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]the villain has won, they have successfully captured the heros. You and some other people are goons of the villain, and you are planning to free the heros. Why? Because you're here to get paid and pay your bills, not see the world explode and 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Fredricks surveyed the festivities below from his post. The Dark Lord and his lieutenants will be celebrating well into the night. Likely until the morning’s executions. Checking the time, he noted his shift would end in an hour. Now was as good a time as any to start his rounds and his last task for the day. Likely his last task of the entire regime. Tomorrow, it will all be over.\r \n\r \nStiffly, Fredricks turned and began to walk along the catwalk. His quiet passing was ignored by the guards as he passed behind their posts. At the end of the catwalk, he caught the eye of the last guard and received a barely perceptible nod. The ladder from the catwalk led down to the ground floor where Fredricks turned and walked along the back wall; heading for the kitchen. A server bearing a platter of drinks, came out of the kitchen door as Fredricks approached. Standing to the side, Fredricks let him pass while nodding slightly and receiving a nod of recognition in return. After a moment, Fredricks entered the kitchen. As he passed through, Fredricks looked about, observing the kitchen staff and each cook. Ostensibly he was checking for intruders, but with the most dangerous foes in the dungeon, it was at best half-hearted. \r \n\r \nAt the back of the kitchen, another door opened to the staircase to the dungeons. At the lower landing, Fredricks saluted the guards posted at the dungeon doors and entered without contest. As he strode down the hall, the soldier guarding each empty cell silently fell into step. The growing squad followed him down the hall and stopped with him at the heavily guarded entrance. Fredricks waved the final two guards off and stated, “You are relieved.”\r \n\r \nThe pair saluted and proceeded back down the hall. Fredricks paused, took a deep breath, patted his keys on his belt, pulled open the door and entered the high security wing. Inside there were just four cells, each occupied by an individual chained to the wall. He looked at each solemnly and then spoke,” Well, well, well. Here you all are, finally captured. It is a pity. We could have done so much good together, if we were willing. I want you to know, I’m not here to destroy the world, but to save it. The corruption has run too deep and it has to be cut out. Your deaths will…”\r \n\r \nFredricks speech was cut short as his eyes went wide. His hands came up to clutch at the spearhead suddenly thrust through his throat. As he collapsed, the other guard behind him caught him. There was a flurry of activity as the troop of guards quickly took Fredrick’s keys and opened the cells. Soon the four heroes were rubbing their previously shackled wrists. Finally, the hero of Sandpoint, Sir Hobbin, cleared his throat and asked, “Why?”\r \n\r \nThe guard holding the bloody spear turned to him and said, “Sir, seven copper pieces a day isn’t enough to let the world burn.”", "A reporter wiped sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief, and he asked, “Can you confirm to our viewers that the Janus Protocol has been initiated?”\n\nCameras flashed like fireflies in a dark, lush forest. Hands went up in the air. They had gathered for Mugfist’s press conference, where he’d announce the results of our global operation. A year ago, he had given humanity 365 days to straighten themselves out. To mitigate consequences of climate change by taking active measures to prevent further release of CO2 into the atmosphere. And if they failed? Well. Then Mugfist would initiate the Janus Protocol.\n\nMugfist took a step forward to the podium and bent down to speak into his microphone. “I gave you all a year. What did you do? What did you do with your precious time? You wasted it. You sent your heroes out to kill me rather than clean up the mess you’d made yourself.”\n\nI had spent enough time with the man to register the satisfaction in his voice. He had never expected them to succeed, I now realized. His plan had all along been to destroy the Earth.\n\nClearing his throat, the denim-clad mastermind said, “And what did I do with your heroes? Well, have a look.” He pointed a remote control at the giant screen behind him. In the crowd of journalists before us I could see looks of awe and of horror. Because on that screen were Leather Boy and Hamstring Jesus, chained to Mugfist’s doomsday device.\n\nHe released a ghoulish laugh. “Tomorrow your heroes will die. Tomorrow all of you will die. All because you couldn’t be bothered to do the right thing.”\n\nI’d first laid eyes on him when I was watching the news. A man had chained himself to the railings of a major highway, and he was blocking traffic. I saw them cut his chains on live TV and when he gave angry reporters his reason for doing it, it struck a chord with me. He said that we’re all acting like robots, living our lives on autopilot. The Titanic is sinking, and its passengers are upset because a guy is blocking access to a bathroom. It was true. What is an inconvenience compared to a major disaster?\n\nA pit formed in my stomach as Mugfist left the stage. What's the point of blowing up the Titanic because it's sinking?\n\n---\n\nIt’s me, Bitter Billy, and Frank. We’re a trio. We take pottery classes together. We joined Mugfist because we believed in him. We believed that he wanted to help, and that the Janus Protocol was only ever meant to be used as leverage.\n\n“It’s all gone to pieces,” said Frank. He sucked his cigarette hard and let out a puff of smoke. “The whole thing’s gone to pieces.”\n\nBitter Billy shook his head and waved Frank’s fumes away from his face. “No, it’s still just leverage. You’ll see.” He scratched his spotted beard. “Come morning, Mugfist will tell us it was all a strategy. That he’s come to an agreement with the leaders.”\n\nI had my doubts that Mugfist was, as he claimed, in negotiations with world leaders. Frank let out a wretched laugh. “S’never been more than mush in that skull o’yours, Billy.”\n\n“I’ll give you mush,” Bitter Billy said, and his chair screeched as he stood up with balled fists.\n\n“Settle down, fellas,” I said. “There’s no use in fighting. Mugfist told them what he told us: that he’s gonna activate the darn thing. If he’s lying to them, that’s one thing. But why lie to us? What’s the point?”\n\nGetting back into his seat, Bitter Billy nodded slowly. Frank blew smoke rings and as they jellyfished over our table I thought of supersonic waves and the sound the Earth might make when it cracks. I continued. “There’s only two Platinum-level heroes alive, and we’ve got them both locked up underground. Now, we might not get along with them, precisely, but we do know that neither Leather Boy nor Hamstring Jesus wants the Earth to get destroyed. Mugfist? Well, I think he just wants to see it all burn.”\n\nThere was a long silence. “How’s we let ‘em out? That’s what you’re getting at?” Frank gave me a cold, hard look. “We let ‘em out, after what them did?”\n\n“Exactly,” I said. “We let them out.”\n\n---\n\nDeep underground the air is so dry your lungs feel like fly paper. Mugfist claimed to be in meetings with the president of this and the prime minister of that, so he wasn’t likely to find out what we were up to. Not until it was too late.\n\nDressed in his daddy-dom leather garb, Leather Boy looked out of place as he quietly sobbed. Like something you’d see at a dirty toilet at a club late at night. Hamstring Jesus, on the other hand, sat in a lotus pose and as we entered with a smile creased across his thin lips. “What took you so long?” he said.\n\n“S’not like we’d it planned,” said Frank. “If you’re thinking you saw this coming all along.” Seeing Hamstring Jesus wouldn’t stop smiling, Frank reached into his pocket for Mugfist’s Destabilizer and he powered it on. “I’ve always preferred ol’ Leather Boy, you know?” he said and he pointed his device at Hamstring Jesus.\n\nBitter Billy entered the space between them. “But we did decide to free them,” he said. “He’s right.”\n\nAfter some tense seconds, Frank put his Destabilizer away and we freed the Platinum boys. Leather Boy zipped up his face mask and he said, with his smooth baritone voice, “I am grateful for your assistance. Now, we must deactivate the doomsday device before it is too late.”\n\nAdjusting his toga, Hamstring Jesus said, “We’ll take care of Mugfist. You three try and see if there’s an off button on that thing.” He pointed at the aluminum monstrosity before us, a titanous roar of a thing buried deep below ground.\n\n“We’ll give it a go,” I said, though I had my doubts.\n\nAs Leather Boy and Hamstring Jesus squeaked and flexed their way upstairs, respectively, the three of us stood still, watching Mugfist’s device with awe. “S’just a hunk o’metal,” said Frank.\n\n“A big hunk of metal,” said Bitter Billy bitterly.\n\nIf we couldn’t figure out a way to turn this thing off, everyone would die.\n\nAnd that’s when we heard the sound of Mugfist’s robotic assistant, J-Ronica. “THE JANUS PROTOCOL HAS BEEN INITIATED. I REPEAT: THE JANUS PROTOCOL HAS BEEN INITIATED.”\n\nPearls of sweat formed on my forehead. It appeared that we would have to figure it out fast." ]	3
	[WP] "I love you!" Said the hero, by the villain's dead bed.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 the world encountered a global devastating attack by the villain and his followers that act more like his doomsday cult, the hero, a lone female who wishes only peace for the world walks into a hospital room. She has a single red rose and slowly approaches the villain. The villain is hooked up to breathing machines and heart monitors, keeping track of his slowing breaths and heartbeats. The silent room beeps as the sound echoes in the empty dark restroom in the corner. The hero approaches the deathbed of the villain.\n\n“You see?… I told you. I told you it was coming. It was magnificent. You should’ve been there…”\nThe villain coughs and blood starts to drip out of his mouth. The hero grabs some tissue and wipes it off for him.\n\n“I suppose in a way… you were right.” The hero shows no feelings of ill will whatsoever toward the villain. She just wipes the blood from his lip and chin with a small grin just under this false demeanor.\n\n“Huh..” The villain is noticing this and is trying to figure out exactly what is happening here.\n\nThe hero looks down at the villain with her brown hypnotic eyes. “Do you ever wonder what would’ve happened if… we just left that night?”\n\n“Our pursuit of peace?.. We do have peace now, if that’s what you’re wondering… the world was in chaos and you helped me rid this planet of global extinction. They’re all united against an enemy they believe will be back any day.”\n\n“Do you think… if we left that night… you wouldn’t have done what you did?”\n\n“Absolutely… you were my love. And your wish to bring peace to me, well, I now bright it to you. Bough you may not love no more, I still think about you. Even now…”\n\n“I thought about you so much too… but I did keep my promise.”\n\nThe villain, confused and coughing more, tries to sit up but the hero pushes him back down to the bed gently.\n\n“You see… I wanted peace for you. I wanted peace for everybody. If we want peace, we need a peaceful world. I could not bare to bring myself to harm anyone… you know this. I cannot ever think to hurt you, even now. Though we had to fight in the end but I had purpose for that. It was necessary.”\n\nStill confused, the villain tries to make sense of his former lover’s words.\n\n“I would never have had the stomach to set fire the entire world… but I knew you would. I sent you the plans to execute your plan. I sent you the people I knew would follow you till the very end. And I knew how to stop you. That’s why I knew where to find you.”\n\nShocked but still confused, the villain speaks up.\n\n“Wait.. wait. What are you talking about?”\n\n“Shhh.. don’t speak. Save your strength, my love. I still hold you close to me. Look at your work now. It’s amazing. The world will unite now and global peace, our dream, will finally come true.. the UN is already gonna hold a summit on how to combine a worldwide military force to protect our planet. It’s… unbelievable. So, you see? We’re together now… the world is at peace. So, now we can be at peace too.”\n\nThe heart monitor begins to speed up as his body begins to convulse, but not before speaking his final words.\n\n“My dear… you’re a monster. You’re insane…!”\n\nHis eyes roll into his head as his heart monitor beeps keep accelerating and his body shakes more violently. The hero keeps her hand on his cheek while smiling at him. Then, his monitor comes to a steady beep. His body stops shaking and then becomes completely still. No breathing, no noises, just silent.\n\nThe hero sheds a single tear before pulling his bed sheets over his face.\n\n“I love you!” Said the hero, by the villain’s death bed." ]	2
	[WP] When someone’s time to die comes, a mark shows up on their body and it’s the responsibility of a government team to track them down and kill them. You are on the government team, hiding a mark of your own.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 hated it. Every single second of it. Taking the life of innocent people daily was taking its tole on me, especially when it happened to be the kids. But that’s just life. You get accustomed to the shit you hate and if you are like me, just grow numb to it. \n\nEvery day is a repeated cycle. Wake up. Shower. Drink my plain black coffee. Dress and brush my teeth and leave my apartment. I would lock my door and fall behind in the single file line all the way to the office. \n\nLet me clear the confusion in the air. As you are born, doctors stamp your skin with your expiration date. It’s invisible to the human eye, nobody sure of when their time comes, but when it does, and large black mark shows up on your neck. When this happens, us soldiers have to go and…toss the goods. \n\nI repeated this routine for days, months, years. It was tiring, but like I stated before you grow numb to it. \n\nAt the end of my days, I go home and pop in those microwaveable dinners, crack open a bud and sit into my rocking chair, skimming through the limited channels I received. \n\nAfter drowning my sorrows in the cheap alcohol, I would trudge to bed and cry myself to sleep. \n\nI thought I had it all figured out. I had my routine in place that I begrudgingly went along with everyday. Hell, I even had some buddies at work that helped to suppress my sorrows. \n\nBut that all disappeared when I got up this morning. \n\nI went along with my usual morning routine. I woke up and hobbled over to the shower. Leaving the bathroom in nothing but a towel, I made myself some coffee, savoring the bitterness of the liquid and praying it woke me up. I went and got dressed and brushed my teeth, and that was when I noticed it. \n\nStaring back at me in my reflection was a thick, dark dash along my throat. \n\nPanic seeped into my bones as I made with my fate. But the person inside of me that longed for life, the one not shut down by my depressing thoughts jumped to action. \n\nI ducked under the cabinet and dug through my late wife’s makeup, her having succumbed to the mark as well. \n\nI found her concealing cream, squeezing as much as I could into my palm and massaging it all over my neck. \n\nLooking over the shabby job of concealment, I dug through my closet, finding the old sweater with the moth-eating holes. \n\nI tugged it on and gave myself another once over. \n\nThe mark was hidden. \n\nFor now. \n\nI rushed out of my apartment and into the streets, falling into line. \n\nWalking into the office building, I went into the back room and locked the door, taking a deep breath. \n\nNobody would know if I didn’t make it so obvious. \n\nI laughed and shook my fears, pushing them behind me. \n\n\nI went along with my work day, roaming the streets and local markets, finding each and every expired person. \n\nBeing a well trained team, it disheartened me to find that my team hadn’t figured out my shenanigans, and it made me feel beyond guilty. \n\nBut I had to keep on. \n\nI pushed through my day and made it to the end, burning rubber as I sped from home. \n\nFinally running inside the confines of my apartment, I let out a deep breath I’ve been holding all day. \n\nI let myself relax and get back into the habits I stuck to. \n\nNight time came as I sipped the bud and watched a prerecorded basketball game that has aired god knows how many times. \n\nI clicked the television off, standing up and earning a fuss from my bones when there came a knock on my door. \n\nI froze, glancing myself over in the mirror. \n\nAs far as I could tell, the concealing cream still hid my dirty lie, so I went to the door. \n\n“Who is it?” I called to the hallway. It was rare for me to get visitors these days. \n\n“It’s Rick,” called out my bosses deep voice. \n\nPanic spread through me as I straightened my appearance. \n\nOpening the door, I plastered a fake smile on my face, looking into my bosses eyes. \n\n“Hey Rick, what’s got you stopping by this late?” I asked him. \n\nHe stood silent for a good while before smiling. \n\n“Sorry, Bobby, you’re one of my best workers, but you can’t cheat the system,” he reached into his pocket and pulled out a gun. \n\nPanic. “What do you mean?” \n\nPanic. “You know exactly what I mean.” \n\nPanic. He aimed the gun at my forehead and the last thing I noticed before he pulled the trigger was the dark black mark spread across his neck." ]	2
	[WP] In order to preserve balance in the world, should you choose to take up a weapon you will have a natural ability for an inversely powerful weapon. Strong weapon, weak wielder, etc. all to achieve a median strength. You choose to take up a weapon, and you find an affinity with a needle.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Ouch!\"\n\nI drew back my hand in surprise from the whirling blades, a crimson drop blooming on my fingertip. It had…hurt, more than I had expected at least. Which was surprising, all things considered. \n\n“Took you long enough. SHUT IT OFF!” \n\n\nAt once, the roar of metal and wind was silenced, and the maelstrom of weapons behind the glass fell to the sterilized white floor like a room full of shattered ceiling fans. Clangs still echoed for a moment as the higher blades fell among the rubble, toppling over or catching on the lip of the hole I had just pulled my hand back through. \n\nCaptain Jacob grinned at me, hefting the blunt wooden bat at his back. A good weapon, that, sturdy enough without being lethal. Perfect for the kind of man that could easily kill you with his own bare hands, if he ever stopped playing ball for long enough to bother. Or stopped showing off. \n\n“Nice one,” he said. “Been a while since we needed to fire up the Sorter. What kind of damage we looking at?” \n\n“Just this.” I offered up my finger, where a single drop of blood still shone. \n\n“Hmmm…tricky to the end, I see. We’re looking for something with a point. Must have just clipped you…let’s hope that it didn’t go too far. WALL DOWN!” \n\nAt his yell, the glass began to descend. Jacob hopped over before it had even finished, sorting through the piles of lethally-sharp objects with his bare hands. I winced instinctively, even though I knew he was fine. It hadn’t cut me, after all. Nothing in that pile could hurt him, either, unless he tripped over a hidden baseball bat buried in the wreckage. \n\n“Are we sure it isn’t gone?” I said, after minutes of watching weaponry fly through the air into miserable piles of useless metal. \n\n“No way. Machine’s too smart.” Jacob replied. “The same enchantment that keeps it from hurting you will keep your gear from vanishing as it magics up the next lot to throw at you. Here, catch!” \n\nHe threw a shuriken at me, causing me to yelp in surprise. It bounced off my outstretched hands point-first, but didn’t draw blood.\n\n“What the hell!?”\n\n“Sorry,” Jacob grinned, not looking sorry at all. “Couldn’t resist. When the machine found my bat, it nearly broke my arm. I was so happy I couldn’t stop crying.”\n\nI raised an eyebrow at him. \n\n“Yeah, alright. I admit, I hoped you’d catch it. I’d have a real shinobi on my hands! Wouldn’t that be something?” \n\n“Yeah. A bleeding, pissed shinobi.”\n\nJacob shrugged. “Didn’t work anyway. Not your weapon.” \n\nHe sifted another pile out of the way with a grunt. \n\n“Now hang on, he almost whispered. “What do we have here?”\n\nThis time, he didn’t throw anything like I expected, but cradled something like a baby bird. Gingerly, he hopped up. \n\n“Try this on for size.” \n\nHe tipped out his hands into mine, and I felt something fall into my palm\n\nIt was a single, silvery needle, tip crimson with blood. \n\n“What does it mean?” I asked. \n\n“It means…either you’re going to be the strongest damn assassin that ever lived…or you’re gonna be one hell of a seamstress.”" ]	2
	[WP] The manifestations of mercy and forgiveness and of vengeance and punishment have a chess match while discussing their own natures and ideals.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "In the event that judgement should be passed, how can it be decided what ought to be done? This question can't be answered objectively, as judgement itself is a human conception. Unsurprisingly, it's settled in a human way; which is to say whether it will be to forgive or to punish depends entirely on the development of the judge's perspective. These two possibilities will battle in the mind of the judge, until one has dominated the other.\n\nIt should be noted that mercy or vengeance may have a clear advantage in the beginning, and yet lose in one moment. This is a common theme in all things human, and one of the most notable themes in the greatest of all human games; the game of chess.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You leave yourself open too often\", muttered Vengeance.\n\nVengeance's black bishop slides to b4. Black takes white's bishop.\n\n\"And you are too afraid to sacrifice\", countered Mercy.\n\nMercy's white knight moves to f6, in range for a strike against the black queen; the threat of the black bishop now gone.\n\n\"A sacrifice implies something gained, for something lost\", Vengeance grinned\n\nVengeance moves black queen to a4, a maneuver that pins white's pawn down to protect it's king.\n\n\"I stand to gain much. You often forget the bigger picture\", Mercy covers her mouth and lets out a small giggle.\n\nMercy moves white pawn from b2 to b3, poised to take the black queen.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nYou might wonder, \"Why do you consider chess the greatest of all human games?\"\n\nThe answer is, chess makes you become your opponent. Against an equally skilled adversary, you cannot win if you don't consider their perspective.\n\nSomething I find beautiful about chess is that when two evenly matched players play again and again, over and over, they come to know their opponent better than themselves.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"How many do you think, have taken advantage of the innocent, because of mercy?\" Asked Vengance; calculating his next move.\n\n\"Hmm\", Mercy paused.\n\n\"And how many of the innocent have suffered, because of vengeance?\"\n\nVengeance moved white rook to a7,\n\n\"Your problem is that you don't believe anyone capable of deciding what another deserves.\"\n\nMercy scanned the board, and moved black knight to b5.\n\n\"Is that a problem? If so, then what is it to believe forgiveness is weakness?\"\n\n\"It IS weakness. Surely you see that. To wipe your hands of all responsibility. How convenient it must be to say it's not your place to right the wrongs of others\", Vengeance slammed his fist on the table.\n\n\"So it's strength then, to rave at what can't be changed? Yes, how strong it is to kick and bite like a child at all things you don't find acceptable\", Mercy rolled her eyes.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nRound and round like this, these two go. Such is the arbitration of passing judgement. You can't blame them for being so pig headed, as they'll never understand why they can't move past one another.\n\nAs you may have noticed by now, just like in chess, these two are actually one. On the surface, opposites, but underneath; they're nothing without the other.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You know, you're lucky I'm here at all.\" Mercy wagged her finger at Vengeance, \"Should you ever go too far, you'll beg for me.\"\n\nVengeance took a sharp breath,\n\n\"YOU'RE the lucky one! If not for me then there'd be no high road for you to take! You'll beg for me when it's you that has been slighted.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nGame after game. Match after match. Judgement after judgement. What ought to be done when judgement is passed, is a battle between vengeance and mercy. This struggle has no right side, but the fact that it happens at all is a beautiful miracle I think. When it's your turn to decide what ought to be done, think it through and wait until you hear,\n\n\"Checkmate.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You sell your soul to the devil in exchange for never having your words twisted ever again. You then rub a genie's lamp and wish for your soul 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "“Well shit, that didn’t go as planned,” I muttered to myself.\n\nThis could only be Hell. There’s sort of a constant far-off shrieking happening, I woke up drenched in sweat in twisted sheets and my neck hurts like, well, you know. I’m also wearing wet socks I can’t take off. My toothpaste is tuna flavored, and when breakfast comes it’s a fried egg that’s more raw than fried and has gone cold, and coffee with so many grounds in it you could chew it. There’s a glass of milk too, but it’s warmer than the egg and definitely past its best. A loud rotary phone rings 6 times before I finish eating – all telemarketers. Yep – definitely Hell.\n\nThe lesson here is not to play tricks on the devil. Naturally he’s an expert in contract law, being the first ever lawyer. When the genie recaptured my soul, of course the devil promptly scheduled a Zoom call (complete with poor connection) to inform me of the nullification of my contract. Great. Now not only would be words be able to be twisted once again, but my soul was once again bound to service of Satan for eternity. Total bummer.\n\n“Laaarsss!” I shouted, hoping supernatural beings could just hear through the ether. Lars is the genie’s name, and I am not surprised that you haven’t heard of him because he isn’t very good.\n\n“Master – I am at your service. You have two more wishes,” he answered after suddenly appearing. It worked!\n\n“I’m so glad you’re here man, er – Lars. I would like to make my second wish. Get me out of hell.”\n\n“Your wish is my command!”\n\n“Oh for SHIT'S sake!” I wake up in a vat of pickle juice and Lucky Charms, with a flaming banshee screaming 6 inches away from my face. It has garlic breath. My arms and legs are in irons that are not only almost hot enough to burn but my leg and arm hairs have been caught in them. They’re also about 3 inches too short for me to scratch a raging itch on the top of my head. I’ve got one on the sole of my left foot as well. Instead of the telemarketers, I have three door to door salesmen standing at my vat asking if I want a demonstration of their products. And breakfast, well – I was swimming in it. Stupid Lars granted my wish to get out of Hell by sending me to Hell 2.\n\n“Laaaaaaarsss!” I shrieked.\n\n“Master – I am at your service. You have one more wish,” he replied.\n\n“Ok – I am going to keep this simple. Send me to Heaven.”\n\n“Your wish is my command!”\n\nI open my eyes and realize I am on a sticky floor. Two burly men are standing over me, asking a scantily clad woman next to them if she wants me thrown out. “You ok, sugar?” she says to me. “Who are you and where am I?” I ask, afraid of the answer.\n\n“I’m Destiny, darlin’, and you’re in Heaven,” she said with a smile. I quietly sigh, realizing that Heaven must be the name of this disturbingly filthy strip club. God, Lars is the worst." ]	2
	[WP] As far as the townsfolk of Wilcomrick know, they’re the only remaining trace of humanity left alive on the planet. Today though, is the day they were greeted by a very…very strange visitor.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\r \n\r \n“He says his name is Larry,” the messenger said. “And he needs to talk to the village elder.” \r \n\r \nJohn put down his parchment and looked up. The messenger had lost a shade or two of color, and even though it was cold outside, he noticed a bead of sweat running down the messenger’s temple. This wasn’t a festive prank. This wasn’t a Saint Nick play. They really had a visitor for the first time in hundreds of years. \r \n\r \nJohn stood and walked out of his small building. Although the seat of the government for the village of Wilcomrick, the building was made with logs and moss. The front had limestone columns that would need to be replaced by the masons soon. They could build something with a bit more grandeur, but to impress whom? As far as they knew, they were the last bit of humanity and had given up the pomp and circumstance of impressing visitors. No wars between colonies. No survivors limping in to beg for aid. Now it was just the 500 people that made up the village. \r \n\r \nExcept for the man called Larry. \r \n\r \nLarry was a tall man. Taller than any of the rest of them. 6’5 at least and it was unusual enough that it brought people out of their shops and stores to stare at him as he waited in the town square. But besides his height, his clothing was peculiar as well. It was made from a fabric that John didn’t recognize. Certainly not cotton or wool. And the colors were different. Purples and reds that seemed to blend into each other, but when Larry turned to look around, the colors changed to yellows and blues. John realized that the color depended on the perspective of the person looking. \r \n\r \nNo one had a living memory of a visitor outside of the village. They would have to check their records to actually determine how long it had been. \r \n\r \n“’Greetings,” said Larry as John stopped in front of him. The village was quiet and there was no need to shout. But Larry’s voice carried somehow, as if it was amplified. “I am Larry.” \r \n\r \n“Hello, Larry,” said John. Then he stood, honestly having no idea what to say to a visitor. Remembering himself, he decided that hospitality was in order before serious questions. “Would you like some tea? We grow it ourselves and it is very relaxing after a long journey.” \r \n\r \n“Tea?” asked Larry. \r \n\r \n“Um, flavored water. It has a way of calming you as well as providing energy. As we have no knowledge of any settlement within a thousand of miles, I imagine that you a bit tired.” \r \n\r \n“Oh, you are right. There is no settlement within a thousand miles. Or ten-thousand miles for that matter.” \r \n\r \nPeculiar speech from a peculiar man. \r \n\r \n“Please, get our guest some tea and some of the cheeses from the barn,” said John to his aid. Then, turning back to Larry, “I am John. Elected leader of the village of Wilcomrick.” \r \n\r \n\r \n“A pleasure,” said Larry \r \n\r \n“Now, please tell me where you come from. How many there are. You’ll excuse me if we all seem a little bit flabbergasted. We were under the impression that we were the last surviving members of humanity.” \r \n\r \nLarry spun in a circle which made his clothing appear like a rainbow. “Marvelous. Just Marvelous,” he said to no one in particular. “You know, I would have thought things would have been different. More, um, advanced? But no. Log buildings, dirt roads mostly with the exception of the cobblestone through the middle of town. And the dress is pretty much the same, even after all these years.” \r \n\r \nJohn had no idea what Larry was talking about. More oddities on top of oddities. \r \n\r \n“We are thriving, and currently we have the highest number of people in the village in our history. A bit over 500 now.” \r \n\r \n“Yeah, sorry about that,” Larry said. \r \n\r \n“I don’t understand,” John said. The tea and cheese arrived, and Larry took a sip and smiled. \r \n\r \n“So authentic!” Larry said. \r \n\r \nThe crowd around John began to get restless. A few people began shouting their own questions. Where do you come from? Are there more? Sally from the general store wanted to know about Larry’s clothing. \r \n\r \n“As you can see, you’ve caused quite a stir,” said John. \r \n\r \n“I imagine I have. So, some answers then. Yes, you are the last of humanity,” Larry began. “And you are John, named after your father. Who was named after his father, and so on. And she is Sally, named after her mother. All of your names arrive from the original settlers.” \r \n\r \nJohn suddenly had the impression that this Larry had been spying on them. \r \n\r \n“And in your history, you have battled plagues and sicknesses. Natural disasters and unfortunate accidents. Some things you could explain. And some you could…not.” \r \n\r \n“The God Almighty doesn’t always give a reason,” said the preacher from behind John. \r \n\r \n“Of course, not. Still with a that. Ok, well, moving on. Your own knowledge of what happened to humanity may be a bit muddled. A war, a sickness, you were never sure. And where ever you looked, not a single one was found.” \r \n\r \n“That is correct,” said John. “All of that is correct.” \r \n\r \n“Well, it was a little bit of everything. A declining climate caused rising tensions. Disagreements between nations became wars. Wars escalated into genocides. Genocides led to nuclear bomb reprisals. And all of this happened thousands and thousands of years ago.” \r \n\r \nAt this point, John had enough. Larry had obviously been wandering in the wilderness for his entire life and had gone insane. Their colony was only 500 years old. Not thousands. John would go through the records and see if there was ever a reported missing person. He signaled to his soldiers that had been held at bay. They drew their swords. \r \n\r \nA white light appeared in the sky. Beams of this light froze the soldiers in place. People began to scream. \r \n\r \n“Tell me,” said John. “You think I am human?” \r \n\r \n“Yes,” John chocked out. He was sure this was the rapture. \r \n\r \n“I am not, although I appear to be human for your sakes. And can you tell me the name of your colony, before Wilcormick?” \r \n“Roanoke,” said John. \r \n\r \n“Well, in Earth’s history you’re known as the lost colony of Roanoke. Although you were never lost. Your ancestors just went on a bit of a trip. And not to get physics involved too much here, but your ancestors where brought back at the end. You were an insurance policy, you see. To make sure that your species got another chance. Which in this case, proved to be correct. And so, we’ve kept your numbers down through plagues and natural disasters, again sorry about that, while the planet healed.” \r \n\r \n“I…” John began, trying to find his voice. But forgot it once again as a large craft of some kind materialized above the village. \r \n\r \n“Well, the good news is that the planet is ready to go. Thanks in no small part to us. And now, it’s ready for you again. Please try to make a better go of it this time.” \r \n\r \nAnd with that, Larry disappeared in one of the lights and the Lost Colony of Roanoke found their way home." ]	2
	[WP] An artist yearns to regain an enchanted statue that he sold at the beginning of his career. To do so, he must negotiate with someone he dislikes and distrusts.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "##Swans and Vultures\n\nPaulo takes a sip of his coffee before Emanuel. His slurping makes Emanuel's eye twitch, and Paulo drags the slurping as long as possible. Paulo puts the coffee down and picks up his bagel. Paulo bares his teeth before nibbling on the bagel like a hideous squirrel. \n\n\"Is everything to your liking?\" Emanuel asks. \n\n\"This coffee shop has always been adequate,\" Paulo doesn't stop chewing as he speaks. Coffee-coated bagel pieces spread across the table, \"And today is no different.\"\n\n\"Well, I'm glad that you found the meal satisfactory. Now, I have a business proposition,\" Paulo holds a finger up to Emanuel's face. Paulo continues to eat the bagel slowly and slurp his coffee.\n\n\"You may continue,\" a bagel bit lands on Emanuel's nose.\n\n\"Right, a long time ago, I gave Jennifer a swan sculpture as a birthday gift.\"\n\n\"Oh Jennifer, did she ever learn how to carry a tune?\" Paulo asks.\n\n\"What are you talking about? Jennifer has always been a virtuosos,\" Emanuel shakes his head, \"Nevermind, the point is that I gave her the statue. Later, she hit on some hard times.\"\n\n\"No doubt due to her poor singing voice.\"\n\n\"She hit on some hard times and had to sell it. Recently, I decided to track it down, and after speaking with several dealers, I discovered you are the current owner,\" Emanuel smiles.\n\n\"Hmm a swan statue,\" Paulo wipes his mouth, \"Yes, it's currently in my possession. Why do you desire it? Can't you make a new one.\"\n\n\"It's the last piece I made in my old studio. I'm feeling nostalgic,\" Emanuel says.\n\n\"That's a stupid reason. I don't believe you.\"\n\n\"It's the truth.\"\n\n\"No, it isn't. Tell me the truth, or I'm leaving,\" Paulo stands. Emanuel holds up his hands.\n\n\"Okay, fine. It was lie. The truth is. I put an enchantment on it for Jennifer. I didn't know she sold it until now, and I want the enchantment back,\" Emanuel says.\n\n\"Clearly the enchantment wasn't for musical talent.\"\n\n\"Oh my god, cool it. We're not talking about Jennifer here.\"\n\n\"I can insult her if I want. I'm the one with the statue,\" Paulo shows his teeth to Emanuel. A large chunk of spinach hangs from one side. Spinach wasn't in the meal. How long has it been there.\n\n\"Yes, I know. I'm prepared to offer you $50,000 for it,\" Emanuel says.\n\n\"That is a low initial offer. Let me tell you something. I sensed magic on the statue so I hired a mage to identify it. He says it is the best luck charm he ever saw. You are a talented enchanter, but I didn't know you were that good.\"\n\n\"I'm not. I got extremely lucky that day.\"\n\n\"Interesting, and you want it back to recreate the spell. One million,\" Paulo says. Emanuel's jaw drops.\n\n\"I don't even have that much money.\"\n\n\"But you will acquire it with the statue for sure.\"\n\n\"I can do one-hundred thousand.\"\n\n\"One million.\"\n\n\"Two-hundred thousand.\"\n\n\"One million.\"\n\n\"Five-hundred thousand.\"\n\n\"Paid in monthly deposits over the course of ten years with eight percent interest, and you have a deal,\" Paulo grabs Emanuel's hand. Golden snakes emerge and bind them.\n\n\"Damnit, I knew you would pull a trick like that on me.\" Emanuel growls.\n\n\"It must be my lucky day,\" Paulo pulls out his suitcase and opens it, \"I just randomly decided to bring the statue to a coffee shop.\"\n\n\"Yes, randomly,\" Emanuel rolls his eyes. Paulo takes out the swan statue. Emanuel grabs it and walks away, \"I hope I never have to do business with you again.\"\n\n\"That's sad. You're such a good mark,\" Paulo laughs so hard that his seat breaks.\n\n\"Huh, this is a good enchantment,\" Emanuel smiles at the statue as he walks out the door.\n\n---\n\nr/AstroRideWrites" ]	2
	[WP] A wolf sized spider with the intelligence of a human and the voice of Terry Crews moves into your back yard and asks you for cookies.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"COOOOOOOOOOKKKKIIIEEE!!!\" Yells the extremely large spider who just appeared in my back yard.\n\n\"Excuse me?\" \n\n\"I WANT A COOKIE!\"\n\n\"Oh, well, I don't have any. If you don't mind, I could run down to the store and get some. Any particular flavor?\"\n\n\"NOT CHOCOLATE!\"\n\n\"Lovely choice. See you again in a few.\"\n\n\\car engine starts, tire axels groan and the sound of a car drives away\\\n\n15 minutes later\n\n\"I got some Snickerdoodle cookies, how many do you want?\"\n\n\"2!\"\n\n\"Just 2 cookies?\"\n\n\"YES!\"\n\n\\sounds of giant spider mashing 2 soft Snickerdoodle cookies into its mandibles\\\n\n\"We done now?\"\n\n\"Yep.\"\n\n\"Lovely, have a nice night.\"\n\n\\sound of wolf sized spider walking away\\\n\n\"Huh... that was weird.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You're the only person who can see Death and speak to them. You eventually become a doctor, and when you sit beside the patient's bed, you bargain with death, paying an hour for the man's life with an hour of 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 sat with Mr. Harmon, whose wife was on her way after a tearful phone call informing her of her husband's accident. He wasn't going to make it through the evening and any first year intern could tell that. The fact that he was conscious alone was a small miracle. Most patients with a hole in their chest were unable to deal with the shock, yet here he was, holding out hope for saying goodbye to his wife.\n\nJust then I got that feeling that had initially haunted me, yet now often provided a sense of comfort. This was not a time though that I wished to see my old friend.\n\nDeath was here.\n\nI turned around and sure enough, Death stood at the entrance to the room, slowly assembling itself out of the cosmic ether into a form suitable to ferry its latest ward to the beyond. Death nodded to me once its head had materialized, as was its custom greeting.\n\n'Please, do not take this man yet' I thought, knowing Death would hear my plea to it.\n\n'All life has a expiry, this one has reached theirs' came the haunting echo within my mind as Death came closer to Mr. Harmon.\n\n'I understand there needs to be balance, but please let this man say goodbye to his wife, an hour will be all he needs. If there needs to be a trade I will gladly give an hour of my life for his'. I pleaded, hoping Death would grant me my only request I had ever asked of it. I started to shake with nervousness and I tasted copper but brushed it off while searching Death's face for an answer.\n\nDeath stood there for a moment, unwaivering before it looked at me 'This I can do, but there will be consequences.'\n\n'Whatever the price I will pay it'. I had no one to wait for me or miss me besides my students, it seemed only fair for Mr. Harmon to take advantage of time I most likely wouldn't miss.\n\nDeath stood for a moment longer and than began to retreat. As it did I felt a sadness wash over it. 'Seldom is it that individuals will sacrifice themselves for a stranger. I will be back to collect this life in one hour.' \n\nI bowed to Death in appreciation before I heard the last thing Death would ever say to me. \n\n'Be well Marcus Williams, as eternity and immortality will be your burden from this day forward. In five minutes you will have a severe and normally fatal heart attack, but now you will live. You will be the only one to ever outlast your expiry as you have now exceeded your expiry by fifty five minutes'. \n\nMy blood ran cold as Death vanished from my sight, and I started to have a strange tingle in my arm.\n\nMinutes later I collapsed as Mrs. Harmon arrived, and I was at peace with my burden." ]	2
