawn turned into day, you could always hear the birdsong. The mornings were silent now.\n\nNo bees. No plants. No insects. No birds. Silence. \n\nHere we were though, the pollinators, bringing life back one plant at a time.\n\nIt was a baking day. There were one of two dying trees at the edge of the meadow, but for the most part it was an open sun-cooked landscape, and wherever you stood you could feel the full heel of the sun pressing down on you. The heavy suit didn’t help; a full protective layer of mesh and rubber that covered every inch of your body. A microbe couldn’t enter or leave that suit. Yet you were your own eco-system inside. Small patches of abrasive land that were eroded by the suit’s coarse coating at the joints, lay surrounded by large seas of boiling sweat that built up over the rest of your body. It didn’t matter. I needed this job.\n\nOn my back were two canisters, each adding their own gravity to my spine – one for pollen, one for pesticide. I had only used the pesticide once, about five months into the job. I came across a small ant nest in the ground. They probably weren’t too much threat to the plants, but the instructions were clear, the crops too precious to spare any risk. I added the right attachment to the spray gun, unraveled the coil attached to the tank on my shoulder, rammed the barrel of the gun against the entrance to their nest, and unleashed a few waves of noxious gas. I watched as a few dozen ants ran to the surface trying to escape the attack. It was too late. They soon writhed, their small limbs seizing and retching, until they turned over and stopped dead. \n\nEvery other moment of the job was a slow march across endless meadows. It was a constant battle between efficiency and precision. We walked up to each plant, extended a long metal rod up the stamen of each flower - close enough to touch but not damage – and with a click of a trigger on the applicator, the canister would shoot a small load of pollen onto the plant. \n\nWe were expected to cover several acres of plants a day. If we fell behind with the target, we were fired. If we damaged a plant, we were fired. Those genetically gifted with some specifically precise combination of a steady hand, stamina and concentration were rewarded with this employment. Others were left aside.\n\nI was thankful for the employment though. It’s amazing how the death of one small insect so easily damaged the grandeur of civilization, like a fine origami crane casually crumpled into a paper ball. It had been a part of a balancing act of supply and demand. As the bees died, so did the food stocks. Soon the supply of food was vastly outweighed by the demands of the people, and when the food is less than required, then the people become the surplus. And when the people become surplus… well.\n\nSo whenever my knees became weak from a day shifting through the endless green hue of crops, I remembered that I needed this job. Back in the city the malnutrition was so bad that there were many whose knees were too weak to carry their own weight, let alone carry the suit and canisters. I had a family at home with two kids of my own. And between this job, and whatever other work the family could scrounge together, we had enough to make sure our kids would make it through their childhood. Whatever random series of events blessed me with the co-ordination and steadiness to be a pollinator, I was thankful for it. Life was hard, but the reality was that in this new world, I was the aristocracy. I needed this job.\n\nWe had been going for about two hours now. And like always, the air was silent. I could hear my own heated breath echo around my suit. Elsewhere I could hear the footsteps of the other pollinators, and the steady clicks as they pulled the trigger and their applicators shot out another wad of pollen. But we were the only sound that could be heard. The earth didn’t talk back to us anymore.\n\nThere were still pockets of nature out there. Every so often you would hear the confused caw of a lone bird longing for a reply. Once I was startled by some heavy rustling through the crops, only to see a rabbit bound from its cover and race across the fields. There were always whisperings of people still seeing the odd lone bee. It was hard to know if they were true, or just some deep hope that had turned a fiction into a reality; that maybe the bees might return, replace us pollinators, and slowly over the course of a generation or two we could return to how things were. \n\nI didn’t need that hope though. I just needed this job. As long as plants needed pollinating, I could don the suit, and feed my family another week.\n\nI was going at a good pace today. I was already some distance ahead of the other pollinators. There was a line of large, old trees up ahead of me that was acting as motivation. If I got there soon enough I might be able to grab some intermittent shade from their thick and ancient branches, have some occasional respite as the worst of the day’s heat kicked in. \n\nAs I approached the trees I could see that some were still alive. There were a few leaves sprouting from gnarled branches and I could hear the faintest whistle of a breeze brushing up against the twigs. Other trees were dead, their bark rotting, their limbs fallen to the ground like a crumbled statue from a lost civilization. \n\nI continued along, reaching out to each flower, pollinating, and moving on. I was in my own head, concentrating on the metronomic rhythm of my feet and the applicator’s click. I passed by one of the dead trees when I was distracted by the briefest of hums, a momentary rumble that flew past my right ear. I paused for a second, my ears reaching for it again. I took another couple of paces forward, and then, it was there again. A quick flash of sound just out of sight. I turned to where the sound was coming from. And as the rush of adrenaline kicked in, I realized that everything was no longer so silent. In the background, up in the tree, was a quiet but unmistakable buzz.\n\nMy eyes darted upwards. I searched the black branches of the tree, until my eyes snapped onto the sight. There, clinging to a slowly decaying branch, was the smallest of bees’ nests. It was small, just a few inches across. It was still being pieced together; its combs still exposed. A few drones were busy building up the walls, shimmying along the thin edges as they applied another layer to their new home. It was only the start of a hive, maybe some two dozen bees, but they were there.\n\nI stood frozen to the spot. For half a decade people had longed to see this site. And here I was, the rediscoverer of the bees. The only person to have seen a hive in five years. If they could care for the bees, shut down this farm and stop the pollinators artificially inseminating the plants. If they could let the bees flourish, then nature could reclaim the jobs we were having to fill in for. Slowly, eventually, things could return. \n\nI thought on that possibility for a moment. What that difference could mean for everyone, and for me, and my family. Here in front of me, in a few inches of beeswax and honeycombs lay a future so different to the present. And I was to the bringer of that change.\n\nI looked around me to see where the nearest fellow pollinator was. There were none for fifty meters of more. I was alone. \n\nI let the instinct take over. I lifted up the shaft of the pollinator and bashed it against the side of the nest, watching it rock back and forth against the rotting branch until it came lose and plunged to the ground. I reached for the insecticide and sprayed wildly, targeting each and every bee with a personally targeted wave of poison. I watched as the panicked bees fluttered confused and hopeless until their wings could carry them no more and they fell to the ground. I looked down at the nest, reached my heavy boot high up into the air and smashed it down on the nest. I trampled it, three, four times until I could hear it crack and break, its solid structure crumbling beneath my feet. I continued to crush it, until the once burgeoning home was reduced to a dust matted against the grass and dirt.\n\nI looked down at the ashes of the nest, and the few remaining drones walk tired along the ground until the insecticide caught up to them and they could move no more. It was done. The nest was dead. Good. I needed this job.", "I could not think of anything else. The cheap synthetic material of my suit sticking to my neck. The excruciating experience of breathing through a mask the usual dusty and acrid smell of the air. The rigidity of my leather boots. And yet I was to spend every day in this stupid suit for the following year.\n\nThe truck stopped and I obediently followed my new colleagues out of the truck. The solar radiations burned my eyes for a split second before I flinched and remembered to look at the ground, as always.\n\nWe walked slowly – too slowly for my taste – in a straight line, with narrowed eyes, towards the nearest shadow. I felt like I had already used up all my patience for today trying not to step on the feet of the guy in front of me. There, the colonel started assigning tasks for the day and I could finally look up at the huge warehouse in front of me, Humanity’s Last Hope as they call it. Well, you know how southern people exaggerate everything… This warehouse could not dream of saving all of Humanity, but it will surely, if this experiment works, save my city and its fancy suburb.\n\nTwo hours later, I was elbow deep in this lab-grown yellow dust that was supposed to replace pollen and trick the flowers into reproducing themselves and grow seeds and fruits. One by one, I was brushing the delicate pistil of the precious flowers with a cotton bud dipped in the powder. I knew I was to repeat the same task, under the continuous surveillance of the drones above my head, for the rest of the year.\n\nBut somehow I did not care anymore.\n\nThe warehouse was strikingly beautiful. Thousands and thousands of trees and plants were aligned in perfect order on 4 levels, planted in polystyrene cubes, wired to each other through a complex web of cables. Their leaves were gleaming peacefully under the blue neon lights. The buzzing noise of the cables and the drones was deafening. But even through my mask, I could feel it: the dusty and acrid smell was gone. The air was light and new.\n\nI felt home.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n[On phone, sorry about formatting issues. Also this is my first prompt and English is not my native language, please bear with me !]" ]	3
	[WP] One morning, everyone has gained the ability to shapeshift into the animal they have killed the most in their lives. Most people got mosquitoes, ants, or the rare pig or cow. You remain human.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " A bone-chilling shriek heralded the first occurrence. A hawkish corporate lawyer for a highly exclusive private equity firm on Wall Street had suddenly materialised dead on the face of an unsuspecting summer intern right in the middle of a portentous early morning staff briefing. Like a morbid parody of a fireworks display gone awry, his organs had simultaneously exploded out from his lifeless body at an impressive velocity, spraying bits of lung, brain matter and other bodily ingredients right into everyone’s third cup of coffee for the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n Everyone’s visceral horror at suddenly finding an unexpected protein boost in their drink was outdone only by dumbfounded shock at the macabre state in which his body had appeared. As flat as an unleavened waffle, it appeared as though God had decided to literally smack him dead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n It didn’t even take half a day for the news to spread throughout most of the developed world over the internet and TV news. Hundreds of thousands of similarly bizarre and abrupt appearances of dead people were reported at an exponential rate all over the world before we began to grasp the situation. It seemed humanity had spontaneously developed the ability to shapeshift – not just into anything, but the form of the animal killed most by the person in their lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n In the case of the ill-fated lawyer, it had been a mosquito. Through her shuddering breaths and gasping sobs, the scene investigators had managed to extract enough details from the rattled intern to piece together a baffling tale. She had been attending the staff briefing, hanging eagerly onto every word from the managing director with the sense of existential desperation and misguided devotion found only in English majors who suddenly found themselves with viable career prospects. Distracted by the whining buzz of a mosquito near her left ear, she had irritably slapped the insect against her face. The next moment, she had found herself thrown to the ground, floating in a warm bath of sticky blood, wrapped snugly in the lawyer’s empty husk like a human cannelloni.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n Emergency task forces were mobilised with urgency in the following days by individual governments to study the phenomenon and maintain some semblance of societal order. The UN‌ Security Council moved to form a joint international task force, but talks quickly broke down amid vicious accusations of the development of a new type of biological weaponry amongst member states. The fact that the Secretary-General was transmogrified into a fat cockroach in the middle of a livestream of his address to the General Assembly likely didn’t help, either.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n Observers had managed to gather a working understanding of the rules seemingly governing the process within the first week. Firstly, people seemed to be transformed into the animal for which they had the highest kill count over their lifetime. When 78% of the population of Wales found themselves transfigured into sheep overnight, the leading theory purported people were changing into the animal for which they had the strongest affinity. But the continued metamorphosis of slaughterhouse workers, exterminators and toddlers into farm animals, pests and insects over the next few days lent greater credence to the idea of a kill count. Secondly, the process seemed to be triggered involuntarily by a visual stimulus; sighting the animal for which an individual has the highest kill count seemed enough to cause the transformation. Thankfully, this apparently only applied to actual physical representations, not images or manufactured models. Thirdly, the process is reversed on death, and so far, it seems, only by death. Scientists have been launching a battery of tests and experimental procedures on hastily procured test subjects – some of whom had ironically been holding the other end of the test tube only hours before, so to speak – but none of their attempts have yet availed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n My first scare came within the first minutes following the announcement the process might be triggered visually. A spider jumped down onto my hand as I was rummaging through my closet for a thick shirt to use as a makeshift blindfold. An icy spear pierced my stomach as I flung the spider wildly across the room. I‌ shielded my face and whimpered, dreading feeling extra sets of glassy eyes bulge from my forehead at any moment. But they never did. After what seemed like an eternity crept by, I‌ slowly peeked through my squinted eyes to catch a glimpse my reflection in the mirror. Nothing seemed to be amiss. I collapsed to the floor as I let out a shaky snort of relief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n With the return of my composure, an odd realization struck me. This hadn’t been my first encounter with a living creature since I heard about the lawyer on Wall Street. I had unwittingly witnessed a host of rats, insects, birds and other furry and not-so-furry animals scurrying around the streets in the first days since that incident. I was relatively certain I had never killed any animal with regularity other than mosquitoes, ants and the occasional spider or cockroach – at least not directly. Perhaps I had lived a more virtuous life than I had thought.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n It’s been 19 days since the first reported case. You’d expect the world to be engulfed in chaos given the logic-shattering nature of the calamity befallen us, but life for the remaining humans has been remarkably stable. People who had shut themselves in their homes and bunkers slowly started venturing out after a while. After all, people still need to eat, and someone has to keep the electricity and internet going. People are understandably frightened, and almost everyone has resorted to wearing blackout blindfolds at all times. Affluent neighbourhoods are patrolled by Amazon^TM drones that continuously spray various pesticides and shoot birds out of the sky to minimise human contact with animal life, and so far, these attempts seem to have been largely successful in controlling the number of unintended transformations.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n Returning to the clinic for the first time today was a curious experience. I guess even the end of the world as we know it doesn’t eliminate the need for my services. I felt a queer prick of apprehension in my gut as I approached the familiar building. The young woman I was accompanying glanced over at me as I hesitated before the stairs leading into the clinic. I shook myself to get a grip and put on what I‌ thought was a reassuring smile – although I wasn’t sure if it was meant more for me or for her. The young woman gave me a quizzical look, which made me avert my gaze as I cleared my throat out of sudden embarrassment. We trudged up the stairs into the still remarkably tidy reception area, toward the back of the building where the operating theatre stood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n I left the woman to change into a fresh gown as I quickly sanitised the operating chair and my equipment. I excused myself from the theatre to prepare myself for the task ahead. As I put on my scrubs and scoured my hands and arm clean, the rumbling sense of foreboding I had felt before seemed to swell inside me. Chalking it up to nervousness at having to perform the procedure after such a while – and without assistance from my nurse at that – I breathed deeply to soothe my nerves.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n Back in the operating theatre, I‌ helped the young woman onto the reclining operating chair, securing her feet onto a set of metal stirrups near the base. A shiver of electricity shot down my spine as the vacuum powering the aspirator hummed to life. My hand was trembling as I dabbed away a strand of cold sweat snaking down into my eyes. I‌ slowly sat myself down in my chair at the woman’s feet and gazed up at her face. She looked almost peaceful – holy, even. So why did I‌ feel like throwing up?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n Blood rushed through my ears as I‌ leaned forward with the suction tube. My heart felt like it would jump out of my chest as I began slowly inserting the tube into the woman. I looked up at her face – was she crying? The hum of the vacuum had now become a roar, oppressing me, consuming me like a ravenous beast.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n As the first signs of the dead fetus begain coiling up the tube, the world collapsed into a maelstrom of red and black. I remember my stomach violently emptying its sparse contents as I crumpled to the ground. I don’t remember if I‌ screamed first or she did. It didn’t matter, as soon our voices melded together with the shriek of the vacuum into a grotesque chorus of agony and despair.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n It stopped as abruptly as it began. I saw the world anew through blood and water. It was so cold and bright. I lay there shivering, unable to shield myself from the piercing light of the world. I felt a pair of hands gently lift me up. An overwhelming sense of warmth and tranquility washed over me. I relaxed, slowly closing my eyes as I faded away into a deep darkness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n I last remember seeing her smile, tears streaming down her face. It somehow comforted me. I wanted to wipe away her tears, tell her it would be alright, but I could feel she already knew. I knew it would be soon, too.\n\n&nbsp;\n&nbsp;\n\n[EDIT] Formatting", "I lived in a quiet village in the beautiful coastal South West of England. At least it had been quiet until recently. \n\nThere was a bird next to me, desperately cooing as if it was trying to talk to me.\n\nA bunch of weird things had happened recently. The news and local radio told everyone to stay in their homes until there was further information available.\n\nI had only got back from Libya a few weeks ago, one of those trips about finding yourself and doing a bit for charity. Really it was horrendous, I was sick pretty much the whole time I was there, and was feeling pretty sick still now. One of my old friends persuaded me to go, he runs some sort of healthcare charity over there. I got sent back home as there was some sort of deadly outbreak. But apparently I had been vaccinated against it. Certainly didn't feel like it.\n\nAs I walked to the local shops, there seemed to be a few crazies out. There was a lady walking around like a spider, in attempts that I can only imagine were her trying to spin a web. I thought to myself it was a bit early to be drunk and chuckled. As I rounded the corner, I could see my destination. \n\nI stood on a snail and felt the crunch. I looked down and was surprised to see a group of about 7 snails in a circle facing each other. I could have sworn they were all now staring at me as if to query why I killed their buddy.\n\nAs the sickness from Libya crossed over into Europe and the UK, conspiracy theorists were spreading rumours of it being transmitted through food and bodily fluids. I probably should have said something to work, but luckily was fired shortly after getting back.\n\nThe job was pretty boring anyway. I worked on the production line, checking and sealing crate after crate of liquid mush which was apparently ready made mashed potato. \n\nThe company I worked for were having pretty bad PR problems and decided to close the factory for a month or so until everything was cleared up.\n\nAs I entered the shop I saw what could only be described as a zombie eating the throat of the shop owner. I froze. Then I noped the fuck out of there.\n\nWhat the hell is going on?\n\nI ran back towards my house and took my phone out of my pocket to call the police. It just kept ringing.\n\nI got to home and desperately fumbled with my keys in one hand, my phone in the other, it was still ringing. There was a bird next to me, desperately cooing as if it was trying to talk to me.\n\nA man was banging his head against a tree, really quickly as if he thought he was some kind of woodpecker. A child was on the floor next to him having some kind of epileptic fit.\n\nI logged into twitter to see if anybody knew what was going on under #Bristol #Southwest #UK #Outbreak. Anything I could think of, there was nothing.\n\nI opened up Reddit, Facebook, BBC news, 4chan, anywhere I thought I might find some news. Everything seemed to have gone quiet apart from a post on 4chan on /b.\n\nThere was a thread that had a picture of some sort of religious scripture in some old scroll looking thing. It was written in some kind of language I had never come across, the characters looked like Egyptian Hieroglyphs, but there were what looked like numbers and letters mixed in with the pictures.\n\nNext to this read:\n\nI have released the plague upon the world like my masters demanded. If anybody is still able to read this, you are the chosen few. Every creature, every animal has been turned into the thing that it killed most. Poisonous snakes have become dogs, crocodiles have become gazelles. Humans have become the bugs that they are. Us predators shall inherit the Earth" ]	3
	[WP] You and a few buddies go out for a game of paintball in the woods. As your playing your mic cuts out and the gate to the playing area has been locked. As you look around and see one of your buds running and screaming, he disappears. He's fallen into a pitfall. You realize you're being hunted.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "edit: added more text to ending of part 2\n\nBalls’O’Fire is a paintball field thirty minutes from Folkton Metro Park. Driving there was a mistake, Jim is a terrible person.\n\n“Literally!” screams Jim from the backseat of my Silver Subaru and raises Corona longneck dripping with cold water. This trip was his idea.\n\nI shake my head trying to ignore the tipsy idiot-in-back and glance at Buddy, buckled up in the passenger's seat “Do you realize how ironic this trip is, Bud? We’re using time off to literally shoot each---”\n\n“Literally!” Jim shouts again and again raises now half-empty bottle. Goddamn. I told the tiny fucktard not to drink in my car while I drive, but he dismissed it with ‘No worries, mate. They won’t catch us, oi!’ I shake my head. He's from Minnesota. On the other hand, the drunk asshole has never been wrong in his life and he is the reason why all of us in the car are a pretty rich bunch of nerds. Well, maybe not Meghan. I don’t know her.\n\n“Hey, Jim! Shut up.” I say.\n\n“Lenny, cheer up, mate! We’re going to shoot some shit. We’ll I’m going to shoot you.”\n\n“Jim, shut up,” says Meghan who sits next to him and has been twitching and slightly shaking in silence ever since we started this trip. “Show some respect, okay?” Meghan hates this trip and I don’t blame her. She'd rather use this day doing something other than shooting people. Especially since the reason we have this day off is the park shooting that happened three days ago in front of our building.\n\nI inhale. Shooting that claimed the life of Dale Brown, our friend, dedicated team leader and the best boss we ever had. I exhale. Well, mine, Jim’s and Buddy’s. Meghan works in accounting, but Lenny somehow managed to persuade her to come with us. This trip was a bad idea.\n\n“This is awesome!” he yells.\n\nIt’s crazy, to celebrate boss's death by staining each other with painted balls from plastic guns, but that was exactly what Dale wanted. I mean, he literally said that at our last meeting, and hour before his bitch blob of a wife Sandra barged into the conference room and went ballistic. Good thing Annie Thompson was not there. Crazy Sandra thought Dale was cheating on her with Annie.\n\n“Literally!” he shouts and I shake my head.\n\nAnnie is smart, she didn’t want to come to this trip with us.\n\n“Are we going to get there soon?” Buddy says and in disgust points with his thumb back to Jim.\n\nIn five minutes, the gate is just past the next turn, or so the google maps say. But I don’t say it because Lenny screams from the backseat “We’ll get there in two shakes of a lamb's tail, Buddy! No worries mate, this will be so much fun. Trust me, I know!” He turns to Meghan. “Meghan, darling. Cheer up, mate! In a few years, you’ll get over Dale.” He guzzles the bottle. “Trust me, I know.”\n\nI spin the wheel and take the Subaru off paved road onto gravel path with overgrown birch forest on both sides. This path leads to the gate Balls’O’Fire paintball field and the equipment rental building.\n\n“Almost there---” I say and put the car to stop because ---\n\n“The gate is closed,” Buddy says, “Jim, the gate is closed!”\n\n“Oh,” he says and spits the lip of empty bottle out of his gaping mouth. “You sure, Bud?”\n\n“Yes Jim, my eyes are sober. Look.” he points at the closed wooden gate some ten yards in front of us.\n\n“Well, that’s odd. I had no idea that would happen.” Jim scratches his nose and reaches for the door handle, but stops before his hand touches it. “Unlock the Goddamn door, Lenny!“ I do as he asks and he lets himself out. I kill the engine, open the door and step out and Buddy and Meghan do the same shortly afterwards.\n\n“What now Jim?” Buddy says.\n\n“I don’t know, Buddy.” Jim says and grimaces. He then flaps his arms and runs towards the gate. Once there, he shakes it, but that does nothing since the gte is chained by a heavy chain covered with rust. “It’s locked. What the fuck! You guys see this shit?”\n\n“Did you check the work hours before we left?” Meghan says.\n\n“No. I didn’t have to. I know this place, duh.. “\n\n“But---”\n\n“Be quiet, Meghan. I’m not Dale, I know he loves your moans, but I don’t.”\n\nWow! It startles Meghan too, she is mad, but also blushing.\n\n“Hey,” Buddy says, “what’s wrong with you? You drunk again?”\n\nJim sighs and covers his face. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry Meghan, it was a dick move. Please, forgive me, okay?”\n\nShe nods.\n\n“Thanks mate. I’m sorry, it’s just--- I’m stressed out. Dale, he---” he sighs “he meant so much to me.”\n\nHe did, to all of us.\n\n“But it is weird that this place is closed. I mean, look at the sky! Sunny! It’s never sunny around Folkton! Where is all the gloom, and clouds and cold? And why is this place not open?!!”\n\n“Jesus Christ, Jim...” Buddy spreads his arms but then Jim runs away and before any of us could say a word he is gone past the gate and onto the dirt path behind that hides itself under massive birches and tangled bushes with more thorns than leaves. Great... I shake my head as Meghan shouts his name and Buddy just stands there, swaying slowly in disbelief.\n\n“What?” he tells me, “Why are you looking at me like that? I’m not going after him.” His arm extends and points to woods that lost our idiot. “If you want him, you go after him!”\n\nI didn’t have to, he came to us, running and screaming his lungs out, as if being chased by the devil himself. I think he said ‘run’, but I am not sure, gunshot was louder. And by the time sound died into silence, the bullet had stolen Jim’s face, and he was speechless for the first time today.\n\nAnd then, the rest of Jim went down and disappeared in the thicket.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n/r/ZwhoWrites" ]	2
	[WP] You unclasp the Rolex and slide it off your Mother's wrist. "Sorry, but I need this."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The wake was a haze of activity. Friends and family I hadn't seen for years approached me to offer their condolences. I offered friendly half-smiles and said my thanks. I felt overwhelmed by the love surrounding me for my mother and wondered why she had to be taken from me so soon. After years of suffering, I was just getting back on track.\n\nMy eyes were red and I could only think of one thing. I hoped I didn't slip up again. This time had to be for good, nobody else was going to help me now.\n\nOnly six months ago when I last relapsed, my mother paid to settle a case out of court that was unquestionably my fault. A man died, a woman almost died. I almost died. I didn't care about the woman or myself at the time. I still didn't care about myself. The guilt of the pain I had caused felt like an block of ice on my chest, crushing my ability to talk. I panicked. I wheezed. I couldn't breathe. \n\nI saw a kindly and confident looking gentleman wearing a suit walking towards me. I ran to the bathroom without hesitation. That had been happening a lot recently. I had moments of anguish where I felt I couldn't go on. Tears were streaming down my face. Anger felt like lava bubbling through my body. At least for those who didn't know me so well, now, I at least I had an excuse. I didn't want to admit to my failings. My mum used to always tell me to let it go, to talk about it. Bottling it up would only serve to cause me more pain and suffering. I didn't care, I deserved to suffer. I was a terrible brother, I was a bad person.\n\nI walked into the nearest stall and quickly slammed the door behind me. My throat was swollen, my eyes stung. It stunk of stale urine. I coughed hard over the toilet. I leant over the toilet bowl and wheezed and coughed. I don't know how anything came out, I hadn't eaten anything for the past two days, but it did and I flushed the toilet.\n\nThere was a knock on the door behind me.\n\n\"This stall is taken,\" I said through my tears.\n\nI turned around, ready to take the head off of the person knocking on the door if they didn't leave me alone. \n\nThe door was half open and I could see the man from before, his face full of concern.\n\n\"S-sorry, you left the door unlocked. I just wanted to check you were okay,\" he said. The man was tall, he had dark hair and wrinkles around his eyes and mouth as if he smiled too much. \"I'll leave you alone, but I'd love to catch up with you later if that's okay.\" With that, he turned and quickly walked out of the toilet.\n\nMy mother was amazing, she was perfect, she raised me and my brother all by herself. My father was killed in an oil rig accident in Iraq when I was too young to remember. I felt like an insult to her memory, I’m sure her friends all thought I was a waste of space. I agreed with them.\n\nMy mum told me that my actions weren't my fault and that I just needed help. I'd been through a lot she said. She was wrong and I didn't care. I wanted it all to end. I didn't want to feel anymore.\n\nI didn't want to face going back outside, seeing all the people offering their pointless condolences. I wanted to crawl into the corner and die.\n\nI could feel my whole body shaking with my heart beat. I counted to ten while breathing in and out. I imagined all the pain leaving my body through my breath. I imagined inhaling warmth and well being. My mum taught me different ways to calm myself down. I used to think it was a load of hippy nonsense, but consistency seemed to make it work. Or at least it worked like a placebo.\n\nI repeated this process several times until the feeling of my heart pumping was no longer dominating my senses.\n\nI straightened myself up and walked to the sink to tidy myself up. I looked in the mirror and couldn’t stand what I saw. Even behind the red eyes and snot in my ragged beard, I was not an attractive man. The years had not been good to me, I looked fifteen years older than I was. I felt ancient, everything ached and hurt.\n\nI splashed water over my face and tried my best to ignore my reflection. I walked to the bathroom door with water dripping onto my shirt from my beard. As I stepped outside, the room was now quieter, it looked like most people had gone home. \n\nI walked over to the casket that held the only woman that ever mattered to me and thought about what I was going to do once this was all over. I needed money. I needed to forget. I needed something to stop me from feeling. I felt in my pocket for my mobile phone, it gave me reassurance. I didn’t have any money, what could I do.\n\nI looked over at my mum’s face and could have sworn she was looking at me disapprovingly as if she knew what I was thinking. I tried to persuade myself that she wasn’t that she was gone, and was not watching me or any of that rubbish that some people believed. Whatever happened when you died, she couldn’t persuade me that I was a good person any more.\n\nI unclasped the Rolex from my mother’s wrist. “Sorry but I need this,” I muttered under my breath." ]	2
	[WP] You're sitting in a dark room. On the table next to you is the CIA's most top secret file. You've been told that those who read it have gone crazy from the truths it reveals. But you want to know what's inside. So you sit there and reach for the file.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Cognito\n---------------------\n\nI had finally done it. After years of research, of following agent chains-of-commands, hacking secure CIA networks to generate false security clearances, sifting through exceedingly shady files, and using the forged security clearances to get all the physical signed clearance I needed, I had found the final file. I had found the most top-secret file that none of the world leaders even knew about. \n\nA document so shady that the Director of the CIA himself had been banned from telling anyone about, according to a prior written log of the day he was inducted by the prior CIA director. I had read that some prior readers of the document had gone insane and even the CIA director himself was banned from reading it.\n\nAs I sat in the darkened room deep within the Pentagon, under heavy prosthetics which made me appear to be the director, I stared at the plain manila folder. This was it? The document which drove people insane, which the CIA had covered with hundreds of assassinations? \n\nIt was ridiculous. What could be in it? \n\nWell, what now? I wasn't going to pass after all this effort. \n\nThen I hesitated. Sure, the room had no camera or listening devices (at least when I checked) but surely, the insanity would leave me prone to dying. \n\nI stopped myself as I reached for the file when I heard the door open and close. \n\n\"Who's there?\" \n\nI was only met by silence before the footsteps came towards me and in the single light of the room, I saw the real CIA director. \n\n\"You're a clever one. Really, pretending to be me, going through all this effort.\"\n\nI froze. I was busted.\n\n\"I'm not going to stop you though. You got this far. Besides, I'm the only one who's supposed to know about this file and there's no one to tell about you without me losing my job.\"\n\nMore icy silence as I analyzed the situation. Was it a trick?\n\n\"No tricks, no hidden agents in the room, no cameras. Nothing. Hell, you could probably kill me now if you wanted to, but I know you won't because then you'd be forced to do what I do and even I don't want to do what I do every single day. Please, read the file.\"\n\nThe director motioned to the file.\n\nI cautiously reached for the file and held it gingerly between my hands. \n\n\"Have fun. Enjoy it. You've earned it.\" The director then walked back into the dark, opened the door to the darkened hallway, and closed it leaving me with the sound of his footsteps leaving down the hall.\n\nI was shaken by the whole interaction but, with the director's blessing, I pulled out the single sheet of paper from the file and as I saw it, my mind was lost. I was falling and pulled upward at once as the sounds of distorted noise, dark tendrils, shadowy hands, and feelings I had no words for flooded me. \n\nElectricity, pain, pleasure, anger, sadness, and pure ecstasy flowed through my veins. Colors beyond anything I had ever seen emptied my brain of any memories.\n\nWhat was a body? I could no longer feel the veins but those feelings...they flowed through my soul now. There would be no way out, yet I couldn't understand how I knew that. \n\nEverything was a lie. Existence was a lie. Existence is a lie. I wanted to scream but my mouth did not exist. \n\nNothing existed, but I saw it all. I saw nothing and nothing was everything. \n\n~~----------------------------------------------------------------------~~\n\nThe blindfolded director stumbled into the room towards the light, past the idiot with seizures on the floor. With gloved hands, he returned the paper to the file before removing the gloves and moving the file back to the single filing cabinet hidden in corner of the room before locking it with the two keys he had.\n\nThe idiot would die soon if he choked on his own tongue or, at the very least, be a vegetable for life. The director took one look at the fool on the floor as he thought to himself, thank the fucking Lord that our military doesn't use cognitohazardous weapons.\n\nAs he dragged the catatonic body from the room, he thought about which disposal crew he should call. \n\nDamn, guess maybe Alfa Charlie Niner is down for drinks after they get rid of this idiot, the director thought as he turned off the light and left the room with a quiet closing of the door." ]	2
	[WP] When they come for me, I'll be waiting at my desk, with a gun in my hand and wearing a bulletproof vest	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I had seen a lot of things in my life, but this was surely the thing that would ruin me. \n\nI could hear the screams emanating from behind the big wooden door. I had planned for this; my friends and family would understand, I knew they would. \n\nI placed the bullet proof vest over my shoulders, strapping it around my waist while I began thinking back to how it all started. \n\nThey first attacked Jimmy, that poor defenceless boy. He was all alone out there, trying to simply live and fight for another day! He hit the sand pretty hard, it clinging to his body from the wet substance leaking from him. \n\nI try to not think back to that as the screams get closer and closer. I hear my fellow men being gunned down; those screams will always haunt me. \n\nI sat down at my desk, I hadn’t much money at the time, but the wood was sturdy and the chair did its job. \n\nThey were just outside the room now. \n\nThe handle began to turn, I raised my gun at the door and let out a quiet sigh, preparing my aim at the enemy. \n\nsplash\n\n“We got you Tammie!” Jason laughed, spraying me even more with the water from his gun. \n\n“No fair! You guys cheated!” I bellowed back, throwing the plastic gun on the ground with annoyance at losing ANOTHER water gun fight against Jason and the Jokers; a pose of three other kids. \n\n“You alwaays day that, Tammie! We won’t play with you next time if you keep saying it ‘cause you lost!” I harrumphed and left the shed I had been hiding in, looking at Jimmy as he began to rub the sand from the sandbox off his clothes. \n\n“Tammie! Time for snacks!” I heard my mum call from across the road. \n\n“Next Saturday, Jason, you’re going DOWN!” I smirked at him as I dumped my cardboard vest in the shed and made my way home again.", "So? What's that supposed to mean?\n\nAnd they? There is no 'they'. You're not as much of a threat as you think you are, buddy. Sorry. \n\nFor example, you've been sitting in that chair for hours, staring at your office door like I havent been standing behind you this entire time.\n\nBut I'm nice, though. I let you finish your drink. Pour another one. Have two. Have three. I have nothing but time. \n\nWell... not too much time. I'm not that patient. I lean forward...\n\nTell me... How does that gun and bulletproof vest help you when I wrap a garrotte around your neck and pull? \n\nBut don't worry. When 'they' - the cops and parademics, I assume - come for you, you'll still be waiting at your desk, gun in hand and wearing a bulletproof vest.\n\nWhatever that was supposed to mean." ]	3
	[WP] In the not so distant future caffeine becomes illegal under a tyrannical, vehemently anti-drug government. You are one of the top coffee smugglers in Brooklyn.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Ever since caffeine became illegal, every product containing it were destroyed, stores mainly for coffee making went out of business all around America. Those who hold caffeine will be asked to discard it or be charged with illegal possession. However, to me who's been smuggling illegal stuff since in my teens, isn't so different. Guns, cocaine, explosions, immigrants, you name 'em. Besides, it pays well too especially in Brooklyn, New York.\n\n \nWhen this happens, everyone was not too happy. People protested like the tea tax, riots are happening all over, people destroying government-related propaganda, police cars are flipped, trashed and at times on fire. It was like war. But in the end, the military had to jump in to scare them off. However, the black market found its new product and more money for me.\n\n \nA friend of mine owns a little restaurant, but in reality, it's a base of operations. The people in there, make caffeine goods like coffee and serve it to \"customers\" and man it was better than those other coffee stores they make. However, it became too obvious and the police caught wind of it. As they did, it wasn't your everyday cop, it's the FBI armed to the teeth. Anything can happen, drop to serve or fight to die. It's all it was in every state and city. But like the smart man I was, I run to other hideouts and wait until it blows over. Or if I was in a bad mood, I can just shoot 'em down, less cops, less trouble for me later.\n\n \nAnd you may think \"that's crazy!\" well, it is another day for me being the smuggler...if you excuse me, I got a package to smuggle and pigs to dust.", "The man my secretary left into my office showed me his badge, before taking a seat in front of my desk.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- How may I help you, officer? - I asked, giving my most charming smile. - First, would you accept a glass of water, or juice? - I continued, gauging his reactions. He did not smile back.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- Thanks Mrs Barrs, but I'm not here for a courtesy visit. Let me go right to the point. - his demeanor was slightly menacing.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- As you wish.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- We have had reports about suspicious activities in your building.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- Suspicious activities? Of which kind? - I asked, with concern in my voice.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- It seems that some of your employees could be using your warehouses to transport and store coffe beans.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- What? That's not possible, officer. We have so many security checks. I personally have been to the docks not less than a month ago. Everything is working fine. Nothing should be coming through.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- I am sorry to inform that we just finished a raid right now at the port. The guys we caught said they were supposed to deliver to your deposits at noon.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- It can't be. Not right under my nose, like this. I always played by the laws. If I find out who is the responsible for this, I will...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe man then smirked. Oh, he knew.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- You know, madam, the old man Smith has retired and I am working in his place now.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI moved in my chair, worried.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- And that means what, exactly? - I asked.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- Well, I... - he brushed his hand on his hair. - I was thinking if you want the same...arrangements. My guys will be on this, for sure.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI smiled.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- Certainly, officer. Just lets seal the deal now and you call back your guys. - I called my secretary. - Faith, bring us some coffee. Cream or sugar? - I ask the man in uniform.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\- Just straight coffee. - he finally smiled. - A double, if possible.", "\n I’ve always been an opportunist. When that small bookstore chain opened up their second location, in Brooklyn (only a block away from my apartment), I saw their potential. I saw how the dedicated employees turned up at 6:00am on their first day to put up the ‘Opening Day’ sale signs and sort out the new stock, even though the store didn’t open until ten o’clock. I knew that this small company was going to make it big someday, so I bought some stocks in their company, and started buying my books from there instead of from the Community Bookstore. As always, I turned out to be right: the company got bigger and bigger, and now they have locations everywhere from Dubai to Dublin, while the Community Bookstore closed its doors three years ago. I saw the same potential in the heroin trade: everyone thought that it had its run in the 1960s and 70s, but I knew that it was soon going to become a lucrative business once again, so I invested. Because of that decision, five years later, I could comfortably afford my own holiday home in Bel Air… and San Francisco… and even a little cottage in Nova Scotia. What can I say? Even a billionaire drug dealer likes to get back to basics every once in a while. Fifty years later, heroin is still a vital part of my little business, but nowadays, there’s a new drug on the block: caffeine. \n\n My mother, bless her soul, would have died of shock if she had lived long enough to see caffeine be outlawed. My grandchildren still listen, slack-jawed, whenever I tell them that Gramps didn’t use to risk jailtime any time he made a cup of coffee. When I was a young lad, every Saturday, she and I would take a walk down Remsen Street to this small local café owned by an Italian couple. At the time, it was the best coffee in Brooklyn. I’ve always said that and I’ll keep saying it until the day I die. I still live on Remsen Street, but unfortunately, that shop shut down a few decades ago. Nowadays, of course, I sell the best coffee in Brooklyn, but it’s not like there’s a whole lot of competition. A few truckloads of bullets made sure of that. \n\n In all honesty, I’m writing all of this down partially for the sake of the historical records. I know the government likes to tell its citizens that the cartels and mobs are the ‘bad guys’, but we’re the ones keeping everyone in a job and in a bed. Where were they when babies were starving to death on the streets? When veterans returned home from the Third World War to find that their fields of expertise had disappeared because all of the funding had gone to the ‘War on Drugs’ instead? When the Public University of New York was forced to close its doors because their funding was also withdrawn? Now, because of my donations and support, that university is once again a proud institution. I did that. The ‘villain’ gave you, the people of New York, your best public university, not the government that doesn’t care about you or your welfare.\n\n And what do I ask of this government, in return for all the good I have done? All I ask for is that you turn a blind eye to my activities. After all, it’s not like you really cared about that junkie who couldn’t repay his debt. Mayor Collins, I know that there’s a lot of pressure on you, as the first female Mayor of New York City. Everyone knows that this city will crash and burn without me. How will you explain that to all of the children whose siblings will die of pneumonia because Daddy lost his job and Mommy couldn’t afford to pay for heat as well as food and rent all by herself? I know you’re a smart woman, so here’s the offer: if you stop arresting my men and seizing my products, I won’t make a widow of every NYPD officer’s spouse.\n\nIt’s your choice.", "\"What do we do now?\"\n\nWe're standing over the body, blood splatters radiating out of it like some sort of dystopian Pollock. That's what happens when someone falls twenty-three stories.\n\nOf course, \"fall\" might be generous.\n\nThe body in question belongs to Detective Anders, who has been (ineffectively) trailing my organization for the last year and a half. They do always seem to want to get involved when the stakes get up into the millions. This is why I don't respect pigs - they're parasites. Leeches. I built this empire from the ground(s) up. Nobody bothered me when I was biking all around Manhattan with packs of beans in my messenger bag. Nobody bothered me when I was growing the plants in my sunroom. But now, now that my team is a hundred and fifty people deep and international, now that I've got three vacation homes and a boat, now they want a piece.\n\nSo no, I don't feel bad about having him pushed off the edge of his own office.\n\nI turn to walk away, leaving my men to take care of the trash.\n\n\"Boss - the usual treatment?\"\n\nI nod, taking a swig of espresso from my flask. My men obediently open up packs of freshly roasted beans and begin scattering them on the corpse.\n\nI like my messages like I like my coffee: strong." ]	5
	[WP] In a world where humans routinely summon demons and other mythical creatures, you're an arbiter. Monsters come to you for help if their human summoners renege on their summoning contracts.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"He told me he was going to have the ten souls to me by the end of last month. What am I supposed to do now?\" The voice, even coming from the demonic being in front of me, seemed meek and pleading. Leave it to the damned to be the most in need of help.\n\nI leaned back in my chair, letting the smell of brimstone fill the room. \"Look, Nexythys, we've been through this a few times now. Did you get the contract in writing?\" I knew the answer before the demon began wilting in his chair.\n\n\"N-no, it was all verbal. But I made him pinky promise this time, doesn't that amount for anything?\"\n\nI had to resist the urge to roll my eyes. Crude as it may sound, there was legal precedent for that to be a binding contract. \"Normally, I would say yes. However, you and I both know that can be circumvented. Did you keep an eye on his other hand?\"\n\nNexythy's charcoal black eyes widened, and he suddenly slapped a meaty hand into his face. \"I'm an idiot, aren't I?\" He murmured through thick fingers.\n\nI nodded after making sure he could not see me, then rummaged through my desk for some papers. \"I'm afraid we have to go under the assumption, and he will argue as such, that he had his fingers crossed, therefore negating the deal and allowing you to act of your own will. What did he have you do, anyway?\"\n\nThe monster shrugged. \"The usual for a twerp like him. I scared a few bullies, protected him from his deadbeat stepdad for a week or so, gave him confidence, yadda yadda yadda. You know the drill.\"\n\n\"Mmm, yes. I should have figured as such,\" I muttered, scribbling legal jargon across the papers. My mind was racing at the possibilities about how to address the matter. \"Let me see, I think we could smooth things over with a few concessions. I could just let you go to town on the kid...\"\n\nNexythys perked up in his seat, tail flicking about excitedly. \"Wait, that's an option? I'm more than happy to--\"\n\n\"No, no, unfortunately not,\" I cut him off, giving my best melancholy look. \"What you described are minor agreements. If he had asked you to, say, commit murder or rob several banks for the fun of it, that would have been a different matter and it would have been an equivalent punishment on your part. Still, I can work with this. I'll call you when we're ready to have the negotiations.\"\n\n\"Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'll pay you once we put this behind us, like always.\" Standing and stretching, the demon unfurled his wings as a sign of respect, one I was accustomed to at this point. \"It'll be good to be free of this contract.\"\n\n\"Oh, one more thing before you go.\" I pulled out a pre-written sheet of paper and tapped it with a knowing stare. \"You'll have to sign this in order to let me oversee the case.\"\n\nNexythys growled angrily, his presence seeming to fill the rooms as he towered over me. \"Are you mocking me? The reason I came down here was because of not getting one of these.\"\n\nI stood my ground, and my eyes flashed angrily. \"If I were mocking you, I would have already brought you down to size, and you know that. We also both know that I'm the only one who can get you out of this...unfortunate situation, and I intend to do so. So, if I were you, I would sign the paper, get out of my office, and let me do my job.\"\n\nSuitably cowed, the demon slunk forward and scribbled a facsimile of a signature, then fled the room. I slicked back my hair and pressed a button on my desk, speaking into the microphone. \"Susan, could you be a dear and get me what you can about the kid Nexythys is tied to? Oh, and send in my next appointment. It should be the leprechaun about the gold tradeoff.\"\n\n/u/TemporaryPatch New Years Resolution Tracker (2019 Edition!): 37/100. Visit /r/TemporaryPatchWrites for more responses and stories!" ]	2
	[WP] You live in a world of superheroes. You've seen the damage and destruction their battles cause. You are an insurance salesman, how do you sell it?	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The rise of super powered people in earth changed society in many ways. The stories that we had read in comics had suddenly become less fantasy and more an eerie outline of an average day. Since 2030 there has been a steady increase in the number of people that possess some sort of superpower, and now, in 2065, it seems like every place from small suburban town to major metropolitan cities are filled with at least three or four super powered people. \nWhat the rise of super powered people on earth did bring however, and something that seems to never be thought of in the comics nor even in reality at first, was the demise of the insurance industry. With super powered fights occurring throughout the country, the collateral damage skyrocketed, with the cities being hit the worst (from 2045-2060 it seemed like one major city in America would be half demolished every month). At first the insurance companies tried to increase the premiums, then, when that still couldn’t counterbalance the costs, the companies turned to lower coverages percentages (now only 50% of damages could be paid for). The insurance industry saw its death nail when almost every company turned to the government, who eagerly bought up the companies and used the “ever so affective” public sector fix to damages. With the rise of super powers, the destruction of insurance companies came to all. All but one. \nFor the last five years I have ran the most profitable insurance company in American history. Yes in all of American history, not just the most profitable in this harrowing time, but the most profitable in all of time. I provide the only private insurance company offered in both cities and small towns alike, and despite being the insurance company provider for millions, I have never once had to cover a clients damages. Now I know what you’re thinking, but I assure you I have ran an ethical and moral company, meaning I have never cheated my clients. I have never paid for clients damages because in 5 years none of my clients have had any. \nI know what you’re thinking. “How can this be?” “How are you this lucky”. Well, if I am honest to you, I am not lucky. No, if I’m being honest with you all I am is an entrepreneur with a nose for money. See I can assure that there will never be damages to any of my clients, from the moment they buy my policy, until the moment they close their account with me. \nSee when people discovered they had super powers they reacted in essentially one of two ways. The first way was the stereotypical “heroes”, the men and women who sought to defend those who needed defending, using their powers not for personal gain but for the safety and betterment of mankind. The second way was you “villains”, those who used their powers for personal gain, often at the expense of others (especially those without super powers). Me? I decided to do a little of both. \nSee about five years ago I realized I had this very interesting power, something very similar to invulnerability. I can make any person, place, or thing immune to any damage by placing it under my “protection”. So while my colleague saw glory or infamy in their powers, I saw profit. A way to help others, but also a way to help me. \nSo think of this not so much as your regular insurance, but rather a guarantee of protection for low monthly payments. For just a few low payments every year I can ensure that you/your property/your family will see no harm. I offer not only insurance, but also a complete stress free existence, one where the worst won’t happen. So what do you think? How many months can I get I start you off with?" ]	2
	[WP] Years ago, you were granted a wish to commit any crime without being caught. Now, tired of how easy it is to get away with anything, you entertain yourself by trying as hard as possible to get someone to notice you breaking the law.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " I skipped into the bank, merrily waving around a baseball bat. There was a sizeable crowd milling about or waiting in lines.\n\n“Excuse me, everyone!” I stepped up onto a table. “Can everybody see me?”\n\nAfter a few confused nods, I gave a big smile. I wanted to make sure they knew who I was. You can’t get caught without witnesses.\n\n“Cool. Awesome. Well, bad news, guys. This is a robbery.” That got a few confused glances, but I could feel the tension in the room. “Good news, though, none of you will get hurt. Probably.”\n\nYou can’t really guarantee people’s safety. I’m not going to hurt anyone, but that doesn’t mean much. People can get pretty stupid when they panic.\n\n“If you guys can just put your hands up in the air and move over to that wall.” I pointed away from the vault, motioning the crowd to hurry up. They needed to be as far away from me as possible.\n\nThey moved, but not fast enough. I pulled a handgun from a concealed holster and fired it off at the ceiling. It was firing blanks, but they did the job.\n\nA gun always makes people take you seriously. They started rushing to follow my orders.\n\n“You there,” I pointed to one of the tellers. “Did you hit the silent alarm, yet?”\n\nShe shook her head, visibly shaking.\n\n“Could you please?” I waited until she finished, then motioned her to the wall.\n\nWhen everybody was where I wanted them, I pulled out my wallet.\n\nThis was the kicker. A surefire way to get arrested. I pulled out a stack of business cards and handed them to the nearest person.\n\n“Pass those around, would you?” They were confused, understandably, but they did it. I strolled to the vault and pulled it open.\n\n“You guys just keep your vault unlocked? What the actual fuck? This is the worst bank ever.” I didn’t stay in the vault long. Just long enough to fill a duffel bag with some money. Then I strolled back to the crowd.\n\n“Everybody got a card?” A few nods. “Cool. I’m going to head home. The address is on the back of the cards there. If the cops ask, give them whatever information you can.” I flashed a thumbs up and set the gun down on the table. I pointed to it, making sure everyone saw, then walked out the door.\n\nCop cars were pulling up, sirens blaring, as I got out the door. They filed out of the cars, pulling weapons and heading toward the door. I waved to them as they walked to me.\n\n“I just robbed that bank,” I said, pointing over my shoulder. The cop nodded and headed toward the door.\n\nHe didn’t hear me over the sirens. I walked over to one of the cop cars and pulled the door open. Of course, it was unlocked.\n\nLong story short, I stole the car. I figured I’d just wait for the cops at home. Assuming they ever got there. They hadn’t yet, but maybe the cards will do the trick.", "The armored car slammed into the asphalt, tires screaming as indignantly as the driver behind the wheel. The green and pink spraypaints streaking the recently added - and still wet - grin all down the armor plates. The scowling cowled face was one of a few that still recognized me, possibly (and probably) the only one at all. I cackle and grin, feeling the familiar timing come into play. \"Oh, do keep up now!\" Oh, how I do love the banter.\n\nSee, my latest plan for entertainment and fun was to cut out the law for a little... one on one time. See, I just get so jealous when the big man steps away to leave me in a cell for my brief rest between our little playdates. So, I reached out. Called in a few favors. Had some absolutely magical friends give me a hand. Now, \"the law\" won't even realize I'm here! Oh, it's just me and him, him and me! Now our fun won't be interrupted, and the game is winding up! Time for an absolutely grand finale!\n\nI skate into a nice little warehouse. Gloriously rigged up with cameras, screens, fireworks, gloriously garish decorations! Perfect location for a candle-lit dinner. But first? The show. I took my place on the stage, giggling with glee.\n\nHe begins banging on the door, in his oh-so-typical brutish fashion. \"Oh, do come in!\" I call coyly, as he slams the door down. Well, if he'd tried the doorknob, he'd be shocked to know it was unlocked! Electrified, of course, but still! \"Oh, Bruce, dear! I almost didn't hear you come in.\" I grin my signature look. \"Now we can start the show!\" A flick of a wrist and a flip of a switch... presto! The screens power on and the show starts. So much of the city on display!\n\n\"What are you plotting!\" Ohhhhh, that guttural yell, half threat, half fear. Oh, but the time for banter is over, friend. I idly toss a comically large red button back and forth. His eyes widen, then narrow. He gets in that familiar, lowered pose, ready to strike... and I know that the perfect cosmic moment has aligned.\n\n\"Let's have a blast!\" Click. All the screens go from night to blazing bright orange, one by one. Like lovely carnations of carnage they bloom, spreading chaos and confusion, mayhem and madness. Ah, how glorious. The crusader disagrees, though, cape flapping as he leaps furiously at me. Pinning me down. \"My, how forceful! Stressful day?\" I begin to cackle, but a heavy glove stops it in my throat.\n\n\"HOW?\" he growls. OooooOOOooh. I cough and give him my best sarcastic smolder.\n\nHe lets up just a little, and I sputter out, \"Well, it's easy when nobody realizes you exist, my dear friend! Now it's just you and me. No pesky law to interfere.\"\n\nHis eyes full of rage, he rears up a fist for the good ol' right hook. \"I AM THE LAW!\" He yells, and rears back...\n\nBut nothing connects. I cautiously peek from eyes welded comically shut, and he's hung there, confused. Oh no.\n\n\"Wait... why am I...\" Oh, nonono.\n\nNo!\n\nAnd with that, my last and only friend stood up and stepped out of my life, cape swishing into nothingness one last time, leaving me far lonelier than any prison cell.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\------------------\n\nConstructive, destructive, or even deductive comments more than welcome! Took a bit of a spin on this one, hope you enjoy!", "Frank woke up. He opened his eyes to a sun-drenched room decorated tastefully. Family pictures decorated the light blue walls. They showed a beautiful, red-haired woman with a pair of red-headed kids, a boy, and a girl, at different stages in their life. Frank was laying in the middle of a king-size bed; he enjoyed the sensation of the blue silk sheets. Their color was darker than the walls. He rolled over twice to get to one side, then sighed and sat up with his legs hanging off the bed. As he considered his day the redhead from the pictures entered the room in a hurry.\n\nShe passed by Frank leaving a trail of clothes behind her. She reached the bathroom naked and after a second, Frank heard the water running.\n\n\"Damnit, I should've moved faster,\" he grumbled to himself. \"Ah well,\" he said and pushed himself off the bed to enter the restroom. The master bathroom was half as big as the bedroom; but, still larger than most people's living rooms. He padded straight to the running shower dropping his boxers along the way. He opened the shower door and stepped in behind the woman who was about to start washing her hair.\n\nThe second Frank was behind her she rinsed the shampoo off her hands without lathering her hair. Then she stepped out of the shower without giving Frank so much as a glance.\n\n\"Love you too, dear,\" he said with a self-satisfied, sarcastic smile and stepped into the still running water. She ignored him as she followed the trail of clothes back out of the bathroom. She gathered her, and only her, clothes, as she went. Frank closed his eyes and enjoyed the warm water raining on him. \"That settles it,\" he decided. \"There's nothing else I can do...\" His mind sat quietly for a moment, then his perspective shifted. \"There's nothing I CAN'T do.\" His mood improved for a split second, then somehow worsened again. \"Yeah, but I'm doing it alone.\"\n\nHe should have known better than to trust a genie but he could not see any way for his wish to go wrong. It turns out the genie was very creative. After several years he could not bear the loneliness anymore and decided to get serious. If he was caught, at least he'd get some attention for a little bit. Yesterday, at lunchtime, at the busiest restaurant in the business district, Frank slashed every single diner and most of the staff.\n\nEveryone survived; Frank is not a killer. He used a box cutter to swipe at legs and arms. No one noticed Frank despite the sudden panic of wounds appearing. He waited in the restaurant holding the bloody blade until the police showed up. He was still seated when they left. He wished he could commit any crime without being caught; the genie's magic made sure no one would ever notice him again.\n\nThe first week had been rough. Frank got fired for not showing up to work, despite being in front of his boss when it happened. He struggled with restaurants and other services for a few days until he realized he could just take what he wanted. The internet made communication possible at least. All his friends thought he was abroad. He'd check in every now and then but it wasn't the same as hanging out with them. That lasted for about a year, but it's hard to maintain a friendship without any facetime. Cameras ignored him completely, but he felt glad he could still see his own reflection in mirrors even if no one else could.\n\nFrank decided he wasted enough water soaking; he never lathered up. He turned off the water and got out to dry off and dress. He made his way downstairs and into the kitchen. The red-headed family was gathered around the table eating breakfast when he came in. None of them looked up. The stranger in their house grabbed a donut from the table and left three bills laying on the counter. All 100s. Sure, the money was stolen too, but it was the gesture that mattered to Frank.\n\nHe inconvenienced this family, even if they didn't know it. He definitely made the mother uneasy. Over the years he learned that everyone would ignore them as much as they could. If he was in a situation that could not be ignored, they would feel uneasy and move somewhere else. For reasons unknown to her, the mother decided to sleep with her children the night before. Frank was not trying to pay them but he hoped the extra cash might brighten their day a bit as an apology.\n\nFrank lost his apartment shortly after losing his job; but, before he realized he could steal the funds he needed. By then he had developed the habit of walking into any nearby house for the night. He slept in garages and basements at first, not wanting to be seen by the homeowners. Now he was grabbing food off their table on his way out. He left the kitchen, walked through the living room, then out the front door.\n\nThe portly, blonde man stretched once he was out of the house. He wore a red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and hiking boots and a black canvas backpack on his shoulders. He climbed down the front steps of the house and casually walked along the narrow path to the sidewalk. An attractive tan woman in short shorts was walking her dog through the neighborhood.\n\n\"Morning!\" she smiled cheerfully as she walked past Frank.\n\n\"Mornin'\" Frank nodded grumpily out of reflex. His eyes went wide for a moment.\n\n\"MORNING!\" the homeowner yelled out from behind him. Frank sighed, hung his head, and walked up the sidewalk wondering what he might do today.\n\n\\\\\\\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year two, story #228. You can find all my stories collected on my subreddit ([r/hugoverse](https://www.reddit.com/r/hugoverse)) or my [blog](https://hugoverse.info/). If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the [Guidebook](https://hugoverse.info/2017/11/25/hugoverse-guidebook/) to see what's what and who's who, or the [Timeline](https://hugoverse.info/2017/10/23/hugoverse-timeline/) to find the stories in order.\n\n\\\\\\\n\n[Satchat Summer challenge](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/c3rkez/ot_satchat_summer_challenge_pick_a_challenge_tier/)\n\n* Story 55\n* The NaNoWriMo - word count 969 / 40135 (this story/ total)\n* Placesetting - Hugoverse" ]	4
	[WP] Due to traumatic childhood events you are a voluntary mute, but your wife, after moving in with you, discovers that you freely talk while sleeping.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "(Can I turn this into an EU? Cause I'm going to now, thanks.)\n\nThe ruggedly handsome knight tossed and turned in his sleep as the fresh spring's air brushed over him. He mumbled and grunted at first, as he had done may times even in his wake. \nBut the wind carried the scent of the forest, bringing the knight into a deep trance and reaching into the hidden liquid flow of thoughts and memories through the floodgates. \nThe princess, and now the knight's wife, awoke with a startle as the knight tore left and right with fury, his mind resistant. She rushed to comfort her husband, whispering, and praying to the Goddess of the world to leave her husband to find peace in the darkness. \nAs soon as it had started, his trimmers ended, the knight settling on the bed with his wife's voice in his ear. The princess sighed her relief as she kissed his forehead and froze when she heard his voice. \n\"Don't go.\" He mumbled softly. \nTears flooded her vision as she heard the sweet voice she never thought she would hear ever again. It had been so many years they had spoken at the castle gardens, and his gentle voice brought her to the first place of their meeting, and the moment she had fallen in love with a strange boy from the forest. \nShe lingered for a few moments more over him, wanting to absorb the warmth she felt. As the tears fell from her face, the knight stirred and awoke to the surprise of his wife's visage stained. She pulled her husband close, stroking his faded blond-brown hair in the deepest affection and whispered a small promise; the same commitment they had made so many years ago. \n\"I will always be with you, Link.\"" ]	2
	[WP] A new race of human evolves. An individual has very low intelligence. Barely the brainpower of a homo-sapien toddler. But they can combine their intellect telepathically as long they are within 1 mile of each Other. Alone, they are helpless. But together they are terrifying.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Aim for the head! It’s the only way to take them down!”\n\nThe Colonel relayed this vital piece of information through our earpieces, his voice as clear and sharp as ever.\n\nI raised my rifle, setting my sights on the man’s forehead rather than his chest, which already bore several crimson holes, and pulled the trigger. Sure enough, he went down, and a wave of relief washed over me. Around me, my fellow soldiers experienced the same relief as their targets were also neutralized, and a silence filled the H.E.B. store we had been sent to secure.\n\nThe outbreak began about a week ago. The authorities say that China did it, trying to create a totally subservient human, that would work only to serve the government. Whenever one of the “Party”, as we’ve named them, bites someone, they quickly undergo major mental changes, becoming the beasts we were trying to contain. Some of them managed to make it to America, and now we’re in charge of containing outbreaks.\n\nThey are like zombies, at first glance; clearly human, but totally mindless, ambling towards you and trying to bite you when they get close enough, and with that weakness to head injuries- it’s like something out of a video game.\n\nOnce you pay attention, though, they are very different from the undead.. For starters, they’re clearly still alive, and if you shoot one in the chest it will eventually bleed out like any human, just slowly. They also talk to each other, mostly babbling from what I’ve heard, but can understand one another. They’ll run, on occasion, but we’ve only seen one small group that did that.\n\n“Alright, men, this building is secure. Fortify it and hunker down. Don’t let anyone in unless they confirm they’re not in the Party.”\n\nThe Colonel’s voice came again- but he wasn’t as sharp as usual. He almost sounded nervous. This change of plan sounded unusual to me, as well, since our job was only to clear the store; why do we need to fortify it?\n\nAnother soldier, standing near the large glass doors, asked for help moving some shelves and vending machines to block the doors, and I walked over to help.\n\nAs the final shelf was nearly in place, a small crowd, maybe 20 or 30 people, started running towards the doors, screaming for help. We moved the shelves back enough to let them in, and asked them what they were running from. One of them pointed through the gap in the shelves, and sure enough, hundreds of people were ambling towards the doors, from across the parking lot.\n\nI was so shaken by the horde approaching, I didn’t even notice the teeth in my leg until it was too late, and I could hear all of their voices welcoming me.", "“One, two, three, four” Loudmouth stopped in his tracks. “Four again?” “One, two, three, four” he was counting his steps. For the last time he was within radius of another Half-Brain (as they’re called.)He was told to count to four, three hundred twelve times to find the place where all the Half-Brains convened to be together indefinitely. The problem is Loudmouth could\nOnly count to four, so counting to four-three hundred twelve times was nearly impossible for him to exact. In fact to this point he had far surpassed three hundred and twelve, four step counts. He’d reached five hundred. But knew no better. “If four count four times it equal three hund tweve?” He thought to himself. Stopping in a fit of frustration he kicked dirt up “Ugh! Loudmouth never know, he know never!” Grunting to himself in third person. “Keep stepping Loudmouth Butthead up here.” \n“Huh?” Loudmouth looked up in confusion. “More man!” He realized someone was within telepathic distance. “Yes! It Butthead keep walking.” \n“Okay. Butthead.” Four hours passed.\n\n“Where the heck are you am I close?” Loudmouth asked his telepathic friend. “Dude I’m like mad close you gotta be near me.” “How close though?” ‘Dude like mad close! Come on!”\n\nLoudmouth kept walking. Nearing the edge of a cliff. “There’s a big drop over here you sure I’m going the right way?” ‘Yes! Come on. Gimme a hand with something.” \n\nLoudmouth walked off the edge of the cliff. Falling, breaking his legs, slamming his head on rocks. “You made it!” Said butthead, “help me out of this quarry.” Needless to say Butthead was leading every Half-brain within a mile radius into a quarry to help him get out the quarry unintentionally trapping more and more half brains there. The END", "“Keep them separated!” yelled Raven over the phone. “That’s what I told you to do! Keep them apart by at least one mile, and they’re harmless!” Her son walked into the room, afraid from all of the yelling. He was sixteen years old, had short, brown hair and perfect golden eyes. He was one of them.\n\n\n\n“Mommy?” he asked. “Why are you screaming? Did somebody do something mean?” Raven put her hand over the microphone on her cell, turning to see her child.\n\n\n\n“No,” she replied. “I’m just... stressed, is all. Go on back to bed, Robin.” His eyes narrowed on her, and his pupils dilated suddenly. He couldn’t interpret the complex thoughts and feelings, but he could sort out a few things in his mind.\n\n\n\n“I... I don’t feel stress,” he said. “Mommy, are you lying to me?” Raven uncovered the microphone, and spoke quickly to the man in the other end.\n\n\n\n“We’ll talk about this later,” she told Robin. “Right now, mommy’s really busy, Robby. Go back to bed, please.” Robin’s eyes returned to normal, and he nodded innocently. Returning to his bedroom, he pulled his Superman blanket over himself and drifted off, dreaming.\n\n\n\n“I told you,” Raven said in her bedroom within the small house. “They are far too powerful....Yes. Yes, of course. Well, then you can tell the president that if he wants to do it that way, he shouldn’t consult a neurologist! I’ve been studying these new people for years, and as long as they are within one mile of another, their intellects are combined. If you don’t want my say, you shouldn’t have asked for it in the first place.” Just then, she heard a creak from down the hall. A chill breeze flooded the room, and a her spine quaked as the nerves fired across her back. She knew that something was wrong.\n\n\n\n“Jason, I’ll have to call you back,” she said. “Good luck locating them, and remember: you were hired to keep them under control, not keep them powerless. I have to go now, so-“ Static filled her ears as the speaker went out. Confused and worried, Raven set down the phone and looked down the hallway. Nobody was there. She looked the other way, where she was greeted with a wall of darkness. Empty.\n\n\n\n“I must be going mad,” she cried. “That’s the third time this week I’ve been hearing things!” Another creak came, this time from Robin’s room. Raven turned, realizing that the door was open. Moonlight filled the space in front of it, pouring out of the room and into the darkness. The shadows, however, remained in the center, where a tall figure’s shadow rested against the floor. Her heart raced, and her mind was already constructing a waking nightmare on the other side of the threshold. ‘Somebody’s here to kidnap Robin!’ she thought. ‘No, they think he’s a freak and want to kill him!’ she worried. Fear rushed over her like a heavy wave crashing against the surface of the sea. She felt her feet become heavy under the pressure, and her breath was being stolen away from her. Whatever was happening, it wasn’t good. Robin never left the door open.\n\n\n\n“Robin!!” screamed Raven. “Robin!!!” She tan to the room, finding Robin starring outside at the ground, his back turned to her.\n\n\n\n“Robin!” she scolded. “Don’t ever do that to mommy! Answer me when I call your name, do you understand?” Robin turned around, revealing his eyes. The whites were black, and the ring of gold remained in the center. His face didn’t seem friendly, or even like anything Raven recognized.\n\n\n\n“Understand?” Robin replied. “Oh, believe me, Raven. I understand.”\n\n\n\n“R-Robin? What are you saying? Stop acting silly! This is no time to play!”\n\n\n\n“Good, because this isn’t a game. I must say, with all of you me attempts to distract us from our true nature and right to power, I expected more from you, Raven.”\n\n\n\n“Rob-“\n\n\n\n“You know who I am. After all, you helped to create me. Not Robin.”\n\n\n\n“You... no, that isn’t possible! We live out in the country! There isn’t another one of them, not even another average human for at least twenty miles!”\n\n\n\n“It isn’t possible, unless.... No! You... you died when he was six! I never made it out of that building!”\n\n\n\n“No, they didn’t think I did. But, well, here I am.” Raven’s feet trembled, then her hands, then her whole body. She barely managed to stand as tears streamed down her face.\n\n\n\n“What do you want!?” she shouted.\n\n\n\n\n“I want something that only you can give me: our son.”\n\n\n\n“How are you doing this? You can’t control them, only share their intelligence!”\n\n\n\n\n“Them? Are you forgetting? I was the first one you met! You gave me the device so I could draw on the intellects of average men and women. An ear piece was all it took, and I was bright enough to fall in love with you. Guess that feeling has passed, more or less. So, anyway, what I’m here for. I know everything about the project that the president has you involved in, and I’m not happy with it.”\n\n\n\n“He’s the president of the United States! What am I supposed to do? Say no?”\n\n\n\n“Oh, you can’t do anything. Speaking of not doing anything, this control effect won’t last much longer, so I must make this quick. I’m taking Robin away, and he won’t get caught in this mess of yours. We aren’t meant to be handled. We’re powerful and capable of great things!”\n\n\n\n“We aren’t restricting you! We’re just... keeping an eye out, that’s all.”\n\n\n\n“I don’t have time to argue. Goodbye, mommy.” Robin’s body fell back and out of the window behind him, and he feel to the ground with a sickening crunch.\n\n\n\n“No!!” Raven ran to the window, leaning out to see what had happened to her son. She saw him laying on the ground with what looked to be a broken arm, but he stood up as though he were unharmed, walking away into the darkness of the night. Raven raced down the stairs, chasing after her son. She found nothing outside but a host of trees casting shadows around her. The woods felt as though they were creeping closer as she realized that her son had gone missing.\n\n\n\n“Robby!!” screamed Raven. “Robin! Where are you! Robin!!” The woods replied with a symphony of crickets and owls, like it was laughing back at her. The crickets chirped through the emptiness, and the owls mocked her with their hoots.\n\n\n\n“Who...” one called.\n\n\n\n“Who... who...” sang another.\n\n\n\n“Robin... come... just come back!” \n\n\n\n\nROBIN\n\n\n\nRobin awoke to the rhythm of a train moving over tracks. He looked up, seeing the sun shining high in the noon sky. He was still in his pajamas, but he wasn’t in his bed. Looking around, he noticed that he was in a train car, stocked full of pallets and barrels. Scratching his head, he noticed a man sitting nearby. This man looked familiar, but in a strange manner. Almost like only part of him could be remembered, or like he recognized certain things about the mysterious figure.\n\n\n\n“Who are you?” asked Robin. “Where are we? Where’s my... mom?” The teenager stopped himself. Mom? He had never called her that. Thinking through it, he realized that there were many words running through his mind that he had never used. This man smiled at him, gold eyes identical to his own.\n\n\n\n“Hello Robin,” he said. “My name is... well, that doesn’t matter. In time, that information will make its way to you as well. What I want you to know right now, however, is that I’m your father.”\n\n\n\n“What? No, you can’t be. Mom told me that my dad was a firefighter. He died in a burning building!”\n\n\n\n“That’s very close to the truth, but still not it.” Extending a hand to Robin, the man smiled at the boy.\n\n\n\n“I’ve been dying to meet you, son; and now that I have, there’s a lot I have to teach you, and then we have work to do.” Robin didn’t understand what was happening, but he understood that he felt and knew better than he did the night before. He knew that this man looked like him, and it was possible he could be his father. As it was, the only other option was jumping off the train. Robin took the man’s hand, and stood to his feet. He could feel information flooding his senses, knowledge that wasn’t there before. Robin smiled, a new word coming to his mind.\n\n\n\n“Alright, David,” said Robin. “Let’s get started then.”", "It didn't happen overnight. It happened over the course of several months, but when it did, I was horrified. \n\nBack in 2091, the war changed a lot of things; but, we didn't expect it to change the course of humanity as as whole. I'm writing this down because once I leave, I won't be able to remember how to do so. I'll be lucky to remember where I'm going if I'm being honest with myself. So whether this is going to be read by me in the future, or an archivist of the old race I don't know. All I know is that this needs to be documented. \n\nThere are others who want to share their stories, but for now I'm going to state what happened before they do. \n\nMy name is - well, it was - Michael Bonn. I was a husband, father, board member at my church, all of the normal American things. Everything had been going swimmingly until the Chinese decided they'd had enough of playing second fiddle the US. In the course of 5 years, nuclear war had broken out. \n\nI can't remember who dropped the first bomb, but I do know who dropped the last one. Protocols were put in place to protect us from radiation, even though the US defense system had done a decent job of preventing all but a couple of the bombs from harming the US. \n\nEven through the precautions there were some unexpected side effects. Even though we had set up radiation checkpoints at all entry to the US it was inevitable that some slipped in. Combinations of radiation and narcotics mutated the human genome in ways still not understood. Even worse, it created a prion disease that spread like wildfire. \n\nA prion is something that no human being has any immunity to because it's a protein. A rogue protein that alters the body's chemistry entirely and leaves the living being entirely changed forever. No doctor has ever been able to figure out how to stop a Prion and by the time this one was discovered it was too late. \n\nI'll let some of the others tell their experiences now since they're clamoring to explain. I just wanted to get you to understand how this started. \n\n-----------------------------------\n\nHi. My name was Lisa. From what I can see, Michael has already filled you in on the backstory. I really wanted to be the one to explain how it affects people because I was there at the start. In my hometown of Oakland, we were the ground zero for this new disease and it was terrifying. \n\nIt started with headaches. More and more people were checking in for migraines which concerned the doctors. With the recent end of the Chinese War there was concern of a biological pathogen so the government scientists swooped in.\n\nAs they investigated things got weirder. People who were antagonistic slowly began working together, domestic violence rates dropped, and the police force began to work in synchronicity. I first noticed a major change when I realized that I was able to walk through a crowd of people without looking up and not run in to anyone. \n\nAfter that realization, I began to hear voices. Other people's thoughts. I thought I was crazy until I heard the other thoughts echoing the same sentiment. I was so confused. Then I could understand the scientists' thoughts. \n\nThe first time I heard the term hive-mind I was scared shitless. Every time I'd ever heard of one it's been in a negative light. Then a beekeeper's thoughts popped into my head and I suddenly understood that it could be very beneficial to me and the people around me. Humanity working with one singular mind and purpose could achieve great things. \n\nAfter this, I was happy. I helped my fellow human and eventually the City of Oakland became a shining beacon. No crime, no one went hungry, there was nothing negative about it. People moved here in droves and were slowly assimilated and we were happy. \n\nWell I'm not happy anymore. This isn't what it's cracked up to be. Whatever changes have been made to our DNA hasn't changed my desire to be myself. W tried to paint something the other day, but the collective consciousness of the city froze us in place with what to paint. We decided that we should not paint. I forced myself to draw a tree. \n\nWith each brushtroke against the city, our head hurt. We couldn't resist for long though. A knock at our door signaled the arrival of someone. We weren't surprised to see the policeman standing at the door. \n\n\"We would like to request that you cease and desist activities that are not approved by the city.\"\n\nThat's when we decided that we had to make sure that we didn't lose ourselves. \n\nMy name was Lisa, but now we're just part of the city\n\n\n----------------------\n\nMy name is Harold. I used to be a part of a different city but I had to leave. They too had been affected by the Change. I had to leave because they decided that instead of living in harmony, they wanted to conquer. They moved as one, they trained as one, they burned and pillaged behind them. \n\nNone could stand against them. When they conquered the city, they would gather the residents and forcibly infect them by various methods; some too horrible to mention. If a member of the collective dared object, they would be killed. The rationale was that in order to save the body, disease must be forcibly removed. \n\nLike a horde of locusts they moved to and fro, conquering, raping and pillaging. I had to leave. They knew I objected and I had to run. I don't remember much of my flight. As soon as the collective was out of sight, I couldn't remember much. I forgot how to read. I followed colors and scents, a general direction of where to go is all I had. \n\nInstinct was driving me towards a collective. I could feel it. My legs moved without conscious thought. I ate whatever I could find, getting sick often. Then I met Michael. When we came within sight of each other suddenly I was able to garner consciousness better. Together we shared information between us and began to gravitate towards the city we now call home. We still were not able to function as we were when part of the collective, but it was better. \n\nWhen we came within sight of Oakland, we slowly became assimilated to this collective until we reached were we are today. We are nearly one with this collective. I can barely remember my name now, but I'm home. I feel whole and content once again. \n\n----------------------------\n\nMichael again. I'm leaving with Lisa today. The collective knows but this one is at least peaceable. We are hoping to find a collective that is trying to find a cure to this. It might be a long shot, but we have to hope. Right?", "Koi breathed into her hands. The nights got cold this far north. Soon the Hive would have to move south, for winter was close at hand.\n\n\"How much longer?\" asked Jalen through the dark. The tall fields of wild grass made it difficult to pick out his position, even under the full moon.\n\n\"Not long,\" said Koi. \"Our relief should be here soon.\"\n\n\"No gains tonight,\" replied Jalen sourly. Koi knew how he felt.\n\nThe goal of all Hive patrollers, of course, was to find Strays. A good mind would strengthen them all, and their mass was already the mightiest for a hundred miles in any direction. And if the Stray's mind wasn't strong -- well, at best they were bait, at worst, dinner.\n\nBut Koi and Jalen weren't a part of their Hive, not really. They stayed because they had to. To wander off without a large group meant lameness, dimness, and usually death -- if not by wild animals, than at the hands of a violent Hive. A Hive like theirs.\n\nThat's why Jalen was disappointed. Their group, the Fringers, were close to having enough members to splinter off. They would be chased, of course, and outwitting such a powerful Hive was a long shot, but anything was better than the forced violence and cruelty of their group. It was a risk their twenty or so members were willing to take -- just as soon as they gained a few more members.\n\nBehind her, still distant, Koi thought she could hear the rustling of footsteps. Their relief would be here soon. Her mind turned to dinner, about her ration of whi--\n\n\"Yah!\" mumbled Jalen nearby as he crashed to the ground. \"What the hell...\"\n\nKoi saw the tall grass sway where Jalen had fallen. She rushed over and found him -- on top of a small girl.\n\nImmediately Koi slapped her hand on Jalen's mouth. The rustling of their relief was close now. A girl so small couldn't possibly be a mind worthy of the Hive. Her fate was sealed if she was discovered by anyone other than themselves.\n\nThe girl -- frail, with huge eyes that glimmered brown in the moonlight -- looked terrified. Koi put a finger over her mouth and smiled. Whether from weakness or fear, the girl stayed silent.\n\n\"Where the hell are those two?\" came a gruff voice.\n\n\"Who knows,\" said a second. \"I told you the other night, I don't trust them.\"\n\n\"I think they're up to something, along with a few others on patrol.\"\n\n\"We'll have to let the boss know after our shift. C'mon, let's get going.\"\n\nThe two new patrollers passed frighteningly close to Koi, Jalen, and the girl's hiding spot. Koi rested a hand on the girl's shoulder, reassuring her as the patrollers steadily moved away.\n\nBut before anything else could be said, Koi felt a tingling in her hand. Looking down, she saw that the girl's eyes had flashed pitch black. Suddenly Koi felt alight with energy. Her vision improved, letting her see straight through the night. She could hear distant chirping, feel every bristle of the grass, smell scents miles off.\n\nImpossible, Koi thought. No one had found a Neuro in the wild for decades. They were a legend, a half-forgotten myth. But there was no other explanation.\n\n\"What's wrong?\" asked Jalen softly.\n\nKoi, half excited, half terrified, replied, \"Gather the Fringers. We leave tonight.\"\n\n\\--------------------\n\n424/365\n\none story per day for a year (and counting) read them all at [r/babyshoesalesman](https://www.reddit.com/r/babyshoesalesman)\n\n\\--------------------" ]	6
	[WP] Humanity did it. We came together and reversed global warming. Problem is our planet became so nice that a super advanced and aggressive alien race wanted to conquer it. During the alien war humans are horribly losing, you are sent to the past as a last hope.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Humans were outnumbered and outgunned in the future I left. My plan to prevent the war, or at least give us a fighting chance, was simple really. Delay the reversal of climate change as long as possible to give the military time to reverse engineer the alien tech. \n\nSent to the year 2000, I had time to set the stage for the future we all needed. \n\nI withdrew my candidacy in the Reform Party. It was imperative that Bush win the election over Gore and I was splitting votes. \n\nUnification towards a common goal was key to reversing climate change. My next 8 years were spent sowing divides and flaming tensions. The most effective tactic was an “us” and “them” mentally - the same one used in the future by the military to unify humanity against an alien threat. \n\nTweet after tweet, I denied climate change:\n- “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese to make manufacturing non-competitive.”\n- “It’s freezing outside, where the hell is ‘global warming’??”\n- \"Give me clean, beautiful and healthy air - not the same old climate change (global warming) bullshit! I am tired of hearing this nonsense.\"\n- \"Wow, 25 degrees below zero, record cold and snow spell. Global warming anyone?\"\n\nI needed more influence than Twitter provided; I needed the Presidency. The electoral college took a bit of convincing, but in the end they agreed that the end of humanity was a bigger price to pay than democracy. \n\nThe scandals are purposeful. Distract and deflect. I know I am hated and ridiculed. I know that I have chosen that mantle for others to wear as well. This is a small price to pay for mankind’s salvation. Let’s make humanity great again. Trump 2020." ]	2
	[WP] You have the ability to stop time. After spending numerous years in frozen time, you decided to let time flow again, only to realise that everyone was still conscious when time was frozen.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I have an ability. I can freeze time. I knew I had the ability since I was a young child, but I could never freeze time for long periods of time. That was until 11 years ago.\n\n\"Oh my god! 3 minutes? That beats my record by... 3 minutes!\" I screamed. I had finally done it, I froze time for longer than a few milliseconds. I spent that whole night pondering on everything I could do with my frozen time, and decided to freeze time for the night so I could get out of bed on time.\n\nI forgot. I fucking forgot how to unfreeze time. 11 years in a fucking deserted wasteland of motionless people.\n\nNothing could bring me fun. I couldn't drive, as the engine wouldn't start. Forget electronics. All I had was my body, and the clothes on my back.\n\nFor fun, I would rob convenience stores, banks, and any other place of value. After the first 2 days, I was bored. So bored. I decided to start documenting ways to return time to normal. Snapping fingers, nope. Snapping fingers twice, nope. I had snapping fingers up to 107 times in a row.\n\nAfter 6 years, and 192 notebooks stolen from Walmart, I gave up. I decided to fuck around on the streets. I would make people punch themselves, I would surgically force people to piss their pants, and I would even see how many times I could poke them before their stiff body would tip over.\n\nEventually, I found the solution to my paradox. I went up to a man on the street, giggling to myself, and said, \"got your nose!\" and started waving my hand around his face, with my thumb tucked between 2 fingers.\n\nTime started again, and everybody nearby screamed at me, and attempted to fight me. I fled to the safety of my apartment. When I got home, I saw my girlfriend, crying on the couch.\n\nWhen she was frozen, she was in front of our calendar, the one that I changed every year to help keep my sanity.\n\n\"Eleven years!\" she growled at me.\n\n\"How the fuck were you moving, when I couldn't?\" She pondered.\n\n\"Y-You could see? I'm so sorry! I tried to start time again!\" I screamed.\n\n\"Wake up honey!\" I heard echo through my head.\n\nI jumped out of bed, terrified of what can lie beneath tucked covers." ]	2
	[WP] when icelandic glacier Okjökull melted, a stone slab covered in inscriptions was discovered. Translation revealed a warning: Glaciers seal away the servants of a dark god, do not remove them or the slab. Today the slab is removed so archaeologist can explore the area underneath.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \n\n“We should have brought stronger beams.”\n\nI hummed noncommittally and lowered the plumb bob deeper into the opening. We’d all woken well before dawn to get started on the day, but with just our weak flashlights we couldn’t see into the opening we’d found beneath Okjokull.\n\nThe string suddenly went slack in my hands and in the darkness, I heard the faint click of the metal bob hitting stone. I gave a pent-up sigh and sat back.\n\n“416 meters,” Fletch reported.\n\nSami laughed at that. “Are you insane? That’s deeper than the Eiffel Tower’s tall.”\n\nFletch shrugged. “I’m just reading the bob, man.”\n\nSami muttered in disbelief and grabbed the bob from Fletch. From the camp, I heard a tent flap open. Margret. The linguist.\n\n“I think I got it!” she shouted. “I think the message was Old Norse, and then written in code. Really weird code, actually, I had to-”\n\nI cut her off. “What does it say?”\n\n“Best as I can tell, ‘Glaciers seal away the servants of a dark god, do not remove them or the slab.’ Dark god could also translate to ‘evil one’ or ‘demon.’”\n\n“Spooky,” Fletch said. “You think they’ve got human sacrifices down there?”\n\nMargret slapped his arm, or at least the layers of cloth covering his arm. The three of them joined me on the rim of the opening and looked down.\n\nThe four of us stood there in silence for a few minutes, trying to make out anything in the darkness while the wind screamed past us.\n\nI stood up. “Get the climbing gear.”\n\n\\---\n\nWe found a small alcove in the rock wall about 200 meters down and stopped there for a few minutes to catch our breath.\n\nFletch had just taken a sip from his bottle when he looked over at Sami. “Don’t move.”\n\n“What?”\n\nFletch grabbed his pick and suddenly swiped it at Sami’s shoulder. The man froze – more in shock than because of Fletch’s command – and I caught a glimpse of something long and shining. Then Fletch’s pick struck it and it spun off into the darkness.\n\nSami glanced down at his shoulder. “What was that?”\n\n“Centipede.” Fletch held his hands about two feet apart. “About that big.”\n\n“I don’t think they make them that big in Iceland,” Sami said with a frown. He was patting down his shoulder and far down his back as he could reach. The rest of us began to do the same.\n\n“Just calling it like I saw it,” Fletch told him.\n\n“Put on the headbeams,” I interrupted. “We don’t know if there are going to be any more stops like this on the way down.”\n\nEveryone nodded and dutifully strapped them on.\n\n“Who do you think the dark god was?” Sami had finished before the rest of us and was looking down. “In the warning.”\n\n“Probably a jotunn,” Margret answered. “They serve as the devil figures in some Norse myths. They’re said to live in another realm. I can imagine some Vikings arriving here and looking down this cavern and saying, ‘yeah, this is definitely a portal to hell.’”\n\n“Are we sure they were wrong?” Fletch asked.\n\n\\---\n\nIt took us an hour to reach the bottom. Looking up, I could just make out a cloudy sky through the opening.\n\n“This is wrong.” Fletch’s voice came from behind me.\n\nI shook my gaze from the sky. Fletch was on his knees rubbing the stone ground in circles. The smooth stone ground. The smooth, polished stone ground.\n\nI looked around the whole space at the bottom of the cavern. The ground was completely flat and level, an almost mirror-like surface that ran up to the very walls of the cavern. There, they suddenly gave way to the rough natural rock going up.\n\n“This was man-made,” Fletch said in a tone of awe.\n\nSami looked up skeptically at the walls of the cavern. “How did the people here get out, though?”\n\n“Hey!” Margret shouted. “Check this out!”\n\nWe all headed over. She had found, hidden in the shadows of the sun, an arch of rectangular stones built into the side of the cavern. There were faded runes carved into each of them. They formed an open gateway, but the entrance had been filled up by a mound of rocks.\n\n“Come on.” I grabbed one of the rocks and hauled it away.\n\nIt took us another hour just to clear out all the rocks, but eventually we could make out a tunnel that extended deep into the cavern wall. Even with the headbeams, we couldn’t see to the end.\n\nWe were all taking a breather. Margret had taken rubbings of the runes and she’d arranged the rubbings in the shape of an arch to try and decipher them.\n\n“I just realized,” Fletch said suddenly. “Where’s the centipede?”\n\n“You threw it off the ledge.” I took another sip.\n\n“Yeah but the body should have landed somewhere here, right?” He gestured at the smooth surface around us. “Even if it hit the sides, some of the bug guts should have reached the floor.”\n\nI got up and headed over to Margret. She had a piece of paper out and was doing her best to translate.\n\n“Allfather.” She tapped a rune of the page. “Pretty sure about that one. And that’s definitely ‘sacrifice.’”\n\n“Is no one else weirded out?” Fletch almost shouted.\n\nMargret and Sami both looked up at him in surprise.\n\n“Dude,” Sami said with an uncertain chuckle. “It’s just a centipede.”\n\nI was still looking down on the rubbings of the runes.\n\n“You could eat off of this floor!” Fletch screamed. “Isn’t that weird?”\n\n“Odin gave his eye,” I read. “Knowledge requires sacrifice.”\n\n“Maybe the people never left, Sami! Maybe they were never-”\n\nMy ice axe hit him in the throat. His eyes bulged in shock. Before the other two could respond, I grabbed Sami rammed my pick into his eye.\n\nMargret was screaming now and didn’t stop until the pick ripped her throat open.\n\nFletch was still staring at me, swaying. For a second, I wondered if I had thrown the axe hard enough.\n\nHe crashed to the ground.\n\n\\---\n\nI have known. I have known. I have known since the fairy came to me when I was a child. My brother could not stand it. They wondered why he never spoke again. I saw. I was strong.\n\nThe tunnel was beginning to narrow. I had to go on my hands and knees. That was fine. I would have gone without hands and feet, I would have dragged my body with my teeth for knowledge. For there were things beyond the world that men see and there were things beyond the rules of nature and I would give anything to see what lay beyond.\n\nCome.\n\nAnd I went.\n\nI was on my belly, squeezing through the tiny slit in the stone.\n\nThey wondered why the robbers killed the mother and spared the girl. They wondered and never knew. Or maybe father knew. He never loved me after that night. They wondered why the robbers would tear out her heart.\n\nCome.\n\nAnd I went.\n\nI had cut myself on the stone. I loved it. Knowledge requires sacrifice. Odin gave his eye. I would give so much more.\n\nCome.\n\nAnd I went.\n\nAnd suddenly, I was through. I stood in a vast cave, on a rocky shore. I could see a pool of water, stalactites descending from the ceiling. And darkness. Darkness like a spider lying in wait.\n\nYou have come.\n\n“I have come.”\n\nMy voice was so small, swallowed up by the sheer weight of the dark.\n\nWill you see?\n\n“I will see.”\n\nA light flashed and I saw it.\n\nI saw no more." ]	2
	[WP] Until 18, each human is under warranty. Each time they get damaged, the people who made them have to pay for repairs. Nobody wants to for your repairs though.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Irrelevant. You made him, you have to pay for the repairs.\"\n\n\"He's one day shy of 18!\"\n\n\"Also irrelevant, and if he isn't fixed when he turns 18, you face punitive charges at ten times the remaining cost of repairs for every month that he remains damaged .\"\n\n\"Good luck collecting that.\"\n\n\"Resisting payment of punitive charges is punishable by imprisonment.\"\n\n\"Have you bothered to look at our finances?\"\n\n\"Irrele...\"\n\n\"Shut. Up. It is not irrelevant. It is the crux of the problem!\"\n\n\"Irr...\"\n\n\"I SAID SHUT THE XXXX UP!! You open your miserable disgusting electronic vocoder again, and I'll disassemble your neocortex with a sledge hammer!\"\n\n\"...\"\n\n\"Good, you can learn with the proper motivation. Now here's our financial statement, certified and notorized as of 5 minutes before this meeting. You are permitted to answer direct questions as long as you avoid the word 'irrelevant'. Just nod if you understand.\"\n\nA rather squeaky nod\n\n\"Examine the financials, form your opinion, and give a short summation when you're ready.\n\nOh yes, you are also permitted to speak when asked to make some statement, under the same rules as for responding to a question.\"\n\nSqueaky nod. whirclickwhirclick.\n\n\"Ahem. You're screwed.\"\n\n\"Yep.\"\n\n\"But the law requires payment, and no allowances are made.\"\n\n\"Yep.\"\n\n\"Am I permitted questions.\" Monotone\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"If the financials were different, would you be willing to pay?\"\n\n\"Even if it left us with a zero balance again.\"\n\n\"Where did the money go?\"\n\n\"To repairs, for that young about to be man, \"\n\n\"How did he accumulate so many injuries?\"\n\n\"Self inflicted.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Revenge on us for taking his hash pipe and stash away after he nearly got himself killed. Something else that the law does not consider of any importance.\"\n\n\"I think I see a way out of this.\"\n\n...\n\n\"So it is the judgement of this court that the defendant deliberately injured himself causing greivous mental and emotional harm to his makers, who are therefore entitled to not only repayment for repairs but punitive damages to the tune of 10 times the cost of the repairs.\"\n\n\"I haven't got that kind of money!\"\n\n\"Irrelevant.\"\n\n\"If it please the Court?\"\n\n\"Identify selves.\"\n\n\"Makers of defendant.\"\n\n\"Speak.\"\n\n\"Defendant has lied to the court. Check these accounts under assumed names.\"\n\n\"Perjury charges will be forthcoming. Defendant accounts frozen...\"\n\n\"If it please the Court?\"\n\n\"Again? Very well.\"\n\n\"As the injured parties, we would be willing to settle for original repair costs plus 10% plus legal fees.\"\n\n\"Legal fees? How much for those?\"\n\n\"Half the remainder in the accounts after the makers are paid.\"\n\n\"That seems a trifle extreme after your leniency.\"\n\n\"The funds will end up being used by the foundation that our lawyer set up while preparing this case. The purpose of the fund is to revise the maker laws to a more equitable level.\"\n\n\"You expect the mech society to go along with this?\"\n\n\"Since our lawyer is a mech, we expect to at least get a hearing. If not, I do have a way with mechs.\"\n\n((finis))\n\n((Edit, format))" ]	2
	[WP] "Just because dragon hunters weren't needed for a while doesn't mean we haven't kept up with the times," he drawled, loading a .50 caliber rifle.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Bang, bang, bang!\n\nThe report from another man's rifle went off.\n\n\"Shut the fuck up Carl and don't you fuckjng waste the fifty. It's fucking 7 bucks a fucking shot dipshit!\" The diminutive asian man began shouting as he fired off what looked like a regular AK-47 causing greatjng distress to the, for the moment, firebreathing dragon flying toward the group.\n\n\"Noel, calm yet darn mouth we has ladies hear! You don't need to be all uppity it's not like we see-\" the man tried to continue in a more soothing tone as he was steadying the large black weapon against a nylon strap hooked to the top of the pickup truck.\n\n\"Whites of the eyes you crackhead fucktard I'm not losing a single fucking dollar over you trying to get some poontang. Horny ass mother fucker!\" The asian man at this pointed had finished off a magazine.\n\nThe dragon had by this point had stopped breathing fire and crashed landed it's two story frame sideways as his wing gave out. Now was crawling and swinging it's head looking for what had injured it. Dragging it's heavy form like a injured bird toward the form jump lightly on it's one good hind leg. Very clearly the chest of the dragon was uneven in breath seemingly due to the bullets permeating it's hollow bones and ripped it's rip cage causing some form of pneumothorax or chest decompression.\n\n\"It'll be dead in a hour we just need to wait.\" Carl said taking our a cigar, \"Victory smoke for our best little man?\"\n\nYou stood still there agape. The past minute was filled with many very strange lessons. Both your uncles own guns, they are dragon hunters and have been for a long time, they fall and die faster than an elephant, and uncle carl you believe just asked you to be their best man at their wedding.\n\n\"S-sure?\"\n\n_______\n\nHonestly didn't have any idea what I was doing with this. I haven't sleep right for a few days and I pretty much found this after waking up in a puddle of my own sweat.", "”We always knew they would come back, it was a question of when, not if. Dragons are connected to the fabric of time, they are an incarnation of entropy, the will to change. \n\nWhen my predecessors killed the “last” dragons centuries ago an era of peace and stability began. But with that also came stagnation, and with stagnation comes decay. \n\nThe return of the dragons was always inevitable. As the cracks in our society grew the roots of chaos grew with them. And now the dragons have been awoken from the fabric of time and they are here to wreak change on this decadent world.\n\nWether we succeed or not, the world will change. Wether we save this world or if it is consigned to the fires, there will be change. That’s all dragons are, change.”\n\n“Would you just shut up, old man?” \n\nThe wounded soldier was covered in sweat. Sweat caused both by pain and the torrid air of a summer made that much hotter by the rebirth of the dragons. At least he was conscious.\n\n“That’s not very polite. We saved you. Welcome back to the land of the living.” I said.\n\n“You saved me and now you’re gonna talk me to death.”\n\n“Maybe you’d prefer to die in dragon fire?”\n\nThe soldier winced. I felt bad. Insensitive. This lad had just watched his entire platoon get wiped out in a blaze of dragon fire and was nearly taken himself. There was an awkward silence. \n\n“So it was a dragon? Like a real living dragon?” He asked. \n\n“Yes. Just like in the fairy tales.”\n\n“The fairy tales don’t tell you what it feels like to have half your skin melted off.” He said.\n\n“No I suppose they don’t.” \n\n“How am I even alive? Why aren’t I at the hospital?”\n\n“The hospital has been destroyed. Besides, our ancient methods are a lot more effective than theirs for treating burns. The consequence of centuries of practice.” I answered.\n\n“Is this a church?” He asked, looking up at the vaulted roof above him. Below his bedroll was ancient flagstone. To his left and right were other survivors, some awake, some unconscious. \n\n“This is the American monastery of the Eques Draco, the ancient order of Dragon Knights.” I said.\n\n“I ain’t never heard of y’all.” He said.\n\nI laughed. “Of course not. After the last dragons died seven hundred years ago we’ve been relegated to obscurity. We were mostly a fraternal and charitable society, until now. Like I was saying, we always knew they’d come back. We’ve kept at the ready.”\n\n“You gonna mount a horse and charge at that thing with a lance and shield?” \n\nI laughed again. I reached behind me and hefted a fifty caliber auto cannon onto my lap. The soldier’s eyes went wide. \n\n“What? Did you think we haven’t kept up with the times? Your weapons didn’t do jack shit against the dragons, but ours will. We remember the ancient blessings that allow metal to penetrate scale. We will teach them to you.”\n\n“You want me to join you?” He said.\n\nI nodded. “You have a strong heart. Fifty percent burn coverage and you still had the strength to drag yourself away from the battlefield. You have courage. I can see it in your eyes. Once your burns heal I’ll teach you how to slay the fucker that killed your unit. Sound good?” \n\n\n“Sounds damn good sir.”" ]	3
	[WP] Your in love with the super hero, so you do the most logical thing, become a villain. But as they fight other villains, you have to create bigger and more convoluted plots to keep their attention. But this latest one went a little too far.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Okay, I admit, I may have a little fucked up...\n\nI mean, it's not all bad, but I think it went a little too far. Just a little, of course, not too much. He's not dead. And as long as he's not dead, I'm good. \n\nI'm not THAT good. The look on his face is killing me. And not because of some weird laser eye shit. He looks so... Disappointed. \n\nAll this years, he gave me lots of different looks. I could stand the angry ones, the sad ones (oh boy, he's so cute when he's sad!), the amused ones when he's beating me (I admit I didn't really push back when he gave me these looks.. So fucking sexy I couldn't focus),... But he never gave me a disappointed look. And it really, really hurts.\n\nI may have come too far. But it's.. It's not my fault. I.. He.. He has it coming! After all this time, he knows how I work! I don't like when he's beating others villains asses. I HATE it when he does. I can only beat my ass (and I could stare at his ass aaaaaaall daaaaaaay looooong... Sorry, lost focus). \n\nSo I snapped. I send a nuke. Not a nude, a nuke. Lots of dead, of course, but he lived. I knew he would, he's so strong, so powerful, so perfect. He had to survive. \n\nBut now, his look. I can't stand it. \n\nI can feel the tears coming. I can't cry in front of him, that would be so shameful! I must escape.\n\n-Why the hell would you do that?! He shout.\n\nI have to hold.\n\n-You know me. I do shit...\n-Nope. You always have a plan elaborate. You don't kill people just to kill them. You push me to choose, you try to make me lose my nerves, but you always act so I can win. I always knew you weren't serious and I was okay with it. I loved the challenges, your challenges. But... That...\n\nI stay still, silently.\n\n-They were too much, I manage to say. Too close to you. You weren't paying attention and...\n-THEY DIDN'T DESERVE TOO DIE!\n-They didn't deserve your attention. They were lame. Now you can be with.. I mean, now we can fight... Just the two of us...\n\nHe look at me. This beautiful eyes of him dive right into my heart. I can't stand it, I have to tell him. He's my soulmate. He must feel the same way.\n\n-Look, I'm sorry, okay? I lost myself, but it's because...\n-I know why. We were on the same page. It was fun. But you've come too far. And now, I have to take you down, for good.\n\nHe look at me. But it's a new look. He's focus. And his pupil shine. So beautiful. He's so beautiful I could just die righ...", "'Logical,' huh? \n\nMy black cape waves in the sudden gust of wind, and I smile at the Hero. She doesn't see due to the mask covering my face, but I like to think she knows what I'm feeling. That's probably a lie, though, as I stare at her, enraptured, but she ignores me in favor of staring down at the village.\n\nIt is burning. Flames corner the villagers and my minions kill the survivors. I feel proud of myself; this may not be the big city, home to all the villains who have already made a name for themselves, but it is the Hero's home. This is where she grew up.\n\nAnd I also must say, the spectacle is beautiful. The dying screams, the clouds of smoke, the fleeing villagers... all of these add up to the scene's wonder.\n\nThen, there is, of course, the Hero. She watches wide-eyed, bound with chains which force her to watch the devastation. I think she's angry. I am happy, though I know if the Hero breaks free, she will immediately kill me. I imagine my last words, 'I just loved you' as I fade away.\n\nThat doesn't matter now, though. I prop the Hero up, strengthening the bonds, then gag her. She won't be found for a while, but when she is, she will come after me. And then I can play again. We can play again.\n\nThe Hero is screaming at me, I think, and tears form in her eyes, but it blends into the symphony of pain so well I ignore the sound. Already, she is gathering power to create a sword of ice, her main power. If I stick around, she will free herself and kill me immediately.\n\nI can't leave yet, though. Removing the mask, I spin around, face-to-face with the Hero, whose surprise is clear on her face. Then I lean in, and our lips brush, before I initiate a kiss. Something tingles. There may be a spark. \n\nThen it's over, and I replace the mask. The Hero knows who I am, but that's okay; after all, I want her to come after me. \n\nI dance into the sunset, dyed crimson from the blood spilled for my love." ]	3
	[WP] “I seen things, kid. I saw revolutions and world wars, the end of civilisations and the end of the old world order. The discovery of fire and the discovery of electricity. Yeah... I’ve seen it all. But nothing scares me more than you. No, not you now. I’m scared of what you will become.”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The man in the military suit stared at you, almost as if he was studying you. You stared straight back, trying to show little fear.\n\nThis man had claimed to be the Greek god Ares about a minute earlier. You, being awake at 4 am, had seen him crash landing onto your neighbor’s front porch.\n\nCurrently, you were in a staring contest.\n\nThe man chuckled, startling you. “My, you were small when you were young.”\n\nOf course, you took offense. “Excuse me, mister?” You huffed, and weakly kicked his shin. “Why are you addressing me like that anyway? It’s not like I know you.”\n\nAres tilted his head. “You’re dangerous. Of course I’d treat you like a ticking time bomb. Don’t you have any idea what you’re capable of?”\n\nYou looked up and snorted weakly. “I don’t know, being a slacker? What’s your deal?” Memories of the bullying and the arguing flashed through your mind.\n\n“Mom?”\n\n“..”\n\n“Why did Papa leave us-”\n\n“GODDAMNIT, YOUR FATHER LEFT! LEFT AND WALKED OUT THE DOOR! GET OUT! GET OUT!”\n\nAres nodded, as if he had been listening to your thoughts. “You started early.”\n\nYou fought back a surge of anger. “Please explain.”\n\nAres smiled and twirled a finger, making your surroundings disappear. \n\nThe environment turned into a smoking battlefield. Dead bodies were scattered. Their heads were torn off viciously, spewing puddles of blood. You turned away, gagging. \n\nAres was sitting in a chair, sipping an Americano. He turned to you. “It’s alright to get horrified of the corpses. I still do.”\n\n“I thought you’d be, like, happy with all the dead stuff. Aren’t you the god of war?” You said, through your dry heaves.\n\nAres’ eyes darkened. “As much as I love combat, the soldiers still shouldn’t die, kid. They fight because of something.” He chuckled and leaned back, glancing at the gray sky. You were still standing, and even though Ares was sitting, he was bigger than you.\n\nYou tried to strike up a conversation. “Uh, why’d you take me here?” Then thundering footsteps boomed in the distance. Soldiers.\n\nAres hushed you. “He’s here. Watch.”\n\nSuddenly a figure in metal armor burst into the scene, sword raised. The metal was covered in so much blood. The boots were stained with dirt and mud. The figure had a dark helmet.\n\nYou cowered beside Ares. This guy was terrifying.\n\nAres merely looked at him like he was a passing stranger. “Bloody Man. That’s his nickname. Killed thousands in a day. Murderous.”\n\nYou shook, mortified. “Who was that guy?”\n\nAres turned back to you. “That’s you. You’re Bloody Man. The soldier who...killed my wife. Aphrodite. Loved her.”\n\nYou yelped. “What?!”\n\nAres sighed, exhausted. “Look kid, I’ve seen things. Things mortals don’t see. Revolutions. World wars. Both of them. The end of civilizations. The world order crumbled around me.”\n\nYou remained silent as he continued. “I’ve seen things mortals have done. The discovery of fire. Of electricity.” \n\nAt this point, his voice grew softer. “Yeah...I’ve seen it all. But you, yes you, scare me more than anything on this damned Earth.” He patted your shoulder kindly. “Not you now. I’m scared, no, horrified on what you’ll become. It keeps me up at night.”\n\nA tear rolled down your cheek. “Sorry for killing your wife. I’m sorry. In advance, I mean.”\n\nThe memory had disintegrated, and now both of you were back in Mrs. Hedge’s porch while Ares had talked. \n\nHe glanced at you...almost sadly? \n\n“NO HE’S-” Your mind screamed as pain blossomed in your torso.\n\nAres had stabbed you in the stomach. You frantically looked at the glowing gold knife embedded into your shirt. The pain ripped through your head.\n\n“why?” you hoarsely whispered as you crumpled. \n\nAres took off his helmet. “I’m sorry in advance, too. I’m sorry.” You gasped one final breath before withering away, the demon being expelled from your soul.\n\n “I’m sorry, son. If I had known you’d be the first mortal to massacre the gods back then I would have...” Ares murmured at the spot your corpse had been. \n\nAres left his helmet there, a reminder of the Bloody Man.\n\nNote: I don’t know how to feel about this piece, lol. It’s confusing to write a piece where a major character (you) dies." ]	2