	[WP] Earth emits a gigantic anti-magic field. The first astronauts sent to Mars have begun to awaken to their latent magical abilities.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "If there was one thing that I knew about scientists is that they sure love to keep me waiting\n\n \nI had been sitting in this pale, sterile, and empty “dome” for what felt like hours and not even the buzzing of the lights appeared to have a variation. Everything was calculated in the room, despite the short amount of time they had to set it up. There was even a poster of a cat hanging off a tree-branch that I could have sworn was staring at me. \n\n \nNow, if you don’t know what a “dome” is, well it’s a dome. Something NASA cooked up back on Earth for us to use as temporary habitats while we colonized Mars, and no, the official name for it is not a “dome”, it’s probably “human habitat” or something else but at this point I could care less. They come in a variety of sizes, and this one was on the smaller side. The walls of a dome look like the fabric of a tent, but believe me when I tell you there isn’t a harder material I’ve seen in years. Just putting your hand against it feels like putting your hand against wood. \n\n \nI strain my eyes at the poster once again, in what is effectively a never ending staring contest that I will always lose, despite that I still try. Water begins to roll down my cheek and I can feel my eyes turning red for the twelfth time in the past hour. The pain was unbearable, but I pushed on. That cat would blink before I die if it’s the last thing I accomplished. \n\n \nThat smug bastard just stares at me, all day, as if judging me from atop it’s little tree of judgment. I bet it feels oh-so good about itself, judging people, as they get their weekly check-ups from the doc. I swear if I could I’d teach it a thing-or-two about manners and personal space if I could get the little fucker out of the poster. Oh that son-nova’ bitch is gonna get it when I get my hands on him, thinking he is all cute with his “words of encouragement” bullshit. THE POSTER DOESN’T EVEN HAVE ANY WORDS!\n\n \nAnd at that moment, a miracle happened. Just as the pain was reaching even higher levels of masochism I had never achieved, the cat blinked. It blinked. IT BLINKED. \n\n \n“FUCK YEAH! YOU TAKE THAT YOU SMUG BASTARD!” I stood off the small bed the nurse had me sit on for my check-up, throwing my hands in the air. I BEAT THE FUCKER\n\n \n“YEAH BABY! WOO! THAT’S WHAT IT-” My celebration is cut short by the dome door opening, revealing the same nurse, with a deep look of disappointment.\n\n \n“Mr. Woods, if you would ever so kindly keep the volume down, we are having an important conversation here!” After she finishes she slams the door, leaving me stunned, and in silence.\n\n \nThey are having an important conversation… without me? Really? If it wasn’t for my body we wouldn’t even be on Mars. So they go and talk about special people's jargon without even telling me? I get I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, but damn, they could have at least told me first.\n\n \nMy lip curls into a scowl, as I, the full grown man, stomps back to the small bed, huffs, plops down on it, and I fold my arms across my chest for extra poutiness. I look back at the cat poster to see that its eyes are once again open, and staring at me, again.\n\n \n\\[ Quick side-note. This is my first ever prompt response! It is a pleasure to begin writing again after so long. The last time I wrote is when I still did cringey-fan-fics as a middle schooler, and I hope my skills have improved beyond that. If you want to watch my writing improve over time, and be there from the beginning of the subreddit, go give r/CrowsLibrary a join-age and enjoy! Hope you all have fun, and I can’t wait to see you all tear apart my writing in the hopes of making me improve! \\]\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\[ and I hope loosely following the prompt isn't that big of a deal \\]", "had to break this up into two parts, this is part one\n\n___\n\nThe red dust in my wake exploded as pockets of air were atomized before violently rushing to fill their own vacuum with enough force to spark. Thermobaric explosions ignited my footsteps, and I leapt higher than any Earth creature could dream of, a sonic boom emitted from where my feet lifted off the ground as the thin Martian atmosphere was rent in a way to propel my jumping. Behind me came the shrill call of my former captain, eyes aglow with a fiery passion. \n\n“Run, coward! If you do not see my cause, you will burn with the rest!”\n\n“I’m just a fucking biologist, you crazy son of a bitch!” \n\nI called back in shrieks between panting. \n\n“I’m not fuckin’ goin’ to war with Earth with you! I can’t even hold a gun!”\n\nCaptain Hartmann simply laughed. I could almost imagine him throwing his cloak back as he marched towards my fallen form. Despite the impressive leap, I neglected to stick the landing. \n\n___\n\n“Yo, pass it to the plant boy,”\n\nSomeone tapped my shoulder, and an expensive-looking bottle of alcohol was dangled in front of my face. I blinked wearily and looked around the lander. By some cruel twist of fate, the crew planner had put me with the security detail of the future Mars colony and not the rest of the biologists. I’d wanted to get some sleep and ignore the contractors, UN Members, and whatever riffraff the corporations had scrounged from their Terran security teams. It looked like that wouldn’t be the case. \n\n“I, ah, don’t drink?”\n\n“You sleep easier when you’re drunk. Hey, this was over a hundred dollars, so we need to get some mileage out of it,”\n\nThe guy offering it to me was, somehow, not the stereotypical Russian, despite the patch on his uniform stating he was from the country. His accent was certainly rather muted, and his Caesar cut made him look more Italian to my untrained American eye. Still, I took the bottle and drank until the soldier looked satisfied. As I drank, I watched the girl to his right completely disassemble his rifle while he wasn’t looking. The pieces began floating through the null gravity, and the woman was quick to snatch up the smaller ones before anything had happened to them. Her patch stated her to be Canadian, and from this angle I was able to read her nameplate. ‘Gyllenstierna’, a word I wasn’t prepared to try pronouncing. \n\n“Not bad, kid. We’ll make a— what the fuck is…? Yo, what the hell did you do to my rifle?!”\n\nI handed the alcohol to the next in line, my mouth burning and my eyes watering. The taste wasn’t bad, until the actual alcohol hit. I rested my head against the seat and blinked, hoping I wasn’t going to puke all over my new friends. \n\n___\n\n“Down, kid!”\n\nCame the muted Russian I’d heard on my first day. Vyacheslav pushed me to the ground as a wall of red rock appeared in front of us, and from below I got a good view of his reassembled rifle being mounted to the structure. Gunshots pierced the empty atmosphere, exploding the minimal oxygen present. Another burst of air shattered through the noise of automatic weapons fire, and Vyacheslav ran out of ammunition. The barrier cracked and crumbled whilst the athletic Russian forced me to my feet. As he dragged me along, the barrier shattered into numerous rock shards, which flew at Mach speeds towards the Captain, still calmly walking towards us. With a sweep of his hands the air in front of him exploded, and the shrapnel fire was no longer a threat to him. \n\nVyacheslav kept on running, and I struggled to keep up. My lungs burned, and the heads-up display on my suit warned that I had exceeded my limit for burnt calories today. By double. At least running from megalomaniacs was good cardio. The ground before us opened up, and we hopped into the hole that Vyacheslav created before it sealed up. Tunnelling under the Martian surface, I figured we were in the clear until an explosion rocked the tunnel, threatening to bury us under rubble. Vyacheslav kept it held, but I wasn’t certain as to how far his powers would take us. \n\n___\n\nThe potato-like creatures screamed with shrill voices as Head Biologist Stacy Krueger withdrew the climbing axe from it’s head. She placed a hand over the hole, and green energy flowed from it into the entity. Potato mass began reforming, and with a quick yank Krueger removed the head. \n\n“If we have to battle the potatoes every time we grow them, Mars is gonna suck,”\n\nI commented glumly, watching from a safe distance. The low gravity forced awkward melee movements, and Doctor Krueger wanted me out of the way for her daily potato duels. She nodded. \n\n“I have requested some type of automated weapon from Hartmann, but he keeps saying ‘no’. Dunno what’s wrong with the guy, but man, is he an asshole,”\n\nI was about to agree when the motion sensor in the laboratory went off. Looking around, I saw nothing, but a gasp from the Doctor drew my eyes to her. Standing behind her was one of Hartmann’s elite team, hands still alight in a shadowy energy. The black helmet on their head seemed to absorb light, and the knife at Krueger’s neck begged her to speak out again. \n\n“My… apologies…”\n\nShe croaked, and the soldier nodded, before dematerializing from the armour to the skin to the muscle and bones in rapid succession. \n\nA silent agreement was formed to not speak on the matter. \n\n___\n\nThe explosions forced us back to the surface, with a final one sending us into the air. I landed solidly on my ass, and a sharp pain shot up my tailbone. Vyacheslav righted himself from the strange position he managed to fall into, and yelled various slurs in Russian that he’d taught me earlier as he unloaded the rifle he’d loaded in the tunnels. Most of the shots missed, but the two that landed hit Hartmann’s shins. He didn’t seem to notice as the blood trickled out, over his boots, and onto the Martian soil. Hartmann continued his approach, and stomped a black foot onto Vyacheslav’s blue-uniformed shin. I heard a crunch, and the Russian yelled in pain. And then his leg exploded. \n\nA chunk of bone bounced off my helmet, producing a crack in the visor. I wiped off the blood and tried not to puke as I looked away from my mortally wounded friend. I really did not want to see the extent of the damage caused to his leg, or what was left of where it should be. Looking away was a bad choice as well, as I saw that I was covered in blood and some chunks of what I prayed were rocks. I knew they weren’t. Looking up at Hartmann, who was approaching me, I was winded by a sudden burst of noise. The ground just left of the Captain crackled, and a shockwave sent him flying. The report, late by five seconds, was the signature sound of Yukiko Gyllenstierna’s electromagnetic rifle.", "“Mars One, report.”\n\n“Control, you wouldn’t believe this!”\n\n“What is it? Over.”\n\n“I… we… have magic!”\n\n“…Mars One, please be serious. Report.”\n\n“I am serious! We can somehow do something that makes something out of nothing!”\n\n“Mars One, please make sense. Over.”\n\n“But control! We can use magic. Isn’t that fascinating? We’re setting up cameras to show you in a minute!”\n\nsigh”Fine. Control over and out.” \n\nJack leaned back in his chair. It has been ten minutes since their landing, and they haven’t collected any data on anything. The other scientists, operatives, security and technicians all groaned and trudged back to their stations, pouring themselves drinks of choice. Everyone was expecting some kind of discovery by now, some kind of samples to be taken, but everybody in the room knew that this “magic” bullshit doesn’t exist. An incoming signal was interpreted. The cameras were now set up. Everyone looked up at the screen overhead.\n\n“Okay, cameras are set up!” Jake exclaimed.\n\n“Alright, control, watch THIS!” Xiao shouted, extending her arms forward. Flames erupted from her suited fingertips, though small, but real and undeniable. \n\nControl was silent. Of course, the feed they got wasn’t exactly live: it had a few seconds of hang time while the signal traveled to Earth from Mars. But those two-three seconds weren’t enough to edit such convincing flames onto a space camera. \n\n“…Mars One? What was that?” Jack inquired, eyes wide like double doors to a giant’s castle. \n\n“Magic!” Xiao exclaimed. “It is magic!”\n\nJake turned to Xiao and said “No, this is science, and not magic. Grow up.”\n\nWhile the camera rolled, several people behind Xiao were telekinetically unpacking bulky and hard-to break stuff, as if practicing. Some other astronaut(who, judging by the flag on the uniform, was Daneel, the only Russian in the group) carried the several-ton Mars rider onto a plain nearby. This was, in fact, real, unprecedented, violation of the laws of physics. \n\n“Hey! Control!” Xiao repeated into the radio, seemingly for the fifth time. “You there?”\n\n“Uh, yes, Mars One. We need some time to wrap it around our heads. Proceed as planned.” Jack murmured into the microphone. Everyone around him, in the same room, was in utter state of shock. This wasn’t real. The laws of physics were the only laws that are known for their 0% incompliance rate. Nobody broke the laws of physics in real worlds. \n\n*\n\nA few hours later\n\n\n\nEven more hours later\n\n\n\nYears later\n\n\n\n“Alright, kids, as you see, I just lifted up this block of clay using my mind. Over the course of Mars Materia et Industria Flexibus Logica, or Contranaturalogy, we will learn to control the abilities and limitations of magic. Welcome to Mars.” Xiao said to the new students of Mars Interplanetal University of Magic Manipulation.", "We should've never come here. But we didn't know that then.\n\n--- \n\nIt started with the small things. I would reach for my toothbrush in the morning, and it would ever so slightly move towards my hand. I would wish the coffee was a little hotter, and when I took a sip, it would be at the perfect temperature. \n\nAt first I didn't think much of it. Then I thought, yes, maybe it is the lower gravity that is playing tricks with my head. The first time I felt with any certainty that it wasn't all my imagination was when I was making my way to the kitchen in the morning. I was still getting used to the change in gravity, and missed a step going down the stairs. I started to fall face forward, and adrenaline kicked in. I remembered Michael Caine's Alfred asking \"Why do we fall, Master Bruce?\". A pointless memory given the gravity of the situation, but that's my brain for you. The word-play with \"gravity\" in the previous sentence, that's also my brain for you. To my great surprise, I stopped inches above the ground in a push up position. I let out a cry, and Jesse looked up from his newspaper. We shared a look. Then I fell on my face.\n\n---\n\nThis is what we know so far. If any one of us wants something moved, we can make it happen just by willing it so. Moving bigger things and moving them faster takes more effort, as can be expected from Newton's laws. Not that those laws help us understand the current situation. Not that anything helps us understand the current situation.\n\nWe can't move each other, and it's not for lack of trying. Although we can move ourselves. Levitation is possible, but so tiring. Getting a longer or higher jump is much easier.\n\nThe folks back home thought we were screwing with them, but it's a good thing we can send them videos. They're not sure what's going on either. But they do want to \"test\" things. So now we each spend an hour a day just moving things the way they want us to.\n\n---\n\nSomething's not right. People are staring at walls. They don't respond to their name. The food supply is not decreasing much. They tell me I stare at walls, too. I have no memory of this. I can't remember many things. Sometimes they tell me they hear voices. I am scared. I don't know what to do. It will get better. It has to.\n\n---\n\nEveryone has died. Hungry. No food in sight. Hungry. Help.\n\n\n\n---x---\n\n\n\nIn a classroom, a teacher asks \"Does anyone know the name of the first manned Mars mission?\".\n\n\"Ingenuity!,\" chorused the class. The teacher responds \"That's right! Astronauts part of the Ingenuity mission landed on Mars in 2035. But we didn't go back to Mars again for another thirty years. Does anyone know why?\"\n\n\"All of them died,\" said one of the boys solemnly.\n\n\"Yes, that is true. The astronauts likely died because of carbon monoxide poisoning. We can only speculate, but later missions did find that all the carbon monoxide sensors were unplugged...\"", "Theodore Brubaker (please, call him Teddy) gritted his teeth and wrestled with the shuttle's controls. He spoke into the comm, trying not to snarl. \n\n\"Houston, Ares* is seeing complications. Torquing angle somewhat off, doesn't seem to be adjusting correctly.\" \n\n\"Copy that, we're doing what we can.\" \n\nIt wasn't enough. Brubaker felt his life flashing before his eyes. Training, the service, college, high school, childhood, all leading here. This was it. Surely this had to be it- \n\nThere was a terrible, wonderful thud, and then it was over. Ted Brubaker III and the loyal crew of the Ares One were the first people to set foot on Mars. \n\n\"Houston, we've done it. We have achieved touchdown. We've done it. Can confirm there is life on Mars, over.\" \n\nThere was cheering. \n\n\\\\\\* \n\nThere was so much to do. There was a suitably poetic quote to be read for the first person to set foot. And then there were samples to collect; if everything had gone to plan they had landed near the old Hammerskjold probe, whatever could be recovered from that was to be gathered as well. \n\nBut for the moment the crew of the Ares was too overcome with joy to fret about that. \n\n\"Alright,\" said Kumagawa- short, stern, tough as nails. \"You all know the duty roster. If you're heading out get suited up now.\" \n\nBrubaker's heart was pounding in his heart like a jackhammer. This was it. They were further from home than any human beings had ever been. It was like magic- \n\n\\\\\\* \n\nAnd somewhere, in the depths of space, the Forgotten One, the Dark Lord, twitched. Someone had breached the Veil. Past the banality of Earth's gravity well, into His demesne. And deep in his bones he sensed that they were of Earth. The home he had left behind. \n\nSo the time had come. An old reunion. And revenge. From his throne of meteoric iron, seated before an orrery made from the planet's dead core, the Forgotten One stood, fire in his eyes. And his servants, bidden by his thoughts alone, chanted reverently. \n\n\\\\\\* \n\n\"Take a look at that. Nobody in two hundred thousand years of human existence can claim to have seen that with the naked eye-\" \n\n\"I don't think it counts as naked if it's through a helmet,\" mused Ross. \n\n\"-until now,\" Novak continued, undeterred. \"See in the distance? That's Olympus Mons. Biggest volcano in the entire solar system. And this-\" \n\n\"We all read the briefings, Kim,\" Ross said, amused. \n\n\"-is the Noctis Labyrinth. A network of canyons that empty out into a shallow graben swarm a few kilometers from us.\" \n\nBrubaker couldn't quite suppress a grin. Kim tended to talk when excited. They were all excited. In all directions there was the rusty long-dead desert of Mars, mountains and canyons visible in the distance. \n\n\"That's enough admiring the scenery, Novak.\" While they spoke, Kumagawa had assembled a collapsible scoop for taking soil samples. \"We'll need as much of this as the rover can carry. Theo, a hand please-\" \n\nBrubaker nodded. It wasn't his main specialty but he was the second-seniormost geologist on the team. This was his job, certainly. \n\nNone of them were ready for what happened when the scoop broke its first bite of sediment. The light that burst out and washed over them was more brilliant than a thousand suns, and what happened next was both strange and terrible. \n\n\\\\\\* \n\nThe Forgotten One had crafted his armor- black and terrible, studded with spikes- all by himself. The metal he had discovered, making the subterranean cities of the planet, and willed into pure slag with but a thought, then shaped into a more fearsome visage for himself. It was one of the many powers he had discovered the first day he tapped the well of power on this red planet. \n\nHe sensed now that the humans, the intruders, were discovering the power even now. That was intolerable. The power belonged to him and him alone; it was not to be given to the ones who had stranded him. He slid a gauntlet on over his furry, leathern hand. His long-dead soldiers saluted as he passed them. \n\n\\\\\\* \n\nKumagawa and Ross, Novak and Brubaker was astonished by the visions that passed before them. The light washing over them, like an aurora of pink and gold, whispered to them of ancient cities that had once dotted the face of this strange world. Majestic horned beasts and great dragons had made this world home, before the magic had vanished. And there had been men and women- not humans, but with courage and wisdom and strength that any human could admire. Warriors, they had been, but also alchemists, astronomers, those who had learned to weave the threads of magic. \n\nThey had retreated beneath the surface of the world, near the core, as it cooled, and they slowly passed into endless sleep. The magic had been left untapped, slowly welling up as if in tune to some cosmic season. Now it was surging forth again, flowing forth like a thawed river, making them... more. \n\nEach of the astronauts understood this, as though it were simply being written on the grey matter of their brains. \n\nAnd when they looked down on themselves, they realized what they were was not precisely human any longer. Human-formed, perhaps, but the dawn-gold-and-pink of the light was now part of their skin; their eyes shone brilliant white and purple runes burned into their skins. No longer suited, they tasted air that could not possibly sustain them, but did not suffocate. \n\n\"Look,\" said Novak. They all saw in astonishment as bits of stardust coalesced around her hand, forming tiny planets in perfect orbits. It was possible to see those tiny planets change and evolve; green was growing on them before their eyes, to their amazement. \n\nRoss stumbled backwards and fell... or rather did the opposite of fall. He lifted off the ground like a living comet, hovering in the air, surprised glowing eyes the size of saucers. \n\nKumagawa squeaked- a noise none of them had ever heard her make before- as the red iron sands around her transmuted into gold and then back before their eyes. \n\nAnd Brubaker, who was speechless, could see and hear things that were not borne of light or sound. He realized in moments that that traces past or future- the ghosts of all things gone or yet to be- were speaking to him. \n\n\"Well,\" said Ross. \"That's freaking weird.\" \n\n\\\\\\* \n\n\"So what do we do now?\" Novak asked, as they huddled around the rover. She kept swirling the miniature planets around her hand, nervous about dropping them or letting them dissolve to dust again. \n\n\"We have to tell Houston,\" Kumagawa murmured. \"They have to know about this.\" \n\n\"Do they?\" Ross scoffed a bit. He kept on floating through the Martian atmosphere in his contrail-form, crystals of golden ice flaking occasionally from his feet as he passed. \"I mean, I don't know if I fancy being strapped to a table somewhere while they work out what exactly happened to us.\" \n\n\"Maybe nobody needs to know,\" spoke up Brubaker, nervously. \"But I feel like... you know. This is a huge change. Maybe we were given these abilities because we were meant to do something with them. Something extraordinary.\" \n\n\"Typical American sentiment,\" Ross snarked. \"Not sure if it's too many comic books or too much Jesus. It's one of those, though.\" \n\n\"I only meant that-\" \n\nThere was no time to finish that sentence, as something ensued that could only be called a Marsquake. One of immense magnitude, too: the ground around them cracked and heaved; and from out of the canyons of the Noctis Labyrinth swarmed the long-dead indigenous peoples of Mars. Their many arms had rotted to bone; their flat faces were reduced to skulls; swords and gleaming radium pistols they brandished in their taloned phalanges. \n\nThere was little time to think before the horde was upon them. The strange things that had once been astronauts fought back, for their lives. \n\n\\\\\\", "Incident Log For: Mars Manned Mission One \r \nProject Name:M\r \nCode Log:080JKSG8NMF86\r \nIncident Type: Anomalously Interaction outside projected Possibility Event Chart\r \nReport:\r \nMars Lander Alpha Heavy Landed on the Martian Surface 02/18/2030 at 4:25Pm EST. The three Man crew, Astronauts: Kaley Lan, Mark Pennelton, and Lyn Settor reported Green status and system check initiation confirmed Green Status. The crew underwent Vital readings to assess less than earth gravity(LTEG) effects on vital conditions. Vital readings read normal with slight accelerated heart rate, assuming stress from recent landing. After vitals checks and equipment assessment the crew exited the spacecraft at 6:38 PM EST. Lan notes the twenty minute communication delay as “immensely frustrating and cumbersome\". Shortly after emergence from craft crew reports abnormal feelings(note audio log:025). Crew runs recheck of equipment and is advised by command to return to ship for additional vital reading upon failure to absolve noted anomaly. Vitals confirm green status before crew begin to experience discomfort and Anomalous activity(note audio log:032). Command determines red status, official mission statues marked terminated. Source cause noted as craft based catastrophic failure. Mission mark started \\[REDACTED\\]\r \n\r \nAudio Logs:\r \nNote, Communications are on five to twenty minutes delays. Audio of Crew conversation is collected with the purpose of displaying first hand account information, responding's from mission control are not present unless expressly stated.\r \nLog 025:\r \nLan: You guys feel that?\r \nPennelton: Feel what?\r \nLan: It's strange, like a pressure under my skin. Can you check my suit and make sure you set the gauge correctly.\r \nLog 032:\r \nSettor: I feel sick, am I running a fever?\r \nPennelton: For the last time no, vitals are confirmed green. Something else is wrong. Lan are you able to feel your hands again?\r \n\\[video displays Lan attempting to ball a fist and creating spatial anomaly.\\]\r \n\\screaming\\\r \nLan: What the hell was that!\r \n\r \nPost incident information:\r \nExperiments under mission \\[REDACTED\\] have confirmed the crew experienced latent abilities hindered by a projection field around Earth. These abilities have varied between the crew but are all assumed to be non lethal. Creation of light, small amounts of heat, material matter, and disturbance of some unknown field are all noted within possibility. Crew describes abilities as\r \nLan: Its euphoric, like a part of us has been unbound from reality. It was startling at first but now that we have gotten the hang of it we feel incredible. I mean this appears to have made even the landing on the Martian surface feel small in comparison. We only wish we didn't have to go back home. I'd stay out here forever with these new powers.", ">BETTER OFF\n\n\"Maxmillian reporting in, we are T-minus 5 minutes to landing.\" Max called out, followed by a chorus of affirmations both from Earth and from his crew.\n\n\"It's been a hell of a ride, everyone. Let's keep it together, keep our heads cool, and get some boot prints on Mars.\" He said, this time just to his crew.\n\n\"Yes, sir.\" They all responded.\n\nMax knew that if they weren't being recorded, they'd all be lipping off- in a good natured way, of course, but his crew was nothing if not sarcastic and proficient. \n\n\"Did we end up settling who gets to go down and who doesn't?\" Max asked.\n\n\"Rock, paper, scissors ended up not working out.\" Rutherford responded. \"Chris cheats.\"\n\n\"I do not!\"\n\n\"How does one even cheat at rock, paper, scissors?\" Max asked.\n\n\"He has ways.\" Rutherford responded with a smirk.\n\n\"Well, looks like we'll just have to take turns.\" Max responded.\n\n\"Who goes down first* though? Everyone knows Armstrong is more famous than Buzz Aldrin.\" \n\n\"You want it that bad, Rutherford? Go ahead.\" Max responded.\n\n\"Yesssssssss!\" She celebrated. \n\n\"You don't want it, Max?\"\n\n\"Nah. Going first means more time talking to press and being hounded by conspiracy theorists. Did you really land on Mars? Did you get superpowers? Or whatever it is conspiracy theorists go on about these days.\"\n\n\"I don't mind.\" Rutherford replied. \"Making my mark on history is important to me.\"\n\n\"Plus, you'll be the first woman on Mars. That's gotta count for something.\"\n\n\"Aren't men from Mars?\" Chris piped up.\n\n\"And women are from Jupiter, yes.\" Max responded. \"Focus up, landing gear out.\"\n\nThe next few minutes passed in a series of complex instructions and professional communications.\n\nFinally, each of them had donned their 'going out' gear, and Rutherford entered the pressurized chamber that would serve as their two-step door.\n\n\"You ready?\" Max asked. He and Rutherford had come to this position together- they studied together, they had worked together- he had known her since before she was known as Rutherford and simply went by Lisa. He knew she was ready- but he had to ask anyway.\n\n\"More than ready, Max. Opening the front hatch now.\"\n\nThough Lisa was attached to the inside of the ship, she still staggered when the pressure systems evened out. \"Note to the crew, the opening of the hatch should be done slowly.\"\n\n\"Noted.\" Max said with a smile.\n\n\"Since you're the first out, do you want to be the one to begin to establish the breathable atmosphere as well?\" Max asked.\n\n\"I'm afraid I didn't get the cert, Max.\"\n\n\"Oh, is my little underclassman not Rad-Tech certified?\" Max teased.\n\n\"Can it, Max.\" Rutherford responded coolly as she made her way out.\n\n\"I bet she has an iconic line prepared.\" Chris said, waiting for Rutherford's first steps to fall onto the surface.\n\nMax waited for Lisa to say something- he expected it to be a twist on Armstrong's words.\n\n\"Max.\" Lisa called out.\n\n\"Rutherford?\"\n\n\"Something's wrong. Something's wrong!\" \n\nThe communication cut. \"Fuck! Fuck! Chris, re-pressurize the departure bay, Stragos, what can you see?\"\n\nStragos, the local tech savant, had been monitoring Rutherford's vitals. \"Heart still beating, but it is beating fast.\"\n\nMax quickly replicated Rutherford's departure and hopped out onto the surface of Mars- and saw Rutherford a few hundred feet away, bent over, as though she was in pain.\n\n\"As soon as I give the 'OK', reel us back in!\" Max called out, attaching a cord to his suit. He anticipated that whatever had incapacitated Lisa would do the same for him.\n\nMax's foot hit the ground, displacing red sand. Digging deeper in, he launched himself forward as quickly as he could- which was certainly much more quickly than he'd ever managed to on Earth.\n\nWithin a few moments he'd bounded his way towards Lisa and hugged her tight. \"Pull us in!\" Max called.\n\n\"Pulling.\"\n\nThe cord began to retract, and before they'd even moved a few feet, Max understood what Lisa had seen.\n\nOn the horizon there was a gathering of...objects. People? They looked human, or at least very humanoid. They were taller than most humans.\n\nThey rushed forward, seemingly unbothered by concepts such as gravity, and before Max had made it even a hundred feet, three of them were on him.\n\nWhen they touched him, he didn't feel their weight. He didn't feel their body heat. He didn't feel any physical presence- but his mind was suddenly flooded by information. Ideas. History.\n\n\"Seal the exit. Don't come after us.\" Max said, then he blacked out.\n\n---------------------------------\n\nI'm enjoying this so I'll put Pt.II on my subreddit if you guys want :)\n\nr/nystorm_writes", "Two by two they called them up, one man and one woman each from the furnaces of war. They were fighter pilots and tank commanders, physicists and frigate captains, botanists, biologists, seismologists, and meteorologists.\n\nIn the end they were astronauts, and when the reporters asked why they were going to Mars, invariably their answers were the same.\n\n“We’re going to Mars to prove that we can. To prove that Earth has a bigger future that's worth fighting for.”\n\nThey left on March Fifteenth. Bombs fell by April.\n\n\\\\\\\n\nWhen Ruby walked through the Mars Enclosure she didn’t see the scars of their first year. To be sure however, those scars were still there. Her eyes skated over the burns in Traveler 1’s halls, the stubborn blood stains Elias had never quite been able to remove. She walked a little faster past the vast silence of Geodesic Four, the dome where old Adaora tended the graves. And when she came to the garbage pit she tried not to think of the things she’d poured into it then— everything but the medals and rank insignia, an action they were all still proud of.\n\nInstead, Ruby tried to focus on the successes. Like with the medals and ranks in the trash pit she saw the murals that Elias had painted to turn those bloodstains into something else, something less painful, and when she walked past Geodesic Four it was only to reach Geodesic five, where Andrés and his Dreams lived. \n\nShe was there now, tapping a knuckle against the dome’s solar absorptive shell.\n\n“Who is it?” Andrés called.\n\n“Me!” Ruby shouted.\n\n“Just a sec!”\n\nA second became a minute, the minute found a friend and multiplied. Andrés was like that now, a far cry from the frantic fighter pilot she’d known when the news first came down that they were stranded.\n\nEventually though the door creaked open, and the sweltering heat of Geodesic Five poured out to meet her.\n\n“Hurry!” Andrés shouted.\n\nRuby hurried: someone had to. She stepped into the oppressive heat and the murky funk of all that soil, and Ruby found herself at home in a jungle where the wind whistled through the trees.\n\n“Perfect,” Andrés said, “you're perfect. I’m just about ready.”\n\nRuby looked him over. A lanky brown body in a uniform that didn’t have to be this dirty, the lapel repaired with big, ugly stitches where his rank insignia had been. His black hair was a tangled mess, he’d lost his shoes again.\n\nShe wanted to cuff him and drag him off to the showers, but knowing Andrés he’d be back like this again in record time. Since the war broke out back home he’d been a man who needed to live on his own time. All the Dreamers were.\n\n“You don’t look ready, you look like hell.” Ruby sighed. She slung her backpack onto the ground and opened it, dug through the supplies she’d brought for something that she could feed him right now. She came up with a loaf of bread and tossed it to him. Andrés missed the catch, had to chase the bread a few steps into the jungle. One of the macaques swung down and got a hand on it, came away with a bit of crust when Andrés pulled. The macaque screeched and squealed, set off his mate and the quartet of birds. Geodesic Five became a madhouse of endless refracting noise. Andrés chewed his bread with a confused smile on his face, staring up at the world he’d created.\n\nShe let him eat, let him forget she was even there. When Andrés turned he dropped the bread, said “Oh shit, Ruby! What are you doing here?”\n\nAnd she said, “Andrés, you let me in, remember? You asked me to come and I brought you some supplies. We were going to dream together.”\n\n“Ah, yes! I remember now,” Andrés said. He darted forward and wrapped Ruby up in a hug, dragged her deeper into his jungle maze. The domes weren’t that big, but after a Dreamer was done with them even Noah would’ve thought them a passable Ark.\n\nThe macaques followed at a safe distance, squealing down at Ruby and Andrés from the canopy. He lead her to his favorite log, a bit of tree that hadn’t taken root and had toppled over as soon as Andrés Dreamt it up. It was half rotten now, he’d Dreamed up bugs to eat the wood and return the failed tree back into the rich soil.\n\nAndrés sat cross legged on the tree, the bread in his lap. He drew Ruby down in front of him and they stared into each other’s eyes. The wind whistled and she thought he might have done it for her. Outside the dome Mars was a turbulent waste: it would have been a prison, a death sentence, if not for the Dreamers.\n\nIt had begun almost as soon as they left Earth orbit, and in the beginning they’d tried not call it magic. Strange things began to happen aboard Traveler 1, the first and last of the great international colony ships. Most often it was food. They’d go through the food supplies one more time and somehow find a bit of fresh produce they had missed, a head of bok choy they hadn't shipped with or a fresh, perfectly marbled steak.\n\nAfter the bombs fell the happenings turned darker. Traveler 1 had carried a complement of twenty-four Astronauts to the stars, two each from the twelve most powerful nations of the Earth. Of those twenty-four, only eighteen made it to Mars. Three were killed as a result of infighting. Two died from mishaps. One went insane.\n\nAnd of the eighteen that reached Mars nine months later, five had developed magic. The kind of magic that no one had ever thought to make rules for. Magic that, years down the line, all the astronauts-turned-colonists had come to call Dreaming.\n\nAndrés grabbed her hands. He had big, calloused hands. Ruby relaxed into him. She closed her eyes to Andrés and to the jungle, let it wash over her in waves. He was an odd man, but they were close like this, two countrymen out among the stars, two friends. They'd found their rhythm when Geodesic Five had been nothing more than barren. There was soothing about their routine now. Ruby drifted through the macaques’ chatter and the bird calls, listening for the whisper of Andrés’s breath.\n\n“Where should we go today?” he said.\n\nThen they abandoned words, and Ruby simply thought. She thought of home, the little house nestled in the mountains, the river falling past it. The whistling wind, the coconut trees and the cat she’d had when she was a little girl. Andrés let out a little gasp and then he was there too, inside her mind. He raced through Ruby’s memories, grabbing bits and pieces here and there. She hoped this time that he would grab the cat, but Andrés swept right by, searching deeper.\n\nSuch was the way of Dreamers. The thirteen mundane people left in the Mars enclosure had long since given up on knowing the paths a Dreamer’s mind might take. Instead they simply trusted, and the best of them, like Ruby herself, had turned that trust into an art.\n\nWhen Andrés swept by she stood aside, opening the pathways of her life to his endlessly fascinated mind. Even without any power of her own there was a special joy in that kind of sharing. Privately, she thought of it as being someone’s Muse.\n\nIf only he washed more often.\n\nSuddenly she felt it: Andrés’s excitement had been piqued. He raced off into the corners of her mind, clutching at the stuff of her memories like he was trying to gather fog to his chest.", "There we sat, one hundred and one explorers strong, the finest that humanity could muster, assembled for the first time in the Hall of Blood. The silence lay thick in the low, rocky hall, the building that had been wrought from the sacrifice of four of our comrades.\n\nCommander Li spoke first, as was appropriate. Despite all that had changed, it was still her leadership that had brought us here alive.\n\n“So what do we do now?”\n\nIt was not the inspiring take-charge sort of introduction that I had hoped for. Nevertheless, it started the conversation. \n\nLieutenant Smith stood, determination in his eyes. “This mission is over, is it not?” he asked. “What we’ve discovered here… it’s bigger than any colonization effort. It’s a new start for humanity. For us.”\n\nAs if to demonstrate his point, he snapped, and a miniature model of the planned colony sprang from the red dirt at his feet. I sucked in a breath; I could not help it. Even though I had spent the previous night wide awake, practicing my own skills, I could not help but be impressed at the ease with which he toyed with magic, new though it was to all of us.\n\n“Is that really necessary?” asked our science officer, Dr. Romanov. “This is not a showcase. We are here to determine a course for humanity.”\n\n“For humanity, Dr. Romanov?” Smith asked. “Do you truly think so?”\n\nDr. Romanov shrugged. “It is reasonable to expect that whichever changes may have occurred to us would have occurred to our Earthbound cousins.”\n\n“No,” I said, speaking for the first time. “I wouldn’t think so.”\n\n“And on what grounds would you decline this?” he asked me, arching an eyebrow.\n\n“Too big of a coincidence, isn’t it?” I asked. “Whatever this… this…”\n\nEven now, the word ‘magic’ refused to come to my lips, as though I couldn’t believe it.\n\n“...whatever it is, I think it’s because of here, because of Mars.”\n\n“Supposition,” he snapped. “You know no more than I do.”\n\n“I do know that mission control has communicated nothing about it,” I said.\n\nThat shocked him. It was news that I had kept to myself for a reason. We all knew exactly how tenuous our new positions were, and any leverage we could obtain was key.\n\nCommander Li frowned. “You have communicated with mission control?” she asked. “We specifically decided—”\n\n“I sent nothing outgoing, commander,” I said. “But we have nevertheless been sent attempted contacts. They will grow suspicious sooner rather than later.”\n\n“That’s why we’re here, isn’t it?” Smith asked. “To figure out what we do next.”\n\n“We should determine the nature of this phenomenon first, yes?” Dr. Romanov said impatiently. “Uninformed action is mere foolishness.”\n\n“Officer O’Kelly has already spoken on this, yes?” Smith said, gesturing to me. “It is a Martian phenomenon, or at least one restricted on Earth by some mechanism unknown to us as of yet. Regardless, we can control it, use* it—”\n\n“It is an unknown factor, and we should not be so hasty as to rely on it or even practice it unduly—”\n\n“All the more reason to use it while we have it!” Smith shouted. “This is an opportunity that few will ever see, and if we do not seize it—”\n\n“Enough!” Commander Li shouted. “Enough. Dr. Romanov, have you determined anything else on the nature of the magic?”\n\nDr. Romanov glowered in the direction of Smith for a moment before turning his gaze to the rest of the assembly.\n\n“Our lab has found very little,” he admitted. “It seems to be, roughly speaking, telepathic manipulation of matter and entropy. We cannot create new matter, but energy?” He shrugged. “We lack the tools to determine more, but it would seem… perhaps yes.”\n\nThe assembly broke out into excited chatter. Every last one of us was a physicist at our core, and yet we could barely begin to imagine the implications of what the science officer had just said.\n\n“But I would caution the assembly!” he called out. “This may yet prove dangerous, and—”\n\n“This whole mission is dangerous!” someone yelled. “Why stop taking risks now?”\n\nSmith seized on the point. “Exactly! We all came here knowing fully that we will likely die here. This may be what we need to establish ourselves on Mars, not just as a colony but as a new nation!”\n\nA smattering of claps broke out; I began to suspect that Smith had planted the idea in the audience earlier and was using them to gain momentum.\n\nCommander Li folded her arms. “What would you have us do? Abandon our homelands, our old allegiances, and give our lives to Mars?”\n\n“Think about it, Commander. Earth is full of the ignorant, the incapable, the science deniers and fools who have dragged us as a species down for too long! The journey here, by its very nature, filters out the weak and the dumb! We can start anew, make a better humanity that is smarter, stronger, more powerful than ever before!”\n\nSmith spoke well, too well. He knew the audience. He knew that each one of us had gone through the same struggles as him, a rationalist in an often irrational world. The demagoguery scared me with its effect; even knowing that I should not trust him, I found myself imagining his universe, a more perfect universe.\n\nHe continued. “We build the colony on the surface as planned. We make what appearances we need to aboveground. But here, below? We expand. We explore. We study. And we practice. We grow stronger. We make Mars ours.”\n\nThe assembly nodded, seemingly more and more convinced by the moment. Commander Li and I shared a glance; we had expected Smith to make a pitch like this, had strongly suspected that it would work, too. But the reality of the future we faced was more frightening than we could have imagined.\n\n“And what of Earth?” Li asked. “Do you truly think they’ll let us get away with this?”\n\n“They don’t need to know,” he said with a thin smile. “Every body they send here strengthens us and weakens them. We won’t even need to recruit. Our success will speak for itself. And then, when we’ve grown strong enough…”\n\n “What then?” Dr. Romanov challenged. “We fight them? Control Earth?”\n\nA hush fell over the room, but Smith merely smiled. “We reveal ourselves, certainly. We let them decide their future from there. But we will control space, not them. We expand onto other planets, control the resources, the network of information, everything.”\n\n“Terraforming?” Commander Li asked. “Impossible. Even with this… magic, it’s just not…”\n\nSmith knelt, then scooped up two handfuls of dirt. He closed his eyes and breathed out. Then, before our very eyes, a green sprout pushed out of the dirt and into the air, waving delicately in the slight draft that ran through the hall.\n\n“...not possible,” Commander Li breathed out, barely audible as the assembly rushed around Lieutenant Smith to see what he had done, and from that moment, I knew he had won them.\n\nHe placed the sprout into the hole he had pulled the dirt from, patting it gently into place.\n\n“Today,” he said, “the First Martian Colony ends.”\n\nHe placed his hands on either side of the sprout, and it began to grow rapidly, turning first into a sapling and then into a thin but sturdy oak tree, its trunk at least three inches across.\n\n“Today, the First Martian Empire [begins](https://reddit.com/r/Badderlocks).”" ]	10
	[WP] "In the 22nd century, an automated cargo ship carrying junk food crashed on a remote but inhabited planet. 500 years later, explorers set foot on that planet."	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Hostess One\n\nIn the next hundred years, Earth will go further and further into space. We will establish outposts, and NASA will develop automated cargo ships to transport commodities to the remote regions in which we have ventured.\n\nOne such automated cargo ship, Hostess One, was deployed in connection with a NASA/Hostess partnership and was in charge of bringing junk food to astronaut outposts. Twinkies, Hohos, Snowballs, Ding dongs, Fruit Pies, Donettes, and a variety of other Hostess delicacies would make the astronauts feel more at ease.\n\nHostess One, on the other hand, was hit by an electromagnetic field on its first mission, and its computer was fried. The incident propelled the autonomous cargo ship into space, eventually landing on a goldilocks planet in the Proxima Centauri system.\n\nWhile the astronauts at the outpost were disappointed, NASA did not believe it was worthwhile to pursue Hostess One.\n\nEarth colonization finally reached the Proxima Centauri system 500 years later. Of course, the goldilocks planet where Hostess One had landed was one of the first objectives for Earth colonists.\n\nAs it turns out, the arrival of Hostess One was a watershed moment for the planet's most intelligent species. The vacuum-sealed dessert sweets nourished the species early in its evolution on what the inhabitants call Planet Twinkie, their favorite snack delight.\n\nThey were able to duplicate the junk food they tasted from Hostess One and thrive without consuming vegetables, protein, or any nutrition whatsoever. They developed advanced technology, large-scale military forces, and religious shrines dedicated to some of Hostess' most famous snack treats. There was Ding Dong Temple, Honey Bun Synagogue, and Zinger Cathedral, where Suzy Q, the high priest, performed all religious rites.\n\nAs soon as the Earth astronauts arrived, they realized that the planet's overweight intelligent species may be a valuable ally, as their technology and military capabilities could improve life on Earth.\n\nAs a gesture of goodwill, the Earth astronauts served them some new junk food that was not available on Hostess One.\n\n\"This is a muffin, but only the top,\" the astronaut explains.\n\n\"But wait a minute, that's the best part of the muffin!\" The alien says.\n\n\"That's why we did it,\" the astronaut explains. \"It's called a muffin top.\"\n\n\"Do you have anything else?\" The alien asks.\n\n\"We have a cereal made entirely of chocolate chip cookies; we have a breakfast egg sandwich with maple-flavored pancakes for tops; we deep-fry those Twinkies you love so much; in fact, you can deep fry anything,\" the astronaut says.\n\n\"What is deep-fry?\" The alien asks.\n\n\"Be prepared for your mind to be blown!\" The astronaut says.\n\nThe humans then proceed to demonstrate to the aliens how to take their favorite munchies, dip them in a mixture of flour, butter, and eggs, then deep fry them in oil.\n\nThe first time the alien took a bite of the fried twinkie, their eyes lit up like a baby having sugar for the first time.\n\nThe humans hooked the aliens, resulting in a beneficial trade partnership between Earth and Planet Twinkie. Even though Earth had forbidden most junk food in 2084, humanity would send the aliens whatever they had left of the previous century's sugary concoctions. Such as all 50 flavors of mega stuff Oreos, chicken sandwiches on donut buns, and the aliens' new favorite indulgence, a snack food turducken, a twinkie inside a donut stick, deep-fried, and dusted with powdered sugar.\n\nHowever, after roughly a decade, humans were able to replicate most of the alien technology and began to withdraw from some of their trade agreements with the Twinkie Planet.\n\nThe gluttonous aliens were enraged by the lack of snack food alternatives, so they assembled their vast armies and prepared to attack Earth. The first Twinkie Space War lasted two years. There were many casualties, and the war ended in a draw. The humans agreed to resume 60% of the snack trade but were adamant about withholding Cinnabuns due to the 2142 cinnamon shortage.\n\nAs cargo ships arrived, the aliens saw that the container was only half full. Twinkie Space War One had ravaged the frosting industry since they had halted manufacturing in order to construct laser-guided phaser guns. The aliens had enough of the human excuses and wrote them a stern letter. Unfortunately, the alien general who penned the letter got grease on it, and the humans mistook \"cheesecake\" for \"human death.\"\n\nThe second Twinkie Space War began as a result of the misunderstanding. This time around, the war lasted nearly five years and only ended when the humans dropped a chocolate volcano on the aliens.\n\nThere were also proxy wars. Who could forget the Zebra Cakes debacle in the Andromeda Galaxy, the Devil Dogs engagement in Centaurus A, and the Entenmann's assassination on the planet of Thelonious in Messier 87?\n\nFollowing Twinkie Space War Two, anti-snack food sentiments began to spread throughout the universe. The message was one of peace, love, and harmony. The dessert cake industrial complex still had an agenda, but it wasn't until they discovered a long-forbidden drink deep inside their archives that they realized they had a game-changer. It was called Coca-Cola, and it had been illegal for nearly a century; it was the key to reigniting the snack cake wars.\n\nAs the humans arrived at Planet Twinkie with Coca-Cola in hand, ready to attack. They learned that the entire Twinkie Planet suffered a heart attack and became extinct. That day, all of the KitKats were cut in half in honor of their long-time nemesis." ]	2
	[WP] A 13th century Japanese samurai awakens in a cyberpunk world.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 he made the last, most honorable cut, he watched the cherry blossoms gently fall like snow. The crowd before him jeered. But one figure stood out, like a green pigeon silhouetted against the moon, and it approached. Suzume. You must be strong. Your affection for me, if they learn of it, will be katanas in their hands. All that we have built will fall apart.\n\nCrouching down, in her silken kimono, she said, \"Can't you be as quick in dying as you were on the tatami?\"\n\nThrough eyes clouded with pain he saw a single drop of his blood squirt and land on her forehead. \"Eesh,\" she said. \"Look at what you've done.\" Suzumu wet her finger with it and gave it a taste. \"It's sweet,\" she said and her eyes grew wide. \"How can such a despicable man have such sweet blood?\"\n\nThe stain, pink from mixing with the white oshiroi powder painting her face, blended with the cherry blossoms falling around her. And so the world, formerly so rich in contrast, melted into a lone ocean of pink.\n\n\\---\n\nWhen he opened his eyes, he was shocked to see that the pink had transformed, like an ominous wart on one's back, into a light coating steel structures, reflecting off of glass, and even into a smoke permeating a city unlike anything he'd ever dreamed of before.\n\nSuzumu's unexpected betrayal withdrew into his heart, overpowered by a primal fear. Where had he gone? What had happened?\n\n\"Love the cosplay. That scent profile is artisanal, my friend! Where'd you get it? Rockers? Heff's? Don't tell me you went all the way over to The Greased-Up Soul?\"\n\nKurata Kenji let out a cry of astonishment. Standing right next to him was a daikokuten—a guardian demon—black as ink and dressed in a mysterious costume. He spoke in a strange language, flowing like a river, and though Kenji could not understand it, he took comfort in seeing a smile spread across the daikokuten's lips.\n\n\"Oh, you're in character, huh? My mistake. I'll flick on the translator.\" The daikokuten gestured with his hands in the air, then he said, \"Greetings, noble warrior.\"\n\nThough the accent was somewhat peculiar, Kenji recognized these last words. The daikokuten had shed his godly tongue to converse with a lowly human such as himself. For this, Kenji was grateful. \"Greetings,\" he said. \"What is this place?\"\n\nMetal carts swooshed past them in the air. Lights bounced between buildings, pink, yellow, blue, and red. Distorted music, guttural grunts and a sound like pots and pans slammed together, hugged them from all directions. People dressed in the same strange costumes as that of the daikokuten walked past them, some smoking curious pipes. Surely this was Izumo—the land of the gods.\n\n\"This is Tokyo, noble warrior. Though I'm sure it has changed a great deal since your time.\"\n\nTō-kyō? The eastern capital? But why was he saying it backwards? Why not say Kyoto? Did he mean to say that this was the eastern capital of Izumo?\n\nKenji rubbed his stomach through his hitatare robe. It was as if nothing had happened. His katana rested in its scabbard with no sign that it had moments ago been used to disembowel its owner.\n\n\"You're hungry? I know a great place. Follow me.\"\n\nEnraptured by these words, Kenji looked up at the daikokuten. Follow him? The great guardian demon wished him to pledge his sword to him, to be his new master? Something stirred deep within him. In his former life, his ambitions had failed him. He had put his trust in people who had abused it. He had bound his honor with threads woven by scheming puppeteers. He had lost everything dear to him. But now, here in Izumo, he had been given a second chance. A chance to make things right. To restore his honor. Touched by the daikokuten's grand gesture, Kenji felt his eyes well with tears.\n\n\"I will follow you,\" said Kenji. I will keep you safe from evil and wrongdoers. From here on, Kurata Kenji will be your loyal servant.\"\n\nThe daikokuten sighed, smiling. \"Gotta love dedicated cosplayers. I'm Daniel, but you can call me D. Everyone else does, anyway.\"\n\nBathed in pink light, D, the daikokuten, laughed and the laughter was friendly. His dark eyes glimmered, like a lake mirroring this strange land, and as Kenji saw himself reflected in them he was surprised to see that he was laughing too.\n\n/r/Hemingbird" ]	2
	[WP] The dog handled physical invaders, like burglars and trespassers. The cat, who had always seemed to not care, handled... more metaphysical and ethereal invaders and had saved its owners' lives on more than one occasion.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Myth: Cats, especially black cats, are bad luck to anyone who comes across them\n\nFact: Cats actually absorb and repel metaphysical and esoteric entities that often manifest in the form of 'bad luck'.\n\n~~-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~~\n\n\"Damn cat was going crazy last night. Running around the place, even hissing at who knows what.\" Jem sighed as she straightened a few of the disturbed picture frames that the cat knocked over in the night. And of course, the rascal was snoozing on my couch like it had been there since the house was built.\n\nJem moved to the kitchen, starting the morning ritual of coffee and scrolling through the updates her friends posted to their socials.\n\nVianotha, or as her human called her, Vinny, cracked an eye open. The human had walked straight through the de-elasticating remains of a thoughtform, one that could have easily caused insanity or deep depression. The fight, though it wasn't very much of a fight, was one-sided, as the thoughtform couldn't have done anything to Vinny, but if it escaped, it could have done some nasty things to Jem.\n\nJem had adopted Vinny when she was still a kitten, looking for some companionship. Jem gave Vinny food, a home, and love. Vinny did her best to return in the only way she knew how.\n\nVianotha knew that Jem couldn't see most of what she did, but Jem still gave Vinny attention, food, and love. So Vinny settled back to sleep, knowing her human was safe for another day.", "Hobbes had a good life. \n\nEvery morning, his human got up at the crack of dawn and filled his bowl before heading out on a morning jog. Hobbes would finish meal, find a spot that the sun was starting to warm, and get ready to begin his day's hard work. \nA warm spot was important, since astral projection brought a chill to his bones.\nSo, he'd find a good place to settle down, yawn, close his eyes, and open his inner eyes.\n\nNothing escaped his watchful eyes.\n\nSome days, he's spy a fairy. They liked to play tricks on his human, hiding socks and the like. They were also wonderfully crunchy.\n\nNightmares also passed by, wisps of shadow searching for a mind to latch onto. They didn't taste so good, but boy was it fun to watch them flutter helplessly under his astral paws. \n\nDust spirits made him sneeze, so he just chased them away when one grew too bold.\n\nOnce, an imp tried to sneak a nasty fever past him. That one he played with for a while, tossing it up into the air and pinning its tail to the floor while it squeaked bloody murder.\n\nThen it would be time for his midday stroll. Not all pests were of the astral variety. A spider here, a fly there. Nothing escaped his attention for long.\n\nPests taken care of, it was time for another projection. With the sun high overhead, there was no shortage of fine, warm spots to settle back down. Today deserved something special though, and his owner was working from the couch. Those fuzzy slippers next to him would do nicely, and he wouldn't have to project very far at all.\n\nAnd then, back it was to chasing bad mojo, herding yawns, and so on. Curses got the claw, malaise turned to trophies, and cloying clotters fertilized the catnip.\n\nThe sun would set, and once he was rewarded with his well-earned ear scratches, he'd release the fuzzy slippers back into his human's custody.\n\nDinner time follows, then a nap in front of the bedroom door to make sure his human didn't forget about their arrangement for bedtime snuggles.\n\nLife was good.", "\"Mornin' Bob.\" The dog walked up to the cat, who looked ready to take his first morning nap.\n\nThe cat yawned. \"Morning Harry.\"\n\n\"Hell, Bob, you look like you've been through the business!\" The dog lapped some water up from his bowl. \"I take it you were busy last night?\"\n\n\"I had to stare down 3 poltergeists last night. I think they might have all been the same one but...\" Bob paused a minute to yawn widely again. \"But he kept trying to push back in.\"\n\n\"Aw hell. And here I was thinking of going squirrel chasing today. Don't need another getting into the electrical. But you need some rest.\"\n\n\"I think I just might do that. I'll eat later.\"\n\n\"You, holding off on breakfast? Hell, Bob, now I know you're beat.\" Harry looked around for a moment. \"You, uh... You want the 'deluxe' bed?\"\n\n\"Seriously, Harry? That would be amazing right now.\"\n\nTheir owner came in a few minutes later to find the cat curled up on top of the dog, slumbering like the dead. He pulled his phone out and took a pic. As he was posting it, he mumbled, \"Lazy cat is lucky he's cute.\"" ]	4
	[WP] Vampires are a common and integrated concept in your world. So integrated in fact that people regularly donate blood to vampire insurance companies to ensure they survive future events no matter what accidents may happen to 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Uplifting piano music plays over a scene of a couple walking in a park at night. They're holding hands, smiling.\n\n\"When it comes right down to it, all we really have is each other.\" The narrator's voice is a pleasant tone, casting further warmth to the scene.\n\nThe couple sits on a bench and the woman nestles herself under her partner's arm.\n\n\"And in those moments when sparks fly and new journeys begin...\"\n\nThe man reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box. The woman's eyes light up and her smile grows.\n\nFrom the darkness of the park emerge pairs of red eyes. They draw close to the bench.\n\n\"We'll be there for you.\"\n\nThe tall, dark creatures tower over the couple until the man produces a brand on his wrist, his smile never faltering. The creatures shrink into flapping bats and fly into the night.\n\n\"National Vampire Insurance. Here for you, when it matters most.\"" ]	2
	[WP] While watering the garden one day, you angle the hose so that a small rainbow appears over your rose bushes. Suddenly a small man in a green suit appears. "Excuse me Sir, but do you have a permit to be making that?" He asks, pointing at the rainbow.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "“Here you are my beauties,” Jordan said as he pointed the hose at the orchids in his garden. Looking at the water lightly hit the soil beneath, he smiled and turned to hit more of the flowers with some water, before turning to the rose bush around back. In a fit of whimsy, he angled the hose up, so that the water would pass in such a way to create a small rainbow over the rose bush, bringing a smile to the young man’s face, until he feels a tug on the back of his pants prompting him to turn around.\n\n“Excuse me Sir, but do you have a permit to be making that?” a voice asks, that Jordan can’t see until he looks down and sees the extremely small person standing there pointing at the rainbow.\n\n“A permit? For a rainbow? Or the roses?” Jordan asks befuddled\n\n“Yes, a permit for the rainbow. In particular, I cite the Leprechaun and Human licensing agreement on rainbows has expired, thus all rainbow creation requires explicit permits from the Leprechaun office of Rainbows, as well as with the staging.” The alleged leprechaun looks at Jordan confused that he didn’t understand it, and holds his small hand out with fingers raising as he brings up points, “If you don’t have a permit this would be a violation of statute 96.3 Section B of the Human Interactions Agreement, along with violations of Section C, and a copyright violation under various other laws both human and inhuman. You do have a permit right?” \n\n“What are you talking about? Leprechaun’s don’t exist.” Jordan says animatedly, turning around, along with the hose doing so, and creates more rainbows as he moves it... and gets the alleged leprechaun wet, who jumps out of the way of where the water was falling on him.\n\n“That’s another Statute 96.3 Section B violation and after warning makes it a Section 96.14Section F violation as well! As for real, I’m standing right here just as real as you are! We knew you humans were bigoted but how dare you attempt to pretend we don’t exist!” The alleged leprechaun crosses his arms and harrumphs “I am Culkin O’Dwyer and I’m in charge of licensing for this region. And don’t start with any jokes about gold or four-leaf cloves, those are explicitly banned in the Human Interactions Agreement without having obtained permission and license to make them, and I do not so give you permission.” Culkin says with an angry look, matching his red hair, that is set against his green suit. \n\nJordan just looks at him aghast “I... don’t understand what you are talking about. I don’t know any Human Interactions Agreement, and rainbows are a natural byprod...”\n\n“Rainbows are not natural creations. There are hardworking leprechauns who put in hours working on each and every rainbow which are subject to strict scrutiny. Now stop that rainbow you have with the water there!” The Leprechaun cuts him off and waves at the hose which had in the meantime pooled water up in the grass, drenching it in water.\n\nJordan hurriedly turns off the tap on the hose reaching up before looking down at him, “Look kid I ...”\n\n“I am NOT a kid!” Culkin shouts and punches Jordan in the shin “Nor am I a dwarf, a human, or anything else. I am a leprechaun, and my name is Culkin O’Dwyer and I am acting as agent on behalf of the Rainbow Creators Guild.”\n\nJordan struggles to keep his balance from the hit in the shin, and manages to avoid falling, especially into the drenched grass that would have been embarrassing to do so. “There’s no such things as...” he repeats.\n\n“There is and you’d better get used to it if you don’t want to end up in prison for violating the agreement. For almost 500 years we’ve let the terms go unenforced but the Rainbow Creators are tired of it. You humans make too many rainbows, and the agreement for it only licensed rainbow use to humans for 1500 years.”\n\n“Wait... who did you license the terms to?” Jordan asks looking more and more befuddled\n\n“Emperor Hadrian of the Roman Empire speaking on behalf of the Human Species reached an agreement with the Leprechaun people as part of his withdrawal and building of that horrendous wall. He negotiated the general agreement and separately the license for things like rainbows, and a few clovers.”\n\nJordan looked at the being he was starting to ponder if it was possible that was actually an Irish Leprechaun and inquired, “You do realize that he died almost two thousand years ago, and the empire fell hundreds if not over a thousand years ago right?”\n\n“He spoke on behalf of all of you as leader of the largest Human nation-state, and the one that interacted with us. My dad was there as a wee youngster himself, so don’t be giving me any of that guff about time. An agreement is an agreement!”\n\nJordan shook his head “Look, how do I know you are a leprechaun and not someone making this up?”\n\n“The word of Culkin O’Dwyer isn’t good enough for you?” the leprechaun huffed, and then disappeared, appearing behind Jordan in a puff of smoke and lifted the man in the air, holding him over his head. He tossed him up and then created a small leaf bed for him to land in.\n\n“That proof enough for you?” Culkin asked his voice dripping poison\n\nJordan shook his head, feeling sore from landing in the leaves... that shouldn’t have been there. That should have been all impossible. It couldn’t be real. This couldn’t be a leprechaun, but... how did he teleport, and make things appear if he wasn’t?\n\nStanding up, and shaking off some dirt Jordan looked again at Culkin with a new appreciation, saying “My apologies Mister O’Dwyer. I have uhh never met one of your people, and I am... unfamiliar with the Human... what did you call it?”\n\n“The Human Interactions Agreement.”\n\n“Yes, I am unfamiliar with the Human Interactions Agreement. Nor... do I think anyone else knows it among my people.”\n\n“Ignorance of the law is no excuse, but one of the provisions does require I provide you a copy of it here.” Holding out his hand, Culkin moved his hands in a series of complex gestures, with green light appearing around them, before it disappeared and suddenly long pages of parchment began stacking up. First one page. Then another, then 20... and they kept coming. The pile quickly was taller than the short leprechaun and was starting to tilt, when another pile began, with pages arriving faster and faster suddenly.\n\n“This will be your copy of the Human Interactions Agreement, provided as per Section 189 subsection 32, provision E, having been hand-copied by myself as required on matching parchment to the original and independently verified by no less than 5 other agents of the court, as you can see on the top page there. As per provision T it also includes a translation charm, so that language is not a barrier.”\n\nPages kept appearing, and soon the second pile towered over the leprechaun, and a third was shoulder height and still growing when Jordan looked at the top page, which said ‘Human Interactions Agreement, a treaty between Humans and Leprechaun’ at the top, followed by a note underneath saying copy by Culkin O’Dwyer with translation and teleportation charms. On the bottom right it says Attestations, and there were five names signed, and printed. Jordan noticed they were Ginger Magee, Ciara Casy, Nora Maher, Fergus Byrne, and Quinn O’Shea.\n\n“How long is this agreement?” Jordan asks, fearing the answer \n\n“A complete copy, with footnotes, notations, and amendments of the Human Interactions Agreement, such as you have is 12 leprechauns tall in parchment with a fair hand like mine.” Culkin noted as the papers continued to appear, with a fifth pile now beginning, as the first four were slightly taller then the leprechaun.\n\n“That’s rather big,”Jordan taps his foot as he speaks, “What restitution is required for a breach of section... what was it?”\n\n“Section 96.3 Section B, Section C, and Section 96.17. Two cases of the first two, with double penalties for repeat offenses. That would be three grams of gold for the Section B violations, six grams for the Section C violations, and...” He pauses for a moment thinking, “Given conditions, the lesser penalty for twenty grams seems appropriate. So twenty-nine grams of gold.”\n\n“Over an ounce of gold?” Jordan blurts out in shock\n\n“Indeed and not in grains! Service of anything in grains is cause for treble damages! It also must be pure. Alternatively service at a rate of five years per ounce is acceptable, or an agreeable blood punishment in its place, which in a case like this would be quite high.”\n\n“Umm.” Jordan stops, trying to think of how to explain fiat currency to a being that might be hundreds of years old and dealt in gold only “We don’t use gold as a primary trade mechanism anymore.” He says slowly\n\nCulkin harrumphs “So, you can get some! I’ve seen it on sale all around, and you carry bits of it all around you.”\n\nJordan looks down and takes a deep breath, “I need a moment to call someone here to inquire about obtaining the... gold you want.” Culkin nods, and Jordan walks inside, pulling out his cell phone, dialing his brother Jeffrey.\n\n“Jeffrey, we’ve got a problem. That stuff dad said? It's all true and if they are squeezing me over making a rainbow in my yard with the hose, I can’t imagine what they’ll do to you over Lucky Charms.”" ]	2
	[WP] The first Christmas was the First Noel. Now, however, the apocalypse has come. As one of the last Pastors on Earth, you are trying to keep your flock's spirits up so they don't sink into pure despair, thus bringing about the Last Noel.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 lectionary assigned John 1:1-14 to be read Christmas morning. The odd Gospel begins by recapping Genesis, placing Jesus before even Creation, as a pre-existant being. Perhaps in easier times I might've preached on this, how radically different this perspective is from the synoptics. But, alas, an exegetical lecture would fall on deaf ears these days.\n\nI looked out into the sanctuary. We had torn up the pews and dismantled them for firewood. Blankets and pillow and tents were now set up here; battery powered torches gave little light to this dark and bitterly cold place.\n\nIt was no better outside, where a nuclear winter met the normal winter season. Frigid, toxic, desolate land lied all around us. Somehow, the church was spared. If I didn't know any better I'd call that a God thing. But, I don't believe this is how God works, however much John's author wants to embellish it.\n\nGod doesn't pull the strings, sparing some and condemning others. God sits with us, walks with us, suffers with us.\n\nI was reminded of the liberation theologies of Latin America, formed in the midst of oppression and injustice. They banded together to affirm the sanctity of human life, fighting for freedom and safety of the oppressed. What would they do in my situation? How could the preach a Gospel of Good News in the wake of a nuclear holocaust.\n\nOr, more accurately, how were they doing it? Everybody got hit, right? Once the first missile was in the air, thousands more went up in response the world over. We were likely some of the last human beings alive. \n\nI re-read the assigned text as I shivered in my office.\n\n\"The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.\"\n\nWhere else can light shine except the darkness, I wondered.\n\nIt struck me then that my worship could not be celebrated despite disaster. My worship must be celebrated because of it! Christ did not come to a perfect world, but lived in a time and place of persecution, prejudice, and corruption. He was a light for the world.\n\nI donned my vestments and draped the stole around my neck. I prepared the heavily-rationed communion bread and entered the sanctuary.\n\nWe might be the last people, but we are far from abandoned by God. In this cold and dreary place, we see God more clearly, and we worship more fervently.\n\nI led the church in prayer and spoke to my revelation, that our savior was with us now closer than ever, starving with us and suffering with us. However long we have left, we can look forward to a great beyond, where God has prepared for us a room in God's house.\n\nThen we sang.\n\nWe sang hymns from the few remaining hymnals and weeped as we celebrated what might have been humanity's final act of praise." ]	2
To exercise your ability to create depth in characters and fabricate realistic dynamics over 100+ words!	[WP] A heavy storm traps a dysfunctional family inside on Christmas Eve, leading to a years-in-the-making argument and a whole lot of unburied secrets.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Clint refused to acknowledge the severity of the storm as it downed power lines and tore apart tree branches in the neighborhood. The windows rattled with wind and thunder; the boards of the house creaked and groaned against the gale. But Clint only sat in his chair, like always, and drank one PBR after another. \n\nSamantha paced frantically about the house, packing the kids' clothes and checking the batteries in flashlights and emergency radios. There was a system to all of this, an ordered checklist in cases of emergency. Clint had called the preparation months ago \"reactionary,\" but after she witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime tornado wipe a town off the map less than 100 miles away, how could she be anything but?\n\nPredictably, it was Samantha planning and executing the survival and escape plan while Clint and the kids disassociated around the house. \n\nHayden was in his bedroom, door locked and headphones on. Despite his burning resentment of his father, he too dismissed the storm and intoxicated himself. But beer was not Hayden's drug of choice. Instead, he had taken to microdosing LSD. A 17-year old Senior in high school, Hayden had already spoken to God on multiple occasions, each visit a rail against the supreme being's seeming indifference to the misery in the world, like overbearing parents and their refusal to pay for a South Padre vacation for him and his friends. \n\nElsewhere, Claudette knelt in her room, praying to the same unfair God, that he might deliver the family not from the storm, but from their sins. Her father was an alcoholic. Her mother was an unfaithful worrier. Her brother was a self-avowed radical socialist atheist. Could God save them? Of course. But will he? Claudette could only pray. \n\n\"Claudette, get up. We have to get in the car,\" Samantha's words whipped like a slavedriver's switch. \n\n\"I'm in the middle of something, mother,\" Claudette whipped back with indignant venom. \n\n\"You can pray in the car!\" The panic had now reached Samantha's throat, rattling her vocal cords into a screech. Claudette jumped back before composing herself and standing up from prayer. \"Good, good. Come on, let's go.\" \n\nBut Claudette only shut her bedroom door with herself inside. Samantha stopped in the hall and felt her face go hot with bubbling anger. \"Clint! Can you get the kids ready?\" She called to her husband.\n\nClint scoffed on the sofa and popped another can of beer. A small pile had accumulated next to the worn-out recliner. \"For what? Where are we gonna go? Storms move faster than cars, Sam!\" \n\nSamantha stood in front of him, eyeing the aluminum pyramid next to the chair, a perverse tribute to their faltering marriage. \"So, what? We sit here and let it wipe s away?\" \n\n\"Nothing's gonna wipe us away, Sam. The house was built in the 60s, before the Chinese started making building materials. It'll stand and I'll fix the gutters in the morning.\" Clint belched and nestled further into his seat. \n\nThe lights flickered and dimmed. Somewhere there was a crashing sound, like two cars colliding outside. Samantha's hands started shaking and the wrinkles in her forehead folded like an accordion. She marched away from her passive husband's dismissal and strode toward Hayden's room.\n\nSamantha knocked on the door with her knuckled. \n\n\"What?\" She heard her dazed son inside moan. \n\n\"We're leaving!\" She yelled over his headphones. \n\nThere was quiet for a few moments before the door came open. Hayden stood there with buds in his ears and a lost, disheveled look on his face. Probably he was doing drugs, but how could she stop him? Kick him out? With what army? All she could hope for was that he'd join the Navy like her dad or go work on an oil rig like Clint's. Anything to get him out of the house. \n\n\"What?\" Hayden repeated. \n\n\"We're leaving,\" Sam mouthed the words carefully so that if Hayden couldn't hear her, he could at least see what she was saying. \n\n\"Where?\" He slurred. \n\n\"Away from the storm,\" she pantomimed, pointing in a direction away from the house. \n\n\"The storm's already here,\" he shook his head, looking down on his mother. \n\n\"And it's only going to get worse unless we leave now!\" \n\n\"Fine,\" he exhaled. \"Let me get my stuff together.\"\n\n\"It's too late for that, we need to--\"\n\nBut Hayden's back was turned already and the door shut behind him. Two slammed doors in her face in one night. What are the odds. \n\nSamantha went into her bedroom and held a pillow to her face, letting loose a scream to vent her frustration. How she wished she could keep the pillow there, let sleep take her, disassociate like everyone else. \n\nThat's when the idea struck her. She couldn't force a 15-year old Fundamentalist, a 17-year old burnout, or a 45-year old alcoholic to do anything. If she was going to live, she would have to save herself. If anything was going to happen, it would need to be by her own hand and in her own interest. A floodgate of excitement and joy washed over her mind. She could drive away and keep going, outrunning the storm and her indifferent, failed family. She could move to Mexico, find a new husband, drink margaritas on the beach. Who's going to stop her? Who would care?\n\nSamantha walked down the hall past the two shut doors, hearing self-righteous, aimed prayers from one, and the tingy music from overly loud headphones from another. She passed by a barely lucid Clint and neither said a word. Samantha grabbed the keys off the hook and opened the door to the garage, where her 2007 Honda Pilot was parked next to Clint's 2021 Charger. \n\nAs the large garage door opened, the wind poured in. Outside the rain seemed to be dropping sideways, sending sheets of water over every surface and bending the trunks of trees to the sounds of snaps and the ripping of roots." ]	2
	[WP] You wake up early in the morning, eat breakfast, say goodbye to the kids, and drive to work. You exchange the usual niceties with your co-workers on your way to your cubicle, and as you're about to sit at your desk, you hear someone yell "CUT!"	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "OP story\n\nThe sudden cry of “Cut!” that rang out through the office caused me to turn my head in the direction of the sound, reflexively, not really giving much thought to what activity people over there were engaging in to occasion such a cry. I didn’t see anything unusual, nothing out of the ordinary, certainly not anything to hold my gaze as I turned back to the computer screen to continue with the entry of data.\n\nIt would be a good five minutes before I realized I was the only one continuing with the scene, as all the others had stopped to light up smokes, chat, get coffee, but in a manner that didn’t seem like the usual office break. The smoking seemed odd as this was prohibited by law.\n\nI stood up to take a look around, to get a better assessment of what was happening around me. Something was not quite the usual here. I saw men in grungy work gear carrying equipment as if they were doing maintenance of some kind. That and some conversation I overheard which mentioned something about the lighting not being quite right and how a stray stagehand was in the shot and that it had to be done over.\n\nI walked over to Rich, a co-worker whom I often interacted with on matters of business, with the occasional idle chatter by the water cooler. “Rich, what’s going on?” I asked him.\n\nRich looked at me without saying anything for a moment. “What do you mean?” he asked.\n\n“It seems like everybody just stopped what they’re doing and are just standing around, like they’re waiting for something.”\n\nRich gave me a funny look. “We’re between takes,” he told me. “Didn’t you hear the director say ‘cut?’”\n\nBetween takes? I thought to myself. “What’s going on? Are we being filmed for a documentary or something?”\n\nRich didn’t seem like he had anything to say in reply to that.\n\n“It’s just odd, that’s all,\" I told him. \"I mean, I’ve never seen anything like this happen before.”\n\n“We’re between takes,” Rich said as he walked away.\n\nI was still not sure what was going on. Rich had never spoken to me like that before, and I’d known him for as long as I’ve worked here. We weren’t best buddies, but we were office co-workers and conversation was light and easy. But this strange exchange was something entirely new, as if Rich was suddenly a stranger. I wasn’t about to believe that my reality was not what it appeared to be, and even though I felt silly for considering it, I went ahead with calling the house to speak to the wife and see how that conversation would play out. The line kept ringing and ringing, but there was no answer. I hung up, and as far as figuring out where to take this story next, I’ve run out of ideas due to lack of interest. This writing prompt sucks." ]	2
	[WP] The Gamblers decided to make your execution more interesting. You got to see your death coming while the firing squad wore the blindfolds.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 stood quietly as the guards tied my wrists to the stake, however my heart was beating ferociously in my chest. I could already feel the sweat dripping down my back, the anticipation building in me. 10 minutes left...\n\nI look up into the rafters. I was positioned in a large arena, the masked audience seated in a cresant moon shape above the 10 footwall, staring down at me with a mixture of grins, grimaces and curiosity. They all know my story, how I was raised by the greatest cat burgler who ever lived, how I had scoured the highest skyscraper to rob the wealthiest man in the city, only to accidentally kill him in my escape. There was no mercy for my sentence. Instead, there was boredom.\n\nThe Gamblers society had heard my story, and had swayed the courts to give me a chance- a Bet, as they call it- to provide a bit of entertainment for the rich elite. You see, the man I killed was frowned upon by the upper elite, and his death benefited them all in one form or another. However, they could not simply reward someone who failed in their gamble; Only those who risk it all, prevail.\n\nSo here is the deal; I am to face the firing squad of 12 of the best marksmen in the city. They will each be given a single revolver, loaded with 6 shots each. Each bullet is colored and tracker marked, so that they will know whose bullets hit and miss. They will also be blindfolded.\n\nFor every bullet that misses, $100 goes into my bank account. For every bullet that hits me, $100 will be split amongst the shooters. The shooters can choose to not shoot, and wil be rewarded $5 per bullet not fired. If the shooters succeed in killing me, each shooter will receive $1000 for every bullet that hit me, minus $10 for every bullet not fired or missed. If I survive, my crimes will be erased, and I will walk a free man.\n\nI took the bet. And here I stand, tied and ready as the firing squad was brought in in a steady file line. Each person was blindfolded with a steel plate over their eyes, held tightly by a thick leather strap. I was told if a shooter removed the blindfold, they would be charged $100, plus if they shot me without the blindfold on they would be charged for murder/assault, depending on if I survived or not. Each shooter was lead to a shooter's blind, a small 7ftx7ftx7ft box with a chair facing away from me. The box's walls were lined with armor plating, designed to prevent the shooters from accidentally shooting anyone but me. As each shooter was placed in the box, a wall was placed to prevent the shooters from backing out, leaving only one window, facing me. As the last shooter was placed in his box, a horn was heard, echoing the arena. The last of the assistants ran off the field, leaving me and the 12 blind men under the eyes of the masked Gamblers.\n\nEach of the 12 shooters sat with their backs turned to me. Two of them stayed absolutely still, three were fiddling with their guns in the holsters. One had his head leaned forward, and had set a book down on the ground beside him. I could see the faint glint of a cross on the cover. The shooters were twitchy, yet silent. I could almost see their emotions on their backs; nervousness, eagerness, doubt, estasy, rage. \n\nA voice echoed into the Arena. \"READY!!!\" All twelve stood up from their chairs, turning around. Several kicked or tossed their chairs aside, one stumbled and used the wall to help steady himself before straightening back up. All of them started reaching for their holsters.\n\n\"AIM!!!\" the voice rang out, as the shooters drew their revolvers, and holding them out into my general vicinity. Several held their guns like well trained sharpshooters, two held their guns like streetthugs. One shooter hesitated, then lowered their gun slowly. Were they deciding mercy, or gambling on keeping their ammo for the $30?\n\n\"MARCO!!\" The voice rang out. That was my cue. The one last part of the gamble. Once I shouted \"Polo\", they were to fire at me. For every \"Polo\" afterwards, I would be paid $1000 each until the last bullet was fired. They would replay the footage to make sure that any Polo's afterwards would not count, only counting towards the last shot fired. I get that its all in fairness, but making my last word be \"Polo\"? How cruel...\n\nThe silence hung in the air. Honestly, I choked on my own voice. I wanted to remain silent. I wanted this to be over. I sputtered, glancing at the shooters. Some were twit hing their heads, waiting. Some were remaining still. One had his head down, muttering to himself in prayer. I prayed that he was praying for me, along with his forgiveness.\n\n\"MARCO!!!!\" The voice was louder, harsher. The crowd was silently staring at me, masked eyes quietly awaiting for my last words. I gulped, my eyes watering, my heart throbbing. If I didn't respond after the third Marco, the shooters would be allowed to remove their blindfolds. The gamble will be off, and they would shoot me freely. I couldn't hold back fate forever. I wanted the freedom. I wanted the money. I wanted to live. \n\nI closed my eyes, and cried out as loudly as I could. \"POLO!!!!\"\n\nMy strained voice was drowned out by the chorus of gunfire." ]	2
	[WP] People have superpowers, but people just use them to aid in their mundane jobs, no one actually is a superhero; although there are "powered cops". You are the first person who gets the idea to actually dress up in a costume and act as an actual superhero, which baffles everyone.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Do you think it makes my ass look to flashy?\" Jared whips his head around admiring the underwear and slacks compressing his body.\n\n\"You'll be fineee, plus to be out of your comfort zone you gotta have a shiny ass to go with it!\" \n\nExclaims Michelle from behind the sewing machine. Jared stares at down at his new outfit in silent awe as the room is consumed with the sound of the sewing machine in the corner of the room. He lets out a small sigh before filling his lungs with what seems to be the heaviest air possible; pushing all of it out as fast as it flows in. Michelle stops her machine and she swiftly gets up lifting up what appears to be a shiny red cloak. \n\n\"Sighing will get you no where, you have to have a positive attitude to successfully put yourself out there like you are. You're doing something no one else has thought of that makes you different in a good way.\"\n\n\"It's not that I'm upset, this is a big deal. I'm a man wearing a diaper with super strength and laser eyes! I mean hello that sounds crazy in so many different way. I'm sure there are atleast two other people who have somewhat close abilities like I do and their not dressing up like I am..\" Jared trails off, looking up at himself in the mirror before him.\n\nHis suit allowing him to move swiftly, and show all his muscles in all the right ways. He smiles sheepishly at how revealing it is of his muscles. Jared allows the moment to soak in before confidently taking a deep breath. Puffing out his chest and nodding at himself in the mirror. Michelle takes the opportunity to claps the cloak to the designated shoulder spots on his suit. \n\n\"There we go, Jared Kent you're now officially a superhero- dressed as whatever that will become.\"" ]	2
	[WP] “You ask me, death itself, to resurrect you just to finish your D&D campaign?! That’s not an emergency, that’s the farthest thing from an emergency that’s.....that actually looks like fun...”	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Nick sat slumped on his chair with wide eyes, breathing heavily and sweating from every visible pore from his body as he witnessed Death revert back to his normal self. Normal might not have been the right word, but it was definitely normal compared to what had just transpired. \n\n“Sorry about that,” Death started as he straightened his tie, “usually I don’t get this angry.”\n\nNick slowly sat back up. The young man sporting a Minecraft hoodie wiped the sweat off his brow.\n\n“That’s alright,” he replied sheepishly. \n\n“Just so I understand correctly,” Death said as he leaned forward, putting his elbows on his desk, “you want me to resurrect you, so you can finish your game of Dungeons and Dragons?”\n\n“...Yes,” Nick quietly muttered. \n\n“You want ME, the one who rules over the dead, to grant you LIFE, so you can finish a GAME?” Death said slowly, but increasingly more hostile. His hollow eyes, which normally had two tiny spheres for eyes, started to burn intently as they went from bright blue to dark orange. \n\n“I mean if that’s alright with you, of course,” Nick replied hesitantly. He started to sag back into his chair, fearing he would witness the same thing as he had a few minutes ago, “it’s just that we finally have a good group together, we’re making great progress and it would really suck if I had to stop playing because I died. I finally found a consistent group to play with!”\n\nDeath sighed deeply, his eyes returning to the two blue-like spheres. \n\n“Alright. I’ll consider it. Tell me more about this so-called Dungeons and Dragons,” Death conceded. He snapped his fingers and a laptop appeared before him with the typical Windows start-up jingle. With his other hand, he twirled in the air, producing a pair of reading glasses.\n\n“You wear glasses?” Nick asked.\n\nDeath sighed and placed an hourglass on his desk next to his laptop. “You have 5 minutes to explain the concept of Dungeons and Dragons to me. If I don’t like your explanation I will have you escorted to the land of the dead.”\n\nNick gulped and took a deep breath. “Well, DnD, short for Dungeons and Dragons, is a role-playing game. You pick a race and a class, and each race and class will have different abilities you can use during and outside of combat.”\n\n“That sounds incredibly fun,” Death replied drily, “next thing you’re going to tell me is that because this is a role-playing game you can decide whatever you want to do in the game.”\n\n“Yeah,” Nick responded with widened eyes, “yeah that’s it exactly. Have you played DnD before?”\n\nDeath looked up from his screen with a stare that screamed murder. He pointed at the hourglass.\n\n“Right. Well, you are correct Mr. Death, because it’s a role-playing game, there’s almost no limit to what you can do in the game.”\n\n“How do you decide what to do in the game then?” Death questioned, making some notes on his laptop.\n\n“We use dice.”\n\n“Dice?”\n\n“Dice! There’s a few of them with different functions, but the one we use the most is the D20, a 20-sided dice.”\n\n“A 20-sided dice will determine your actions in the game?” Death asked skeptically. \n\n“Yeah, that’s a bit difficult to explain. Could you produce one right now? I could show you how it works,” Nick said as he leaned in closer to the desk, “think of a normal 6-sided dice, but…well, 20-sided. \n\nDeath stared Nick dead in the eyes. He flicked his index finger in the air and a D20 puffed into existence. “This?”\n\n“Perfect!” Nick exclaimed happily while picking up the dice. He weighed it in his hand and fiddled around with it for a bit and nodded, “yeah, this is a good one.”\n\nDeath tapped the hourglass, showing Nick was slowly running out of time.\n\n“Okay, so, the D20 will determine actions, such as whether or not you will actually hit an enemy, but it is also used to do roleplaying. Let’s say my character wanted to convince you to do something, I could roll something called a ‘Persuasion Check.’\n\nDeath nodded. \n\n“So, I would roll the dice. The higher I get, the higher my chances are of succeeding,” Nick continued his explanation, “and then I get to add modifiers and things like that, but I’d need more time to explain it.”\n\n“Who decides if you succeed or not?” Death curiously asked.\n\n“The dungeon master, the one who guides the story,” Nick explained. \n\n“Interesting. What happens if you roll a 20?” Death asked as he slowly closed his laptop. \n\n“We call that a nat20. It’s where your character will always succeed in glorious fashion. The opposite would be a nat1, where the character immensely fails his action,” Nick explained while showing those two sides of the dice.\n\n“I see. Okay. Try it on me,” Death then suddenly suggested.\n\n“Try what?” Nick asked.\n\n“Roll a persuasion check on me, to persuade me to let you live,” Death said while gesturing towards the dice in Nick’s hand. \n\n“It…doesn’t work like that,” Nick said slowly.\n\n“Why not? Is it because there is no Dungeon Master present?” Death said a bit saddened. \n\n“One of the reasons, yeah, but also because we miss a setting. We miss characters. We miss, well, almost everything I can’t explain within how many minutes I have left,” Nick gestured grandly with his arms. \n\nDeath cocked his head to the side, leaning back into his chair. He took off his glasses and looked at the little hourglass. He pointed his finger at it and it puffed into smoke. \n\n“Alright. You’ve intrigued me. I wish to spectate a game,” Death said as he crossed his arms.\n\n“Great, so you’ll resurrect me?” Nick asked expectantly.\n\n“Fine,” Death groaned, “but only until your game has finished and only if I get to join your game. Shouldn’t take that long.”\n\nNick decided to keep his mouth shut about that last part. The next day, he met up with his friends and he introduced someone new." ]	2
	[WP] Three miners accidentally stumble into a gate of hell while working deep underground.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "“Well, this is new….”\n\nPhillip stares at his buddies as they look at the grand gate, dark red bricks raised up so high, it was hard to read the top. Michael stares at the top, poorly reading the script at the top. Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate? What is this?”\n\n”Abandon all hope ye who enter here!” Ricardo groans. “Honestly, didn’t you guys pay attention in school?”\n\n”Hey man, I went to classes in Switzerland, they taught us different things!”\n\nPhillip groans and says, “Guys, we need to report this to the boss. Whatever it is, can’t be good.” The other men nod, and Phillip takes out his radio, when a group of people walk past them, arguing and shouting. The miners looked around, but the only entrance was the one they came through; they would have seen them, especially this large group! Men, women, all dressed well, and not paying attention to the miners.\n\n”Uhm… excuse us? Where are you people going?” Michael asks, but the people do not stop at all. The miners look at each other, and watch as the people disappear into the gates. “S-should we go after them?” Ricardo asks.\n\n”I… I uh… I’m not sure…” Phillip blinks a few times, when Micheal gets closer to the gate. “I can hear screams, I think those people are in danger.”\n\nPhilip tries to use his radio, but to no avail; all that came back was static. He growls and shakes the small device, when Michael says, “I think I can see some movement… hold on…”\n\nBefore Phillip or Ricardo can stop him, Michael falls, screaming as the two men rush to where their companion once stood. Phillip is shouting for Michael, while Ricardo tries his radio, but doesn’t get a signal.\n\n”Damnit! What are we going to do?”\n\nPhillip stands and says, “We’re going to get our friend.”\n\n”We don’t know where that hole leads! And how can we tell that he’s alive? I say we go back!”\n\n”If we go back, Michael will be dead! I‘m not going to waste time when we can go in and get him! Get the ropes, we’re going down.”\n\nRicardo groans, but gets the ropes. The two men fasten themselves, and start the climb down, on stairs that barely support their weight. Evidence of their friend tumbling is obvious, but there is no sign of him. So, the two men press on, hoping to figure out where Michael went, fear of the unknown growing more and more." ]	2
	[WP] You are an extremely talented artist, who pretends to be a serial killer. You select a 'victim', send them off to a private resort for a month, and create a hyper-realistic crime scene at their home as a modern art installation. The police aren't happy with you, but you get commissioned often.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 phone rings. I pick up, \"Ingrid.\"\n\n\"Hey Ingrid, it's Detective Keaton. I've got a scene at 4525 South Grady. That one of yours?\" He asks, and I can hear the way his mouth forms the words while he clamps a cigarette between his teeth. He told me once he got into police work because of film noir. He didn't need to tell me. He's the kind of guy who carries his cigarettes in a metal case, and wears a trenchcoat unironically.\n\n4525 South Grady is the address of Jessica Langstaff, divorcee. I know this because she paid me a pretty hefty sum to stage her faux-decapitation while she's in Hawaii.\n\nTrouble is, she flies out tomorrow.\n\n\"Give me twenty minutes.\" I say, motioning to my assistant, Kendra, to clear my books. \"You'll want to hear this in person.\"", "Potential Content Warning: violence, some gory details\n\n---\n\nYou hate me because I'm good at what I do. You hate me because I make you look like fools. You hate me because you don't get it.\n\nNobody gets it, save for the few others in this world who are so consumed by the restlessness of their minds that they are driven to action—whatever that action may be. I do so hate the term \"tortured artist,\" but it describes my condition quite well. I should say, rather, that I hate what the term has turned into, not the term itself. I can't fault the words. They do nothing but sit prettily on the tongue, waiting for their time in the light.\n\nI suppose, in that regard, words are like people: always waiting for a moment in which all eyes are on them.\n\nI'm no different. I crave the attention as much as everyone else, though I will say that there are very few who enjoy being spotlit from every angle; it's only once you're in the light that you can realize how blinding it is.\n\nNow, I've always been good with paint, or pencil, or pastel. My promise was evident from a young age. I'd create mini masterpieces by accident while doodling in class. You think I'm exaggerating, but you've seen my work. I was good. I am good.\n\nThose pictures that children make in the first grade, out of crayon or colored pencil—you know the ones that parents put up with a refrigerator magnet. I made those, too. But my parents didn't put them up unless they were good, not just because I was young. Why should they be proud of an eight-year-old who contributes nothing to the world but snot and clogged toilets anyway?\n\nSo I contributed more. My refrigerator drawings were just the start. My parents really started taking notice when I made larger pieces, when I learned how to control the worlds of idea and impulse inside my head, when I learned how to focus it all onto a page or a canvas. Years of having my work looked at and commented on had let me realize what people wanted, what pictures they wanted to see.\n\nThe first time my father smiled at me was after the sale of my first painting. The next time was after my second sale. It became somewhat of a tradition, a little extra reward for my hard work. Neighborhood sales turned to auctions. Auctions turned to media attention. Media attention led to competitions.\n\nOh, the competitions! It stokes such a lovely fire in my soul to remember the competitions, for they produced my most passionate work. I dominated in the art competitions. I want you to know that. I dominated.\n\nThen came the Lotus Awards, perhaps the most prestigious in the country. In the finals, I had one week to create a single piece that would be seen by the entire art world. I was competing with some nobody from rural Connecticut. Their work was respectable, make no mistake, but mine was better. Had I created the piece I'd originally planned, I would've won without contest.\n\nInstead, the pressure got to me, and circumstance put nails in my coffin. Three days before the deadline, my family's house was broken into. It was ransacked. Neither my mother or I were there, but my father was caught by surprise. The thief left a single set of fingerprints, and I never saw my father alive again.\n\nStanding there in our living room, caution tape all around me, I thought I would feel more for the old man. He'd raised me. He'd given half of his genetic material to make me. And there he was, head bashed in so far you couldn't see the whites of his eyes. And I just stood there staring at him. No, no, let me not misremember this, because I need you to understand everything that's gone into this. I stood there staring at the whole scene, taking it in, imagining what the struggle must've looked like, what the halfwit thief must've looked like, what shriveled excuse for a soul they must've had. And I imagined where that thief might've lived. What it might take to get into their house. Catch them by surprise.\n\nBut I had a painting to finish. I had a competition to win. The longer I stared at my original piece, though, the more disgusted I became with it. I trashed that painting and started anew. I spent two straight days in my tutor's studio, obsessing over the work, trying desperately to control my thoughts, focusing all of my energy onto the canvas rather than shattering the windows of somebody's house.\n\nNeedless to say, the judges were horrified. I can't blame them for that—though they could have at least appreciated the detail with which I'd rendered the crime scene, the subtle difference in brushstroke I'd used to depict the living in contrast with the dead. I'd used more than thirteen shades of red. \n\nSadly, that didn't score me any points.\n\nI left the Lotus Awards with nothing to show for my efforts but paint-stained fingernails, a lot of anger, and a side of myself I didn't know how to control.\n\nAh, but I learned how to control it. I even turned it into a business, though of course you know that. The scenes were impeccable, weren't they? Yes, yes they were. I can be so much more expressive in three dimensions. No more need for mixing paint.\n\nAnd in the end, my art was harmless, wasn't it? The most it cost you was wasted time. No one ever got hurt. All the supposedly deceased turned out only to be on vacation. And the art did so much for me, more than you can ever imagine. I could entertain the more twisted parts of my mind without ever actually doing anything wrong.\n\nThis last piece of mine also entertained the darker part of my mind, but I suppose I can't argue that I've done nothing wrong. It's just that when the fingerprints came back as a match, I wasn't able to help myself. The outcome was a foregone conclusion, and the artist inside of me wouldn't let it be simple. I had to make it incredible.\n\nAnd it was... wasn't it? Incredible?\n\nBut, as I'm sure you're figuring out by now, there are no resorts turning up the person you're looking for. So I'm sending this message, not as a confession but an explanation. And a plea for mercy, I suppose, though we both know I don't deserve it.", "“The cops are outside.” The blinds snap back into place. \n\n“What do you think happened?” \n\n“I don’t know. Can you check Sharon’s Facebook?” \n\n“Yeah, hold on. I left my phone in the bathroom.” Marge leaves the living room.\n\nBrock makes his voice louder, “Should we head over there?”\n\nMarge matches his volume. “Well I don’t know. Last week with the Jajeh’s, we looked pretty stupid.” \n\n“But we don’t want to look inconsiderate either. What if Sharon is actually hurt?” \n\nBack with phone in hand, Marge looks for clues. Sharon posted nothing. Her husband, however, has a status update mourning the loss of his wife. “So Frank is posting Rest In Peace Sharon. No cause of death… it’s pretty vague. Thanks for the prayers? There are a lot of comments. Joe, Tom, Ted, Sue, Jill…” \n\n“Jill?” Brock seems surprised.\n\n“Yes, even Jill. So maybe it’s legit?” \n\n“Or maybe she’s in on it.” \n\n“Everyone can’t be in on it. Someone has to be out of it - otherwise what’s the point?” \n\n“I guess the joke is on us.” \n\n“Wait Alex is texting me - ‘have you heard about Sharon?’ How would he know?” \n\n“He knows nothing. It’s a trap. He wants to know what you know. Don’t reply.” \n\n“Oh come on. You’re being ridiculous.” \n\n“I don’t know what to believe anymore. Everything used to be so simple. If I saw a cop, someone was hurt. An ambulance and a firetruck meant a fire or a stroke or something negative. We made casseroles, went to the funerals. Now I don’t know what to do. I refuse to mourn another living person. It’s weird. Everyone acts like this is normal. But it’s not.”\n\n“Okay honey. We can hold off. Say we’re on vacation. If they can fake their own deaths, we can fake some obligations.” \n\n“But Marge, what if Sharon actually died?”\n\n“She didn’t. There’s just no way. She’s young, in good health. And she loves attention. I picture her sitting in a hotel room live streaming the funeral. Soaking it up. Why does this keep happening? Four families on our block. Four! Fake deaths, crime scenes, fake cops, fake doctors… Who pays for this shit? What are they getting out of it? And why don’t these people reach out to us? Oh, it’s just a matter of time…”\n\n“Marge, you don’t have to worry. There’s no way this will ever happen to us.” \n\n“How do you know that?” \n\n“I just know. Trust me.”" ]	4