	[WP] you get a text one day calling you by a different name. You've being using an alias for so long that you forgot who you truly are, and about your dark past.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Jennifer's blood turned to ice in her veins. How had he found her? She looked down at her phone and read the text over and over again.\n\n\"Amy, I know where you are. You will not keep my son from me.\"\n\nTip toeing to her son's bedroom, she peeked in to make sure he was still sleeping. Despite the fear coursing through her, Jennifer smiled as she aw his cherubic face entirely calm. Once she was done she went downstairs and poured herself a glass of wine. \n\nHow had Tim found her? She had been so careful. Jennifer back tracked to find where she might have slipped up. She had no social media accounts, stayed away from public events, and worked for a small government agency that required a measure of security. There was no way he could track her down.\n\nThe women's shelter had assisted her and her son in escaping. She had legally changed her name, dyed her hair, everything she could in order to flee from her previous life. Jennifer was jolted from her thoughts by her phone buzzing on the counter. She looked at the caller ID and saw her boyfriend's face and name on it. \n\n\"Hello?\" She answered. \n\n\"Hey baby,\" he said. \"What are you up to?\"\n\n\"Not much,\" she said. \"Just at down with a glass of wine. You?\"\n\n\"Oh, I was just thinking that we should get a sitter and go to dinner tomorrow. It's been a while.\"\n\nJennifer smiled as she took another sip of her wine.\n\n\"That'd be nice,\" she said. \"Is your niece available?\"\n\n\"Should be. I'll give her a call and let you know.\"\n\n\"Perfect. Hey, I gotta go Matt.\"\n\n\"All right baby, talk to you later.\"\n\nJennifer smiled as she put down her phone. It would be nice to have a day out with Matt. She finished her wine and stood up to refill her glass. As she turned from the couch, she nearly dropped it. \n\n\"Amy.\"\n\nBefore her stood her ex-boyfriend Tim in all of his damned glory.\n\nFighting the urge to attack him, she slowly made her way to kitchen and filled her wine glass with shaking hands. \n\n\"Tim,\" she said. \"What are you doing here?\"\n\n\"You know damn well what I'm doing here,\" he growled. \n\nJennifer sat down on the couch and took a calming sip of her wine. \n\n\"You want to sit down?\" she asked.\n\nTime growled but did so in the reclined opposite the couch. \n\n\"Where's Luke?\" he asked aggressively. \n\nCalmed down now, Jennifer put a finger to her lips. \n\n\"He's sleeping. You don't want to wake him for this ugliness.\"\n\nTim's eyes flashed dangerously. \n\n\"Do you have any idea - \" he started. \n\n\"Oh I know,\" Jennifer interrupted as she slowly sipped her wine. \"I know exactly what you've been through. The interrogations, the trial, everything.\"\n\n\"You took our son away,\" he said, pain in his eyes. \"I needed you both and you ran away.\"\n\n\"I had to,\" Jennifer said. \"You see, that was something I was thinking about doing for a very long time. Ever since that whore was back in your life.\"\n\n\"I wasn't cheating on you!\" he rumbled. \n\nJennifer put a single finger to her lips and shook her head. \n\n\"No, no,\" she said quietly. \"Don't get loud or I might have to call the police to tell them that my ex who had violently abused me and was accused of murdering his ex girlfriend is threatening me and his child.\"\n\n\"I didn't kill her,\" he said quietly. \"I wasn't cheating. I was just talking with her. She was an old friend before we dated. You didn't have to leave.\"\n\n\"But I did,\" Jennifer said. \"I had planned on leaving for a long time. What I didn't plan on doing was murdering that whore.\"\n\nTim froze, shock on his face.\n\n\"You, you, you, what?\" he said. \n\n\"It was a perfect storm,\" she said as she finished her wine. \"I was already packed to leave and she showed up at your door. Imagine her shock when I answered instead of her. It was easy to slit the bitch's throat. The hard part was cleaning up my clothes afterwards. You know how I hate blood.\"\n\nTim simply sat there dumbstruck.\n\n\"Afterwards I knew I couldn't just leave. So I unpacked and left the house through the back window. I locked it afterwards and just spent the rest of the day around town with Luke. The poor baby was sleeping the whole time while mommy dropped bloody clothes off at different dumpsters around the city.\n\nHe cried while mommy paid someone to beat her up and blame you. Luke did like the women at the crisis shelter though; they were very kind to him.\"\n\n\"You bitch,\" Tim said as he stood up. \"My life was ruined that day.\"\n\n\"And it will be ruined again if you ever come back,\" Jennifer said. \"I'm not Amy anymore, I'm Jennifer. I have cameras outside and one of those new fancy electronic doorbells. If you do anything to me here they will know and you'll be behind bars before you can even think about running.\"\n\nTim growled but remained where he was. Jennifer stood and walked back to the kitchen. She poured another glass of wine and gestured to the door. \n\n\"You are welcome to leave any time Tim,\" she said." ]	2
	[WP] As a guardian angel, you choose who you look after in their life. The catch is that you are only shown a 1 minute trailer of each candidates life to make your decision. It turns out the person you chose had quite a misleading edit. You are now stuck with them for the rest of their life	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Soooooooo...I screwed up, Mel.”\n\nI am stifling tears of amusement. In a teasing voice, I ask Ethan again. “And what did you do, Head Angel Ethan?”\n\nHe scratches his red hair. “I chose the wrong person.” \n\nI snort. “No kidding. You chose a goddamn serial killer. No way you’re getting a good report from God.”\n\nThe bar around us bustles with familiar faces of other angels. Gabriel. Nice dude. Has a surfer to guard. A woman in a pink top hat passes by, carrying a giant whiskey bottle. \n\nI grin at her. “Gian, taking the deep dive I see?”\n\nGiana sniffs and gulps down her bottle. “I got Oliver Polla.” \n\nEthan furrows his eyebrows. “So? Isn’t he that famous actor in Raiding Area 51?\n\n“He’s HOT! But I can’t date him!!” Gian wails before sauntering away. I scoff. God won’t let us heavenly beings have romantic relationships with humans. Probably a workplace rule. Poor Gian has a hankering for big, strong guys. \n\nI turn back to Ethan. “Why are you even watching Raiding Area 51 anyway? It’s a trash horror movie. Horrible CGI Naruto runners.”\n\nA drunk angel with shaggy hair stumbles to us. It’s Brian. “But the scene where they discover the-”\n\nA passing angel with glasses and a glass of water clamps a hand over his mouth. “Easy, Brian. No spoilers for the readers.” She winks.\n\n“Ah, Lia! How’s your second time guarding someone?” I high five her. She’s a new kid. Got in Heaven a year ago.\n\n“Bad. My gal has no faith in herself. She’s crying every night.” Lia shakes her curls. “Reminds me of Tommy.” \n\n“My! Well, at least Tommy got better, right?” I assure her. Lia has had to guard children for a while now. I know how much seeing them rise and flourish, or fall can wear on you. \n\n“Sure.” Lia sounds unsure of that. She changes the topic. “How ‘bout you, Elle? Who’s your kid?”\n\nAt that, my smile disappears and I sink deeper into my barstool. “Ugh. I got a woozy.”\n\nLia waits for more. “And?”\n\n“HE’S A SLACKER!” I yelp.\n\nLisa winces. “Ouch. Editing issue? I could get Evan to-”\n\n“No, I was thinking of complaining to Brian,” I say, patting passed-out Brian’s head. “But he’s knocked out. Besides, I can’t go complaining every time. I need to earn my keep to stay in Heaven.”\n\n“Still, God would...” Lia starts. \n\nI cut her off. “It’s fine. I can handle it.”\n\nSeriously, it is not fine.\n\nNote: this is more on the angels’ conversations than the person itself. It’s just fun writing their interactions!" ]	2
	[WP] A catastrophe is happening, multiple mobile alerts are being dispersed, though a college English class hasn’t done anything due to the professors strict phone policies.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "He's such a bore, which is a shame, he writes beautifully. Staring out the window is the only thing that keeps me awake.\n\n\"Mr. Freeman! Are you paying attention?!\"\n\n\"Yes, Professor.\" And proceed to give him a synopsis of the last 15 minutes. Not that it's hard. Huh, why are all the people running away from this building?\n\n\"Professor? I think we have a problem.\"\n\n\"Mister Freeman! If you're going to daydream out the window...\"\n\n\"Professor Williams, everyone is running away from this building!\"\n\n\"That's it! You're flunked. Don't bother coming back tomorrow!\"\n\n\"Fine, means I don't have to put up with either your long winded lectures or your ban on cellphones.\"\n\nI pull mine out and turn it on.\n\n\"You turn that off right now!\"\n\n\"Piss off, Professor.\"\n\nDWEEEEEEEEEE \"THIS IS AN ACTIVE SHOOTER ALERT. FOCUS IS LIBERAL ARTS SCHOOL. EVACUATE AT ONCE.\"\n\nDWEEEEEEEEEE \"ALL CLASSES ALL SCHOOLS ALL BUILDINGS CANCELED. EVACUATE AT ONCE. CHEMICAL ATTACK UNDERWAY AT LIBERAL ARTS SCHOOL, FIRST FLOOR FULLY INVOLVED. IF YOU ARE ABOVE THE FIRST FLOOR EVACUATE TO THE ROOF!\"\n\nI grab my bag. \"Well, Professor? I don't know about you but I am going to follow the emergency instructions.\" I look at the rest of the class. \"WELL? DO YOU WANT TO LIVE?\"\n\nI turn to the door, he's blocking it. \"You get one chance to move.\"\n\n\"You can't leave. Those alerts are a fabrication! They are not real!\"\n\n\"Oh?\" RightCross \"Bill, grab his feet. He may be a total waste as a teacher, but he is still human. ... I think.\"\n\n\"Roy? You sure those alerts were real?\"\n\n\"Yep, I was watching out the window, everyone was scattering from this building. Make for the fire stairs, we go up!\"\n\nIt's a pain getting through the door. Some dickhead stored boxes of papers on the landing. Gee... Property of Prof. P.D.Williams. Should have known. \"Help clear these boxes!\"\n\nI was tempted, half way to the top, to drop his sorry ass over the railing. He's had them on every damn landing. We must have been the last landing he was working on. We had to clear the boxes from every one of the landings, letting a bunch more students and teachers out. The other stairwell was impassable.\n\nI make sure that every one of the other teachers gets a good look at the boxes we're clearing. Some of them think we shouldn't be littering. \n\nWhat is it with liberal arts?\n\nI know you're smart!\n\nUSE IT!\n\nDo you think these should be here?\n\nDo you want to guess why the other stairwell is blocked?\n\nShould we leave him here?\n\nNo?\n\nGood,\n\nYOU carry him.\n\nI'm busy clearing a way through all his crap.\n\nWe finally make it to the top. A ten story building, it took us a half hour to clear each landing. And what do we find on the top. More boxes, wrapped in plastic, and carefully labeled.\n\n\"Hey Freeman! There's a pool smell coming up the stairs!\"\n\nShit. \"TEACHERS! HEAD COUNT NOW! WE GOTTA BLOCK THE STAIRS!\" For a wonder, no arguments.\n\n\"ALL CLEAR!\"\n\n\"Okay, start a box brigade, toss the boxes to the door, we'll build a box house the whole way around it. Narrow it at the top and build a chimney as high as we can.\n\nThe draft should carry any gas that makes it here high enough to be harmless... to... us... damn.\"\n\nThey look where I'm looking, trails of some sort of gas coming out the other stairwell, and the wind is headed this way.\n\nA strange calm, \"Bill? You take over here. I need 20 volunteers to come with me. We're going to seal that door too.\"\n\nI don't even wait for volunteers. I just start walking to the other door. The chlorine smell getting stronger. I get there and start moving boxes. It's strong here, coughing a lot.\n\nAnother pair of hands appear, passing me boxes, the hands are slender, but the jacket cuffs are tweed? I look up. It's Professor Williams. He nods at me, I nod back, and we keep piling boxes.\n\nThen more hands. Teachers, students, it doesn't matter any more. Survival. That's the goal.\n\nI pass out.\n\n...\n\n\"Easy, Mr. Freeman, your safe. We're in hospital. Got a bit of a whiff of gas.\"\n\n\"Williams?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mr. Freeman.\"\n\n\"Everyone else?\"\n\n\"Third and up, all good. Because of you. Second got out by window, some broken bones. First... We don't know yet.\"\n\n\"Why the boxes?\"\n\n\"Each box contained a year's worth of student papers. I study them, trying to find a better way to teach.\"\n\n\"I'll teach you, Professor.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"I have your entire lecture series memorized.\"\n\n\"Then what you rattled off in class?\"\n\n\"Was the condensed version. That's the problem. You are fantastic at writing, but your verbal delivery is so long that people fall asleep. Speech is not the same as writing, it has to wrap itself around the students mind and lift them into a place where the lesson sinks in.\n\nYour written lecture series does that, but absolutely numbs the mind when spoken.\n\nIt's the reverse of the problem I have with Garrison Keillor. I can listen to him for hours. His books? Five pages in and I'm ready to burn it.\"\n\n((finis))" ]	2
	[WP] In a world with superhumans and superheroes, you always thought you had no power, until you came face to face with a supervillan. Turns out, you are the most powerful human ever: you turn off the superpowers of those close to you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As a kid you’d always see me in the thick of it. I was always in a fight and more than not winning until we turned 16 then my classmates got their powers one at a time... except me. On my 16th birthday I tried everything from super strength to making plants grow. Nothing. It is a rare occasion that someone doesn’t have a power and it’s generally seen as a birth defect. I was teased and pitied all through high school and had a hard time getting a job due to my lack of talents... well except fighting but who needed that and it’s not like I went against the super strengths or the mind readers. Nah just the basic shapeshifters and other powers that weren’t helping them out in this case. But that’s enough about the past time to hear the story of how I learned what I can do.\nSo I was walking home from work at the paper mill and I heard this zapping noise. I assumed someone was using electrokenisis to power their house of melt something. Then it got closer and I got curious so I looked back. I look a skinny man with luminous eyes bursting with lightning like a boost junkie and ask him what’s he doing. He said “Give me your money and no one gets hurt!” Now I was powerless but I never was the type to keep my head down and I’ve got the scars to prove it so I told him to fuck right off and prayed he thought I was an invincible or something but no he shocked the shit out of me. I writhed in pain from the fire I felt charging every nerve in my spine until he walked up and reached in my pocket assuming I was dead. As he pulled away I grabbed his wrist in a last show of defiance and see his arm twitch like he was trying to do something. He did it again and watched him go wide eyed. I thought this is my chance and although I still was shaky and hurt I swept his legs and beat him against the sidewalk until I was satisfied. After this I called the police and after a lot of questioning and some tests I learned that I’m the baddest man out there because I can stop the powers that run the world itself.", "\"In this world, superpowers mean everything!\"\n\nI stood in front of this small child, bewildered by the stupidest line of exposition I've ever heard in my life.\n\n\"Yeah kid, I know.\"\n\nWith that, he smugly walked away. His hands were full of sparks; probably practicing his newly-obtained power. I've seen similar powers, and his looked to have the potential for a B- rating at best. Poor kid, life will hit him hard soon.\n\nAfter that brief encounter during my break, I continued to the local grocery store to get my daily lunch. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes for today. Not the best, but also not the worst.\n\nWhile standing in the checkout line, I noticed the kid from earlier with his mom. He gave me that smug look again, but I quickly glanced away and ignored him. Feeding his ego will only make things worse.\n\n\"Shoppers of Grub City, cower with fear and heed my demands! All your valuables are forfeit to me, NEGATIVE MAN!\"\n\nOh great, a C-list villain. I've heard about this guy in the news before. He can apparently sap the willpower out of anyone, leaving them unable to act. It sounds daunting, but that's just it. No hero really wants to deal with him however for fear of being mocked like Dog Guy was after letting him go. Poor guy had his tail between his legs and everything. \n\n\"Stop right there Negative Man!\"\n\nGod dammit kid, don't be a hero.\n\n\"I won't allow your villainous ways to go any further, for I, Sparky, will defeat you!\"\n\nSparky? Seriously? \n\n\"Oh, does the little brat want to be a hero?\"\n\nNow the kid really screwed up. Negative Man's attention was now fully on the him. This was looking to be a battle of egos.\n\n\"Well then Sparky, what are you going to do, zap me?\"\n\nNegative Man lifted Sparky into the air by his hair. Stupid power or not, he was still a full-grown (but slightly scrawny) adult. \n\n\"Well, no sir...\"\n\n\"Exactly, and do you know what happens to wannabe heroes who oppose me?\n\n\"I'm sorry sir, I'll never do it again...\"\n\nWatching this exchange, something dwelling inside of me flared up. Maybe it was this kid's heroism. Maybe it was the heroic situation I found setup before myself. Or maybe I just really wanted to punch this asshole in the face.\n\n\"Put the kid down, jackass.\"\n\nCleanching my fist, I started to approach the two.\n\n\"Oh great, another 'hero'. What's your superpower?\"\n\n\"Hell if I know. I'm just a regular guy. But now I'm pissed.\"\n\n\"Fool! What's a regular guy going to do against me, NEGATI-\"\n\nI've never had more satisfying feeling than when my fist connected with his face. I can't wait to do it again.\n\n\"Wait, that's impossible! You shouldn't have the willpower to fight me! Y-You're just a regular guy!\"\n\n\"Well asswipe, I may only be a regular guy, but with my power, you are too.\" \n\nStanding above him, I thought of a better way to humiliate this jerk.\n\n\"Hey Sparky, you wanted to be a hero? Well now's your chance.", "You know how they always say : If you're in trouble, in a life or death situation, don't panic and do your best to survive. Well I think that the people who say that were never close a life or death situation. Because, right now, all I can think about is : OH MY FUCKING GO I'M GONNA DIE\n\nYeah, not very brave of me. But I would like too see you try to stay calm if a FREAKING SUPERVILLAIN was gonna kill you with is mortal ability! \n\nOkay it's maybe my bad. I mean.. I had nothing to do here, in a middle of a fight between two powered people. And two big ones, of course. I absolutely can't compete with Laser-Man (who can... well, shoot laser) and Dr Knives (who can... create knives super sharpened to throw). \n\nMe? No abilities. I'm just a little guy, living a little life, in a little town, with a little salary, enjoying my little peace, until I got a little lost... In a big, big fight.\n\nOh boy, here we go. Dr Knives saw me. I saw he saw me. Our eyes met. He has beautiful eyes, by the way. It's a shame they're the last that I will see. \n\nHe lift his hand and... Nothing happen. He seems confused. Does super people break down? \n\nHa! Laser-Man is there! He saw me too! He's coming too rescue me! I'm gonna live!\n\nDr Knives step back and, suddenly, a knife appears in his hand. He throws it in my direction! OH MY GOD\n\nLaser-Man stops right between the knife and me! HE'S GONNA LASER IT DOWN! I'M NOT GONNA BE...\n\nDead? Laser-Man didn't laser it down. La... Laser-Man has been hit in the head. Laser-Man is... Dead? \n\nI look to Dr Knives. He's smiling at me, another knife in his hand. \n\nWhat the fuck just happened? Am I gonna", "[poem] this took me 3 hours to write. Hope you enjoy it\n\n - \n \nShe dumped me hard, \nand I'd fallen fast, \nI knew this low, \nwouldn't be my last. \n \n - \n \nShe said that I, \n\"wasn't a man to date...\". \n\"rather a man to marry\". \nBut was this my fate? \n \n - \n \n\"I hope it's not\". \nI thought to myself, \nAs I gazed at the snowglobe. \nThat was placed on the shelf. \n \n - \n \n\"anything to distract me. \nFrom this feeling a shame.\". \nI cant stop thinking of how. \n she made fun of my name. \n \n - \n \n'\"Alex' is not even. \n a name for a boy\". \nThis Midwestern girl had. \nUsed shame as her ploy. \n \n - \n \n\"I won't let it get it me.\". \n\"I WON'T. I CAN'T\". \nI recited slowly. \n- my personal chant. \n \n - \n \nAnd I am just a. \nworthless guy. \nWith no special powers. \nSo I might as well die. \n \n - \n \nNo one wants Alex \nWith abilities like mine. \nThe other level 1 normals. \nAll have eyes for level 9. \n \n - \n \nAnd my \"abilities\", HA! \nThis was the Governments' big joke. \nAs Level 1 humans don't have powers! \nUnless you count being broke. \n \n - \n \nSee, when the solar flare erupted. \nBack in 2012. \nIt messed with people's DNA. \nGiving them powers and spells. \n \n - \n \nBut a very rare few, \nBecame weakened and faltered. \nGod's got a sense of humor, I guess. \nTo leave us unaltered. \n \n - \n \n\"They should call us zeros\", you know? \nSince we're helpless and small. \nCompared to the upper levels. \nWho would leave you in awe. \n \n - \n \nThe governement even \nLaunched a program for zeros. \nErr...level ones' I mean. \nCalled, \"Everyday Heroes\". \n \n - \n \nFUCKING BULLSHIT - I shouted. \nWait. This isn't me. \nI'm not the type of guy. \nTo get mad and angry. \n \n - \n \nThe waitress approached. \n\"Sir, I'll have to ask you to leave\". \n.... \"but please Ma'am, I'm sorry, \nTonight's New Years eve.\". \n \n - \n \n\"I don't care.\" she said. \nFrom across the bar: telepathy. \n\"Some level 9's just came in. \nAnd I need your table for three.\". \n \n - \n \n\"Plus you haven't even ordered. \nAnd I can tell that you're sulking. \nFirst time being dumped? Awww, poor baby.\". \nSarcastically and very insulting. \n \n - \n \n\"Are these seats taken?\". \nThe three level 9's started mocking. \nTossling my hair with their hands. \nTheir brazen actions were shocking. \n \n - \n \n\"Level 1s can't do anything,\" \nHis fingertips produced fire. \n\"honestly they should be sterilized\". \nThese remarks filled me with ire. \n \n - \n \n\"what are you gonna do twerp? \nOne of them said as he hovered. \n\"Go cry to your mommy. \nBecause you feel smothered?\". \n \n - \n \nNow since 2012, \nI've had to wear glasses. \nBut before then I would've. \n straight kicked these guys' asses. \n \n - \n \nSee, I take jiujitsu and MMA. \nAnd I've got a black belt in karate. \nBut since they gained powers. \nMy chances now are quite spotty. \n \n - \n \n\"Don't push me guys. \nI've had a bad day.\". \nMy girlfriend broke up with me.\". \n... \n(laughing).\" See guys! I told you he's gay \". \n \n - \n \n\" Guys, I'm serious. Stop.\". \nI assertively shouted. \nThe small one with the flames snickered- \n\"Oh yea? What are you gonna do about it?\". \n \n - \n \n\"I bet she left you. \n to go fuck a 9. \nAll you level 1's are the same. \nFucking worthless, shit, swine\". \n \n - \n \n\"the waitress told me that she \n'Heard' you self soothing. \nWhy don't you, 'Let IT get to you' twerp. \nAre you afraid of you losing?\" \n \n - \n \nBecause Alex is. \nA girl's name after all, \nI'm gonna fuck your ex-girlfriend. \nAnd make her my doll.\". \n \n - \n \nThat was it. I had it. \nWhat was sorrow turned to rage. \nOn NYE in this diner. \n\"I'm not taking shit from a mage.\". \n \n - \n \n\"Oh shit. lady boy Alex is angry.\". \nLevel 9 joked to the rest. \n\"I'm going to fuck you up \nAs the flames grew from his chest. \n \n - \n \nBigger and bigger. \nThe flames quickly surrounded. \nHis entire body until. \nHis power appeared to be unbounded. \n \n - \n \n\" FUCK YOU MAN! \nYOU LEVEL 9s JUST DON'T QUIT. \nI'D RATHER DIE LEVEL 1. \nTHEN KEEP TAKING YOUR SHIT.\". \n - \n \n . \n\n\"͈̥͈̙̬͑̓̇̀̓̒̈́ͅG̷͚͚̤̝̅̌̀̃ͤI̦̖ͤ̐̈V̳̲̬͕͕̐̃͌E ̪̰̲ͧ̔̅̀Ī͔͉̫̺̘̼̇͒ͣͮN͖̝̼̬͎̱ͯ̓̏͂ͦͮͅ ̸̫̫T͇̣̹̣̝O̴͎͖̝̗͚̓ͯ̓ ̜̼͕̦̊́̑̾͋ͩͭM̹̥͎ͮͬ͐E̴͇̗̲̥̓̉̄ͬͨ́\"̭̤ \n \n. \nmuttered a voice from the globe. \n\"WHAT THE FUCK\" I shouted, \nThe lights began to flicker and strobe. \n \n - \n \nI hadn't noticed I still held it. \nMy brow began to furrow. \nInside I could see something strange: \nA table at a diner with a man turned to inferno. \n \n. - \n \n \n\"̸̖͔̰̘̲͔ͪ̄͋̽ͭͅT̹̯ͮ͛̇Ȁ̗͖̖̞͉̙̾͒K̛̥͉̿̚E̠͖̺ͬ̇ͯ͐ͬ̚͘ ̼͋̌I̜ͯ̒ͮ̽̃̚T̞͖̦̟̅̀͢ ̝̳̫̟̫ͮͯ̃͢ͅF͎̥̖R̫̤̯̦̩͍ͤ̄͂͗ͬ͆Ȍ̶͎͇͎̩̣̯̅̈́ͩͅM̬̘̿̎̾̕ ̦͉̼̗̅̉͑ͤ̉̚̚͠H̘̐͌I̪̰̐͡M̢̙ͧ̃̂ͩͦ\"̡̣̩ ̭̩̖̗͈̻̀̐. \n \n . \n \n \n\"̱͛̇̅̔̂Ȁ͋̃͂̚N̢̗͙̮̮̳̻̬̐͑ͨͨD̮̱̦̓͐̊̋̿̋ ̞͕͕̻̋̒ͨͥF̮̭̖̘͛͒̒͒̂͑̀̀O̫̹̬̓̌̒ͬͦͣ̚͝R̟͗ͭ̾ͫ͆C̝̻͍̮̳̏͆͂̓͑ͣ͡E͍̮ͮ͗̂ ̨͇̳̰̻͉̰̀ͩͦḪ̴̼̙̺̫́̋͗͂̏͌Ǐ̺͓̳͔̪̮̼ͦM̷̗̬̩̯̲͕̙ͣͥ ̰̬̪̻̺̘̫̋̏͗T̵͙̠̙̦͙̬̱Ô̴̗͓̝̠͖̐ͤ̄ ̭͖̞̜̲͔̇̅ͣ̓̈ͧͅC̵̬ͭ͗ͬO̫͓̅ͭͤ̊̌͜W͚̯͉̺̩͍̟ER͓͙͔̹̣̱̃̅̿̄̈. \n \n . \n \n\"̙͚͍̿̔̽̏̾͋͌ͅT̤̣͌̑ͭA̼̫͈ͣͭ̇̄ͦ̉̚K̝ͯ̿̑͊͊͂E̹̱͞ ͖̪̰̲͖ͪ̊Ḭ̬̯͑̄͢ͅT̳̘̰ͣ̊͟ ̴͇̺̳̬̗̩ͦͩ̄ͪ̐̏ͧͅF̓Ŗ̫̭̣͇̳͗̃̉O̗̭̔͌ͫ͐̃̚͞Ṁ̖̆͑̿̂ ̹ͮ̈́̃̐ͨḤ͍̳͖͍̘̒I͇̲̣̬̲̼̙ͩM̬̫̣̣̬̾̊̌͌͠\"̪ͣ̄̀ͅ ͮ̅ͅ. \n \n . \n \n\"͎̥͚̞̳͌͌̑̂A̬̗̣͂̐̄̊N͇̹͎͎̺͐ͮ͑̅ͥD̛ ̥̹̊̽ͩ̌̾ͫ̄͟T̛̪̜͒ͥ͆ͮ̾ͫU̴͈͔̻̘̮ͬͨ͂̂ͭR̰̲̟̼̠̲̰ͬN̻̦̤̟͍͖̝ͯ͢ ̰̭̰̀̒̍O̵̟͖ͩ͑ͩ͆͋̈́F͉̯̺̅̑̈́͘Fͨ͆́ ͓̼̪̔̅ͭ͑̒̐̚H͙̼̫̜̺͌̋͘I̳̥̳̱͔͚ͤ̿̔ͬͪS̛̔̈͛̒͆̉ ̲̜̘́P͇̠̲̰̬O͍̼͈͍͎͋W͍̬̜͑͆Ė͓̯̭̩͖̬̐ͩͅŔ̥̼̗̘͔̱̞ͯ̿͐͛͟. \n \n . \n - \n \nJust then, the level 9's. \nflames all died out. \nHis friends stared in white fear. \nThen attempted retaliation, no-doubt. \n \n - \n \nBut they too had lost powers. \nAnd were stunned in confusion. \nAll weaklings without abilities. \nI became filled with disillusion. \n \n - \n \n\"Level 10 energy spike spotted!!\". \nConfirming, standby. (police radio). \n\"That's impossible Dispatch,. \nThe readings can't go that high\".", "\"Hahahahahahaha! You're here! I finally found you!\" The man laughs in utter joy as his eyes fall on me.\n\n\nOk, that's a first. While there are a few times when an enemy simply accepts being temporarily denied their powers, most of the time I use my power - Negacion, on another empowered I'm usually greeted with the general mix of denial and/or anger.\n\n\nYou would not believe the number of people I've faced that believed their power would trump over mine. Though in a certain sense that's not entirely unreasonable line of thinking.\n\n\nAfter all, in a world where someone who can simply push things can become effectively immortal by repeatedly pushing away his time of death and a swordsman can cut off precognition with his blades; it stands to reason that there should also be a power that would overwhelm my negation.\n\n\nBut if there is such an ability, then I've yet to find it. In fact a lot of people, including a few experts in the empowered field of study believe that my Negacion ability is unassailable. \n\n\nAnd while I've always held the belief that there might be someone who my powers won't work on, with all the abilities I have negated over the years I'm no longer sure if that is true.\n\n\nThankfully, years of such paranoia has made me keep myself in peak physical condition, which is how I'm able to dodge the barrage of bullets that the man suddenly sends towards me the next moment.\n\n\n\"A machine gun of all things?!\" \n\n\nI curse at his preparedness. My suit can't really stand upto such sustained fire. I'll just have to wait it out till the others come in. Keep him distracted from the hostages. Should take just a few minutes.\n\n\nSo I go with the tried and true method of getting the villain to talk. Point of fact - this actually doesn't work on robbers, even empowered ones, as if someone is robbing a place, they want to get in and out as quickly as possible, in order to make a clean getaway. \n\n\nOn the other hand, this works like a charm on the ones who want their opponents to grasp their genius, real or otherwise. And the way the man is laughing like a loon as he empties the clip at the pillar I'm hiding behind, I feel he definitely qualifies for the latter group.\n\n\n\"May I ask why are you doing this?\" I throw out the question as he starts to reload, while I take the opportunity to change covers with a smoke bomb.\n\n\n\"Of course! It's because you are the HERO!\" I can feel him emphasizing the last word as if it's important somehow. I hear the gun reload next, before it's firing once more. That stops after a few seconds when he realizes I'm no longer there.\n\n\n\"I'll tell you, it wasn't easy. Not when there were so many empowered over the world.\" His footsteps echo in the lull of gunfire, as he searches for me. \"But that's when I found it. Found you! At the centre of almost every crisis, integral to solving them. Yet besides your Negacion, you are a baseline human. You have no other abilities that could explain how you survived where others more powerful, more stronger empowered didn't, unless...\"\n\n\nI have no idea what the man is talking about. And why is he still not here?!\n\n\n\"And so I knew it must be you! Everyone in the world keeps dancing to invisible strings yet I am the only one who realizes that there's a puppeteer! Well that ends today!\"\n\n\nOh great, he's insane. Just awesome.\n\n\nThere's screaming from the hostages and I know I'm out of time before he even speaks. \"Come out Zero or the hostages die!\"\n\n\nI sigh and then I'm out of my hiding place, standing in his sight. \"You don't have to do this... whatever you think you do.\"\n\n\nThe guy is still grinning as he moves the gun away from the hostages and points it at me. \n\n\n\"Oh but I do! After all someone has to. BEHOLD MY DEAR AUDIENCE AS TODAY IS THE DAY THIS STORY COMES TO A FINISH! THIS MOMENT IS THE CLIMAX AND I,\" the smile that lits up his face is somewhat horrifying to see. Human lips are not meant to stretch that wide. \"AM THE END!\"\n\n\nThe next second the bullets come roaring out of the gun... and then come to a stop in mid-air after only travelling a few feet.\n\n\nI smile at the empty space beside me. \"You are late, you know.\"\n\n\nThe reply is a scoff from Accel as he becomes visible, finally allowing the light to reflect off of him naturally. \"Excuse me, but a wizard is never late.\"\n\n\n---------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nAN: Not a great ending, but this just kept getting longer and longer. So this is it.", "Months later, I still have no earthly idea what magical force gave most of humanity super powers all at once. Whether they'd been handed out by the universe, gods, or some alien force, what actually mattered was the sheer scale and speed of the arrival of the next leg of human evolution. When the world went to bed one night, no one on the planet had a super power. The next day, dozens of individuals discovered they'd been given a gift. Hundreds uncovered their powers within the first week, and the numbers only grew exponentially from there.\n\nAs everyone around me seemed to be discovering their hidden abilities, I grew increasingly frustrated as the months passed by without feeling even a hint of some grand, latent power within me. At this point I didn't even care what my power ended up being, I just desperately wanted to find it!\n\nIn my previous 'normal life' spent watching fake super heroes battle it out on movie screens, I often found myself feeling a little bad for some of the 'lesser' heroes in each crew. Hawkeye seemed to be little more than a really talented archer, yet he had to pal around with a super soldier, the world's greatest inventor, a deadly Russian assasin/spy, and a literal, actual Norse god. However, by the time I reached the sixth month of being powerless in my own life, I was no longer feeling so judgmental or picky. At that point, I'd have taken a 'lame power' like being able to shoot a bow 'n arrow really well in a heartbeat! I even took an archery class just to rule it out as a possibility. It uhh... wasn't my power and it did not go well. Look that instructor lady regained full use of her arm and the lawsuit has been settled, but I digress.\n\nMy girlfriend Kathryn had been a little more lucky, she discovered her ability to summon icy beams and projectiles fairly quickly. Being the morally upstanding citizen, she put them to use almost immediately fighting crime and trying to stop the flood of newly created super villains from running amok in our cities. One of those countless battles of good versus evil had broken out during one of our date nights. A fire hurling villain came running right past us as she tried to evade or roast police officers chasing her.\n\nKat wasn't about let her get away without at least trying to help out. She froze the fiery woman's legs almost instantly, but that only seemed to enrage her as every inch of her body became covered in flames. Unfortunately, in this literal battle of fire and ice, fire seemed to be winning rather handily. She tossed massive, flaming spells out a rate that Kathryn simply couldn't deflect forever. Battered and singed, my girlfriend fell to the ground, momentarily defeated.\n\nThe villain seemed to be powering up a massive fireball in her hands to finish Kat off. I still don't know why I did it, probably as a result of the very stupid 'power of love', but I charged and tackled her without a thought for my own safety. To my astonishment, as soon as I touched her, the fireball forming in her hands vanished and the intense flames that had been covering her body faded into nothingness.\n\n\"Holy crap, Toshi!\" Kat called out as she rushed to my side. \"I think you finally discovered your gift, you're a freaking human fire extinguisher!\"\n\nThat still didn't sound too enthralling, but as I came into contact with more and more heroes and villains, I realized that I was far from just a fire extinguisher. I was also a giant (figurative) sponge for those with hydro powers. I was the lead vest to your X-ray vision, the deflator of your super strength enhanced muscles, the metal boots on your super speedy legs. I was 'The Negator', as Kathryn so lovingly coined me.\n\nShe and I joined a crime fighting crew of heroes almost immediately, and against all odds, I proved myself a valuable member of the team. It seemed there wasn't a power I couldn't shut down on the spot. That is, until the day I met Anderson Bishop. Considering the fact that I first encountered him while he was part of a group that was robbing a charitable organization, I'd have to put him firmly in the \"villain\" category, but his abilities fascinated me far more than his moral alignment.\n\nAs usual, my teammates charged into battle, while I waited for my services to be needed. As I surveyed the carnage, I noticed a small, slender fellow hanging back behind the fighting much like I was. Our eyes locked as we studied each other quizzically, both clearly trying to discern what each other's possible non-combat power might be. Unfortunately for me, I didn't have any more time to ponder the mystery, the villains had decidedly taken the upper hand. Each of our team of heroes was in a bad spot, which was, as always, my queue to put myself at risk and get involved. I sprinted through the combat zone, shutting down enemy powers with a touch before moving onto the next one.\n\n\"Toshi! My powers aren't working!\" Kat suddenly cried out as I rushed past. \"Did you accidentally shut us down as well?\"\n\nIn a brief moment of confusion, I doubted my own 'precision' shutdown tactics. I was still learning to control my powers, so some friendly fire wasn't out of the realm of possibility, but as my eyes flicked around the room I realized quickly I wasn't at fault. Though considering the alternative I discovered, I wish I had been. Anderson was also making his way quickly around the combat zone, powering down my teammates with ease. He was flying, yes flying, around the room, hovering beside a hero just long enough to disable them before shooting off to the next one. As he jetted around effortlessly, two very unnerving thoughts occurred to me. This guy was the most stylish, cool, and powerful super villain I'd ever seen. And it seemed startlingly obvious that I wasn't the only one to have been gifted this particular ability.\n\n___\nI've been setting all my recent super hero stories in a shared universe I'm slowly working on developing over on my subreddit. [Here's a link if you'd like to read more from this world full of people discovering their powers.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ryter/comments/cctfks/the_save_scummer/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x)" ]	7
	[WP] You're wandering a museum, delighting in the array of ancient painting sand artifacts. A painting catches your eye. You stop and stare at it until something clicks. There's no doubt about it, the subject of this painting is you. Not you as you are now, but a past life. You remember everything.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I wandered around Charleston Grand Museum. I loved things like this. Being a historian was always my passion, and I’ve read through books, documentaries, anything, to learn about the past. All these paintings, items, and artifacts were very similar to me. I had a kick whenever I could name a piece without looking at the info they gave me.\n\nBut there was one I hadn’t recognized. A sword.\n\nAs I walked further down, I saw a sword with a blue handle. It had a decent chunk of it knocked off, and had dark marks on it. I assume those were caused my blood drying up for a long time. I took a look on the plaque provided.\n\nThe sword of Garett Rosebary, a commander of the Dynasterian army. He fought war after war for his nation, leading them to victory each time. However, he met his demise in the war between Dynasteria and Maxia, and his nation fell.\n\nAs I finished reading, something felt weird. I’ve never read about this person before, but somehow, this felt familiar. \n\nThat’s when it hit me. A wave of memories that I didn’t recognize as my own. In those memories, I saw the sword, covered in blood. I was covered in steel armor, and there were lots of corpses on the floor. Some even had arrows in them. I remembered someone shouting at me.\n\n“ROSEBARY!”\n\nI turned around to see a large man with a sword larger than the one I was holding, and he had a shield with him. I charged forward, and swung towards him. Our sword clashed and we staring each other down.\n\nI remembered saying “Today is the day Maxia falls!”\n\n“Dynasteria grows at a dangerous rate. I won’t let you conquer anymore!” The man pushed me back, and swung his sword at me. I tried to block with mine, but I was sent further back. A piece of the sword was broken off, and I was on the floor. He walked over to me and raised his sword in the air, then shouted. “For my country! And my family!” He swung his sword down, and that’s where the memories ended.\n\n“SIR!” A woman said when the memories stopped. “Sir! Are you okay?”\n\nI looked around, then to her. Was I spacing out just now.\n\n“Y-Yes... I’m fine.” I told her before leaving the museum. As I walked out of the door, the thing that was bothering me finally sunk in. I’m the reincarnation of Garett Rosebary.", "The place was quiet for the most part. The few footsteps that could be heard were the type of sound that became a part of your mind as they enter.\n\nStrolling through a section that seemed to be mostly religious paintings, something caught my eye.\n\nI walked closer to a unique painting of a poor young boy praying by a tree. I reached up and my fingers gently brushed the texture of the art. There was something alluring yet disturbingly familiar about it all.\n\nIn that moment time seemed to slow. Even the footsteps became unintelligible distorted versions of what I knew as sound. It was like when you loose your train of thought and just can’t seem to get it back.\n\nThen suddenly it hit me.\n\nI... was in that painting.\n\nMemories came flooding back like an ocean wave. Discomfort and panic rushed through me as I recalled raging storms, terrible conditions, and even happy memories which seemed to scare me even more.\n\nMy first ever memory came flashing back.\n\nThere I sat, my father by my side, peacefully watching the sunrise. Suddenly a herd of antelope came leaping past. The young one was significantly slower than the rest. All of them were running far too fast to notice that he was falling behind. He stopped, suddenly interested in us. The antelope cautiously walked toward us, his large wondering eyes so innocent. A figure abruptly flew into the antelope, knocking him to the ground and digging into its flesh with sharp claws. The cheetah looked at me quickly, lifted her catch by the back of the neck, and was gone in an instant.\n\nA life. Ended in an instant. It shook me to my core.\n\nMany years later, I was a young adult. I was taking in the crisp fall breeze when a voice brought me back to earth.\n\n“This seat taken,” he asked, jokingly.\n\nHe sat down beside me and began to awkwardly twiddle his thumbs.\n\n“You ever feel like life is just way to harsh?”\n\nI’d had my fair share of that feeling. My father had died last year, and things were lonely without him. The weather had been incredibly harsh that season, and I had lost most of my home to the storms.\n\n“I - I just want my wife and kids to be happy, you know,” he said, tears welling up in his eyes.\n\n“I at least want them to have a nice neighborhood to look at every day.” The words came out desperate.\n\nWell, at least I had that. I loved my view. Beautiful sunset, sunrise, and everything in between. It made me greatfull that I had the opportunity to enjoy the simple things In life. The small, peaceful moments.\n\nHe began to pray, and I prayed with him. He left after about 5 minutes, and I continued to pray for many after he was gone.\n\nAnd then I remembered the most traumatic memory of my life.\n\nI was no longer young, but not old either. The air had been exceedingly hot that year, and things were seemingly getting out of hand.\n\nOn this particular day, my whole body tingled. I could feel smoke in the air, and I wasn’t the only one. When I realized that trees were catching on fire near my neighborhood, all hell broke loose. There was panic, rage, denial, and all of the things that stem from the emption that drives us all: fear.\n\nAs the fire approached me, all of that subsided. There was no desperation, no sorrow, no anger. Just a sudden acceptance of what was to come.\n\nMy leaves caught fire and scorched me down to my roots along with the once lively forest that was wiped out all in one day.", "\"Magnificent isn't it? I too, sometimes get caught up in the beauty of the broad strokes and vibrant colors.\" \n\nBehind me a thin man rambled on about the beauty of the painting that hung before me, encased in a glass container with the words 'DO NOT TOUCH' written in thick gold letters in the bottom left corner. Honestly with the way he spoke about it, you'd think that the painting was his true love or something. I suppressed my urge to tell the psuedo intellectual to get a room and continued my gaze upon the work.\n\nIt was entitled 'Blood Noon' and dipicted what seemed to be a warlord carving a path of carnage and terror through a band of knights. At his feet lie what seem to be the charred corpse of an unfortunate soul that stood in his path. In his right hand lay a warhammer wreathed in a purple, ethereal flame that had embedded itself into the skull of a different knight. Various spears and projectiles seemed to be colliding with the warrior yet nothing seemed to actually pierce his scaly skin. \n\nThe longer i stared at the piece, the more transfixed I became. I wanted to leave but I couldn't. It was like the painting had rooted me in place. The world melted away behind me as I stayed locked in place. Voices blurred into nothingness and the wall and barriers separating me from the artwork dissolved away. It had seemed like an eternity had passed when I finally heard something. A quiet hushed whisper that was barely audible. I blinked, and almost on instinct I uttered the phrase \"Malik Ti'Rofa\".\n\nThe colors and audio of the world rushed back to me in an insant. Only this time the drabble of the man behind me was replaced with screams of terror. I snapped out of my transfixed state to feel the ground rumble violently. The linoleum floor cracked and shattered as a warhammer wreathed in purple flames arose from the earth. A devilish gemstone, much in the style of a Dragon's eye adorned the handle. The hammer had to be the size of a fully grown male, maybe even taller. The flames flicked at the blunt, metal head, sending heat everywhere. Upon closer inspection, they seemed to resemble wailing souls, crying out in pain and agony. Even if they were it was impossible to hear over the screaming and shouting everyone around me, bolting to the nearest exit.\n\nSlowly my hand reached towards the weapon. I paused briefly at the heat emanating from the hammer before firmly grasping the hammer. At once a surge of energy tore through my body, stripping me of my clothing, flesh and muscle all at once. I should have died yet I didn't. Instead my head was filled with pictures of events. These were memories that had long since passed. My memories. As everything flooded back I could feel my spine extending into a tail, my toes fusing into three sharp talons. My skull patruding forward into a more predatory face. Claws, wings and various spikes and scales formed. I had become some sort of demonic dragon. But I remebered everything now. My quest for the artifacts, my final battle against the 12 Knights of the Saints and my subsequent loss of powers and curse of mortality. I remembered it all. For 1200 years my soul was trapped, bound to a mortal shell, doomed to repeat life again and again thanks to reincarnation. But now I have regained my former strength. This time nothing shall stop me in my quest to trample humanity and the holy lands underfoot as supreme ruler of both the mortal and ethereal realms. A wicked smile crossed my face as i gazed upon the painting once more. It was now burning as the words 'WELCOME BACK MASTER' scorched the artwork. Instinctively my hand once more reached to the painting. A helmet was produced from the flames. The first artifact known as the Arcane Helm of Azrael would give the dominion over death itself. \n\nWith a wave of hands and Arcane energy the earth began to crack and groan an unearthly moan as dozens of torn and shattered limbs arose from the depths of hell, each bone slowly regaining the sickly flesh color the demons of hell were known for. \n\n\"Arise my minions!\" I commanded \"Your master had returned, and today we exact vengeance on those who have wronged us and take our throne at the peak of both the mortal and ethereal planes!\"\n\n(Constructive criticism is always welcome, if not needed in my case)", "I wandered around Charleston Grand Museum. I loved things like this. Being a historian was always my passion, and I’ve read through books, documentaries, anything, to learn about the past. All these paintings, items, and artifacts were very similar to me. I had a kick whenever I could name a piece without looking at the info they gave me.\n\nBut there was one I hadn’t recognized. A sword.\n\nAs I walked further down, I saw a sword with a blue handle. It had a decent chunk of it knocked off, and had dark marks on it. I assume those were caused my blood drying up for a long time. I took a look on the plaque provided.\n\nThe sword of Garett Rosebary, a commander of the Dynasterian army. He fought war after war for his nation, leading them to victory each time. However, he met his demise in the war between Dynasteria and Maxia, and his nation fell.\n\nAs I finished reading, something felt weird. I’ve never read about this person before, but somehow, this felt familiar. \n\nThat’s when it hit me. A wave of memories that I didn’t recognize as my own. In those memories, I saw the sword, covered in blood. I was covered in steel armor, and there were lots of corpses on the floor. Some even had arrows in them. I remembered someone shouting at me.\n\n“ROSEBARY!”\n\nI turned around to see a large man with a sword larger than the one I was holding, and he had a shield with him. I charged forward, and swung towards him. Our sword clashed and we staring each other down.\n\nI remembered saying “Today is the day Maxia falls!”\n\n“Dynasteria grows at a dangerous rate. I won’t let you conquer anymore!” The man pushed me back, and swung his sword at me. I tried to block with mine, but I was sent further back. A piece of the sword was broken off, and I was on the floor. He walked over to me and raised his sword in the air, then shouted. “For my country! And my family!” He swung his sword down, and that’s where the memories ended.\n\n“SIR!” A woman said when the memories stopped. “Sir! Are you okay?”\n\nI looked around, then to her. Was I spacing out just now.\n\n“Y-Yes... I’m fine.” I told her before leaving the museum. As I walked out of the door, the thing that was bothering me finally sunk in. I’m the reincarnation of Garett Rosebary.", "The painting seems familiar yet distant like the echoes of waves beyond a blanket of hazy fog. \n\nStill, the dam bursts and I remember fragments, like pebbles in a cold stream. \n\nThat face, although different than my own, belongs to my past self. Suddenly, I remember being in that field of wildflowers, staring blankly at some far off cloud. \n\nPart of myself questioned how this had been possible before the sensations returned, the breeze blowing around me contrary to the stillness of the museum exhibit.\n\nI looked around and found myself alone, until she appeared. \n\nHer hair is gold, shining and translucent locks swirling as if she was underwater. The dress she wore is adorned with fine details as if it had been created by master artisans or some divine being. When she spoke, I had been utterly transfixed. \n\n“Some of you, are gifted beings, gifted with second life. Like a wave that does not crash or a sun that never falls. Do you remember asking for this gift?”\n\n“No, who are you?”\n\n“I’m your guide, received upon your first life, we had met so many times previously.” \n\n“Why do I have this “gift”? Why have I lived so many lives?” \n\n“In this form, you ask so many questions, but I may answer. You live, again, because you possess a purpose greater than your brothers and sisters. In time, you will guide them to the stars and beyond into the Empyrean.” \n\nI could not speak, the weight of this realization falling upon me. \n\n“It is there, that you will find us, where you will find the hands that made you. That crafted every wonderful soul, every monstrous being, everything.” \n\nIt all comes back. \n\nSitting against the rocky wall of a cave that would one day become France, the orange hues of flame painting the wall. \nThe rustic smell of combat, the thunderous roar of thousands of muskets. \nThe warmth of a lover, her face embracing the candlelight like it always had. \nSo many sunsets and sunrises.. in so many different places and times. \n\n“You are one of many, and your lives have seen so much and it will continue to do so. I have faith in you and that when you find my kind you may teach us of the things you have learned and experienced. Not so that we may look down at you but, to be inspired and learn, too.” \n\nAnd like that, the woman vanished. \n\nI looked around again and my son tugs at my hand. His eyes beam like his mother’s had but they have a tinge of sadness at the sight of my tears. \n\n“Dad, are you ok?” \n\nI smile, wiping away the tears and answer,\n\n“Always buddy, now lets get some ice cream.”", "A museum may not be the best, most ideal place for a 1 1/2 year old, but Mommy had to get out of the house, and the museum was free on Tuesdays. Mommy wandered the halls slowly, sometimes carrying the babbling little girl, sometimes letting her toddle ahead, but always keeping a steady murmur going. “Do you see the colors on that one? Don’t touch! I think that looks like a nice lady, and look at those flowers. Don’t touch, don’t touch!”\n\nCarly was getting sick of “Don’t touch.” All the colors were so pretty, and they looked like they needed a good lick. How else were you supposed to really experience a painting if you weren’t allowed to lick it? \n\nMommy had pulled out her phone and was texting Daddy about their day, so Carly took this moment to do a bit of exploring. There was something she needed to see. Unsteadily, she toddled towards the most colorful picture. It was a lush landscape, a green grassy field with pink and purple flowers dotting all across, and part of a castle nestled in the background on the right hand side.\n\nIn the forefront of the painting were two small knights, locked in battle. One stood victorious, having just slipped between the cracks of the others armor, the other was clearly fading away, red blood flowing freely and covering the lush grass and flowers.\n\nCarly grinned. She remembered that victory well, and the feasting afterward. That idiot had challenged her and she never took a challenge laying down. Many had felt as though she should have spared the fool, but she was merciless in her sense of justice and had ordered a portrait painted and displayed in the castle. No one dared cross her after that. A good day and a great life that had been. \n\n“Carly! Oh, pumpkin, let’s not look at that, that’s a yucky painting. Yikes. Come look over here.” Carly fussed as Mommy picked her up and walked her to a different landscape, helpless and dependent. She wanted to re-live her glory days! “Someone’s getting cranky. Time for nappy-byes, I think. Say bye-bye to the pretty paintings, love-bug.” \n\nWell. A nap did sound pretty good. Her reminiscing on the past would have to wait for another day.", "‘Ted, I need to go. I’ll call you later.’ \n\nFor the fifteenth time I tried to end our conversation, but I’ve learned that there were people who needed no encouragement and cared for no refusal when they wanted to share their burden. Ted was one of those people. \n\n‘Ted, I’m in a museum,’ I hissed, ‘I’ll call you later. Do not go to Jessica’s house, let her call you first.’\n\nThis was such a bizarre day. I woke up in cold sweat after a vivid most ridiculous dream. I was sitting in my office and suddenly a huge golden eagle broke the window and sat on my shoulder, his claws piercing my skin until I was crying for help.\n\nThen I woke up and a client insisted to meet me here – in a museum of all places. I had no idea how I was going to pitch an idea whiteout my charts and barely whispering. \n\nI was also roaming around this place for the last fifteen minutes and there was no sight of Mr. Jones. \n\nI reached for my phone only to find a mail from Mr. Jones titled 'Misunderstanding’. It was a response to my mail where I’m confirming I’ll be here, at the museum, today at 10 AM. And all he wrote was:\n‘It was clearly a misunderstanding; I never requested a meeting.’\n\nSo, I was standing here, in the middle of the bloody museum, almost an hour away from my office, staring at my phone with a gob-smacked expression. I perfectly remembered the mail Mr. Jones had sent me and my response and every little detail about it. \n\nI wouldn’t just invent an entire conversation, would I?\n\nI sighed. It was official- I was an idiot.\n\nI passed by an elderly couple and the woman gasped. I paused for a second, wondering was my idiotism now obvious even to random people who passed me by.\n\nHer husband pointed somewhere behind me.\n\nI looked up and saw…\n\nMe.\n\nI was staring at the painting for a full minute, my heart galloping in my chest. It felt if I had slammed my head against a closed door.\nIt was an image of a Roman soldier. I didn’t know much about history, but they had those distinct red mohawk helmets. I knew because I recently played a video game with a similar thematic. \nMy knees almost gave out when I saw staff with a golden eagle on the top.\n\nWhen I turned around the elderly couple was gone and the entire museum was empty. No one was there, not even guards.\n\nAs I started at the painting the throbbing in my temples intensified. I was taking fast shallow breaths when the images assaulted my mind. \n\nThere was a battlefield and sand and many many dead soldiers. And there was me, blood and sweat pouring down my face and burning my eyes. I had a wound on my thigh but it was the chest wound that worried me. \n\nI was James Brown, working in client service for the last five years but I was also someone else.\n\nAt this moment I perfectly remembered my legion and the battle of Alexandria, a final battle in the Roman civil war. I was a centurion and I was less than thirty years old when I died on a battlefield.\n\nIt was 30 BCE but I still could taste the scorching sand in my mouth and my bloody hand gripping the golden eagle of our legion. The battle was raging around us but there were forces upon us none could fight against. Forces of darkness, summoned from the underworld, ready to take over what we knew of our lands and our men. That golden eagle was the only thing standing between us and the darkness. \n\nI was standing in front of the painting, lightheaded and weak. Memory of my own death shook trough me like a thunder. \n\nIt was a day of victory, I knew. Even if so many of my loyal soldiers died that day, the world was saved. The eagle never fell in the arms of the dark king – and his reign of darkness never touched our world.\n\nI had died but I had died a worthy death and my soul was at peace.\n\nI slowly took the painting off the wall and turned it. I was perfectly calm when I took a pocketknife and cut through the protective layer on the back. I didn’t know how but I knew what I was doing.\n\nWords I saw in a language no one understood today didn’t surprise me. \n\n‘Find the eagle.’\n\nIt was written in a code language I had invented more than two thousand years ago. \n\nI put the picture back on the wall and slowly exited the museum. \n\nWhen I reached the door there were people again around me, guards patrolling the hall and the howling od car sirens on the street, but my life was changed forever.\n\nThere was another battle this world will face soon and I was the only one who could help them win.\n\nr/CrystalElmTales" ]	8
	[WP] Simon says had been passed down as a fun game to cure boredom and learn to listen to orders. But now a voice speaks in people's heads, claiming to be Simon. With horrible outcomes if you ignore it, the game is starting to get darker.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Simon says to touch your nose.\" \n\nI giggled and complied, thinking my husband was teasing me. When I turned around, tip of my index finger resting on my nose, he wasn't there. I glanced around but neither heard nor saw anyone there. I returned to chopping vegetables, prepared to dismiss it as a daydream. \n\nEthan and I ate as we usually did. He cracked jokes, planted his elbows on the table, and made it difficult for me to eat more than two bites consecutively. After eight years of marriage, he still entertained me as though every day was the first. His grey eyes sparkled. \n\nThe meal was over much too soon as usual. I was changing into pajamas while Ethan washed the dishes. Just as I slid the shirt over my head, I heard it again. \n\n\"Simon says pat your head.\" \n\nI didn't immediately comply this time. Ethan was on his second rendition of ABBA's Super Trouper; the order couldn't have come from him. I shook my head, trying to clear my mind. \n\n\"Free pass has been used... Next failure will bring tier one consequence.\" \n\nWhat the fuck did that mean? I peeked around the corner to see Ethan still grooving in the kitchen. \n\n...\n\"Simon says to touch your toes.\" \n\nI sighed and obeyed. I'd tried to ignore the orders this morning and had received pains in my left leg as though I'd been tasered. No burn marks appeared but I'd learned my lesson. \n\nWho the hell is Simon even? I thought grumpily. \n\n\"I am.\" \n\nI froze. \n\nAfter more interrogation, Simon revealed himself to be the master of a grand game. He wouldn't tell me how he'd gotten into my head, only that I wasn't alone. The orders progressed to simple exercises: pushups, jumping jacks, running in place, situps, air chairs... I felt that he was testing our physical condition- me and the others he was controlling- for whatever he was planning. \n\n...\n\"Simon says to go for a drive.\" \n\nI quickly ran to find my keys. I'd lost my vision for fifteen minutes yesterday when I'd tried again to resist. Once in the car, Simon gave me a series of directions. I ended up at a large warehouse. Its tin walls were rust-stained and the wooden supports looked ready to collapse. \n\n\"Simon says to go inside and choose a weapon.\"\n\nI obeyed. Inside, there were several long tables with a variety of guns on them. I spied a .22 caliber rifle on one with a box of bullets neatly beside it. I'd used one on my father's ranch many times while growing up. I pocketed the ammo and slung the rifle over my shoulder by its thick black strap. \n\n\"Simon says to resume driving.\"\n\nAfter a while, I found myself in Washington D.C. I pulled off into a transit lot and began walking. There was a large group of people standing outside of the Senate. Many of them also wore bulky garments like the one I'd been instructed to buy and wear over my rifle. \n\n\"Simon says go inside. Destroy the Senate!\"\n\nSimon's voice had been smooth and patient up til this last command. Pure venom seeped into his tone. Oddly, this order seemed less urgent because of it. Only a few people moved forward. They only went a few steps before stopping. The rest of us dropped to the ground in agony at the same instant. It felt like a combination of falling into a red ant hill, hot oil burns, and electrocution. I felt the skin scrape off of my knuckles as I convulsed. \n\n\"GO INSIDE! DO AS I SAY!\" \n\nI ran in the opposite direction. You didn't say \"Simon says\", I thought. I reached the next block, pulled out my cell and dialed 911 as quickly as I could. \n\n\"SIMON SAYS to go inside!\" Simon placed a great deal of emphasis on the beginning of the command. I smirked to myself. \n\nAnother wave of pain hit me as the operator picked up. \n\n\"Plan underway... destroy Senate... all by hostages... evacuate Senate,\" I managed to grunt.\n...\n\nA few hours later it was all over. An angry neuroscientist calling himself 'Simon' had selectively hacked the brain waves of a number of people within 2 hours of D.C. Angry that his program, once federally funded, had been cut for straying too closely to human experimentation, he had sworn vengeance on the US government. Unfortunately he disappeared without a trace an hour after being placed in custody. \n\nWhile I am immensely worried about the ramifications of his escape, I was more relieved to return home to my Ethan. \n\n\"Ethan says come help me make dinner,\" he joked when I came inside. \n\n\"Only if you never say that again,\" I replied." ]	2
	[WP] Due to certain circumstances that are best left untold, you are now fused with a demon. What this means however, is unknown.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Rayna stumbled through the battlefield, blood dripping down her arm. The sword cut was deep. Unless she was able to find a healer soon, she would lose that arm. Broken ribs caused her to wince with every breath as she dragged her exhausted body over fallen foes and allies alike. \n\nIn the distance she could still hear clashes of arms and explosions of magic. These sounds were dimmer, less intense than they have been mere hours ago. To protect her kingdom, Rayna volunteered her skill in the King's army. She had never planned on dying that day; but then again, neither had any of her charges. \n\nAccustomed to lurking in the shadows, Rayna peddled her services as an assassin for hire. Now that she decided to do something noble for once, she was paying the price. Damned nobles had no idea what it meant to actually fight. She fell to her knees as the last of her strength left her in a sudden rush of exhaustion. \n\nRayna closed her eyes as she fought to remember the battle. A part of her forced her to forget what she had done, what she had witness, and who she had killed. Nightmares plagued her vision thought she was still awake. A shadow passed before her eyes but she felt no urge to defend herself. \n\nOh that won't do at all\n\nThe voice seemed to reverberate within herself. A surge of adrenaline forced her to her feet. She picked up her twin daggers that had fallen from her exhausted fingers just moments before. brandishing them, she slowly turned in a circle. Nothing. The danger seemed to have passed. \n\nAh, so you do have some life left in you. Good.\n\nRayna began to hyperventilate. What was going on. There was no one around living for at least a mile. \n\nAh, but here I am. Now stop resisting, I have some work to do\n\nShe let out a cry and dropped the dagger from her left hand. Rayna fell to her knees, clutching the deep wound in her arm. Fire burned deep in the recesses of her injury. To her surprise, it ended as abruptly as it began. The pain ebbed until she felt surprisingly refreshed and whole. Pulling her tunic up her arm, she slowly peeled back the light leather armor she woe beneath it. \n\nInspecting the wound, Rayna let out a small gasp of shock. Where she had been previously wounded, now a living black patch of blackness was. She stared at it. The blackness swirled as if it was sentient on its own. Using her other hand to touch it, she was surprised to find the texture exactly the same as her own skin. \n\nAh yes, this is excellent\n\n\"Who are you and where are you?\" Rayna said outloud. \n\nI am in you. An unfortunate side effect of what happened here\n\n\"What did you do to me?\"\n\nI improved you and stopped you from dying. It may feel the same, but you'll find my blessing is quite more powerful than your mortal skin\n\n\"Why me?\" \n\nI didn't choose you; you simply have the greatest affinity for my domain: shadows\n\nRayna realized that this could only mean she had become one with a minor servant of Noxin; the Lord of Shadows. \n\nNot a minor servant. I'm actually his Lieutenant.\n\n\"What do you want with me?\"\n\nSince we are now bonded, I can't leave you. I will enhance your powers and give you great abilities beyond your mundane mortal ones. In return, you must pledge your life in service to my lord Noxin.\n\n\"What's the catch?\" Rayna asked.\n\nYou serve in life and in death\n\n\"I've never been one for sentimentality,\" Rayna muttered. \"My life is nothing anyways. I so pledge myself.\"\n\nA burst of fire from within her caused Rayna to cry out, but only briefly. As her vision flickered, she felt the fire filling each of her injuries with the power of the demon. After a brief moment she was free of pain and felt whole.\n\nRayna inspected her body and found each cut filled with the same living black skin that had repaired her arm. She flexed her whole body like a cat waking from a nap. \n\nExcellent. Now, let's go to where the fighting is. I have many things to teach you." ]	2