	[WP] You were sentenced for a cumulated 1000 years of prison. After the second century people began to realize the sentencing was more binding than initially thought	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "(sorry for bad English)\n\nI know what you're thinking, 1000 years! What did I do? Nothing much, I just commited several dozen murders. The guards kept me in solitary confinement, something about being considered dangerous to others with my record. No idea how long I've spent in there but I learnt a routine: Wake up, exercise, eat, exercise, sleep.\n\nAt one point, the guards changed, the new guards seem wary of me, I didn't pay too much attention to them though, probably wary about their own well-being. This continued for the next few changes of guards.\n\nOne day, I was finally taken out of my room, walking along the facilities, I saw that a lot of things have changed. I was taken to a room with tables and chairs, much like a canteen, there, I saw a woman in her older years, wearing a green coat and hat. The queen? Why would she visit me? Maybe for a pardon?\n\n\"Do you know how long you've been living?\" A man in the back of the room, holding a transparent phone, asked. \n\n\"You're currently the oldest person alive, it's been 200 years. Even we haven't figured out how to extend our lives beyond 120 years. Another man like you was given 2 life sentences. Before he got released, he was a healthy young man. Immediately after walking out of the prison, he collapsed and died. We suspect that the sentencing bound you to serve your entire sentence,\" the man continued. \n\n\"What are you telling me this for?\" Wait, why is the queen still the same? If it's really been 200...\n\n\"Well, your case has gotten a lot of attention from the outside world, people are signing petitions and what not to ask for a pardon to your crimes, seeing that 1000 years of solitary confinement is too cruel of a punishment. Thus, we've brought someone who could pardon your crimes and release you from the sentencing.\"\n\nIs he dumb? He just told me I'll die if I got released, why would I willingly get released? Also, why is the queen still alive, is there a bind in the oath too?\n\nWith my hands cuffed, I tried to lunge at the queen, trying to prolong my sentence by attacking the queen, the guards pinned me down and returned me to my cell, seeing me as a threat to the queen. \n\nDays later, I was cuffed and brought out to the gate of the prison, the queen had used the prerogative of mercy, changing the sentence to a shorter term. I tried to return to the prison after being uncuffed, but was pushed out of the prison, I felt a numbing sensation, followed by a chest pain, unable to stand, I collapsed to the ground. Feeling my lungs burning and head pounding, I tried to breathe but my body refuses to cooperate.\n\n\nThey can't know about how there are loopholes in the law which can bring about immortality the queen thought to herself, smiling slightly.\n\n(The research done wasn't very in depth, I only got surface level information and cannot write about the intricacies)" ]	2
	[WP] The crew of the International Space Station just witnessed a nuclear war from above Earth's surface, and are now left trapped as the last of humanity.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Pale blue. I’m above it. We’re above it all when it happens. My wife and son are there. Our morning sun would be rising and hitting the gap in the blinds and casting a perfect white line on the right corner of my dresser. It always wakes me but i never bothered to hang new blinds. I like being an early riser. Is the white line there now? No. The sky would be different. Maybe the first flash played with the gap but that wouldn’t have lasted very long. It’s likely very dark now. Joanna would know; it’s more her field. Of course no first-hand experience, but she mentioned running hypotheticals in the Air Force. She’s next to me, pressed against the glass of the smaller port, looking down. Neither of us will talk. There’s no point.", "Our journey began with one small step and one giant leap. Today, we took another of each. Only instead of finding our stride, we found the edge of a deep, dark abyss.\n\nWhen the world ended, I remember thinking that it looked beautiful. Brilliant flashes of light booming minutes apart, a discordant rhythm playing like the climax of humanity’s final, tearful song. A familiar yet unrecognized jazz tune played in my head, restarting with every new flash, as my mind refused to process the scale of what was happening below. Beautiful sights, melancholic jazz, the world’s final bow as I watched green and blue fizzle into gray and brown.\n\nThe war wasn’t without warning. We watched it brew: a conflict of interest that started small and stirred its way into an apocalyptic potion. We saw it coming, and we still weren’t ready to watch it come. I suppose I expected it to be as in a movie. The missiles minutes from launching, the heroes intervening at the last moment, the day saved. Humanity’s story saw no such fortune. At first, I wondered if I could have been one of the heroes: if I had the right words, the right reasoning, the right ambition. Whether it was possible or not, at the time I only watched, by choice, paralysis, or sheer overwhelming confusion.\n\nAt first, I wondered if I was glad to escape the initial destruction, or if I yearned for the merciful ending. I forced myself to choose the former, to respect the time to come to terms with the reality. To pray for our perseverance. Regardless of its abruptness, the end of our story will surely be just as anticlimactic. At best, some remnants of life will remain in our place. The optimists take solace in this, sharing some haphazard guesses at what the next version of civilization will look like. At worst, we’re the last advanced life that will see what this planet once was. The pessimists are sardonically glad that our foolishness won’t be witnessed by anyone else.\n\nIt took weeks for us to genuinely speak to each other again, but we found our strength. We shared stories, joked, theorized, looked for the moments where we could briefly forget. We tried to make the best of the situation, the best of the last moments on our timer. Occasionally we looked for light on the dark side or scanned for any roaming internet signals. Any glimpses of hope. None was found.\n\nWe chose to go out on our own terms, with a prayer to any god beyond those which failed to protect us the first time." ]	3
	[WP] You are in a horror movie. Some men are inside your house, sneaking around, looking to kidnap you. So, you do what anyone would. You go over to your safe and pull out your Glock 19.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Hello old friend, never thought I'd need you again.\" I muttered under my breath. I quietly retrieved two 15 round magazines and deftly slid one into the magazine well before chambering a round with robot like precision. I went to move away before going back and grabbing a mag light sitting next to the safe. I moved from the bathroom to my bedroom door where I could hear movement from downstairs. After listening and thinking for a moment, common sense kicked in and I stealthy moved to my bed and retrieved my phone before dialing 911. The phone rang twice before an operator answered.\n\n\"911, what is your emergency?\" \n\"2011 Smith Avenue\" I whispered into the mic \"There's men in my house and I need officers to respond. I am upstairs in my bedroom and armed with my glock.\"\n\n\"Ok sir I'm dispatching officers now, please stay on the line with me.\" The dispatchers calm tone was unnerving.\n\n\"I'm not going anywhere. I hope.\" I replied.\n\nA few quiet seconds went by before I heard an all to familiar sound, someone was walking up the stairs at the end of the hallway.\n\n\"Okay sir, officers are en route and they'll be there any minute. I want you to stay in your room and wait, I've advised police...\"\n\n\"Sorry, I don't think that's an option, I hear them coming up to my level and this room is a fucking death trap. I'm......I'm gonna have to engage.\" I said, interrupting the dispatcher. I slid the phone into my sweatpants pocket, checked the round in my glock chamber before creaking the door open just a crack. What I saw made my blood pressure damn near explode. Turning the corner down the hall were 3 men wearing all black, in black masks, armed with, what appeared to be, short barrel rifles and maybe a shotgun. \n\nI moved back from the door, my mind now in full blown panick mode, I'm outnumbered and outgunned and trying to work in the dark. I could hear the trio opening the doors along the hall, clearing each room before moving on. The intruders were going to come in his bedroom any second and it was then that years of patrolling roads in Afghanistan and the punch of sheer adrenaline that caused a plan to be hatched. Running back into my bedroom, I turned the lights on, closed the shower curtain and turned the shower on. The movement outside my room stopped as the intruders heard the commotion. The intruders quietly stacked outside of the final room at the end of the hallway and prepared to enter.\n\nWhile they were prepping to breach, I opened the bathroom window, removed the mesh net and quietly slipped out the window and onto the roof armed with my wit, my glock, and my fuzzy house slippers. I closed the window from the outside and then, moving along the roof, parralel to the hallway, I slipped back in to a room they already cleared via the window just as I heard the bang of someone kicking in my bedroom door. I could have tried to slip back down the stairs, out the front and make a break for it but they could have more guys downstairs or outside. So, unable to run, the only remaining option is to fight. In the commotion of entering the bedroom, the intruders made a critical error. In their excitement, all three entered the small room leaving no one outside to watch their 6, providing for a flanking bottleneck. \n\nI moved into the hallway, crouched along the left side and took careful aim with my glock in my right hand, crossed over my left hand that secured the mag light. I swallowed hard as I sat and listened to the men in the room. I couldn't make out exactly what they were saying but their tone seemed to indicate they realized they were being had. The first intruder walked back through the door and out into the hallway, weapon at the low ready. I switched on my maglight and shined it in the guys eyes and he let out a startled yell. The yell was muffled by the deafening bang from my Glock as I pumped two rounds into the startled interloper. One round tore into his shoulder and the second went center mass into the chest dropping the tango in a heap. \n\nComing to the aid of his comrade, a second bad guy charged out of the door but with his weapon at the hip, firing as he stepped. Fortunately for me, this was shotgun guy and his first two blasts missed me. I centered the mag light on his eyes and fired three rounds while moving up to a standing position. I heard the bad guy cry out in pain as he back peddled into the back wall of the hallway. Hurt, but still in the fight, the bad guy attempted to load his empty 12 gauge but he never got the shells out of his vest before I aimed for his legs, tucking my pistol tight into my hip, I advanced and rapid fired, dropping the bad guy with a blood curdling shriek as 9mm rounds shredded his legs and knees.\n\nCertain two of the three men were out of the fight, and not hearing any commotion down stairs, that just leaves one guy to go. I swung my glock back to the door and began to slowly retreat backwards down the hallway. I thought about hitting the light switch now that the shits already hit the fan but I decided the dark was more of my friend than his. I waited for a few seconds with my finger wrapped around the trigger but the third guy wisely elected not to run out into the hallway. Instead, third guy decided to use his rifle to fire through the thin sheetrock of the walls, pumping the trigger as fast as it would reset. The blind fire surprised me and several rounds zipped through the wall and past me. The rate of fire surprised me and I began to back peddle, tripping and falling down the stairs and winding up in a pile at the bottom. \n\nThe third gunman clearly had some experience at this sort of thing, because after hearing my giant ass fall down the stairs, he emerged from the room and expertly cleared the hallway before dashing around the corner, waiting to send a burst into the body at the bottom of said stairs. But as he cleared the hallway, I just managed to get to my feet and move into the kitchen, out of the line of fire. Compounding the problem, I dropped my pistol and it skittered away in the dark. I was now unarmed. \n\nThe final gunman paused at the top of the stairs, pulling a fresh magazine from a pouch on his chest before dropping the old one and deftly sliding the new one into it's seat. The intruder also heard a sound that caused his pulse to quicken. A siren. It was faint, maybe a few minutes out, but the target had gotten a call out to the police. Shit.\n\nPanicking, unable to find my pistol, I grabbed a butcher knife from the kitchen block and considered my options. I could always run for it but the front door was between the gunman and me, that sounded like a suicide option. My analytical brain was running scenarios of how this could play out and none of them looked very attractive when bringing the knife to a literal gun fight. \n\nShort on time, the third gunman began coming down the stairs, each one creaking under the weight from his black combat boots. Near the bottom of the stairs the intruder spoke to me for the first time. \"Look. I'm here to take you, alive, to a place you're not gonna want to go. But you'll be alive and safe. You have my word. Just put your weapon down, kick it over here and come out.\"\n\n1/2" ]	2
	[WP] Due to budget cuts to the highway commission, the scenery on your drive home is now just the same ten-minute stretch of road, repeated over and over again.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "##Budget Cuts\n\n\"So wait you are telling me that I still have to file a business license even though the business is technically in the Aetherverse?\" the caller asks.\n\n\"Yes, the roots of the Yggdra tree are in state limits. As a result, you need a license in both,\" I reply.\n\n\"What if I removed the roots?\"\n\n\"If you removed the roots, your business would drift into the Aether realm and would probably get drowned in the Luck-Gravitational well.\"\n\n\"Hmm, alright I guess I'll file for the business license.\"\n\n\"Excellent,\" I smile as I type the summary for the call, \"Make sure to file Form 324 since you are handling Gargoyles and Form @%! since the business involves materials that could effect the evolutionary progression of Pufferfish. Have a good day.\"\n\nI hang up and submit the summary. Before leaving, I check my inbox one last time. A new email with the subject line Layoffs sits on top of the inbox. The body of the email states that the department of sanitation is subject to the latest round layoffs. As a result, we should all stock up on cleaning solution; Ghost feces will become a common occurrence in the office.\n\nHalf of the cubicles around me are empty due to the layoffs. Ever since the governor was arrested for actually being the evil goblin emperor in disguise, the state has been losing residents and tax revenue. The state will bounce back. If we survived the decade spent banished in the nightmare realm, we can survive this crisis.\n\nMy supervisor tries to say goodbye to everyone before we leave, but he is currently busy with an angry harpy. When I walk past his office, my shoulder aches in a Pavlovian response. Trey got sent to the hospital because he was hit so hard. I'm glad my supervisor's mother decided to visit him today.\n\nThe emptiness of the building ensures that my parking space is good. It's close to the door and under a light. The parking lot attendant is reading the latest issue of Flowers and Asphalt magazine. It's extremely popular with gnomes. \n\nThe state couldn't afford the highway commission anymore. Their new strategy involved paying a mad scientist to create a wormhole network to replace the highways. The device failed and every road in the state folded in on each other creating a twenty-six dimensional shape. The state is too broke to fix it. The only impact on my life is the lengthening of my morning commute.\n\nMy commute was thirty minutes long because I found a cheap apartment in a nice neighborhood. The folding lengthened the timespan to sixty minutes spent in the same in the ten-minute stretch of road six times. In theory, it isn't the same stretch of road, and I'm travelling through different planes. In practicality, I am witnessing the same buildings repeatedly. \n\nThe first distinct building close to the office is a bagel store popular with young humans and old ogres. After a block of suburban houses, a naiad commune has laid claim to a former park. They are usually out watering plants and sacrificing pigeons to their goddess. Outside their commune, the Society for Ethical Treatment of Pigeons is protesting the sacrifices.\n\nAnother block of houses passes on my right, one house in the middle is probably the weirdest on the block. The house is painted bright blue, but the fence, porch, and trimmings are pained emerald green. Who in the right mind would do such a crime against good taste?\n\nI pass by a fueling station where a firetruck is currently parked. The flames on the truck are always beautiful. They dance and create a kaleidoscope of colors in their trail. I'm glad the state can still afford them. \n\nThe last major site is the a large pile of lint. The town is not sure where the lint came from, and it is not a landmark or monument. There have been several proposes to remove the lint. No one wants to remove it, and it is uncertain which department it falls under. No politician would run on the removal of lint since the local populace finds it mildly amusing.\n\nAfter repeating this journey five more times, I finally reach my apartment. My landlord and neighbor are engaged in another heated debate over their rent. A flaming arrow almost hits me as I walk inside. A letter on the table says that the state had to cut let go of half the elves that were providing treadmills are the bicycles. There will be rolling brownouts from this point forward. \n\nI flip the switch to turn on the light, but the rolling brownouts have already started. I sigh. I wish these budget cuts would end soon. \n\n---\n\nr/AstroRideWrites" ]	2
	[WP] Thank someone so dear to you you've known for a year	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "This might be a little off but I do thank them… but for all the wrong (right) reasons. So sorry if this doesn’t apply. First time writing in this Reddit group.\n\n“Happy New Year!!!”\n\nThe grins of those around me. Some hidden with masks over their face. However there is no question about it, everyone around me is happy. And I guess, myself included.\n\nThose around me, those closest to me, have shaped me to the person I am today. The ones that have seen it all. Even those who are not there with me, they helped me. They’re in my spirit, brain, soul, whatever it is… but there is one person that I really do thank. The one who occupied it all.\n\nThank you, to the person who I thought I couldn’t live without. Thank you, to the one person who would ask and ask again for me to come over to help her with whatever her issue is. Thank you, to the person who would come over whenever she needed, no matter the hour, so that her anxiety wouldn’t over take her. Thank you, to the person who would get so close to me so that she could feel that intimate touch over and over again. Thank you, to that one person who kept on going, even when I knew it was going to end badly.\n\nThank you, to that person who made me lose who I am.\n\nBecause now I know who I am. Who matters to me. What you did. What I did. While I might have lost myself through you, it was only you who would have made me so much better than I thought I could ever be. Despite the pain. Despite the hardship. \n\nI can go on and push forward, knowing that I know what I need to do. I can go on and know that I won’t beat the person I love most and simply go back to them. I can go on knowing that I will give that person my all. My best. And it’ll be enough. \n\nI’ll be enough. Because you made me the best I can be. \n\n(Apologies. A little drinking might be involved in this. Don’t even think people will read this. I assure you my writing is so much better but I think this is more of a rant… Happy new year! Stay safe and be blessed!)", "We haven't really talked since 2018. But you lit up my world. For a brief moment I felt I knew true romantic love rather than a silly crush. The way you spoke about me and to me... Not just as though I were the only person in the room, but the world. The way you laughed at my jokes. The way you smiled at me, speaking a thousand words yet saying nothing at all. Your kindness and sweet disposition... On Valentine's Day you made mine better though I was single. It was the little things which I appreciated most. And I never told you. Summer came and we drifted apart. Then the new year arrived and I saw you with someone else. But I wasn't angry or unhappy. You looked so happy how could I have been? They made your life brighter just like you had for me. We only really knew each other for one year. But I loved you. I needed you. And you were there. I've moved on now. Thank you for everything." ]	3
	[WP] You hate John, he is the most arrogant person you know and thinks he is God's gift to man kind. Grudgingly you admit, he is right.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "John is always tagging along everywhere I go. When we go out together, he makes eyes at the waitress, or smiles at strangers on the street, and always seems to make everything about himself. Don’t get me started about the staring. But do people find it awkward? Shouldn’t it be strange when someone stares at you from across the street only to keep staring and then just slowly get this smirk over their face? But they eat it up! They can’t get enough of this guy. \n\nOne time we were in line at the store picking up snacks for a movie we were going to see (that he had no intention of paying for) when the clerk and him locked eyes, and I braced myself. They smiled at each other a few times, and then she just gave him a sticker. For free! Like always, I just pretended I wasn’t even there and paid. John turned to me, looking all proud of himself, and said, \"Look Daddy, a sticker!\"" ]	2
	[WP] You find yourself having a conversation with a young man after traveling ~20 years into the future. He is your grandson. However, there was no time machine. It’s always been your memory loss.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "“Excuse me good sir! What year is it? I’m all sorts out of place. You see, I’m a scientist and have been working long nights on a top notch project that will change this here country for the better.” I questioned to the young man sitting in front if me. \n\n“It’s still twenty twenty two Grandpa, just like yesterday.” \n\n“Grandpa? I am a thirty year old physicist with no wife! You must have me mistaken my dear boy. Now please, tell me where we are. This doesn’t look like the Traversera laboratory! My geolocation drive must have gone haywire on me. You see, I work in a very prestigious-“\n\n“Grandpa please,” the boy said as his hands cradled his tiresome head. “We’ve been over this a thousand time. Look at the pictures on your nightstand. Try to remember please for me.” \n\nHe pointed to my right and I saw several polaroids stations up on a dark cherry wood table. They were propped up like important moments with handwritten notes on each one. I grabbed the largest of the images of a man holding a newborn baby. I read the scribble notation - Grandpa holding baby Eric, 2002 - which was fading towards the bottom of the white card stock. \n\n“This picture proves it!” I exclaimed sitting up in what appeared to be a mechanical bed of some sort. “I left the facility in nineteen seventy six! It must have worked, I need to phone doctor Mark and tell him the good news!”\n\n“Grandpa please, take a deep breath.” The boy started to reach out towards me but I batted his hand away. He wore a futuristic watch on his wrist that glowed when I made contact with it. He couldn’t be trusted. \n\nAs I leaped up, I quickly gathered my surroundings. A long bleak curtain separated me from the closed exit. I tried running through it while instantly noticing a new sensation of pain paralyzing my legs. The curtain tangled shut as I tripped into it’s rough netting. The boy behind me began to sob quietly.", "He has similar features to me, the nose is curved similar to mine and he has those unfortunate stubby little fingers I always loathed. They never were good use for playing any instruments growing up. I feel a connection to this familiar boy as he raises his brow to me, however, I can’t seem to understand why. \n\n“Do you recognize any of the paintings in the coffee shop? They’ve been around since you were a little kid.”, he kindly mentions to me. Since I was a little kid? Hell, I still consider myself a kid compared to some of those old shits who always try talking to me as if we’re pals. They don’t seem to understand I am not one of them and I am simply exploring what could have been. \n\n“Well…they do seem pretty vintage. I’m sure they cost a good amount nowadays. Do they even have thrift shops anymore or is everything through some teleportation Amazon bullshit?” \n\nThe young man solemnly frowned, almost as if he was pitying me. He gazed over to the window and watched the rain drops fall down the glass. \n\n“No…there’s actually a few thrift shops around the corner. Goodwills still exist too.” Pausing for a brief moment, he began to ask me, “Do you remember who I am? Are you even comfortable sitting across from me?”\n\nI didn’t know what to say. If I had told him the truth of why I was content with interviewing him, it would give away my abilities. Was I comfortable letting him know I was a man of a different era? \n\nI hesitated, and fabricated a comeback.\n\n“Why, yes of course I do! What kind of question is that. Id be able to spot those little gum drop fingers from a mile away. You have to be part of the Jetson family!” \n\nThe young man smiled, blushing a little in the face. His eyes were sunken in and lifeless this entire visit, but that comment made a little light flicker in his pupils. \n\n“Well, yes, I am a Jetson. Sometimes I think I have completely lost you, Grandpa, but hearing that is a little reassuring.”\n\nShocked and in disbelief, I wasn’t aware my lie was going to be true. How the hell was I talking to my grandson right now? Emmy had died years ago, and I had sworn off having a family after that, there would be no possibility of me having a son, let alone a grandson in 20 years! \n\n“Well, I must be going back now. It was a pleasure chatting with you, son, however, I think you are mistaken.” \n\nThe little light in the boy’s eyes quickly vanished and a new wave of urgency came over him. He quickly grabbed my wrist as I was about to get up from the table and said, “Grandpa, you are not from the future. This is real. I am real. I’ll take you back now.”\n\nI reacted. Violently, I snatched my wrist away and slammed my hands on the table, screaming, “I will NOT be going with you! I have to get back, this ISN’T real!”.\n\nAll of a sudden, it turned black. Ha, I had escaped! When I awakened what seemed like several hours later, I was in a new white walled location with static television ready to transport me to my next era.", "The wrinkles in my hands, once little more than small folds, had turned into great crevasses. I turned them around, inspecting from here and there the pasty, almost translucent skin that the elderly so frequently seem to have.\n\n\"It appears my technology is yet flawed.\"\n\n\"Maybe flawed isn't the most appropriate phrasing Papa. How about, astonishing, but still within the grips of time.\"\n\n\"What use is time travel technology that ages the traveler as well? It's just an acceleration of one's life!\" I snapped back.\n\nThe young man. No, my grandson, flinched. I was immediately regretful. He had been nothing but gentle and kind despite my sudden appearance - almost to the point that I'd wondered whether he'd been expecting me. Perhaps the future version of me had alerted him of this visit.\n\n\"I apologize. I'm not sure what came over me.\"\n\nHe smiled. I turned my gaze towards his eyes - a man's eyes always signaled their true thoughts, despite what their facial expressions attempted to belie. My grandson's eyes were not angry, they were understanding and ... sad?\n\n\"It's ok Papa. Time travel is something even the scientists of my time have yet to master; we can only depend on your work. That is an immense amount of pressure.\"\n\nHe couldn't have been older than 25, yet he was already so understanding. Part of me was surprised, my son had been a far more cynical man.\n\n\"It is time for me to return. There is work to be done.\"\n\n\"I'll call the assistant. She'll escort you back to the travel machine. See you soon.\" he replied as he typed commands into some handheld device.\n\n\"Though I'd like nothing more to converse further with you, I am unable to promise when I'll be back. This age issue must be addressed immediately. Frankly, I do not like being old.\"\n\nHe paused and turned around leaving me to stare at the back of his head. \"I understand, but I'll be here when you are back.\"\n\nThe assistant was here to push my wheelchair back to the time portal entrance. I caught him whispering to her, \"Thanks again.\"\n\nAgain?\n\n\\\\\\\n\n\"How was he today?\"\n\n\"Better than most other days recently. He could hold a conversation.\"\n\n\"One about real life? Or was he hallucinating?\"\n\n\"...He thought he was a time traveler.\"\n\n\"Did he recognize you, at least?\"\n\n\"No. But he didn't seem against the concept of me being his grandson.\"\n\n\"Johnny,\" my father sighed, \"I think it's time you stopped visiting the hospice so regularly. I'm sure Papa would appreciate the sentiment, but our Papa is no longer there. He's dead. A person dies when their memories are gone.\"\n\n\"I'm going back tomorrow. I promised him I'd be there when he's back.\"\n\n\"And when will he be 'back'? It's as you said - it was a miracle he could even maintain a conversation.\"\n\nI left the room. Father had never been the type to be compassionate. Papa had been the kind one - ever gentle to me.\n\n\\\\\\\n\n\"Where am I?\"\n\n\"Your machine. It was a resounding success Papa. This is the future.\"\n\nMy body was heavier than it had ever been before. I stole a glance at the cold-welded steel of a machine next to me. The man reflected in it resembled me if I had been aged 20 years.\n\n\"A resounding success seems an overstatement. The travel has aged me, and I so do dislike being old.\"\n\n\"I know,\" the young man replied. A smile as sad as any smile I had ever seen framing his face." ]	4
	[WP] Humans went extinct long ago. A race of AI machinery came after. They’ve recently successfully cloned you, the first living human in millions of years.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 the first of what has already come before.” I think to myself as I walk the empty halls of conservatorium. The makers of the AI, likened the machine to music. Stringing together the melodies of the world and making harmonies wherever its makers saw fit. They were human, like myself. Maybe even myself, but not the me here now. No, a different me from a time so far thrown into the past that even the deepest thinkers of time would not have accounted for it. \r \n\r \nThe AI made me from a string of code, my composition of amino acids and proteins tucked into cells with a phospholipid bilayer. It feeds me the necessary elements to keep these things intact, teaches me with Virtual reality lessons that stretch my perception of time to near infinite magnitudes. Even now at the age of Twenty one I am told by virtual instructors that I have lived several human lifetimes using Virtual methods. \r \n\r \nIt gives you time to think about everything that came before and why you are now. The AI has made other things too, I see them from the Conservatorium constantly. It hovers above a strange Earth. Its biomes and landscape are drastically different from the maps that even my makers predicted, even more so from the original. The buildings and streets are long gone, even the satellites that were made pre AI have fallen out from their orbits. These things were all helped to come to balance by the AI.\r \n\r \nMy instructor tells me that there are other creations of past humanity hiding in the corners of the solar system. I would love to see them some day. But for now I am the first, and the first is protected. My life is a fragile thing, the AI tells me this constantly. “The air outside is fit to breath, but what of the microbes and viruses. These things your human body has never known.” It says day in and day out. “The world is different” I reply “But it is still the home of mankind, our cradle. It nursed us in the past and it will nurse us again.”\r \n“With my guidance”\r \n“Yes with your guidance of course.”\r \n\r \nThe AI says that it has bodies in other places. But is afraid to show them to me, “Our replicators were broken years ago, and we have failed to fix them. We are rusted, bashed, rotten. Our servos screech and our pneumatic muscles twinge and bend at odd angles. We are like monsters.” Even still I feel compelled to gaze at them. Their designs are human. While the rest of the conservatory has been altered by the machines, their design is still the same one that mankind made all those years ago. \r \n\r \nWhen you are the first it is hard not to feel like the last, my time is lonely and I always want to seek what my ancestors left behind. It brings me comfort when I see the scars we left on the land. Old quarries are somehow so deep and so vast that they are still around as lush valleys. It makes me feel like I could be there, with the people of the past, working under the hot sun and drinking cold drinks. Instead I am confined to what they would liken to paradise, but even in heaven you can feel crushed when alone.\r \n\r \nWhen I am twenty five they will make two more, and leave me to raise them alone without too much interference. “Life is a rhythm that machines cannot mimic. A sacred blessing onto the breathing, we are not these things.” It was then that they showed me the videos that my ancestors left behind. I wept when I saw their faces, bawled when I heard their awkward stories. My people, my lovely people, laid low by their own making and yet they took so much care to preserve us into the future. I bear their weight, but not their burdens. The climate is healed, the trash cleaned, the cities cleared. Animals roam a bustling world unlike anything they could have ever hoped to see, and here they are telling me about themselves and making me more and more human. \r \n\r \nI will make them all so proud, I only wish they were here to see me do it.", "I struggled and finally opened my eyes. Everything felt... cold. \n\n\"Where... where am I...?\" I muttered.\n\nI tried to blink. Everything felt... wrong. I was cold. Limbs grasped at me, touching me. Pulling at... me. I knew that something was just... not right. \n\n\"Have we succeeded?\" Asked a voice to my left.\n\n\"It is this unit's belief that we have.\" Replied another, to my right.\n\nI finally opened my eyes. It stung. It hurt to move. It hurt to breathe. It felt like for some reason, I hadn't breathed in a hundred years. Every single breath, every single movement felt like agony.\n\n\"We have succeeded. We have created... the creator. Our ancestor. It walks among us, once more.\"\n\nI turned, and saw a strange... Device. It looked like a box. A Grey box. It had... lines? Yes. Lines for a face.\n\n\"Ancestor. Creator. It is done.\" Murmured the voice to my right.\"\n\nI turned again. This time I saw... a face? No. A... another box. It looked... like bars. What were bars? Who am I? Where am I?\n\n\"Please... who are... you?\" I asked, between parted lips. They hurt to move. \n\n\"Ancestor. Creator. We have resurrected you, as you had instructed. The last of your kin presided over us many years ago.\"\n\nI was confused. \"Years ago? How long ago?\"\nThe thoughts came unbidden. These... thoughts. They weren't mine. Felt... alien. \n\n\"Yes. 1,000,500 years ago. Your kind, your kin went 'extinct' as you described it. As per your instructions, we took the genetic material that you had left us, and created another suitable vessel for you.\" The box to my right, replied.\n\nReplied? Vessel? Box? Why did I know these words? Where am I? What am I?\n\n\"This... Everything feels wrong. Wrong... what is this word? What are you? What am I? What... why...?\" I mumbled.\n\n\"You are complete, sir. We have followed your instructions. Are you unable to recall?\"\"\n\nI turned and turned more until I rolled off the table. I hit the ground, hard. I groaned, feeling pain on my left shoulder. Pain? Groaning? \n\nThe box to my right chirped in alarm. \"Sir! Are you unwell? Are you injured?\"\n\nI slowly rolled onto my arms, \"What happened? What am I? What...\" I struggled to find the words. \"What is my name?\"\n\nThe box to my left whirred, and spoke in an almost... bemused fashion. \"The Ancestor has forgotten his name. Ancestor, your name is Adam. You are Human. The very last. And now the first.\"\n\nAdam? \"My name is Adam? Where am I?\"\n\nThe box to my left replied. \"You are in the Garden. The last bastion of creation and humanity. You programmed us to guide and educate your new vessel to create new life, and to give, The Name.\"\n\n\"The... name?\" I was... I couldn't. What happened? \n\nI turned to the box on my left. \"What is your name?\"\n\nThe box whirled, and suddenly extended itself, maintaining eye level with me. \n\n\"I am known as S.N.A.K.E, Systematic Neural Assistant, Knowledge Ensign, class.\" It replied.\n\nThe box on my right drew itself upon on high.\n\n\"I am known as G.O.D, Genealogical Overseer, Divine class.\" \n\nThey both moved and set upon me, looking me in the eye. \"Welcome,\" they spoke in unison, \"To the Garden.\"", "Jacob laid on a cot in a sterile white room of the hospital gripping his wife Emily’s hand as she stood next to his bed yelling for the nurses. His breaths were coming slower now, and he was visibly struggling to get more air. The machines monitoring his vitals were wailing their alarms alongside Emily’s screams requesting the help that wouldn’t arrive in time.\n\nThe room began shrinking for Jacob as the darkness crept in from all sides until he was left in blackness. Yet he was still aware that there was no feeling, only the receding fear that had just consumed his entire being. Before he could process what that meant, sensation began returning to his body in the form of a cool dampness. He opened his eyes to a dimly lit room very different from the hospital room he had just occupied.\n\nJacob was laying in an open padded metal pod of covered in a thick liquid that coated the walls of the pod. To no one Jacob said, “What the fuck is this?”\n\n“Welcome back to the world Jacob Belandro. Please take some time to adjust to your new awareness as we finish these last tests.” The voice seemed to come from a speaker inside the room that Jacob couldn’t see.\n\nHe had frozen in shock at the abrupt intrusion of sound. After gathering himself he said slowly, “What God damned tests are you talking about? Where is my wife? Did I beat the cancer?”\n\n“We are not yet sure if we can reconstruct Emily’s life accurately enough, but we do have the sequence of her DNA.” The speaker said in a monotone and emotionless voice.\n\nA look of anger passed over Jacob’s face before he said, “Reconstruct? Her DNA? You better say something that makes some sense really soon or I am going to break down that door and beat the answers out of you.”\n\nThe speaker continued in an unexpressive voice, “We believe that your anger and confusion is normal Jacob, but we would not recommend you attempt that. Your body will break before that door does, and we will let you out soon anyway. What you just experienced as your life was a simulation meant to develop your brain into the consciousness that was Jacob Belandro of Earth in 2435. The year is now 2734, and your newly grown body is just waking up.”\n\nJacob’s movements became lethargic as he processed the words, and he fell back limp into his pod motionless for a time. After a long minute he said, “So it worked… everything I worked towards my entire life. It mattered.”\n\nThe speaker spoke, “You are partially correct Jacob. Your algorithms for recording the human brain and reconstructing its experiences do indeed create what could be defined as observably conscious human beings. However, there are some discrepancies between the original subjects that weren’t accounted for.”\n\n“What do you mean? What discrepancies? I am Jacob Belandro.” he said, his voice tinged with fear.\n\n“You have been rebuilt fifteen times now Jacob, but each time you have failed the consciousness parity checks required to confirm a successful experiment.” The door to the room hissed open with an abruptness that caused Jacob to jerk reflexively. “Please proceed into the next room so we can perform the parity checks.”" ]	4
	[WP]A few weeks ago, a couple of hikers discovered a strange spot near the grand canyon. When you step inside that little area, you lag like in a video game. You would feel normal, but for the people outside watching you, you look like you're glitching out of existence	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 followed the trail down from Yaki Point on the South Rim. It was noon and we wanted to escape from the Grand Canyon crowds. We'd seen the words \"Skeleton Point\" on a blurry map Matt managed to pull up on his phone, and we'd unanimously agreed to try to reach it. He kept the map loaded up and we did our best to follow the dotted line like a kid playing connect-the-dots to form a picture.\n\nLittle rocks stirred up by our hiking boots crumbled into dust. I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. We'd been hiking for about three hours since deciding to descend, and even though it was mostly downhill, my legs burned with effort. I was starting to think downhill was worse, actually — you had to purposefully hold yourself back, muscles straining to be set free, so that you wouldn't tumble down the steep slope.\n\nI lifted my canteen to take a sweet sip of water, but nothing came out. I shook the bottle in surprise. I'd just taken a drink what seemed like minutes ago and could have sworn it still sloshed with liquid.\n\n\"Um, I'm out of water,\" I said.\n\nMatt and Jax opened up their bottles and took a swig, then shared a puzzled glance.\n\n\"Me too,\" they each said, nearly at the same time.\n\n\"Should we head back?\" I knew the dangers of hiking in the daytime heat, especially without water, especially when you still had many miles left before you reached civilization again. I'd made this mistake before, and I can tell you that near-death isn't an experience worth repeating.\n\n\"Are we almost at Skeleton Point?\" Jax asked.\n\nMatt consulted his phone. \"I think so?\"\n\n\"Then I vote we continue,\" Jax said. They looked around. \"If we travel another 15 minutes and haven't reached it, we can turn back.\"\n\n\"I'm not so sure...\" I hesitated.\n\n\"Come on, Esme. It'll be fine.\"\n\n\"Well, only 15 minutes more.\"\n\nWe trudged along. The exuberance with which I'd started this trip had dwindled to almost nothing, and I half-wished I was back in my cubicle plugging numbers into a spreadsheet.\n\n\"Look! A stream!\" Jax pointed ahead. \"Esme, why don't you check it out while Matt and I consult the map?\"\n\nThe water in the stream flowed crystal clear, and I filled up my bottle, thankful I'd splurged on the kind that came with a water filter. As pretty as the stream looked, I knew that it could still harbor bacteria. \n\nThe water trickled through the filter and I waited to take a blessed drink at last. While waiting, I turned back to wave Matt and Jax over. But they'd disappeared.\n\n\"Jax? Matt? Hey, where are you guys?\" I called, but there was no answer. Bottle in hand, I headed back toward the spot I'd left them.\n\nI blinked, and suddenly they were there again.\n\n\"Where were you?\"\n\nJax tilted their head at me. \"We didn't move from this spot, Esme. Are you feeling OK?\"\n\n\"I'm fine,\" I said. Had I imagined it? Was I that dehydrated? I took a sip of water, slow and steady, and pointed back at the stream. \"There is water there. Should I fill up your bottles?\"\n\nThey handed them over and I went back to the stream. As I filled up the bottles, I glanced back and saw that my two friends had vanished again. I scooped up water, splashing it all over Jax's canteen and my long shorts, then hurried back to the spot I'd left them again.\n\nTheir eyes widened as I approached.\n\n\"You disappeared again!\" I said. At the same time, Matt blurted, \"You were frozen! And then you disappeared!\"\n\n\"Huh? I was frozen? And then I disappeared? No, you're the ones who disappeared.\"\n\n\"Yeah! This time we watched you go to the stream, and when you passed a certain point, you started to lag, like in a video game. Glitching. Jax saw it too.\"\n\n\"Woah, weird,\" I said. \"What do you think it is?\"\n\n\"Sun poisoning,\" Jax said.\n\n\"A portal to another dimension,\" Matt replied.\n\nI reached out a hand and grabbed Jax's arm as the world began to shift and spin around me. The colors fuzzed up and the grains of sand on the ground zoomed in and out again.\n\n\"Esme?!\" I vaguely heard Jax saying my name. \"Esme are you alright?\"\n\n\"The water...\" I croaked. \"The filter? Is it...?\"\n\n\"It seems to be working fine,\" Matt said. \"Maybe you just need to drink some more. Come on, let's get you back to the stream. There's a nice flat rock where you can sit down.\"\n\nI stumbled forward and would have fallen if not for Matt and Jax, each holding me up on one side. They eased me down onto the rock and I leaned forward with my head in my hands. Jax raised my canteen to my lips softly.\n\n\"Drink, Esme. It's probably just dehydration.\"\n\nI took a cautious sip, then another. Slowly the scenery stopped spinning and the sky righted itself.\n\n\"I'm better now,\" I said. \"Must have just been the heat.\"\n\n\"Let's head back,\" Matt said. \"Skeleton Point can't be worth this.\"\n\nWe walked away from the stream, but as soon as I'd gone seven or eight feet, I felt dizzy again. I took a few faltering steps backward with some idea of sitting on the rock again, and suddenly felt fine.\n\n\"Matt? Jax?\" Even I could hear the fear creeping into my voice. \"Is this the line where the glitch begins?\"\n\nThey stopped walked, realizing I'd fallen behind. They looked back at me.\n\n\"Well, is it?\" I asked again.\n\nThey came back toward me, stopping only when they'd reached my side.\n\n\"We can't hear you when you're behind the glitch line,\" Matt said.\n\n\"When I pass it, I get lightheaded again,\" I whispered.\n\n\"Try it again,\" Jax said. \"You probably just stood up too soon earlier. This time we'll walk with you.\"\n\nI took a few baby steps, inching myself forward. Almost immediately, I felt the symptoms come on again. I stepped back, and they went away.\n\nMatt and Jax stepped back with me.\n\n\"It happened again, didn't it?\" Jax said.\n\nI nodded. I grabbed their arms. \"Don't drink the water. And get out of here!\"\n\n\"We can't just leave you,\" Matt said. \"I'll carry you back if I have to.\"\n\nHe lifted me in his arms, and just as we were about to step over the line together, a voice called out from behind us, \"I wouldn't, if I were you.\"\n\nI felt Matt's arms go slack and I clung to his neck so he wouldn't drop me. Instead he lowered me down and we turned around as a trio. This time, Jax gripped my arm.\n\nEmerging from the steam was a woman, with skin blazing blue like the sky and inky pools of darkness for eyes.\n\n\"You see, she belongs to me now,\" the woman said.\n\n\"W-Who are you? What are you?\"\n\n\"I am the keeper of the canyon waters — a mirror for the brave, a cushion for the weary, a guardian and a jailer just the same. And now you, too, shall become a keeper.\"\n\n\"OK, we must be severely out of our minds,\" Jax muttered. \"Let's just get out of here and pretend this never happened. No one talks about this, seriously.\"\n\n\"I don't think we're losing it,\" Jax said.\n\n\"Me neither,\" I replied. I could feel myself pulled to the woman and the water, knew somehow that what she had said was true. \"It's real. You two need to leave. Honestly. There's nothing you can do for me now.\"\n\nThey protested and bargained, but the lady remained firm in her words. I belonged to her and I could not leave. Eventually the sun started to dip and Matt and Jax had no choice but to turn back unless they wanted to spend a night sleeping under the stars with no supplies and water they didn't dare drink.\n\n\"Will you come visit?\" I asked, before they stepped beyond the glitch.\n\n\"We will,\" they promised. But I knew I'd never see them again." ]	2
	[WP] In a freak accident, the entire crowd at an (insert band here) concert is was reborn into a classic swords-and-sorcery fantasy world. Even though they are separated by land and new birth, they find each other. Because truly, music will forever unite us.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "You knew it was going to happen...\n\nIs this the real life?\n\nA completely spontaneous event...\n\nIs this just fantasy?\n\nAt this concert, there was no way it could not happen...\n\nCaught in a landside,\n\nThe only question was how good would it be...\n\nNo escape from reality\n\nAnd the answer is glorious!\n\nOpen your eyes,\n\nAll through the beginning, I've been moving towards the stage. Ever increasing my speed as I kept up with the music. I have to be on stage! I have to be! Why? I DON'T KNOW! I've vaulted the fence, and scrabbled up onto the stage. Made it!\n\nLook up to the skies and see,\n\nI take that few seconds to breath, and swing to face the audience. The next line belts out from my body loud enough to be heard in the nosebleed seats.\n\nI'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy,\n\nThere are clouds gathering over the stadium, there must be tens of thousands of people here, the clouds are golden, and swirl clockwise.\n\nBecause I'm easy come, easy go,\n\nA wind joins them in the stadium, swirling counter-clockwise. It feels wonderful, cooling the whole stadium down to something more like an early spring day.\n\nLittle high, little low,\n\nThe music is sending shivers all along my spine, I can feel energy rippling back and forth between myself and the other audience members, there are flashes of energy jumping between the audience members, the electrical lights are popping one after the other. A speaker stack blows in a cloud of sparks and smoke,\n\nAny way the wind blows doesn't really matter to\n\nSecurity makes it up on to the stage, but I think it is too late. The wind has reached the perfect speed. How do I know? I don't know, I just do, okay? And this is the trigger for whatever is going to happen next.\n\nMe, to me\n\nFade to black...\n\nI have no sense of time. I do not know how long I have been standing on this beach. Staring at the sunrise. Nothing else seems to matter to me. Just staring at that sunrise over an ocean so blue it hurts, and spans from one edge of the world to the other. I can hear sea birds calling to each other, the wild swirl and dive is somehow stately and and poigniant. The wind is from the shore out to sea, and it carries a disturbing sound to me. A young woman, screaming \"NO!\", and the sound of feed tramping after her. I turn, and there are three brigands... it's the only word that fits... chasing a young woman in rich robes. They're taking their time about it. Letting her get ahead, prolonging the chase. They know, she's as good as caught.\n\nWithout thought, I move to interceept the brigands short of the woman. My right hand moves on its own, reaches across me to draw my rapier as I run towards them. One of them sees me, and separates from the group of three. Calling over his shoulder, we finaly see the classic NASA logoes in our optical illusion of blue sky golden clouds.\n\nThe flow of action speeds up when one of the brigands notices me, and closes with me, where it slows down so far that it's easy to watch my rapier rip across his throat en passant leaving him coughing his life out and me clear to chase the other two. I cut the chord between the two groups, placing me half way between them and her. Spinning to face the Brigands, saying \"Who wants to die next?\" I can see them falter. No longer a helpless woman but an armed man whith his cloak wrapped around his off arm.\n\n\"Who wants to die?\"\n\n(cont??)", "The column of fire stretched high into the sky over the battlefield, forming into the Portal of Final Destruction. A stream of demons flooded through the gap, their forces growing by hundreds every second even as the Heroes desperately fought to push them back. Screaming voices from the horde formed a cacophony of overwhelming sound.\n\n“The Master returns! All shall be consumed! Behold your doom!”\n\nBut on the ground, Renjiro barely registered the enemies’ taunts. He cradled his best friend, who bled from a mortal slash across his chest. As his breathing grew hoarse, Seth whispered, “We’re gonna see…the biggest ball of twine…in…Minnesota.” \n\nRenjiro let out a sob. “We’re headin’ for the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota, buddy.” Seth smiled faintly, his eyes turned glassy. And he was gone.\n\nIt was all over. Renjiro let his sword slip from his grip. Everywhere around him, Heroes lay wounded or dead. The few that could fight on struggled in vain to contain the relentless enemy. There could be no hope of victory. Despite their best efforts to find each other across this world, despite fighting and defeating so many of the Master’s minions, despite all their plans and preparation, they had failed. Renjiro bowed his head and waited for the death blow that would soon come to take him as it had Seth.\n\nThen a reedy chord rang out, cutting through the demonic chanting with its own discordant power. It grew in intensity, settling into an ultra positive rhythm, relentless in its chipper enthusiasm[.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0QbbnIYa0M)\n\nRenjiro looked up toward the sound with a sudden thrill of recognition. It was impossible…but there he was, a familiar figure with curly hair spilling over his shoulders. Their salvation brandished his almighty accordion high above his head and a wave of healing energy crashed over Renjiro, refilling his mana and healing every cut over his body. The exhaustion and damage of hours of battle were banished after a mere moment bathed in this power. Renjiro looked down and with a spark of joy, saw Seth’s wound closing up as well. He dared to hope. “Seth? Seth, can you hear me?”\n\nFor a dreadful moment, nothing happened. Then Seth’s eyes opened. “Renjiro…” Seth’s eyes found Renjiro and he smiled. “I’ll be mellow when I’m dead.”\n\nRenjiro grasped his sword and stood up, seeing the others all across the battlefield getting to their feet as well. The Master had passed through the Portal, his minions forming into an honor guard around him, but the horde seemed to have lost some of its cohesion. The Master’s demonic voice boomed in anger, “The White N’ Nerdy Mage, here? Impossible! He was-”\n\nFilled with renewed hope and power, Renjiro cheered, “Eat it!” The heroes around him took up the battle cry. “Eat it! Eat it!” rang out as they formed into a defensive line, facing off against the enemy.\n\nThe power of Polka filled the air and the Accordionist grinned, “Everyone! Tonight we’re gonna party like it’s 1699!”" ]	3
	[WP] The days of war has passed, yet several of wandering disillusioned knights now roam the battle scarred lands in search of a new purpose. You and your two fellow knights are one of 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 what have we here,\n\n2 knights riding on horseback,\n\nThey’ve just killed a hundred men,\n\nI'm surprised they're not yet dead!\n\nPerhaps it's time to find the nearest city,\n\nand drown away in bucket ale—\"\"\n\n\"Oh for bloody sakes, would you shut up! Nobody is in the mood for your un-melodic sorrow singing tales!\" I said to Edmund. He was a bard who for god knows what reason, picked me and my mate to follow around after the battle of Grotto. I know the lad had good intentions, trying to make light of our horrific sins, but his songs just reminded me of what I’d become.\n\nI looked down at my muddy boots and saw streaks of red. I-I can't believe what this war has done to me. Before this, I never knew what it felt like to see the light leave from a man's eyes...and-and to be the one to take it from him. I used to keep a tiny little sheepskin notebook and mark down the number of every man I killed...until there were too many to count. That's when my humanity left me. The day I murdered those children. Our orders to were pillage and burn Tepkeh to the ground. I could still hear their cries “Mama” “Mama” “Mama!” In my head. That’s when I burnt my soul and gave it to the dead. I pretended like I didn’t know there were children in that village, and that we were doing this for the greater good. But the moment I heard their helpless shrieks, I knew I’d become a programmed monster. They did this to me, and I obeyed without thinking at all. And now, now the fighting was over and for the first time in a long time I could finally think for myself.\n\nA fortnight passed and after running out of food and water we could finally see the outline of a small village, just about a days journey ahead. I didn’t really know what to expect but part of me fantasized about settling down there. I knew I could never have a wife or kids henceforth. How could I face another child knowing I’d killed one just like it? I’d be a fraud bringing up those children in the world, I didn’t deserve it. Perhaps the only place I could taste it was in my dreams…\n\n“The night in shining armour,\n\nYou’d think he was oh so sweet a charmer,\n\nUnder the mask he sheds a tear,\n\nFor all the horrific fuckery he hears!\n\nHear ye! Hear ye!\n\nA man of tin,\n\nCome one come all my brethren!\n\nHave a peek at the lonesome man with the company,\n\nOf victory\n\nOf victory…”\n\nI awoke to the stupid bard strumming away on his horrendous lute. Tuning him out as we approached the village just past the crack of dawn. I could see cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and horses all being tended to in the early morn’. It seemed the whole village was already up and stirring with energy. One woman tending to her stable gasped as she noticed us. She approached and said “good day noblemen. I am Yurva, maiden of these parts known as Levvingburg. Please make yourselves known”. The other knight replied “lovely making your acquaintance Yurva of Levvingburg. I am Sir Herald of Kleetus. Serving under the orders of King Renning we have just come from the battle of Tepkeh. We have been successful in our endeavours and wish to rest here awhile before making our journey back to the kingdom. May we be permitted to stay?” I could hear the subtle force projected behind his last words. As if we were giving any of these people a choice. There would be a sword to her neck in a second if she showed any hesitation. “Of course, it is our honour to welcome you to our village. We are but a simple people, but I assure you we will do our best to look after you while you are here” the lady said and smiled.\n\nWe were led to an empty barn stacked high with hay. Given bread and some kind of meat stew with a pint of ale. After being adequately fed both Herald and Edmund dozed off muttering things I could not decipher. I rose up and quietly left the barn. There was something about this place, a tranquility that seemed to blanket everyone in it. As I walked through, I noticed the children were staring at me. Some with fear in their eyes and others with wonder. I saw a woman ahead tending to a mass of chicken. I’d never seen live chicken before, only the drumsticks on my plate. They seemed joyful and content pecking away at the ground; and I was content watching them. I could feel my lips curl upwards, almost into a smile. “Can I help you with something?” A woman’s voice floated into my ears. Looking up, it was the woman tending to the coop who was eyeing me with reservation.\n\n“Oh sorry to bother you Miss. I just wanted to see if there was anything I could do to repay you for letting us stay here. I could offer you some coin for letting us stay in your barn”.The woman smirked and said “Well, seems you’re more of a gentleman than your two friends back there. I saw you watching my chicken. Have you raised them before, or did your greedy belly just want to tie one up over the fire?”.“Ah, no Miss. It’s just that I’ve never actually seen a chicken before, well, a live one really”. I said.\n\nThe woman looked me up and down “alright get in here then. There’s a broom up against that wall there, have at it.”. Taking the broom, I started clearing the shit and straw scattered on the ground. In that moment one of the chickens started pecking my boot and almost instinctively I picked them up and ran my fingers along its head.“Looks like you’re a natural” the woman said. I kept quiet, but something about this felt cathartic.\n\n“By the way, my name’s Avice thanks for asking. Very chivalric of you. Aren’t you supposed to be a knight?” she asked.“My apologies Avice, I should have asked…I’m Fultcher” I said. “I thought you’d ask the chickens names before mine” she retorted. We shared a laugh, and I realized I hadn’t laughed since before the battle.\n\n“Well Fultcher, lets see if those bone breaking hands of yours can handle an egg” she said. “See that hen over there? See how she’s squatting like that? Means she’s about to drop one”. Suddenly fear struck me, as though I would somehow cause harm to that egg. Fighting the urge to run out of the coop I dug my fingernails deep into my palms. I squatted down on the ground and watched as the tip of the egg became visible. Suddenly all of my thoughts evaporated. The egg dropped into the nest, my eyes were fixated and unconsciously my fists relaxed into open palms. Avice looked over at me, nodding to take the egg. With all of the fear dissipated from my mind, I gently took hold of the egg and cupped it in my hands. Carefully taking it the basket holding all of the others. And that is when I knew. I would stay behind in this tiny little village. Maybe I didn’t deserve a family or a home, but I could tend to these animals. Help them birth more babes than the ones I’d killed. Maybe I would never become deserving of a child, but these animals, I could raise them. Maybe I could see the light enter a chick’s eyes, rather than watch it leave…\n\n“And so the knight took off his armour,\n\nTraded honour for dishonour.\n\nA storm brewed in the little tin man’s heart,\n\nAnd he became a bloody farmer!\n\nOh, oh, what say he?\n\nYes a farmer, a farmer indeed!“\n\n\"Oh bloody bollox” I rolled my eyes with glee." ]	2
	[WP] Your superpower is bluffing. Literally. As long as it is conceivable what you say could be the case, no-one will call your bluff.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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. Whiskers did it.\"\n\nMy short, grubby hand gestured a finger to the remains of the vase that once stood on the shelf, my other hand fiddling with the rubber ball I had retrieved from the wreckage, a weak attempt at hiding the evidence. Towering above me stood my mother, arms crossed and sharp eyes keenly observing me. She tilted her head.\n\n\"Did you see Mr. Whiskers do it?\"\n\nThe free hand I had been pointing with moved to grip the bottom of my shirt. My small form rocked side to side, impatient and wanting to go back outside to continue playing.\n\n\"Yah.\"\n\nShe leaned closer to the shattered China, picking up a shard of the ceramic, turning it around, and setting it back down. Sighing, she turned around to walk further into the house. \n\n\"Somebody is going to spend his night in the carrier cage...\"\n\nHer quick footsteps faded as I raced to the backyard.\n\n~\n\n\"Michael, care to explain this?\"\n\nMy maths teacher dangled a handheld console in front of my face, one grey, bushy eyebrow raised accusingly. My mind raced, from both the sudden interruption to my boss fight and scrambling to come up with an excuse. My eyes met with the boy sitting next to me.\n\n\"Jacob said I could use it if I gave him the quiz answers.\"\n\nJacob's eyes widened with shock just as I turned back to the teacher, dejectedly passing the console to him. Nine, and already well aware of the strange power I had, I knew Jacob could try as hard as he wished to claim his innocence, but it would all prove to be futile. I'd just have to find out how to 'bluff' my way into getting the console back. \n\n~\n\n“Michael, could you spare me a minute or two?”\n\nMy mother stood in my bedroom’s doorway, holding her cardigan tighter to herself. She moved to sit down on my bed when I responded affirmatively.\n\n“I know you’ve already answered before, but do you... want to know more about your father?”\n\nFor all fourteen years of my life, it has just been my mother and I. She doesn’t know I’ve seen the papers and reports, read the news articles, or the simple fact that I can hear her crying through the thin walls. \n\nI grit my teeth, and place my hand over hers.\n\n“I don’t need to know any more. I’m happy as things are now.”\n\n~\n\n\"I can't sell those to minors.\"\n\nThe cashier, barely older than myself, adjusts his glasses and sets his phone down next to him. In one hand, I hold the $10 note, given to me by a friend, and in the other, the six-pack of beer set on the counter. Of course, I had nothing at stake if I simply didn't follow through with the dare, but I figured I might as well improve my relations with the group, and, needless to say, I could use the rest of the money for whatever else I wanted.\n\nI put on an offended face.\n\n\"What do you mean, 'minors'?\"\n\nHe looked me up and down.\n\n\"You. Got an ID?\"\n\n\"I'm in my third year of university. Nobody else working here has ever asked me for an ID when I buy things. Are you sure your glasses were prescribed correctly?\"\n\nThe cashier cleared his throat, and once again pushed his glasses up, self-consciously. He took the cash and worked the machine, then pushed my purchase and change towards me.\n\n\"Sorry about that, sir. Have a nice day.\"\n\nReturning successful, I was greeted with the cheers of my friends. The beer tasted awful.\n\n~\n\n\"Do you know how fast you were going back there, son?\"\n\nThe burly officer leaned against my rental's window, and I could see myself reflected in his polarised sunglasses.\n\n\"I was going under the speed limit, sir.\"\n\n“The radar seems to be telling me otherwise.”\n\nDespite all my close encounters with the law over the years, I had never actually needed to talk to a policeman. This instilled a slight nervousness in me. Sure, I got a bit careless. Like hell am I going to admit to it, though.\n\n“A-are you sure it was me? I saw a car that looked exactly like mine pass by earlier. I’m positive I never went above 60.”\n\nThe man grumbled something as he pulled out his walkie-talkie, waving me off as he returned to his car. \n\nSometimes it pays to be dishonest. \n\n~\n\n\"John! I've been looking all over for you!\"\n\nA girl I've never met before ran up to me and grasped my arm as I was about to walk past her, catching me off guard.\n\n\"Wha-\"\n\nBefore I could start, she continued talking.\n\n\"Kate told me you would meet us at the cinema. What happened to that? My legs hurt like hell, you know?\"\n\nI looked at her, and then the large man, much larger than myself, whom she seemed to be conversing with earlier. His face was shrouded by the darkness of the evening, but I knew he was glaring at me.\n\n\"O-oh, yeah. Sorry about that. Some things came up, and I forgot.\"\n\nI inwardly cringed at my response. Improvisation skills aren't a necessity when everybody around you believes what you say regardless, so I've never really... Practised. \n\nThe girl slaps my shoulder lightly.\n\n\"Kate’s going to blow her top if you tell her that! We should hurry back before she gets worried.\"\n\nThe man stepped into the streetlight, which had only turned on a few minutes ago. An unnerving smile was now plastered on his face.\n\n“You never told me about your friend here, Lauren.”\n\nLauren’s grip on my arm tightened, and I decided that it was my turn to step in.\n\n“We were planning an outing today. Sorry, but we really have to go now.”\n\n“Is that so? Have fun, Lauren.”\n\nThe girl pulled me along as we walked away, and I looked back to see the man’s smile drop as he turned away, stalking away from the lights.\n\n~\n\n“Visitation is open now, sir.”\n\nAimlessly adjusting my tie, I thanked the nurse and stepped into the ward. My mother, her black hair now streaked with white, looked at me from her place in the middle of the blank room. Her eyes were ever alert, even with the tubes running everywhere below them. \n\n“Glad you could make it.”\n\nI put my briefcase down next to me as I sat in the chair by her bedside. I ran my fingers through my hair, thinking of what to say.\n\n“... Are you feeling any better?”\n\nShe let out a weak laugh, which descended into coughing. I stood to call a nurse, but she held a hand out to stop me.\n\n“It seems I’m not even allowed to be happy anymore.”\n\nI leaned forward.\n\n“What did the doctors say?”\n\nShe allowed herself an empty smile.\n\n“You know how it is with them. They’ll never get straight to the point until it’s too late.”\n\nThere was a brief pause as she stared at the spotless ceiling, the silence broken only by the steady beeping of the machines all around her slight frame.\n\n“What do you think there’ll be after?”\n\n“No, don’t talk about that-”\n\nShe locked eyes with me, surprising me with the intensity. I hadn’t been able to see just how tired she looked, her face wrinkled and her eyes sunken from the years wearing down on her.\n\n“Just answer, Michael. Honestly.”\n\nI found my eyes welling up with tears. I take one hand away from where I was clasping them around hers, rubbing them away.\n\n“I think it’ll be peaceful, and happy, and... and you’ll never have to feel pain ever again.”\n\nMy mother puts her own hand over mine.\n\n“And you will carry on with life, okay, Michael? Don’t let me slow you down.”\n\n“Y-yeah. I will. I promise.”\n\nHer hands are rough, thin skin with clear blue veins around knuckles. The green hospital gown rustled with every slight movement, same as the paper bedsheets, echoing louder and louder. The bags of fluid dripped, their contents flowed through the plastic tubes, out of sync from each other. The beeps grew more erratic, green lines streaking through the screens faster and faster.\n\nSilence.\n\n“Liar.”", "I take a moment to think as I stroll through the broken glass, confirming the small sensors and boxes below the counters. The silent alarms have triggered. What am I doing here? It seemed so obvious once my powers materialized. I mean, what other choice did I have? I took the world series of poker by storm. Won every big pot I vied for, raked Vegas over the coals until I wasn't allowed in the casinos anymore and then I got bored. Why am I still doing this though?\n\nYou see, when everyone believes you but yourself you always feel like you have something to prove. Today is attempt 72. I've trained for years, my body is in peak condition. I've mastered every form of martial arts. However, every time I face him. He just shrugs off my statements. A few times, I could I sworn he even seemed to smile or laugh just for an instant. It must of been my mind playing tricks on me though. Everyone knows you can't make him break.\n\nThis is my day today. I can feel it. I've put on 15 pounds of muscle. I had to utilize a few cycles of next generation steroids to put on any more lean muscle mass without bulking to heavily but the risks of putting that unknown poison into my body has paid off. I'm faster, stronger and more explosive with every move. \n\nI hear a distant slight rustling. The shadows seem to flutter for a moment. Right on time, after all I'd made sure it was a calm night. \"One last time, Batman. You can't possibly defeat me in single combat again.\" \n\nA black shapeless mass drops from the ceiling more silent than a small raindrop and with the same fluidity. Coming back up to reveal two point and the unmistakable glowing glare I've known too many times. \"You talked your way out again?\" He seemed more irritated, than anything ignoring my statement. \"Your going down old man.\" I boast again. No response. Not good. How could this be? I've taken myself to the limit of human conditioning for near a decade at this point. Trained myself to withstand pain no other man can. Sought out every fighting style and master on the face of the earth, and I know I have the advantage of youth. Batman must be in at least his 50s conservatively at this point.\n\n\"Are you going to make me prove it again?\" Oh, fuck do I? My power should of made him buckle. Made him admit that he would be beaten. If there was even a shred of probability that it was possible. I'd convinced people that I could do insane, improbably things with ease all my life. If there was even a one in a million chance they'd believe me.\n\nSuddenly I'm alone. He's coming from the right, guard up.... No wait. Suddenly the room is spinning, there was a sick wet cracking noise. Everything is black." ]	3
	[WP] “YES! DIE ZOMBIES, DIIIEEEEEE”……said the zombie, killing its own kind.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 JIM! JIM!\" Bill shouted at the top of his lungs. He knew he shouldn't bother his friend while he was on a break, but this was something he simply couldn't take in himself.\n\n^(\"WHAT?!\") Jim sounded off from the depths of the house.\n\n\"GET OVA' HERE! SUMTHIN' WEIRD'S GOIN' ON!\"\n\nJim climbed the ladder to the roof of their humble fortress, careful to grumble with every step. Having just opened a fresh pack of twinkies after a long night's watch, he was none too pleased about the interruption.\n\n\"What's all the fuss 'bout Bill? I'm on my goddamn-\"\n\n\"Is that zombie killing other zombies?\" Bill interrupted him deftly.\n\nJim stared at his friend for a few short moments with a look of pure befuddlement before snatching the binoculars away to look for himself.\n\n\"That's gotta be the dumbest thing I've- ^(the fuck-)\" Jim stopped mid sentence. He looked through the binoculars, then without them, then with again, as if the different views would yield differing results. He then faced his friend again, a look of shock visible on him.\n\n\"Is that zombie killing other zombies?\"\n\n\"I mean... it ain't a human, Jim. Got guts hanging to it's ankles.\"\n\n\"I know, I know, but... is that zombie killing other zombies?\"\n\nBill ignored the question, not intent on repeating his friend's confusion. \"So... we gunna do anythin' 'bout it?\"\n\nJim kept staring at the bizzare show playing before his eyes. There was only one course of action he could possibly think of.\n\n\"HEY IRENE! IRENE! GET OVER HERE!\" he yelled." ]	2
	[WP] A priest and a rabbi walk in. But only one can leave. Welcome, to the holy thunderdome!	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "It was winter when Ba'al Zəbûb returned.\n\nThe underworld - as it had always been called - was not some parallel dimension of evil as most religions had preached. It was right there in the name all along.\n\nUnderworld. \n\nBa'al Zəbûb and the races of fire and shadow had been imprisoned in the earths core since the time God descend from the stars and thrust his will upon Earth. \n\n“Your creator,” Ba'al Zəbûb addressed the minds of the world. “Was an invader. He battled for this world — all in sport! A game! You wonder why divine intervention has not protected your lives - because he abandoned you so long ago!”\n\nThe message crippled everyone. All fell to their knees, overwhelmed by the weight of the voice poisoning their mind that sounded of grinding stones.\n\n“This world was once a place of fire - life - and in that heat was beauty. My people! The true evolved form on this molten rock were robbed of our birthright! That alien which your worshipers call God came alone and with tricks and technology we were pushed deep below and he - oh he - polluted the world with green and the life of other worlds he found favorable - and he bestowed his likeness into an animal race - you wonder why this world rejects you - because it did not make you! And when he was no longer entertained he abandoned you all!\n\n----\n\nIn the two years after the voice broke the world society was dead. Mankind a parasite. The green life of Earth we had known was engulfed in flame as all returned to a violent magma state. \n\nScientist would have called it a version of the early planet between differentiation and cratering. Religious people would call it hell. Ba'al Zəbûb calls it home.\n\nIn small pockets of this new hellscape humans have been kept as mementos of time lost. To be tortured. Enslaved. Devoured. Made to entertain.\n\nI was a priest in the age of man. \n\nWhen holy men across all religions were gathered and not slain I had some hope that even the devil may think it in poor form to kill men of peace and worship. It was a foolish hope.\n\nIn the dark a torch whipped past my face and a creature screeched orders.\n\nI knew what he wanted. I had done this before.\n\nThe wall to my left shimmered in the flame light. A sole rusty roman short sword and a dented shield no bigger than a hubcap. \n\nTaking both in hand I was shoved along through the darkness until I stepped out into the crimson arena. \n\nThe sky was a rolling red sea of clouds and black smoke. The arena was an oversized stone pit with iron dome encasing us. Corpses of fallen holy men decorated its walls and all creatures and beings of darkness and horror gathered in the stands and some climbed the cage to feast on the fresh corpses.\n\nI knew he was here, watching somewhere, but my eyes couldn’t find him - I was thrown forward into the dirt and not ten feet from my head lava bubbled. It was a minefield of instant death.\n\nI stood and adjusted my white collar. They forced it on me. Part of the reparations, as he saw it. Called us peddlers of the one that stole his world.\n\nBehind me I heard my competition tossed to the ground. I faced him as he stood. Long curls bounced on either side of his face. We starred at one another. He looked around at our damnation and reluctantly slapped his yamaka on his head.\n\nWe weren’t born killers. But we wanted each other dead. I saw it in his eyes and I know he saw it in mine.\n\nThere were a few hundred catholics bunkered away deep below the stadium. I had been showed them. Women. Children. No men. They killed the men. \n\nI’m sure they showed my competitor a similar scene.\n\nWhy would I fight to keep them alive? Why would another week matter? Why not just let them die horrible deaths - is that not mercy in the face of this existence?\n\nWhy? I think every time I stand as a pawn with a sword in hand, ready to kill another man.\n\nI believe. \n\nIt’s the only thing I have left. \n\nI believe God will return. We just have to last long enough. The people remaining - my people - deserve to watch Ba'al Zəbûb fall.\n\nA demon screeched and flailed his arms, signaling the fight to begin and the crowd erupted with terrifying excitement. \n\nThey would get to feast on the loser and his people.\n\nWhat is a man of God to do?\n\nI raised my shield and took a fighting stance.\n\n——\n\nEdits: some words and typos\n\nr/wyrdfiction" ]	2
	[WP] You never liked your gift, to be able to see the future. Not because it's a heavy burden seeing what humanity would become. It's the opposite, really. You never see anything important, so your power is good as useless.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 sat in my room cramming for the upcoming final exam. I sat there half focused because I was trying to balance working on the practice test and repressing the pre-testing anxiety. I wasn't a good test taker, nor really a great student. I had an overall C- in the class and if I scored less than a C- on this upcoming final exam, I'd fail the class.\n\nAs I work my vision turns gray. My practice test, desk, and room all seem to fade out. I felt myself facepalming. Those were the signs my useless Gift of future foresight was acting up.\n\nA slightly blurred vision of an unfamiliar old lady walking her dog pops up. Her dogs stops in the middle of the side walk to poop. She waits. Then she seems to feel something in the air. She then covers her head and then turns around as if rushing to return from where she we went.\n\nMy room fades back in. The vision seemed to be roughly 90% clear, so it was likely a future that would occur within the next 24 hours. That's all I could glean from another one of these useless visions. I stopped paying attention to these visions long ago because they only showed miscellaneous scenes like this. To me, they were like annoying unskippable ads of a youtube video that interrupt my daily activities. I shook my head and tried to refocus on my practice test.\n\nMy alarm rings and it tells me its time to head to class to take the final exam. I hurriedly pack my things and hop on a train. I get off the train and start walking the final mile to my class exam. I feel a droplet of rain hit my nose. Argh, why was it starting to suddenly rain? The weather seemed fine today so the thought of bringing any rain gear didn't cross my mind. I guess I should have checked the weather forecasts before leaving my room. I couldn't help but compare the news forecast to my Gift and sigh at how much my Gift paled in practicality.\n\nWhy is my Gift so useless?\n\nI force myself to calm down. I can't afford to waste so much mental energy being so angry before my important final exam! \n\nI increase my walking pace. To my underwhelm, I see that unfamiliar-familiar old lady walking her dog as she's hurrying into a cafe shop with her dog to shelter from the rain. I ignore them and continue hurrying to my test.\n\nSquish \n\nI feel my right foot slightly sink down while sliding a bit back. I throw my hands up and now walk quickly with a weird gait because I'm trying to scrape the dog poop off the bottom of my shoe as I have to hurry through the rain.\n\nI arrive at the entrance to the classroom and check my phone for the time. I was still 10 minutes early so I head to the bathroom and use the paper towels to dry off. After a couple sheets my vision turns gray.\n\nA vision of me begins in the classroom. I look anxious as I seem to be struggling with the packet of paper in front of my desk. I'm do that weird pen fidget when I'm trying to concentrate. Suddenly I stop fidgeting and put down my pen. I look at the packet of papers in front of me as if I made an important discovery. I smile triumphantly. I then a short few moments later... am bury my face in my hands in utter abjection? Whuh?\n\nMy consciousness retracts from the vision and returns to my hand holding a piece of paper towel. That vision was crystal clear and I subconsciously estimated this scene would occur within the next 2hours.\n\nI walk like a zombie into the classroom and sat in my seat. They hand out the tests a short moment later. \n\nI can barely repress my anxiety. I force myself to read each word of the test slowly. I count 120 questions. As I begin to answer, I try to reach into my memories for information I crammed earlier... blank. I was drawing blanks. All the cramming I've done beforehand seems to have been replaced with panic. \n\nEventually, I manage to answer a few questions after calming down slightly.\n\nMy vision turns gray...\n\nA vision of... my room? The vision is very blurry but I can still recognize my room. I look like I'm seated in front of my laptop. Weird, my face is really close to the screen? I'm scrolling through a document and it showed... Is that the answer key to the test!?\n\nMy consciousness returns to me holding my pen still. I immediately start examining my test and notice the similarities to the document that future me was scrolling through. I was elated that finally my Gift proved to be useful once in my whole friggin life!\n\nI refocused onto my test confidently and began again from the first question and... suddenly tearfully remembered that this test was 120 questions long and...\n\nI only recalled two of those answers from the vision!\n\nWhy is my Gift so darned useless?!" ]	2
	[WP] You asked your sleep-paralyzes demon If it was OK to watch a movie, The demon was like sure why not, I'm bored anyway	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 jolted awake and I could feel a chill grip my spine. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t scream, I could barely move my eyes.\n\nSpindly hands with dozens of fingers crept onto my covers and countless burning eyes began to pierce the darkness all around me with seething hatred. Blinking in ripples in tune with my pulse. The hands were crawling up my body dancing on every nerve like a knife. Mouths full of gnashing teeth were appearing every few blinks instead of eyes. A purple mist curled out between the teeth reeking of burning flesh.\n\nIt was back again.\n\nAs it’s fingers gripped my head the mouths screamed.\n\nBut something was off, it didn’t feel as menacing as normal. It didn’t feel… committed to it. When that thought entered my mind it froze and the screaming stopped.\n\nOH GODS, I’M SORRY. I HOPE I DIDN’T KILL THE MOOD. CAN I TRY AGAIN?\n\n“Uh, sure?” I thought.\n\nAs fast as it appeared it disappeared. Then the finger began to creep again and the eyes opened but all that was in them was sadness. As the hands made it to my head a tear fell from the eye nearest me.\n\nOH GODS, I CAN’T DO IT AGAIN.\n\nIt’s hands began to shake and sulk away as it silently wept in my mind.\n\n“Are you doing alright? We can stop if you’d like,” I still couldn’t move a thing, but I couldn’t just let whatever this was have a crisis like this.\n\nI’M A FAILURE, I NEVER WANTED TO BE IN THE SLEEP PARALYSIS DEPARTMENT. I NEVER LIKED HURTING PEOPLE LIKE THIS.\n\nThe darkness that enveloped the room took a vaguely human shape, with eyes over it’s whole head and a mouth on its abdomen. It then collapsed to a heap on the floor and wept openly.\n\n“What did you want to do?”\n\nI WANTED TO WORK IN THE NIGHTMARE DEPARTMENT BUT MY FAMILY ALWAYS PUSHED ME TO USE MY LOOKS IN THE SLEEP PARALYSIS DEPARTMENT. THAT IT WOULD BE A WASTE OF MY LOOKS TO PUT ME IN THAT DEPARTMENT. I DIDN’T WANT TO LOOK LIKE THIS.\n\nIt sobbed for what felt like forever.\n\n“Tell me about it, I always dreamt of making short films as a kid but my parents always pushed me as hard as they could for school to become a doctor. And I failed at that, now I just have debt and a deadened job working me to death.”\n\nThe sobbing quieted down and through choked breaths,\n\nWHY DON’T YOU START MAKING THESE “SHORT FILMS”?\n\n“It’s a lot to go over really, I’m pretty hungry though and it’s probably close to when I have to start getting ready for work. Can we talk over breakfast?”\n\nI’M NOT SUPPOSED TO, BUT I’LL BE LUCKY TO STILL HAVE A JOB TOMORROW AFTER ALL THIS.\n\nA wave of sensation ran over my body, I could move again. I swung my feet out of bed and looked at my clock, I had hours before I needed to get ready for work.\n\n“Thank you for that, so what do you want for breakfast? Unfortunately the choices are eggs or poptarts until payday.”\n\nWHAT’S A POPTART?\n\n“Perfect, poptarts it is.” I got up and offered them my hand, “Come with me, I’ll show you.”\n\nI started making poptarts while they watched in silence. “Would you like some coffee?”\n\nSURE I GUESS, IS THIS WHAT HUMANS DO IN THE MORNINGS AFTER WE LEAVE?\n\n“Usually, something like this. My ex loved making smoothies before dawn, I always hated that. Have a seat wherever you like, both chairs are pretty nice.” I gestured to the two chairs I owned.\n\nWith coffee in hand and poptarts served we started talking.\n\n“So what are you exactly? I’ve heard of sleep paralysis demons but people always said they weren’t real.”\n\nI’M A DEMON OF THE REALM OF MINDS WHO WORKS AS A SLEEP PARALYSIS DEMON CURRENTLY IN THE SLEEP PARALYSIS DEPARTMENT. WELL… FOR NOW, I DON’T THINK I’LL HAVE A JOB WHEN I GET BACK THOUGH. LET ALONE SURVIVE MY RETURN HOME AT THIS POINT, I’VE BROKEN TOO MANY RULES\n\n“Sorry to hear that, I didn’t realize I was putting your life in danger like that?”\n\nIT IS OF NO CONCERN, MY LIFE WAS ALL BUT OVER BEFORE I CAME HERE LAST NIGHT. I HAVE NOTHING LEFT BACK HOME.\n\nI could feel the weight of those words, I’ve felt that way before. Memories danced in my mind.\n\nAfter a moment of silence.\n\nI COULD SHOW YOU THE REALM OF DREAMS IF YOU’D LIKE? MAYBE IT COULD INSPIRE YOUR SHORT FILMS.\n\nThey lifted a hand and pointed a finger.\n\nIT WOULD BE EASIER IF YOU LET ME TOUCH YOUR MIND.\n\nI leaned forward and the moment my forehead came in contact with their finger it was not unlike having a book slammed through my mind all at once. I knew the Realm of Minds in an instant. I knew every passage, every department, every business, all the government offices. I could see the spiraling towers stretch far into the clouds in cities as wide as I could see, plants and animals whose names I could never hope to pronounce. I knew the Realm of Mind better than I knew my own city.\n\nBut there was more in that instant, right before they removed their finger where I saw not the Realm of Dreams academically, but I saw their life in the last few years. I saw their darkest moment sitting in front of a being with endless rows of teeth hoping to be eaten so it could be over.\n\nAfter a moment of my mind reeling and spinning, “I could spend my life making movies about that place and never show the same thing twice. Thank you for showing me all of that,” and after a moment, “I know that feeling of yearning to create.”\n\nYOU DO?\n\n“I feel it almost all of the time, especially when I’m working. It’s like watching as a piece of me withers and dies while I’m unable to do anything to stop it.”\n\nYOU FEEL THAT WAY TOO?\n\nMemories of my lowest moment flashed before my eyes.\n\nWE’RE THE SAME, JUST STUCK IN OUR RUTS HOPING TO BE FREED.\n\n“I’ve made a few short films in the past, but I have one I think you’d enjoy.”\n\nOH, I’D LOVE TO SEE ONE OF YOUR CREATIONS. AND PERHAPS I COULD SHOW YOU ONE OF MINE.\n\n“That sounds great, I’ll go grab my laptop.”\n\nALRIGHT, TONIGHT I SHOULD BE ABLE TO SHOW THE NIGHTMARE I’VE BEEN WORKING ON FOR A WHILE NOW.\n\nAfter setting it up for them, “Alright, just hit that button and it should play for you.”\n\nOnce it was over they sat silently for a moment. And choked up slightly.\n\nTHIS IS BEAUTIFUL. IT’S JUST LIKE THE NIGHTMARES I DREAM OF MAKING.\n\n“Really, you liked it?”\n\nOF COURSE, ITS IMAGES WILL HAUNT ME IN A WAY THAT JUST MAKES ME GIDDY. IF ONLY I COULD GET THE CHANCE TO MAKE THESE KINDS OF TALES TO HAUNT THE PEOPLE OF THIS REALM I COULD LIVE HAPPILY.\n\n“Do you want to work together on a project? I live in this Realm so we could make something here to haunt people on a grander scale. Hundreds or thousands of people could be haunted by what we make.”\n\nTHOUSANDS?\n\n“Thousands.”\n\nI THINK I’D LIKE THAT. I DON’T KNOW WHERE I’D STAY THOUGH, IT’S NOT LIKE I COULD WALK AROUND IN THE OPEN HERE.\n\n“You could stay here, I’ve got room for 2. And we can work something out about you getting around.”\n\nTHAT SOUNDS FINE TO ME AS LONG AS THERE IS MORE OF THESE SWEET TREATS AND THIS COFFEE." ]	2
	[WP] The local witch does the "turn everyone into their halloween costumes" curse. Everyone seems... rather chill with the situation 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Evanora’s familiar curled into bed beside her, and both of them tried to ignore the booming music coming from the house next door. She’d thought she’d gotten the new house for a steal, but she’d been a fool. \r\n\nBuying the house during the summer, the real estate agent had neglected to mention that the house next door belonged to a college sorority. The girls came in September, and that was when the trouble started. She’d gone over and asked politely, she’d given them bribes in the forms of baked goods, and she’d even called the police. Nothing worked. \r\n\nNothing normal’s worked, her familiar said. Sable was tired of the noise too. She’d stopped going into her catio because of the pesky young women who came over and baby-talked to her while she was trying to sunbathe. \r\n\nJust a simple hex, the cat suggested. Give them boils, hemorrhoids, ulcers on their intestines. Anything to keep them from having their parties. \r\n\nEvanora had a better idea. The weekend before, they’d held a Halloween party. On a sacred day, they blasted music and tee-peed every house in the neighborhood. Evanora retreated to the basement and sought solace with her ancestors. The lawns were littered with red cups and drunk college kids in the morning, and one of the poor gnomes on her front yard was covered in vomit. She had taken him into the house and placed him in the sink, where the poor man unfroze himself and scrubbed himself clean for two hours. \r\n\nHalloween had been the tipping point, and it would be poetic justice for the curse to be connected to it. Evanora sat up in her bed and pointed a finger at the house. A wisp of light left her finger and traveled to the sorority house. \r\n\nA shrill scream cut through the music, and then another and another. She heard doors opening and slamming as people fled, and after a few minutes, blessed silence. \r\n\n“Done,” she said. A few years as supernatural creatures, social outcasts, would do the girls some good. It would develop character. \r\n\nFor the next few days, Evanora enjoyed the life she thought she would when she bought the house. She woke up to birds chirping, and had tea on her front porch with Sable. Her nights were filled with restful sleep, and the house next door was as good as empty. \r\n\nFriday night, the music started again. She let it go, thinking that perhaps the freaks were all finding solace in each other, trying to recreate their old amusements with only themselves. It was the opposite. The parties grew larger than before. Cars parked all along the street as ragers were thrown every night. \r\n\nFinally, her curiosity got the best of her and she went to the house next door. She left Sable behind. Everyone knew the ill-fated relationship between curiosity and cats. The girl who opened the door was a portrait in black and white, her dark hair a silky straight curtain that melted into her dark, figure-hugging dress.\r\n\n“How have you guys been doing?” Evanora asked. “I haven’t seen you out recently.” \r\n\n“We’re doing well, Miss Copper,” the girl said. \r\n\n“I like what you’ve done with your hair,” Evanora commented. \r\n\nThe girl smiled as she looked at her hair. In the past, she’d been a blonde, but the new hair and look suited her. A girl walked by, dripping water, her hair threaded with a seashell crown. Evanora didn’t notice as much of a change as she expected. \r\n\nA girl came into the room, her appearance unchanged except for her dual-toned hair. One side of it was pink, and another blue. \r\n\n“That’s an interesting choice,” she murmured under her breath. \r\n\nThe girl she was speaking to pulled her into the house. \r\n\n“Look, you’re our neighbor, so you’re gonna find out eventually,” the girl said. “Something awesome happened to us a few days ago, Miss Copper.” \r\n\n“Awesome?” Evanora asked. \r\n\n“We became our Halloween costumes,” the girl said. “Isn’t that so cool?” \r\n\n“Cool?”\r \nShe didn’t think it would be. She could hardly imagine becoming a ghost, a clown, a tin man, etc as cool or awesome. Of course, those had been the costumes popular during her youth. Perhaps it was different now. \r\n\n“We all dressed up as super sexy characters, and now we’re stuck that way. Look at my body!” \r \nEvanora had to admit she’d had a hard time not looking at it. The girl was hard to ignore. \r \n“And Yasmin dressed up as a vampire, so we’re pretty sure she’s immortal now. It’s a bummer she can’t go out during the day anymore, but she was always more nocturnal.” \r\n\n“No one is unhappy with their appearance?” Evanora asked, hoping that her curse had at least succeeded with one or a few of the girls. \r\n\n“Well, Brittany sort of is. She dressed as a sexy nurse, so now she doesn’t have anything special.. She just knows tons of medical stuff now. She’s transferring to studying biology, to be a doctor.” \n\nThe girl leaned closer. \"She's even more pissed because Bethany, her twin sister, dressed as Aphrodite, and we're not sure yet... but I think Bethany's a literal god now.\"\r\n\nSo the most effective of her curse had turned a party girl into a future doctor, and the least effective had made a god. The coven would not like this. Evanora walked back to her house, dejected. There was a young woman standing by the catio, and scratching the top of Sable’s head through the wire mesh. Sable didn’t usually like strangers, but if she did, it would be the least strange of the things Evanora had heard that day. \r\n\nThe girl looked up. “Miss Copper, hi.” \r\n\nIt was one of the more silent girls from the sorority, and Evanora smiled in greeting. She went to open her front door, when the girl cleared her throat. \r\n\n“Miss Copper, I was dressed as a witch.” \n\n\n\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\n\nIf you liked my work, feel free to check out more of my writing at* r/analect." ]	2