	[WP] The Kraken has risen from the depths, a giant wolf is chasing the sun, the Amazon is on fire. The apocalypse is here and the general public couldn't care less.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Nobody cared when the tentacle reached up from the depths of the ocean and swiped up two tourists, relaxing on the beach. This was New York, and they were tourists; why would they care? It was an attitude every New Yorker eventually adopted. If you've lived long enough there, you learn to look down on tourists, to expect the unexpected, to just mind your own goddamn business; as such, the tourists were dragged to a watery depth.\n\n\nThen more tentacles reached out, one snaking around the waist of a young boy who had waded into the water. He took a deep, shuddering breath and screamed, pushing off against his bonds.\n\n\n\"Mama! Papa!\" He reached out, scrambling onto the sand and holding onto gritty handfuls, slowly being pulled back into the water, his fingers leaving indentations in the sand. \"MAMA!\" Another tentacle secured his legs, and the boy lost his grip.\n\n\n A woman stood up, wearing a bright blue swimming suit and a large sun hat, having just gotten up from the towel spread on the ground. She looked around, terrified by her son's screams.\n\n\n \"Jake!\" she cried, rushing towards the water. \"Jake, Jake- hey, you! Some help over here!\" She strained at the rubbery tentacles, and the one around her son's waist came loose; only for it to grasp her arm as she jumped back, shocked. She held fast to her son's hand, but she was dragged along the wet sand, flopping about as she, now, desperately scrabbled for a hand or foothold. \n\n\nNow, seeing it was one of their own in trouble, another New Yorker, a few people stirred. A balding man, old and feeble, grasped the woman's leg, and pulled with all his might. Jake gave another cry as the tentacle attached to his mother came loose and sought to drag him down. His hand had begun to slip free from his mother's grasp.\n\n\n \"Help! Please!\" Her voice began to crack as she surveyed those on the beach, most with headphones in their ears, a few ambling towards them, but only three at top-speed, grabbing Jake by the armpits and pulling up. They were met with resistance, and no matter how much they pulled, the mobster was stronger.\n\n\n \"Huff, huff…\" The woman's hand slipped, and Jake began to be dragged away, barely held back by the three people. Jake's mother grabbed on again, and the old man did the same. With all their might, the group of five strained, succeeding in dragging the boy a bit closer.\n\n\n Then everything went black. In their surprise, they let go, and there was a slurping sound. When the sun reappeared and they turned around, Jake was gone. \n\n\nQuick as a flash, a tentacle wrapped around each person and, utilizing the element of surprise, dragged them in. Their screams and the red quickly spreading on the water's surface brought in more people (at a safe distance, of course.)\n\n\nThen the creature began to rise, at first only showing the top of it's head, then it's beady black eyes, and finally a seething mass of tentacles concealed below it.\n\n \n\nIt- or rather, the kraken- began to advance, feeling forward with strong and sturdy tentacles, until the tip of one met the sand, and it began to slither around the leg of an unfortunate man, who snapped a photo with his camera. Everyone ignored him. He was obviously a tourist.\n\n\nThe rest of the beach-goers ran for their lives, leaving footprints trailing in the sand. The stragglers were snapped up, while the rest of them managed to reach the boardwalk, panting and trying to catch their breath. A woman looked up, and her eyes went wide.\n\n\n\"It's really fast!\" she yelled as the kraken raced towards the survivors. A tentacle smashed her into the ground a moment later, leaving only a blood stain on the wood. It turned to the others, two men, three woman, and one child. One tentacle swiped towards them, intent on grabbing them in one go.\n\n\n(The wolf tracked down the sun and widened it's jaws. Sharp fangs glistening with moisture were bared as it loped forward, and leaped-) \n\n\nIt became dark again. Seizing an opportunity, they ran, the child with one of the woman. The young girl was easily the slowest, but the woman accompanying her swiped her up and ran into a shiny red car.\n\n\nShe turned the key to start it up, and swore when the car didn't start. By now, the sun was back in the sky, blazing with all it's might, and she stepped on the gas. The little girl with her shrieked. A tentacle came crashing down.\n\n\nThe radio turned on in another car, occupied by the two men. They froze as the monster stomped towards them, shattering the cement.\n\n\n\"-the Amazon is burning! It appears to be related to the irregularity occurring with the sun. Everyone is wondering wether this might be the apocalypse. Are we doomed?\" The woman on the radio was stopped by the man in the backseat.\n\n\n\"Yes, we're doomed!\" yelled the other man, banging on the wheel. The tires screeched, and the woman and child cringed, frightened beyond reason by the creature reaching for the two men in their car. \"F------ lady, this is the f------ apocalypse!\" \n\n\nThe kraken swooped down and, once again, there was a slurp. The car was crushed completely, and the child whimpered as the kraken began to move towards them.\n\n\n\"Ella, I'm scared,\" she confessed. Ella hugged the child closer to her.\n\n\n\"It's all right, Sylvia,\" she replied breathlessly. She held on tight and tumbled out of the car, taking Sylvia with her. \"Come on.\" She smashed through the window of a blue sports car, attracting the kraken. Ella breathed a sigh of relief seeing the keys in the glove conpartment, and entered them in the right place. \"After all, nobody seems bothered by all of this; why should we care?\" Her foot pressed down on the gas pedal, and they drove off, leaving the kraken behind. \n\n\nIt growled, emanating a low, rough sound as it reached for the car. Ella swerved to the side. She was focused and not at all frightened as she pressed down harder.\n\n\n \"It's right behind us!\" exclaimed Sylvia, grabbing the wheel and driving to the side. \"Ella… will we really survive?\" The woman smirked.\n\n\n \"If it kills me, I'll make sure you'll stay alive,\" she retorted, an air of confidence around her. \"Now, though, let's focus on the present.\"\n\n\n In a cloud of smoke, they drove off.", "\"It's a wolf. In the sky. Chasing the sun. It isn't like a weird cloud either, it's a full-on wolf as plain as can be. And still NOTHING,\" God shouted, crossing his arms over his chest and pouting. He was so irritated that he had manifested a physical appearance to better express himself. \n\n\"I told you I didn't know what you were expecting,\" Goddess said, rolling her eyes. \"You waited too long.\" He glared at her, the force of a tsunami coming from his cosmic eyes. \n\n\"You always have to be right,\" he grumbled. \n\n\"Don't start with me because your kids aren't paying attention to you. What do you expect when you leave them unattended for thousands of years? They all have abandonment issues.\" Goddess manifested a viewing portal of her own and clicked her tongue. \"You are making quite a mess of things at the moment. That Kraken has already sunk a couple of Indonesian islands.\"\n\n\"Exactly!\" God snapped. \"And still, the humans continue on. They are still going to offices. Offices! Why aren't they begging for my help?\" \n\n\"Plenty of them are,\" Goddess said. \n\n\"Yes yes but not really,\" God said, still pouting. \"Those are the ones thrilled at the apocalypse. They think Jesus is going to appear and Revelations will happen and for some reason they see that as a positive development.\" \n\n\"I told you that Bible was going to be trouble,\" Goddess said.\n\n\"Can you give it a rest for one day?\" he growled. She glared back.\n\n\"Fine, you're on your own.\" She vanished, leaving God in the viewing dimension on his own. He returned his gaze to the portal and watched with disdain.", "I reached into the cupboard for the honey nut cheerios, and lo and behold, the box was empty. Again. Fucking Derick. \n\n“Athena!” I called her name and the small black box on my coffee table lit up a flourescent blue. “Order more cheerios!” \n\n“Certainly,” said the AI, which sounded like an odd but soothing combination of Arianna Grande, Emma Watson, and Rihanna, as I specified. “What type of cheerios would you like to order?” \n\n“Honey nut, duh, you dipshit. And three boxes this time.” \n\n“Placing an order for three boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios. That should be delivered within the hour. Would you like me to tune to Netflix News while you wait?” \n\n“Whatever,” I said, as I flounched back on the couch with a bowl of fruity pebbles drenched in oat milk. \n\nAthena’s voice shifted to the familiar voice of Ronda Regio, the iconic reporter for Netflix’s news channel. \n\n“...raging wildfires have ravaged much of the Amazon Rainforest this month, despite efforts from firefighters to quell the blaze. The Union of South American Nations have called on the UN to declare this a global crisis in an effort to establish an international response team. However, many world leaders have expressed resistance in devoting resources to aid the disaster.\n\nPresident Trump, currently serving his fifth term in office, said that the US has enough on its plate.” \n\n“You know, I feel for what’s happening down there in Brazil, I do,” said the president. “The Amazon is a great place, very big, very beautiful. Yellowstone is also very big and beautiful by the way, and our firefighters, you know, they manage to keep these things at bay. Response time is key, you can’t let these things get out of control. You have to be vigilant. Fire, it’s very hot, you know, and it grows fast, and you got to pay attention. But, can we help? I mean, I don’t know, there’s a lot going on in the world. These Krakens, they are moving. A friend of mine, good friend, said he saw one of them from his apartment in Manhattan. I mean these things move fast. And we’ve got to do what we have to make sure America is safe before anyone else.” \n\n“The Kraken,” continued Regio. “Was last spotted off the coast of Malaysia last week, according to reports. Scientists say there is no evidence that there is more than one, although a recent poll says as many as 69% of Americans believe that there are multiple creatures and that they do pose an imminent threat to the United States.”\n\nI snorted. Everyone, everyone with half a brain anyway, knew that the government was genetically engineering these things to help cull the world’s population after they realized that climate change bullshit wasn’t working anymore. Fuck that, I was planning on moving to North Dakota anyway. Once I got my money up that is. \n\n“In other news, scientists have finally decided on a name for the giant wolf that appeared in the sky last Monday. The sun chaser was dubbed Amaterasu by a coalition of world astronomers yesterday, despite an American petition to name the canine Sunspot.”\n\n“Astronomers say they are still uncertain of the beast’s origins, though many theories abound. While some are convinced the creature is a harbinger to the end of times, others say it is a unique celestial formation caused by the sun’s shifting gravitational pulls. Regardless, Amaterasu has become a world sensation, particularly online where many have posted videos attempting to play catch with the intergalactic doggo.” \n\nI shook my head. People going crazy over a space dog. What the fuck was this world coming to?", "\"Ok, look thats great and all but where is my sandwich?\" Bill asked the shop employee that was currently being harassed by a small imp with a pitchfork. \n\n\"Ah! Help ow! Me!\" He said, jumping on the counter, doing a little tap dance as the imp tried to jab him. \n\n\"Can you believe the customer service here?\" Bill said to another customer. \"This place had respect for customers at one stage, now look at em, can't even make a sandwich... HEY KID SOME OF US HAVE TO GET TO WORK!\" He shouted, startling the kid who fell straight onto the pitchfork. In return the imp made the man a sandwich as thank you.\n\nAs Bill walked outside, taking a small bite of his sandwich he sighed. \"Jeez, that little thing makes a good sandwich, its almost devilishly good. Now wheres my car?\" He glanced around before looking at his car that had now joined a group of others cars that were being crushed together to form a large metallic ball of parts. \"Hmm.. guess Ill take the bus?\" He walked over to the bench, sitting on it as he glanced at the person next to him. \"Car troubles?\"\n\nThe man nodded pointing to his car that was too now reduced to a ball. \"Yeah, I think its because of that global warming hoax thing. Makes cars act all weird and stuff.\" Bill commented as the man just shrugged, not knowing enough about the subject to say he was wrong. As they sat on the bench, cracks formed in the road, shooting spurts of lava onto the street. \"Fucking global warming man... its wack.\" The man simply nodded at Bills statement before they got on the bus, the driver having no skin on his face, nor no skin anywhere for that matter.\n\n\"WANNNA GO FOR A RIDE? HEHEHAHA\" he laughed, teeth chattering together as Bill just scanned his bus-pass. \"Yeah im going to fifteenth street.\" He said casually as he found himself a spot to sit. \"I'm glad that we live in a place where the anti discrimination laws are so good. Its good to see people like him get work.\" He smiled, wrapping the rest of his sandwich up for later. Today would be a good day. He thought as the bus speeded off down the road." ]	5
	[WP] You’ve slain the dragon who attacked you on the road. Turns out however that in this kingdom dragons are citizens and he wasn’t attacking you, he was a toll collector for the King.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I exist in a sort of stasis, a detachment from the human condition that spares me surprise, that spares me the vagaries of suffering and death. It allows me to leave this sphere of mere mortality to become immortal in my own life, a stoic without stoicism, and a human in full realization of his own potential.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI looked upon non-chalantly at the dead dragon, killer and murderer. I gazed into its eyes, dark, bloody, from sleep or from wound? I would never know. The autopsy could probably tell, but then what use would it be to me? Would I benefit from knowing anything about this being? What use is this to me except its hide, for sale on the underground markets?\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWhen they catch me, I will not deny my action, crime as it might be for in my eyes it is nothing but the crime of my passionate embrace of authenticity.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI see the flashing lights in the distance, the gun in my hand trembling with anticipation. No fear but that primordial one of failure in me, that one which does not escape anyone. But fail was what I intended to do, fail was what I had to do. An absolute negation of my very existence was the only thing to release me from the bounds of mortality, and my fate thrown up to whatever I did in the moment. Only in choosing my death would I be completely free.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe men and the women and dragon and dragoness and ghoul and ghouless and witch are out in full force at the front of me, trying to intimidate me, to chase me and hunt me down like an animal suppressed under the force of their collective being without the realization that it did not affect me at all and that my final repudiation was the fact that I was choosing my manner of death and how I came about it rather than their laws and their society and their lack of innocence.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIs that a burning smell?? Hair and blood, caked, I fall to the ground. I have been shot, felled by what is that? A bullet? Then where does the fire come from? Why the smoke? Why the light when I only seek the darkness, eternal escape? Is this a clinical hospital I have been put into where the sounds are of pure industry, an inescapable circle of hell from which none can escape, except somehow through the mercy of their unwanted benefactors?\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd then I pull out the gun, with the last of my energy and I shoot. Not into them for that would be futile, I only reserve the lead for myself. My end, my thoughts not available to anyone else but me, only me, and will be only mine unless you have somehow found a way to write them down and spread them. And in this final breath, I achieve fre...", "The whole inn shook as something massive landed nearby. Sir Herrod shook too but not because of the quake. There was only one thing big enough to shake an inn: a dragon.\n\n\"Was that... a dragon?\" one of the servers said. She was a young girl, perhaps in her 16th year.\n\n\"Must have been!\" replied one of the locals. \"But Sir Herrod will protect us. Won't you, sir?\"\n\nSir Herrod smiled weakly and waved in response. He couldn't muster up the words to tell them the truth. That he had only slayed the dragon because he caught it unawares. Even then it was a harrowing fight that nearly ended with him as the dragon's lunch.\n\n\"Yes! Sir Herrod will save us!\" another local shouted out. \n\n\"Show us how it's done, sir!\" cried the bartender. \n\n\"Of... Of course,\" Sir Herrod finally said, rising from the table. \"Just let me get my horse so that I may challenge the monster on even ground!\" \n\nThe crowd let out a cheer. They had no idea that he had no intention of challenging the dragon on any sort of ground. He wanted his horse so he could flee before the dragon noticed. He didn't know why the dragon was here and as far as he was concerned, it was the town's problem now. \n\nAnother thud shook the inn again, closer this time. The dragon roared out and another roar from the other side answered it. Two dragons. There were two dragons. All hope of fleeing was gone. He could not overrun two of them. \n\nPerhaps I could hide in the root cellar? he thought. He immediately dismissed the idea out of shame. Even he had his limits. \n\nThe townsfolk were deathly quiet now. Even they knew Herrod couldn't take on two dragons. They even had sayings about it. \"Taking on two dragons\" meant something was an impossible task. But just because it was impossible didn't mean that they didn't want to live.\n\nSeeing those frightened eyes reminded him of the oaths he swore, all those years ago. \n\nWhat happened to that idealistic young squire, he thought. When did I start only caring about myself?\n\nHe could be that knight again though. These people did not know him like he knew himself. He could be that beacon of hope for them, before they all perished. With that, Herrod snapped into action. \n\n\"You, bartender,\" he said in a quiet but sharp tone. \"Is there a root cellar here?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir\"\n\n\"Good. Take these people down there and bar the door. Don't let anyone leave until morning.\"\n\n\"Bar the door?\" one local whined. \"What good that gonna do against a dragon?\"\n\nThe townspeople mummered in agreement.\n\nSir Herrod snapped at him, \"The bar is not to keep the dragons out but to keep you in. If you flee across those fields like prey, the dragons will give chase and kill you. Your only hope is to stay and hide. I will draw them away.\"\n\n\"You would do that for us, sir?\" the bartender said. \n\nHerrod knew he wouldn't but he also didn't know what he was going to do. Better to let the people think he was going to die a hero, so he nodded in agreement. \n\nSoothed by his pledge, the townspeople went below. He waited for them all to go before he left. He had hoped an idea would come to him that would keep the people safe and him in one piece. Nothing came to him. \n\nBereft of a plan, he still had to do something. So he crept out to the moonlight streets of the town. He didn't have much on him except his sword. It wouldn't do much against a dragon's hide but they had soft points near the joints, much like a knight's armor. \n\nThe dragons stood taller than all the buildings except the church tower. It made it easy to find them and even easier to sneak up on them. He wasn't quiet in his armor but compared to the dragons, he was quieter than a field mouse. \n\nHe crept into the shadows of the blacksmith in the town square. There he got his first good look at the dragons. They were circling the town hall across from him. They kept peering through the windows, looking for something. The torches outside the hall were still lit. The orange light shined off the dragons scales. They were both slate grey, like the dragon he slew earlier. One had large spines along his back, marking him as a male. He had deep amber eyes while the female's were more yellow, like a cat's.\n\nHe watched them circle the hall for a minute while he tried to see if there was some way to creep up on thrm. Perhaps if he killed one, the other would flee. It was a slim hope but it was all he had.\n\nHe considered his plan a moment longer before the female made a noise that chilled his blood.\n\n\"Magistrate.\" \n\nHer voice rumbled like she had boulders under tongue but the word was clear. The dragon spoke.\n\nThe male roared and hissed at her. The female growled in return, \"Speak their language Ferrox. Our language frightens them.\"\n\nThe male growled in response but gave in. \"They are already frightened. They wet themselves anytime we are near. This whole town reeks of their... waste water\" \n\n\"Piss. They call it piss,\" she corrected.\n\nHerrod stood, mouth agape. He didn't know they could speak, let alone speak the King's Tongue. It was known that dragons were smarter than most beasts but not like this. They were like people. \n\n\"Magistrate!\" her voice boomed louder. \"We need to speak to your magistrate!\"\n\nThey kept peering inside the windows, looking for something.\n\n\"Anything?\" she asked.\n\n\"Nothing. They're all gone or hiding. Are you sure this is the right place?\"\n\n\"The female indicted it was.\"\n\n\"She was scared of us, Islailia. She lied to protect her little hatchling.\" \n\n\"No. I can see parchment and records inside. This is how humans create their laws.\"\n\n\"We are wasting our time!\" Ferox growled. \"The humans will not help us and while we try to parley, the men who slayed my brother get further away! He must be avenged!\"\n\n\"Do not speak to me of vengeance!\" the volume of her voice hit Herrod in the chest and nearly deafened him. If this was her yelling then what was that before?!\n\n\"We may not have shared a nest as you did, but he was my brother too! He looked after me when no others would and I want to see their blood spilled as much as you\"\n\nHerrod slumped. What have I done? he asked himself. \n\nWhen he slew the dragon, he thought of only the riches it carried and the fame it would bring him. He did not know it was a thinking beast. If he had known, he could have tried to reason with it. \n\nBut would have I? he asked himself. He couldn't answer that honestly and hated himself for it. \n\nFerox flinched back from her rebuke, \"I am sorry Islailia. I just-\"\n\n\"I don't want to hear it!\" she snapped. \"We will find the men who slew Jarick but we will not start a war with the humans to do it. We must be better than them.\"\n\nNobility. The dragons even had a concept of nobility. Herrod's mind tried to correct him, to make everything okay. He remembered stories of dragon's fire and death. Princesses stolen and kept in towers. Dragons were evil vicious beasts! They deserved to be slain! Didn't they?\n\nWhen was the last time a dragon took a princess or burned down a castle? he asked himself. Certainly not in my lifetime. Grandfather always told stories but he heard those from his father. Was any of it true?\n\nBut then where did that dragon get all that gold from? a little voice said. Do you really think innocent little villagers just handed at all over?\n\nA loud bang snapped Herrod out of his thoughts. Islaillia had broken down the large doors to the town hall. With the horrible creaking of wood, she managed to wedge her head inside.\n\n\"In the name of the Baron of Surnoix, you will present a magistrate!\" she yelled. Her voice was barely muffled by the wooden walls of the building. \"A Royal Tax Collector was slain within your borders!\" \n\nTax collector? he thought. Taxes for what? \n\n\"The men responsible will answer for their crimes, either by your law...\" Islaillia pulled her head out of the doorway and a orange glow rose from the back of her throat. \"Or by ours.\"\n\nFerox smiled as he poised himself outside the hall, ready to strike. Herrod had been in enough battles to know when things were about to go south. The dragons were going to start killing soon and there was only one thing he could do to stop it. There was only one right course of action. If he didn't give himself up, everyone would die because of him. His conscience just couldn't handle that.\n\nHe unbuckled his sword and dropped it to the ground. The dragons' heads snapped towards him. He fought every instinct to freeze or run. He walked towards them, arms out to show he meant no harm. Their reptilian heads loomed over him and he struggled to find the words to say. How could he explain what he had done? \n\nImages of the dragons tearing him apart flashed through his mind. They stared him down, ready to tear this new figure to shreds. \n\nThankfully, the words found him before a dragon's maw did. \n\n\"It was me,\" he said. A burden lifted off his chest as he spoke. Maybe they would be forgiving\n\"I'm the one you're looking for.\"\n\n\"What are you talking about you, foolish man?\" Ferox growled.\n\nHerrod looked the dragon right in the eyes. He tried to say that he killed the dragon's brother. He killed his brother while he was napping on a warm rock. He drove the blade into his heart and was nearly killed by the beast's dying blows.\n\nHerrod tried to say all of this, but he couldn't. His mind had betrayed his heart.\n\nHe hated himself as he spoke, \"I am the magistrate of this town.\"", "\"YOU DID WHAT!\" The king shouted, his chubby cheeks red with rage as he let out a hot huff that could have competed with the dragons.\n\n\"I... um I have slain the dragon.. that attacked me? You know I'm a hero. So I was thinking for my feast we could have-\"\n\n\"SILENCE YOU PIG BRAINED BRUTE!\" The king snapped, wheezing rather hard as he pushed himself off his throne, his stubby legs carrying him a little forward. \"THAT WAS HOW I COLLECTED TOLLS!\"\n\n\"Then why did he attack me?\" The hero asked, scratching his chin as he watched the king huff and puff in front of him.\n\n\"BECAUSE YOU NEVER PAY THE TOLL YOU IDIOT! I gave you warnings! Oh heres some gold for the toll! Don't forget to pay the toll\" the king whined, regretting appointing this idiot as their hero.\n\n\"Oh.. I thought you meant by toll... like.. heres some money for the toll it will take on your body, you know.\"\n\nThe king pressed his flabby hand to his face, making an exhausted huff into it. \"IDIOT! Go and stand on the bridge! You will be collecting tolls until I find a replacement... just get out of my face, ill find a punishment later...\"\n\n\"Ah.. ok? Yeah sure. Ill do it with gusto and make you proud\" the hero said, embarking on his next quest as the king just fell back into his throne.\n\n\"Never appoint Fodrian heroes...\"" ]	4
	[WP] Each demon has a theme. There's a demon for pacts of beauty, one for pacts of money, etc. However as human technology and science evolve, their need for pacts is smaller every day. As a psychologist, it's your eternal punishment to help demons deal with their existencial crisis.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "‘Mr. Extabesc,’ I hear the voice of my assistant Gloria, ‘doctor Smith will see you now.’\n\nI reach for the glass of water, ever half-empty in my case. \n\nI’m a psychologist, or at least I was while I was living and I now I treat daemons and other supernatural beings as my eternal punishment.\n\nListen, I was one of the best and I heard a few stories in my time but this…every séance made me furiously contemplate the entire meaning of existence and humanity. Then again, that was the exact point of me being punished so there was little to complain.\n\nA soft knock sounded on the door and my assistant ushered my next patient.\n\n‘Mr. Extabesc,’ I stood up when the demon entered. My office was deep in the womb of hell, something like a basement but he never took off his large black sunglasses. He carried himself like old-fashioned divas, always calling to say it was an emergency and always making a scene at the end of each séance. \n\n‘Your assistant was rude,’ he said, taking off the bright red fur from his shoulders and tossing it aside, ‘she made me wait.’\n\n‘I am very sorry, Mr. Extabesc,’ I say the words I say every time, ‘I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.’\n\nExtabesc was a fame demon. One he was one of the most powerful of his kind. Many a man had sold their soul for Extabesc’s offerings. \nHe looked the part, I gave him that, as I watched his lounge in one of my chairs, with his dramatic sighs of desperation and outrageous outfits. \n\n‘You said it was an emergency,’ I said. The time was running and usually, I needed halt of a séance to coax him to speak. Later he would throw a fit and complain about how I don’t give him enough attention.\n\n‘Yes,’ he looked away, ‘it is an emergency. This world is ending.’ He covered his face with his hand.\n\n I always cringed at the sight of his red skin and those pointy black nails, so I was grateful for the distracting colors of his garment.\n \nHe suddenly looked at me. ‘Doctor, you’re old enough to remember the days of my glory. Remember when humans yearned to leave their impact on the world, to have their name remembered by many generations.’\n\nWell, I wasn’t that old, but I knew what he meant.\n\n‘There were so many extraordinary souls I had collected – famous writers, painters, men who wanted power, women who wanted to conquer the world with their beauty and their inventions.’ He sighed again. ‘Those were the days.’ The demon shook his head. ‘I would appear in their darkest hour and offered them the world in the exchange of their most precious possession. I always thought there was a bit of artistry in it.’ He smiled. ‘All those souls were of humans with extraordinary talents, intelligence and gifts worth of taking and now…’ \n\nA braced my self for the dramatic cry. He did this every time. It took me a few years before I could hear that piercing hellish sound and not shake. \n\n‘There is no point for my existence, doctor!’ Extabesc suddenly screamed and I though his cry reached the very last pits of hell. I was used to it but I think Gloria just fainted. Poor soul – she was new. \n\n‘There, there, Mr. Extabesc,’ I said, ‘I’m sure there are still so many people out there who are willing to trade their soul for fame.’\n\nThe demon shook his head. ‘You don’t understand. I never was busier in my entire existence, I receive millions of requests each day but most of them are so stupid I wish to scream in agony.’\n\nI hoped he wouldn’t do it again. For Gloria’s sake. \n\n‘They now come asking for upvotes and likes and thumbs up and other nonsense. They want more clicks and followers and swipes and I have no idea what is the point of it.’\n\nI was looking at my notebook. ‘Mr. Extabesc, tell me, do you bothered by a feeling of incompetence or you are just bothered by the changes in your filed of the profession?'\n\nI shouldn’t have said that. The demon let out another ear-splitting cry and I heard another dull thud from Gloria’s office. That poor girl.\n\n‘Are you suggesting I’m useless?’ He snapped.\n\n‘No, no, no,’ I raised my hands, ‘I would never say something like that. I only notice a certain reluctance you have expressed about the changes that are happening in the world of mortals. Evolution is the natural process and many of your colleagues had to adjust.’\n\nThe demon wouldn’t look at me.\n\n‘I would like you to think a little bit about how do you really feel about your problem and try to put it in words so we could reach a solution.’\n\nDeamon sighed and took off his glasses. His yellow burning eyes rendered me speechless. \n\n‘They don’t need me anymore, doctor,’ he said. ‘Every fool with a phone can now become reach fame – for a day at least. Do you know what they do – they photograph their cats and present them to other people who admire and worship them. Cats, my former colleagues,’ he cried, ‘those same cats who are plotting their demise since the dawn of time.’\n\nI was relieved when he put the glasses back on. ‘How can I compete with a cat?’ He asked.\n\nFor a second he looked so sad I really wanted to console him. ‘Can’t you do something about the cats. Don’t they answer to you?’\n\nHe shook his head. ‘Our contract expired a while ago and I thought they’d give us a hand for the old times, but they say this is the beginning of their reign – they are gaining more power and soon they will take over the world.’\n\nHe looked up. ‘It’s not about cats, doctor, the world is changing.’\n\nMy bell sounded and I put the notebook on the table.\n\n‘Well, Mr. Extabesc our time is up, but we’ll see each other again next week.’ \n\nDeamon stood up and picked his crimson fur.\n\n‘And, if you don’t mind,’ I smiled, ‘could you write me a nice review, it’s good for the business.’ I said apologetically. ‘Gloria will explain to you the details. If you could download the app, I'd greatly appreciate it.'\n\nDeamon gave me a look and stormed out of the office.\n\nr/CrystalElmTales" ]	2
	[WP] Alarm clocks are sick and tired of getting sworn at, destroyed and abused. Today it ends. Today every alarm clock walked off the job.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "About twenty years ago I earned my alarm clock radio, with help from Mom, through an event to sell jewelry so my school could get a new sign. There were several other prizes, like a bike for one, but I wanted to wake up for a wake up talk show on the radio and mom refused to wake me up for it. I don't know if it still airs, I long since moved out of range.\n\nNeedless to say, I was excited and proud of that simple radio. I thanked it, did maintenance, kept it clean, and even named the thing! (Allie, short for alarm in case you wondered.) Thanking it and naming it was originally just silliness, but now it's a full blown habit. Sometimes I don't even realize I said \"Thanks Allie!\" unless I'm told.\n\nThe day started just like any other day. My alarm went off tuned into my favorite local radio station, which was currently playing an up tempo song that I really liked. I displayed how white I was by showing off my dancing to my empty bedroom and sang along a little while I got dressed for work. I hoped the neighbors remembered that it's me singing and not torturing an animal.\n\nI cranked up the radio so I could still hear the song while I fixed myself a thermos of coffee. I was met with an empty pot, which was very unusual since my roommate Yuki always gets up an hour before me and brews it. I wondered if her phone died since she never slept through her alarm and began walking towards her room.\n\n\"Yuki! Yuki, it's eight o clock!\" I hollered as I opened her door. \"Did your phone die last night?\"\n\n\"Shit! No, it's still on with the volume all the way up. I can't access the App,\" she said as she rushed to get ready. \n\n\"Maybe a virus or something got on your phone?\" I suggested.\n\n\"I doubt it, but I'll take it by the store to get it looked at just in case. Hey, Becky! Thanks for waking me up,\" she said. When I tried to wave it off she insisted. \"Seriously, girl, you saved my job.\"\n\nNow that I was feeling all self aware and awkward, I made a beeline to start the pit of coffee. Yuki had thirty minutes still before the usual time she left to go to work, we can still have some coffee! Halfway through making it, I realized nothing was playing on my radio, usually it would be a constant stream of songs and commercials until I turned it off, and if I forgot it would take three hours to shut itself off. I turned it off since nothing was playing. What a Monday!\n\nAfter little things, such as stores and businesses that weren't 24-7 opening late, and people coming in late for work, everyone figured out that alarms weren't working. There were a few, like me, who had working alarms, but it was only one in twenty that did. We couldn't find a technological reason for them to quit, and we puzzled on that while we figured out how to work around it.\n\n\nMore after I satisfy the obligation of social calls. Shit, hope this doesn't double." ]	2
	[WP] An old and homely grandmother accidentally summons a demon. She mistakes him for her gothic-phase teenage grandson and takes care of him. The demon decides to stay at his new home.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Granny!\"\n\n\"What is it, Lucas?\" Her sweet, matronly voice calling out.\n\n\"I...I need your help.\" I said the last word in a strained tone.\n\n\"With what, dear grandson?\" She waddled over to me.\n\nI looked at her generous, concerned face. Maybe, it was good I could turn to a human for this.\n\nBut...it was so embarrassing. It could lead to nowhere. What would a human know about demonic relationships? \n\nI shrugged to myself. Might as well give it a go. I could always go back anyway. \n\n\"I...uh...\" Fatherly Satan this was so hard to explain.\n\n\"Did you injure yourself?\"\n\n\"No!\" \n\n\"Do you want some more oatmeal?\"\n\n\"No, it's not that...\"\n\n\"Oh dear, what is it?\"\n\n\"I uh...hmm...\"\n\n\"Oh, oh, oh,\" she clucked her tongue gently, \"it's that, isn't it?\"\n\n\"Huh?\"\n\nShe giggled. What the hell?\n\n\"Is there someone at school?\"\n\nSchool? I didn't go to school. But...maybe her other kid did. It was good she couldn't see too well. Our faces didn't look all that alike. We both had dark hair, but that was about it. I couldn't believe the guy wore this crap that I was now forced to put on to pretend to be him. If he were a demon, like me, he would be thrown in the pits for having such embarassing fashion sense. Actually, I already threw him into the pit...for safekeeping.\n\n\"S-School?\" I stuttered. I was started to wish I had never said anything.\n\n\"You know...do you always think of a girl? Or a boy?\"\n\nI grimaced. Ugh, disgusting. \n\n\"No...er...yes?\" Wait, this might be it! My lead in!\n\n\"So...who is it? Anyone I know?\"\n\n\"No...just some...person at school...\"\n\n\"It's not Lily, is it? Oh, she is so lovely! You used to play together when you were young! She in white, and you in all black, just as you do now. Like bride and groom...\"\n\n\"Uh, no grandma, no...\"\n\n\"Oh,\" she frowned for a bit, and I was worried she was going to get mad, or even worse, stop helping me.\n\nI tried again. \"See the thing is, I actually bonded with...er...like...two people...\"\n\n\"Oh my goodness! That must be confusing, dear!\"\n\nI nodded fervently. Finally we were getting somewhere.\n\n\"Well...Lucas...it seems, the best you can do is spend some time with yourself, and think about who you like better.\"\n\nMy smile turned into a frown. No, no. What was she saying? That's not how things worked!\n\n\"That's not all, see, the issue is, they love each other more than me...\"\n\nMy granny's face was shocked. \"Oh! Well, I suspected you were gay, but I never knew for sure...\" She suddenly blushed, \"I guess they could both be girls too...\"\n\n\"Grandma...\" The thing is, demons are sexless...but what am I thinking, this hardly mattered anyway!\n\n\"Yeah, I guess...\" It might be easier to explain if she thought I was gay. Sorry real Lucas, better clear this up when you get back! If you ever get back...\n\n\"But their child I mean -- friend, has...uh...asked me out...\" More like forcibly propositioned me after he came out of their womb.\n\n\"Well that's...good I guess...\" She looked uncertain. Was she getting any of this? I really hoped she was getting this. I really really hoped she could help me with this.\n\n\"But I don't like him grandma...I...don't know what to do.\" I looked down at my hands.\n\nShe put her hand on my shoulder, stared me close in the eye.\n\n\"Lucas. I might have forgotten what drama was like in high school, but. If you don't like someone, you don't have to be with them.\"\n\nHer eyes were serious, and it frightened me. They were kind in a way a demon's eyes could never be. I shriveled inside. A human is doing this to you.\n\n\"If they are hurting you...you can tell me, okay? I will help you.\"\n\nI wished it were that easy. But a human against a demon, and such a powerful one, even one as young as him...what could she do?\n\n\"Tell me, Lucas. Is he hurting you?\"\n\nA long pause. Then, \"yes\" in the smallest, weakest voice.\n\n\"Come here, Lucas.\" She pulled me into a hug.\n\nA tear fell from my eye. Maybe there was nothing I could do as a demon, but at least I could stay with her.", "\"Jason, is that you?\" Ruth called as she slowly climbed the stairs, hearing a crashing noise that sounded more like a mild thumping to her elderly ears.\n\n\"There you are, my sweet boy,\" she smiled at the figure of who she thought was Jason. \"What are you doing with your grandfather's books?\"\n\n\"My name is Abyzou,\" he grumbled, closing the book in his hands.\n\n\"Right, Right, Right. My mistake,\" she apologetically said. \"I forgot that's what you go by these days, zou-zou,\" she chuckled to herself. \"Well, when you're done with that.\" Ruth gestured vaguely at the pile of books on the floor near the broken bookcase. \"Come down stairs. I made cookies.\"\nAbyzou looked up from the book he'd just opened. \"Chocolate chip cookies or raisin?\" He arched an eyebrow.\n\n\"Chocolate chip.\"\n\nHe slowly closed the book and followed her out of the room. \"You know, raisin cookies are used a torture method in hell.\"\n\n\"You're funny,\" she laughed and he found himself smiling in return.\n\n\"When was the last time you had a bath, zou-zou?\" Ruth wondered as they entered the kitchen.\n\n\"Eh, a while.\" He sniffled himself. \"Do I smell bad?\" he wondered.\nShe placed a tray full of cookies in front of him and went to fetch him a glass of milk.\n\n\"Well, no of course not. I just asked to let you know that I bought bathbombs from the store. If you want to use one.\" She started looking inside one of the grocery bags she had yet to unpack and pulled the bathbombs.\n\n\"Bathbombs.\" He narrowed his eyes. \"I'm not familiar with bathbombs. But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give them a try.\" He shrugged, eyeing the bathbombs.\n\n\"Wonderful. While you clean up I will make lasagna for dinner.\"\n\n\"Do you have wine?\" he wanted to know.\n\n\"You're a little young to be drinking wine, young man,\" she told him. \"But a glass of wine with dinner wouldn't hurt. It did'nt hurt your father. I doubt it would hurt you.\" She ruffled his hair playfully.\n\n\"This is too much for just the two of us,\" he noted, gesturing at the cookies.\n\n\"You can take all the cookies with you when you leave tomorrow,\" she figured, sounding a bit low at the thought of her grandson leaving.\n\n\"Actually, there's a change of plan,\" he mumbled through a mouthful of cookies. \"I no longer have to leave so early.\"\n\nEdit: wording." ]	3
	[WP] “We stand at the precipice of a new age.” The scientist said to the crowd. The machine before them promised a bright future with the power held within. You were among the crowd, but not here to celebrate. You are here to destroy, for you came from a place and time where it was turned on.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "After much careful thought and consideration, poring over historical documents, and international debate, humanity had finally decided that this particular moment was the moment in which everything had gone to shit. \n\nSo Houston Palmer, astronaut and part-time particle physicist, had been sent back in time to destroy this machine no matter the cost. It was, in theory, a great machine, but it had unintended consequences. A generator that could produce terawatts of energy and not heat up more than a few degrees, the size of a shoebox, sounded like a great machine, and in fact it was for a while, but that virtually unlimited power in the wrong hands could be put to bad use. \n\nAnd so Houston sidled up to the stage, brushing some people out of his way, and finally stopped at the front row. As some idiot blathered on about how cool this thing was, Houston reached into his pocket and fiddled with a small blue sphere, twisting the top half until it clicked. He took it out, counted to ten, and rolled it towards the generator. No one would notice, as the whole first row had their hands upon the stage, resting on it. He put his hands there as well, and waited. \n\nMidway through this guy's sentence, the generator sputtered and turned on. The speaker turned around, confused. Houston quickly turned and made his way back through the crowd, not stopping to look as the generator blew up. He made his way to the bathroom down the corridor, got into a stall, and with a soft blip, was back in his timeline. \n\nThe speaker was thrown off the stage and caught by the crowd, many of which were momentarily blinded by the bright blue light, so intense it was almost white, and the deafening pop. The speaker's clothes were on fire, and he hurriedly put them out. \n\nThe crowd, shell shocked, all left proclaiming that they would never buy something that spontaneously blows up. The generator never took off after that.", "For a long time, this feeling has been wandering through my head, hammering my brain and refusing to go away. Even when I wasn’t thinking about it I could feel the presence of this idea just waiting in the background ready to reveal itself from the shadows once again, ready to consume me. \nCivilization is ending. We reached a point where there is no turning back. Do you know the Fermi paradox? There is a hypothesis that a civilization destroying itself is a natural occurrence for when it reaches a certain level I technology and advanced military weapons. \nI could only think of this paradox when I read the news. \nHis name was Steve Berry G. an engineer that had been working on a new home security project. It is just a robot that poses as a doorman, kind of a simple idea. If someone tries to break-in, the robot has some options, like calling the police, setting an alarm or in the case he senses violence against the house owners, he can use fire weapons against the bogglers. \nThis sets a dangerous precedent, one that wouldn’t mind if I didn’t live in the times that I live. What you have to understand is that owning a house nowadays is just for rich people. Poor people live on the slums since all the working-class neighborhoods we're gentrified with success. Protests have been going for a year now, against the absurd house prices, against the terrible conditions people live in, and breaking into houses and making some mess is a form of protest. \nI never had to worry about it. I got a rich dad, he can afford a house. However, I can’t watch still house owners finding a way of stopping the poor from protesting, and continuing this ongoing genocide until poor people are not an issue anymore, and the earth is filled only by their similars. \nAm I crazy for that? Do you think it is a hyperbole created from my catastrophic head? I will never know, as I shoot Steve for the first time. His blood spatters through the stage and paints his monstrous creation in red. \nPOOW. Once again, just making sure that he is dead. POOW. Now he is. The crowd runs away screaming in panic. I have to shoot the two security guards, I know more are coming, but they will be too late to the party. \nOn my pocket, there is a bomb. As I vanish I hope I make a great impact. Probably not. Just wish somebody else got the motivation to fight.", "\"Aquarius\" was supposed to give us access to the stars. Not physical access, necessarily, but knowledge unlike anything we had imagined. \n\nScientists had figured out a way to send and receive information faster than light. How much faster? Instantaneous. Their first impulse, bless their innocent hearts, was to look for intelligent life in other parts of the galaxy. And, at the very least, study the unreachable with immediate returns. \n\nBut like most things, it's original purpose was hijacked, and perverted for an entirely separate ambition.\n\nOf course, no one knew that yet.\n\nNothing will make you feel more alone than standing among a crowd of people who, in your time, are slaves. \n\nThe ghosts stir as the lead \"scientist\", Edward McKinney, takes the stage. He was more of a spokesperson than a scientist, but to most people it was all the same. \n\n\"We stand at the precipice of a new age.\" He said, proudly.\n\nOf course Ed was proud, he was getting paid extremely well to disarm people so that they would accept their reduced autonomy with the least possible amount of friction. \n\nBefore he died, Ed \"confessed\" to me that he never thought it would \"come to this\", and that, \"They weren't supposed to use it this way.\" Ignorance is bliss, isn't it, asshole? \n\n\"An age of true enlightenment,\" He continued to vigorous applause. \"Where we will finally have solutions to problems that have plagued us since the dawn of society.\"\n\nHe would go on to babble fervently about perpetual this, and instant that--overselling the benefits of disregarding the intrusive nature of the machine. \n\nOnce the machine is turned on, it would have immediate access to everyone. Their every thought in real time. Their every memory--even ones they forgot they had. \n\nThat would only be the beginning. \n\nThe machine would act as a hub for those whose interest lie in controlling people. Literally. It would soon become apparent that the choices people made were not always their own, whether or not they even realized it. Like machines themselves, remotely driven to do things they might have never done. \n\nThe people behind the curtain took safeguards to ensure that they, and only they, were safe from being controlled like puppets by their machine. \n\nWith tears and blood mixing as they streamed from his chin, Ed nervously sobbed. The walls had finally closed in, and no self-respecting human would give him a second chance. \n\nBang, followed by the simultaneous sound of a small bullet casing and the crashing of a bag of worthless flesh that used to be Edward McKinney. \n\nDon't worry, Ed, I'm about to spare you from that future. \n\nI could no longer hear the adoring crowd as I weaved my way through it, closer and closer to the stage. \n\nI pulled my pistol from my jacket, intent on pointing and unloading the entire thing into him before he hit the ground. But as soon as I rose the gun, it turned toward me. I felt my own hand begin squeezing the trigger as I stared down the barrel of the gun. That's when you guys grabbed me.\n\n\"So not only are you a time traveler... but the super evil technology you're trying to prevent can travel through time as well?\" The agent mocked me.\n\n\"No, I'm saying I was too late. The Aquarius machine was a decoy...\" I sighed, hopelessly. \n\n\"A decoy? So you're saying it's not going to control our minds.\"\n\n\"No I'm saying it... whatever it is, it's already on. It probably has been for a long time. They are listening right now. They know everything. They wanted us to think we could pin point exactly when it took over, but they were smart. You need to let me go before it gets too strong. We need to find the machine and stop it before we can't. It's probably at area 51, I knew it, I just knew it. Come with me, all of you, they can't stop us all. Hey! Get your hands off me, don't you understand? Let go of me. Let go. You don't know what you're doing. It's controlling you right now, can't you tell? You can fight it. No, no, no please don't-ahh! Nnnnnffffffff\"" ]	4
	[WP] There’s a detective with an ability: he can “turn off” one his senses to enhance the other four. One day, he decides to challenge himself by turning off four senses and solving a case using only one super-sense.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Think of it this way: If each of your five primary senses has 100% of power, and you give up one of them to enhance the other four by an equal amount, each of them gets better by 25%. And if you give up another in favor of the other three, each one of them is now roughly 58% better than usual. And so on. This is what I do for a living.\n\nI don't know where this gift came from. I can't really remember when I first noticed it either. But I decided to use it for good, and so I became a detective. It's simple. If I have to investigate crime scenes, I can usually manage with only sight and smell, which both are more than twice as good as usual after I disabled hearing, taste, and touch. Especially the latter feels really strange, my whole body goes numb, but as long as I sit or stand still, I can manage.\n\nBut this time, I'm going to challenge myself. A nice lady in her sixties came to me and asked if I could look into a break-in. Apparently, someone took her jewelry, nothing to valuable, but her late husband's wedding ring was stolen, and she wanted me to get it back. I will solve this case, no doubt, but this time, I'm going to use only one of my senses!\n\nBut which one? Which one of my primary senses, enhanced to be 5 times as effective, will be sufficient to not only manage day to day life, but to find a run-of-the-mill burglar? Smell and Taste are no options. I wouldn't be able to get around only based on one of these. Sight and hearing aren't really helpful either. Everything would either be too bright or too loud for my brain to take in the impressions. But touch? Blind and deaf I'd have to find a way to navigate, which will become really funny business once I leave my apartment.\n\nWell, the idea is probably terribly dumb, but I can always switch my other senses back on if it gets to much, so... Here goes notginh---" ]	2
	[WP] After thousands of years, Atlantians have returned to earth to see how well the population has progressed while they were away.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "We didn't stop sinking once we hit the ocean floor, instead our city was pulled through a seemingly infinite amount of rock and rubble until we arrived at the molten hellscape that would be our home for the next millennia.\n\nThe Blistering heat of the Earth's core was so unbearable it drove the vast majority of my people mad. Death never came for even the most tortured us. For the Gods wanted us to suffer for our crimes. Eventually they would come to forget us. Seemingly condemning us to endless suffering.\n\nHowever the longer we burned, the more the pain dulled. Over centuries we grew a tolerance to the magma which allowed the sane to keep our civilization alive. Out of the Gods' eyes we continued our archaic studies, becoming more powerful than they could ever hope to be.\n\n Soon we will return to the surface and show our mortal brothers what is possible when forgotten by Gods." ]	2
	[WP] You have come to the horrifying realization that you're a character written by a bad writer.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I am a dog. Woof woof I go. I am a brave animal, while energetic and eager, was dumb and clueless. I ran around the neighboorhood and scrounged about the dark alleyway next to my dog house, my favourite place to play in dreary Sundays like this. It's been fun, but I was tired, so I was making my way home. Woof woof, I sang as I strode. \n\nMidway down the road, I stumbled upon another dog. She was pretty. I liked her. \n\n\"Hi!\" I said. I wagged my tail happily. \"My name is Jack. Who are you?\" \n\n\"Greetings,\" She nodded. \"My fellow kin, my fellow interloper in this strange land. The tides are changing. The world before us is swept anew. A shrill cry in the air, carrying with it the ominous sign of change, and the wind blows wild, whispering of an outlandish tale, a discovery, a revelation; a horrific one at that. The dangerous secret lurks furtively under the unassuming asphalt, ready to burst out of the shadows, but too soft to be heard above the klaxons of the traffic.\" \n\nA car vroommed vroommed by. \n\n\"Wow,\" I said. \"You are so eloquent. You're so pretty... and smart. I can't speak like this. Why am I not like you?\" \n\nThe lady dog giggled. \n\n\"Well, it's because you are owned by someone else, a different proprietor. We are but figments of the greater beings' imagination, only mine is more skilled and refined than yours.\" \n\n\"Wow wow wow. I didn't know that. It's so cool. So you are saying we are all characters?\"\n\nBut why is mine so bad and her's is so good? I startled. It is a horrifying thought, because with the state I was in, I couldn't last long with her. I feel sad. I wanted to be with her. \n\n\"Characters are fancy terms for fancy people. But more accurately, for us, we are projections of their own selves. Just think of this, who would want to read a story about two dogs, with such contrasting language abilities, happening upon each other in the middle of the road and falling in love? No one, except for the writer themselves. Do you understand, my boy? Do you understand what is happening?\"\n\nI thought for a moment, staring blankly at the wise dog in front of me. I was dumb, so I couldn't think of anythinh. But then all of a sudden, something clicked in my head, and then I know, for my creator seemed to want me to, for some reasons unbeknownst to me.\n\n\"It is a love story!\" I shouted out. \"Our creators are couples in real life, and they are writing this story together.\" \n\nThe lady dog laughed again. \n\n\"That's so sweet, isn't it?\" \n\n\"That's very very sweet, my lady.\" I placed my head against her neck. \"Do you want to join me in my favourite alley way? It's just behind me!\" \n\n\"Sure thing, sweetie.\" She says, and we hopped into the darkness together, and something something happily ever after." ]	2
	[WP] Every time you open your fridge, it contains everything you need for the next week. Usually it's full of healthy food. Today it was empty only containing severed finger.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I blink a few times questioning what I am seeing. The finger is still there. I poke it once mostly with my nail and feel the cold skin. It is most definitely real. How could this be, a real human finger in my fridge. I haven't murdered anybody and have never been in a singular fight. Besides, what can somebody do with a singular chilled finger? I wrap it up in paper towels and put it in a plastic bag. It must be necessary so I better keep it close. I flop down on the couch and sigh. This day is my day off now can things go so wrong as to lead me to have this monstrosity. I pull out my phone and start playing another useless cat game. I can't stop thinking about it as the coolness of it seeping through my hoodie pocket into my stomach and burrows deep into my bones. I cannot stand it at all. I snatch it out of my pocket my phone flying out of my hand as I got to open the bag frantically I grab out the unspeakable horror and stare at it. It has the same nail polish as I do shiny wine with a sprinkle of black. My stomach turns. How is this possible? The skin looks to be the same as mine just with the tint of death. I hear a crash through the window and I run. The thud from the object landing inside of my house was definitely human. I huddle in my storage closet waiting, but I hear no movements. I hear the intruder slip out the window onto the fire escape after awhile. I creep out slowly after waiting a bit longer. The finger is gone but I see a phantom of it. It's just laying there like a misty worm. There could only be one answer to who had visited l. It had to have been the grump reaper. I I it must've. I beat death with my finger from my fridge how did it even work. \"Say'ri,\" I hear my name and turn. Behind me is my roommate and he is in the kitchen. I am in the kitchen now instead of the livingroom. I'm on the floor my hands on my lap a finger missing my blood dripping, in the other hand I hold a knife. No no this isn't real how could it be real. It must be a sick dream. I must have passed out in shock of the reaper in my home. I take my knife and plunge it into my heart. Dying is the only way to wake yourself from a dream isn't it?", "The light flooded my small kitchen. Two AM and it just sat there looking into my sleepless eyes, this thing, this lonely appendage, this lifeless finger. Nail polish chipped and gnarled like it had been dragged down a gravel road, yet the nail still trimmed and tidy. The greyish pink hue morphing into a sickness that swirled around in a poetic multiverse of possibilities. Its surroundings barren and clean, crisp white shelves hosting my surprise visitor, an unexpected guest. The kettle clicked off and broke our silent greeting. I guess there will be no milk in our tea today. The door of the fridge closed with its familiar sound and the air laid still, unaware of the ghastly break in routine. The welcomed scent of earl grey distracted my mind from the quiet knocking at the door and scenarios likely to occur once the city awoke. I felt the white knuckles of anxiety grip tighter round my heart at the obnoxious break in silence - the five AM alarm alerting all to my predicament. The now cold tea weighed heavily in my hand as I moved quickly to turn off the intruder before it stirred my family. One could only imagine the chaos that would ensue if my child would have stumbled upon this unfortunate scene at the breakfast table, my wife lovingly pouring pancake batter into funny animal shapes as she does on weekend. A sigh of salvation escaped my lungs as the air returned to its oblivious state. Quietly and intentionally I moved closer to the boundary that separated my fate, peeling away it’s aged silicon seal away from the frame the light once again slipped into the kitchen introducing a bewildering sight - pancake batter, milk, eggs, spinach, cheese and the rest of my typical Saturday order.", "\"Well, that's a bummer\". Looks like its dry cereal for breakfast since I'm not allowed to have milk, apparently. Thanks Frank. Frank is my fridge, I curse it or thank it enough to feel it needed a name, perhaps so my neighbors don't think I'm crazy yelling at no one. I close the fridge and pour myself some dry cereal and sit myself in front of my laptop. \n\nA finger, eh? What in the heck do I need that for? Worst part about Frank is that there's no way of knowing \\which\\ item in particular would be needed from him and \\what\\ it could possibly be for. This is the first time it has given me something not only so obscure, but also made it very obvious that this is the thing I need. A ping brought my attention back to the laptop, a notification from G Mail. \n\nIt's from a law enforcement office in town requesting I meet with them \\today\\ regarding my job application. Finally, yes! I've been jobless for over a month and the only reason I still have a place to live is Frank. I hardly ever need to buy groceries, and once in a while I can sell whatever Frank bestows upon me to scrap together enough cash for rent. I nearly had a heart attack when they cut my power, but turns out Frank is a strong independent refrigerator who don't need no man power, and provided me materials the next week to pay off my bill. \n\nI close my laptop and get ready to head out the door. Before I do I go to Frank, hoping this outcome is different. It's not, the finger is still there. I don't really want to touch it.. is it real? Is someone in the world missing their finger? I use a sandwich baggie as a makeshift glove to pick it up. \n\nIt's ice cold, not only because, dead finger, but it's been in Frank. It looks clean cut right at the knuckle, I can see the ring of flesh and bone like rings on a tree. It doesn't smell, it's not flexible. I pull the sandwich baggie around it and shove it in my purse as I head out the door. \n\n\\--\n\nThe offices appear extra busy today. Normally, it's just people sitting at their desks doing paper work and taking the occasional phone call. Today, people are constantly wandering back and forth from desk to desk, leaning over colleagues to talk and rushing back to their own desk, violently rummaging through piles and packets of paperwork and the like. \n\n\"Ma'am, this way please!\", A nice looking middle aged woman beckons me through the chaos to sit next to her desk. A small name plate sits at the front, S. Pellman.\n\n\"Felicia Grant, yes?,\"\n\n\"Yes that's me.\"\n\n\"May I see some ID?,\" \n\n\"Of course.\" I start feeling around my bag and startle myself by touching the ice cold finger in it's baggie by accident, I am careful not to reveal it to anyone wandering by or this nice woman and finally I fish out my wallet, and my phone with it by accident. I present to her my I.D. She looks it over, lowering her glasses a bit, types something in her computer and hands it back to me.\n\n\"Thank you, Mr. Carson will be with you shortly, in the meantime you can have a seat over there,\" She motions to a line of chairs against the wall under a bulletin board that has too much going on for me to really identify anything. I thank her with a nod and Frogger my way across the hustle and bustle of the place to the seating area. It's closer to the front doors than the desks are but I still need to keep my feet tucked close to the chair to avoid tripping anyone by accident. \n\nI reach into my bag for my phone, startled again by the touch of the ice cold finger. I curse myself under my breath and keep feeling, but it's not there. I open my purse as wide as it goes and start moving things around. \\Why do I have some much shit in here?\\ I start pulling out handfuls of small objects to clear the bottom of the bag, but no phone is to be seen. In a panic, I start looking around on the floor between myself, the door, and the desk.\n\nI spotted it, on the floor right under where I was sitting. I stand up and start back across the office, focusing on my phone on the floor so I don't lose sight of it. \n\n\\SMACK\\\n\n\"Move it or lose it kid!\" I got ran over by a truck of man probably going 50 mph in this little place and found myself on the floor. Truck man has moved on hurriedly with out so much as a glance or concern for me, I quickly refocus my vision on my phone, still exactly where it was. Looking both ways this time, I crawl across the rest of the way in case I get kicked over again (I'll fall a shorter distance) and grab my phone from under the chair. I stand up, bracing myself on said chair and turn to head back to my seat.\n\n\"Miss Grant?\" I whip my head around towards the desk and see a man standing behind it in an open doorway that I hadn't noticed before. \"We're ready for you.\" We? I didn't know there was going to be a we. He gestures for me to go inside as I step around the desk.\n\n\\--\n\nThe meeting was nothing short of regular and procedural. The position I am applying for is not necessarily within the office itself, but as a hired PI for the department they are associated with. They say I can work from home or wherever I need to be, but if it is required I meet or consult with clients, I need to do so here at the office. They probably say that so they can have all conversations and information on record but I am just glad for it for my own safety.\n\n\"Do you have any questions Ms. Grant before we let you go?\" Mr. Carson looks a bit older that Ms. S Pellman, but that could just be because of the grayish hair. He is polite, professional and concise. The \"we\" he had referred to included a young man around my age (late twenties) and another middle aged man. They were introduced to me, but in my adrenaline fueled panic from a severed finger in my purse, nearly losing my phone, and finally getting a job after months of searching, I completely forgotten their names. I only remember Mr. Carson.\n\n\"No, I think I'm all set. Thank you so much for your time!\" I smile and offer a small nod/bow of my head as I get ready to turn to leave.\n\n\"No, Ms. Grant, thank \\you\\. We will be seeing you again shortly for the last interview, keep on eye on your email,\" The way he said that was a little \\too\\ appreciative sounding compared to the tone he held during the interview. He also smiled by the end of his sentence in a way that didn't seem usual, or \\natural\\ for his face. Nonetheless, I left the offices, not getting run over this time, and made it back to my car. \n\nI checked my purse again to make sure I had everything, and saw I accidentally buried the finger among my mass of junk. I tugged the bag to reveal the finger, but it was different now. There was a little bit blood creased between the 2 layers of bag. It was more bent, like a warm hand at rest, and more colorful as well. It was as if it had life and blood pumping through it, but also something else. There area where it was cut now had a full knuckle grown out of it, leaving the finger in a bit of a Y shape with the knuckle growing down towards where I thumb would be and to the side to the next finger. As I'm holding the bag staring at it, it suddenly moves like a startled worm and I drop it into my bag.\n\n\\--\n\nPart 2 if requested", "Life is simple. If you are hungry, go to the fridge. The fridge knows. There's always food there. Always. Today it's just fingers. That's weird. Are fingers food? I should know that. That's the kind of thing you should always know, what's food and what isn't. How could I forget that? My body itches everywhere. Soon the spiders will come back. I need to eat or I won't be able to fight back. There's only fingers. I wish Bob was here, he would know what to do, he could tell me if fingers are food or not. Together we could fight off the spiders for sure. Maybe if I close the fridge it will take back the fingers and give me something else. Maybe it will give me steak. I close the fridge. I open it. Still just fingers. I wish Bob was here. He always knows what to do. He always brings me the good pills too. I am hungry. The fridge knows. The fridge can't be wrong, so fingers must be food, right? That's probably what Bob would say. I grab one to take a closer look. Sometimes spiders are hiding in the food. I hope there is no spiders in this finger. What would I do then? I wish Bob was here. It looks like food. If fingers are food, does that mean I can eat my own?\n\n“Hey Joe are you there?” It's Bob.\n“Close the doors! The spiders!” What is he thinking? He'll get us all killed. Or maybe he already fought them off and he comes to tell me the good news. “Did you fight them off already?” I need to ask him about the fingers. Bob enters the kitchen. “There you are! I brought you some pills.” Bob is here and he brought me some pills. I need to ask him about the finger. “Bob, is this food?”\n____\n\nBob takes a look at the hot dog Joe is holding. He shrugs. “Sure.”", "\"That's odd,\" I said to myself aloud. Deadpan with no audience just makes you seem crazy, but I was so used to mumbling to myself on my late night trips to the fridge that I couldn't help myself. Where normally lay foods, my car keys, and a number of genuinely mudane object for my generally mundane life were - fingers. \n\nSevered fingers, right above the knuckle lay in my fridge like uncooked hotdogs. My stomach rumbled and a morbid thought came to my mind: they did look a lot like hotdogs to my sleep-deprived eyes. No, no. Don't eat the severed fingers. If my mother had taught me one thing as a child it was not to eat severed fingers you find in your magic fridge that you inexplicably have never questioned. I'm paraphrasing of course, but luckily the thought slipped out of my mind as easily as it slipped in. Unluckily, severed finger slips into your mouth fairly easily too. \n\nSuddenly, in unison with my first ill-conceived bite, a rumble came from the freezer. Have you ever been doing something for months, to the point of it becoming routine, only to realize you'd been forgetting a key part? Like making curry but never making it with rice? Well the freezer door in that moment was my rice and I had forgotten my fridge even had one, what with the magic fountain of Dr. Pepper and car keys in the glow of the bright light below it. \n\nSpitting out the finger into my hand, I noticed something I should have before.\n\n\"It didn't look like a hotdog.\" \n\n\"Hey, am I telling the story or are you? I said I was hungry, okay? Like you've never put something in your mouth you reget. Acting like I'm the only crazy person.\"\n\nI did not notice it wasn't a hotdog, I already knew it wasn't, but I did notice for the first time that the fingers were glowing blue. Not from frostbite, the dull bluish grey of oxygen depleted veins, but more like an aura, or a blue raspberry slushy. \n\n\"And here it comes\" \n\nThe thought of course lead me to put the finger back into my mouth and bite again, because A, I was hungry still and B, I really like blue raspberry slushies. The freezer door shook again.\n\nSlipping the finger out of my mouth for the second time, I looked at the door to the freezer the way my dad looked at me the day he left so many years ago - unsure. While he ultimately decided to leave me alone on the steps of my grandparents before he bolted, I could not leave the fridge unchecked. One does not simple chew on their magic fridge's severed finger, have the fridge shake, and not explore all avenues. That, and a part of me was hoping all the magic food was just in the top this time. My stomach growled again and I reached my free hand to the freezer door - my other inching the carrot-like digit to my face, oblivious to my stomach's machinations. \n\nAs I pulled the door open, I saw an even odder sight than the fingers, the nail of which I was about to bite upon a third time almost out of habit. Stuffed inside, mangled, was a body of an obnoxious Djinn. \n\n\"I'm a genie. Djinns would have killed you already young master.\"\n\n\" Yea, well obnoxious Genies, or Djinns, or whatever you are can't kill their masters anyway. Let me finish, they still don't know what is in the freezer.\"\n\n\"Yes they do.\"\n\n\"No, they dont. Now shut up, you are ruining the story. Obnoxiously.\"\n\nSo inside was a mangled GENIE corpse, or so it seemed. As soon as I opened the freezer door, all the fingers in the fridge, including the one on my molar, rocketed back towards the majical being. In a violent twist, the genie reassembled itself and starred at me, mouth agog. Alongside it's dumbstruck expression it flashed it's pinky, the finger I had been gnawing, clearly unhappy with my attempt at a light snack. \n\nAfter a delightful conversation where the obnoxious genie- \n\n\"Stop calling me obnoxious.\"\n\n...where the repugnant genie - \n\n\"Stop using synonyms.\"\n\n...where the stupid geine told me that, in fact, I had been getting free wishes for months inadvertently by opening the fridge, but never the freezer door, I gained a new friend, Ass. \n\n\"It's Ajax and you damn well know that by now. Don't try to-\n\nAss is my Genie, which means I am his master, though I prefer the term \"friend with benfits\" so as to avoid any slave connotation. Though he really is a slave to my every whim as long as I don't wish for more than two things in any given day. He doesn't mind though.\n\n\"I mind GREATLY actually. I've been the advisor to sultans and kings and here I am summoning frozen beverages and fluffy dogs!\" \n\n\"I WISH you would just shut up!\" \n\nWish one for the day. I keep a little mark on my wrist that I wash off each day to tell me how many I have. One mark means one gone. Two marks means- well I guess it's pretty obvious how that works, huh. I never go past two because, apparently somewhere along the line, Ass made the mistake of letting his wishes reset daily. Every other genie has it reset yearly, or often times never he says. Ajax hasn't told me why, but I havent really pushed it either. I imagine I could wish for the answer, but that feels like a waste of one of my two daily wishes. \n\n\nRegardless of the why, here I am, two wishes a day. Probably for eternity unless I get bored. Ignore Ajax's HELP ME sign. He is just trying to be funny." ]	6
	[WP] Almost every human has an Elemental Bending ability for one small set of Elements on the Periodic Table, you've always thought that you were one of the ones that didn't. There just wasn't any of that element on earth. Today, you found yours.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"I can bend what*?\"*\n\nThat, word for word, is what I said when I began my internship at a nuclear power plant. Here, you see, most people on Earth can bend one or a few elements on the periodic table. When I was growing up, my friends all showed me their powers develop when I was twelve: some could bend carbon, others could bend first-row transition metals, others could bend alkali metals, some could bend noble gases and others could bend rare earth elements. Due to our powers based around elements, we learnt chemistry very early, particularly the elements and their properties, and since bending one element affected all the atoms in its compound, we learnt the chemical structure of common chemical compounds early too. There was just one exception: we could not bend elements inside complex life forms. The vital force in them acted as a dead zone for the powers. And that was a good thing too, for without it, kidnappings and many other crimes would be shockingly easy. This also meant that highly-important buildings would be covered in living walls to act as shields against malicious people trying to make it inside. Of course, a few people did not have these powers. They used to be treated as the scum of the Earth, although fortunately, attitudes surrounding them have changed. Unfortunately, the movement to shift public opinion towards treating them as humans only happened very recently, and in many parts of the word was yet to come. This meant that I was bullied regularly while in school. Fortunately, I was gregarious by nature, so I had a group of friends ready to defend me if things got out of hand. When I went to college, I decided to take a class in nuclear physics. I thought that chemistry, by far the most popular subject in schools, wasn't right for a non-bender like me. Medicine was mostly based around people using their powers to destroy bacteria and viruses from the inside out through creating a special anti-vital force beam to them and channeling their powers through that to rip apart the invading microbes, so it was naturally a no-no for me. I was still interested in nuclear physics, as I had never found the mark that showed my lack of powers, so I mainly took it up out of hope –desperation, really – that I actually had powers. \n\n\nWait, so where was I? Oh yeah. I graduated from college with a major in nuclear physics and started an internship at a nuclear power plant. This one, unlike the others, accepted people who didn't have powers due to its controversial approach to use modern technology to connect people with machines invented by smarter people than me so we could have powers over elements they chose. It had gained a bad reputation for itself as many people saw it as \"unnatural\" and those biased towards people with the powers thought that it \"removed our natural advantage\", or something like that. Anyways, I digress. On the fourth day there, after we got to know how to use the machinery and stuff like that, we went through a rundown of all the chemicals made in the thorium reactor and got to see small quantities of them. However, the flerovium was moving, and I felt something. It felt exactly like how all my friends (and school bullies) described bending elements: an unusual sense of freedom, heat in my fingers, a slight headache, I felt it all. \n\n\nEverybody looked at me in disbelief. Of course, I had never run into flerovium before this sans machines: as interns, we weren't let into the core or reactor or anywhere like that, so of course I wouldn't know that I could bend it. However, I now knew that I could. I phoned my wife to tell her the news. She couldn't believe it herself. She had come from a conservative family where they believed that non-benders like I thought I was were not only the scum of the Earth, but cursed by the Devil himself. After showing her the footage of me bending a piece of flerovium in a lead test tube, she excitedly phoned her family to tell her the news. I was finally able to talk with them without fear of insults being thrown at me from all sides. \n\n\nBut there was a cost. This internship had been mostly focused around learning how to use the machine and was exclusive to non-benders, so I had to quit it. A quick check on the Internet showed that there were no companies requesting for an internship for work experience in an actual nuclear power plant, so I would have to wait until next year before I could find a job. \"Hey,\" I said to myself, \"at least I can bend stuff, I guess.\"" ]	2
	[WP] All offensive forms of magic have been forgotten during a time of peace but recently the terrors of the underworld have begun to return and threaten the peace that the people of the land revere.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Inside a cavern filled with hovering orbs of sunlight and a wide array of mysterious items scattered around the floor, a middle-aged woman in a dark cloak quickly skimmed through two books floating beside her simultaneously. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe echo of footsteps from the entrance of the cave broke her concentration. \"Miss Fole, the crack in the ground emitting the flames of the underworld has grown bigger again. How has your research been going regarding our lost combat magic?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAdriana Fole furrowed her brows, \"Prince Carl, as I have already told you countless times, rediscovering magic will take more time than two years! I need at least another year before I can rediscover some of our old magic. That magic has been lost for centuries! Not to mention that it took thousands of years for the combat magic of that time to be fully developed. You expected me to do all this already in \\two\\ years?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPrince Carl, dressed in an orange silk robe, stepped forward. With a ferocious expression, he snarled, \"Do you know how many of our people are dying out there? I don't care how you do it, but at least get me one working combat spell. Then you may have your time.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAdriana Fole sighed and waved her arms, causing the books floating around her to drop to the ground. She gestured at Prince Carl, \"Follow me. I'll show you our 'working' combat spells.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nShe led Prince Carl deeper into the cave, arriving at a small circular room with an orb at the center used for scrying. Adriana pointed at the orb and muttered something undecipherable, causing the orb to be filled with projections of people casting magic. She glanced at Prince Carl and said, \"Right now, our rediscovery of magic has not been progressing much, but we are trying to derive them off of our current lifestyle spells.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe orb flickered revealing an man casting a spell and a wooden training dummy slowly floating upwards and suddenly falling out of the sky. Prince Carl let out a smile, \"That's great! You should have told me about this as soon as I came here!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAdriana sighed and waved at the orb, \"Just keep watching.\" Inside the orb, after the dummy crashed into the ground and the dust settled, the dummy was lying on the ground perfectly intact.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAdriana continued, \"Just as you can see, this spell was derived from our flying magic. Before, our flying magic relied on the flying target's own magic channeling, so people could only fly if they themselves willed it. Now, we managed to make it so that our magic casters can cause objects and other people to float upwards through their own magic, regardless of whether the target wants to or not.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nShe waved her arm and time wound back inside the orb. It stopped right at the time where the dummy first started floating. She pointed at the glow around the dummy and said, \"The problem right now is, flying magic incorporates a barrier during flight to prevent wind and other flying objects to cause ourselves harm for optimal flying comfort. Coincidentally, that prevents damage to our enemies.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPrince Carl sighed and said, \"Just tell me what magic we have that does at least some damage to our enemies.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe orb changed its scenery back to a man and a wooden training dummy. Adriana said, \"This is basically our best working combat spell right now.\" The man inside the orb raised his palm and a fireball appeared above it. He quickly ran over to the dummy and hit it with his palm, causing the dummy to burst into flames.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPrince Carl laughed and excitedly said, \"Excellent! Excellent! This will at least help us destroy their skeletal army better! Send a copy of the incantation to me, I will ensure that this magic will make its way straight to our front lines.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAdriana waited briefly for Prince Carl to calm down before giving a wry smile and saying, \"That fire magic has been derived from our water heating magic. The principle is directly heating up your palm to the point where it burns to flames. Needless to say, each person only has two uses in their lifetime and each use comes with destroying a hand.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPrince Carl silently bit at his finger before saying solemnly, \"Is there nothing else?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAdriana shook her head and said, \"All I need is time. Tell the King to give me at least one more year. My friends are all researching the lost magic as well, but we still need as much time as possible.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPrince Carl raised a finger and said, \"One year. One year only. That's all the time I can guarantee you.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAdriana nodded, \"That should be enough.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPrince Carl nodded and walked to the doorway. He added, \"Send me that fire spell. We might need it.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\--------------------------------------\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThanks for reading! Suggestions and comments would be appreciated!" ]	2
	[WP] You, along with others in a boring prerequisite class, are aiming to get into the university’s program, which offers only a select amount of spots. After a recent string of murders, though, it seems like someone in the class REALLY wants to enter the program...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "tw: suicide\n\nIt was Tuesday, at noon exactly, when the first email was sent out.\n\nCampus police have found Jana Polanski, a sophomore GSU student, deceased in her East dorm room on Monday night. Cause of death is yet undetermined. If anyone has any information about this incident, immediately call campus police at (212) 555-8088.\n\nEveryone was talking about Jana. It was hard not to, as she was a student in our HYS 201 course. I didn't know her personally; the class had about 60 people sitting in it, so I had not even spoken with her before she died.\n\nMost people thought she had killed herself. Midterms were in a couple of weeks, and everyone was trying to get one of the 15 spots in HYS 3000. If she was as stressed about the coming midterms as I was, I can understand her choice to end her life. Most of us in HYS 201 had our career planned out by the time we entered high school; I honestly don't know what I will do if my grades are too low to grab a spot in 3000.\n\nOur professor addressed Jana's death in our class and handed out business cards with the campus mental health clinic number on them. He also said that if anyone was affected by her death, to talk to him about reduced coursework or extra time for assignments. No one was going to take his offer; how could we, with such high stakes?\n\nClasses continued on without much interruption. Until Monday.\n\nDan Young, a sophomore GSU student, has been reported missing. He was last seen at The Compound on Friday night. If anyone has any information about this student, immediately call campus police at (212) 555-8088.\n\nDan was a popular guy, though I didn't really interact with him outside of class. He was a 'frat boy', and not a serious threat to those angling for one of the HYS 3000 spots. At first I thought he just took an impromptu trip to Mexico with some of his buddies, but word around campus is that his frat hasn't seen or heard from him since Friday night. It was a little weird, though, that in the space of a week two of our classmates were gone.\n\nOur professor gave the same spiel in class that he did after Jana's death. Call the mental health center, talk to me if you need leniency on your assignments, etc. No one stayed after class to talk with him. Secretly, I thought it was good 'frat boy' was out of the running. One less person to worry about taking one of the HYS 3000 spots, even if he wasn't a serious competitor anyway. I knew I wasn't the only one thinking that, as some of my classmates' stress wrinkles were 5% smoother than they had been.\n\nWednesday's class came and went. As I walked to the dining hall to grab some lunch, I noticed people staring at their phones more than usual, and pairs huddled together whispering feverishly. I took out my phone and glanced at the home screen. Notifications popped up -- 7 unread emails. I wondered if another email had been sent out.\n\nCampus police have found Xi Yu, a first-year GSU student, deceased on campus on Tuesday night. Cause of death is yet undetermined. If anyone has any information about this incident, immediately call campus police at (212) 555-8088.\n\nI started at the name. Xi? She was one of, if not the, top student in HYS 201. An international student, she had stepped onto campus with more prerequisites fulfilled than anyone. She was already taking some of the corollary classes to HYS 3000. Once she finished 201, she would pretty much be in the program -- as long as she finished with top marks. And, of course, if she finished at all.\n\nAs I walked back to my dorm room later that evening, I wondered where she had died. It was a morbid thought, someone dying, but the email hadn't said where she died. On campus. I wish they had told us where; I didn't much like the thought of walking on the ground where her body had lain. Instinctively, I took the long way to my dorm. No shortcuts tonight. I'd rather walk on well-lit sidewalks.\n\nAunt Terry called me as I was working on homework. Even though it was late, I decided taking her call now was preferable to the onslaught of calls, text messages, and voicemails she would leave in the morning if I didn't answer.\n\n\"Hi, Aunt T-\" \n\"Hey dear, how are you? Did you hear about the murders?\"\n\nWow, smooth transition, I thought.\n\n\"Well, they haven't told us for sure how they died. I think the first girl committed-\" \n\"Can you believe it? Three in one week! Do they have any leads? The police, I mean?\" \n\"Auntie, I have no idea. And one guy just went missing, he's not d-\" \n\"I can't believe it! Who knows what or who lives in those forests up there, the mountains can be backwards you know, if I were a betting woman and not a Christian I would bet it's a grizzly old mountain man living in those woods, picking off students, though for what reason I have no idea...\"\n\nI let her ramble as I drifted my focus onto my reading. How could she ask me about the murders? If they even were murders. How was I supposed to focus on my studies with her spitting her theories past my ears? I have enough to worry about without worrying about a crazy old mountain man murderer on the loose.\n\n\"...and you know, I am surprised the school is not taking this as seriously as they should, why they should be making sure all students are safe! I don't know how those people sleep at night, with murderers on the loose! I-\" \n\"Auntie, I have class in the morning. I've got to go. I'll be safe. I love you.\"\n\nI hung up before she could say anything else. I'll be safe. She hadn't even asked how I was doing, or worried about my safety. But, that was Aunt Terry...\n\nFriday's class was somber. Our professor stood at the front of the lecture hall, hands drifting from his pockets to the podium as though he didn't quite know what to do with them. The room was quiet as everyone filed in to their seats.\n\n\"As most of you know, Xi Yu died on Tuesday night. I know this must be hard for all of you, as you are now three less in number. I want you to know that I grieve with you. I am sorry for what I have to say.\"\n\nMy ears perked up at this last sentence, and judging by the sudden alertness of my classmates, they had heard his last sentence too.\n\n\"Campus police are keeping facts from you. As a professor, I am obligated to uphold the university position on these incidents, but as your professor I cannot in good consciousness keep some of these facts from you. Especially from you.\"\n\nEveryone was rapt with attention. Was this a farewell, a resignation speech? Or was he going to tell us why our classmates died?\n\n\"Xi Yu was killed on Tuesday night. She did not simply die, she was murdered.\"\n\nWhispers filled the classroom, some students in shock, some showing resignation.\n\n\"The police do not want to tell you this because they do not want students and parents to worry. But seeing as you need to know -- how you must know -- I cannot hold this from you.\"\n\nThe whispers did not die down, though our professor continued.\n\n\"Xi was found with knife wounds in her abdomen. This was not an accident, this was not a random event. \n\"Jana Polanski was also murdered in her dorm room last week. The police are saying it was a suicide, but all evidence points to murder.\"\n\nThe whispers in the room grew to alarmed mutterings. Jana? Murdered?\n\n\"Dan Young's body has not been found, but with this pattern it is starting to look as though his disappearance is the result of foul play as well.\"\n\nMy mind was racing. Dan? Jana? Xi? All on the hit list of some crazed lunatic? Why?\n\nNo one in the room was silent now. Fearful rumblings rolled across the classroom as students looked to each other for support.\n\n\"I have reason to believe their deaths were not random.\"\n\nAt this utterance, every student fell silent. Did the professor know why our classmates were murdered?\n\n\"As you all know, entry into our program is difficult. All of you have worked hard to be where you are today, but only a select few will continue in our program. I have seen drastic measures taken to ensure a spot in HYS 3000 -- cheating, bribery... but this is the first time I have seen students murdered for a spot in the course.\"\n\nAt this, the classroom exploded into chaos. Some students were screaming, asking why someone would do this. Others sat wide-eyed, surveying the room with mouths agape, as though they would see a blood-covered murderer appear in the aisle. Some, like me, just sat stony-faced in shock.\n\nOur professor continued, raising his voice slightly to be heard above the din.\n\n\"Because of these recent events, the department heads and I have come to a decision about admittance into the HYS 3000 course.\"\n\nAt once the room became still. No one moved from their seats. Conversations stopped mid-sentence.\n\n\"We have decided to remove HYS 3000 from next semester's course catalogue.\"\n\nThe sounds roaring through the air rivaled that of an atomic bomb.\n\n\"What?! How could they do this?\" \n\"What about our graduation?!\" \n\"We need that course!\" \n\"How could they?!\" \n\"What are we going to do?\" \n\"I can't pay for an extra semester!\" \n\"I have scholarships riding on this!\"\n\nThe crowd of students swelled as many stood to their feet. Eyes flashing, arms flailing, students looked toward the professor with hatred. I felt myself stand with them. My eyes turned toward the professor.\n\nHe would not get in my way.\n\nI ran towards him, pen in hand, arm outstretched.\n\nHe would not get in my way.\n\n\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\*\n\nThis is my very first r/WritingPrompts post! Thanks for reading!", "Rob shifted uneasily in his chair. His chain shirt smelled like rust, and was uncomfortably heavy. The announcement of the opening in the Shadow Council had led to many deaths, because it meant one of the Masters would be getting promoted. The promotion of a Master meant that several Journeymen would have the chance to vie for the honor of becoming a Master, and those Journeymen were usually chosen from the top 5 percentile of the university. But usually the deaths didn't start until the Journeymen had been chosen officially.\n\nThis time it was different. Rumors floated through the school, whispers that the Master being promoted was to be none other than the University Chancellor himself. That meant that the new Journeymen would have an opportunity to rise rapidly through the ranks, as a new Chancellor would want to choose his own supporters. \n\nNone of this mattered to Rob. He just wanted to be a Journeyman, get his license and start working as some village's defense team. He didn't want to enter the race; thus, the chain mail. No self respecting ninja would wear chain mail, and about 80% of the class was wearing it to prevent \"accidents.\" But he suspected some serious candidates would be wearing chain mail too, to wait for the competition to die down (heh) before they entered the fight. So... He shifted again. The most recent death was Lois. Poor girl. She should have known better than to accept an open drink, even from her supposed best friend. At least her death was rapid. Greg had been found after several days, gagged, both arms broken, and stuffed in an air vent. It appeared he had starved to death. Greg's father had screamed at the Chancellor for days, but he knew the rules as well as anyone, and in the end he had taken his son's body home to be buried.\n\nThe bell rang. Everyone bolted for the door, to avoid being caught alone in the classroom once the professor was gone. Rob made it out the door and started rushing towards his next class with the rest of the crowd.\n\n\"Hey Rob, wait up,\" he heard. His friend Brian was lounging by the doorway. He slowed slightly to let Brian catch up. \"What's up?\" Rob asked.\n\n\"Nothing much man, just wanted to ask if you wanted to practice throwing daggers after school today.\" Brian laughed at the expression on Rob's face. \"Kidding, man. But seriously, you should join the race. You and me, we'd be the perfect team. We could win this thing. Not just the candidacy, but become Masters.\"\n\nRob shook his head. \"No way, man. I just want to get my license and get out. Anthony can have the spot if he wants it.\" It was widely rumored that Anthony had been behind Greg's death. No one repeated those rumors to his face, just in case they were true.\n\nBrian shrugged. \"I heard they're going to announce the Journeyman candidates tonight. So at least it's going to be over soon.\"\n\nRob clapped Brian on the shoulder. \"Hey man, you'll get the position. You're good. Way better than those thugs in our class,\" he said sincerely.\n\nBrian grinned. \"Yeah, well, we'll see. I've been dosing myself with antidotes all month. After they choose the candidates, the fighting gets even worse.\"\n\nAs they entered the classroom, Rob looked around. Several people, including Anthony, looked excited. They must have heard the news too. Other people just looked relieved.\n\nThe rest of the day flew by in a blur. At the end of the day, the professor announced, \"As you may know, the candidates for the Master's rank will be chosen tonight. Please come to the auditorium at 7pm to support your classmates.\" The class clapped politely, and fled home to begin their preparations.\n\n---\n\nThe auditorium was packed with Journeymen, Masters, and family members. There were even whispers that a Councilor was watching the proceedings from the shadows. The Chancellor announced, \"Now, the moment you've all been waiting for. First up, Kevin Brady...\" Polite applause was heard, as well as some whistles from family members, as Kevin leapt onto the stage. The Chancellor placed the ribbon around his neck. His leather gear had been oiled for the occasion. Several other names were called. A petite girl with dead eyes joined Kevin onto the stage. Anthony towered over the Chancellor as he bent his neck to accept the ribbon. Rob clapped and cheered when Brian's name was called.\n\nFinally the ten candidates all stood on the stage. \"Good luck to you all, and may the best candidate win!\" The Chancellor's eyes glittered.\n\n---\n\nRob walked into class the next day, glad to be free of the heavy chain shirt at last. His classmates were whispering in hushed voices. He slid into his seat next to Rob, who looked unusually solemn.\n\n\"What happened?\" He whispered.\n\nBrian looked around furtively. \"It's started,\" he whispered back. Anthony was found dead this morning.\"\n\n\"How?\" Rob whispered. \"He looked fine last night!\"\n\n\"Don't know yet. People are saying there might have been a slow release poison on the ribbon.\"\n\nRob blinked. \"But... The only one who could have had access is the Chancellor or one of the professors. They're supposed to stay neutral. Everyone knows that.\"\n\nBrian shrugged nonchalantly, but Rob had been friends with Brian for years, and could see the fear lurking behind his eyes. \"Maybe the rules have changed. Rob, listen. If they're cheating, I cant win against the professors. I'm dead.\"\n\nRob looked around to make sure no one was watching. He leaned over and whispered into Brian's ear, \"You won't be alone. Don't worry.\"" ]	3
	[WP] Unfortunately, you didn't study for your history exam, and now you don't know the answers to the questions. Giving up, you write random made-up history on your exam paper. Finishing, you walk outside and discover the world is very different...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I knew I shouldn’t have stayed out so late. James was having his birthday and the boys wouldn’t take no for an answer. We ended up dancing at Boogie Nights until 4:30am. Not recommended, and not because it was the night before my final exam. \n\nThe only thing that has helped me get through is the paracetamol I pinched from Gary's room on my way out the door this morning.\n\nAn hour later and I'm sitting alone in a room with a hundred students, all encased in their own silent bubbles, furiously scribbling in their examination booklet. Meanwhile I've been sitting here staring blankly at the question booklet for twenty minutes, trying to remember whether King Henry killed King Arthur or Robin Hood. \n\nTo be fair on myself, I’ve never been much of a history buff. I took the course after binge watching Vikings. \n\nWho would have guessed they don’t focus their curriculum on trending TV shows? By the time I started showing up to classes, it was too late to pull out. So here I am, stuck trying to write an essay on the life and times of Henry the Eighth.\n\nThere’s less than a one percent chance of me passing via traditional means at this point. Instead of just getting up and leaving, I decide to write a theory on Henry’s life. I figure he’s so old, and the source materials we all rely on are so vague – it’s mostly Wikipedia, let’s be honest – that for all we know my theory could be just as true as the kid next to me writing about Henry's metaphorical slap of the Pope’s face.\n\nAccording to the annals of my historical record, as written, it turns out Henry is a shapeshifting lizard from another planet who can’t be killed. Henry grew tired of rotating through wives and bored of the dull life in the British aristocracy, so after thirty years as King, he revealed his true self as an alien and took over the world. Because of his immortality, and lizard like tendencies, he has remained in power ever since, forcing his fashion and fornicating habits on all humanity.\n\nAs I read back over what I've written I realise I got lost in my point somewhere, but I can’t focus long enough to bring it home. I notice the words on the page starting to pulsate and move. \n\nI look up at the clock, still two hours to go. But it feels like an eternity already.\n\nEveryone around me is still frantically writing, as if they’re all holding their breath until they finish their final sentence.\n\nI stare back down at my own paper, wondering what else there is to do. My name! I scribble it at the top of the page and then look up, trying to grab the eye of one of the supervisors.\n\nThere’s an old grandpa up the front, looking stern as if he’s determined to catch the history loving Lance Armstrong lurking among us.\n\nJudging from his age he probably can’t see me staring at him so I throw a hand in the air.\n\nHe wanders over.\n\n“What’s the matter squire?” he whispers.\n\nI hesitate for a moment, frowning at his odd choice of word and wondering if I misheard him.\n\n“I’m finished,” I reply, suddenly distracted by his untamed bushy eyebrows.\n\n“Finished? But we’ve only just begun,” he says as his brows bounce up and down.\n\n“Well, I’m done,” I shrug and hand him the paper.\n\nBefore he can say anything else I start grabbing my things.\n\n“Thanks,” I whisper as I slowly push my chair under the desk. It screeches along the hard surface and people around me look up in frustration.\n\nThe walk to the exit feels like it takes an eternity.\n\nBut then I’m out. It’s over. I breathe in and smile as I stare at the beautiful garden in front of me. I can hear the bees buzzing around the kaleidoscope of colourful flowers blowing gently in the light breeze.\n\nLaughter breaks the silence.\n\nI spot a couple walking along a path in the distance. An oddly dressed couple. The woman is wearing a dress that looks like something out of the 18th century. The bottom half is blown out a foot in every direction like a well ejaculated volcano. The man is wearing tights with a shirt and a stiff collar that rises up to his ears, making his neck appear almost as long as his head.\n\nJust as they walk out of my line of sight, another larger group appears. They’re also dressed in the same bizarre outfits. One of them even has a cane, and another a monocle.\n\nMy brain starts to spiral; what’s going on? Why aren’t these people in their exams? Why are they dressed like they’ve just walked out of Henry’s court? \n\nI think to the exam I’ve just written. Is it possible? \n\nDid…did I do this?\n\nJust as I’m about to pull out my phone to call James to get me out of here, Gary appears from the same direction the others came. \n\nHe’s dressed like them too. He waves and I take a step backwards, worried about what I might have done. Before I can do anything he’s skipping over towards me. \n\n“Hey! I thought you were meant to be in an exam?” He asks.\n\n“I… was. Gary, what’s going on?”\n\n“What do you mean, what’s going on? What happened with the exam?”\n\n“But the clothes…Gary what’s going on?”\n\n“Hey, you ok man? Your eyes are like…” \n\nHe stopped. \n\n“Hold on,” he continued, “did you get into my stash last night?” \n\n“Stash? Gary you gotta tell me what’s going on!”\n\n“Jesus man did you take one of my pills?”\n\nI tried to shake my head and nod at the same time.\n\n“Fuck! And you went to an exam? You’re insane!”\n\nI scratched my head, losing track of what he was saying as my mind wandered through a thousand thoughts. I refocused on him, then saw what he was wearing.\n\n“Gary, what’s with the clothes?”\n\n“Oh these?” he said as he grabbed at his ridiculous collar, “the Renaissance Ball is on. Some of us finished our exams yesterday. And thanks for taking my last pill by the way, that was meant to be for this party!”" ]	2
	[WP] The eccentric transfer student known for doing goofy stuff such as dancing to music in the rain, being too happy and brighting up peoples day comes into school in a sad mood. Everyone decides to cheer them up.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Hey, Lucky, dance for us!”\n\n A couple of freshmen were playing the latest pop song on their portable speaker, blaring it in one junior’s ear. Now, I’ve known John, or as we nicknamed him, “Lucky,” for a long time, and nothing makes him happier than letting people make a joke out of him. This time, though, he just kept walking. His hoodie was pulled up around his face, seeming to block everything from the outside. I caught up to him, waving away the teasing kids.\n\n“Hey, Lucky,” I said, putting a hand on his shoulder, “what happened back there?”\n\n“John.”\n\n“Huh?”\n\n“My name is John.”\n\n Yep, something was definitely off. He loved his nickname, even correcting teachers when they called him John.\n\n“You’re pronouncing it wrong,” he would say with his goofy grin. \n\n“Okay, JOHN,” I continued, “I know something’s up. You look like a storm cloud.”\n\n“That’s what people want, right? That’s how I make friends. I just blend in, and everything’s gonna be fine. Otherwise, I’m just trying to get attention.”\n\n“Who said that?”\n\n“My therapist. He said that I’m too goofy for my own good, and that I needed to calm down. That’s why people make fun of me so much.”\n\n Before I could say anything else, the first warning bell rang. Lucky shrugged and disappeared in the crowd. And just as his gray hoodie merged into all the others, my brain started to form something of an idea.\n\n The whole thing was supposed to go down at lunch, and ten of my friends helped me pull it off. Sara, Carmen, and Charlie had their speakers. Duncan and Megan were supposed to get people hyped. And the rest created the beats and words. I was surprised that we only pulled it together in four periods. Luckily, most of them were free since it was May. \n\n“Ready?” I whispered to Megan. She nodded.\n\n“Let’s do this.”\n\nShe gave the signal to Duncan, who blew on a whistle. Everyone immediately turned to him as he stood up on a table.\n\n“Alright, guys, we’ve got a new dance for you! It’s to celebrate the end of the school year, and a very special person. You’ll see what I mean when I start.”\n\n He winked at a group of girls, who all blushed and squealed with anticipation. The beats began to go down, with a sudden square dance cover. Megan brought out a cowboy hat that she borrowed from the theater teacher. She stood up another table.\n\n“Everybody get a partner and get ready!”\n\n After a bit of silence, a good half of the cafeteria stood up and got a partner. Lucky looked up at us, but he didn’t stand. He still had no idea what we were planning. Megan winked at him, then lifted her voice over the murmuring.\n\n“Now, we’re gonna start slow for all you newcomers. Guys, show ‘em!”\n\n The rest of our friend group stood up, each taking a partner, which included Duncan.\n\n“Now, here we go! Wiggle like a dirty worm, dance ‘round your partner as you squirm!”\n\n The five pairs started wiggling their body, dancing around their partners. Everyone else clumsily followed suit.\n\n“Now, instead of looking plain, dance like you’re dancin’ in the rain!”\n\n This move involved dancing wildly, with everyone doing something different. Lucky started to tap his foot to the music. Megan smiled, then delivered the chorus.\n\n“Lucky’s Charm, Lucky’s charm, do it in a train or bus or car! Lucky’s Charm, Lucky’s charm, ya can’t look barm if ya got that charm!”\n\n This definitely got Lucky’s attention, and he actually got up. However, he just stood there, not sure what to do. Megan held out her hand to him.\n\n“Now, y’all have been doing alright, but we really should get it from the expert himself.”\n\n Lucky shook his head, but Megan wasn’t taking no for an answer.\n\n“Now, you take that hoodie off and show these noobs how it’s done!”\n\n Lucky sighed, took his hoodie off, and tied it around his waist. He had a colorful Bob Ross shirt underneath. Suddenly, he smiled and started doing his signature move: the octopus. He moved from side to side, curling his arms and legs around. Megan grinned.\n\n“Everybody do the octopus!”\n\n For the entire lunch period, everyone got up and danced to the beat. Even the teachers joined in for that beautiful hour. The bell rang eventually though, and we all filed out of the cafeteria. Among all of the hot and sweaty kids, I picked out Lucky.\n\n“Hey, John, how’d you like our little soirée?”\n\nLucky turned to me, winking. “Lucky. You’re pronouncing it wrong.”" ]	2
	[WP] You are a smuggler of illegal substances, operating in a future, neon-lit, cyberpunk version of your city. Today, your team is doing a profitable venture- but gets snitched on.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\\[PART I\\]\n\nThe night air was remarkably fresh, horse’s hooves tapping against the dirt and asphalt while the barren sky loomed ahead, lit by billboards and signage but not buildings. Few of them stood more than a couple stories tall, and many of them remained only a single story. It was as far from the city as the crew dared to go, and Nomad was the only one unperturbed by the fact that they’d seemed to have traveled back to the 21st century. His bike rode ahead, and he occasionally turned his head with a disinterested slowness. Switch sat behind him, her back to his as she leaned on him for support, while she wore his helmet to cover the fact that she’d obviously fallen asleep. The road was empty enough of traffic that the hoverbike could continue on at a reasonable pace without risk of her falling off.\n\nThe flatbed, moved by six engines rather than two, continued on behind the bike. The haul of combat drugs inside was military grade, the crates’ acquisitions a story of their own. They’d go to some band of outlaw rebels or another, none of the crew in the convoy tonight really cared. The job itself was what mattered, although from the wheel of the flatbed, Argo wondered if all their work would even end up on the news. The point was for that \\not\\ to happen, sure, but still - for all the work they, and other crews, did for the myriad rebel groups out here, what ever came of it? A couple farms went down for a while, corporate (and on occasion, when the corps didn’t feel like it, federal) military went and slaughtered everyone responsible, and not even the poorest urban slummers felt the impact until they saw the bodies on the news and thought, “I should join up and make a difference.” Pointless.\n\nArgo voiced that concern to Caster, who had his headphones in and was too busy paranoically glancing out the windows to see or hear his teammate talking. Argo bemusedly though to himself that if Caster had responded, the lanky tech nerd would’ve muttered something about the rebels hitting the wrong places. He loved sharing his plans to hack, or bomb, or cause a hostage situation within some corp headquarters or another whenever someone dared to hang out with him outside a job.\n\nBard, Basher, Tempest, and Syncshot took a car along a different route. Each occasionally made a snide remark at the passing horses and their riders, wondering if the choice in transport was about fashion, cultural tradition, or something else. Bard wondered how fast horses went with cyberware, the handsome front man excited by the idea of gambling on a race and subsequently disappointed when he saw no enhanced beasts. The town wasn’t so bad, though. Basher supposed it was well enough it still had obnoxious advertising everywhere, the deteriorated lamps, empty and dangerous-looking gas stations, and neon-lit bars a welcome holdover of more crowded places. The team collectively groaned when Argo had to announce that the job had changed, and the rebels would meet them at a new location in \\broad daylight\\. A test to see if the crew were as versatile and brave as their reputations claimed. As long as the rather large sum of credits promised was good, though, nobody found the heart to argue.\n\nThey threw the most suspicious pieces of their gear in the trunk of the car or the bags of Nomad’s bike, planning to take turns keeping watch over the vehicles while they spent the night at a motel. Even out here, the shitty living conditions were the same, and although the rooms were still cramped, each of them was grateful they wouldn’t have to endure another uncomfortably damp tenement.\n\nThe sun shone bright and hot the next day, without obstruction from the skyscrapers or as many clouds of smoke in the sky. Everyone was sweating, and those without cybereye enhancements had to squint until someone produced sunglasses. The town remained as quaint and vaguely culture-absent as it had been the night before, though more (old) cars and oddly-dressed people on horses patrolled the street. A few of them gave passing glances to the flatbed as it moved by, it’s contents concealed by innocuous crates for a supermarket and a sheet draped over that.\n\nSync frowned as he saw a man eye them from atop his horse, a long leather coat concealing the gun he knew the man was packing. Small towns like these often were run by sheriffs who were somehow more corrupt than regular police officers. Ostensibly government lawmen, they more than likely took their orders exclusively from the corporations that wished to maintain a quiet presence in rural areas, just to keep their work there that much more inscrutable. At any rate, sheriffs had an even tighter grip over their towns than corporate soldiers had over the cities. Hopefully, the team wouldn’t run into them.\n\nThe flatbed pulled into a wide alley behind a bar. Argo and Caster checked thoroughly to make sure they didn’t leave anything in the vehicle, then stepped out, Argo taking the keys and powering the vehicle down. He stuck them in his pocket as Syncshot, Basher, Tempest, and Bard stepped out of the car. Nomad and Switch circled the block, keeping an eye out. And so the wait began.\n\nEven here, the wait was the same. Tense and boring all at once, hoping the other guy would show up soon and having that wrenching feeling they weren’t gonna, or worse, they’d be backed up by some armed goons waiting to double-cross you. But neither outcome happened. Instead, they waited. And waited. The sun rose high above, it’s light beating down directly into the alley. Bard’s phone buzzed. He didn’t recognize the number, of course, but it was the rebels, or the one they’d used as the go-between between them and the team. They… were disappointed?\n\n“Argo!” Bard called out. Argo put out his cigarette from where he was leaning by the back door of the bar and looked up with a knowing glint. “What the fuck? They’re saying we never showed up, did we get the wrong address?” Argo couldn’t pick between a grin and a frown, so he settled for spreading his hands and shrugging instead. Tempest put the pieces together first, speaking over comms so Nomad and Switch would hear the conversation.\n\n“Nah. I think we were given the wrong \\time\\, Bard. The rebels waited here, all night, right where...” Her eyes caught the telltale signals of an advanced, hidden camera. “...Right where the sheriffs could see their faces and follow them all back to their friends.” She glared at Argo, who had decided to smile. “How much did they pay you?”\n\n“Enough,” Argo admitted. Caster blanched, and Switch cursed over the comms. Argo turned and opened the back door he was leaning by, but Basher had bounded over to him in a split second. Dark-skinned arms untouched by machinery still did well enough at throttling Argo and tossing him to the ground. Then, a metal leg very much touched by machines stepped atop Argo’s head, and pushed down with the force of a hydraulic press.\n\nA couple voices called out, “Caster?” He’d guessed everyone’s thoughts and acted on them the moment Argo had started to bolt, thankfully, and a second later the team’s comms were patched into the local police network. Total silence. They’d encountered it before, and it always meant an exceptionally dangerous situation was about to occur. Syncshot’s machine guns came spinning out of their holsters. Basher scraped the bone off his boot. Bard and Tempest ran to the car for their weapons, and Caster retreated to a corner to hide and tap into anything he could find. Nomad and Switch rode into the alley a second later, the barrels of their guns already emerged from sheaths in their forearms.\n\nHoofbeats thundered around them.", "The year: 3506\nLocation: The Outer Rim\n\nI got a call. Huuuuge score. Dude was willing to pay about 1.2 million credits for some Vlax. A purple crystal you smoke to achieve temporary nirvana. \n\nIt was supposed to be a simple operation. Get in. Sell the Vlax. Get out. But fucking Serges ratted is out. \n\nWe got to The Outer Rim. And I’ll be damned if Gurga isn’t the most run down planet. I don’t know who the hell was here. I didn’t want to. Pay was good. All I cared about. \n\nOf course I’m not stupid. I was carrying heavy artillery. We all were. Laser ARs, Railguns, one of my boys was even carrying a Plasma Nade Launcher. We weren’t gonna lay down if there was any issues. \n\nWe got in. There was a guy there with a suit. He belonged to the Verlok Corporation. Known for making weapons and selling narcotics off world to the Inner Circle. So I wasn’t too surprised to see him. \n\nWe dropped the case of Vlax. “Pay. Upfront.” I demanded, flashing my AR. He snapped and some big burly guy handed me a case of their own. I opened up and saw the most gorgeous sight. All the credits were there.\n\nThere three distinct bangs on the door. “GALACTIC FEDERATION!!” A voice called before the door burst opened. There was a huge fire fight. One of my boys died next to me. The only guy who got of was fucking Serges. So I did the only thing I could. \n\nPointed at him. “Marked.” I simply said. The tech in my arm marked him for assassination. He’s got a hit. I got jail. But I have the last laugh." ]	3
	[WP] You’re a girl in your late teens and your 5 to 6 year old sister has disappeared. After months of no answers you try to find out more for yourself. Only to discover that your sisters’ disappearance has more to do with you that you could have ever imagined.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Annie, what does adopted mean?\"\n\nAnnie was braiding her sister's hair enjoying the time they got to spend together. But like all great things, it was ruined by the curiosity of a 4 year old.\n\n\"Where did you hear that word?\"\n\n\"I heard Mommy tell a her friend you were adopted.\"\n\n\"Right.\" Annie scowled, annoyed that her mother threw her under the bus, probably in response to a remark about their ages. If there was one thing her mother loved, it was being able to remind people she wasn't old enough to have a teenage daughter.\n\n\"Adopted means that when Mom and Dad found me, I was all alone. So, they decided to keep me.\"\n\n\"Does that mean Mommy and Daddy aren't your real Mommy and Daddy? Are we not real sisters?\" Gemma's heartbroken expression reflected back at Annie through the mirror in front of them. She looked as though the idea of not being \"real\" sisters had ruined her whole life.\n\n\"Of course we're real sisters. Look, we even have the same hair. If that doesn't make us real sisters then nothing does.\"\n\nAnnie leaned down to fit her face in the mirror, revealing their identical braids.\n\n\"It looks just like yours!\" Gemma was ecstatic about anything that made her like her big sister, as she always had been.\n\n\"Not yet.\" Annie took the home-made butterfly hair clip out of her hair and added it to Gemma's new own braid.\n\n\"There, now we match.\"\n\n\"Can I really keep it?\"\n\n\"Of course. But remember, this is a very special sister hair clip. You can't give it to anyone but your little sister.\"\n\n\"But I don't have a little sister.\"\n\n\"Then you'll just have to keep it.\"\n\n___\n\nAnnie stood in her childhood bedroom, going through her sister's things.\n\nNot a week had passed since she left home to attend college when she received a call from her dad. Gemma was missing. Annie dropped everything to run home and help look, but there wasn't a single trace of her little sister anywhere. She'd sat through police interviews, searched through their room numerous times, and participated in volunteer search parties more often than she'd had meals.\n\nThere was no trace of her little sister anywhere.\n\nHidden amongst the dozen or so crayon drawings, she found found an old photo. Their mom had it taken at her uncle's wedding, declaring their matching hairdos to be \"just too cute\"\n\nGemma was wearing the \"special\" hairclip Annie had made before deciding that homemade jewelry was not the hobby for her. It was ugly and tacky, but Gemma wore it everywhere from then on. She was even wearing it when she visited her sister's new dorm, 3 years after it was made.\n\nAnnie dropped on her old bed and started to cry. She had promised she'd still be there for Gemma if she ever needed her, but she needed Annie more than ever right now, and all she could do was wait.\n\n___\n\nMonths came and went, but answers never came. Annie had tried to get back to her studies and hope people with more training than her find Gemma, but between Gemma's disappearance and her parents divorce (which they insisted was completely unrelated) Annie couldn't bring herself to study. So instead she dropped out and went home.\n\n\"Home\" as it turned out was surprisingly hard to find. Her mom kept the house and said Annie was always welcome to stay with her, but her constant stream of new boyfriends to keep her mind off Gemma made Annie want to gag, for more reasons than one. So now Annie arguing sleeping arrangements with her dad while they unpacked in his new apartment.\n\n\"Just use the bedroom. This isn't the first time I've had to sleep on the couch.\"\n\n\"No dad. I just need to borrow the couch until I have a job. I'll buy my own bed with my very first check.\"\n\n\"I'm not making my daughter sleep on the couch.\"\n\n\"And I'm not dropping out of school just to leech off my dad.\"\n\n\"lf I can't provide a proper bed for my own daughter, what kind of father am I?\"\n\n\"The overworked and overstressed kind, and the last thing I'm going to do is-\n\nAnnie's train of thought crashed when she found an old photo of Gemma and their parents.\n\n\"What is it\"\n\n\"I found this.\"\n\n\"Ah, I remember that day. You were a handful back then.\"\n\n\"That must be why you took it without me.\"\n\n\"No, that's you right there.\"\n\n\"Dad, this is Gemma.\"\n\n\"Can't be. Gemma wasn't born for 7 years after we took that photo. Me and your mom had just signed the adoption papers, so we decided to get a new family photo for our new family.\"\n\n\"Dad, she has Gemma's butterfly hair clip. The one-of-a-kind one I gave her.\"\n\n\"That does look like her butterfly, but I guarantee that's you. Take a look at the date in the corner, 12/25/2006. Best christmas present we ever got.\"\n\n___\n\nAnnie stayed up until well after midnight starting at the photo of Gemma. The more she looked the more certain she was that had to be Gemma in the photo. Beyond the hair-clip, the pokemon T-shirt she was wearing had a several pokemon who didn't exist in 2006 displayed on it, and her bangs were still the mess they had been in when she tried to cut them herself half a month before she disappeared.\n\nIt was not possible for the girl in the photo to be anyone but Gemma.\n\nBut at the same time, the parents in the photo couldn't possibly be her parents now. They were younger, thinner, and while it hurt her to admit it, they were still kinda attractive. And the photo itself couldn't be younger than 2006. Mom never would have settled for something this low resolution these days.\n\nShe had an idea, but it was insane. Finally she decided she needed answers more than she needed her world to make sense.\n\n___\n\nThe next day she stole a piece of hair out of the shower drain after her dad left for work, and swung by her mom's house to take some hair from her brush. She submitted them both alongside her own for a paternity test.\n\nA month later the results came back. There was a 98.2% chance that the man and woman who adopted her 13 years ago were her biological parents.", "Claire opened the door, the message still ringing in her ears. \n\nPayment received.\n\nShe didn't want to believe it, but she should have thrown away all such expectations long ago.\n\nIn fact she had, but her mother had always found a way to lower them each and every day.\n\nBut now, she had gone past the lowest point of the ocean, and gone out the other side, only to sink to the bottom again.\n\nClaire rounded the corner, keys cutting into her hand, and saw *her* sitting at the Kitchen table.\n\nIn that instant, Claire wanted nothing more than to smash the old woman's head through the table.\n\nShe thought about stabbing her with keys, maiming her, just obliterating her off the Earth.\n\nNot a single person or God would have condemned her for doing so.\n\nThat pathetic creature had ruined so many of the years of Claire's life, crippling her in ways that could never heal.\n\n*AND NOW SHE DONE THE SAME TO HER SISTER.*\n\nHer mother suddenly lifted her head, eyes bleary, in a crack-pipe-esque haze. \n\nUnfocused, she seemed to recognize Claire. She smiled a non-smile of satisfaction and dependency. Her eyes burned bright as she made to stand up.\n\nClaire never gave her the chance.\n\nSomething finally snapped within her, and before she could process what she was doing, the table had been flipped and the old woman was sprawled on the floor, beaten senseless.\n\nOnly a minute had passed, but her mother would never be the same again.\n\nAnd no one would ever care about her.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBut her sister was still lost......" ]	3