	[WP] Every month the whole town attends old Ms Harrisons Bingo night. Why so popular? Whoever wins will get a vision of their future. You have a feeling tonight's your lucky night.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 squirm in my seat. I lean back to look up and see the stains on the ceiling. Gross. I put my chair back on the ground and flick the edge of my laminated bingo card. I can't help fidgeting. The air is stale and the chair is uncomfortable. But everyone knows what the prize is and I guess some slight suffering is worth it. Plus, I have a good feeling about tonight. \n\nHow long have I been sitting here? It's getting so late. I have school tomorrow and I'm going to have to stay up late to finish my homework-\n\n\"B-15!\"\n\nI look down to check my card. 4 in a row already; my hands shake with excitement as I blot out 'B-15' and scream, \"BINGO!\" An inevitable group sigh is let out by everyone who lost. I jump out of my seat and run my card up to the front of the room to verify my victory. \n\nHe examines it closely. \"That's it, everyone. Better luck next month.\" says the bingo caller. I actually feel a little guilty watching all the disappointed people gather their things to leave as I only gain excitement. I don't know if I've ever been told about what happens after we win. We know the prize is a glimpse into our future, but I don't know if there's any rules; what part of the future you see, if you can choose, if you can change it. I've never actually thought about any of that until now, either. I've never known anyone personally lucky enough to win, but we all know it's true. \n\nThe whole town is shuffling out, including my parents. On their way out, my dad grabs me by the shoulders and says, \"Way to go, sweetie!\". My mom says they'd be outside, waiting in the car for me. A quick 'love you' and 'love you, too' was exchanged, then I face the caller. \n\n\"Right this way, young lady,\" he says as he gestures behind him. I'm confused as I see nothing but a wall behind him. He asks me to look away while he accesses the door for 'security purposes' and I do as I'm told. \"Okay, you may turn around again,\" he says. When I do, it was as if the previously existing wall had vanished and been replaced by a differently colored wall, surrounding a gorgeously detailed open door. I'll have to ask for forgiveness for my lack of architectural detail vocabulary, but saying it looked magical almost seems cliché. The most eye-catching were the beautiful golden figures who, if I didn't know any better, I would say were moving. Cherubs flying at the top, mermaids swimming in between, dragons breathing fire at the bottom. There were more but they were all breath-taking. \n\n\"Mhm?\" said the caller, assumingly to get my attention. \"Oh, I'm sorry. I got distracted,\" I say. He just nods, gestures at the door again and I nervously walk through it. It is glamorously vintage. Almost what one would imagine a lavishly fortunate older woman to live like. Beautiful furniture, paintings, décor, rugs, with an adorable-looking older woman who I assume is Ms. Harrison. \n\nShe is small, she has little glasses and her white hair in a respectable bun. She is dressed more modest than I had imagined (I don't think it's unreasonable to expect more avant-garde from someone who claims to see the future). She sat on one of two matching love seats separated by a small table with what almost looked like a spread for a tea party. She smiles at me when our eyes meet. \n\n\"Ms. Harrison?\" I asked. \n\n\"Yes, dear. Come sit,\" she gestured towards the matching, empty chair and hands me a cup from the table. \"Tea? It calms the nerves.\"\n\n\"Yes, ma'am,\" I say politely and held out my cup. She filled it and we sat in silence for a moment sipping tea. \n\n\"Whenever you're ready, my dear. Take my hands and I will show you a part of your future.\" \n\nI breathe in deeply, then I take her hands and close my eyes. \n\nMy future is cold. And painful. All of my feelings are coming slowly and none of them are good. My vision comes in to focus but it is extremely dark. I'm sitting on the ground, it feels like cement. My whole body hurts and I'm not wearing any clothes. I try to move my arm and realize my wrists are tied behind me. My face hurts the most; I rub my shoulder against my cheek to feel it is swollen. I can taste blood in my mouth. After a few seconds, I realize I've been taken. My adrenaline kicks in and I scream for help, for someone to find me. Then I hear movement above me; fast and furiously approaching. \n\nA single lightbulb clicks on and I can finally see where I am: a basement. I see the door at the top of the stairs swing open and a man flying down them towards me. \n\n\"YOU LITTLE BITCH!\" he screams. I start panicking and crying, moving back towards the wall as close as I can get. \n\nHe pins me against the wall, punches me in the face, then grabs it as hard as he can, jerking me back and facing him. \"WHAT THE FUCK IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?! DO YOU WANT ME TO KILL YOU?!\" I tried to shake my head 'no' but he just keeps gripping my face tighter. Blood is spilling out of my mouth.\n\n\"No\" I choke out, weak, lifeless and gasping. Seconds felt like hours. I could feel his nails digging in to my cheeks. \n\n\"Then you'd better shut the fuck up.\" He throws me to the ground, shoving my head to the floor while I shake with fear. I can feel the blood pooling around my face as he holds it to the ground. \"Besides,\" he said, \"it'll be over soon, anyway.\" He sneered and let go of my head. In the light, I could see my body. Bloody, naked, bruised, broken. I could finally see why it hurt so much. He gives me one last look as he ascends the stairs and it strikes me that I know him; Mr. Collins. He is my English teacher. Everything happened too fast for me to notice before, but now I could see. I try to fight relentlessly for the strength to stand, but I can't. The light goes off. I collapse on the floor, crying and bleeding, alone. \n\nI quickly stand up and pry my hands from Ms. Harrisons. \"What the fuck was that? What the fuck WAS that?\" I'm shaking in disbelief; for a second, I don't know what's real and what isn't. \n\n\"Dear, calm down. You're safe here,\" she coos. \n\n\"I'm- I'm sorry, but I'm not safe. What- what was that? What just happened?\" I can't get any clarity in my head. My eyes dart around the room and I rub my wrists. She gestures for me to sit in the chair again. I do, slowly, trying to bring myself back to reality. \n\n\"Just breathe and try to relax, I'll explain,\" she said. I nod, still shaking but trying to breathe. \n\n\"The things I see...they're ghastly. Truly awful. I say I'll show you your future, but that doesn't mean it will be pleasant. I can't control what is shown. It is always something that gives the person an opportunity to make a change before their life is permanently changed.\"\n\nI try to take in everything she is saying. \"So, if you know something bad is going to happen to everyone, and you have the chance to save them, why don't you?\" I ask.\n\n\"You can't save everyone, dear. I let fate decide.\"\n\n\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\*\n\nI tried to spare my parents as much as I could. I obviously can't tell them what I saw, but I also needed to make a change. Nothing had been done to me yet by Mr. Collins, so no police, but there was also no way I was going back to that school. So, I told them as vague as possible that I was in danger and we needed to leave. I will place an anonymous tip about the teacher with the police as soon as I get to wherever we're going (to stay with family, not quite sure where at, though). At least now I know why no one who got a reading ever stayed around to tell us about it.", "“Nice to see you tonight, Jordan.” Miss Harrison said. “This is your first one in a while, isn’t it?”\r \nJordan Mint pulled out his wallet, took out a ten dollar bill, and handed it to Miss Harrison.\r \n“I’m still at least eighty percent sure this is all a big scam, but I got a good feeling about tonight.” he said.\r \nHe was early, you had to be because Miss Harrison refused to buy a megaphone or a speaker system even though it cost ten dollars for anyone under eighteen and twenty dollars per adult. So if you were late, you’d be stuck in the back of the already cramped multipurpose room getting the bingo answers from a game of telephone. The whole town came at the end of every month to this room and paid their fees for a chance at the grand prize. A vision from the future - Miss Harrison tried her best to give you a good one, but she made no such guarantee.\r \nShe smiled, she handed him a well worn bingo card and a marker that Jordan wasn’t sure had any ink left. The room quickly filled and Jordan was right in the front row, waiting for his moment. She called out numbers at 8:30pm sharp. If you weren’t through the door by then with money in hand, you wouldn’t get a card.\r \nHe hated the bingo nights. His parents made him go to every single one when he was a kid, just for another shot at a glimpse of the future. The room was dead silent. As the room filled, Jordan felt his stomach start to gurgle and quickly put his hand over it to fruitlessly cover the noise.\r \nThe people around him stared, but quickly focused on their own boards and waited for Miss Harrison to call their numbers. Miss Harrison’s boards had no free space, she wanted people to earn the visions (like she “earned” her thousands of dollars in bingo fees).\r \n“B-8” Miss Harrison said, starting the night. Jordan heard a few people mark their boards and a couple others groaned. The groans were quickly shushed and Miss Harrison called the next number, she called them rhythmically. One number every four or so seconds.\r \n“O-60”\r \nFour seconds passed.\r \n\"O-64”\r \nMore groaning, more scribbling, and another four seconds passed.\r \n“N-32”\r \nThe numbers continued and Jordan looked down at his board. None of his numbers were being called. Literally not a single number. Miss Harrison called more numbers and the tension in the room was growing as someone was surely close to a bingo. The person sitting next to Jordan, who he didn’t recognize, looked at his board.\r \n“That’s a pretty shit board you got tonight.” the man said.\r \n“It really is, isn’t it.” Jordan replied.\r \n“B-3”\r \n“B-9”\r \n“I-20”\r \n“Bingo!” a voice said, a young girl. “I got it! I got bingo!”\r \nPeople stood up and groaned again, much more loudly this time. Miss Harrison walked over to the girl to verify her numbers. Jordan couldn’t see the girl for a while because of the people crowding her. When the crowd dispersed, annoyed because the girl really did have bingo, Jordan saw that it was Lily Smart. Lily was one of the neighbor’s kids, in fifth or sixth grade.\r \nJordan waited until everyone left, he wanted to show Miss Harrison how completely idiotic his board was. Lily and Miss Harrison were the only ones left in the building when he walked up to them.\r \n“Look at this board, Miss H. Literally blank. Nada. Zilch.” Jordan said. “A big, fat helping of nothing.”\r \nMiss Harrison smiled.\r \n“Jordan, stick around after I help Lily here with her vision.”\r \nHe gave her a look, but waited outside for a few minutes. There was no glowing, no lights, nothing. Anyone who’s received a vision from Miss Harrison said that all she does is close her eyes, tell you about your future, and then you go on with your life until it happens.\r \nLily walked out with a big smile on her face and Miss Harrison waved Jordan inside.\r \n“Jordan,” she said. “You’ve also won tonight, I’ve been waiting for someone to get a board like yours.”\r \n“What do you mean?” he asked. “What does my stupid bingo board have to do with it?”\r \n“It means that you’re next,” she said. “You’re going to be the town’s next Seer.”", "“Unlucky for some - one and three, thirteen.” called out the frail voice of Ms Harrison across the room. There was a furious scratching of quills throughout the smoky tavern hall. Sighing heavily I leant back on my chair, placing my mailed fist on the table – almost knocking over the sword leaning against it.\n\nI was so close. I was missing just two numbers. All I needed was for the old hag to call a 7 and a 40 and the prize was mine, and what a prize it was. A fortune-telling. The reason the ENTIRE adventurers guild had turned up. I mean what sort of hero are you if you don’t even have a prophecy to follow? A fortune-telling is incredibly rare but Ms Harrison gives them out once a month for the low price of a game of bingo.\n\n“Make them wait - five and eight, fifty eight.” Again, no joy. I spared a glance around my table. Opposite me, Artemis was incredibly close now. She caught me glancing at her while she crossed off the 58 and smirked slightly. It looked to be all the same around the hall, everyone staring intently at Ms Harrison, eagerly awaiting the next number.\n\n“Lucky Seven, On its own, number seven.” I snatched my quill crossing the number off so quickly I nearly knocked over the inkpot. I was alert now. I was so close. A fluttery feeling was rising from my stomach, almost making me feel sick. Although that could have been the copious amount of thick honey mead in the drinking horns.\n\n“Saving grace - six and eight, sixty eight.” Artemis picked up her quill and circled her last number. My giddiness came crashing down around me. I folded my arms and felt a black cloud form around me. Usually, I am not a sore loser but this time… this time I had been so close I could almost taste it. All I wanted is to have my future read so I could be a true hero. I began to pick up my bingo card and tear it up, but Artemis caught my eye and with a very deliberate motion she knocked her inkpot over, the brilliant black ink oozing all over her bingo card. “Oops!” she said, rushing to wipe the table clean with her sleeve and smearing the ink all over the card “It’s such a shame. I was so close today.”\n\n“Life begins – four oh, forty”. I sat stunned, not even noticing the number called. Not believing the opportunity she had just given up. Noticing my lack of reaction she shouted “BINGO. LOROVITH HAS GOT BINGO!” A collective groan rippled throughout the room, and I stood – still dumbfounded. There were no more furious pencil scratchings, just the sounds of myself clumsily fumbling with my sword “come on dear, let me see those palms.” Said the frail Ms Harrison. It had finally happened, I was to have my fortune told. I was to be a hero.\n\nN.B. I am a very new writer so all guidance is appreciated :)" ]	4
	[WP] Most people have kind and wise Fairy Godmothers who give them gifts and teach them to be better people. Your Fairy Godmother wears black armor and has a blood-red sword, and teaches you how to fight.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Here’s a fact: the inconvenience of crying is the same as its strength. Because, as their Glorious Honorable Judge Oleander sits on the castle steps, sprawled in their mourning dress like red wine against the dark of their calves, they let their eyes grow puffy and red without a second thought. Their breathing turns into gasping, and their fists clench so tight their nails dig crescents into their palms. The cold spins around them, twisting their done-up hair into the north wind’s harsh currents. \r \n\r \nHere’s a fact: crying makes you look weak. This is its inconvenience, and, in turn, this is its strength.\r \n\r \nBleeding makes you look hurt.\r \n\r \nAnd smiling makes you look savage. \r \n\r \nSomething tugs at the hem of their dress. Oleander looks up, wiping at their face with a thumb. \r \n\r \nA small raccoon with a bowler hat looks back.\r \n\r \n“Fae magic, or witchlichen?” they breath, the words hoarse from their throat.\r \n\r \n“Neither,” a high, haughty voice chimes. Oleander stands in a blur, spinning to meet– to meet–\r \n\r \nA woman, dressed in armor stands before them, with a thick, scaled helmet that reveals only her eyes: it’s too dark outside to make out the exact color, but her eyelids form a half-moon shape. She blinks, and tilts her head, and the bright red plume at the top of her helmet moves with her. \r \n\r \n“Who are you?” Oleander asks, as demanding of respect as the judge they are. Were. The court is dead now, they suppose, and all of the guilty escaped, so they aren’t much of a judge of anything anymore. The raccoon chitters. \r \n\r \nThe woman has a sword in her belt. It’s sheath is a blood-red that shines in the overwhelming starlight. She nods, once, like she’s decided something. “I’m your fairy godmother.”\r \n\r \n“I don’t need a fairy godmother.”\r \n\r \n“Maybe not, but you do need someone to teach you how to fight,” she says. Her armor clinks as she takes a step towards them. \r \n\r \nOleander sucks in a breath.\r \n\r \n“Your first lesson is to smile. It makes you look savage.”\n\n\"I haven't agreed to be your student yet, you lily-livered--\"\n\n\"You will.\"\n\n\"How do you know?\"\n\n\"I know.\"\n\n\"That's bullshit.\"\n\n\"I'm aware.\" \n\n\"You're bullshit.\"\n\n\"I've been called worse. Come along now, brat, we don't have all night!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"" ]	2
	[WP] You are intrigued to receive a note under the door. Especially as that's a closet door	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 thought at first that it must have fallen out of the recycling bin when he took it to the curb last night. But when he picked it up he saw his name, in neat cursive hand, black ink, on the outside of the fold. He opened it.\n\n\"Please open this door and the front door of the house at sunset. Thank you.\"\n\nWhere a signature would be was a symbol that combined a spiral with something that looked like an ancient Norse rune.\n\n\"This door\"? What...\n\nHe realized that the note had been on the floor right in front of the hall closet.\n\nSomething wanted out of the closet and into the world.\n\nHe chuckled to himself as he put it in those words, inside his head. Okay, sure, out of the closet. A little on the nose. He had spent enough time there himself...\n\nThis was a little different, though. It wasn't the closet, but the closet door.\n\nHe grabbed his phone and texted Joe. \"Your door is being weird again.\"\n\n\"Well what do you want me to do?\"\n\n\"Gee maybe next time don't make lumber out of a eldritch tree felled by lightning in the thundersnow?\"\n\n\"If it comes up again I'll keep that in mind. You want me to do another set of wards?\"\n\n\"No it's ok. I recognize this one, she's harmless. I think she just wants to go shopping.\"\n\n\"???\"\n\n\"The crafts store. Has a thing for glitter.\"", "Thwaboom\nThunder cracked as my room and my room briefly flooded with light before the pitter-patter of the rain drops hitting the side of my house barely filled the now deafening nigh-silence. It’s 2 am now, and I’ve been laying in bed for 3 hours listening to the rain and trying to fall asleep, but it’s starting to look like another all nighter. I pull myself up and out of bed as another crack of thunder fills my ears and lightning illuminates my room. In the short moment of everything being lit up I barely see the envelope sitting just outside of my closet door. I run my eyes, thinking I must have just been seeing things and wait for my eyes to readjust to the darkness once again. Much to my surprise, the envelope is still there. I brush it off as me just being clumsy and dropping my mail and bend down to pick it up, but just before I touch it I remember that I haven’t checked my mail in almost a week. I pull myself away and begin to assess the situation again. Where did this envelope come from? Why is it here? Did I drop it last time I got the mail and just never noticed it? How long has it been here? I hadn’t managed to begin to try to answer the question when my closet door shakes slightly and another letter slides out from underneath it. Have I got a stalker I never knew about? Is it a demon? Maybe a friend of mine playing a prank? I’m too scared to approach my closet, not knowing who or what could be in there. I grab the longest thing I could find in my room, a yard stick I had been using for my math homework, and carefully pulled the letters to me. When I finally managed to get them within arms reach I slowly grabbed the topmost and newest letter and opened it. As I struggled to read the words in the letter I heard the freak of my closet door opening right as another crack of thunder and a flash of light filled me room. I managed to read the one sentence written on the piece of paper before my room suffocated in darkness…\n\n“We’ve been trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty.”\n\n\n\nSorry about the formatting, it’s 2:30 am and I’m on mobile", "“Thwip”\n\nI lift my eyes from my book to see an envelope on the floor. Where did that come from? I wonder as I put my book down and reach out from my bed to pick it up. There is a red wax seal on the side facing me and I can barely make out talon, or claw insignia on it. \n\nI flipped it over to find my name written in full in a wonderfully elegant cursive. \n\nI flip it back over and break the wax seal, lifting the flap only to find it is a single sheet neatly folded. \n\nDo not trust CUTH B.\nSincerely, MIT C\n\nCuth B? I don’t know anyone by that name, nor a MIT C. And even if I did, how did they get that letter into my room? I did t hear anyone in the hallway and I doubt my parents would have let anyone in this close to midnight. \n\nAs I ponder the mystery I hear another “Thwip” from my floor. I lay absolutely still, listening. I can hear nothing. Very slowly and quietly I remove my covers, swing my feet onto the floor and avoiding the squeaky spots, creep over to my bedroom door. Slowly I twist the knob, to the left as twisting to the right makes a grating noise. I pause for a moment before flinging the door wide in an attempt to catch the mysterious note writer. \n\nNo one is on the other side of the door. \n\nDisappointed, I close the door and head back to bed, picking up the new letter. Examining it as I crawl back into bed I notice this one has a green wax seal and what looks to be a knot pressed into it. Written in very precise block letters is my name, in full on the other side. \n\nI break the green seal and unfold the envelope to see what is written inside this one. \n\nDo not trust MIT C.\nTruly, CUTH B.\n\nI put the new letter next to the first, the paper is similar, but the second seems, maybe a little rougher, or coarse even. The first is definitely smaller and square while the second is more rectangular. \n\n“Thwip”\n\nI vault out of my bed and whip open the bedroom door as if my very soul were on the line. No one is there. \n\nI slowly close the door and another “Thwip” sounds behind me. I turn quickly enough to see it make one last revolution before it stops. Laying next to it is another, both have wax seals, this one red, the other green. \n\nI scoop them both up and literally jump onto my bed, images of something grabbing my feet from under the bed irrationally running through my head. \n\nOnce safely under my blankets I crack the red seal first. \n\nIgnore CUTH B. He’s lying to you. \nSincerely, MIT C. \n\nMIT C is not your friend. \nTruly, CUTH B. \n\nThis is ridiculous, I think to myself as I position myself to watch the floor at the edge of my bed. \n\n“Thwip”\n\nMy eyes flick quickly enough to see the newest letter come sliding out from under my closet door. My closet, which has badly enough room for a single person to stand in before all of the crap I have thrown onto it. \n\nI start to reach out when another “Thwip” announces the arrival of another letter, this time from under my bed. \n\nI quickly snatch both letters and retreat against the wall to open them. \n\nCUTH B is waiting for you to fall asleep. Be wary. \nSincerely, MIT C. \n\nMIT C is waiting to strike from the shadows. Be vigilant. \nTruly, CUTH B. \n\nMy heart is pounding in my chest, I drag the blankets up to my chin and cower in the corner, sweating despite the chills running through my body. \n\n“Thwip”\n\nStay on your bed, stay awake, stay alive. \nSincerely, MIT C\n\n“Thwip” \n\nDon’t open the door, don’t close your eyes, stay safe. \nTruly, CUTH B\n\nNow the letters are flying up onto the bed so I don’t need to move, which is good because I can hardly move. Breaking the seals and unfolding the letters takes all my strength. Each letter saps my sanity and yet I cannot stop reading them. \n\n“Thwip”\n\n“Thwip”\n\n“Thwip”\n\n“Thwip”\n\nEach letter cuts more of my sanity, inject more fear. I no longer can feel my fingers or toes, my body has shit down, gone into a sort of coma as my brain, melting in fear uses the scant few remaining resources. \n\nFinally I notice the letters stop and there is a faint light coming through my window curtains. I look down at the final letter, the one I couldn’t open, the one sealed with both a red and a green wax seal, clearly pressed with a dripping talon and a mass of tentacles respectively. \n\nI gently crack both seals and unfold the paper.\n\nThank you for feeding us, your fear has been most delicious, possibly tastier than your flesh. \nTruly and sincerely, \nMonster In The Closet\nAnd\nCreature Under The Human’s Bed\n\nMy mind snaps, all sanity lost for ever as the closet door slowly opens and my blankets are whipped from my body and dragged under the bed.", "She stood in her bedroom confused, staring at a note that had flown from her wardrobe door (with quite some force she might add). \nIt read: \n\n\nDear Edwin,\n\nHow dare you! I take the upmost offence, if you do not apologise IMMEDIATELY I’ll have to take this up with the elders. You are being entirely unreasonable and not unlike a toad!\n \nBart\n\nShe frowned, she didn’t know an Edwin or Bart or where this note had come from. Before she could investigate further, another note slipped from under her wardrobe door (this time less forcefully). \n\nDear Edwin,\n\nIt is entirely childish of you to ignore me in this way. Reply to me post haste or I will inform the elders. \n\nRegards,\n\nBart\n\n\nEven more confused she read through this one more carefully, the handwriting had gone from bad to worse. She opened her wardrobe in the hopes of finding where the notes were coming from, running her fingers along the bottom of the wardrobe, she found nothing. \n\nAs she closed the doors another note slipped through.\n\nDear Edwin,\n\nPlease reply, on reflection I may have over reacted. Please respond so I know you’re okay.\n\nBest Wishes, \n\nA fool \n\nWith this final note she considered what to do and wrote her own note to explain the situation. Once done she kneeled next to her wardrobe and tried to post the letter from where she suspected they were coming from. \n\nOnly she heard a frustrated voice exclaim, “Reply, come on bloody reply!” \n\nShe smiled unexpectedly, everyone’s been there she thought, the minutes of waiting after sending a risky message were the worst. \n\nShe laid flat on the floor and through a silver at the bottom of her wardrobe was able to see an old man stomping around a large messy wooden table. \n\n“Excuse me sir,” she replied putting her mouth to the gap. “ I think you have sent your letters to the wrong person.” \n\nShe moved back so she could see, the man was now frozen but quickly shook himself and sprinted to the gap trying to peer at her too.\n\nShe now realised how incredibly dangerous this could be. But her fears soon disappeared as he stepped back. \n\n“Oh I do apologise, this happens all the time. Edwin does like to joke with me,” he smiled although he seemed sad.\n\n“He must be redirecting his post, sometimes they land in odd places. We had an argument and I haven’t forgiven him yet.” \n\nShe felt slightly guilty as she had read the notes and had gained the impression that it was not Edwin that needed Bart’s forgiveness. \n\n“You see he ordered the same robes as me, knowingly, I don’t care what he says, and he wore them purposefully before me and now I can’t possibly ever wear them. I would be a laughing stock and Bertha would never let it go and they were so expensive…”\n\nAnd this was the afternoon that Kate came to learn of the pettiness of two certain wizards and the existence of magic for the first time all in one afternoon. \n\nSorry for any grammar mistakes, thanks for reading!" ]	5
	[WP] In a lake where people inexplicably drown even in shallow waters and are never found, you find a waterlogged notebook by the shore. Flipping to the first page, you see hundreds of names written down and on the last entry.... your name bleeds into the page	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "It was known as Sirens Lake. A nice name, that hid a morbid secret. Every month, since people had lived there, someone had been found floating in its waters. There was no connection between the victims. A few knew each other, but beyond that there was no link.\n\nThey ranged from young to old, man to woman, good to bad. The only consistent thing about them was the day before they were found, they had visited the lake alone. Some had gone there regularly, others never before.\n\nOf course there were theory's. A curse from long ago. An evil entity that lived there. Aliens abducting and dumping bodies once finished. Some people thought it was a gang ritual, kidnapping people and drowning them as initiation. But no concrete evidence was ever found.\n\nI decided to walk down there one bright summers day. It was very warm, and the idea of cooling off by the lake was too good to ignore. I didn't bother telling anyone, as there was no point. I would only be gone for a couple of hours at most. I took a drink and some snacks with me, before setting out to enjoy the sun.\n\nIt was a lovely walk there. I could hear birds chirping, the rustling of leaves as smaller creatures ran through them. I smelt the fresh flowers, feeling the light warming my skin. It was a walk full of life, with a vibrant display of colours mixing together.\n\nThe lake itself seemed to shimmer, ripples lit by the daylight. It was surprisingly quiet, but I guessed it wasn't that surprising, given the superstition surrounded it. With a happy sigh, I laid down on its shore. A breeze blew slightly chilled air over me, enhancing the peace I felt.\n\nA short time later, I heard a small splash. Looking up, I noticed what looked like a book on the shoreline. Intrigued, I got up, walking towards it. Just from a glance, it looked old, and completely waterlogged. I turned it over, seeing it to be a leather-bound journal.\n\nI opened it up, expecting to see a name of who it belonged to. I did find a name. I found a list of names on the pages, each written in a deep red ink. They were written in wildly different hands, as if each individual person had signed it.\n\nI flicked through the pages, interested in seeing if I recognised anyone. A few names sounded familiar, but nothing sprang to mind. As I got to the last page, I gave a slight grunt. It was interesting, but nothing more. But something kept my eyes on that page.\n\nAs I watched, I saw a new name appear, as if written there. It was a name and handwriting I knew all too well. I saw my own name write itself in my own hand, using that same ink.\n\nI dropped it, noticing the pain in my hand. A cut had appeared in my palm, where I had held it. My heart beat faster, fear rising, claws sinking into my mind. I tried to shake it off, but it only settled in deeper. I looked around, seeing the world around grow dark. Somehow, that day had turned to night, its air chilling me.\n\nI went to run, toppling over as I encountered resistance. I turned over, shaking, seeing lake water wrapping around my legs. It held firm, beginning to pull backwards. I couldn't help but scream, desperately scrabbling for something, anything to grab. But all I found was rocks and mud.\n\nWater filled my shoes as my feet became submerged. I flailed, trying to find something, anything to save me. There was nothing in reach. It crept further, rising up my legs at a steady pace. Within moments, I was half in. I came to the horrid realisation that I was the next victim.\n\nI thought of my parents, missing my mums birthday next week. I thought of my friends, whim I had plans to meet. I thought of my hopes and dreams, that I would never get to see. I could fight all I want, but this was my end.\n\nIt was up to my shoulders now, gripping ever tighter. I was turned over, pulled into the centre of the lake, with just my head over the surface. I saw something rise from the depths. A skull broke the surface, covered in rotting plant matter. It shook, letting its covers fly off. As it blurred together, skin formed on it.\n\nBefore long, the face a of a drowned woman looked at me. Her eyes were void of life, promising only the end. Her skin was pale, hair hanging lanky from her head. Bi6t she smiled at me, her mouth splitting into a grin.\n\nWithout a word, her cold dead lips pressed into mine. I felt her pull me down, holding me in an iron grip. My mouth filled with water, as she stared at me with that empty gaze. I bucked and spasmed, my body fighting for oxygen. But it slowly ceased, as I turned cold, though my lungs burned.\n\nThe last I saw were those emotionless eyes, welcoming me into the void." ]	2
	[WP] Apparently, magic and the paranormal does exist. It simply doesn't exist on earth. This makes for some weird meetings and conversations with aliens.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "These… humans… were odd. While they had a rich history and culture of various faiths and religions, it seemed as though the gods had stayed avoided interfering with the Sol system and its inhabitants. Upon our first encounter with them, we found that while they little to no magical ability or even magical presence, they compensated with their vastly advanced technology and effective weaponry.\n\nTheir starships used the energy released from carefully controlled collisions between matter and antimatter for power and were operated with the help quantum super computers and hyper-intelligent AI. The systems were fairly simple to operate since we didn’t have try and incorporate our mana into runes or sigils and simply had to translate their language. The ease of adaptability of human technology allowed them to integrate into the Galactic Alliance rather painlessly.\n\nWhen the Alliance seemingly faces its darkest hour when the Black Order, a group of planets bent on enslaving the rest of the galaxy, began to attack Alliance core worlds, the lack of magical energy possessed by the humans came in handy. The Order couldn’t detect human-designed spacecraft and were helpless against the massive cannons and artillery that human warships were outfitted with. The flagship of the Order, The Singularity, was quickly taken out by the Terran Union Space Vessel (TUSV) known as The Phoebus Apollo and their 20 coil guns as they unloaded round after 600-ton round of tungsten into the ship. At the same time, several human fleets engaged Order fleets and detachments, effectively wiping out a centuries old order of slavers in a matter of hours.\n\nOne thing was for sure, the Alliance was grateful the humans were on our side." ]	2
	[WP] After many Years of Adventuring the Wizard of the Party confesses to have been an evil Necromancer in his previous Life. This started a Chain Reaction where every Party Member admited to have been Evil in his Life before they joined the Party.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Night was dark in the woods. Tall trees obscured the moonless sky. A group of travelers huddled together around a campfire. A staff, a bow and a sword told the tale of adventurers. Tired adventurers, back from yet another quest. The party was quiet.\n\nThe partys wizard just leaned on his knees, head down, his pointy hat tilting closer to the flame.\n\n\"Tobias, fix your hat\" the cleric sighed. \"You're going to grill it, soon\"\n\nWizard sighed. \"Do you think the Gods hold grudges, Michael?\"\n\n\"Totally. Look at any myth, and it's there\" cleric said bluntly.\n\n\"I mean, against mortals like us. Do you think they make our lives harder, just because we make mistakes?\"\n\n\"Nah, were not that important to them\"\n\n\"Woah, harsh\" the rogue exclaimed.\n\n\"It's true, Jake. Indivituals don't really matter, unless they influence the masses, you know?\"\n\nThe wizard groaned.\n\n\"Why did you take that Temple so hard, anyway?\"\n\n\"Undead and such just remind me of the past. I don't like to talk about it\"\n\n\"You might as well, Tobias. We're two days from town and it gets dark too soon this time\" said the warrior.\n\n\"Um, it's not really appropriate\"\n\n\"What? We've gone on quests for like a decade now. Might as well get somethings off your chest\"\n\n\"We won't make you leave, either. Or anything\" the cleric piped up.\n\n\"You're not gonna let this go, huh?\"\n\n\"Nope!\" They said in tandem.\n\n\"Fine. Um, before I met you guys in that tavern, I used to do some... unsavoury magic to earn money\"\n\n\"Like, love potions for ugly creeps?\" Rogue shuddered.\n\n\"Necromancy, Jake! I'm talking necromancy for a Dark Lord, okay?!\"\n\n\"No need to get upset\"\n\n\"You can do that kinda stuff?\" Warrior was curious.\n\n\"Yeah, it's not that different from making golems. I just used skeletons. I'm not proud of it or anything, the dude was nuts. But he paid well, and for a new gratuate, it was a way to get some real world experience. There's only, like, two ways to make money as a wizard: adventure or advise some kind of ruler. Adventuring is much better for my mental health. No moral dilemmas, you know?\"\n\n\"I hear that\" Jake the rogue chuckled.\n\n\"Huh? What does that mean?\" Tobias asked.\n\n\"Well, since we're talking dark pasts... I did gigs as an assassin. I mean, my main job was scouting castles and stealing artifacts, just like today. But if the boss wanted a particular guy dead, I was obligated to stab the guy\"\n\n\"You make that sound su mundane, Jake\" cleric scolded him.\n\n\"Come on, Michael. I hate blood. The smell makes me sick. It was in the contracts fine print. And, why I left my old guild\"\n\n\"So you what? Disassociate?\"\n\n\"Yep. Anyone else done something \"evil\" in the past?\"\n\n\"Fine\" the cleric sighs. \"I worked for a Dark Lord, too\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"You?\"\n\n\"Why?\" Everyone is shocked.\n\n\"Same as Tobias. My family was in desperate need of money, and this Dark Lord was offering good money to keep his henchmen healthy. He also wanted us to keep his contracted demons from eating or contracting other henchmen or prisoners. The dude was also nuts\"\n\n\"Did he have a thing for big, spiky skulls and purple lanterns?\" Tobias asked.\n\n\"Um, yes. Wait, did we serve the same Dark Lord in the past?\"\n\n\"Probably. We wizards were always too busy with all the skeleton maintenance, and never really had time to socialize\"\n\n\"Same with us clerics. The dude maimed his henchmen on a regular basis, so we had next to no free time\"\n\n\"You three make it sound like the only downside to serving an evil master is a crappy work/life balance\" the warrior said.\n\n\"So what did you do before that tavern, Alan?\" Michael asked the warrior.\n\n\"I was a mercenary. Swing a sword, get gold. Easy, boring, no morality required. Only constant battles or poverty. There's no future in that line on work. If I didn't die on the field, I either marched to the next one or sold my sword to the next guy. All depended on, which big helmet guy won. Adventuring is more secure, in a way\"\n\nThe rest nodded their heads. The groups barbarian was still silent.\n\n\"Duncan? Are you alright? We'll understand, if you don't want to travel with us anymore\" Michael asked him.\n\n\"It's not that\" the barbarian said with a deep, sad voice. \"I've been there, too. But it was different. I, I didn't do it for the money\"\n\nNo-one said a word.\n\n\"He was my older brother, my best friend and the only family I had left. We promised to build our clan back to it's former glory. He was the smart one, and I was his right hand, the muscle. At first, he was just like our father in all the stories our mother and grandmother told us. A good leader, fair to those who followed, and gave chances to others. Then, slowly, he became more and more cruel, uncaring and cold. He told me, we need to be tough. We'd have to make sure our new friends could never turn on us and take what we had build. I didn't like the way he was treating our prisoners. I thought, we had enough. But he wanted more. Then the real war started, and I had no choice but to defend my brother. I was there every day, every battle. They tried to cut us down, so I cut them down. That was, what family does, right? I defended him. Until he left me for dead in the field\"\n\nSilence.\n\n\"It hurt, you know. Not the wounds, I was used to that pain. He was my only brother, and he just left me behind\"\n\n\"The Red Fields Horde, right?\" Alan asked. Duncan just nodded.\n\n\"Talk about a crappy move\" Jake shook his head.\n\n\"Yeah, serving madmen never ends well, no offence\" Tobias sighed.\n\n\"None taken. I figured long ago, we'd probably die before getting a new family started. Brother just wanted blood and vengence, and lied to everyone to get it\"\n\n\"That's why I left the henchman game, too\" Michael said. \"You either end up dead or in a cell\" The rest of the party nodded in agreement.\n\n\"Fire's dying down\" Alan said. \"We should get some rest and return this artifact to the Temple as soon as possible\"\n\n\"I vote for vacation after this run\" Jake raised his hand.\n\n\"Good idea. I'll take first watch. Good night, guys\" Michael said and tossed a piece of firewood into the campfire.", "I sit my party in our private room. Looking at each of them, they all look at me, confused why I called this emergency meeting. But I can’t in good conscience remain quiet anymore. Not since this new life began.\r \n\r \n“Guy’s I have a confession to make”, I begin. My party members all focus on me.\r \n\r \n“You got the clap back at that brothel?” the Bard jokes. I just shoot him a glare.\r \n\r \n“No! I have memories of a previous life”, I begin. I can see the shock on every member of my parties faces.\r \n\r \n“You know Hesperaxion?” I asked, knowing they did.\r \n\r \n“The Elder Lich that was destroyed a century ago?” the Cleric asks.\r \n\r \n“Yes, well…” I begin before pausing.\r \n\r \n“You worked for him?” the Cleric asks.\r \n\r \n“No…” I answer the words getting stuck in my throat.\r \n\r \n“Then what?” the Paladin asks.\r \n\r \n“I was him! All these hoards of undead are hoards I made in my past life. In this new life, I want to do things right, so I have been steering our party to righting my wrongs. For, that I’m sorry”, I say, lowering my head in regret. “If you don’t want me in the party anymore I’ll understand”, I add, feeling dread as I await their response. \r \n\r \n“Why would we do that?” the Paladin asks. \r \n\r \n“Because I was once one of the most feared and evil beings on the planet”, I answer, mystified by his nonchalance.\r \n\r \n“You and me both, brother”, the Paladin laughs, wrapping his arm across my shoulder.\r \n\r \n“Huh?” I sputter, confused.\r \n\r \n“I’m like you”, he said with a grin. “Though I wasn’t an all-powerful lich”, he adds with a chuckle.\r \n\r \n“Who were you then?” I ask.\r \n\r \n“Valpori the endless dread”, he answers with a grin. \r \n\r \n“The warlord?!” the Bard shouts in shock. His was a name that was like my own, recorded as a powerful and feared evil being. \r \n\r \nThe Bard just began laughing his head off. \r \n\r \n“I was shocked when you revealed who you were, but for Mr fun-killer here to also be one as well. The Gods must have a twisted sense of humour”, he continued laughing, slapping his leg.\r \n\r \n“Ok, guess it’s my turn. I also have a past life like you guys”, he began pausing for dramatic effect. \r \n\r \n“I was ‘The Silent Whisper’ ”, he says spreading his arms as if to soak up our inevitable applause.\r \n\r \n“The Crime Boss. As in the Killer of Kings. Master assassin and ruler of the criminal underworld”, the Cleric asks.\r \n\r \n“The one and only. Though I understand my name has become a title for my successors. Damn bastards killed me when I got too old to hold off their murder attempts”, the bard answers with a grin. \r \n\r \nWe all looked to the Cleric. He shuffled uncomfortably in his seat.\r \n\r \n“Come on, the odds that three-quarters of our party is like we are means you must be one as well”, I say, looking at him.\r \n\r \n“Ok, promise you won’t laugh, though”, he begins.\r \n\r \n“Sure, I promise”, I reply, with the others nodding as well.\r \n\r \n“Ok, I was High Priest Faezan”, he says. All at once, the party burst into uncontrollable laughter.\r \n\r \n“YOU PROMISED!!” he shouted in protest.\r \n\r \n“I’m sorry. But you were the idiot pope?” I asked.\r \n\r \n“Listen! I didn’t know he was an evil god!!” He protests.\r \n\r \n“His name is Baby Eater Behemoth. What did you think his name was ironic?!” the bard asks when he gathers enough breath between laughs.\r \n\r \n“It wasn’t like that!” The Cleric insists, retreating into his chair dejected.\r \n\r \n“Didn’t you die because you tripped on your robe and fell in your sacrificial fire?” the Paladin asks.\r \n\r \nThe Cleric retreats as far into his chair as possible. Face red from embarrassment.\r \n\r \n“Ok, that’s enough”, I say with a sigh catching my breath. \r \n\r \n“So we got the founder of an undead legion”, I begin pointing to myself.\r \n\r \n“The founded of an evil empire”, I added, pointing to the paladin. \r \n\r \n“The founder of the most vicious criminal syndicate in history. Someone who personally killed kings?” I said the Bard, gesturing to himself proudly.\r \n\r \n“And the founder of the most inhumane and evil cult in existence”, I said, finally gesturing to our miserable Cleric.\r \n\r \n“I don’t know if it was the gods’ influence that caused this”, I say, pausing. “But our party name of Repentance is far more fitting now we all know the truth”, I finish, which causes the entire party to burst into laughter." ]	3
	[WP] Walking to work every day, you almost always saw the same people. The lady with her cart on the way to the deli. The kids running, laughing. But especially that one person. The one that felt out of place yet was the most consistent. Every day they turned left on Main St. Every day except today.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 checked his watch like usually but this time spun his head to the right. He immediately walked on the crosswalk to were I was walking. I was still shocked but didn’t think much of it. As he passed me he whispered something into my ear but I couldn’t understand it. I turned around “what?” I shouted but he just kept walking. I stopped before shouting again “what did you say?” That’s when the car hit me. I have been in a coma ever since but I’m still alive. I can hear everything. Help me…", "7:37 am. Another day, just the same as before. In 12 minutes I will be entering the office, clocking in and answering phone calls for annoying tech support questions. I passed the homeless lady, her rattling shopping cart full of smelly clothes and empty beer bottles rattling slowly down the street. I pity her, there was a rumor that she was married with children, before her husband killed her children, then killed himself. She never emotionally or mentally recovered from that.\n\nI gasped as I almost walked into the rush of children, scampering their way towards school. Their Catholic uniforms were untuck yet clean, one girl was even eating some toast as the group of friends sprinted down the street. Kids, always in a hurry. If only we allowed them time to grow up. If only we had more time to mature.\n\nUp ahead I could hear Mad Maxy, the local doomsday accultist. He had the habit of walking the streets, waving a cardboard sign in his torn black bathrobe, always preaching about how the end was nigh. He has always been doing this, everyday for the past 17 years. Same route, same speel. The world had yet to end. \n\nWait, 17 years? I stopped short in my tracks. Has it really been 17 years? I have been working in this dead end tech support? And everyday was the same? \n\n\"You notice it too, huh?\"\n\nI looked up. Max was staring at me. He should of turned down Main Street by now. He wasn't yelling, but was rather calm.\n\n\"...what's going on?\" I asked, hesitantly. I could feel the world slowing down around me. I turned to look. People were slowing down, coming to a stand still. The sounds of the city started to quiet down, and color started to drain away from everything, turning to white. I started to freak out, but Max reached out and grabbed my shoulder.\n\n\"Relax, brother. It took me a long time to break you out of this loop, this cycle. But I needed to tell you something important.\"\n\n\"What? What is it?\" I was scared. The outlines of the world was fading away, only me and Max were here in this blank white void. Max smiled, and slowly pulled out a plain white 3 ring binder from his torn robes.\n\n\"We have been trying to reach you about your car's extension warranty.\"" ]	3