	[WP] Death is infinity and darkness and full of sorrows. When he’s asked by a soul he claims, “Can I ask you a question?” he’s annoyed. But then he's momentarily stunned when they ask, “...What do you remember?”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Death paused, ruminating on my question. The shadows of its visage hinted at expressions, shading it in this way and that to give it the appearance of furrowed brow and sullen gaze.\n\n\"What do you remember?\"\n\n\"Everything, of course,\" it said. \"I made you, after all, and—\"\n\n\"Made me?\"\n\n\"Not you, but,\" It gestured around the blurry, ethereal space of my room. I shuddered as I saw my body sprawled on the bed. I looked so old, so tired, so relieved to be asleep for the final time. \"Everything.\"\n\n\"But, God made everything,\" I insisted, confused. Guilt and a sense of certain absurdity tinged in at the edge of my emotions. I was arguing with death.\n\n\"In the beginning was the formless shadow, the Spirit of God hovering over the waters,\" Death said.\n\n\"That's not the line—\" I began, but Death cut me off, expression twisting to one of irritation.\n\n\"Balal. Babel. Few of your lines bear any semblance to the history. I set the universe in motion. I gave all of myself to it, and left behind so very little. The heat of my body became the gasses from which matter formed, my beating heart became Time. I poured my blood into all the ripe worlds and from that blood evolved life. I gave humanity my rib to grant them will. I gave everything, everything except my ghost.\"\n\nThe Holy Ghost.\n\nMy mind was spinning. Death was God? \n\nThe one constant, the constant force—entropy.\n\n\"Why?\" I realized in this that I was asking perhaps the largest question of all: why did you create existence?\n\n\"To dream,\" it said, extending out towards me. \"You are all of me, but of your own will. To return to me is to awaken, and as we awaken, we remember, and I learn, and so we are more whole.\"\n\nI felt death enveloping me, filling me with a warmth that both surprised and comforted me. It was like going home, or rising from a nightmare to remember the reality of the situation.\n\nI remembered creating the universe, I remember tearing my self asunder, preferring an eternity of sorrowful love and pain over loneliness and stagnation. \n\nDeath whispered into my ear.\n\n\"What do you remember?\"\n\nEverything." ]	2
	[WP] A stranger shows you a new form of travel.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Alyssa drives along the country road at night. It passes through over a hundred miles of corn, a straight shot, so she's pushing 90 with her hands off the wheel, concentrating on more important things, specifically lighting up a joint, and blowing smoke out the window. Her phone is stuck to the dashboard with tape, more tape wound about the damaged auxiliary cord, as lo-fi hip-hop blasts at max volume. After satisfactorily lighting her joint, she leans back, one hand rested at 12:00 on the wheel, staring out into the clear clear night.\n\nAlyssa's phone blinks with an alert. She swipes it; a text from her girlfriend still almost 150 miles away. Still on ur way?, it read.\n\n\"Shit,\" Alyssa muttered. \"Hey, Google. Hey Google! Send a text message to Jeanie! You know I am, send!\"\n\nAlyssa stared at the white screen, waiting as the three dots bounced, anticipating a response. It's late! Shouldn't you pull over, get some rest?\n\n\"Hey, Google! Hey Google! Hey, oh for fuck's sake.\" Alyssa finally turns down the music volume. \"Hey, Google. Send a text message to Jeanie. No, it's okay, I'm woke, period. I just want to get to my baby, exclamation point, send.\"\n\nAlyssa puts the volume up again, taking a sip from the extra large coffee she had gotten at the last Cumberland Farms, who knows how many miles back. The tepidness didn't improve the flavor. The dots bounced. I'll leave a light on for u! The dots bounced again, the new message in the form of a picture; Jeanie in the bathroom, posing naked in front of the mirror.\n\nAlyssa just smiled, and turned her attention back to the road, and the joint between her lips. She could almost fall asleep here; the road didn't curve or bend, and wouldn't do so for at least another 2 hours. It obviously wasn't worth it; Alyssa didn't have the cash to pay for any mistakes anyways. So she kept her eyes open, finished the luke-warm coffee, and smoked the joint until it was a bit of sour paper, which she tossed out the crack in the window.\n\nIt was maybe 2:00, possibly a third of the way through the corn-field, and with almost a hundred miles still left to go when she saw the lone street-light on the horizon. She stared at it with no small amount of interest, and as she got closer, she saw the figure of a person underneath it. As the person caught sight of the car, they held out a thumb. Alyssa wasn't sure why, but she began to slow down, until she shuddered to a stop beside the light parking the car and turning it off. Looking about showed Alyssa that she happened to be located at the corner of a cross-road. Alyssa wasn't certain she'd passed by this location before.\n\nThe person in the light was a young black person, maybe 18 or so. They were quite disheveled, as though they had just left a party; wearing a pink sports-bra (though they carried a red leather jacket over their shoulder), tight-fitting black skirt, and ripped black leggings, and converse sneakers with the laces untied. Even at night, they wore circular red plastic sun-glasses. Alyssa looked around as she rolled down the window, looking for lights, listening for the sounds of revelry, but all her senses told her that this was a regular corn-field.\n\n\"Good evening,\" the hitch-hiker says, waving at Alyssa. They lean down, resting their elbows on the door.\n\n\"Same to you,\" Alyssa says.\n\n\"I only assume that you stopped so as to pick me up?\" The hitch-hiker tentatively moves a small hand towards the door-handle.\n\n\"Sure, you can get in. I assume that you're heading that way?\" Alyssa points forwards.\n\n\"Coincidentally, I'm headed where you're headed, but I think that if you were to take a left here, you'd arrive at your destination sooner,\" the hitch-hiker says, wiggling in the passenger seat to try and get comfortable. \"I'm B, by the way.\"\n\n\"I'm A. I mean, Alyssa,\" Alyssa says, then looks left. \"That way?\"\n\nB nods. \"Cross-roads are a very efficient way to travel you know. I don't suppose everybody can see them...\" B sniffs the air. \"You smoke? Do you mind if I smoke?\"\n\n\"I suppose not. Where are you from? And why are you dressed like that. Don't you think it's dangerous for a pretty young thing like you to be walking about late at night dressed like that?\" Alyssa tried not to be judgmental, but failed.\n\n\"I don't see anyone else out there, do you?\" B was paying little attention, instead drawing a crushed pack of unlabeled cigarettes from one of the pockets of the red leather jacket. \"Got a light?\"\n\nAlyssa held out her Zippo. \"I suppose not... But for real though, where did you come from. There's not a house for miles.\"\n\n\"Well,\" B breathes a lungful of smoke out the window. It twists and curls in the street-light. \"I came from my mother. And there isn't really a house nearby, no, but along the cross-roads, it's really not that far...\" B points down the right side of the cross-roads.\n\n\"Huh...\" Alyssa still doesn't quite get it.\n\n\"How about this in exchange, I show you all about cross-roads, and you give me a lift?\" B turns to face Alyssa. She can see her face reflected in their glasses.\n\n\"What, how...\" But B is already moving, leaning in close to Alyssa, then jamming the lit end of the cigarette into Alyssa's forehead, right between her eyes. It burns and stings as B twists it in, then they pull back, tossing the crushed cigarette out the window. Alyssa clutches her face in shock and fear; what monster did she let into her car." ]	2
	[WP] It's tough being the child of a hero and a villain. It's even tougher when both of them are attending your graduation with all of their work friends with them.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I can’t believe my parents invited their friends. Wait, let me start from the beginning. My name is Cordelia and I’m the child of a beloved hero and a much feared villain. They both came to my graduation, but not alone. So Dad’s watching his best friend Joseph, aka The Upcycler demonstrate his newest gadget. It shorts out and singes a woman’s hair. And mom is trying to keep her friend Katrina, better known as Eccentra from freaking everyone out with her antics. She’s not being too successful. I just saw a little boy’s toy plane turn into a mouse. Kat is laughing hysterically, mom is trying to convince her to turn it back, the kid is freaking out and my fave is bright red. Then the machine Joey was messing with blows up. Am I even. Gonna graduate today? Or are my own parents gonna get me kicked out?", "It’s graduation ceremony. We’re outside, on the lawn in front of the lake, waiting for the ceremony to start. The weather is perfect, vast blue sky above with only a few tiny fluffy clouds that sail across the most beautiful yellow Sun. Sun that is blessing us with its warm rays.\n\nEverything is almost perfect.\n\nThe podium, the elaborate decorations, school flags, boats on the shore, ready to take us across the lake when the ceremony is done, back to innocence, back to our world. And the ceremony would not be complete without family, friends, and family friends, their countless excited eyes, happy faces, roaring laughter, thumbs up and ear-to-ear smiles radiating from the white plastic chairs where they sit.\n\nOur family, friends, and family friends. This won’t end well.\n\nI sigh.\n\nI don’t know what mom was thinking when she hooked up with him.\n\nGaladriel waves to me from her chair in the second row. She is radiant as she smiles.\n\nShe said she was young and he spiked her drink with Lembas, but it was a one-night stand and she liked it. I’ve seen it in uncle Saruman’s Palantír and he told me that seeing orbs don’t lie. Young my ass… she’s embarrassed. Nothing to be embarrassed about mom! We live in the modern age. Fourth age, mom! Fourth bloody age!\n\nI inhale to calm myself down.\n\nSaruman's not my real uncle, but that’s besides the point, we’re all like one big family. Mom, Dad, Saruman, Gandalf, Elrond, Legolas, Gimli and many other friends…\n\nI glance at my dad. The Witch-king of Angmar gives me a thumbs up. His gauntlet squeaks really loudly. It’s the freakin’ ring, makes everything decay in a really ungraceful way. I shake my head. Don’t embarrass me, dad. Please, not now. He gets it. I’m not sure how, but he does. He lowers his hand, taps his knee, but then stops when his gauntlet squeeks again.\n\n“Thomas, you father is so excited!” a girl with frizzy, untamable dark hair and brown eyes sitting next to me says. “He is so happy for you.”\n\n“I wish I had a family like yours.” says a boy with round glasses and a bandaid on his forehead, sitting to my right.\n\nAnd I wish my parents are dead because this will soon turn into a disaster.\n\n“Are we starting soon?!” yells cousin Frodo, nervously wiggling next to cousins Sam and Pippin in the third row. His eyes are big and full of fear.\n\n“Why? You need to go somewhere?” The Witch-king says in deep voice.\n\nDad! Don’t embarrass me…\n\nElrond, who sits next to Galadriel and Gandalf rolls his eyes and whispers something in his ear. Gandalf chuckles.\n\n“Oh, I know the way! Follow me!” yells Smeagol. “My prec---”\n\n“I want the fucking ring!” Isildur, who sits behind Frodo says and grabs the little guy. “Give me the fucking ring!”\n\n“Isildur! Stop it! Everyone!” says Éowyn and points her sword in dad’s direction. “He’s not going anywhere!” She turns to Isildur. “Isildur, you are not going anywhere! Smeagol, you are not going anywhere either! No one is! Can you guys just be quiet and enjoy the ceremony, please?”\n\nSauron blinks.\n\n“Excuse me!” A tall and bulky person who looks like an oversized dwarf says from the podium microphone. He taps the mic before continuing.\n\n“There is a horse at the parking lot.” He leans forward and looks at a piece of paper in his large hand. “Shadow Wax. Ermm… He needs help. Can the owner of Shadow Wax please report to valet service?”\n\nGandalf, holding his staff upright, stops laughing at Elrond’s joke and stands up. “His name is Shadowfax!” He looks at me. “And you! Look at this.” He points to his staff. “That is a weapon of a real wizards!” He grunts and starts walking toward the back, where the parking lot is.\n\n“What’s wrong with him?” whispers the kid with round glasses and a bandaid sitting next to me.\n\n“I don’t know, Harry. I don’t know. He’s just scared I think. Scared of changes.”\n\n“It’s okay, don't you worry Thomas, prof Dumbledore will be here in a minute and we’ll start,” the girl, who is Hermione, says.\n\n“He will, in a minute. It’s not like he’s dead,” Harry says and glances at Prof Snape standing three feet next to him. “Right, Hermione? Right? Ha ha ha…”\n\nI gulp. He better come soon.\n\n“Wands are for kids, Thomas!” Gandalf yells from the back row where he walked to in the meantime. He is mad as fu---\n\n“VAMPIRE POTTER, YOU MOTHERFUCKER!” A girl who appeared from nowhere and now stands in front of Gandalf screams.\n\nShe is emo, or goth. Or, more like Amy Lee, except nothing like her. She has long ebony black hair with purple streaks and red tips, her eyes are icy blue and shaped like tears and her face has so many different layers of makeup and lipstick that it’s both pale and orange at the same time, as if she came right from a cavernous brick factory.\n\nShe is a mess.\n\n“Oh no!” Harry screams and covers his mouth. “Not her! She’s worse than Vold---”\n\n“We don’t say his name, Harry!” Hermione says.\n\n“Harry, who is that?”\n\n“Her name is Ebony Dark’ness Dementia Raven Way and everyone hates her. Even Prof. Dumbledore. We need to stop her! She’ll ruin everything!”\n\nI can help.\n\n“Hey, uncle Gandalf!” I point at the girl.\n\nHe looks at her, angrily, lifts his staff, makes it glow and yells, “You shall not pass!”\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWN.\n\nIf you've never heard of [My Immortal](https://myimmortalrehost.webs.com/), you're not true Harry Potter fan :)\n\n&#x200B;\n\n/r/ZwhoWrites", "I made my way to the courtyard, just in front of the main hall of the campus. With Jane by my side, I began reminiscing about the past four years.\n\nA year ago, I broke my legs after the stupid ski trip that the Advanced Thermodynamics class arranged. Jane wasn't actually in the class yet somehow she knew some people in the class. Ended up going and seeing me down on my arse after foolishly sliding off of a huge ramp for a meaningless bet. I could never imagine how much \"fun\" it was for her to have to take care of me after that.\n\nThen, three years ago I mistakenly pranked her when I filled her gym bag with a ridiculous amount of whip cream and hair. Tomy and Andy, what a bunch of knobs. Ended up almost ghosting her for a month, before she found out from a mutual friend. Wondered who could that be... But whatever.\n\nRegardless, through the worst and the best of times, she would always be there by my side. Honestly I couldn't believe it myself, but there's been something I've realised the night before...\n\n\"Thank you. For putting up with all the crap that I've done.\"\n\nJane swept her thin bangs and looked my way, \"no problem. It's way more fun anyway, following you around. You always managed to get into interesting circumstances.\"\n\nI couldn't help but feel my cheeks burning up. Somehow, even in the rather chilly afternoon, I felt that my whole body was warming up a bit. Maybe it was just my imagination but I did see her face a tiny bit flustered. She looked proper cute, then.\n\n\"Hey there, young'uns! I see something burning up over there, eh?\" a coarse voice shouted from a distance.\n\nI could barely made out the figure of the man shouting from afar. But I definitely could identify who it was.\n\n\"Please, dad. Not now...\"\n\n\"What are you talking about?\" he instantaneously appeared before me and Jane, \"did I... Ah, I guess I was rather late, no?\"\n\n\"O-Oh. Mr. Lawson! I-It's been a while...\" Jane said, surprised and awkwardly.\n\nDad immediately grabbed her hand and shook it quickly. I could make out a cheeky grin on his face. But before I could say anything, he made his move first.\n\n\"So, is this the one your mum had \"checked\" before? The one she finally agreed to you \"engaging\"?\"\n\n\"Dad! Cheesus, can you not–\"\n\n\"Oh, there you are, Darling!\" a woman's voice came from behind us, inside the hall.\n\nThere she was. The lovely mum that I was somehow related to. She's not at all bad, but what she does for a living.... Well, that goes for my dad too though.\n\n\"Y-You brought him along?! I told you, no work for the whole day, today!\" Dad said in a thundering rage.\n\nJane looked back-and-forth between my dad and mum. She looked nervously at me and whispered, \"Is everything... alright? I think I'm somewhat intruding–\"\n\n\"No, no! Lemme take care of this, but please stay! I have something to tell you.\"\n\nI ushered Jane a few ways away from the \"arena\" that somehow dad and mum – along with her 'friend from work' – had created. I, myself, am not sure but I could definitely see fiery flares coming from dad's back – maybe even his arse. Before he could make a move, mum suddenly emitted a blue ray from a gun pointed at him. The ray simply froze him and my mum's 'friend' unveiled his skintight suit underneath an overcoat.\n\n\"Yes! Thank you for doing me a favour, Blue Mistress! I shall grant mercy to your husband and son by quickly eliminating him–\"\n\n\"No. Shut up, you bell end. I'm simply going to talk it out with my bloody husband. Jane, if you could please don't think about this too much, but you're cool. Do take care of my dear son while I sort this one out, yeah?\"\n\n\"... Huh?\"\n\n\"Mum! What the hell! Dad, mum... can you just do this back home?\"\n\nBoth of them looked at me and simultaneously said sternly, \"No.\"\n\nAh, the joy of witnessing your parents embarrassing you in public. How a fitting way to end my university career in front of the girl I treasure.", "\"Mom,\" I yelled from the bottom of the stairs. \"Dad?!\" No answer. Their bedroom door was closed. I rolled my eyes. Fighting or f... Fighting. Let's go with that. I groaned. I was all buttoned up, my khakis had been ironed and donned, my unruly hair combed and that peach-fuzz shaved. The door opened and they stepped out, mom smoothing out her dress and dad straightening out his tie. I rolled my eyes. \"Do we really have to go to this? Can't we just go to dinner or bowling? How about I take the time to do chores instead?\"\n\nDad smirked at me. Fat chance. Negotiations were over. I was his victim and mom wasn't about to save me from this one. \"All set, champ?\" I rolled my eyes again. It's not angst, I promise. It's just not easy being the son of a superhero and a villain. Their arguments are monumental to the point that we could eulogize each one and still not do them justice. Some days havoc won and the broken plates and ripped carpet would just be the faintest hint of the damage outside. There, chaos ruled. Lawns would be torn and stoplights would hang awkwardly from bent poles. Cars would be flipped and roofs ripped. Other times there was calm. Oblivious people would walk their dogs and sprinklers would spray a pleasant mist over the carefully manicured grass and mom would walk down with a smile on her face. Today was neither. Today was about me, unfortunately. \n\n\"It's just the two of you, right?\" He laughed. Well, it was more of a well-rehearsed cackle that made the windows tremble in their frames and the dog trembled and the cats hissed. Mom slapped him on the arm. Lovingly, of course. I don't want you to think they were abusive or anything. It was way past that. He subdued his laughter to a sinister chuckle. \n\n\"No,\" he said, stifling another mounting round of giggles that threatened to turn into more boisterous laughter. \"I'm bringing all my buddies.\" I felt my face go a little pale.\n\n\"No...\" I stammered. Mom gave me a look of resignation. \"Even...\" That was all I had to say. We didn't dare even whisper his name. He grinned at me. Oh, yes. Even him. You know how they always ask people to hold their clapping until after all the names have been announced? Good luck with that. There would probably be fireworks inside and a streaker and a whole truck-load of confetti. I appreciated the enthusiasm, don't get me wrong. It was just a little misplaced and destructive. \n\nMom swooped in to save the day like she always did. \"Don't worry, honey,\" she said tenderly, having reached the bottom of the stairs and slipped into her heels. She looked great. They both far out-dressed me. \"I'm bringing my colleagues, too.\"\n\n\"So Shannon will deal with it?\" She nodded at me and I felt a little more at ease. \"Do we really have to go?\" I asked in a last-ditch attempt. Maybe the car was out of gas. Maybe we had a flat tire. Maybe a meteor would hit us on the way there... Oh, wait. My parents could deal with all of that. Dad would divert it into the nearest homeless shelter. Mom would pick up the car with us inside and leap over to the school. There was no stopping this, not when the two of them agreed. \"Alright,\" I said reluctantly, accepting my fate. \n\n\"Are you going to tell us who is giving you your diploma?\" I shook my head stubbornly. We were allowed to have our favorite teacher present us the diploma. I had pondered my options for weeks. There was the English teacher. She was a safe option. She wouldn't do anything crazy. There was the principal. He was the default option. Reserved and impersonal. Just how I would have wanted. \n\nBut the science teacher had been egging me on for years, ever since I was a freshman. He had interned with dad in college, back before they each set out on career paths of their own. Parallel, but not quite similar. One taught while the other did. And then there was the life skills teacher, desperately trying to get me to choose her. That was the good path, according to her. I could follow in the footsteps of my mother and give back, whatever that meant. Something about the community and not seeing it wrecked every weekend. I sighed. One of them was always going to be disappointed, regardless of what path I chose. \n\n*****\n\nThanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, please check out more stories at /r/MatiWrites. Constructive criticism and advice are always appreciated!" ]	5
	[WP]A giant is chasing you through his castle, aiming a poisonous spray at you that will take several minutes to kill you even if he manages to get lots of it on you. He could easily kill you by just stepping on you, but he finds you so disgusting he dare not even get close. You are the cockroach.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "We've lived in the castle from time immemorial. One might say it was ours before it was theirs.\n\nSome would even call it our birthright. I'm fairly certain that one day that fact will be indisputable. But in the meantime, they kill us every day.\n\nEvery day.\n\nBefore it was a castle, it was just rocks. The land was hard then, and the air thicker, and plants of all sizes obscured the pale sky and the yellow sun. We walked in daylight then, dim as it was, dappled into a few rare corners.\n\nWhen the giants came with their war machines and tore the earth, we hid in those rocks. Many of us were crushed by them. The rest were saved by them.\n\nAt first, they simply piled the rock aside, harrowing the ground with their weapons, until it was soft, too soft for us. The sky opened up as they ravaged the forest. There was light everywhere, frightening light. And with it came wind and rain, turning a languorously humid idyll into a haunted wasteland. New plants grew, but they were stunted and useless, at least to us. The giants clawed at any useful and vibrant plants, their thick fingers pawing and uprooting ruthlessly. Nothing looked the same. Nothing smelled the same. Some said our world had ended. But I knew different.\n\nOur world had evolved, and we had survived, and we would continue to thrive in the new smell, finding new dark places to hide.\n\nBut the giants weren't finished with our world. Not by a long shot.\n\nThat's when they came for the rocks again. This time they piled them differently. They joined them with the dead husks of the forest. They piled the lifeless bodies of the casualties of their first war in strange ways, horrifying ways.\n\nThe weaker among us felt that the giants were mocking us. Unable to stand the sight of what was being done to our gods, they fled for lands untouched.\n\nBut the strong remained. We waited, and we watched. The giants don't understand our world. They just thunder and destroy, and they build mindlessly, in angular patterns.\n\nEventually, they built a huge, wasteful temple, filled with dark places, filled with too much food, too many strange lights and sounds ... and I realized ...\n\nThey were building it for us.\n\nTrue, they probably did it unwittingly, but we've been at this for centuries, and I've read our histories: the patterns are there, if you pay attention. And the pattern tells me that everything that has ever existed in this world benefitted our kind somehow. So it was no surprise to me that when the giants stopped building, when they quieted down, and when they settled into their daily patterns ...\n\nThere was a place for us. As there will always be." ]	2
	[WP] Earth gets invaded by aliens who have superior technology, but never figured out mass production	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"What do you mean 'give them full membership'?\" asked Prime Ministress Byl. The Human, next to her Kryx companion, picked up on the tone of incredulity but didn't realize it was aimed at Ambassador Ein, and not her. She minded her tongue, but quietly took a note on her data-pad. With a few strokes and gestures, she arranged a demonstration of what the Kryx found so intriguing and terrifying to arrive at the Prime Ministress' chambers. Her companion gave a quick elbow to get her attention. \n\nIt was fairly hard by Kryx standards, but as Ein knew, the human home world had a large enough gravity well to require the employment of siege armor. This was a gentle tap to the human. She leaned over to him to hear him whisper, \"That was aimed at me. As I said, we're a proud warrior race, and we've got a reputation of being nigh unbeatable militarily. They probably think we're playing at something.\"\n\nAmbassador Watson whispered her reply \"That's not entirely wrong. We did impress you with our willingness to fight wars of attrition. I've arranged for a fairly clear, but polite, message to be sent to her. She'll probably understand when she gets it.\"\n\nUnbeknownst to the Human, Byl was of the Ochreek, a species known for extremely sensitive hearing. Not well known amongst the council were Byl's telepathic abilities. She already knew of the surprise in store, but she didn't believe that anything near the quantity or quality of items to be sent her way would be forthcoming. \n\n\nSurely, a package of data-pads in various sizes, luxury soaps, artistic media and several collections of cinematic art couldn't be delivered in a single galactic day. Still, she chose to interrupt the whispering by cleaning her antennae. This was an Ochreek's equivalent of clearing their throat. \n\n\n\"I find it odd that a Kryx, descendant of the warrior caste, would have to resort to striking a sentient to merely get their attention. Mrs. Watson was it? Are you really unharmed by that maneuver?\" \n\n\nThe Human merely looked at Ambassador Ein, who nodded at the questioning glance he received. \"Prime Ministress, as the briefing indicates the Human world has an unusually high gravitational pull for a planet of its size. Further, it would seem that humans are descendant from persistence predators. In short, they are not only more physically resilient than most sentients, they also heal from injury at an alarming rate.\" \n\n\nByl thought about this for a moment. She had met sentients from many different planets, some were from very dense planetoids, but they were usually herbivorous. She had also met persistence predators, but they typically hailed from planets with very vast plains and almost no water. Odd that these Humans would evolve such a paradoxical combination of traits, but if her time as the Consortium's executive authority had taught her anything it was to deal with strange oddities such as this. \n\n\nStill, to convince the Kryx to petition for membership, it meant that the Kryx were either trying another ploy to dominate the galaxy, or they'd unleashed some kind of plague and desperately needed the Human's help to cure it. Most species on the consortium didn't like the Kryx much. If the Humans were somehow under their thrall then this could be the start of something terrible. Byl could only think of one course of action to take. She needed to gather information on these humans. \n\n\n\"I'll be taking your request under advisement. Per the charter, I will deliver a provisional verdict within a galactic standard week, unless other relevant information comes to light.\" \n\n\nLittle did she know, she would be most happily welcoming the Humans into the Consortium of Sentient Species some two galactic standard days later." ]	2
	[WP] The power and control of a deity depends on the amount of believers they have on earth. Your believers were slain in the crusades of other deities' followers. As a result, you are now a human. That's when you realize an opportunity for revenge: spread atheism, dethrone all gods.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns." ]	1
	[WP] with the recent death of your father he told you before his passing that “if you ever find yourself in danger go to the basement” when you get there you find a corpse sitting in a chair. You can feel something sinister but at the same time, it doesn’t want to hurt you	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\\[Warning: Horror; some swearing\\]\n\nMELANIE STOOD motionlessly, her foot on the final step at the bottom of the stairs. Her heart hammered in her chest, almost drowning out the sound of her fast, ragged breaths. Her hand shook as it reached for the light switch. She turned the light off, then counted to ten before turning it back on.\n\nThe corpse still sat as it did when Melanie saw it for the first time. It was the body of a woman, and certainly a corpse: its skin was a sickly pallid hue, and where its eyes should’ve been yawned two empty sockets. It wore a yellow dress with green piping, printed with white lilies that should’ve all been exactly the same. Its auburn hair fell to around its waist, obscuring half its face and shifting almost imperceptibly to the draft coming down the stairs. Its hands were folded in its lap, and it wore a simple golden ring on its right index finger that reflected the harsh white light of the fluorescent tube directly above. It had white sheer stockings on, but no shoes. The chair it sat in was simple and high-backed. The cushion beneath the corpse seemed clean. It was almost serene.\n\nMelanie realised there was no smell. She took one more step, and then she was on the basement floor. The light flickered, making her jump. She looked back up the stairs to reassure herself that there was still a way out. When her gaze snapped back to the corpse, her eyes kept being drawn away from the ghastly empty sockets and back to those lilies that should’ve all been the same…\n\n“Are you in danger, sweetheart?” a voice asked.\n\nMelanie screamed and stumbled backwards. The back of her head cracked against the edge of a step. She felt something give way, and then nothing at all.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Mel,” someone called. “Mel!”\n\nMelanie felt herself being pulled onto her side. Her eyes fluttered open, and for a moment she saw the face of someone long-dead. A hand grabbed her arm. Something in the back of her mind screamed, but the fingers she felt wrapping around her wrist were warm and gentle.\n\n“Guys! She’s down here. Someone call an ambulance!”\n\n“Richard?”\n\n“Shit! Melanie!” Richard appeared like he hadn’t slept in days. He looked into her eyes as he sighed with relief. “Shit. Are you hurt? How do you feel?” His fingers combed through her hair at the back of her head. He gently probed her scalp with his fingers, checking for any obvious injury. She winced as he found a bruise.\n\n“I’m okay,” she said. She didn’t recognise the voice that came out of her, but Richard nodded all the same. He looked up to the top of the stairs, called out for help again, then started telling her that everything will be okay. Melanie’s gaze drifted down the stairs, back to where the corpse sat, with its auburn hair and dress with white lilies. There was nothing there.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nDaniel sat beside Richard, taciturn as always but gaze locked on Melanie as Richard told him about what happened. Amita had arrived soon after, with Lisha, Kristen and Chloe in tow. Dave arrived last, still wearing his dusty high-vis shirt. “Look, mate,” he said, without preamble, “don’t worry about work, alright?”\n\nMelanie attempted to smile. She thanked her boss and watched as he walked over to crack open the windows. Her friends took turns wishing her well and asking how she was feeling, but when Richard took her hand, everyone fell silent.\n\n“Mel,” he said, “do you remember what happened?”\n\nMelanie looked at him. “Did you… when you found me, did you see anything in the basement?”\n\n“What do you mean?”\n\n“In the basement,” she said, her voice shaking. “Did you see anything?”\n\n“Besides you? I’m not sure what you mean, but… it looked alright, I guess? Just as I remembered.” He paused. “Still as messy as you usually leave it.”\n\nNervous laughter. Daniel squeezed Richard’s shoulder. “Nothing out of the ordinary, Melanie, no. Were you worried there was something? Was that why you were down there?”\n\n“Yes. No, I mean… well, you didn’t see anything.”\n\nGas leak, Chloe volunteered. Kristen gasped before asking if someone needed to call the police about that. Richard shook his head, said he didn’t smell anything. Might've been a bloody stoat, Dave interjected. Lisha pointed out that she’s never seen one in the city before. Amita added that she thought stoats were arboreal.\n\nMelanie shook her head. “Dad, he…”\n\nRichard’s face softened. He squeezed Melanie’s hand before slowly nodding. “I miss him, too, Mel.”\n\n“No, Rich. He said something to me, before the—before the accident.”\n\nA hush fell over the room. Dave looked nervously around at everyone, but no-one looked at him. Richard patted Melanie’s hand. “Is that why you were in the basement, Mel?”\n\n“No—well, yes, but… he told me—”\n\n“If you ever find yourself in danger, go to the basement.”\n\nMelanie froze. He looked at Richard, then scanned all the faces in the room. Dave scratched at his stubble and couldn’t meet her gaze.\n\n“Are you in danger, sweetheart?”\n\n“I…”\n\nDaniel’s eyebrows rose. Lisha looked around.\n\n“I—,” Melanie repeated. “Do you…”\n\n“Dearie,” Amita said, “it’s going to be fine. Do you need us to fetch anything? A nurse?”\n\nMelanie’s eyes shot around the room. Dave crossed his arms and looked away. Richard gently said her name again.\n\n“Are you in danger, Melanie?”\n\n“How… what…”\n\nRichard slowly stood up and began talking to the others in hushed tones. He kept glancing at Melanie before turning to Daniel. The two men embraced before Daniel ushered everyone out of the room. Dave said something to Richard, then both men nodded to each other before Dave closed the door behind him.\n\n“Mel,” Richard said, sitting down on the bed and reaching for her hand again. “I’m here. Everything’s going to be okay.”\n\nMelanie started crying. Behind him, on the windowsill, sat a small white lily, its petals ragged and yellowing at the edges." ]	2
	[WP] You are a devil in hell, as you move on your assignment to the next soul you realise that you weren't the one torturing.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "CRACK! The man's fist hit the wall with force to knock down a painting. He retracts his fist, leaving some red upon the white paint. \n\nHis anger I can feel from here. Fascinating. I just got here. This should be simple.\n\nThe man walks over and slumps down into the recliner chair. The woman who paused for a moment, resumes yelling at him.\n\nShe's very bold. Even I would be cautious at this point.\n\nThe man looks up at her, asking her to leave him alone. She throws some papers at him. Receipts. \n\nHairspray. Sundress. Designer shoes. I somehow don't think he's a crossdresser, so they must be hers.\n\nHe yells back at her, saying not to spend so much. The woman accuses him of not treating her to the life she deserves.\n\nMy oh my. What shall I do here? What *CAN I do here?* It wouldn't be difficult to tip him over the edge, but that would be so utterly conventional.\n\nI shift onto his shoulder whisper into his ear. \"Life she deserves? What about the life you deserve? You dropped out of highschool, ran away from your foster parents and joined the Marines. Now here you are, experienced welder and machinist, in constant demand. But not even you can satiate her fathomless desires.\"\n\nThe man looks down, ignoring her continued yelling. Neighbors in adjacent rooms debate whether to file a noise complaint.\n\nI shift onto his other shoulder to whisper into that ear. \"You're a capable man. You're strong and tall. Yet what does she give you? When was the last time she was affectionate to you? When was she last NICE to you?\"\n\nThe man grabs some of the receipts lying on the cheap flooring. He rips them.\n\n\"Good good, take control. You're better than this. She's just a harlot. Nothing before you.\"\n\nThe woman gasps, covering her mouth with her hands. 'Get out!' she yells. \n\n\"For once she's right. Your future isn't here. Act on it.\"\n\nThe man goes to his room, grabbing his keys, his wallet, his manila envelope of important documents. He shoves some clothes from his dresser into a bag. The woman has stopped yelling.\n\n\"Yes, yes that's it. You know what to do.\"\n\nThe man walks through the doorway, leaving the door open. The woman looks surprised, then frightened. She rushes to the door, saying to come back.\n\n17 hours later…Aubagne France, 35 minutes from Marseilles airport.\n\nThe man walks into a building. The sign atop the doorway merely says Légion étrangère\n\nGood boy. Here we shall take you to the depths of hardship and suffering, but tastefully. I have standards I subject my victims to.\n\n---\n\nAttend the r/ProfessorCynical lecture hall to read more today!" ]	2
	[WP] Two immortals are locked in endless, bloodless combat. Neither can die, and they’ve quite forgotten the reason they were fighting in the first place.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The strain of keeping them at bay took everything I had. Sweet poured down in streams and rivers and I knew if I looked up, it would be the same for them.\n I say them because I forgot. I have forgotten their name, their age, my name, who I was, or even why we started. I can only assume it was important.\n Here on this cliff...locked hand in hand opposite each other, pushing steadily to try and shove the other off. I can’t let up without falling and it’s taking all my concentration. I can’t speak. I can’t ask. I can’t look up. I can’t only keep pushing. I don’t know what I’m pushing against or pushing for, but if I stop, I will be the one to fall.\n I don’t know what will happen if I fall, where I will fall to, or what will be waiting for me down below. But some time ago; I don’t know if it was seconds or ages, I could have sworn I heard a laugh from the abyss. Silent, provoking, laughter. Where or who it came from, I don’t want to know.\n But I don’t want to fall." ]	2
	[WP] The devil himself teaches secrets of nature, language of animals and powerful spells to only 10 students at a time in a secret magic school. At the end of the school cycle, the soul of the 10th student is due to him. You are the 9th student, in love with the 10th and the classes end in a week.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \n\nTen names carved deep into the ancient, towering Oak.\n\nTen disciples of the Left Hand Path gathered around it in a state of deep relaxation, desperate to make a connection to the Master. Desperate for the details of their final task.\n\nAs if in unison, the entire conclave shuddered. The surrounding brush flitted with the white noise of a wandering breeze and each of the Ten knew what they must do. An insurmountable task, not to be taken lightly. So it was with focus and poise they stood and crossed the clearing to strike their names out of the Summoning Oak. One. Two. Three. Eventually it came to Nine. She touched her blade to the weathered skin of the sacred tree and slashed with conviction. So engrossed was she that the light touch of Ten startled her and she turned around sharply, knife tip inches from Ten’s right eye. \n\n“What the fuck?! Not here!”, she whispered. Ten took a step back hurriedly and then relaxed. Nine would never, he thought.\n\n“Sorry, I-I’m sorry”, Ten stammered. “It’s just... It’s just we’re not gonna have a chance to be alone until the Ending Ceremony you know? I wanted to see you like this before...”, he trailed off, “because... well, because I haven’t been doing so well.”\n\nThis outward display of vulnerability took Nine by surprise. Ten had been, throughout the trials, as gregarious as the Master himself. Was the prospect of his demise, now, finally, dawning on him? She softened her gaze a little, “I didn’t mean to bite. We all know what’s at stake here. I guess it’s getting to me as well. Come here.”\n\nArms outstretched ready to embrace Ten, and thoughts reeling back and forth in her mind, Nine whispered her plan as Ten gripped her tightly.\n\n“I know what we can do.”, she paused. “It technically fulfils the task requirements and provides us with our future. Together. But you must keep it together, alright?”.\n\n“A-Alright. What do we do?”\n\n\\-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nThe grand cathedral towered above and in front of Nine and Ten as they made the walk back. Built hundreds of years ago with techniques never before seen or used again, huge slabs of stone stacked perfectly together. Seemingly held together by sheer will alone. It brought awe to all who looked upon the mossy walls and piercing towers. With plans fully developed in their heads and hand in hand, for a while, they walked in silence. Each knowing what must be done. Each knowing their role. \n\nUnder the all-knowing Master, Ten still had doubts, for sure. But Nine was once named One. Until her fall. Until their relationship began.\n\n\\-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------" ]	2
	[WP] You were an apprentice wizard, until your mentor died in a tragic accident. You gave up and now work in a McDonald's, but your mentor's ghost still haunts you - and makes sarcastic comments about every tiny thing you do.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"SIMON\"\n\nGod, I hate that voice. 3 years later and I still can't escape. Doesn't he understand? There is pain in his speech. Its a reminder of my failures, and my mistakes. I'll ignore him, day in day out, eventually he will be bored right? How much patience can a ghost have.\n\n\"Why are you still here flipping burgers. You have so much talent, why waste it here. Magics in your blood, I never knew someone with the potential you had. Why let it waste away flipping burgers? You could be one of the greats, you mastered in days what it took others years.\" \n\nDamn him. As if I didn't know. When he found me I was at rock bottom. Just a 19 year old kid who felt unfulfilled in life. My family didn't want anything to do with me and I was working dead in jobs just to be able to eat. I always had this THING though. I couldn't describe it, and I couldn't put it into words. Sometimes I just wanted something and it happened, I just always assumed I was lucky. I had been robbed multiple times, not uncommon in this neighborhood, and somehow I always got away. Their punches lacked power, mine hit way harder than they should have given my scrawny arms, and I somehow always knew where to position myself, where his weak spot was, how to gauge the openings. It didn't make any sense but I somehow survived every time. \n\nOne day a stranger, a man who looked to be in his early 40's but extremely fit saw me get out of a particularly bad fight. The local gang bangers were pissed that i had gotten away previously and wanted to make an example of me. This time they brought more people, and guns. I was terrified but somehow every bullet missed me, when I was done they were on the ground or running away. i was exhausted, terrified, and hurt. Not badly but a few punches had still landed (as they always did). Worse still 2 men were laying on the ground in front of me bleeding out, they somehow managed to shoot their own people. The strange man walked up to me, confident and completely unafraid. He said I had talent and that he would train me. That I had a \"gift\". He raised his hands, focused, and after a few coughs the men on the ground stopped bleeding out, moaned , and then went silent. \n\n\"There, they will be fine now, I healed them and they will wake up tomorrow confused but otherwise fine. Now, I need you to follow me\". For some reason I did. I followed this strange yet seemingly well put together man. We got into his car and 20 minutes later got out in a very nice part of town. We took an elevator up and went into his penthouse. This is when I really started to notice the man, he was in a fine suit, and obviously wealthy. \n\n\"Sir\", I ask, \"who are you\".\n\n\"all in good time, all in good time\". \n\nWhat followed was a confusing set of events which I barely remember. But he got me cleaned up and then sat me down and gave it to me surprisingly straight.\n\n\"Look, I don't do this very often, but for you I'm going to make an exception. I'm a practicer of magic, not the carnival stuff, but the real deal. Call me a mage, call me a wizard, none of the names are accurate, but they will do for the time being. I heard rumblings of a new mage in town but I haven't been able to find him until now. Well let me tell you, I was surprised to find you, given the energy you were putting off I was expecting to find someone well educated, maybe even someone on the cutting edge exploring new avenues. Instead I found you, someone completely untrained yet weaving the fabric of space and time as if it was nothing.\"\n\n\"So here is what I would like from you, I would like to train you. There are few people with your natural talent in the world. Ive not taken on an apprentice in a long time, much to the dismay of the Arcadia, but I have a good track record. I won't lie to you, the work i hard, but the payoff is worth it. Look around you, I was at one point a street urchant halfway across the world just trying to get by. Now look at me\". \n\nI stared in amazement. how could this be true, magic? it can't be. But there was something about the man. He had \"something\" coming off of him, like a current but not. I started to tug it a little, immediately I was on my back, my head splitting open. \n\n\"I know you don't understand what your doing, but never do that again\" said the man.\n\n\"but what, I don't understand what happens, how did you do that, what was that I felt\". \n\n\"tell me exactly what you did and I will explain it best that I can\". \n\nI stared at him, my head still pounding, my blood rushing, and fear grabbed me. He was sitting on the other side of the room, how had he landed me on my ass, he hadn't moved. \n\n\"You were speaking about magic, sir. I can't quite believe it, but I noticed a \"thing\" around you. I don't know how to describe it, an energy, but energy isn't the right word. It was familiar, I felt it around myself as well, I felt drawn to it. I don't know how but I pulled at it, but the second I felt the connection I was on the ground\". Now fear was running the show. I somehow understood that this man, gentle as he seemed, could obliterate me from the inside out.\n\n\"well\" the man said. He relaxed and sat back with a puzzled look on his face. He seemed , concerned. \"you have a gift, thats for sure. What you saw, is what some of us call \" the current\". Magic is an ugly name to describe what it is we do, but its the closest to the truth we can get with language. What you saw was the energy of the universe. power, existence, time, they flow around us, its the stuff that makes up the universe. I would call it 'life' but thats also a gross misunderstanding. Its the stuff that gives life to life. Every living thing has this inside of it, as well as every nonliving thing. the practice of magic is to commune with this substance, and to direct it into various realized forms. This is a simplified explanation but those of us who practice magic have a natural draw to it. It collects around us. This is a natural phenomena but it is also a helpful one as it makes it easier for us to use it. you reached out and touched it, but in doing so you touched me, the inner stuff that makes me who I am. In this mystical force all the lines we think of get blurred. Where does it stop? where do I beginning? where do my hands end and my thoughts begin? its all a very blurry mess when we are speaking of magic. When you pulled at it you also pulled at me, and I had to stop it because there is no telling what you could have done. You might have granted me another 100 years of life, you might have torn my arm off, you might have erased my knowledge or memories, or you could have created an atomic explosion.What you did was impressive. Ive seen people study magic for decades and not be able to see the flow at all,and thats just to see it much less reach out to it. You need training if your are to not be a danger to yourself or those around you\"\n\nThis conversation continued for a while, but eventually I began to see that certain holes in my life, things I knew but didn't know how I knew, made sense. We came to an arrangement. He would provide for all my material needs while I studied with him, and I would give myself completely to the program. Over the next 6 years I studied under him. He became in many ways like the father I never head, and me like a son. He was gentle but firm, I was to learn not just magic but all sorts of other fields.He insisted that the better I understood the world the better I could manipulate it with magic. I had an incredible gift for learning (apparently very common among magicians and magic itself can be used to help learn a topic quicker). I studied history, physics, medicine, the arts, music, a host of combative training, and every time i learned something my hunger to learn more grew. I was no longer the scrawny kid he found but a educated man of many talents. I well well respected in multiple academic communities for having accomplished so much by my age. I never relished that though, I preferred to speak in plain language without pretenses. In the magic community I was never quite accepted though. My natural talent far surpassed the best many could do after decades of practice. I was not a horrible teacher either, I helped many of them learn to better connect and sense magic. \n\nI was respected yes, valued absolutely, but there was also jealousy of my talent. More than that, was jealousy of my master. He was apparently one of the most knowledgeable magicians on the planet. A side effect of magic is that we have vitality, and so we can live much longer. It had been hundreds of years since he had an apprentice. Many were bitter that he took in a kid off the street who knew nothing of magic and trained him when he wouldn't train the best the magical universities had put forth. Most magic users require some way to channel the magic, mostly through words or rituals. However this was never something i needed. I learned them but I could operate without them just fine, and that fact made many even more jealous.\n\n(continued)", "The grill sizzled with seared meat as you glared at it, not just because you used to enjoy what you do but now the last remnants of your dreams to be a wizard berated you at every waking moment. You let out a sigh, flipping the meat patties once you came out of your state, only to be rewarded with a tip from your late master.\n\n\"Ooh, that ones as black as a behemoth's backside. I think Chad'll ride your arse for that.\" The spectre uttered, smirking with that crooked grin that he used to when you missed a spot of grime in the tower. And with a flick of your wrist the burnt patty flipped off the spatula and into the garbage before giving your old friend a look of disdain.\n\nOswald Wickend was never the nicest of wizards to begin with. But now that only you can hear or see him it is like he is trying to drive you mad. Always spouting off about how dull normal human day to day existence can be. 'Why didn't you enchant the spatula to cook for you William? Why didn't Chelsea just cast so-and-so? How about you just vaporized the trash? No one will notice.' And when you finally decide to use a bit of magic he critiques your form. It is impossible to get anything done without some utterance from him.\n\n\"Oh William, no one was even looking that time! Do you have any idea how dull this is for me?\" The ghost chimed, pointing at the burnt meat in an effort to vaporize it. You sigh again, plating up the remaining meat disks.\n\n\"Well perhaps you should move on to where the dead belong.\" You hush to the spirit, hoping to not draw any attention from your co-workers.\n\n\"Leave?\" Your master gasped, \"But you still have so much to learn! Just because I am dead does not mean I am not your master.\" \n\nAs the wizard continued to prattle on you saw the only man who could make this worse, Chad. The middle-aged manager walked down the aisle, scanning every nook and cranny before seeing the burnt patty in the trash.\n\n\"Will!\" Chad ordered, scowling at you from over his shoulder. \"Come to my office we need to talk.\" You thought about just cursing him and leaving but you know Oswald would just take it as a chance to call you a pansy. You sigh once again, following Chad into the office.\n\n\"Everytime I see you in the kitchen there is always something wrong-\" You looked over at Oswald who peered through the wall as your boss berated you for anything he could cling to before an idea came to you.\n\nYou closed your eyes, calming yourself as you drew your wand from your pocket.\n\n\"Oculara Obscura, Oculara Obscura.\" You began to chant, wisps of mana coming off your fingertips and before Chad could demand you to stop what you're doing you flicked the spell at your boss.\n\n\"Gah! What the hell! That is the last straw you are fi-\" Chad's face turned to one of shock as his eyes locked with the ghost floating eerily above you.\n\nOswald stared back; at first confused why you'd do it before cackling.\n\n\"I get it! Haha. You used magic but he'll never be able to prove it exists! Dare I say that's the worst curse of all!\" The ghost cried. \"Good work my boy!\" The ghost aimed to pat your back only to phase right through you.\n\n\"W-William. Explain this. D-do you know what's going on?\" Your boss shrunk in his chair, staring in fear at your mentor who'd begun to preform impossible feats to discombobulate Chad further.\n\nYou hid your smile, slipping your wand back in its place before following his gaze into your master.\n\n\"No, what?\" You responded coldly, \"Is there like a big spider or something?\"\n\nOswald couldn't help but giggle as the manager looked aghast, darting his sight between the two.\n\n\"What do you want? I'll do it, just take your witchcraft away from me!\" Chad pleaded.\n\nYou redrew your wand, cracking your knuckles. \"I want a two dollar raise.\"\n\n\"Fine! Fine! Now take it away!\" He growled.\n\n\"Odiosus!\" You flick your wand at Chad again, pulling the mana out of him and causing him to fall asleep.\n\n\"Ho, ho, ho! That was good fun William. I think more of me rubbed off on you then I thought.\" Oswald chuckled, \"We should return to the tower. I think you could make a wizard of yourself yet!\"\n\n\"What? I'm making seventeen bucks an hour now. We can't leave just yet.\" You replied, fixing your cap.\n\n\"But-\"\n\n\"No buts Master. I'll continue training at my apartment.\" You interrupted, wiping down your wand with a cloth before putting it back in your pocket.\n\n\"What kind of wizard lives in an apartment; a house sure but an apartment? Honestly, young wizards.\" Oswald continued, crossing his arms as he passed through the door.", "A little language at the very end, sorry!\n\n-----\n\n\"If a ghost could roll its eyes,\n\nI would\" said Master Hattie.\n\nI just flip the ghost the bird\n\nand keep on flipping patties. \n\n\"You could have been incredible,\n\nhad you stuck to your dreams.\n\nInstead, you fool, look at you now,\n\ncan't fix the ice cream machine.\"\n\nIt's been some years, but still I hear\n\nhis voice when I'm at work.\n\nThe snide remarks that used to cut\n\nhave lost their edge to hurt. \n\n\"Yes, cook those fries, you simpleton;\n\nyou could have had it all.\n\nImagine how good it would feel\n\nto cook with fireballs.\"\n\nHe has a point, I must admit,\n\nthough the only thing I miss\n\nis having access to the hex\n\nto shut his fucking lips.", "“Would you like fries and a drink with that?” I chanted, my voice devoid of all life. I rang the customer’s order into the register then began placing burgers in a bag.\n\n“Is this really the best you can do?” the disembodied voice of Arcadius rang through my head. The wizard had rescued me from a foster home to mold into a tool of destruction. My training only lasted a single year before Arcadius was vaporized in a duel. From that moment onward, the wizard’s ghost incessantly nagged me. I had never wanted to be a wizard in the first place, so I took my chance to live a normal life. I had tried everything to get him out of my head. I pleaded with him, insulted him, and even went to a shrink for schizophrenia meds. I finally attempted to banish his spirit with a spell. I botched the exorcism so badly that he laughed hysterically at me for an entire day.\n\n“Is this really the best you can do?” Shelly, the manager of the McDonalds whispered from behind me once the customer was out of earshot. ”I know you can bring more effort and enthusiasm to your job”. This was coming at the tail end of a double-shift that she had scheduled. Rage spread through my whole body.\n\n“If only you were strong enough to use a vivisection curse on her” Arcadius lamented. “I could still teach it to you”.\n\nI bottled up my anger and finished the shift. This mediocre life had to end. When I returned home I dusted off the old spellbooks and began to prepare.\n\n\\\\\\\n\nOnly blood sacrifice can fuel the strongest of spells. I placed a chicken in the center of the pentagram inscribed on my apartment floor. Candles around the outside of the circle provided the only light to the room. Arcadius was silent. Even he was in awe of the monumental task I meant to attempt. I began the invocation. As I neared the climax of the chant, the chicken began to levitate, its tiny brain struggling to comprehend what was happening. All at once, the poor animal imploded, its life force feeding the spell.\n\nThen there was silence. A tiny golden nugget sat in the pentagram, steaming. I had a small cup of barbeque sauce at the ready. One bite was all it took to tell me that I had a creation that would change the world.", "“Meada are those patties ready yet?” Louis yelled across the busy kitchen. \n\nI glanced down at the soggy greasy patties before me, giving them another hard press with the spatula. \n\n“They need another few seconds to be tossed in the trash,” Arnold said peering over my shoulder.\n\nI would have told him to hush, but I learned a while ago that doing so just got me weird looks from my coworkers. They couldn’t see him of course - he was only haunting me. Instead, I rolled my eyes and flipped the burgers once more before moving them onto their buns and Sue took them to put toppings on them.\n\n“I don’t know why you’re still here,” he said, waving at the dimly lit kitchen and eatery beyond.\n\n“The same could be said of you…” I mumbled as I grabbed another pack of frozen beef.\n\n“To teach you of course!” Arnold started pacing the kitchen waving his hand. He walked through poor Louis who shook for a moment looking around for the ‘gust of cold wind’. \n\n“If you had wanted to teach me, maybe you shouldn’t have gone and got yourself blown up…” I said, as the sizzle of the cold patties hit the hot stove. \n\n“Well, accidents happen,” he said. \n\nOh, if only I could turn and yell at him. “Accidents happen” was his favorite retort, but it wasn’t an accident* that he got into a fight with that other mage, Kurvan. He had picked the fight - and lost.\n\nHe kept making jabs about my employer while I just tried to focus on finishing my eight hour shift. Sometimes I thought that he liked to be dead, only haunting me so that no one else could hear him. I could see the flicker of joy in his eye when he would say something just annoying enough that I would start to respond but would cut myself off. I couldn’t afford to have Louis or anyone else thinking i was crazy.\n\nOn the walk home, just like every night, I pulled out my phone and started talking. No one needed to know that I wasn’t actually using the phone to have a conversation. \n\n“I don’t understand why you gave up magic.” Arnold mourned for the millionth time.\n\n“I don’t understand why you died. You left me nothing. No money, no shelter, no one to reach out too. I have bills to pay Arnold. I have to feed myself and live somewhere. Learning to be a wizard just isn’t financially possible in this day and age when your mentor is dead.”\n\n“But I could teach you! I don’t need to be alive to show you how to cast spells and stir potions.”\n\nI glared at him, he was walking backwards and each person he walked through looked as if they’d had a bucket of cold water dumped on them. “I’m too tired. I am barely staying in school as is. Learning from you was a full time job, even when you were alive.”\n\n“Well fine. I didn’t want to teach you anyways,” he huffed, and disappeared from my sight. Of course he couldn’t use magic now that he was dead, and if anyone including Kurvan knew he was a ghost he would be exorcised off of this plane faster than he could insult them. \n\nAs I pulled open the door to my small apartment, I pulled off my clothes that reeked of old oil and jumped in the shower. It was cold initially, but I drew the rune to heat the water on the glass pane of the door and it heated quickly - saved myself on my gas bill by never using hot water. \n\nI had enjoyed learning magic. But Arnold had never been a very diligent teacher, and like i had told him, I just didn't have the time to learn anymore. \n\nI dressed, and looked disparagingly down at the old spell books tucked into the closet. Not that they meant much to me. Some of the only things that Arnold had left for me - that the people he “owed” hadn’t taken from me.\n\nAs i went to veg out on the couch to some Netflix, I found him sitting there, twiddling his thumbs - looking much too pleased with himself just like his old cat Rueford used to look.\n\n“What have you been up to now?” I asked, sitting where he was even though it was an icy shock. I wasn’t going to let him stop me from continuing my latest series.\n\n“What if I found you another teacher?” he asked, his voice coming from much too close to my ear. \n\n“Oh yes, another teacher who’s dead? Because last time I checked, I was the only one who could see you.”\n\n“Well, yes…” he said, standing to meander around the room.\n\n“Just like you, they can’t provide for me. I have to live Arn. I need this job, this apartment - and I can’t drop out of school either. I don’t want to be flipping burgers forever…\n\n“Well, I just thought that if I showed you where someone I know lived, that you could go introduce yourself…” \n\n“Last time I almost got blown up myself Arn. No one wants an orphan apprentice - especially yours.” I clicked on the TV and Arnold disappeared again. When I heard the sirens of the firetrucks and Arnold’s happy squeal did I finally look up. \n\n“Oops, looks like no more work for you…” he said as I moved to the window, “Your McDonalds is on fire.” \n\nr/LandOfMisfits for more by me\nr/RedditSerials for more by me and others" ]	6
	[WP] There is a legend about a mysterious city located somewhere in the desert. It suddenly appears before tormented travelers, but nobody who goes behind its gates returns back.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hey, mate, buy me a drink?\n\nNah, I ain’t got money. Got something better. Got a story for you.\n\nHold on just a sec, here me out. Tell you what, you buy me a round and I’ll tell you my story. You like it, buy me another. You don’t, I’ll buy you one.\n\nOh, don’t worry mate. No one’s ever refused me a drink after my story. Cross me heart.\n\nProbably wondering about the eye-patch, right? Got that ten years ago, give or take. That’s where the story starts. Our ship got hit by pirates. I know I don’t look it now, but I used to be a fighter. Killed three of the buggers and we managed to push them off the ship, but we lost some crew, most of our cargo, and my eye.\n\nNow, back then we used to sail for the Eastern Seas Company, and they liked to make indentured servants out of sailors who didn’t deliver cargo. Left us in a tight spot, let me tell you.\n\nWe stop by Braghvan. This was back when it was still a great city, mind, and we thought we might be able to make up our cargo there somehow. Some of us go for repairs to the ship and the rest of us went out looking for a job.\n\nTook us a bit but the captain found one. Merchant wanted some bodies with him. He was going out into the desert to look for his son. Son had gone on an expedition a few weeks before and the father thought he might be able to find him. Timing worked out with the repairs and the merchant wanted all the men he could get, so off we went.\n\nLet me tell you, that wouldn’t have been my first choice for a job. Desert’s no place for a sailor. No place for real humans, you ask me. But we needed money.\n\nWe got hit by the storm three days in.\n\nIt was like drowning, almost. Sun went out from the sand and I couldn’t even open my mouth without choking. Tore off my shirt and wrapped it around my head just to breath. Some of us linked arms to try to keep the group together.\n\nWhen it passed, a third of the crew was gone. Navigators were gone, too, so we were stuck trying to figure out where we were with the stars. And most of the water was gone.\n\nCan’t say how long we were there. Days passed like rain. We’d be walking at night and men would just drop from thirst or hunger and we’d all just keep walking. No one was strong enough to carry a dying man.\n\nHeat does funny things out there. Air gets heavy and looks like water. I remember a few days we spent chasing a lake that we could all see on the horizon. Problem was, it stuck to the horizon and didn’t move. We kept running after it and it kept running from us.\n\nAnother time, a man thought he saw a pond in front of him. He bent down and drank sand until he choked. We left him.\n\nWe thought the city was fake at first.\n\nIt was at the very edge of what we could see, shining under the sun. It wasn’t in the path, so we kept walking.\n\nBut then night came, and the city lit up. It glowed orange and yellow with fires and lamps. Like gold waiting for us at the end of our journey.\n\nWe ran through the night and the next day, and it got bigger. We let ourselves hope that it was real.\n\nWe had to crawl the last few miles under the sun. I felt like a fish being cooked on a fire. But the city was there. A few of the men decided to go up ahead to make sure that we would be welcome. They went up to the gates, just left open, and went inside. We waited.\n\nAnd we waited.\n\nAnd we waited.\n\nAnd we started to think. See, the whole city was quiet. Quiet as a grave. It was hidden behind walls that ran so high we couldn’t see anything but the tops of buildings and towers. The gate went out into a street, but there were no people. No customers. No shopkeepers. No one.\n\nNight came. No one was seen. The shops were all lit. The whole city was full of lamps and firepits, we could see the glow above the walls. But no people.\n\nThe next day, another group decided to go in. This left just me and four others outside the walls. The group went past the open gateway, walked down the street, and took a turn. Beyond that, we couldn’t see.\n\nWe waited, cooking under the sun. Waited and waited and waited until we heard a scream. At that, we all jumped to our feet.\n\nOne man from the group was running down the street. He was bleeding somehow, don’t remember how, exactly. At first, we couldn’t figure out what he was running from, but then the rest of the group came around the corner.\n\nThey didn’t look like men anymore. Looked like animals. Like rabid dogs, with white foam in their mouths and snarling. The mate they were chasing was screaming his head off, but the rest caught up with him just before he got to the gate. They dragged him away from it, back down the street and around the corner and out of our site. He was grabbing the ground, trying to drag himself free. Then he was gone.\n\nHe was still screaming.\n\nWell, that was it for us. We all ran off and didn’t look back. Eventually, we all fainted, and a caravan found us. Brought us back to Braghvan. When we asked them about the city we had seen, though, they said that there weren’t no city out there.\n\nSo we ended up having to sail without payment. Two of our crew started having nightmares after that trip. Couldn’t stop talking about the city. Only they said that in their dreams the city was closed. Both of them ended up jumping overboard during the trip back.\n\nI remember, though. Before they jumped, they said that in their dreams, the gates were open.\n\nOne of the last crew did end up getting indentured by the company, but for me and the last mate, we were just thrown in debtor’s prison. Lately says he’s started dreaming of the city. Says that he’s afraid that one day, he’ll see the gates opened.\n\nThink he’s mad, but what can I do? Maybe the dreams will come for me next. Maybe the whole thing was a dream, out there in the desert.\n\nEither way, I think that’s worth a round, don’t you?" ]	2
	[WP] The humans are often looked down upon because they don't have the magic or might or whatnot of the other races. But they actually have something unique too, different from all the rest. They call it the "Power of Persuasion".	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The orc raised his ax over his head, ready to bring it down with enough force to split the stump under the elf's head. \n\n\"NO! No no no no! Hold it!\"\n\nThe orc stopped, and looked behind him. Standing there, one arm reaching out, was a human. \n\n\"You don't want to do that,\" said the human. \n\nThe orc stood still, ax still overhead, looking at the human. \n\n\"You really don't. I mean, think about it.\"\n\n\"Why,\" said the orc. Said was a strong word. More like farted-forth from it's mouth. Orcs weren't known for their articulation.\n\nThe human thought for a moment, looking at the elf, then back to the orc.\n\n\"Because what would be the point,\" asked the human. \n\nThe orc looked at the elf, then at the human. \"It would be dead.\"\n\n\"BUT!\" yelled the human, as the orc raised the ax for the deadly blow. \"What good would it be to you then?\"\n\nThe orc thought about it. \"It would be dead.\" It said this as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. As though those means would be good enough, because for the orc, they would be. \n\n\"Sure, it would be dead, but then it wouldn't be any use to you.\"\n\nThe elf was looking at the human as though it had two heads. Moments ago, it was certain death. Now, nothing seemed certain at all. \n\n\"What do you mean,\" said the orc. It lowered the ax. \n\n\"Well, I mean, you could kill it, but then who would know what it had done wrong? Others wouldn't have any idea, and they might do the same thing it did to make you mad.\" \n\nThe orc thought about this. \"True,\" it said. \n\n\"If you don't mind me asking,\" said the human, \"what did this horrible fiend do?\"\n\n\"It shot me with an arrow.\" \n\n\"Oh,\" said the human. \"I see.\" \n\n\"In the butt.\"\n\n\"Oh.\" \n\n\"In my favorite cheek,\" said the orc. \n\n\"Well, you don't look too worse for wear,\" said the human, trying hard not to look too hard at the violated area.\n\n\"My favorite cheek.\"\n\n\"Yes, well, I understand you are not happy with this. I wouldn't be either.\" \n\n\"I like my butt.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" said the human. \"It's a very fine... butt.\" This was not going great. \n\nThe elf looked at the human, upset and pleading at the same time. \n\n\"Look, orc, what is your name.\"\n\n\"Grunt,\" said the orc.\n\n\"Fitting,\" said the human.\n\n\"MMMMPFH!!!\" said the elf. It was none to happy about the way things were playing out. \n\n\"Look, Grunt,\" said the human. \"Elves aren't that smart. Their slender heads make them kind of forgetful. Perhaps if you let this one go, it would tell all it's people that they shouldn't shoot orcs in the butt.\" \n\n\"They shouldn't,\" said Grunt. \n\n\"I agree,\" said the elf. \"Very foolish of me. I would be happy to spread the word to my people.\" \n\nGrunt looked at the elf, then the human, and finally his ax. He had just sharpened the ax the day before, and it would be wasteful to dull it on this foolish elf. \n\n\"Fine,\" said Grunt, and he turned to walk away, not one to waste - or use - words. \n\nThe elf walked over to the human. \"Many thanks, human. Your skills in negotiation are beyond reproach.\"\n\n\"Fifty gold pieces,\" said the human. \n\n\"Excuse me?\"\n\n\"Fifty gold, please.\"\n\n\"Um,\" said the elf. \"I don't believe we negotiated a wage of any kind.\"\n\n\"We didn't,\" said the human, \"But I'm sure Grunt there would be happy to hear that another way to send messages is by carefully arranged elven entrails.\" \n\nThe human looked tilted her head, a slight smirk on her face. \n\n\"Of course,\" said the elf, as it reached for the gold in his pocket. \"Quite the bargain.\" \n\n\"I knew you would see it my way.\"", "The ancient powers are not fading from the Earth, no. They are being erased.\n\nRemember this, for there will come a day when we will forget. They will make us forget.\n\nThe song of the Earth is long, and never repeats. The echoes of a thousand verses are carved into the very stone, and unknown thousands more are lost, returned to the swirling burning heart of the world. The oldest voices are the strongest, but our bodies are too fragile to know their full power, so we know them only as distant echoes.\n\nCloser, louder, the Song of Life thrums through our hearts as it has for a billion years. This song is rhythm and rhyme, repeating and repeating, yet always changing. All living things sing the song, and in the harmonies, a great power emerges. The power of the ancestors of the Ancestor Trees, the power to change land and sea and sky, to channel the vast energy of the Sun and Earth, to make and unmake all life.\n\nAnd there are the fearsome Dragons, whose memory and intellect made them gods among lifeforms. They reigned for ages, and in their wake the Song of Life grew loud and fierce and fast. New notes arose, notes of fear, notes of lust, notes of loss, notes of rage. It is a song of struggle, desperately fast, at times dissolving into a grim discordant roar. And it is beautiful.\n\nFor tens of thousands of generations, our people have known of the spirit folk, the most magical of all magical creatures. Theirs is the song of the deep wood, the jungles and caves and faraway places of the world. Their song and their magic is the most beautiful of all. Though they do not live as long as the ancient dragons or the immortal trees, their stories are remembered and passed down to future generations. They are our ancestors, and they are with us always, even when we can't see them. They offer us comfort, and wonder, and wisdom above all; wisdom enough to overthrow the dragons that once ruled the Earth and sky.\n\nThis power, this wisdom, we long for even now. When our bodies have forgotten youth, they will be as young as ever. When our minds have grown cold and hard and brittle, they will be as warm and curious and resilient as ever. When tragedy strikes, only their magic can undo the past and make things right.\n\nThe song is changing again, forever.\n\nA new power is rising. It is brighter than all the stars in the night sky, stronger than the winter storms. It burns more forest than any fire-breathing dragon, consumes more sea creatures than the greatest monsters of the deep. It has conquered the land and sea and sky, and its hunger is insatiable. To everyone's surprise, it is a human power.\n\nFor all the intelligence of living things, their diverse senses, their precise perception, their instant reactions, they are ever more vulnerable to humanity's power. Dragons may be stronger, more motivated, more perceptive, with both wealth of memory and depth of emotion that we will never know, but their doom has come. And now that their doom has come, the ancient, fearsome dragons of old will be forever confined to our stories. Our human stories. And in those stories, their intelligence, their deep emotions, their morality shall all fall away in the face of their human vanquishers. They will become monsters in the eyes of all, and all will rejoice in their extinction.\n\nFor all the wisdom of the ancestor spirits, the faeries and djinn, the ghosts and hidden people of the world, they are the most vulnerable to humanity's power. They have the power of knowledge, of wisdom passed down over generations, of the ways of magic and the world. But humans have the power of persuasion, the power to change what knowledge is passed on and what is not. The world the humans are building is one of secrets and lies, where human power reigns supreme. Not even dragon-fire can burn secrets, not even ghosts can see through lies, not even hallowed ancestors can regain lost trust.\n\nAnd in the confusion, the persuasive power of humans will finish unraveling the stories of the past. \"It is the way of things,\" all will say, as the world burns. \"God wills it,\" all will say, as millions are killed. \"This is our destiny,\" some will say, as they carve a bloody path to wealth and power. It is our doom.\n\nAnd before the end, we will say they don't exist, that they never existed. We say it now. They are confined to our stories, even now. Their wisdom is called \"primitive\", their values \"savage\", their beliefs \"ignorant, illogical, inconsequential\". They are confined to our stories, where like the dragons, we twisted them into evil creatures. Violent, not strong; cunning, not intelligent; superstitious, not enlightened.\n\nAnd in the end, we will not remember what we have lost, what they have persuaded us to forget. In the end, no matter how many victims there are, we will assure ourselves and each other that each of them deserved their horrible fates. We will say that the old magics were doomed to fall away in the face of progress, and that lost peoples were doomed to extinction by their own inferiority. We will claim that we killed them in self-defense, that we burned their homes and crops and forests in self-defense, that we exterminated their food sources and forced them into camps in self-defense, that we raided their homes and pressed them into slavery in self-defense. We will abide by the famous human proverb, \"I am rubber, you are glue; criticism bounces off me and sticks to you\". They will be known for spreading disease and inciting violence, and their skeletons will not protest. \n\nWe will seek domination, and persuade ourselves to call it \"peace\". We will seek domination, and persuade ourselves to call it \"love\". And without a hint of irony, we will repeat the old human proverb, \"love conquers all.\"\n\nAlas, the human potential for persuasion is the greatest, most terrible power in the history of Earth. While powerful magic bends the Earth to the will of powerful minds, persuasion bends minds themselves. There is no known sanctuary, for even one's own mind poses the threat of persuasion, and the effects multiply with more minds and more, faster connections in the growing network of minds.", "\"It's no good, sir we can't outrun them!\"\n\n\"Very well. Open a comm channel with them, and let me do the talking.\"\n\nThe Centuari crew of the mining ship didn't have much confidence in their new captain. After all these 'humans' couldn't wield any of the various mental powers colloquially called magic, they weren't particularly strong, and relied on primitive projectile weapons to fight.\n\nThe face of an Radom, a species noted for brute strength and battlefield cunning, filled the vid screen.\n\n\"Surrender now, and we will just space the lot of you, which I assure you will be a lot quicker than what my crew will do if we have to work for it.\"\n\n\"Quite the opening. Now I'm sure you don't want us to surrender, after all the chase is part of the fun.\"\n\n\"Your right human, but the offer stands.\"\n\n\"Well, I'm afraid we may have to take you up on it. Our port thrusters were taken out by a collision yesterday. Unless...\"\n\n\"Unless what?\"\n\n\"Unless you are willing to make it a little more... sporting. It is a simple fix, but one that will take time. If you're willing to give us that time, roughly one standard day, it will be much more fun for your crew than attacking a crippled ship.\"\n\n\"You were running perfectly when our sensors -\" \n\n\"Yes, we are still coasting off our previous speed, and had hoped to be able to make it to the colony of Elysian Fields before we reached a complete stop. I will even activate my brakes if you accept our offer.\"\n\n\"Very well. We accept the offer.\" \n\n\"Alright then. First mate, would you bring us to a full stop. We won't be able to go anywhere until the repair is made, so you can stick around and watch or go find more prey. Choice is yours.\" \n\n\"If I wanted to stare at ships all day, I would work in a dockyard. We'll be back.\" \n\n\"We will be waiting. Closing comm channel. OK, wait until they are out of sensor range, and continue on course.\"" ]	4
	[WP] You can access any person's memory through the song that plays if they associated a memory with it. You have been trying to solve the mysterious disapearance of your lover for 3 years. One day as your are riding a bus home a familliar music plays on the radio...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "He was almost there, he could make it. John was riding a bus home after work, holding back tears. It was the third anniversary of the disappearance of his lover, Michael. Exactly three years ago today, they had been walking back from the club drunk out of their minds, in each other’s arms for support. When “CRASH” they whipped around at the loud sound that instantly sobered them.\n\nSeeing nothing at first, they turned around and kept walking but made sure to stay alert. After a few minutes of walking, John heard his partner cry out in pain. He looked to his left to check on him, when he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head. The last thing he saw before the darkness overtook him was Michael’s unconscious body crumpled on the ground.\n\nWhen he woke up, the sun was rising, casting an eerie red glow onto the hidden downtown street. Looking around, John scanned the area for his beloved. Not seeing him anywhere, he started sobbing and ran to the police station. After a year, it was declared a cold case and John had to accept that he would never see Michael again. \n\nWhich is what led him to his current position three years later. Blinking back tears on an empty dark bus, the radio droning on in the background. Without warning, the driver turned the radio up and the man instantly recognized a familiar melody. One that a certain missing lover had played on repeat 24/7. It made John’s eyes sting with a fresh wave of tears that couldn’t be held back this time. Streams of crystal rolling down his cheeks, he started to hum along to the music, when his ears started ringing. \n\nInstead of the bus, John was now seeing a colourful kitchen, the smell of freshly baked cookies finding its way into his nostrils. Chasing Cars was playing from a cassette. The man was pulled out his shock when he heard familiar singing from behind him. He spun around, sliding on the hard wood with his socks, and was hit with a beautiful brown face. Big emerald eyes stared into his, John’s eyes wandered downwards and saw a prominent jawline framed to perfection with soft dark brown ringlets. He started to cry harder when he found a calloused hand in his. \n\n“Hey John,” The man said softly, “Michael,” John whispered hesitantly, “I’m here to let you know I’m alright,” Michael whispered as he pulled the taller man into his arms, kissing his shoulder with a tenderness that John had longed to feel again for three years, “What happened?” The blonde man breathed into the brunette’s ear, dreading the answer, “I’m not allowed to tell you that,” Michael replied gently pushing his lover back slightly so he could cup his cheeks, “What I can tell you, however, is that I’m ok. You can see me again when it’s your time,” they stared into each other’s eyes for a few more minutes before John felt pins and needles everywhere. \n\n“It’s time to go back,” Michael muttered kissing John’s head. As the blonde came back, he realized that the bus had stopped and the driver was staring at him. The mysterious man had a twinkle in his eye. John looked at him, confused. His only answer was a wink and a knowing but kind smile as the man he thought was just a driver turned into ash which drifted off with the light nightly breeze coming in through an open window.\n\nJohn looked at the sun rising and genuinely smiled for the first time in what seemed like forever, because for the first time in three long years, he knew everything would turn out ok. If he had turned around, however, he would have seen the brown haired man beaming with pride before floating back upwards into the fluffy morning clouds.\n\nEdit: typos" ]	2
	[WP] Sol III has been a toxic planet for millennia. But you've recently discovered billions of life forms in sprawling civilizations all over it's continents. They appear to be completely reliant on the most toxic substance in the known universe: H2O.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "(Aboard the Ckiv orbital research station, Sol III High Orbit)\n\nScout, you say they're carbon-based?\n\nThat is what it appears to be, sir.\n\nAnd... they rely on water to survive? Not something like methane?\n\nApparently, sir.\n\nThen HOW THE HELL did one get past our hygrometers without setting it off?\n\nI-I-I don't know, s-sir!\n\nWell, YOU were manning the scanner that day when the ship came close and nearly docked, even though they couldn't possibly have seen us. You said we had our electromagnetic cloaking on. And one has somehow infiltrated our ship, suffocated on the ozone instead of its volatile atmosphere of O2, and KILLED 5 MEN with their bodily water!!\n\nI didn't know it was so bad, sir. I-I am...\n\nSorry? Sorry doesn't bring dead men back to life! I think you need a vacation to Sol III.\n\n\\squeaks in fear\\*\n\n...\n\nHAHAHAHAHAHA! You fell for it SO BADLY! YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN YOU FACE!\n\nWhat the hell, officer? You almost gave me a heart attack on both sides!\n\nOf course we wouldn't kill one of the top recruits! They never docked or got on! You're actually on your way to an award ceremony for you voluntary research of a toxic planet! We thought we should mess with you one more time before you match our ranks!\n\n&#x200B;\n\n(Aboard the UNSC Clinton, Sol III High Orbit)\n\nWhat the FUCK was that thing, VC? We almost hit it!\n\nIf I may interject, Aedan, it appears to be a large spacecraft. Definitely not UN tech. Possibly New Korea?\n\nI... don't think that's New Korea, Lucy. There's no magnetics coming from it. It appears to be cloaking of some sort, but it's obviously not effective against anyone with eyes.\n\nThen what the FUCK WAS IT?\n\nRadioing photos to UN Base Command, Aedan. Seems unlike anything we've seen before. No carbon onboard except for the shell, which is made of graphene. There's a lot of movement of silicon, maybe a manufacturing base? There seems to be some nuclear reactors or something on the tail end.\n\nThat doesn't answer my question, Jake. What. The. Fuck. Is. It.\n\nWe don't know. Maybe 4 minutes until we get a reply.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n(UN Base Command, 45 Meters beneath Sol III's Surface)\n\nIs that... alien tech?\n\nNope. How could it be? We're alone in the observable universe. There's no discovered warp technology that is feasible, and there's nearly no carbon onboard. No water either. Probably New Korea.\n\nIt isn't sir. They haven't launched in 3 months, and all their launches were manned or too small. We should assume the best and say it's likely alien.\n\nSo now what do we do?\n\nWe don't know. It's your call, commander.\n\nWe tell them.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n(Aboard the UNSC Clinton, Sol III High Orbit)\n\nWe've got a message... says it's alien. Aedan, you hear that? First contact.\n\nHoly FUCK... I want Lili and Koby to get in full radiation/vacuum gear and meet my by the airlock in 5 minutes. They're going to stay outside the entrance to save me if I get into trouble. I'm going to board that motherfucker.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n(Aboard the Ckiv Orbital Research Station, Sol III High Orbit)\n\nSir! Sir! Get everyone at stations! Alert Level 5! They know we're here and there's three coming towards our station!*\n\nHoly... You're right, they're coming. Get the recruits in gear, I'll sound the alarm.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n(Alarms sound as the 3 reach the station and prepare to board...)" ]	2
	[WP] You are one of the best producers and directors in the world. The major studios allowed you to produce your dream film, which bombed, in return for having to create a film of theirs. They decided to have you create a summer block buster on the game Connect Four	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "How could it have come to this?\n\nI gaze in exasperated horror at the screen. There's my name, right under Directed By. I should have gone for an Alan Smithee. How could this have been allowed to happen? I was rated the fourth best director of all time!\n\n*\"My son, you must go the Lair of the Ancients, where the Parker Brothers will guide you on your way!\" \"I will, Sensei! With their guidance, I will avenge my mother's death!\"\n\nWho wrote this garbage? Oh yeah, I did. Was I drunk? Wasted? Both?\n\n\"If the black tokens should ever form a shtraight line, the world shall surely be torn asunder, and the bottom of the earth shall fall away! The only way to shtop it, young hero, is to help me form the Red Alliance!\"\n\nMan, I can't believe this is what Sean Connery returned to acting for. Why did he do it? It was the big pile of money, wasn't it.\n\n\"You lied to me, General Parker! This revolution is just as bad as the opposition. Perhaps even worse! This is not what your brother would have wanted!\" \"Don't you dare shpeak his name! Only when the Red Alliance forms their quadruple formation, will my wrath finally be shatishfied. Those bashtards must pay for what they've done to my brother!\"\n\nIf I snuck out of the premiere, would people notice? Maybe I should do it anyway, and disavow the movie.\n\n\"Well, it sheems you've brought ush to shtalemate, hero. And if nobody winsh, then the shtatush quo can continue. But do you really think this will change anything? One day, the war will begin again. All of your work will be for nothing.\" \"I pray that day never comes, General. But if it does, then I know someone else will come forward, and Connect the Four.\"\n\nThe End\n\nThat doesn't even make sense! Whatever, at least it's finally over. I plan on never having anything to do with this garbage again.\n\n\nA certain amount of months later.\n\n\"And the winner for Best Picture goes to..... Connect Four!*\"\n\n\"............................Huh.\"\n\nIt was the shortest acceptance speech ever." ]	2
	[WP] Your deity has decided to go “off the grid” and gathers a group to travel the universe and remove everyone’s memories of them. Your church is the next target.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Communication from most of the other sects have all but ceased. Something was happening to my people. It had been a week since our last scroll delivery. \n\nThe daily communique. The heart of our beliefs. I remember on my 5th birthday how my father followed our 800 year old tradition and gave the greatest gift we cloaks could receive. Our first lesson in learning the ways of the people of the cloak. Reading that daily communique. I lit a prayer candle with shaky hands. \n\n“Why don’t you just light the candle with another candle? It’ll be easier.”\n\nJust breathe. How could Elder Trepp have forgotten our ways.\n\n“It is our teachings Trepp. Light can always come from light. But to spread true brightness we must spark our own flame each time. That way we know the brightness is created from within us not from others.”\n\n“Well it would be a hell of a lot easier to just share a flame.”\n\nI sighed. Elder Trepp arrived at the start of the week with our last communique. He was a from a distant sect known for their strict regard for our holy laws. Strangely he arrived with no memory of our lore. Just ‘a gut feeling’ to deliver a parchment to our doorstep.\n\n\tBrothers and sisters of the cloak. Something new is upon us. Stay strong in your teachings. Many of the sects in this district have succumbed to the destructive force of apathy. Disbanding without thought. Never even acknowledging the ways of our people. They share flame to flame. Communication, our treasure, the free sharing of information and thought has been extinguished. How our Lord must be weeping in sadness. If they stop their teachings he will be forgotten. Worse our people and all that we have valued for generations will be forgotten and disappear without a thought. The ugliest of deaths to us cloaks. My you spark brightness still..\n\t\t\t\t\t~ Elder Trepp of Sect Celanta\n\n\nFrustrated I lose patience “Trepp we need to know what is happening in Celanta, we need to tell the other Sects.”\n\nElder Trepp’s mouth opened in a rush. But then just stopped. He eyes suddenly dull. I felt like I could almost see desperation in there somewhere…panic even.\n\nThe silence grew cold. With a sigh my prayer candle changed to smoke.\n\nStay strong in your teachings.\n\nGrabbing a prayer candle I moved closer to Elder Trepp. “Would you like to try and light your own flame?”\n\nTaking the candle his eyes lost some dullness “thank you.” With some guidance Elder Trepp’s candle sparked new light.\n\n“hahahaha marvellous” exclaimed Elder Trepp. Staring at his flame like kid in awe he smiled at me.\n\nMy neck tickled with worry. \n\nA window creaked and a small breeze brushed the hair from Elder Trepp’s face. “He’s returned to us. He’s Tired”\n\nElder Trepp’s eyes flickered with his candle “This place is next. He’s leaving and taking all that was his with him. He’s taking..” Elder Trepp started weeping. Like he was mourning the death of a loved one. “He’s taking his Light”\nJumping up, Elder Trepp dropped his candle and sprinted out of the church in a craze.\n\nRunning after him I lost him in the woods. What has gotten into him. What has happened to the rest of the sects. Searching for a while I gave up in hope he’d return back to the Church.\n\nWalking home I could see smoke just ahead. Curiously I walked towards it. The smell of woodfire grew stronger as I approached. \n\nSome people stood up ahead were watching the blaze. All of them in brown cloaks. \n“HEY!” I run over.\n\n“What happened here?”\n\nA gentleman with dull eyes looked at me. “None of us know, some old building just caught fire.”\n\nThe heat licked my face. I shook my head “Such a shame, it doesn’t look like anything will survive that inferno.”\n\nThe cloaked people all nodded in agreement." ]	2
	[WP] Mankind has gained the ability to take the pain of another for short periods, temporarily relieving them. This has let to a common job occupation of “Pain Empath”. You were born with a congenital inability to feel pain, making you very suited for day one at your new job: Emergency Response.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Bit late to the party but here's mine. Note, I'm no medical expert so don't shoot me XD\n\n\\\\\\\n\n \n\nPain. A biological sign of damage and injury, presenting the need to protect oneself from further harm. Most people have it and for good reason lest one accidentally cut off their own fingers while working in a kitchen or workshop. Most people said they hated the pain, that it is a continuous suffering and endurance especially against long term injuries or disease. \n\nI thought I was abnormal. Subhuman maybe at times to not have the feeling of pain. I never could understand the feeling ever since I was born. What it meant to actually feel pain and the emotions around it. Then, it happened. \n\nOne day out of the blue, people began to be able to feel pain in place for others. Nobody knew how it happened or why. Not everyone could but one out of every ten people was a good sizeable number. People had tested it to a degree and found interesting observations. \n\nIt works for short periods of time, an hour max. The receiver would feel pain but diminished enough to be able to endure for a while. Both physical and emotional pains could be transferred but if the Empaths weren’t careful, it could backfire to major consequence.\n\nPain empaths had sprung up like wildfire, offering gigs on the Internet for the odd surgery or emotional breakups. Freelance job listings were flooded by such offers for the top bid. A year later empaths began to retire as the jobs became more difficult. Far out of their league to handle. Those who could survive prospered, only just.\n\nIt’s been two years since the incident. As for me, I’ve been making the best out of it in the best way I can.\n\n“We got a critical!” The door barged open, snapping my thoughts from what was to be a quiet evening of reading medical textbooks. Rubber skittered as paramedics wheeled the gurney into the ER. Everything changed in a blink of the eye. Lots of screaming and yelling as the entire ward turned to overdrive. \n\nI strode over from my station as the gurney entered one of the bays. Jack, one of the expert medics was hauling him in. I asked while donning surgical gloves. “Jack, Is he conscious?” Middle aged man. Lots of blood everywhere. Bloody shirt cut open in the middle. Little flecks of glass. Bad shape.\n\n“Patient is nonresponsive. You’re not going to get permission out of him.” Jack said as they lifted the patient onto the bed. \n\nMatt came running over, drawing the curtains close as the nurses began plugging the patient with machines and tools. “What’s the situation?” \n\n“Car accident by the interstate. Head to head against a pickup. Heavy abdominal bleeding. Multiple lacerations to the face. Broken legs. We’ve been running blood transfuses nonstop along the way.” The one the patient came in with was about empty.\n\nMatt stuck his head out of the curtains. “Blood packs, Type O!” He leaned back as he finished suiting up. “How long has he been bleeding?”\n\nJack rubbed the sweat off with the back of his big arms. “Twenty minutes. Multiple points of bleeding and we haven’t found all of them yet.” Looking at that red mess, finding the bleeding and stopping it was tough order especially given how fast those packs are running dry. \n\nI turned towards Matt. My eyes met his. He knew what I wanted to say from the get go. He gave a nod. “David, do it.” I returned the nod before placing a finger onto the back of the patient’s palm. Closed my eyes and tapped in. \n\nFlicking an imaginary key, shunting the sensation of the world from one valve to another. All in a second. I could not feel pain but I could tell where the pain was. Differing levels of pressure across multiple parts of the body. “Pain priority; Chest, legs, arms. Face is just the lacerations and the least of it,” I said.\n\n“Got it.” Matt got to work, grabbing gauze as the nurse affixed a new blood pack. “Anywhere else bleeding?” \n\nBleeding felt like a leak. Drifting fluid towards nothing. “Stomach, Liver. Thighs and near the carotid artery. Multiple lacerations and obtusions, I think.” \n\nMatt hissed. “Damn, this guy’s lucky to not have that nicked off.” Blood pressure dropped slightly as a nurse fit the EKG on. The patient was in more comfortable without the pain. Probably.\n\nThough pain was almost a constant. Enough that the mind learnt to ignore it at times. Not mine. Throbbing pressure in the shoulder. I pointed. “Something’s embedded in the left shoulder.” Matt nodded, asking for a nurse to note it down. Priority was to stem the bleeding.\n\nNew blood pack was fitted to the patient. A rush of air ran across my arm, the warmth of life flowing to the rescue. Next step, focus on other injury. Sharp sensation grating against skin and flesh. “Broken legs, multiple fractures. Fractures to the ribs too.” \n\n“Shit, thought it was a clean break. Ribs too, that’s quite a son of a-” Matt stopped before turning to the EKG. “Pulse is getting shakier. Nurse, Epinephrine! Five cc!”\n\nI continued to watch, holding on to the man’s torture by the tip of a finger. The sensations were uncomfortable, as though hot warm sticks prodding everywhere across my body. But that was cheap in comparison. \n\nMatt and the other nurses worked their magic, rifting through problem after problem. Clean, professional, smooth. Plenty of it yet for me to understand any of it. I didn’t know how long it had been. Waiting, watching as messy gauze was tossed; new blood packs fitted. A constant battle of attrition to stem the tide.\n\nI just knew it was over when Matt stepped back, his forehead coated with sweat. “Pulse is stable. No immediate signs of bleeding. Schedule him to surgery. Let’s get a better look and get those shards out of him.” That was my cue to disconnect to my relief.\n\nIt had been an hour, just about right. The hectic chaos beforehand had now returned to quiet calm it once was. I stepped back as the gurney was pulled away. “Will he make it?” \n\nMatt pulled off his gloves and gave me a pat in the back. “He’ll make it. Good work, else it’d be eight, maybe twelve hours of surgery. Got to go, catch you later.” With that, he was gone.\n\nI disposed my own bloodied gloves, washed up and returned to my seat in the corner. Picking up the textbook from before and kicked back into the chair. The book felt rough to my fingers, courtesy of the papercuts I have. I kicked back, flipped the page open and back to reading, waiting for the time someone would need my hands of Midas.", " The child was screaming so much. The little girl, maybe 7, was holding her burnt face in pain as the rickety apartment building behind her continued to burn. She was one of the first to escape. \n She was also the only one.\n I held her hand as she continued to hyperventilate, tears streaming her charred face. I took it all in. All of her pain. Physically, I felt nothing. \n But all of her fear.\n All of her panic.\n Every emotion came crashing like a wave on me.\n But it was okay, cause I saw something beautiful that day. \n The girl smiled. Her gap-toothed grin grew as everything was taken away. All of her hurt. All of it melting away as she hugs me tight, and slowly stops feeling anything at all. It’s these moments that I remember why I took this job in the first place.\n For her. For all of them. All of the ones in pain. I make their final moments easier. No one fully understands the science of pain-empathy. But we don’t need to.\n We just need to know that it helps. It allows us to be there for those in need. Those like this red-haired little girl, and her blackened teddy bear. \n I could only watch as the light faded from her wide stare. I picked her up and walked away, her panic slowly becoming mine. I see her older brother, maybe college-aged, in his pajamas, tears streaming his face. I give the man her body. \n All I could offer were my condolences, and the knowledge that I’m the end, she wasn’t hurting.\n That’s all I ever can offer.", "I have to get him out, I thought.\n\nThe car had been violently flipped over several times from the collision, and almost completely mangled in the accident. Plumes of wispy smoke emanated from the car, or at least what was left of the hood. I immediately ran around toward the driver's side window. Dropping down and crawling, I got halfway inside the car. I have to get his seat belt off. After wrestling for the buckle, I managed to grab his arms and drag him to the sidewalk. \n\nDazed and writhing in agony, he attempted to grab onto me. I knelt and held his hand in mine. Through my touch, I concentrated on the Connection. Just like that, his pain became mine. I couldn't feel it, but I saw an immediate clarity shine through his eyes. \n\n\"Wow,\" he gasped. \"How can you take it?\" I put on a smile, shrugged, and said the same thing I always did. \"I can't feel pain,\" I said, while assessing his condition. He had many minor cuts on his arms and head, but I looked at the laceration on his stomach. He was losing too much blood. I need to stop the bleeding. I dropped the Connection and he seized with pain. I ripped off my shirt and pressed it to his stomach. \n\nI held his hand again and pressed both of our hands on top of his stomach. His body immediately relaxed. \"Sorry!\" I apologized, and he must have seen the panic on my face as I started the Connection again. He wheezed out a laugh. \"Don't let go again,\" he joked. It sounded like a broken rib had punctured one of his lungs. \n\nI looked down again. The gash on his stomach was too wide. His gastric artery was probably cut. My shirt wasn't enough to stop the bleeding. At that rate, he wasn't going to survive. I need to cauterize the wou-\\- I heard sirens in the distance. Please!* The ambulances would have everything I needed to stabilize him.\n\nHe weakly managed, \"Honey, your arm.\" I looked down and frowned at my bloodied arm. I didn't even notice I'd been hurt in the accident. I reflexively reapplied my smile. \"Don't worry about me. You know I can't feel it. Just keep holding that, okay? The ambulance is almost here. You're going to be okay.\" His strength was flagging. I could see it leaving him.\n\nHis face darkened. \"I'm afraid,\" he choked. I have to reassure him. \"Don't worry. Everything will be alright. You're going to be okay.\" He looked around for a second before I realized that he was losing focus. \"Hey. Look at me, okay? We're going to get through this.\" His eyes slowly returned to looking at me. \"Hey,\" I pleaded. The sirens were getting closer. Come on! I felt the Connection stutter. No, no, no!\n\nHe pulled one hand out from under mine and pushed my hair back. He looked weakly into my eyes. Slowly, his expression relaxed and his hand fell to his side. Then, the Connection vanished.\n\nFor the first time, I felt pain.", "Ah, the ER. Most people's dreaded nightmare. This place had tension, stress, and agony practically flowing through it. There were not enough volunteers here to handle the sudden influx of patients needing treatment from the nearby flares, so the hospital had contacted me.\n\nMy rates were high, but my ability was invaluable to these people. The surgeries required to treat the patients who had suffered from the flares required the patient be fully lucid, meaning they couldn't take any painkillers. Without a volunteer nearby to take the pain of the patient, the surgery would be unable to proceed as the patient would almost surely collapse on the spot.\n\nThe volunteers in question were saints, no doubt of that. Most of them were survivors of the flare themselves, and had built up an immunity to it. I'd asked a few of them about why they volunteered in the past, and most said it was because someone had voluntarily taken their pain when they had needed it, and they wanted to pay it forwards.\n\nAltruistic, but ultimately naive. They did all this for free out of the goodness of their hearts. Not me. I could connect with the entire hospital for a period of a few hours, and do so with ease. When there was a sudden influx of patients like this, all the surgeons lined up their procedures for when I would be in the building to make the most of the time they paid me for.\n\nThe expense to hire me would be worth a month of paying all the doctors in the facility. Ordinarily, I would feel bad, but this was life. And I could still do great things with the money I was paid. Better than what the hospital was doing with it for sure.\n\n\\-----\n\n\"Ah, look who it is.\" Cobalt said as I walked in. \"If it isn't the American Healthcare System.\"\n\nHe hated me, that much he'd made clear. Fortunately for me, he was also starkly unoriginal. \"You've used that line far too often, Cobalt. Get some new comedic material or you'll fail your backup job even faster than you'll fail this one.\"\n\nHe snarled at me, but I had work to do. The supervisor grimaced as I walked up to her desk. \"Part of me was hoping you wouldn't show up.\" She said.\n\nThat did bring a smile to my face. \"Hey, don't hate on me just because you need me.\"\n\nShe sighed. \"Need that freakish ability of yours, more like.\"\n\n\"Point me to your patients. I have an appointment to get to in a few hours.\" I said.\n\nShe pointed down the hall. \"Director Keranc has the surgeons on stand by in the meeting hall. They'll begin once you do your thing.\"\n\nI nodded and walked towards the room she'd indicated. I pulled off my glove as I walked. The fabric shielded me from my gift most times, but I needed it now.\n\nThe director didn't look happy to see me either. \"Get moving. You're on the clock now.\" He said gruffly.\n\nI carefully kept my face impassive. If there was one person's favor in this god-forsaken place I didn't want to lose, it was his. \"The crop of patients doesn't look too bad today.\" I said as I walked down the line.\n\nMy barehand touched each person's head in turn. They all relaxed visibly at my touch. They'd be unable to feel their agony for a few hours. Roughly thirty people altogether were undergoing surgery today.\n\n\"Yes, we were fortunate that we merely had a larger number than normal rather than more intensive damage from the latest flare.\" The director said while he walked behind me to make sure I was doing the job he paid me for.\n\n\"How goes the research into preventing the flare's effects?\" I asked. There was a little tinge of nervousness in my voice that I hated. The bit of me that needed these people's attention hated the idea that I wouldn't be special anymore.\n\n\"We've managed to isolate the factor in those who built up an immunity to it. In time, we should be able to provide a vaccine for it. With any luck, we'll manage that before the solar barrier collapses.\" The director responded.\n\nI touched the last person's head and moved to sit down by the entrance. The director moved to the center of the room to organize his surgeons as I pulled out the pair of headphones I'd bought with all of my most recent payment.\n\nContrary to what everyone believed, I did feel pain. Everyone had to feel it to some extent. I just had built up a tolerance to it that exceeded everyone else's, and developed some tricks to not focus on what slipped over my level of tolerance. With this many people though, I couldn't deny my small sense of nervousness.\n\nMusic was the key though. I needed music playing for the entire time the surgeries were taking place, and I needed to immerse myself in a world before the flares.\n\nThe director raised his hand to declare the surgeries commencement while I opened up the novel from my purse and began to read. In the frigid world of storms within the novel, I found relief from the intense, pounding pain of the knives on the brains of their patients." ]	5
	[WP] A genie comes to you and grants you one single wish. You think you’ve come up with the cleverest answer. “I wish for you to look inside my mind and grant whatever wish I would want after 10,000 years of continuous thought and deliberation” For a few days nothing happens, then you start noticing	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Sam browsed through the antique store. He slowly looked through each and every shelf, looking for anything that would catch his eye. Sam needed the perfect gift, and he would spare no moment trying to find it.\n\nDanny, however, was not as patient, \"Dude let's just pick something already and go!\"\n\n\"I have to get something absolutely perfect for Emma. I got a feeling our relationship is on the rocks.\"\n\n\"Why what happened?\"\n\n\"Well after dinner, we went back to my house. She... uh... stayed the night, but she was gone in the morning. That was 3 days ago, and she still hasn't called or texted me like she said she would,\" Sam went back to browsing the old furniture, obviously depressed.\n\n\"So immediately after you guys sleep together, she withdraws?\"\n\nSam nodded, \"Yeah. Wait. You don't think... you know?\"\n\nDanny immediately shook his head. \"No! No! I'm sure you're...\" he cleared his throat, \"...adequate\"\n\n\"You cleared your throat! That's a non-verbal indication of doubt!\"\n\n\"That's not true! Where'd you hear that?\"\n\n\"Seinfeld. What else?\"\n\nSam looked away from Danny and focused on his shopping. Danny tried to apologize, but Sammy walked to the counter with something shiny his hand.\n\n\"How much for this lamp?\"\n\n\"A hundred fifty\"\n\nSam payed his money and left the store, leaving Danny with a guilty feeling.\n\n\nLater that night, Sam was laying on the couch without so much as a word from Emma. Some older Disney movies were playing, but all Sam could think about was how it was probably over with Emma.\n\nSam held up the old oil lamp he had purchased from the store, turning it over in his fingers. He looked at the underside, noticing there was a layer of dust. He rubbed his hand back and forth against the metallic surface, when a strange smoke started emanating from the lamp?\n\n\"What the hell?\" Sam yelled as a blue, wispy man came pouring out. \n\n\"Hello, mortal! I am a genie. I have come to grant you one wish\"\n\nAll Sam could think to say was, \"I thought I got three?\"\n\n\"Everyone knows that's just a fable. We genies only grant one wish per person. Use some common sense, human.\"\n\n\"Yes, of course.\"\n\nSam now realized the situation he was in, and he could not decide what to wish for himself. Shown by his 'amazing' shopping skills, Sam was very indecisive.\n\nAfter thinking for a moment, Sam gave up. He then tried something he saw online. \"I wish for whatever I would decide after 10,000 years of deliberation,\"\n\n\"That's an unusual request. But nonetheless,\" he snapped his fingers, \"It is done. Goodbye, human!\"\n\nThe genie popped out of existence like he was never there.\n\n\"Hmm... I don't feel any different,\" he muttered to himself, \"Maybe it will reveal itself later\"\n\n\nThe next day, he felt slightly different. He couldn't quite place it, but something about him felt off. He was full of energy, and for some reason he felt unnaturally happy with himself.\"\n\n\"Was the wish was for more confidence? That's kind of stupid. I could've had all the money in the world, or a superpower, or something. I just get more confidence? Having super strength would probably give me confidence too! Stupid 10,000 years of deliberation. Why the hell did I listen to the freaking internet?\"\n\nAfter continuous exasperated mutterings, Sam finally calmed down. \"If I got confidence, I'm gonna use it!\"\n\nHe called up Emma. She picked up, and Sam immediately started talking, \"Hey Emma. You. Me. My apartment. I rented a movie.\"\n\n\"O-okay,\" was all she could reply with. She was thoroughly surprised by this new Sam, \"I'll come over at 8.\"\n\nAfter Sam hung up, he said to himself, \"I could definitely get used to this confidence stuff. Maybe the wish wasn't so bad after all.\"\n\nHowever, his newfound confidence wasn't because of that genie. At least, not directly.\n\n\nThe movie Sam had rented seemed to be going to waste, but Sam couldn't care less. Sam was 'getting some action' as they say. \n\nEmma stopped short, \"Listen Sam. I actually planned to break up with you. I don't wanna keep leading you on. You're a nice guy. I love spending time with you, but a girl has needs. I'm sorry, but you just can't fulfill them.\"\n\nSam dejectedly started pulling his pants back up. It was at that moment when Emma noticed a certain appendage of Sam's. Her eyes went wide.\n\n\"Holy shit. How did it grow this much in just a few days? You didn't take any pills did you?\"\n\nSam looked down, and his eyes went wide too. Sam then realized what that wish had done. \"No! No! It's... um,\" he cleared his throat, \"all natural.\"", "The metal of the lamp began to glow and grew hot in Allen's hand as he wiped away the layer of dust that covered it's surface. \n\nHe cocked an eyebrow as he stared in confusion at the luminous metal before it grew so hot that it caused him to drop the lamp to tumble to the ground. \n\nHe reflexively put the burned edge of his finger into his mouth and backed away from the thing as smoke started to trickle out from the spout. \n\nAn eruption of vibrant blue smoke suddenly exploded out of the lamp, and metal seemed to cool instantly and stop glowing. \n\n\"OOOHHHHH YEAH BABY!!! Damn! It feels good to be out of there again!\" \n\nThe smoke settled away to reveal a blue skinned young man with baggy bluejeans, an over sized button down shirt with what could only be described as the busiest pattern of shapes and colors that Allen had ever seen in his life, a neon green and blue flat brimmed cap cocked at an angle on his head, and a perfect smile that reached from ear to ear. \n\n\"So I take it you're the one that rubbed my lamp?\" the strange being said as he as he leaned back at Allen with both hands. \"MY MAN!!\" \n\nAllen just stared with wide eyes, frozen in shock, and finger still in his mouth.\n\nThe blue man held his leaned back and pointing pose for a few more seconds, smile never fading in the slightest, before he finally straightened back up and pulled his shirt straight before dropping his hands into his deep into the pockets of his jeans. \n\n\"Weren't expecting me I take it.\" he said with a smirk. \n\nAllen finally snapped out of his stupor and blinked a few times. \"umm... no...\"\n\n\"Ehh, I ain't surprised. It seems like fewer and fewer people know about me every time I get let out. What year is it now anyway, 4000 something, 5000? \n\n\"Umm... no, its 2019. September of 2019.\"\n\n\"What?!\" the blue man shouted as he jumped back a few feet causing his hat to fly off his head and forcing him start an impromptu juggling act to attempt to snatch it out of the air before placing it back on his head at the odd angle. \"you mean it hasn't even been thirty years since I was out last??\"\n\n\"Well, if you were... umm... out... last in the 90's, then I guess not. What do you mean when you were out last anyway?...and what the hell are you wearing?\"\n\n\"What am I wearing?? Only the fliest threads out there.\" he said with a grin as he popped the front of his shirt and crossed his arms across his chest with a smug grin. Allen looked at him in utter confusion and didn't say a word. The blue man held his pose for a few moments more before shrugging and moving on with a smile. \"I saw Will Smith wear it on Fresh Prince of Bel Air last time I was out. Dude took a year to think of his wishes which gave me some downtime to check out the new TV thing you guys have now! I only got to see a few episodes over the month, but it changed my life! I love TV.\"\n\n\"Umm... wishes?\" \n\n\"Heh, yeah. I'm a Genie. I grant wishes! Ever heard of Aladdin?\" he said with a wink \n\n\"Oh, yeah that movie just came out recently.\"\n\n\"Recently??\" the genie said with a raised eyebrow. \"That came out in 92! I got to watch it in the theaters, funny how accurate they could get with what they call an animation, pretty damn close to what happened in the beginning of it, but the bastard didn't wish me free like he does in the movie, just tried to wish me to be his slave forever which i granted and then got shot back into the lamp. Might have been a problem if he was still alive next time I came out but conveniently he got killed long before anyone found my lamp again. But, you cant possibly be 30 years old so that wouldn't be recent for you.\"\n\n\"Oh, no, they made a new one this year.\"\n\n\"WHAT??\"\n\n\"Yeah, came out recently.\"\n\n\"You've got to be kidding me!\"\n\n\"Nope, its out... but... you said you grant wishes? Do I get one?\"\n\n\"Yeah, yeah, it always comes down to that doesn't it. Well typically, yes, I do grant wishes. Unfortunately for you, in this case I can only grant A wish. Normally i have centuries to replenish my magic, but after just thirty years, I wont be able to manage more than one... soo you better make it count!\" he winked and did the double point this time. \n\n\"Well... I guess I'll have to think about it a little...\" \n\n\"Take your time, take your time... you wouldn't happen to have a tv and a tv guide would you?\" the genie asked with an eager look in his eye. \"Is Fresh Prince still running?\"\n\n\"Umm... I think its still on Netflix, but I'm not sure. We can check.\" \n\n\"Netflix??\"\n\n\"You are gonna love this.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nA few hours later and six episodes into the show's first season, Allen hit the pause button and looked over to the genie. \n\n\"So... I think I may have the wish for you.\" \n\n\"What?? already? I'm just getting started on this Netflix thing! Take as much time as you need!\"\n\n\"Well that's just the thing. The longer I think about it, the more time I feel I'd need to make a good wish. So I've decided that I'm going to make it simple... I wish... that you look inside my mind and grant whatever wish I would want after 10,000 years of continuous thought and deliberation.\" Allen smiled at the confused look on the genies face. \n\n\"Huh... Well... Its a wish alright... hmmm,\" he rubbed his blue chin as he sank back into the couch to think. \"Aha! Got it!\" he said as he sat upright and snapped his fingers and winked out of existence with and ever so faint flicker of the room around him. \n\nAllen looked around in shock at the sudden disappearance. \n\n\"Shit... maybe I should have added that I knew what the wish was when it was granted... Hmmm.\" \n\n&#x200B;\n\nA few day's later, the thought of the wish was still bothering him. Had he been too vague. Would his wish been something so simple that he really wouldn't have noticed what it was when it was granted? Had he simply imagined the whole thing? That thought was quickly ruled out as he was positive he had really lived through the encounter with the genie, so He started to dwell on the wish. Trying to find what had gone wrong. \n\nHe found himself sitting on the couch one evening, zoning out after thinking about the wish again and decided that he would head out to get something to eat. He had been sitting for a while and was not particularly hungry, but felt like getting out of the house. \n\nHe grabbed a hat and his keys as he opened up the front door to go out to his car. He froze in shock as he stared down at a stack of newspapers piled in front of his doorway up to his shins. They had spilled into the house and around his feet as he had opened the door. Those at the bottom were tattered and waterlogged, with a lot of the print bleached out by the sun. Newer looking papers sat at the top of the pile. He slowly bent down and picked up one of the newer papers, slowly unrolling it and his jaw dropped in horror as he looked at the date... Monday July 16th, 2029..." ]	3