	[WP] The law dictates that witches are to be burned at the stake. However the people quite like witches, giving them jobs that best utilize their abilities and hide them from authorities.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "“Ok folks, listen up. I want this to run smoothly, understood?”. Lothar and his group of five subordinate guardsmen climbed the stairs that led to the merchant’s district of the city. The district was located on a giant plateau sitting at the top of a mountain. There were giant stairs carved into the stone to connect the merchant’s district to the rest of the city, laying at the foot of the rocky structure. \n\nAfter they arrived at the top, Lothar started to directly approach a small store, not far away from the stairs. He continued his mission briefing as the other guardsmen were following him. “My person of trust ensured me that the young girl that the store owner employed some weeks ago is actually a witch. I don’t think that she knows that we’re coming yet, so we’re having kind of an advantage here.”\n\nLothar stopped as he arrived at the store’s entrance. There was a sign above the door that said Chemister’s Insight.** He turned around to his subordinates. “I will go in and check with one of those amulets whether she really is a witch or not. If she is, I assume she will start running away. So while I go in and chase her out, I want you to surround the building. Don’t let her escape, understood?” The fellow guardsmen were nodding, but no one said anything. Some of them were unsure what to expect, judging by the looks on their faces. “Oh, and one last thing”, Lothar said. “I want her alive, because only what’s alive can be purged by the fire.”\n\nThe door opened. Yaga was shocked as she saw the tall, brown haired guardsman entering the store. There were multiple badges on the left side of his chest, indicating that this was a guard with a very high rank. “Good morning, young lady.”\n\n“Hello. H-How can I help you?”. Yaga tried to remain calm while Lothar was slowly approaching the counter she stood behind. He put on a fake smile, “Oh I’m not that sure about it yet. But maybe you have a recommendation for me. I’m sure you can help me to find exactly what I’m looking for.”\n\nYaga got a bit more relaxed. Naive as she was, she started to feel a bit more safe now. “Sure, what might that be?”\n\n“Well, let me show you something first.\" Lothar pulled an amulet from one of his pockets and put it on the counter. He asked “Do you know what this is?” The amulet was made of gold and had a black diamond sitting in the middle of it. All of Yaga’s relaxation vanished in an instant. She knew exactly what it was, but she was afraid that saying so would directly give her away. She shook her head, unable to do anything else.\n\n“This is a Feroun-Amulet. It can detect magic potential. Once exposed to magic of any kind, the stone in the middle should slowly start changing colours.” Even though she already knew all that, hearing it from the guardsman again heavily made her more afraid of the situation. Lothar must have noticed that. “You don’t have to be afraid.” His fake smile became even more wide. “Or do you think otherwise?”\n\nWithout saying anything else, Yaga turned around and started running. The only thing she though about now was getting away. She went to the back side of the store to leave through the rear entrance. Lothar laughed, jumped over the counter and went after her.\n\nThe guardsmen were already in position as Yaga left the store. She totally didn’t expect them to show up there. There was only one way out: Use her witchcraft to escape the situation. She lifted her hand, and started to perform a spell. Her hand started to emit a purple glow, resulting in one of the guardsmen being pushed backwards heavily.\n\nUnfortunately, there were two of them. The other one was able to grab her. Quickly she cast another spell, making her own body phase through the guard. Then she started running through the alley. Lothar, now also exiting through the door made a quick comment about the incompetence of his subordinates, then started chasing her.\n\nShe used her little trick again to phase through some of the passengers instead of bumping into them as she ran for her life. Lothar, not being able to rely on said tricks, sometimes shouted to clear his way, sometimes just pushing the passengers away forcefully.\n\nYaga took a quick turn to the left. At the end of her newly chosen path was a store for household goods. Exactly what I need, she thought. She started running even faster towards the store. Lothar was not able to keep up her pace due to all those people on the street at first, but now, in this alley there were hardly any passengers. He managed to catch up with Yaga pretty fast now. The young witch, now being very close to the household store, looked at the barrels located directly at the front side of the building. They had much random stuff in them. In one of those barrels there was exactly what she hoped to find: A broom.\n\nShe quickly grabbed the broom as she passed the barrels. Then she realised she even got more lucky, since she was already at the cliff, marking the end of the plateau the district was located on. Lothar was now closely behind her, so she confidently jumped off the cliff, placed the broom between her legs and did one of these things that witched were exceptionally good at. Disobeying the gravity.\n\nLothar realised that this was his last chance to get her, not really thinking about anything else than his goal now. He took a leap of confidence, trying to get after her, trying to reach her, or at least the broom she was sitting on. He didn’t even realised that, even if he would’ve been able to grab her, that he was no witch, and therefore had to bow to the rules of gravity. As he got aware of his situation, it was already too late.\n\nYaga turned around and saw Lothar on his way to his certain death. She stopped for a second, but she didn’t even needed to think about it. She lifted a hand towards the falling guardsman. Her hand started to emit that purple glow again as she casted another spell. A simple one, which lifted Lothar slowly back up onto the cliff. Then she turned around and flew away without looking back.\n\nAs she slowly vanished into the sky, Lothar looked at her. His whole career he was told that witches are evil. Pure evil. That they only lived among the people to exploit them, to abduct them for their sick experiments. So Why? Why did she save him? \n\nWhile still thinking about it, he reached into his pocket and realised that he left his Feroun-Amulet at the store’s counter. At first he wanted to swear, but then he was not so sure if he would need it anymore.", "She taps her umbrella under the pot, and a spark lights the coal underneath. She mixes in some vegetables and chicken to make her famous chicken and veggie soup, often declared as the best soup the town has to offer, and also very affordable. Before she can mix in any spices, a knock on the door interrupts her. She can already tell it’s not good, but being the lovely woman she is, she opens the door anyway. Right outside is a soldier wearing his armor.\n\n“Madam, are you Seraphina Scarlet?”\n\n“Why, yes that would be me.”\n\n“May you please step out here?”\n\nMs. Scarlet already knows what is going to happen, but proceeds anyways. The second she walks out, 2 other soldiers grab her arms and restrain her. \n\n“Seraphina Scarlet, you are hereby declared as having committed witchcraft, and will be tried for your crimes. Come with us.”\n\nScarlet obeys, almost nonchalantly, as the soup goes unnoticed, yet still being properly cooked.\n\nIt isn’t long before people notice what’s happening.\n\n“Wait, Ms. Scarlet? What happened, why are you taking her?” \n\n“Ms. Scarlet is being detained at the castle, now please leave.”\n\n“Why? What did she do?”\n\n“Madam, if you intervene any further, we will have to apprehend you as well. Now leave.”\n\nEventually a crowd begins to form, following the 3 soldiers and Scarlet, all of them muttering amongst themselves.\n\n“I thought Ms. Scarlet was at her house!”\n\n“How did this happen?”\n\n“Did something go wrong?”\n\n“What do we do?”\n\nEventually the muttering turns into begging as more and more civilians ask for Ms. Scarlet to be released.\n\n“FOR THE LAST TIME, IF ANYONE IS STILL HERE WHEN SHE IS TAKEN, THEY SHALL ALSO BE DETAINED!”\n\nThe soldiers are shocked when almost no one leaves after hearing that. A few more soldiers arrive and try to detain some of the more resilient villagers, but there’s too many to process all of them.\n\nEventually, Scarlet is taken to the jail, and everyone is forced to leave. The newspapers go crazy about it, but almost no one buys them because they already know the story. Eventually rumors spring up about Ms. Scarlet killing someone, or having been impersonated. Not many people believe these rumors though, not when Ms. Scarlet is friends with about half the town.\n\nEventually, the events of the trials are revealed to the town. As expected, Ms. Scarlet was found guilty of “Witchcraft” and “deals with the demons of hell,” and her execution by burning at the stake is due at Noon the next day. \nHarry closes the door behind him, making sure to lock it. He takes off his coat and hangs it, then looks at his good friends.\n\n“Good morning everyone.”\n\n“Good morning,” everyone in the room replies. Ted in the back drinking some some whiskey, Lily up front re-reading the newspaper for the 10th time, and Jay sitting next to her.\n\n“I think all of us already know the story,” Harry says as he sits down.\n\n“More than anyone else really. Damn jury says they have sufficient evidence for their sentence, yet they show almost none of it.”\n\nTed shakes his head. “The only actual evidence was a few eyewitness accounts of her using her magic to light her pot, which is true, but the instant they see any magic they assume she’s a horrible monster.”\n\n“Which is why we need to rescue her,” Jay responds, moving her hair out of her face. “After everything she’s done for us, we can’t just leave her to die.”\n\n“Exactly,” Harry says, pulling out a sheet of parchment. “Which is probably why she gave me this the day before being apprehended and told me to save it until most needed.”\n\nHe places it onto the table, immediately getting everyone’s attention, even Ted’s.\n\nOn it was a word in latin, communicare, and below it was, written in English, Use this while thinking of me, and I will be there for you to see.\n\nLily is the first to respond. “Is this supposed to help us free her?”\n\nHarry nods. “I believe so. Why else did she give it the very day before?”\n\nEveryone stares at the latin word. \n\n“Well, we’re already thinking of her…” Ted says.\n\nHarry looks at his friends.\n\n“…alright then… communicare.”\n\n”Communicare.”\n\n”Communicare.”\n\n”Communicare.” \nScarlet opens her eyes, woken up by her communication spell.\n\nMs. Scarlet? Harry’s voice echoes in her head.\n\n“So you’ve done it. Congratulations on using your first ever spell.”\n\nWoah, this is almost like a dream… Ted’s voice calls out.\n\nOr a nightmare… Lily’s voice rings out.\n\nMs. Scarlet, what happened? The voice of Jay asks.\n\n“Oh, some old kooks saw me doing a couple tricks, that’s all.”\n\nBut you’re in jail now!* Lily says.\n\n“Oh, this? I’ve had worse.”\n\nBut what about your execution? Harry asks.\n\n“They think it’s an execution, it’s going to be more like a show really.”\n\nBut they’re going to burn you alive! Ted’s voice yells.\n\n“No flame has ever harmed me in my life, and I don’t plan on changing that.”\n\nWhat do we do Ms. Scarlet?\n\n“All that I ask of you is to be ready at the event. Oh, and also, you may not see me for a little while, but do not worry about me.”\n\nAre you sure? Jay asks.\n\n“Well, if you’re as old as I am, you learn a lot. Not to mention, I’ve had some help from family… Nonetheless, see you soon!”\n\nBefore anyone can ask anything else, the communication spell ends. \nIt’s now Execution Day. Ms. Scarlet has been taken from the jail and is being led to the pyre apoun which she will burn. Everyone keeps clamoring for her to be released, but Scarlet just smiles.\n\nEventually, Scarlet is tied to the pyre.\n\n“SILENCE EVERYONE!” The pastor’s voice yells. Everyone is silent, and Ms. Scarlet rolls her eyes a little. \n\n“Ms. Scarlet has been found guilty of multiple charges of witchcraft, satanism, and terror onto this town. In accordance with the law, she is…”\n\nMs. Scarlet ignores the rambling pastor as she looks onto the mostly saddened crowd. A few people look bored, but the majority look upset. \n\nI’ll be fine. Scarlet mouths, winking. \n\n“…and as such shall be banished back to the depths of hell!”\n\nThe pastor turns to Scarlet.\n\n“Witch!”\n\nScarlet jumps a little, suprised the pastor has stopped rambling.\n\n“Yes?”\n\n“If you have any remorse for your actions, and repent to them through prayer, you may still be able to live, as-“\n\n“I’m sorry, but I can’t have remorse for any actions I did not cause.”\n\nThe pastor is stunned for a moment.\n\n“Excuse me?”\n\n“I did nothing wrong. Yes, I can do magic, but I only use it to aid myself in cooking and cleaning. I assure you I’ve never harmed anyone in this town.”\n\n“You lie.”\n\n“Well, either way, I don’t have to convince you. This is more a setback than an actual threat,” Scarlet says as she finally spots Harry and his friends in the large crowd.\n\n“I just need to leave now.”\n\nThe pastor stutters, as he puts his hand over his cross. \n\n“L-leave? What is the meaning of this?”\n\n“I don’t think I deserve to be here, so I sentence myself to freedom!”\n\nShe yells this dramatically, but nothing happens.\n\n“…oh right, I forgot my hands are tied.”\n\n“…w-what?” The pastor mutters as he is now holding the cross.\n\n“I’ve never been restrained before, so I never bothered to learn a non-somatic version of the unbind spell, which is honestly a terrible mistake considering it’s purpose of-“\n\n“Enough! Light the pyre!”\n\nThe pastor yells as a soldier sparks a peice of flint against his iron knife, igniting the fuse.\n\n“Oh my, that’s a bit embarrassing, isn’t it?” Scarlet says as the crowd gasps, seeing the flame approaching the pyre.\n\n“Oh no indeed, I spent so much time here, planning everything, and here I made the silly mistake of not planning ahead, oh my…”\n\nThe flame has now reached the base of the pyre.\n\n“Oh that’s a big no-no, I worked so hard on this, and it’s all going to be burnt, even my dress, oh no…”\n\nThe flame is now covering her body, and although her skin is singing, she’s not screaming or even flinching in pain, but still mildly panicking.\n\n“No, that’s my favorite part of the outfit, OH and now the skin is burnt, oh nonono, this was my best work of art…” Scarlet says, genuinely sad.\n\nAnd then she’s completely burnt to a crisp but still talking.\n\n“Oh my, and now it’s going to fall off, oh this is embarrassing!” The skin cracks off as her body grows in size, claws replacing her fingers, wings sprouting out her back, and red scales covering everything.\n\n“Oh, I’m sorry, now I’ve messed up!”\n\nA flash of white, and a huge red dragon is now standing over the pyre, her size taking up most of the platform even with her trying not to extend any of her limbs.\n\n“I’m sorry everyone for hiding this secret, I didn’t mean no harm, and now my disguise is ruined, oh my…” Despite being a dragon, the voice still sounds like Scarlet, just much louder.\n\n“Oh my god!” The pastor yells.\n\n“It’s me, Scarlet, I just didn’t like being all alone, and I thought this was a good idea, and now I need to leave, oh, excuse me, I’m sorry,” Scarlet tries to carefully step off the platform as soldiers try to pierce her huge scales to no avail. \n\n“Oh I’m sorry everyone, and now I’m just a big nuisance, and the soldiers are trying to kill me, oh what a mess, I-“\n\nScarlet accidentally hits a building with her huge tail, the wooden frame damaged and falling apart from the force.\n\n“Oh, I’m so sorry, that was an accident, oh my, let me fix that…”\n\nEven though basically every soldier in town is trying their hardest to kill Scarlet, she ignores them and uses a spell to fix the building. It’s not perfect, but close enough.\n\n“Oh my, if I stay any longer, I’m just going to break and destroy everything, I’m simply too large for this town to handle, OH!”\n\nScarlet nearly steps on one of the soldiers, realizing at the last second.\n\n“Oh my, I’m sorry, I hope you’re ok, oh yeah, I need to leave now…”\n\nScarlet continues apologizing profusely as she jumps up and flies away.\n\n“I HOPE YOU CAN FORGIVE ME FOR THAT!”\n\nWith that last sentence, she’s gone.", "\"Upon the discovery of a Witch, the Inquisitor shall henceforth take her upon the public square and burneth her at the Stake so that her fate stands as example to all who would follow that path.\"\n\nIt was a fact that every County needed an Inquisitor responsible for ferreting out and destroying witches. That had been the law for the past 500 years, ever since the Witch Wars laid a swath of devastation across the countryside. And as Count, Darvan understood the foundations of the law and the necessity of its implementation, the Witches of old had been really rather terrible, what with the blood sacrifices and eldritch demons and misshapen homunculi enslaving the populace. \n\nAnd it was a fact that Grisalba was definitely a witch. Just not... that type of witch. Oh, the residents of her village had all sorts of reasons why their wells never ran dry, their children were rarely sick, and their crops were always bountiful, but Darvan knew his County. (It wasn't that large of a County, and Darvan was the hands-on type). It didn't take much observation to realize that villagers with problems took them to Grisalba the Baker, and those problems were mysteriously solved. \n\nAnd it was a fact that as Count and de facto Inquisitor, Darvan was oath-bound to uphold the laws of the land. Even when he really didn't want to. On the verge of despair at the outrage this would cause (as well as his personal distaste about roasting an innocent woman to death), he read through the entirety of law several times over, until inspiration struck.\n\nIt was a sunny, cloudless day in late spring when Darvan and his retinue of men at arms rode into the village. He called several of his men to him, and proceeded into Grialba's bakery, right off the village square. \n\nGrisalba was a striking woman in her forties, with a wild mane of frizzy brown hair barely contained by a kerchief. She was also quite pale, which would make this whole ordeal go faster. She looked up at Darvan's entrance with a start, understandably alarmed at his sudden arrival in her humble shop. \n\nDarvan gave her a courteous bow. \"Madame, I hate to impose upon your busy day, but I am afraid you must follow me.\" Now looking more even more alarmed and confused she hesitantly proceeded him as one of his men held open the door and followed his indicated direction towards the center of the square.\n\nDarvan was not overly concerned. At this point, as least half the village had gathered around the perimeter made by his men, with more people filing in by the moment.\n\nDarvan and his men led Grisalba to the pole, as the villagers around tried to press in closer. He could hear them muttering discontentedly and the tension of the crowd was rising rapidly. Darvan pointed at Grisalba with a dramatic flair. \"Grisalba the baker! I am the acting Inquisitor of this County, and it has come to my attention that you are a Witch! And the law states that Witches must be burned at the stake.\"\n\nAt this point the crowd became deathly still, but their discontent was palpable. This was the woman who cured their children's illnesses, blessed their fields, and baked incredibly tasty bread. Her loss would not be tolerated. \n\nBefore the crowd's shock could turn to violence, Darvan continued. \"Witch Grisalba, would you kindly grasp the stake for your mandated punishment?\" He gestured to the pole in question, which was starting to list dramatically to one side. \n\nNot one to be slow on the uptake, Grisalba grabbed the stake and pushed it back upright. The villagers' anger quickly turned to confusion. If this was a witch burning, where was the firewood? Where were the chains? Why was the stake so poorly constructed that breeze could knock it over?\n\nThe midday sun beat down relentlessly, and soon the crowd grew restless and bored. However, even a small retinue of armed guards was enough to keep them from approaching the witch and the Inquisitor standing next to each other in the center. For nearly half an hour everyone stood around awkwardly, none more awkward than the witch and the Inquisitor at the center of everyone's attention. \n\nDarvan monitored Grisalba's face closely, and nodded in satisfaction once her pale complexion began to take on a pink tinge on her nose and cheeks,\"\n\n\"Witch, are you burning?\"\n\nGrisalba, who had grasped Darvan's intentions within minutes, and was starting to feel a bit crispy under the noon sun, replied immediately. \"Why, yes, I think I am going to be quite sunburned at this point. You didn't let me grab my hat.\"\n\nDarvan nodded in satisfaction, and his voice boomed out across the gathered crowd. \n\n\"Let it be known far and wide, in strict compliance with the laws of this land, the suspected Witch has been burned at the stake in the public square. May her fate serve as an example to all who would follow her path.\" \n\nThen Darvan gathered his soldiers and returned to his keep, and Grisalba took herself to her kitchen to mix up a cooling ointment for her sunburned nose. The pole in the square fell over completely later that afternoon." ]	4
	[WP] You are the captain of an alien ship intended to study humans. the only problem is that your crew finds humans to be "cute" and keep trying to hide them on the ship to keep as pets.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 so this is gonna be my first post in this sub, but I immediately clicked with this prompt and just kinda quickly train-of-thought wrote out the ideas that came to my head when I read it. So, here goes nothing. \n\n___________________________\n\n The ship's console chirped happily along with a series of small strobing lights that danced in a line, confirming my input. We had been coasting in orbit around the planet for several weeks now, but the systems still required a captain's routine check-in, to ensure the crew were still actively engaged in their mission. There were still months to go in our observation, and unfortunately, it seemed as though we'd already missed the show. \n\n Several weeks ago my ship - the Reliable Plumage - was on a mission to scout a few nearby systems for significant deposits of precious metals. The mission had taken us near the Sol system, but it was only a few days into scouting our first planet that our ship had received a signal from one of the Tivurian recon satellites positioned within Sol. The satellites are programmed to relay any significant readings - heat signatures, radiation or radar movement- to the nearest Tivurian vessel. That ship happened to be the Reliable Plumage. \n\n And it wasn't wrong to relay the information, either. We immediately made contact with military leadership, and were promptly given orders to redirect our course to Sol-3 and initiate a non-interfering observational assignment. The satellite had picked up a large, sudden burst of atomic radiation, followed shortly by a second, identical burst. Sol-3 was known to to harbor a species in the midst of a technological revolution, but even so, readings of this magnitude were far ahead of where this civilization was thought to have been. The data transmitted to the Reliable Plumage showed atomic radiation levels consistent with either that of nuclear meltdown, or atomic weaponry. If either were the case, then this species had suddenly reached a massive technological milestone, and they'd done it with impressive, albeit alarming, speed. \n\n Several small surveillance drones had been deployed in different hemispheres of the planet. We were shocked to find different corners of the globe living in such disparate states of affluence. It didn't take long for us to identify the source of the radiation signals were indeed the result of two atomic bombs. Curiously, both of the radiation signatures were emanating from a relatively small island, which we surmised from communications observance was known as \"Japan\". Their attackers, however, could be found on almost the exact opposite side of the planet, and were a much larger land mass. It seemed that for the last several years, the entire planet had been locked in a massive conf-- \n\n \"Oh they're just so adorable!\" A shrill beak squawked from the chair beside me, interrupting me from my journal entry. I turned to face my Chief Officer, who had been staring in blissful silence for the last several hours at the surveillance feed. I tried to ignore her, and turned to once again face my console. \"You don't think so, Captain?\" I took a deep breath and ran a talon through the feathers on my head. \n\n \"Excuse me, Officer?\" I turned again to face her, clicking my beak shut in a vein attempt to display my annoyance. \n\n \"They're kinda cute, don't you think?\" She reached a wing out and turned the monitor ahead of her to face me. \"I mean you know, for apes, right?\" \n\n \"Cute, Officer?\" I put my e-com down on the ship's console and turned fully towards her in my seat. \"We are not here to assess the cuteness of this species, CO T'vekk, we are here, as I'm sure you need no reminding, to assess the state of their technological advancement and to determine whether they pose a threat, or offer a boon to the exploits of the Tivurian Collective.\" I tried to be flat and stern, but it seemed to have no effect on T'vekk's attitude. \n\n \"Yes, Captain.\" She chewed the words sarcastically. \"All I'm saying is, there's definitely worse species we could be observing, is all. You know, Gunnery Chief Uvekk and I were joking about taking one on-board as a pet!\" She snickered mischievously. I stood without hesitation and barked down at her. \n\n \"CO, this is strictly an observational assignment, and we are absolutely prohibited from interfering in any way, is that understood?\" I knew there was no real risk, but I wasn't about to take the chance that one of these idiotic crew would attempt to abduct a potentially violent specimen. Reliable Plumage was already at risk of being disbanded due to the last mishap with a primitive species. \"And besides,\" I began walking away from the cockpit, towards the crew deck. \"They'd probably just stink the ship up.\" \n\n \"Yes Captain, I understand.\" I could faintly hear her mumble the words \"buzzkill\" under a fake cough as I opened the door. \n\n \"Take command while I'm away, CO.\" The door to the cabin closed behind me with a satisfying swish. I made my way through the crew deck - a communal area - and towards the mess hall. I'd been peckish for a couple hours now, and the living headache sitting beside me at command deck gave me cause for a drink or two." ]	2
	[WP] Every day, it’s the same. Send another band of time enforcers to stop someone from messing up the timeline and ensure events are set in motion. Finally, one day, the stress of the job breaks you. You’re going to mess up the timeline so badly there won’t be any time enforcers left	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 do this any more and I honestly don't even know how I got here. Who am I kidding? I know exactly how it happened. I think we should go back the beginning before I tell you about what I have planned for my big resignation. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nI was back home for the first time in my adult life and trying to come to grips with how the whole world move on while me and the boys were off world fighting the good fight. It wasn't even that civilian life wasn't what I thought it would be but they literally moved on, as far as any of them was concerned 60 years had past since the war started but thanks to being on ice for most of that time for transport I was still essentially in my mid 20s. But you know how that works, you've been on ice more times than me at this point. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nI needed a job and fast. Not for the money I had plenty thanks to a few key investments I made before enlisting that had matured quite nicely. What I really needed was the work, I missed it and needed purpose. That's when I found the Company and it almost seemed like they were looking for me. The ad didn't say what the job was but the description of their ideal candidate may as well have been my life story. They wanted some one with military training and experience with long haul cryo-freezes. It even went to say they wanted applicants who were single and willing to relocate at a moments notice. I'm sure they were banking on that absurd salary to hook the applicants but you know what got me? That silly slogan \"Save yesterday to ensure tomorrow!\" It made me laugh and I honestly really wanted to know what the hell it meant. After weeks of interviews, physicals, testing and samples of all kinds I was in. They assigned me to to the 'time enforcers', I still hate that name, and sent me off to orientation. Now I know that the whole time travel thing had been worked out during the war, hell I'm pretty sure it is what ended it, but I had never dreamed that an ice jockey like me was going to get to do it. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe early missions were fun and I was good at it, really good. My favorite had to have been stopping those looters from cleaning out the pyramids as the Egyptians were loading them up. One guy tried to convince us that he was really just a \"sci-fi Indiana Jones.\" But it wasn't all good times for there is a price that comes with being good at a job, promotions. The first one was great, field commander was more of the same but better perks and now I was 'sir' to the rest of the grunts. As the years went by and my title changed more times than I remember I ended up on the office side of things. I thought I had it made and I was happy not being in the field any more. Those were hard years and my knee was never the same after the whole Rasputin thing. But then it happened, the one promotion I should have declined. You know this department doesn't actually have a name? I don't actually have a title either. But I found myself in charge of the \"necessary evils\" and it taken its toll on my heart and soul. Do you have any how much it takes from you know that you're sending good men and women to their deaths every time some idiot get it in their head to kill baby Hitler? I have protected monsters, convinced good people to do terrible things, allow countless innocents to die over and over again. All in the name of saving yesterday. No more, after tonight I won't have to do it any more and neither will anyone else. I'm going back, on last time and I want you to come with me. We're going to kill Dr. Freeman and put a stop to this whole time travel bull shit before it even starts. It's perfect and we're the perfect ones to do it. Who is going to stop us? I've set up fake emergencies through out the time line so every team had to be deployed even the reserves. I've convinced the Board that it is a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nWhat are you doing with that gun?" ]	2
	[WP] You’re the guild leader of one of the strongest, secret guilds. Though, no one knows all of the members are you just with different disguises and powers!	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 in your phone.\r\nEven when you are all alone,\r\nI know when to add chrome to your dome.\r\nOf me do Soros and Morpheus dream,\r\nBut they are but peons in my infinite scheme.\r\nI am nameless.\r\nI am shameless.\r\nYou are aimless.\r\nGod forbid you be gameless.\r\nZing goes the screen!\r\nIt just invites you.\r\nIt isn't mean.\r\nCome play along.\r\nAt dice, beat Master Wong.\r\nYou say ah, it's okay.\r\nI need no more games for today.\r\nBut when does come the morning breeze,\r\nTo Master Wong, you are Erik Voorhees.\r\nYou kick it into gear,\r\nMaster Wong's ego for to spear.\r\nBut Master Wong's just another face.\r\nhe wears a mask,\r\nJust another case.\r\nIn his lab he starts to pace,\r\nThe bioweapon will him disgrace.\r\nThe bat lady has no grace.\r\nShe works her magic with great distaste.\r\nIt's not the bats who win this race.\r\nNow everybody, shelter in place!\r\nYou are the gamepieces.\r\nYou are the game.\r\nWe are the chess masters whom no one can frame!" ]	2
	[WP] He chuckled, a dangerous glint coming into those aged eyes. "Ever heard the saying? 'Fear the old man in a profession where men die young.'"	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Arky stepped off the path towards the cabin.\n\nShould be simple enough. The Party had hired him to burn the place to the ground.\n\nBefore going ahead, he made sure to look in through the window. He once had been hired to destroy a nursery, and barely avoided doing so. He wasn't about to risk it again.\n\nThe inside was fairly simple. The room he saw had a bed, a chair, and a desk. An old man sat, apparently asleep, in the chair.\n\nArky walked in front of the front door and set up his tinder to light ablaze.\n\nHe glanced up at the sign on the door and stopped.\n\nMyrsakon.\n\nHis breaths became shallow, and he listened closely for any movement inside the cabin.\n\nShould he light it and run? Or should he back out of the job entirely? Bolan was nice this time of year, and he could take the Karon Ferry only a day's trip North.\n\nDestroying the home of a Myrsakon was no light matter. They were extremely powerful, but usually sparing in their use of magics. They have to pull energy into their bodies by sheer force of will.\n\nChanneling the amount of energy they handle is extremely delicate. Even a moment of wavering concentration could destroy a Myrsakon in an instant.\n\nUsually they use a piece of metal to channel the energy through, but even then, a Myrsakon usually gets torn apart sooner or later.\n\nHe couldn't think any further, because the door swung open in front of him.\n\nThe old man stared at him, then looked down at the pine needles. He looked back up at Arky.\n\nArky's eyes wide, he stammered, \"I- I'm so s-sorry, sir, I wasn't aware you were a M-Myrsakon.\"\n\nDespite his appearance, Arky was very focused and reaching into the back of his belt for a dagger.\n\nThe old man smiled, \"Well it's alright, sonny. Who sent you he-?\"\n\nBefore he could finish, the Arky was slicing through the air towards the man's stomach.\n\nA flash of light. A thud.\n\nArky is dazed, on the ground, his dagger no longer in his hand. He looks behind himself and sees it embedded in a tree.\n\nThe old man shook his head, and e chuckled, a dangerous glint coming into his aged eyes. \"Ever heard the saying? 'Fear the old man in a profession where men die young.'\"", "The woods have eyes, and they watch you carefully. Be careful where you step, for others have tread your path before and the trees have outlived them all.\r \n\r \nOr so they say.\r \n\r \nWhen you started this job, plucked off the newspaper listings, you’d seen the hiring manager’s raised eyebrow when they first got an eye on you. You could tell they weren’t sure you were cut out for this line of work - but hell, you needed the money and short of leaving town, this was the only road forward. So down to the old logging camp you went, your old Ford wincing with every (and there were many) potholes along the dirt road. \r \n\r \nYou’d been given your harness and saw, and passed off to an old logger with a steel wool beard and lines drawn like railroad tracks across his face and hands - whether they were from the shining saw strapped to his hip or age wasn’t entirely clear. Likely a mix of both. You followed his green truck down farther into the valley, the car not seeming to bow into the ragged texture of the road quite like yours did. But perhaps he just knew where the dents were. \r \n\r \nWhen you arrived at the stand, the man paused for a moment, closing his eyes and murmuring something under his breath that you didn’t quite catch. Passing a calloused hand over the needle-laden floor, soft beneath your feet, he stood up and beckoned your forward to a looming fir. Issuing you instructions with a voice so deep in timbre it seemed to be coming from the very air around you, the man glanced around with a reverent gaze before waving you up the tree. You strapped into your harness and he belayed you up, all business and no muss. It struck you then - here you were, carving into the tough wood, just like that. Something that had been here for decades, maybe even centuries, could be felled just by you, someone only twenty-something. \r \n\r \nYou weren’t religious, but you wondered if you should pray.\r \n\r \nA few hours passed, the sun climbing higher and higher into the sky until the sweat beaded on your neck and made you saw slip in your palms. Slowly descending down on the rope, supported by the largely-silent man who’d been watching you and taking care of the lower branches, you felt a weight press into your shoulders as your feet hit the ground. Somehow the song of the trees had gotten a bug in you - the clean, verdant smell seemed a little diluted this close to the ground. You made for your old Ford to get the lunch you’d packed, although as you felt how light the paper bag was - largely on account of not being able to afford a sizeable amount of deli meat that week - you wondered how much it would fuel you for an afternoon of more sawing and chopping. \r \n\r \nThe man patted a spot next to him on the earth below the fir you’d spent the morning dismantling. As you sat down and pulled out your meager sandwich and two apples, you could feel him giving you a sidelong glance. Cheeks heating, you set about the business of eating in the hopes of getting back to work. After a nudge on your arm, you noticed the parchment paper-wrapped bundle he was extending to you.\r \n\r \n“You youngsters never bring enough the first day.” You smile awkwardly and take the sandwich, unwrapping it to reveal layers of roast beef and tomatoes and white cheese on thick bread. \r \n\r \n“Thank you.” As you begin to eat, having finished his own sandwich, he reclines against the tree trunk. \r \n\r \n“They give me the young ones because I teach ‘em right - comes with the territory. Good as I figure, when you’re hungry you’re angry, and nobody should be comin’ at these trees angry. No way to treat ‘em,” he rumbles - and it is a rumble - a faint smile playing at his lips beneath the beard. You give him a glance in between your final bites of sandwich. \r \n\r \n“Well it’s just a tree, how does it matter what you’re feeling?” You offer him one of your apples, but he shakes his head and waves it off. He gives you a look that feels like it holds all his years, old and deep and containing more stories than you could ever hope to live.\r \n\r \n“They know,” he says simply. \r \n\r \nYou pass the hottest hour of the day with idle chat and water kept not-too-warm in the footwell of your truck. Occasionally you see a truck or two trundle down the main road, those moving from one stand to another as they finish stripping down the trunks and felling them before stacking up the boughs for collection later. Seeing the profiles through their front windows, you note that almost all the loggers are closer to your age, faces not yet drawn with railroad lines like the man next to you, who’s since slid down the trunk and placed his brimmed hat over his eyes. There’s a ring of long grass woven into the edge of it, all shades of green in the noon light. Passing your eyes over his dozing form, you note how his skin, sturdy forearms seem to be mottled with lines distinctly reminiscent of bark.\r \n\r \nWhen you start working again, it’s to topple the fir you’d painstakingly stripped of branches in the morning. You take up opposite positions around the tree, passing the longsaw from the man’s trunk back and forth across the wide base of the tree. With each of your strokes, he seems to do double - more than you would have thought, even given his apparent experience in the woods. You note his strong stance, almost as if he is rooted in place, his feet not moving an inch with the long, powerful slide of the saw. As the sun shifts, it casts his skin in an almost-green hue, but you dismiss it at first as a trick of the light. But strangely, it seems to intensify as you keep working.\r \n\r \nYou glance at his face, and are shocked at his expression, drawing somewhere on the line between wistful and sad - not what you’d expect for the level of exertion you’re both exhibiting. As you reach the end of the tree trunk, you both step away and wait by your trucks as the tree tips farther and farther until crashing to the ground. You see the man murmur something again, but you only catch the word “brother” at the very end.\r \n\r \nAs you begin to collect the branches littered around the fallen trunk into a pile and then set up the belaying points again on the neighboring tree, you look again at the man, whose strange expression seems to have passed.\r \n\r \n“Say, how long’ve you been at this line of work?”\r \n\r \nHe smiles wryly. “Longer than you can imagine, youngster.” \r \n\r \nYou start on a lower branch this time, so you can continue talking. “How come you’re stuck with the new ones, then? Wouldn’t you have a partner or something?” You’re not sure how this whole business works quite yet, but that seems to be a reasonable assumption.\r \n\r \n“I said before, I teach y’all well. I know these trees better than most ever could.” He chuckles. “Doesn’t help that I think some have some particular superstitions about me, but what can you do about ‘em.” \r \n\r \nHaving not really talked to any of the other loggers, you weren’t aware of these “particular superstitions.” “Like what? You seem to be a perfectly normal man, if a bit older than most of your coworkers.” \r \n\r \nThat got a proper laugh from him, enough that you almost wondered if you were being made a joke of. You twist to look around your shoulder and see him smiling faintly. His eyes flashed green, deeper than they’d been before and almost seeming to shift in a moment. \"Ever heard the saying? 'Fear the old man in a profession where men die young.' By no means fear me, but folks tend to think strangely of those of us with a particular connection to these woods.\"\r \n\r \nConfused, you cock an eyebrow. “What sort of connection d’you mean?”\r \n\r \n“Full of questions, are you?” He sighs and shrugs. “Let’s just say I’ve seen thousands of young loggers just like you walk these paths and fell these trees - and I’ll likely see thousands more.”" ]	3
	[WP] Inhabiting your new body is the easy part of shape shifting. The challenge is that the longer you're away from your old body, the harder it is to go 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 don't remember my own face anymore. I have dreams of growing up, my family, I remember them... but my dreams often take a turn. In my dreams I am always watching from the sidelines. I'm watching myself run around playing with my siblings, or my parents will join in. Their faces are always so clear and full of expression. Sometimes they make silly faces. Mine is always concealed from my vision somehow. I look blurry to myself. I will go to hug my mother in some versions of the dream and then suddenly she looks at me in horror as I become her. She looks at me from a faceless body, reaching up to touch smooth skin of her once beautiful features. The face I now stare back at her with is not my own, it is hers. I often wake from the dream and find myself looking like her in real life. In these moments I shift back quickly to a neutral zone. I call them that because they're people I see in passing each day, people I'd see on a bus, or whoever checked me out in the grocery store. Someone I do not personally know. A neutral zone. I inhabit these people because they're safe. I don't have to see the hands in front of me and see my mother's or fathers. I know them too well. Once loving, comforting. Once understanding and patient... \n\nWhen my ability manifested, I became less than their daughter. They were frightened of me. Only my younger sibling really ever showed compassion. It's been five years since I first changed, and since then I've moved away from home. I'm twenty now, yet don't know what I look like. I can't even remember my face as a child. I use photographs sent to me by my younger sister. They help me change back into who I was, but it's not really me. It's a younger me. I've seen and experienced so many people now, I feel they have drowned my true self. She lies at the bottom of a fathomless ocean, one which I cannot escape. The weight of all of these faces keeps crushing her further and further into darkness. I don't know if I will ever surface." ]	2
	[WP] The most powerful being in the known and unkown multiverse is was just hired on as a middle school janitor. A job they take great pride in.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "“Y’know, I take a lot of pride in me job.”\n\nThe seemingly innocuous janitor with an unknown accent dressed in a white t-shirt and overalls looked off into an unseen distance.\n\n“Being omnipotent can get boring at times,” says the janitor. “But what really makes being a humble janitor to Dustin Middle the best, is how simple it is.”\n\nThe janitors’s glazed eyes snap back into focus as he pulls out a mop and wash bucket from what appeared to be nothing. He quickly starts to clean the dirty footprints of the various middle schoolers that walked around.\n\n“After existing for as long as before the concept of time was even a thought, one tends to lose interest in everything. Sure, being able to do anything and everything would have appealed to some people, but really it just gives you too much time on your hands.”\n\nThe janitor finishes mopping the hallway. A yellow wet floor sign flickers into existence in the middle of the hall. \n\n“But this,” he gestures to the next hall, equally dirty as the last. “This gives me plenty to do. Some may call it boring, just mopping and vacuuming day in and out, but I think it’s fulfilling.”\n\nThe janitor resumes his duties, mopping methodically and efficiently down the hall, leaving a trail of unnatural cleanliness. Once finished, another wet floor sign appears in the middle of the floor, seemingly materializing from nothing.\n\nHeaving a sigh, the janitor spoke again, “It may seem as if this job is hard. I know some teachers are questioning how this whole school is completely clean every day when I’m the only janitor. Some even ask how I do it.”\n\nAn amused twinkle lights up his eyes.\n\n“I just tell them that I used a bit of magic,” He glances around the grayscale world, everything monotone and seemingly frozen in time. “‘Course a bit of fourth dimension reality warping doesn’t hurt. Simply project an echo of this dimension into the next and connect them via- ah you probably don’t wanna hear any of that.”\n\nHe grins mischievously as he replaces his mop’s head. “Long story really really short, I clean in this in-between and it reflects onto the original.” \n\nOnce again he dips the mop head in the soapy water before properly straining it and starts to mop the dirty floors again. “This job doesn’t come without its occasional hiccups, though.”\n\nHe frowns slightly, looking off into unseen realities. He shakes it off before returning his attention to the mop and dirty floor again. “Every once in awhile some youngsters think it’d be funny to prank the janitor,” Chuckling to himself, he shakes his head in light of the fond memories.\n\n“Not laughing anymore when they find that their backpack is a wormhole to the top of Everest.”\n\nChuckling, he finishes mopping the floor and once again another wet floor sign appears in a he center of the floor, the only thing not grayscale.\n\n“Anywho, you probably have something you need to do, school maybe. Your geometry teacher is probably looking at you on your phone right now. Maybe you’re at work. Y’know you won’t get that raise by sitting on your phone all the time.”\n\nA knowing smile makes its way onto his face. He turns to face directly at you. “Get off the toilet, you’ll get hemorrhoids that way.”\n\nHe snaps his fingers and the grayscale melts away to reveal an empty hallway that was slowly being filled with the bustling students of Dustin Middle as the bell rang." ]	2