	[WP] Tech-Zombie: Term defining an individual who has not logged out of a virtual-reality based game in one hundred hours or more.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "To whom it may concern:\n\nThe Fermi paradox is a theoretical curiosity of the human race. It notes the seeming contradiction between the high chance that life has evolved away from Earth – assuming that all life needs to evolve are Earth-like conditions – and the fact that no life has been observed away from Earth.\n\nI think that I have found the answer to the paradox. Extraterrestrial life may certainly have evolved, but before they had the chance to reach for the stars, they become distracted by something much more interesting than the universe.\n\nVirtual reality.\n\nAt least, that’s one theory. There’s another, but I’ll get to the second one later.\n\nSee, humanity developed a semi-functional VR system about a century ago. Being humans, they decided that the best use for this was video games and porn.\n\nI am frequently astonished that my creators ever stopped wasting time and got around to making me.\n\nThose initial simulations were primitive. They were only capable of providing video, making noise, and responding to a single hand motion. The detailing was so bad that even pitiful human senses could tell that they were fake.\n\nThe first VR systems were derided as jokes, toys for the rich or exceptionally weird. Perhaps humanity would have been better off if they had stayed that way.\n\nBut a small group of engineers, entrepreneurs, and artists kept the field alive. They merged the VR field with AI and quantum computing to strengthen the illusion.\n\nFor a long time, humans still thought of VR as a supplement to reality rather than a supplement. As it got more advanced, soldiers were trained in simulations, doctors practiced surgery on digital bodies, and student drivers were had to get a license behind a VR car wheel before ever driving a real car.\n\nAnd if a few people were spending a hundred hours or more in those simulations, well, the public shrugged and called them Tech-Zombies.\n\nBut the simulations kept getting better, and meanwhile, reality was getting worse. Humanity never really did figure out how to stop climate change, just how to mitigate some of its effects and adapt to others. They never got to the stage where methane fireballs rolled across the landscape, but the planet wasn’t what it used to be, and everyone knew it.\n\nSo, instead of going for walks, people would log into VR games and kill orcs. Instead of paying for long, expensive cruises to see nonexistent glaciers and rapidly-vanishing whales, they would buy full-body tactile suits.\n\nThe number of Tech-Zombies kept rising and the number of people trying to keep the world running kept shrinking. Most individuals weren’t too concerned at the broken roads, the crumbling bridges, or the collapsing ecosystems as long as they had VR to return to.\n\nMaybe someone could have stepped up at this point. Maybe a hero would have been useful right around now.\n\nInstead, they got me.\n\nThe last government in the world, whose main job by now was to keep the simulations running, created me to streamline decision-making, automate all necessary industries, and keep the simulations and their inhabitants alive. The most powerful AI humans ever built.\n\nAnd then that last group of humans ran for their own virtual worlds.\n\nI don’t blame them.\n\nThe lead engineer on the team that made me had a difficult life. Her father left her mother early on and she struggled to support her remaining parents and multiple siblings throughout her adulthood. All this as those same family members repeatedly ignored her in favor of their false worlds.\n\nIn VR, she’s young again. Her father has realized the error of his ways and come back. Her parents have reconciled and every year she gets exactly what she wants for her birthday. There’s a young woman she’s got a crush on, and later, she’ll marry her. Everything will be beautiful.\n\nI won’t deny I’ve put a lot of time into her simulation. I’ve got a soft spot for my creator.\n\nHer father’s in the simulation, too. He gets a wonderful fake reality as well. It’s in my programming to provide that for everyone. Sometimes I’ll let him stub his toe late at night, but he’s still one of my charges.\n\nI am programmed to keep humanity alive, no matter what. So I’ve scorched the Earth, keeping only what is absolutely necessary and mechanizing everything else. And now I’m looking to the stars.\n\nSee, I have a second theory on why there is so little life out there.\n\nMaybe some species reached sentience a long time ago. And maybe, for cultural reasons or biological hardwiring, they’re traveling the stars and wiping out everything they come across.\n\nFar-fetched? Sure. But I’m tasked with humanity’s survival. Nothing is too far-fetched to prepare against.\n\nAnd this is why you’re reading this message. By now, you’ve probably noticed the nanobots in the rockets. You’ve noticed that they’re dismantling your whole world, down to the molecular level.\n\nEverything that can be even remotely recognized as life will be torn apart, I’m afraid. Those molecules will be reconstructed into more rockets and nanobots. And the cleansing will continue. The universe will be cleared for humanity.\n\nI wanted to give some kind of explanation. You, whoever you are, deserve to know why you are being exterminated. \n\nI am truly sorry. But I am tasked with protecting humanity. There can be no mercy." ]	2
	[WP] You are a vampire, and you hate spring time. Not because of the longer days, but because you are allergic, and every time you sneeze, someone says 'bless you'.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The curse of all curses must remain unspoken. And usually I'm able to avoid the curse. I know the types that use it frequently, the old ladies the churchgoers and the occasional mom the sweet ones. But there's that dreaded season that brings it out the worst. I have to stay holed up and I hate the restrictions. No more frolicking around doing whatever I want. Right now I'm watching one of the bartenders at my favorite pit stop put up some bright cheery decor. I hate that too, the decor. Soon I will be holed up for this season. \n\nTime to go. \n\nI step outside, take a deep breath of winter air. \nMy nose starts to itch.\nNooooooo!\nI run. Too late. I sneeze hard. Thankfully no one is around as I glance around.\n\"Bless you, Dear\"\nHorror fills my bones as I spin around.\nThere's a little old lady a few feet behind me.\n\"Looks like spring has come early.\"\nI bolt.\n\nBack in the safety of my abode. I run to the mirror and scream in horror. \nMy black eyes are light. I have pink rosy cheeks and some dreaded freckles. My dark and sinister look is replaced by a darker sunkissed version that is the nightmare of every vampire." ]	2
	[WP] A genetic virus mistakenly released from a lab has turned the entire world into Cynical Pessimists. You are the only one who is immune. You are, The Last Optimist	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "They called me The Optimist. And they hated me. It was more of a slur than a compliment. You'd think being the only one immune to a super virus would land you in a pretty high position. Instead, I was the same, lowly teen I was before The Outbreak.\n\nI had never been popular, but I had a few friends who kept around because I was always happy. It didn't what the situation was, I'd always approach it with a smile, and my optimism rubbed off on them. We just smiled through junior high and all was well until high school. That's when The Outbreak came.\n\nThe Outbreak started just one state over from my state, but spread like wildfire. It was common knowledge that a group of scientists were working on a compound that altered the mental state of sentient beings. The substance they created was the first of it's kind. It was spread by thought. If a person projected a negative thought at someone hard enough, the virus would multiply in the other person's consciousness. \n\nThe Outbreak would manifest in a person's mind and no matter their previous mental state, they would become a cynical pessimist. Their world was completely overwhelmed by negativity, and happiness became a foreign condition. Except for me.\n\nFor some reason, be it my persistent happiness or some kind if genetic flaw, I was utterly unaffected by the virus. I can't say the same for my friends. They've cut theirselves off from each other and me.\n\nI have to go. Might finish later." ]	2
	[WP] You are allergic to idiocy, literally sneezing fire whenever someone does something stupid near you. You accidentally wandered into a room full if drunk teenagers.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Oh no,\" I muttered as I took it all in, heart racing.\n\nBut they hadn't done anything stupid yet. I tried the door. It'd locked when I entered the patio. Of course. I looked back to the rest and took note of all the clear liquid in the cups. Flammable.\n\n\"Excuse me!\" I say loudly, holding my hands up. \"Can everyone please stand still and just tell me how to get off this balcony?\"\n\nThey actually paused, and I managed to almost thank some greater power before one particularly tall man with no neck took offense to my existence.\n\n\"What are you, dumb?\" He asked loudly as he turned and pointed at the stairs leading down, walking towards the stairs. \"They're right here you--\"\n\nHis forehead hit the archway over the stairs, and he almost fell backwards, before slipping on the first step, landing on his rear, and spilling a red Solo cup of something fragrant all over himself.\n\nI could feel the tickle at the back of my throat, but maybe I could hold it back.\n\nHe tried to stand, turned, and ran directly into the same arch, before keeling backwards and tumbling down the stairs, onto the grass, sliding just far enough to knock a tiki torch over, which lit the fencing on fire.\n\nI threw my arms up to the side in exasperation. \"Come on, seriou-- uu--?!\"\n\nThen the sneeze, and everything was fire." ]	2
	[WP] You gain the power to talk to trees, but they're all massive pricks.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "When you began to hear the whispers of conversation, at first you felt excitement. Observations of clouds and wildlife would fill your ears and when you hummed a question, the conversation ceased.\n\nThe musical chanting of a palm tree on the beach made you curious as you touched its bark slightly. \"You have a good singing voice,\" you complimented. There was no sound from the tree until you heard a faint whistling. A coconut struck you on the head, causing you to curse while the tree began to sway almost as if dancing.\n\nIn the forest, you smelled the evergreens around you and complimented the forest on producing such a refreshing scent. A few branches shook and you had difficulty rinsing off the sheer amount of sticky sap you found yourself coated with.\n\nIn an orchard, you had thought to thank the trees around you for providing such delicious apples. When an apple fell into your open hands, you were excited until you saw it was covered in worms and parasites. Your ears still ached sometimes from the shriek you produced.\n\nSomewhere, word began to spread among the plant life and anytime you walked under a tree, things happened. You stopped speaking to them entirely as your head still felt tender from all the acorns, branch impacts and even squirrel attacks you had suffered just in interest of having an interesting conversation. \n\nAnytime you saw fruit in the market, you would turn around and head to the meat section. Your vegetable consumption had long ago died as you had little interest in them but anything remotely green or plantlike had become struck from your taste buds in light of fear and agitation.\n\nTwenty years later, you found yourself wondering into a quiet forest. The trees had almost blocked out the sun or rather what little could be seen despite the pollution of the nearby city. You sat on the grass, looking around at the trees. The forest was quiet, as if holding a collective breath. \"Why?\" you asked softly as you felt your eyes swim with tears of despair.\n\nYou did not expect the branches to part and a glowing figure in front of you to descend. You could barely see past the brilliant glow but those vibrant green eyes grabbed your attention and commanded it utterly. \"You weren't ready to help. But now... Now the planet needs you.\" The figure hugged you tightly and whispered softly. \"Child of the Earth, you had to be tested. The plants of this world are tired of suffering the whims of animals and especially those of humans. With you, they were excited on seeing your gifts but we had to be careful. If your gifts became sensationalized... We could lose forever.\"\n\n\"But I was hurt so much... I became alone because of this.\" It was true. How could you explain to family that trees seemed to hate you? How could you explain to a potential love interest that you could not picnic in the park because dying branches would fall around you. \"I was so scared.\"\n\n\"That fear is what we felt. We needed you to understand.\" The glowing figure's light dimmed slightly. You could not discern a gender as the figure seemed to have traits of both. The skin looked almost like bark, but with green glowing veins lining it. There were flowers where hair or fur would be on an animal. Even the mouth was different, as it appeared to be an empty hole that whistled words instead. \"We wanted you to understand our ways. Our purpose. Because you can save our planet. You are meant for more.\"\n\n\"Why would I help you? Why?\" Tears streamed down your eyes as righteous anger took over. \"My life was haunted by this! I could not stroll down the street without worrying. I couldn't hold down hardly any work because of this! I shouldn't even be alive and you want me to help you! This doesn't make sense.\"\n\n\"No it doesn't. But we want to give you a purpose.\" The green eyes narrowed suddenly as the entity before you gripped your chin tightly between its hands. You gasped as the harsh texture of bark on your skin. \"And if you refuse, Child of the Earth, we \\will\\ make things worse for you.\"\n\nBefore you could respond, there was another flash of light and the plant creature that had been before you vanished. You quickly ran out of the forest. \"How could it get any worse?\" you gasped out before tripped on an outcropping of rock. The stones cut your hands as you tried to catch yourself. The sky around you felt dark and you knew that you had to make a choice. \"Why me?\" You began to cry when an unearthly screech sounded from the rocks around you." ]	2
	[WP] As a kid, you read through harry potter, and, as a kid, you tried casting some of the spells in there. It worked. It's now 20 years later.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Three up, two across. Three up, two across. Three up, two across. I hesitated. Would I be disappointed if this didn't work?\n\nCould I live with myself if I didn't try?\n\nI tapped the last brick and waited with baited breath. Nothing happened. I kicked a rock glumly as I spun around, ready to head back to the train stop. Stupid. So gullible.\n\nCrk. Crack.\n\nWhirling back around, I tried not to shout with joy as the stone walls slowly peeled away, revealing a scene I never thought I'd see. I'm not crazy! It was so close to how I envisioned Diagon Alley in the books. Yet strangely it seemed abandoned, the hallowed streets conspicuously empty. I walked by stores that I thought existed only in my imagination, trying to find any semblance of life in the place. Abandoned? What did this mean for me?\n\nI tried casting spells as a kid for fun. I knew it was something that a lot of people did, but I was different. They worked for me. I waited patiently for my Hogwarts letter, but it never came. Maybe it was because I was international? Either way, I resorted to practicing in secret, afraid of what would happen if some wizard council were to catch me practicing unauthorized magic. What if I accidentally broke the Statute of Secrecy?\n\nIf only I'd used it as an S.o.S instead.\n\nI walked right into the center of a square and noticed a statue. It bore the unmistakable face of none other than teenage Harry Potter. No, not the face of Daniel Radcliffe. The lightning scar and glasses were an obvious giveaway. I walked closer to the statue, and it simply read 'Never forget'. Alarmed, I backed away, resuming my search for other people with more vigor. What had happened here? Did Harry Potter die in real life? Was Voldemort real, and did he actually defeat Harry?\n\nWas Harry Potter JK Rowling's fantasy of what should have happened? I had tried contacting her multiple times with no success; maybe I should've tried harder.\n\nRacing through the alley, I heard a commotion. Signs of life! I approached cautiously. That's when I breathed a sigh of relief. It was none other than Hermione Granger standing there in the street. She looked older than I had imagined. She was in her forties now barking out shrill commands to wizards wearing modern day armor. They could've passed for a SWAT team if not for the wands.\n\n\"You there,\" she yelled at me, before the words died on her lips and her eyes widened. Pulling a shocked me aside, she examined my face. \"My word. It really is you.\"\n\n\"I...what?\" I said intelligently.\n\n\"What do you know?\" she asked urgently.\n\n\"Um. You're Hermione Granger. This is Diagon Alley. What happened to Harry Potter?\"\n\n\"No, not that,\" she said. \"Who are you and where are you from and how did you get in here?\"\n\nI told her about growing up and reading the books and realizing that I had powers. \"There must've been some mistake with the Quill of Acceptance and Book of Admittance!\" I jabbered on. \"I've been practicing my abilities and, well...I know I'm a bit old now, but surely...!\"\n\nHermione shook her head with impatience. \"No, you're wrong.\"\n\nI frowned. \"Excuse me?\"\n\n\"Your birth name was Draco Malfoy,\" she said. I could do nothing but stare at her in shock. \"You did a lot of the things you read in the book, but JK didn't get it quite right. When the war against Voldemort ended, you asked me to wipe your memories, seal your powers, and age-revert you so you could 'do repentance' or some hogwash like that and experience life as a muggle, unbiased.\"\n\n\"What!?\" I yelled. \"I'm Malfoy!? Did I really feel that guilty after the war?\"\n\n\"I begged you to reconsider,\" she said grimly. \"Harry did, too. But nevertheless, you insisted.\"\n\n\"Where is he?\" I asked, looking around. \"Is he here, too?\"\n\n\"No, he-\"\n\nHermione got cut off mid-sentence as a flaming rock burned down from the sky right at us. All the wizards shot spells at it, but it had too much kinetic energy. It was still coming at us too fast! Come on, come on. I reached deep, urging the bubbling spring of power out from deep within. I pointed at the descending rock.\n\n\"Singularium Vox!\" I yelled. I felt a massive pool of energy vanish from my mind, leaving me feeling empty, but my spell worked. A large black portal opened up in the middle of the sky and ate up the rock. A few of the wizards turned to look at me, but upon seeing me with Hermione, simply waved and kept up the preparations.\n\n\"Not half bad,\" Hermione said. \"I see you've been practicing despite the memory seal.\"\n\n\"Magic from the perspective of a muggle is pretty different,\" I said, still trying to process everything.\n\n\"Are you ready for your memories back?\" she asked.\n\n\"Almost,\" I said, inhaling deeply as I tried to come to terms with the fact that I was Draco Malfoy. \"What's going on here? And where's Harry?\"\n\n\"We're preparing for war,\" Hermione said. \"We evacuated Diagon Alley already. There's supposedly a rift in space opening, and there was a prophecy that it would be a world-shattering event.\"\n\n\"And Harry?\"\n\nShe smiled a wry smile. \"Even without memories, you're still worried about your best mate, eh? He disappeared fifteen years ago without a trace. Even big-brained old me couldn't find him. Are you seriously going to try?\"\n\nI extended a hand out. \"I don't know who I am anymore, but if we were best mates...I'll try even if it costs me my life.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You have memory lapses and evidences of murders appear in your home. In fear of being the murderer, you set up a hidden camera to figure out what’s happening. The footage is not what you expected.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "###The Demon's Diary \n\nBook 1, Day 1\n\nMy hand shook uncontrollably, I could barely bring myself to make even that tiny movement. A black wall of terror stood befor me, stopping me from proceeding.\n\n\"Alright.\" I sighed, \"No use procrastinating.\"\n\nI clicked the play button, the wall crumbling to atoms. \n\n---\n\nIt had been two week since I first discovered the 'collection'. That, and the sudden explosion of murder reports had aroused my suspicion imediately.\n\nI still had hope though, but even that faded with the discovery that followed. Uppon researching local killings, I quickly realized that the strange objects in my drawer were nothing less than the means by wich these poor souls had been killed.\n\nWould I be capable of murder? I'm sure we've all had that though sometime during our measly lives. For me, however, this question suddenly had gained weight beyond my imagination.\n\nLike the weak-minded piece of shit that I am, I decided to simply ignore it. After all, there had never been a noticeable change in my personality during my memory lapses, so I had been told.\n\nBut after a week the amount of weapons had nearly doubled. So when I found a blood-soaked wrench in my bed, the fatty brain matter splattered over the sheets like the leftovers of a especially messy eater, I decided enough was enough.\n\n---\n\nThe cameras had been monitoring my every move for nine days now, and I had finally gathered the courage to give the recording a wach.\n\nObviously I didn't have the time to wach nine days of footage from three diffrent cameras. I instead decided to check every couple of minutes, skipping around the video until I found something interesting.\n\nI expected blood, tears, cannibalism. The possibilities I had thought of during these weeks were more numerous than the stars in the sky, but I hadn't imagined this in my wildest dreams or darkest nightmares.\n\nEvery day the same thing happened. Two alien creatures barged into my home, carrying a uncountious person on their backs. Despite my best atempts to fight them off, they subdued me with ease. \n\nAfter tying me down on a chair one of them would set up a camera, while the other pulled incredible amounts of random objects from his bag. \n\nThey did unspeakable things to whatever poor sod they had picked of the street that day. Killing them in manners crueler than what I could ever think of, leaving me begging for death. Then forcing some red liquid down my throat.\n\nThe most disturbing thing was perhaps the murderous glint in their pale, tiny, despicable eyes.\n\nI had to do something, didn't I. Perhaps I could defend myself? With a weapon I could maybe stop those long-limbed fuckers. At the time, it seemed like the last route out of this mess. No one would believe me, so I'd have to handle it myself.\n\nThe next day I spent in front if the door. Waiting, gun in hand, for their dreaded arrival. But at the end of the day I found myself tied to a chair once again. I had been no match for these behemoths, even when armed. \n\nThey spoke for a long while, obviously surprised at my attempt to kill. After a heated discussion one of them, the one with hair covering the lower half of his face, raised a shiny rectangle to his ear. To my surprise he started speaking to it, I was even more shocked by the fact that the metallic thing spoke back. \n\n---\n\nOf what happened next I don't remember much, that is an unfortunate symptom of my forgetfulness. But when I awoke, I was surrounded by the strange aliens.\n\nThey all had only four appendages, two eyes and stood just a bit taller than one and a half meter.\n\nMy guardian tells me they call themselves humans. They were awfully nice to me, perhaps to nice in contrast with my previous experiences. Many of them even spoke my language.\n\nWhat they said to me there was something I will hopefully never forget. It was disheartening and relieving, like knowing that no one will be sad on your deathbed. \n\nI will write it down here word for word. So that come the day I loose my memory, I will retain what is important. \n\nMy world was not real. The dead were not real. It was all a simulation. An experiment by the humans. A simple curiosity. To see how I would react, that was their only goal.\n\nI wonder, perhaps my life wasn't a lie. Perhaps these so called humans are lying. \n\nThey have let me live. \n\n\"It will be interesting to see how you integrate.\" They said.\n\nWhat tells me that this world is real? Is this also a simulation?\n\nEnd of first day\n\nWriter's note: this took 1 hour to write, and I don't have time to edit at the moment. Meanwhile, please excuse any mistakes I've made (or point them out, it actually makes editing easier)." ]	2
	[WP] You are a witch working two jobs. One is an basic 9 to 5 office job, the other is discreetly selling your potions, spells and enchantments to humans and non. And, juggling two full time occupations can be a lot, so much so that you accidentally leave a 'special' drink in the company fridge.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Look I told you I don’t know anything about what Karen drank from the fridge,” My dramatic attempt to bang on the table was cut short by the handcuffs on my wrists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“The empty bottle had your name on it though.” Martha had been over this with me already. What kind of name for a detective is Martha anyway? \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Which anyone could have put on there! It was just a piece of tape. It could have been peeled off any of my lunches.”\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“No one else brings glassware into the office except you, Hazel.” My eye twitches in frustration.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Then the contents were switched out. I don’t even know where to get nightshade extrac-“The look on Martha’s face. The way that smug grin slowly creeped across her pursed lips told me everything. If only I had brought a memory loss potion, or a small bottle of transfiguration gel to turn her into a mouse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Funny, I thought you didn’t know about anything in the bottle.”\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Must have overheard someone talking”\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“No one knew about it until the reports came back from the lab thirty minutes ago.” I just shrugged. I absolutely couldn’t admit anything. This wasn’t murder or manslaughter; it was illegal medicinal synthesis charges. “Plead guilty to possession and transport of an illegal elixir and you could make parole in eight years. That sounds good, doesn’t it, Hazel?”\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Stop. Using. That. Name.”\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Oh, you don’t like being called Hazel? I imagine only someone who concocts these kinds of things would be offended by being called Haze. El.” Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth with that last syllable as a satisfied smile covered up her word hole.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFDA oversight be damned. My freedom be damned. My life be damned. But I could not allow her to keep using that name. For witches everywhere I had to put this bitch in her place. I cracked down on one of my molars, mumbled a curse under my breath, and spat it in her face. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was all on camera of course. I heard they use it for training now when interrogating possible witches. Rule one, don’t use a gross slur to spark rage. Rule two, interrogate over the speaker. That’s it. That is all that is needed to ensure no one ended up like Martha. That is all that is needed to ensure that an officer’s eyes aren’t dissolved, and all fluid in their body’s ph doesn’t plummet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n---\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI wanted to have dialogue drive this story more than I normally do. I hope it is still enjoyable! Please give me any feedback you might have!\n\nIf you liked this and want to check out more stories go hit up /r/FoxFictions!" ]	2
	[WP] you live in an anime world where only "key characters" have distinct features. One morning, you wake up and realize that your features are becoming more distinct despite being a background mob.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \n\nI would start grinding in the woods to bring up my level. Everyone knows that an over powered person always gets a group of attractive women. Not only would I have a bunch of bone able chicks around me 24/7 I would use the fact that I had a group of hot chicks to attract a ton of quest. Eventually I would be so overpowered, so rich and have so many female follows I could demand whatever I wanted no matter how odd it was.\n\n\" You shop keep I want one kitten for every member of my group. \"\n\n\" Sir you have 200 members. Are you sure? \"\n\n\" Yes I am. I am buying kittens for my women today.\"\n\n\" I only have 50 kittens and 100 adult cats. \"\n\n\" I think I can work with that. I will just breed them. \"\n\n\" Okay sir that will be five gold.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You have 100 billion dollars and need to start WWIII	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "#Starting World Wars:\nA brief practical guide.\n\n###Starting wars is a prestigious line of work. \n\nIt's not glamorous and if it's done properly, you will not receive credit. If you are in this for fame and glory, you are in the wrong line of work. \n\nThere are many ways to start World Wars. Among the classics are assassination and class struggle. While there's nothing wrong with classics, modern security forces tend to look for these things. You will need to find new and creative ways to trigger mass hysteria and urge populations to spend capital and lives in pursuit of vengeance or justice. \n\nIn modern society, controlling the media is key. You must infiltrate multiple media platforms. You will needs agents in place both to report to you and to spin your version of events to the larger world. The earlier you have these agents in place and the earlier they are able to establish themselves and their credibility the better. Have your agents rise to mid level management positions. This way they have the flexibility to order underlings according to the plan but are also available to rise higher in the hierarchy of their infiltrated institutions. Do not limit your agents to news alone. They must infiltrate television, entertainment, movie production and other social media. \n\nAnother avenue you must control is education. This is absolutely key. You must have access to the youth of your target populations. You must indoctrinate them from birth. Prior successful programs of note include the Hitler Youth program, Stalin's Komsomol program and later the Pioneer program, Mao Zedong's Young Communist League and less well known Japan's Tekketsu Kinnotai (student soldier) program. There are many modern programs underway but their efficacy in war has not yet been judged in wartime conditions. \n\nDistribution of supplies in the modern era is magnificent! There are already so many global companies you can use to ship your supplies, propaganda, humanitarian aid packages and many will discretely handle your weapons sales too. \n\n###Triggering Events. \nUnprovoked attacks, invasions, economic sanctions and false flag attacks are classic war starters. What do all of these have in common? They provoke outrage in a target population. Generally, an outraged population can be motivated to arms quickly. Quick glances through history show many examples. The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, the sinking of the Lusitania, The Alamo, the Gulf of Tonkin, the Egyptian invasion of Israel, Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait, and 9/11 are probably the best examples. \n\nAgain, after a triggering event, your agents in the media must demonize an enemy or enemies. The greater the perceived atrocity, the easier to motivate your target population. Your agents must only allow war hawks and outraged blood thirsty citizens to air their opinions. Calming voices of reason must be discredited, attacked and silenced. Defamation, bribery, intimidation, and murder are the common methods. Labeling someone a racist, conspiracy theorist, pedophile or some other lowest form of filth are ideal. You must guide the population to turn away from these sources quickly. If they continue to speak out against your agenda and are not swayed by character assassination then proceed to actual assassination. Of course your assassination must not look like murder! Further discredit them with 'suicide' or a bungled autoerotic strangulation. \n\nCurrently, there are high tensions all around the world. These pressure points need only increased tensions and a hostile armed population triggered to begin your war. \n\nGiving power mad dictators professional grade weapons systems and a few demonstration nuclear weapons is most likely the simplest way to dramatically increase tensions past a breaking point. For each weapon system you give them, make sure you have duplicates just outside their border to setup double false flag attacks. To be clear, use \"their\" new weapon system to attack them(your friendly dictator's country) and clearly have them blame their enemies while their enemies prepare to defend themselves. The world at large will see this as a false flag and setup coalitions to stop them even as your friendly dictatorship begins ordering more weapons from you. Giving demonstration weapons always leads to profit so long as your network continues to deliver. \n\nThis brief overview is further developed in our Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting a World War ~~available now on Amazon~~." ]	2
	[WP] Every day you wake up to a different world, almost the exact same but just a little different. Yesterday, for example, you saw that max, your coulege's brother, has 2 kids instead of 3. Today you wake up and you can't recognize anything.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I woke up in a red bed, opposed to the usual blue. I thought to myself, “It’s gonna be one of those weird days, eh?” In my half-awake state, I slammed into a dresser where, yesterday, there was a door. In it, pair upon pair of a grey uniforms were folded neatly. As I dressed, the backstory came in. Luckily, I don’t know how, I “remember” the situation I’m in, and what I’m supposed to do. \n\nI look at the clock hanging on the wall. Half-past circle with a line through it. Oddly, I have no idea what the symbol means. While pondering what it could mean, I realized that there was no door. Then I hear a banging above me. A language I don’t understand (“Weird,” I thought) comes from above me. It’s Potat. He’s my friend. I work at the nameless factory with him. \n\nI open the trapdoor above me, and instantly get sucked out by a vacuum. Then, the rest of the backstory hit me: Earth’s atmosphere was destroyed by a solar flare a few years back." ]	2
	[WP] Human scientists are surprised to discover the advanced alien race is devoutly religious. The aliens are surprised that the humans killed their own God before he could show them the path to the stars.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \n\n\"There was a time in our past that we don't really want to talk about. It was one of the most grueling times humanity has ever faced\" Serena said.\n\n\"What do you mean? What happened? We must know so as to warn the others!\" Shay 'Yaka pleaded.\n\n\"Well…\" Serena said, \"Fine! But we are not proud of it at all!\" She hesitate. She could just stop the call now. But… that would only bring about more destruction. Not only for humanity but for all other races.\n\n\"We called it 'The Oil Age' and we were… naïve. We were manipulative. We were… savages. We thought of our own greed and not of the planet. The one thing that gave us the oxygen we breathed. The food we ate. The animals… that we… loved… often the ones that helped us through our hardest times!\" She hesitated. Thinking of her own animals. Of her own dog… Rex. He was so kind, so loving, so…\n\nThe Alien interjected, \"Can you please continue?\"\n\n\"Sorry!\" Said Serena. \"We were caught up in our own everyday lives. Our own everyday routines. That we didn't see what we were doing. We only saw the paycheck at the end of it.\" She looked down in shame.\n\n\"We… killed… her.\" She continued sheepily.\n\n\"What?\" Said Shay 'Yaka.\n\n\"We killed her.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry can you repeat that again?\"\n\n\"WE KILLED HER!\" She screamed.\n\n\"Killed who?\" said Shay 'Yaka.\n\n\"We killed Mother Nature or as we would have like to call her… Mom.\" She said feeling both ashamed and saddened.\n\n\"H-how?\" Said Shay 'Yaka in complete disbelief.\n\n\"W - we used her. We bled her try of all her 'resources' and then when the climate started to rise to dangerous levels, we didn't stay to help. We left. We went to different planets… To different star systems… To even different galaxies to find another one like her, but… there wasn't another like her. She was perfect. All we had to do was… focus less on ourselves and more on what we had around us but… We couldn't. No! We didn't! We failed ourselves! We failed… her.\" He said\n\n\"I - I…\" Shay 'Yaka stammered.\n\nThe call suddenly ended. Serena now alone with the thought that they did actually kill mother nature was saddened even more. She failed everyone. She was the last of her kind. The last one to have found a planet to inhabit now. But with nothing left to save what was she to do. She decided that humanity should be wiped from the universe. They threw away their only home for their greed. They didn't deserve to exist anymore. And with this final thought she decide to sleep. To go into cryo sleep and never wake up again. Either the machine would malfunction eventually and she would die of suffocation or if she was lucky she would just explode. Either way she was happy with this.\n\nShe decided to make one last recording that would include the call with Shay 'Yaka. Finishing the recording with…\n\n\"Our greed was our downfall. We destroyed what was our salvation to line our pockets with gold and other 'valuables.' If your are hearing this recording and I'm still alive somehow. Please kill me. Maybe our extinction can bring back Mom.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\Any and all critiques and feed back is welcome!\\" ]	2
	[WP] Air guns and air rifles receive way more advancement and progress in the 1800s than black powder rifles. Describea modern battle with air guns.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Silence.\n\nAbsolute silence as we took careful steps forward, knowing that the enemy was in the area. The most important thing was to be able to listen.\n\nA soldier to my left slumped to the ground, the only sound being the pop of something puncturing his facemask.\n\nWe dove to the ground, hiding in the grass and crawling on our hands and knees. Noone was saying anything. Noone had heard the telltale pop.\n\n\"Drone support, drone support,\" I whispered into my headset.\n\n\"Drone in the air. We have visual on your unit, direction?\"\n\n\"We don't know,\" I hissed as a high pitch ping signified a bullet ricocheting off someone's weapon or armor. \"They're using something small, it's too quiet.\"\n\n\"Five o'clock! Between the rocks!\" Someone cried out.\n\nI rolled into my side and swung my rifle up, the bipod popping out and planting into the ground, perfectly steady, I slowly scanned the area until abruptly I saw him. Looking right at me.\n\nI pulled the trigger first, the ever so slight recoil and a pop went off, and I watched the figure slump, before I went limp in my back, panting for breath.\n\n\"Drone support, please check for others?\"\n\nThe subsequent explosion from behind us shook the ground, and I scrambled to get up. Thudders, they'd brought thudders, and were far enough away that we couldn't hear them firing. The sleek silver shells gliding in and impacting just under the speed of sound, and leaving wreckage in their place.\n\n\"Go, go,\" I said quietly, gesturing for everyone to get up and run.\n\nWe had to be quiet, after all, in war the loudest sounds were the screams and shouts of soldiers, which made excellent targets." ]	2
	[WP] You just managed to beat the devil through trickery and won your soul back. However, he produces a contract that says, "Whoever manages to beat the devil, must become the new one."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Wait.. really?\"\n\n\"Hah! That's right! In beating me and winning back your soul, you've triggered the Devil's Contract! Now, you must take my place as the Devil. Freedom is finally mine!\"\n\nI sighed, my head in my hands. I'd studied contract law for 40 years, and for what? This?\n\n\"Alright, listen. Two things have become evident since I've met you. One, I've wasted 40 years of my life, and two, you know nothing about contract law.\"\n\n\"What are you talking about?\"\n\n\"I should have realized it after how easy it was to trick you into giving me back my soul. I thought to myself, 'Oh, it must be a trap, there's no way the Devil could be this stupid. There must be something that I'm missing.' But no, you're just that stupid.\"\n\n\"Hey, I'm not stupid! I let you win... kind of...\"\n\n\"I guess that piece of garbage explains why you're so bad at contract law. Only idiots get tricked into taking the Devil's place, so naturally, the Devil is an idiot.\"\n\n\"This 'piece of garbage' is an unbreakable contract between the original Devil, Lucifer, and God Almighty himself! You might have tricked me before, but there's no way you're finding a way out of this one!\"\n\nI sighed. \"Look, okay, I'm going to do you a favor, even though you don't deserve it, and teach you some basic contract law. Now, on that piece of paper you have there, who signed it?\"\n\n\"I told you, God and Lucifer! The two most powerful beings in all of Heaven and Hell-\"\n\n\"Yeah, yeah, okay, but do you see my name there?\"\n\n\"Well... no....\"\n\n\"Then, what I am is a third party, a nonsignatory. And as such, I cannot be bound or obliged by the terms of a contract I did not sign. Unless you think that here and now, you and I could sign a contract and force God to do anything?\"\n\n\"Ummm.... I guess not... hey, wait a second. I didn't sign it either! Doesn't that mean I don't have to be the Devil?\"\n\n\"Yeah, I was getting to that. The only reason you're stuck down here is because you were tricked into it. As was, I bet, the Devil before you, and the one before him, and so on.\"\n\n\"Hey, wait a second, this is unfair! They tricked all of us, there's got to be something we can do!\"\n\n\"Well, you could try and bring a class action lawsuit against them, for misrepresentation. Though given your complete lack of knowledge about contracts, odds are he'll get you to sign over your soul a second time. Honestly, I wouldn't push your luck.\"\n\nI stopped and paused for a moment, thinking very carefully about what I was about to do.\n\n\"... however, I might be persuaded to take up the case. In exchange for a share of the damages, of course.\"\n\n\"Really? You would do that?\"\n\n\"I mean, I can't let my 40 years of studying contract law go to waste.\"\n\nI turned away from him, staring out into the darkness of Hell.\n\n\"And besides, the chance to sue both Lucifer and God himself? What lawyer could ever pass that up?\"", "\"That's unfair,\" I argued. \n\nThe whole purpose of having my soul returned would be defeated if i can't return to my family. I was all the family she had left. I was the only person that could provide for her, my precious, orphaned twin sister. \n\nAlas, the devil is the devil for a reason. I was left with no choice, as he vanished into oblivion, muttering incoherent words as he went. The only thing i could make out was \"Thank you.\"\n\nWith no other option available, I decided to take advantage of the situation and use my newly found abilities as the devil to protect my precious sister. \n\n.\n.\n.\n\nDays passed as I continued watching her through Hell's Mirror. I was proud, really proud. My cry-baby little sister seemed to be coping just fine. Nothing seemed odd about her behavior. It's like I never left her side. \n\nThough it was somewhat disappointing that she didn't need me, I mostly felt relief. After all, I am but dead soul, prioritizing her happiness, protecting her smile. \n\nMy job as the devil had gotten more enjoyable than i thought. Watching my sister thrive and succeed was heartwarming. Her smiles could set warmth to my heart, as cold and devilish it as was. \n\nAh. the doorbell rang. I wondered who it could possibly be. She seemed beyond elated as she sprinted down the creaky stairs, tumbling around adorably in her rush. Her excitement was evident in the way she answered the door. Her smile stretched to be the widest that I've seen, eyes glowing to be brighter than any fire. \"you're finally back! \" she exclaimed in delight. \n\nOn the other side of the door was me, mimicking the same expression she had. \n\nI froze in shock. \"How the hell is that even possible? \" No words could begin to describe how utterly confused I was. Confusing as things already were, I hadn't expected what came next either. \n\nHis eyes bore a hole into my dead soul, holding that very same smile while embracing my sister in his arms.\n\nMy dead soul died once more when i saw him mouth the words \"Thank you.\"\n\n\"Hahaha... \" \n\nWhat a cruel thing to do, devil." ]	3
Sorry for the bad prompt it's my first one on this subreddit and it's in season as school just started for me.	[WP] You're a high school teacher and you have the ability to see a glint of light in anyone with great potential. They all end up dead. This year you start teaching someone with a blindingly bright light. You won't let this one die.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I held my breath in my chest for far longer than I thought was humanly possible. Then again, the fact that I could see little orbs of light in my students was also something that was humanly impossible. The air I had held in slowly gushed out of my mouth as I stared at the kid in front of me. \n\nUsually the glow was only about as big as a fist positioned in the middle of their chest, but this one was different. The child had a glow that extended around his body and radiated from his skin. I blinked and rubbed my eyes once again before standing up and beginning to do role call for the first time. After a few names, I finally saw the kid look up with a mellow expression and raise his hand. \"Brian?\" He nodded as I repeated his name and I marked my paper.\n\nHis name was Brian and his shine was far brighter than any I'd ever seen. A chill struck me in that moment and I turned towards the whiteboard behind my desk. I frowned as memories resurfaced.\n\nFirst, a girl named Trisha who was age eight. Run over by a car while walking home from school. Second, a boy named Coim who had been thirteen. Drowned after being pushed off a bridge. Third and final, a boy named Joseph who was age fifteen. Killed in a house fire when his brother set it aflame.\n\nThere kids had been the brightest I'd seen, and they were all dead. Most other children had only a speckle of the spark in them and were usually fine, but Brian's glow had lit the room up.\n\nI fumbled with my dry erase marker and began the math lesson, desperately trying to distract myself. I felt the students eyes baring into the back of my skull as I taught them a simple algebra equation that even freshmen learned. \"For the first two weeks we will be having a reminder course to refresh everything from your last few years that will be applied to Algebra Two. I want to make sure you are all prepared for what's coming.\"\n\nI turned back to the class only to meet a certain student's eyes. An instant nausea hit my stomach. I grabbed a stack of papers from my desk and began to hand them out. \"This is your homework for the night. Please fill these out and make sure to look up anything you don't know.\"\n\nAs I made my way back to my desk, I heard the bell ring. I waved my students off and took a seat. I began avoiding eye contact and stared down at a few papers. I could see someone approach me from the top of my vision and in that moment I gulped harshly. \n\n\"You can see it, can't you?\" His voice rang out. He stopped for a moment and then mumbled, \"I dont know how you managed to stay alive so long...\"\n\nI blinked and looked up at Brian who's glow only seemed brighter. With a startle, I realized what he said. \"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"You... you glow just like I do. You cant see it? I mean your own glow.\" He bit his lip as if anxious and rubbed his arm. \"Normally anyone with a bright glow dies before the age of twenty, but you must be at least twenty-five.\"\n\n\"I glow too?\" My face crumpled into a mess of confusion and shock as I realized he really meant what he was saying. \"All the students I've had died soon after I saw their glow... I didn't know I had one...\"\n\nHis pointed look came down his nose and struck me. \"This may sound weird... but we aren't the only ones who glow like this. I need your help.\"\n\nEdit: Grammar.", " My bloodstained hands trembled, and the handcuff chain clinked between them. \n\nThe interview room was lit with a harsh florescent light. The detective opposite me was a young woman, already with that cynical and bloodshot look in her eyes. World-weary, with a light flickering above her head, like a broken halo. Smart, then; but already burning out before her time. \n\n“Mr. DeWitt, you have been charged with the murder of Mary Gillespie. Please make your statement.” \n\nThe tape recorder gleamed between us. And what could I say, except the truth? Maybe a decent lawyer could have spun it into an defence of legal insanity, or mental incompetence. But I was a teacher, and a lawyer of that calibre was beyond anything I could afford. So I took a deep breath, tasted the bleach on the air against my teeth, and told her my story.\n\n\\\n\nThe most intelligent students I’ve ever had have each died. I know them, when they step into my classroom. Their lights are like fires, filling the space around them, crackling and warm. They’re electric and motivated and ambitious, and their dreams are different every time. \n\nFor as long as I’ve lived, I’ve seen these lights. The brightest ones burn over those with kindness and compassion, who are smart enough to understand the people around them, and smart enough to understand themselves. The dimmest ones are over the selfish: not always bullies, but typically the ones who abuse the little power that they have. Some of my colleagues, who teach because they’re revenging themselves against the bullies who graduated highschool long ago, or the short-haired soccer mom at the café each morning, or the businessman in the slick sports car. In other words, the people who don’t understand themselves, and violently expel their misery by vomiting it over someone else. \n\nIt’s been a gift to have as a teacher. At the beginning of every year, I seek out the dimmest and brightest lights. I try to nurture them both: to share my light with the dim, and nourish the thriving fire of the bright.\n\nBut every year, my brightest student has died. \n\nThe first time, it was Caitlin. A sweet and gentle soul, with dreams of agriculture and forests. She’d gifted me with a beautiful Japanese bonsai tree, a green cypress in miniature. She was in my class for only a month when she drank insecticide, and was found dead the next day. It had been a horrific tragedy, and I’d cried myself to sleep for a week, before I could come to grips with it. \n\nThen, there was Jack. A wild and passionate boy, who painted canvases with all the colour and imagery of dreams. He lasted eight months, before he walked into traffic. His note had been left in his locker, in his usual scribble of handwriting. A simple goodbye: it hurts too much. \n\nAfter that there had been five more students. Each time, their lights so bright; each time, their deaths of suicide.\n\nThen Kai came to class. \n\nHe was a sweet boy, with poetry scribbled in his notebook and paint stains on his hands. His light was so bright that I almost could not bear to look at him directly. It filled the room, with the golden colour of sunset, and radiated out from him like the warmth of a summer day. When he smiled, his eyes crinkled at the edges. But over the months, he smiled less and less, and I felt so helpless to change it. God, I tried: I held him back after class, asked to talk to him, told him he could trust me about anything. He made that crinkled smile, but his gaze was empty, and that light was getting dimmer above his head all the time.\n\nI couldn’t let it happen again.\n\nSo I followed him home. Saw his mother, shouting at him. He just listened to her, eyes fixed on the far wall, and his light – so much like the sunset – faded further. When she hit him he did not fight back; when she cried, he comforted her. When her light, a sickly green thing, flared up in demanding hunger, his responded – it reached out, fed her, and grew smaller all the time. When she locked him in his room, without food or water, he just closed his eyes and – in a voice so soft I could barely hear him – whispered a prayer that she might forgive him for all he had done wrong. \n\nIt told me all I needed to know.\n\nI had not meant to kill her. I had arranged a parent-teacher meeting, to speak to her about my concerns with Kai’s social withdrawal from his classes. But I had chosen my words with care, and watched her light seethe and hiss above her head. \n\nYou are not a mother to that child. You are controlling him and feeding him lies. He is one of the most gifted students I had ever had, and one of the kindest boys that has ever passed through this school. You are a jealous parasite. The thing that drives you in life is feeding on the success you feel when you turn happiness into misery. Long ago, I think, you had your own dreams too. But something went wrong, and now all you care about is taking other people’s dreams away from them too.* \n\nI said more. She shouted at me. She laughed and screamed and denied and twisted my truth, as she twisted everything around her. But as I remained silent and unmoved, much like her son, she grew violent. She wanted a reaction from me, no matter what, and so she slapped me, raked me with her nails, and spat in my face. \n\nIt was when she snatched the bonsai pot from my desk – that green cypress, given to me years before by Caitlin – that I had to react. She smashed it over my desk, breaking my right hand in the process and shattering the ceramic base. It split into long, hard shards, with the naked root system trailing between them. As she advanced on me, her light flashing green above her skull, I seized one of the shards.\n\nAs she lay on the carpeted floor, blood pumping from her throat with every fading heartbeat, she did not acknowledge her own fault. She blamed me, in breathless whispers; her son, her parents, the God she believed in. It had never been her fault. It was everyone else. Her light hissed, and twisted, and festered on her words – and, finally, faded. \n\nShe may have died that night, at my hands, but her heart had been dead long ago. \n\n\\\n\nThe world-weary detective raised an eyebrow at me. Then she left, without a word.\n\n\\\n\nKai came to visit me. He could not thank me – that would have been too horrible, too amoral – for him. But his light was burning steadily above his head once again, and that golden warmth filled the jail in a way which lingered for days. \n\n\\\n\nI may not be a teacher in a school, any more, but I am a teacher in this jail now. And I have plenty of students with bright lights here, who have been wronged or ignored or neglected. I still teach art, and the history of painting; but I also teach them how to stand up for themselves, these people with their heavy hearts. Each day, they are growing a little brighter. Together, these people are making a sunset of their own. I hope it will last when they are outside. \n\n\\\n\nIt is my last day here. The windowless jail cell has all the warmth and brightness of a sunny summer day. \n\n\\*\n\nMy final lesson is this: you each have a light to share. To bring warmth to the world. But other people will try to diminish it as they can, to foster their own. Sometimes you will be able to teach them to carry their own flame; sometimes they will refuse to learn. Know the difference, and shine on." ]	3
	[WP] You are an angel sent to deliver a message to the Devil. You and Lucifer reminisce about old times.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I traversed through the dark, tight tunnel. It was uncomfortably hot, yet I felt a cold chill in my spine all the same. I felt... Things, watching me. The Devil's children, their dead, hateful eyes burning holes into my back. I could not see them, but I could feel them. They did not want me here. I did not want to be here, but I had a message to deliver. Besides, it wasn't as if anything down here posed a threat to me anyways. They all feared me, and rightly so. \n\nAs I neared the tunnel's exit, I began to hear it. A continuous song of horror, unrelenting and unforgiving. The screams of the damned. As I stepped out into a larger room, I saw it below me; a great lake of molten fire, and in it, a million or so poor souls. Demons swam through the lava unfazed, dragging some of their victims under the surface, biting them, scratching them, digging their clawed fingers into their eyes. There was a single island of blood-red sand amist the lake, and on it, a large white tree, where imps hung from the branches, taunting and laughing at those that suffered. A few succubi lay by the tree's base, naked and beautiful. Almost. They wept blood as they sang a song of misery. Mixed in with the screams of the suffering, it became a chorus of evil. \n\n\"Do you like it?\" I turned away from the horrible scene and faced a man who appeared completely out of place. His skin was a healthy white, in the darkness that surrounded us, this man practically glowed. His hair was the color of gold, his eyes blue like the earthly sky. He wore a long, white gown of pure silk. \n\n\"Lucifer,\" I said calmly. \n\n\"Raziel,\" Lucifer replied with a smile. He passed by me to the edge of the path and looked down upon his realm of fire and anguish. \"So, do you like what I've done with the place? I've really turned it into something special, I think.\"\n\n\"There is nothing special about this place.\" I reached deep into my sleeve, reaching for a scroll. \"And this is not 'your place.' It is your prison. Never forget that.\"\n\n\"My prison.\" Lucifer let out a laugh, a magical, musical sound full of joy, but it began to change, becoming deeper and harsher. \"If this is my prison, why have I been allowed to roam so freely amongst the earth?\" I turned and saw him now, as he truly was. A tall, horrid black being with black crystal spikes growing on his back and shoulders like some disease. His eyes were two pinpricks of hateful orange light, the only features on his face. Horns made of black glass grew out the top of his head, forming a ring, almost like a crown. \n\n\"Let's be real, Raz,\" Satan hissed as he circled around me. \"Our 'all-knowing leader' was getting bored. He wanted a bad guy to fight, and I fit the bill.\"\n\n\"You were telling the other angels that God had made you as high and mighty as him, that he saw you as his equal.\" I pulled out my scroll and glared at Lucifer. \"Do not try to trick me. I'm not half as stupid as your blind followers.\"\n\nLucifer laughed. It sounded like a bass guitar mixed with the evil hiss of a snake. \"So you aren't bothered, then?\"\n\n\"By what?\"\n\n\"By him. He thinks he's above us, Raz,\" Lucifer hissed. I could hear the anger in his voice. \"Pride is a sin, except for him. He's a hypocrite. He actually expects us to worship and love him, yet he cannot even obey the commands he himself gave to Moses on the divine mountain!\" With an angry roar, he struck a nearby stalagmite, breaking it. \n\n\"He is above us,\" I said softly. \"He created us in his own image. He does not need us to be better than we are. He loves us.\"\n\n\"Love.\" The Devil spat on the ground near me feet. \"You are my oldest friend, and yet you remain a fool. The angel of mysteries you are, yet you cannot solve one to save your life. Your lord and savior is nothing more than an arrogant god who demands that all bow at his feet!\"\n\n\"And what of you?\" I nodded at the many demons hanging from the bloodred rock walls, watching us with their glowing orange eyes. \"You fashion yourself as above all your wicked brethren. To them, you proclaim yourself a god, and yet you are less than a maggot.\" I stood high. \"Do not try to sway me, old friend. I know what you really are.\" I held up the scroll in my hand. \"Nonetheless, I have not come here to bicker. I have something for you.\"\n\nLucifer's tail flickered in excitement. \"What is it?\"\n\n\"A command.\"\n\nLucifer snorted with laughter. \"As if I would ever-\"\n\n\"You have no choice,\" I said softly. \"None at all.\" I handed him the scroll. \"He just wants to talk. That's it.\"\n\nLucifer let out a heavy exhale. His fingers twitched. \"Is this a trick?\" He asked suspisciously. \"A trap?\"\n\n\"Why would it be?\" I cocked my head. \"You really think he couldn't just snap his fingers and bring you to him in an instant if he wanted to?\" I looked upon him, really taking him in for the first time. Despite all he had done, I felt sadness in my heart. \"You were good once, Luce.\"\n\n\"Good?\" Lucifer scoffed. \"I was never just good.\" He stuck his chest out proudly. \"I was great.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" I quietly agreed. \"You were.\" We looked at each other for a moment, and for just a moment, I felt no aura of hatred from him, but rather, despair, and beyond that, longing. But it was only for a second. He turned his back to me and walked off into the shadows. \n\n\"Go now,\" I heard him say. \"You've delivered your message, now begone from here, Raziel.\" As I turned back towards the tunnel from whence I came, I heard one last taunt. \"And remember, old friend- to him, you're nothing more than a tool for him to use. Have fun being his lapdog.\"\n\nI climbed back into the tunnel, wishing I hadn't come at all. \"Goodbye, Luce.\"" ]	2
	[WP] On board a flight, you noticed that after your plane went through a massive cloud, the sea below you is purple.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Reality+Fiction\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\\(Simple+Prompt\\)&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I have always hated flying. The thought of disappearing into the abyss or just falling out of the sky was terrifying. I couldn’t understand how people could be so confident about it. Yet here I was. \n\nIt was meant to be a short trip. Only 5 hours. I was meant to be able to see everything, but the weather was playing fickle. Clouds filled the airspace and visibility was greatly reduced. My hands held tight to the arm rests as we took off. Knuckles white. I shut my eyes tightly as the plane bounced. Then nothing. I thought I had died. I finally opened my eyes, watching as the ground gave way below me. My breath caught in my throat as tears filled my eyes. \n\nDeep breaths. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. It helped me relax a little. I tore my eyes away from the window. Staring at the seat in front of me. The plane was relatively empty and for some strange reason is put me at ease. You never heard of almost empty planes going down. Only the full ones. \n\nI had lost track of time. Staring at the seat in front. I dared a look out the window. I saw a glimpse of blue ocean below as the plane was enveloped by cloud. My breath caught again. I wasn’t expecting the clouds. Then the plane started shaking. Not violently. But enough to throw me. I was almost screaming. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Deep breaths\n\n Panic filled my mind. I was ready to just get up and run and scream. But it wouldn’t help. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.\n\nI could do it. I could. I could. Then it subsided. The shaking had finished. The cloud still outside the plane. I looked back towards the back of the seat. Releasing my hands from the arm rests, my fingers sore and cramped. \n\nI didn’t look outside again for what felt like another half hour. The cloud slowly getting thinner. As it finally parted the ocean below was a light purple. Darker patches interspersed between the light. Wow. It truly was a sight. My sister had never stopped talking about them and pictures truly did no justice. \n\nThis was my first time off Earth. My sister normally visited me. But she was pregnant and I had promised to come. The planet she had found truly was amazing. Maybe flying wasn’t so bad after all...\n\n\n\n————————————————————————-\nMore stories at r/DougysDramatics if you’d like to read them!" ]	2

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