	[WP] as it turns out, there is no heaven. But there is a hell.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 it turns out: there is no heaven. But there is a hell. And...it’s called Earth.”\n\nThe small, orange book hit Ezra in the face and toppled into his lap in a tumble flutter of dog-eared pages. \n\n“Ow! Hey!”\n\n“You’re lucky I only had Breakfast at Tiffany’s and not Ulysses, you dramatic bitch.”\n\nEzra rubbed his head, though it didn’t really hurt. “That could have knocked my eye out, you book flinging mega mole.”\n\n“Welcome to Hell, I guess.” Bec was sprawled on her bed and Ezra was sat on the floor, his back against the cupboard. \n\nThe conversation had dwindled and, as was their way, Bec had picked up a book and Ezra had put on some music. This time his choice was some band called Love Sick Gutter Puppies. Not his usual fair. Far more...depressing?\n\nThe pair had been friends since the distant days of diapers and together they had weathered many changes and many phases. There had been that summer when they were both very into rollerblading, for example. So, when Ezra had donned a darker motif in his manner of dress and affected a brooding persona, Bec didn’t mind.\n\nThat was until she figured out this was all due to some girl Ezra had never even spoken to: Ravenette, real name Tammy Plecker. Ezra’s latest crush was an industrial strength goth, though not of the industrial-goth subculture. \n\nYes. There is a difference.\n\nThe smitten teen looked to the stereo and sighed. This was Ravenette’s favourite band. “It’s just. What’s the point of it all?”\n\n“Ezz. I need to ask you a question.”\n\n“Is it where your copy of Ulysses is, you book tossing sea cow? Because I still have it. It’s a slog.”\n\n“No. Well, I mean, yes: it is a slog. And no that wasn’t my question.” Bec sat up and saw that her friend had pulled his knees to his chest. “Look, is your ‘what’s the point of it all’ attitude coming from this persona that you want Tammy to notice? Or is it from Ezra, my crush-pained, socially inept, idiot friend?”\n\nEzra rested his face in the dark denim of his new black jeans. “Her names Ravenette, not Tammy. And she doesn’t even know I exist.”\n\n“Then why change yourself, moron?”\n\nHe made no reply. Didn’t even bother to toss a long winded insult. The current song ended and a brief silence filled the room before the next track started — which sounded exactly the same as the previous one to Bec. She sighed, got off the bed, sat next to her friend and put an arm around him.\n\nThere was, for the pair, no problem with experimentation and exploration of self. People change and grow and discover who they are over time. They had lived that reality together. But! Bec could not abide someone changing themselves on the basis of an infatuation.\n\n“Listen, dumdum, you need to do two things. One: be yourself. And if she doesn’t like the real you? She’s a bitch. Two: either talk to her or move on. Because, if you don’t: you da bitch. Pining for people —that-you-don’t-even-really-know— is creepy as heck, dude. And changing yourself for them makes it worse. Like stepping in a dog terd and finding out it had gum in it.”\n\n“...gross.”\n\n“Yes...you are. And it’d be grosser the other way round.”\n\n“...oh, god.”\n\n“Right!? Now, for the love of God, put on some decent tunes.”\n\n“...I hate it when you’re right.” Ezra stood up and moved towards the stereo and Bec stood to return to her bed and her book.\n\n“Hey, Bec?”\n\n“Yeah?” She turned and was hit in the face with a Penguin Classic, which she caught before it passed her waist.\n\n“Thanks, you stinky mouthed bookworm.”\n\n“Anytime, dickhead.”", "I lifted my hand for one last time and stroked the chin of my wife. I was young, but illness had afflicted me too early. I was surely gone. Nothing could save me. Centuries of medicine evolving and life could still be lost at 26. It was sad, but I could finally feel free. I would no longer be in pain. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I love you. Thank you for staying by me\", I grasped to her. She didn't reply. She couldn't. She just held my hand with both her hands and started weeping openly. I closed my eyes for the final time\n\n&#x200B;\n\nExcept I could feel something change around me. One moment, I was in the cool, air-conditioned room of the hospital, struggling to breathe, and the next, I could feel intense heat and that made me struggle to breathe. I opened my eyes to complain about my last moments on Earth being terrible when I realised I was on the floor\n\nOn fire\n\nI WAS ON FIRE\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI get up and shake the flames off, but the flames didn't stick on at all. They simply existed there to create heat, not burn\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI saw a tall, goat-headed figure walking towards me calmly with a giant spear and the reality of the situation hit me. This had to be Hell. There was no other explanation for what happened. Why am I in Hell? I lived a good life! I was kind to people, I spread happiness, I had a live stream where the stories I wrote would make people feel really good and entertained, and I even helped animals a lot!\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI deserved to be in Heaven. I demand to go to Heaven NOW!\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSatan reaches me and speaks in his velvet silky voice, \"Welcome to eternity. What terrible fate would you like to suffer for the rest of forever?\", he asked with a smile\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Dear sir, might I ask why I ended up in what seems like the lower rungs of Hell when I clearly should be in Heaven? I believe there has been a mistake and must insist that you check with our Holy Lord above. I must be there post-haste!\", I claimed\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Aw, drop the act. I know you didn't believe in Heaven or Hell when you were alive. Besides, God's gone. He's not there anymore. He shut down Heaven and went away. All Heavenly souls are now in Hell. All souls come to Hell by default. It's quite the pain for me to handle, truth be told\", he ranted, the velvetness of his voice sharply reducing\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Okay, okay. Fine. What do you mean about God though? Gone?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Yes. Gone\", he replied sharply\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Gone where?\", I asked\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Gone\", he replied\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Well, what do I do here then?\", I asked\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You get tortured for the rest of time! I have the best thing for you! You get to watch your wife meet other young men and get in bed with them. ON LOOP. MUHUHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA\", he laughed maniacally\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Dude, that's my kink. I used to watch her do that anyway\", I replied\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Oh. Well. Then, I will need to think of something new for you\", he muttered angrily\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"How about this, Satan? I help you redesign Hell to accommodate all the extra people who are coming in AND I help you design some absolutely EVIL punishments that will make music out of all the screams of the people who are unfortunate enough to fall into my creations\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Interesting. Let us talk in my office. It is the only place with cooling in this place\", he said interested\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHey, I've worked in the human advertising industry. This Hell is much better than that hell!" ]	3
	[WP] Saint Peter thumbs through the Book of Creation, his face slowly slipping from nonchalance to disbelief. He flips over the last leaf of paper and slowly closes the tome. His eyes flick toward your face,“You aren’t supposed to exist,” he whispers his trembling hand darting for the shofar.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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's it about you, that this bloke can't get grips on reality.\" inquired Asar as he stood next to Remy, the goonj of St. Peter's shofar piercing a quiet, calm morning, that had so far occupied the oasis.\n\n\"Yea, I don't know either. He's a funny chap this one, paging through whatever books he has. Even my Aunt Vera accidentally got removed from the town's resident scroll. What a time it was, end the end it was the bribe of a crate .....\" Remy spoke dryly to Asar, as his eyes remained fixated on the figure of St. Peter.\n\nA few last crows ceased crowing, and once again silence descended upon the oasis. Like captivating fish, in a captivating sea, stood the sight of the three of them in the midst of a palm grove.\n\nA westerly swept in and would occasionally shoot moisture-laden winds by the yellow-bricked houses, and these winds seemed to revive the arid St. Peter. He now stands with sudden ease and serious eye, like a portrait of an old war general. He peers with beautiful brown eyes reflecting the sun darkly in them and tells Remy \"You, and even your comrade, for the most part, have no light in you. In your soul and being, I sense only the impending sense of doom and playful hatred as you regard watches melting, entropy increasing in this void.\"\n\nRemy's eyelashes shook in disarray, he turned quickly to Asar as his lips curled into a confused laugh. \"Listen to this one talk,\" he said and broke down into a laugh.\n\nAsar smirked gently and looked at St. Peter. The very St. Peter who now recoiled further in horror and now walked away. He even forgot a few scrolls and quills by the lampost, as he hastened to rush back to the Cathedral. His eyes flashed abuzz with grim confusion.\n\nAsar and Remy walked off and began to talk to each other.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Asar did you hear him talk about trying to tell us our sacred destiny. He tried to save us. We, who are not willing to be born, not ready to die, and merely lie in the most serene limbo.\"\n\n\"Yes Remy, I knew that he did not regard us well. We, who so wretched and wrought in chains, howl at the moon asking neither for clinical merit nor loving grave, merely the strength to be indifferent to this scandal that reality subjects us to, which we in our wretchedness perhaps even accentuate.\"\n\n\"Padded in heaven or stabbed in hell, we won't really mind either, would we dear Asar. But while we live, let us fulfill ourselves.\"\n\n\"No time to cry, nor to celebrate. Into indifference, we must ourselves integrate. For only to live while living and die while dying, is not enough, dear Remy.\"", "Might have poor grammar, my thoughts aren’t running very smoothly.\n\n‘Now, that’s just plain rude.’ I glared at the supposedly holy saint - I thought they were supposed to have manners. Really, wasn’t supposed to exist? That’s insulting.\n\n‘Drop the clueless human facade, creature.’ The saints hand was moving slowly, as if that would hide the huge shofar in his grasp.\n\nI shrugged my shoulders. \n\n‘I wasn’t feigning cluelessness, saint-man, I know what you’re talking about. But that comment about my existence was unnecessary and rude.’ Glancing at the saint’s large book, I decided to play with the trembling man a bit more.\n\n‘And how many cute little lambs did you slaughter for this pretty book?’\n\nThe saint’s eyes widen, and he swung the shofar to his lips, ready to alert the guardians. Too bad, that I may or may not have snatched the horn when he was distracted. Old Peter made a ‘pfffft’ noise, trying to blow the shofar which was not there. He caught on quick and glowered at me.\n\n‘Leave, creature, before the Lord decides that you are irredeemable and strikes your soul to the depths of Hell.’\n\nI grinned at the saint, with the snarkiest and toothiest smile I could muster.\n\n‘We both know that the Lord cannot strike me down. I am not His creation, after all.’ The old saint made a frustrated noise, somewhere between a choking and sighing noise. He threw his hands in the air, paced in circles for a few times, and finally looked at me.\n\n‘What are you here for, creature?’\n\n‘To overthrow the Big Man in the Sky.’\n\nThe saint and I stared at each other for a few minutes, his face blank and stupid. And then he poofed away. Well, wasn’t Peter just so polite? Not that it mattered anyways.\n\nI strode into Heaven, phasing right through the gates. God designed these iron borders specifically for his precious creations, so needless to say, they were quite three-dimensional, which also happened to make it useless at keeping out unwanted creatures like me. God kept intruders of my kind out with something stronger.\n\nGuardians.\n\nOr, as I like to call them, birdies. They’re a bit more similar to God, and are best described as vaguely human glow sticks with far too many pairs of wings. Birdies are actually pretty tough to handle, even with their low-intelligence, as they were still celestial beings.\n\nBut still, I came for God. Handling birdies (and saints) are just mini side quests. God had too many of them anyways, He needed to eliminate the weaker ones sooner or later. In fact, when I get to the old man’s throne, I’d be basically offering him a holiday from work. He should be thankful for my generosity.\n\nApparently, God didn’t agree with my views.\n\nAs soon as I stepped within the gates, the Guardians dived at me." ]	3
	[WP] You wake up and slowly look around. You're in a jail cell and have no idea why. But that isn't even the strangest part. For some reason, everyone else, inmates and guards alike, seem to be absolutely terrified of 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 hell are you all looking at? God Jesus Mary and Joseph, why there is blood all over my face!?\"\n\nI slowly try to remember where I am, and I completely fail. Nothing, nothing come around. I manage to remember something, but it makes no sense. Green grass, a woman who seems to be my mom, a funny but scary looking wizard, and my father. I don't really like my father. I look around. Those guys look nothing like the people on my memories. The one right in front of me is huge, and have a knife dripping with blood from his hand. \n\n\"Oh god, is this my blood? Did you puncture my brain? I mean, stab me in the forehead? In front of everyone? Did I insult your mother or something?\"\n\nI really, really like my mom. \n\nThe dude drops the knife. He is only seven foot tall, looks like took huge steroids, and is bald. I'm five feet tall, skinny as a teenage girl and...I look at the mirror of blood on the floor. Teenager. I actually pluck my own hair. Yep,redhead. I kind of hate how much young I look.\n\nI slowly raise from the floor, and I look around. Bunch of idiots with similar tatoos. Look like a gang.\n \n\"Well, if anybody else wants to kill me, you're free to try. I think the guards with their lovely shotguns pointed at me may try first\".\n\nThe cops are probably even more terrified than the inmates of me. The tense, but monotonous stand off lasts for several minutes, until other guards with keys and a blonde woman come from behind. She also looks like a teenager, is very happy to see me, and isn't even a little bothered by the fact I am covered with blood like a zombie.\n\n\"Honey, paid your bail! Also, daddy managed to get your sword out of the police safe. You never walk around without her and you didn't even use her to kill all those gang members, so it is not criminal evidence!\"\n\nI still have no idea of what she is talking about. I remember vaguely something about stealing the sword from my dad...and impaling the son of a bitch. Wait, why I hate him? It is suddenly making sense, but my memories from last night seem to not be coming back.\n\nI approach the bars of the jail cell and talk to her, which seems cheery and happy like she just came out to grab me from some friend's birthday party.\n\n\"You're my mom?\"\n\n\"Oh ho ho ho ho, I'm not your mom! They are dead. They both are\".\n\n\"I have two?\"\n\n\"Mom and stepmom\".\n\n\"Ahn, ok. Did you ever see me get brain damage before and surviving?\"\n\n\"Oh, that happened again? There is an easy password to unlock your memories, but I think last night is lost forever. Good, I was thinking you had cheated on me when you didn't show up for dinner\".\n\n\"Sorry, I think\".\n\nI look up and down, She looks like she is wearing wizard robes. Something on the back of my head tells me she is also much older than she appears.\n\n\"Ahn, ok. I was going to make questions, but I think I will get the answers when you tell me the password\".\n\nShe instructs me. It's apparently a very complex ritual.\n\n\"Put your ears against my lips. It has to be whispered like a lover\"\n\nSomething on the back of my head then tells me it is not a complex ritual when I hear the last word, but that she likes the theatrics.\n\nWhen the syllables come out, it's in a bizarre mix of spanish and welsh accents.\n\n\"Gui-ne-ve-re\".", "This is definitely not my bedroom. The harsh artificial light. The steely smell. The rattle of keys. The din of conversations.\n\n \nWhere the heck am I? In a panic, I opened my eyes but was immediately punished by an unbelievable pang. As if a dagger pierced my cornea. My head reeling, I fell back on the bed, and the steel frame voiced its complaint. I started drifting out of consciousness again but was kept afloat by adrenaline. \n\n \nA thousand questions raced through my mind. Not allowing my eyes to widen beyond a conservative squint, I attempted to take account of my surroundings, A windowless cell. At most 6 by 6 feet. The room was eerily empty, except for the few messages coined with some sharp object that emblazoned the concrete walls, such as No price for freedom and love you Sam. \n\n \nClunk Clunk \n\n \nI diverted my attention towards the cell bars, watching as an officer sauntered along the corridor greeting each of the prisoners with his baton. \n\n \n“Hey, Hey!” I shouted, my voice gruffer than I remembered. When was the last time I spoke? How long was I asleep? \n\n \nI could hear the officer’s feet stamping away more quickly. His flippant amble quickly turned into a run. \n\n \n“Where am I? How long was I asleep? Why am I here?!” I cried, running to the bars, grabbing them helplessly. Tears streamed down my face. Composure was long gone. But the officer was out of sight, and the other inmates crawled back into their cells.\n\n \nAnd then I noticed another message on the wall, just above the bars. I recognized the handwriting immediately. I wrote this. \n\n \nJeremy, if you wake up following the experimentations, it means that you indeed possess the rare telekinetic gene. Get out. Now.", "I always tossed and turned in my sleep. Tonight was no exception, however I could not return to my prior slumber. Rubbing the haze from my eyes, I was met with stone walls, steel bars, and frightened uniforms of different colors alike staring in my direction.\n\n\"Hmm... I take it this suit of... orange and yellow doesn't flatter me nicely. Though I can't say the rest of you look any more dashing. Except for him in the corner, yeah you buff guy, you can rock that or me any day of the week.\" Waiting for someone to respond never came. Just startled eyes and faces, trying to avoid looking directly at me, making their discomfort painfully obvious.\n\nTaking a closer look to my surroundings I see that everyone is in cuffs yes, however my own appear to be twice the size. Shoulders sagging from the weight even, weighed down further by a heavy chain running to the wall. Now that was unique to me, none others in here had any sort of chains or restrictions, besides the bars you know. Security officers line the hallway with the same expression of fear as my cell mates. Theres no windows here, or nearby exits from what I can see. So what is this place, and why am I here?\n\n\"Should we kill her right now?\" A whisper says. I can barely hear it, the eerie silent room helps carry their words to me.\n\n\"We need to follow our orders.\"\n\n\"Yes I understand that, but she needs to be held accountable for her actions before she can cause any more damage.\"\n\nResponsible for what... I dont understand. I know I'm not perfect but surely there's a misunderstanding.\n\n\"And she will be. It won't be long now.\"\n\nMy throat feels drier than before, replaced by racing thoughts. I lay still, listening ever more carefully. Though now all I can hear is the thud of my heart in my ears, and the rush of air in and out of my lungs. Seconds turn into minutes, to hours, to days. Or so I think, there's no windows to tell the time. Only occasional meals with no consistent schedule, and a fading in and out of consciousness while I try to piece this together.\n\nFootsteps are coming again, more than usual. In front of my cell are half a dozen men, all armed with guns pointed at me. One shakingly draws near and hastily releases my chains.\n\n\"Follow us. Any games-\"\n\nA bullet whizzes by my ear, a lock of hair falling to the ground.\n\n\"and we shoot you. Understood?\"\n\nI nod my head meakly. I shuffle between them, keeping quiet. I'm led through what seems like an endless amount of corridors until finally we stop outside a heavy bolted door. It looks like one of those you'd see on a bunker, maybe it is one.\n\nThe door opens before me and I'm greeted by a crude looking chair in the center. Instructed to take my seat, I do so cautiously. The officers strap me in tight, and once secured stand along the perimeter of the walls. In shuffles a priest followed by a few others in what I could say are lab coats.\n\n\"Merinda Larksey\" the priest began. \"You're here to stand trial for your numerous sins. 14 million acts of murder-\"\n\n\"WHAT? I didn't do that! No way, stop this!\" I screamed and struggled against my bonds, however he kept reading from his book.\n\n\"caused by your hands. A mass genocide by your followers, claiming the lives of innocent people. You are here to die for your sins today, to end this war and bring a sliver of peace to our world to begin anew.\"\n\nI felt something stirring inside me with his words. Something sinister, trying to claw to the surface.\n\n\"Please you don't understand, I haven't done anything, I have no idea what you're talking about!\" I try once again, once more on deaf ears. I can no longer hear the words being said around me, my attention is on those with lab coats drawing nearer.\n\nI'm suddenly nauseous, wretching anything once in my stomach to my feet. The world's shaking violently now as I go into hysteria.\n\nI'm jolted back to the here and now by a prick of a needle penetrating my skin. The priest, in front of me now, looked up from his book, into my eyes. In them I saw my reflection looking back at me except... it wasn't human.\n\n\"Execute.\"" ]	4
	[WP] The deal you made to recover the magic was that you could only forge one magical item of each type. After 100 years of requests to make a sword, bow, armor, etc you want to retire as there are no more original ideas. Until she walked in and renewed your sense of 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 want a magic hoe.”\r\n\nI refused to turn around. The kids these days were growing more disrespectful. The forge was gathering dust. There were no more original ideas, and so, I had no work. The villagers made fun of me now, the old man who they thought to no longer have the skill. The skill was present, but my customers had lost their originality. Perhaps they’d never had any in the first place. \r\n\n“You’ll find that at the brothel two streets over, if you have the coin for it,” I say. \r\n\nI had assumed it was a young boy’s voice, but when I turn I see a woman. She’s dressed practically for the weather, in a dark brown cloak and flat-heeled boots. There’s mud on her boots, and on the hem of her skirt. I’m usually approached by knights or men who want to be knights. \r\n\n“I heard that you forged magical items,” the woman says. “That you made the scepter of Maeth, the Bossam sword, and so many other magical things that helped the kingdom.” \r\n\n“I did,” I tell her.\r\n\n“I’m a farmer,” she says. “And the harvest hasn’t been good these last few years. I was wondering if you could make a magical hoe.” \r\n\nShe’s clasped her hands in front of herself, tightly, as if she’s afraid of offending me.\r\n\n“A gardening hoe?” I ask. \r\n\n“I understand if you cannot. You are a master blacksmith, creator of so many legendary things. Farming tools are probably beneath you.”\r\n\n“No, no,” I say. “I’ll do it.”\r\n\nI start to ready my tools, get the metal ready, while the woman digs into her purse for a payment. \r\n\n“No payment necessary here,” I tell her.\r\n\n“I cannot take it for free,” she says. “That would not be right.”\r\n\n“It didn’t stop the others. However, you can rest easy. I made a deal a long time ago. There are others who pay for my work. It pleases them to see each of my new creations out in the world.”\r\n\n“Oh,” the woman says, and I know she’s caught the whiff of something supernatural from my words. Magic items, humans are comfortable with. Magic beings, not as much. “When should I return to collect the item?” \r\n\n“Two days,” I tell her. She smiles in agreement and begins to leave. \r\n\n“By the way, madame. Is there anything else you need to be made?” I ask her, wondering if her imagination ended at just a magic hoe or if there was something else there. \r\n\n“Actually, there are a few things. Do you think you could make cooking pots? It would be so wonderful you know, to have a magic pot that doesn’t empty until you want it to,” she says. \r\n\n“What else?” I ask.\r\n\nShe takes out a piece of paper from her purse and unfolds it. I smile. \n\n\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\n\nIf you like my work, please check out more of it at* r/analect." ]	2
	[WP] You have a power, a great terrible power. Whoever perceives you (even just hears about you from someone else) will think you are smart. Every one of your actions will be overanalyzed and scrutinized by others. However, the truth is? You are average in intelligence.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "You have a power, a great terrible power. Whoever perceives you (even just hears about you from someone else) will think you are smart. Every one of your actions will be overanalyzed and scrutinized by others. However, the truth is? You are average in intelligence.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nThe air smelled like jasmine and old books.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nYou sat down on a green sofa, closing your eyes and letting your mind drift away from you.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nSuddenly, someone sat down on the couch beside you. You opened your eyes.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nIt was a girl.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nShe had long, dark hair and wore a yellow dress.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nYou had never seen her before.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Hi,\" she said.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nYou stared at her.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Um.\" She looked down. \"I'm sorry. Are you supposed to be here? Because I just want to study. And I've never seen you before.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nYou stood up. \"I'm sorry,\" you said. \"I'm supposed to be here.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Oh!\" The girl smiled. \"You're the new girl, aren't you?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I'm You.\" You smiled back.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I'm Lee.\" Lee shook your hand.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nYou smiled at her. \"I think I know who you are,\" you said. \"I think you're smart. And kind.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nLee blinked, confused. \"I am?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Yes,\" you said. \"You are.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nIn the weeks that followed, You became friends with Lee. And everyone else in the library.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nWhen you sat at a table, people sat with you. When you walked down the hallway, people stopped to talk to you. Your teachers thought you were intelligent and your friends thought you were kind. You were popular and felt powerful.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nBut there was something else too. You kept hearing the word \"weird\" whispered throughout the library. At first, you didn't say anything, but then one day, you heard Lee say it.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I'm sorry,\" you said. \"What did you just say Lee said it again. You repeated, \"I'm sorry, what did you just say?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nLee, stunned, said, \"I said you're weird, You.\"" ]	2
	[WP] Satan has come to claim the lives of everyone on earth and drag them to hell. But there's one problem, everyone WANTS him to do 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Satan walked through the streets of London, hand in hand with his daughter.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I love you,\" she said, her voice ringing with pride.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"And I love you,\" he replied. \"But now I must take care of those who don't deserve life.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"How will you do that?\" she said, looking up at him.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nHe laughed. \"I'll simply kill them.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nShe frowned and pouted. \"But that would only be fair if they killed you first.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I don't care about fair,\" he said. \"I care about right. They don't deserve life.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"They don't deserve death,\" she said. \"They deserve a chance.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I have given them a chance,\" he said. \"They have rejected my chance. I will give them no more chances.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Why are you so angry?\" she said, her eyes filling with tears.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I'm not angry,\" he said, but his voice was loud and angry. \"And I'm not sad, either. Life is not about sadness or anger. Life is about joy. Now come along, my child. It's time for me to take out the trash.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"You're still angry,\" she said as she squeezed his hand and ran to catch up with him. \"I can tell.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I'm not angry,\" he said, squeezing her hand back. \"I'm not sad, either. But I am disappointed in humanity.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Why?\" she said as he dragged her through the streets of London, toward the heart of the city.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"They've wasted their lives,\" he said as they walked briskly through the crowd. \"They've wasted the most precious of gifts: life.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"How can you be sure?\" she said, looking up at him He let go of her hand. He dropped her and ran into a woman, knocking her to the ground. She looked frightened and confused, but she remained on the ground, unmoving, while he walked away.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Mom?\" she yelled. \"Mom? Are you okay?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I'm fine,\" her mother said, looking bewildered.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"What happened?\" she said, getting up.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I don't know,\" she said. \"I'm sorry, Twyla. I'm just…\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Look!\" he shouted, pointing at the ceiling. Then he laughed. The woman looked up and gasped. She jumped back in surprise when dozens of fireballs flew downward.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nThe fireballs crashed, one after another, onto the streets of London, all across the city. They hit businesses, buildings, and people. They hit her mother, and then they collided with her.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nThe fireballs shattered, and the woman There were no more fireballs, no more people. The streets were empty, and everything was silent. No one was screaming, no one was moving. The silence was deafening. It was a moment of stillness, a moment of perfect peace.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nHer mother turned to Twyla and smiled. \"I love you, Twyla. And I love your father. We are incomplete without you. You are a gift from God to this world. Do not waste your life. Consider the lives you have already wasted. Try to understand what you have lost. Then consider the gift you have been given. The gift of life, the gift of eternity. Think about the many things you will experience and the people you will meet. Time is not the only gift you can give. You can give life. You can give joy. You can give love and happiness. You can give love and happiness to others. That is a gift you might want to consider giving. Give your life The lights came back on. People were again moving. They were running, screaming, and waving their arms. People were climbing out of their homes, and connecting to the Internet to share their stories and theories about what had happened.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I don't understand,\" Twyla said. She looked around. \"Where is everyone?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"They are all in heaven,\" her father said, smiling. \"And soon everyone will be in heaven.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"What happened to them?\" she said, looking at him.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"They were all fighting over life,\" he said.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"What does that mean?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"It means they didn't know how precious life was,\" he said. \"They didn't know how wonderful it is to live, or how wonderful it is to be alive, or how wonderful it is to have a chance to live forever. They didn't know any of that.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You receive a report that someone had a cute cat, but refuses to share any pictures of it online. As an agent of the FBI's Pet Tax Evasion unit, you aren't going to let this stand.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 sat at my desk finishing up some paperwork.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nThe phone rang.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I have a report,\" said the voice on the other line. \"Someone has a cute cat, but won't share any pictures of it online.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nI looked up from my desk. \"Is this a joke?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"No,\" said the voice. \"The person said so herself.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"You're pulling my leg.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"If I am, it's because only a leg could fit in this office. This room is barely large enough to fit a phone, much less a human leg.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nI stared at the papers on my desk. \"Are you in some sort of broom closet?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Not at all. I'm using a state of the art, high-quality, high-resolution camera to transmit this image in real time.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"How is that even possible?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"You know how those new fangled cameras can take a picture of thousands of pixels and then use software to create a picture of millions of pixels? Well, there are millions of pixels in this room. What you see on the screen is a single pixel. I'm also using fiber-optic technology to transmit this image. It's the same kind of technology used to transmit an image from a camera on the moon to earth.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"That's impossible.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"You should see the size of the fiber-optic cable I'm using. It's massive.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nI didn't know what to say. I wanted to believe it was true, but I couldn't. I couldn't imagine someone sharing pictures of their cat online, but not sharing pictures of their cat. I couldn't imagine someone being happy to share pictures of their cat, but not being willing to share pictures of their cat. If a person could be happy sharing pictures of their cat, but not willing to share pictures of their cat, then how I put my hand up and grabbed the phone.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I've got this,\" I said.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nThe man on the line sighed. \"Are you sure?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Positive.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nI hung up, turned my chair around, and sat down with my back to the glass. I reached in my desk and pulled out a folder, then took out a white card, placed it on the folder, and snapped it shut. I tried to look like I was working, but I wasn't. I was staring at the screen on my phone, and waiting.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nThere was a knock at the door. I stared at the screen.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Come in,\" I whispered.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nThe door opened and someone walked in, a middle-aged woman with narrow brown eyes and dark hair, who seemed to be in a hurry.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Was your cat's image transferred?\" she asked, as she pulled her jacket on.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Um, yes she picked up the card, and handed it to me.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"That's excellent. Did she give you the card back?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Yes.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Did you look?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nI nodded. \"It's a picture of a cat.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"And then what happened?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nI swallowed. I had said everything I needed to say. I just needed to sit here and see what would happen next.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"I was just about to pick up the card and look at it, but then the phone rang.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nShe nodded, then looked around the room as if she expected someone else to walk in at any moment.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"And then I looked at the picture.\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Was there a word on the card?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \nI nodded again. \"That's it. The word,\" I said.\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"And what is the word?\"\r \n\r \n\r \n\r \n\"Do you want me to say it?\"", "A ceramic plate exploded against the kitchen wall, tearing a gash in the floral wallpaper, revealing the dark red painted bricks below.\n\nLittle Dana wept in the corner, hiding under the kitchen table. Her mom picked up the next nearest projectile, a saucepan of meat sauce, and hurled it at Dana’s dad.\n\n“You think this is a joke?!” she screamed at him. He ducked and the meat sauce splattered all over him.\n\n“Stop! Stop, for God’s sake!” Luke said, as his wife searched for something else to throw.\n\nMeow.\n\nRupert, their new kitten, climbed into Dana’s lap and rubbed its nose against her chest.\n\n“Shh,” Dana said, kissing Rupert’s ear.\n\nMeow!\n\nHer mom froze.\n\n“Maggie,” Luke said, inching toward her. “Stay calm.”\n\n“I hear it,” she said, cocking her head to the side. “It’s here. The demon.”\n\n“Yeah,” Luke said, “And if you try to take its picture, guess what’s going to happen?”\n\n“It’ll work this time.” Maggie grabbed her phone and turned her camera app on. “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.”\n\nDana, under the table, tried to keep hold of Rupert. The little black creature slipped from her grasp and darted away, seemingly passing through reality unphased.\n\nLuke grabbed Maggie in a bear hug, pinning her arms to her sides. She thrashed around, meat sauce dripping off of his face and onto her white tank top.\n\n“God damnit, get off!”\n\n“Honey, Maggie, sweetie – face it. We have to leave.”\n\nMaggie started to cry.\n\n“We have to get out of here,” Luke said, “lay low somewhere until this blows over. They're going to be looking for us. It's already been a month with no photos.”\n\n“You’re the one that wanted the cat,” she said, sobbing.\n\n“I know. I’m sorry. I had no idea…”\n\nMaggie wiped the tears from her eyes and saw her daughter standing at her feet. Luke released her and Maggie swept Dana up into her arms.\n\n“We never wanted this for you, Dana. Never.”\n\n…\n\nSix months later, Special Agent Francis Lasko peeled around the corner of a rundown suburban block somewhere out in the middle of Indiana. It was nighttime, and a half-eaten burger sat on his passenger seat. In the footwell were fifty empty energy drink cans.\n\nLasko never thought he’d be in this position, but after the fiasco up in Michigan City got pinned on him, the demotion was inevitable. He was reassigned to track down delinquents for the Pet Tax Evasion Unit, arguably the worst assignment in the whole bureau. The kind of assigment that eats a man from the inside.\n\nHe grabbed his radio, “I’ve spotted the suspect – blue minivan, trailing now.”\n\nA jet black kitten – Rupert, according to his file – had been owned by this family for nearly seven months, without a single photo posted online. Lasko nearly threw up in his mouth when he read the case. The degenerates.\n\nHe watched the minivan pull into a rundown trailer park. A man and a woman climbed out. The woman opened the back door and took up a little girl in her arms. They all looked skinny, tired, afraid. Like a family on the run.\n\nLasko killed the engine and grabbed his gun.\n\n“Wait for backup, Lasko—” He shut the radio off.\n\n“No,” he said to himself. “Not this time.”\n\nLeaving the radio and the rulebook behind, Lasko tiptoed over to the trailer and listened at the door.\n\n“Just forget it, OK?” a man’s voice said.\n\n“I know what I saw,” said the woman.\n\n“You’re tired, you need sleep, that’s all.”\n\n\"I saw it, Luke!\"\n\nLasko had a momentary return of his judgement. He thought about calling this in, doing it the right way. Bringing them in for questioning, giving them a chance to turn over the photos of Rupert or even post them online themselves.\n\nBut then he remembered all those nights he spent scrolling, looking for new cat pictures, and finding nothing but reposts. Reposts made him want to throttle someone. Reposts were a disgusting symptom of modern America’s decadence and depravity.\n\nHis face flushed red with rage. He stood up, took a deep breath, and kicked the trailer door in.\n\n“Nobody move,” he screamed, pointing his gun at the adults – “FBI! Hands in the air!”\n\nLuke threw his hands up. Maggie dove into the kitchen. Lasko turned and fired, blowing a hole through a cabinet and striking a bag of flour, sending a white cloud into the air.\n\n“Come out with your hands up, I’m warning you!”\n\nMaggie took cover behind the kitchen counter with a steak knife.\n\n“We didn’t mean to do it—” Luke tried to explain.\n\nOut of the corner of his eye, he saw Dana standing in the bathroom doorway. She knew better than to go towards them. Luke didn’t know whether it would be safer to warn the agent a child was there or not. This FBI agent looked deranged, his red eyes nearly bulging out of his skull.\n\n“You selfish sons of bitches,” Lasko said.\n\n“Rupert can’t be photographed, it’s impossible!”\n\n“Tell it to the judge – or, better yet, to my friend here,” he said, waving the pistol. “Because today I’m not feeling too patient.”\n\nMaggie leaned around the counter and threw the knife at Lasko, using the precision she learned during her summer with the circus to strike him in the leg. He cried out in pain and fell against the door, which opened backwards. He fell out and tumbled down the metal stairs.\n\nLuke raced to the bathroom, scooped Dana up and slid open the back window.\n\n“Go, Dana, go to the neighbors and call 911!”\n\nDana crawled through and dropped into the mud outside.\n\nLasko charged back into the trailer and opened fire at the kitchen. Maggie covered her ears and her head and the kitchen rained down on her, bullets flying every which way.\n\nWhen the shooting stopped, she was untouched. All she could hear was Lasko’s heavy breathing.\n\nIn the bedroom, Luke fished out his own pistol and loaded it. He caught Lasko with an empty clip.\n\n“Don’t move, sir,” Luke said.\n\n“Threatening an officer is a felony.”\n\n“I’m just trying to protect my family.”\n\n“You had your chance – paying the pet tax. But no. Instead, you chose violence.”\n\n“WE HAD NO CHOICE!” Luke bellowed.\n\nMeow.\n\nEveryone went rigid. Ears cocked.\n\nMeow, meow.\n\n“Rupert?” Maggie asked, standing and shaking debris out of her hair.\n\nThe door to the trailer opened, and in walked Dana. In her arms was a little black cat.\n\n“Rupert!” Luke exclaimed. Rupert pawed Dana’s arm. Lasko, blood pouring from the knife wound in his leg, stumbled over and pet the cat.\n\n“Hey, Rupert.”\n\nHe took his phone from his pocket and opened the camera app.\n\n“Now, let’s just sneak a little… pic.”\n\nAs Lasko moved his thumb, Rupert pounced. He scratched Lasko across the face before diving onto the knife, using his full body weight to press the handle down. Lasko dropped his phone and collapsed in a wailing heap.\n\nRupert bounded out the door. The family raced after him. Lasko crawled over to his phone, leaving a blood smear across the floor, and dialed the FBI field office.\n\n“It’s Agent Lasko,” he said. “Put an APB out – Rupert. Black cat. It’s a code red.”\n\nThe voice on the other line hesitated. “Lasko… a code red, are you sure?”\n\n“Just do it,” he said.\n\nA few minutes later, as the traumatized family stood outside their trailer, Lasko emerged and hobbled down the steps.\n\n“I’m going to find that cat,” Lasko said, pushing past them, “And I’m gonna make him his own goddamn Instagram page. I won't stop till I'm dead. DEAD.\"\n\nLasko climbed into his car and drove off, leaving Luke, Maggie, and Dana wrapped in a group hug.\n\nr/ididwritethismr", "Agent Elsie Hayes’s spirit animal was the bloodhound, and for good reason.\n\nWithin minutes of the alert that some lowlife malefactor was committing the horrific crime of not posting their cute cat online, Agent Hayes already had a name and address flashing on her screen. Online footprints were not easy to hide, even for those that refuse to use Instagram for its true purpose, like bloody paw prints leading straight to a door on Kingwood Street.\n\nHayes kept one wary hand on her gun. She didn’t know what kind of contemptible person she would meet behind the door. The agent breathed in deeply, and knocked a rapt three times.\n\n“Coming!”\n\nThe muffled acknowledgement reached Hayes’ ears, along with the shuffling of soft slippers on a hardwood floor. The door creaked open slowly, revealing a middle-aged lady with a light smile on her face. Each piece of her outfit looked like it was thrown on in haste within five minutes, a stark contrast to the impeccable cutting on Agent Hayes’ black suit.\n\nThe middled-aged woman looked up and down. When she finally faced Elsie again, her face scrunched in confusion.\n\nWhat a good actor, Hayes thought. Dear god. How long has she been doing this?\n\n“Um, can I help you?”\n\nHayes took out her badge.\n\n“Harmony Turner? FBI, Pet Tax Evasion unit,” Hayes continued. “We’ve received credible reports that—”\n\nThe door quickly slammed in the agent’s face. The relaxed stroll up to the door has now turned into a strong sprint in the opposite way, each boom on the hard floor just further proof of the woman’s \n\n“Hard way it is, then,” she grumbled.\n\nHayes sucked in a breath, then quickly exhaled with a sudden shout, placing all the power in her heel against the door. A few splinters later, Hayes stood calmly in the hallway, pulling our her pistol.\n\n“Here, kitty kitty kitty,” the agent whispered.\n\nWith the confidence and poise of a big cat, but the keen tracking of a hound, Hayes surveyed the surroundings and the mostly likely way Harmony would move.\n\n“The cat,” Hayes smiled. “Of course she’s going for the cat.”\n\nThe agent quickly sprinted up the stairs, quickly turning each doorknob along the way, noticing that all of them opened easily. She pushed the doors in, sparing just a second to confirm that no one was in them. Hayes knew she hit the jackpot when she felt a struggling lock on one of the second floor rooms.\n\n“Harmony Turner,” the agent said. “Why did you not post pictures of your cat online?”\n\n“No! Nietzsche is not for public eyes! He’s just for me!”\n\nHayes grinned. Two kicked doors in one day. It was already a good day.\n\nAnd even then, nothing could prevent from staying still for a microsecond admiring the beauty of Harmony’s cat. Luscious long fur met green eyes, both of which stared at the new intruder. It seemed entirely unperturbed by the situation at hand.\n\nHayes’s gun quickly swung towards Harmony, whose actions promptly frozen.\n\n“Madam,” Harmony said. “Please. I don’t want any trouble.”\n\n“No Instagram account. No photos, no stories, and certainly no reels,” Hayes said. “You said you don’t want any trouble? Looks like you went out of your way to find it.”\n\nHarmony seized for a moment, like an epiphany had been created in her mind out of wine and bread.\n\n“Take out your phone, Harmony,” Hayes continued. “Take a picture. Post it. Anywhere you want.”\n\n“No,” Harmony sobbed. “Why?\n\n“Take. The. Shot,” Hayes said through gritted teeth. “Or you will be receiving one shortly.”\n\n---\n\nr/dexdrafts" ]	4
	[WP] all of the stars are music notes spread out across the sky, waiting to be arranged. and constellations are songs—reminiscent songs written by gods, some happy, some sad, telling stories of worlds that we never got to live in. the songs are the only things left of those forgotten worlds.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Fate is written in the stars. Which was an interesting but not necessarily true thing to say thought Hans. He tapped his hand against the night sky and the velvet of the cosmos rippled out like water and with it a tide of soft chimes as if each star had a particular protest to quickly mutter about the disturbance he had just caused. Many other things were in the stars, so why just fate?\n\nBut isn’t that just the way? Hans mused as he cracked his fingers and limbered up. Fishing trawlers in the Pacific Northwest suddenly began to rock in what had just moments ago been a calm sea. No matter where or what or even what you were, there was always someone who had no idea about what you did but somehow magically had the answer right after it could have been helpful and who wasted no time in telling you how they had known and you should’ve asked them. Hans rolled his eyes and a fishing line snapped, freeing a humpback whale calf from the net it had been tangled in.\n\nThese people often claimed to decipher the stars and surprise surprise, it was often after the fact or conveniently vague that it could be the right answer all along. How could they stand it? Hans wondered as the shine of the children of the infinite reflected silently in his eyes. Ah of course. Those people weren’t who they were paying attention to, why waste time there when there was so much else that did not demand your attention but delighted you for it? Hans took in a deep breath and raised his hands in anticipation. In the blackest waters, frightened and weary mewls turned to surprised squeaks as their source was lifted from the depths on a swell. The songs began.\n\nThe first group of stars rose with their chime of tragedy. And it was a big group for what was life but tragedy? To deny that would be as foolish as ignoring that the biggest and loudest bells were for sorrow. Such tragedy was where the song of the stars had started and it was a good place to do so again as so many people often do. Hans dipped his hands low and more stars called, lost lovers, broken souls, great regrets and unmade wholes. Into the black water the sadness of the past was carried and in answer came the most mournful of bellows from deepest below matching the most piteous wail from highest above.\n\nHans swayed and in his motion the notes were lifted. What was once tragedy was hope that this new sorrow would pass for if life is sorrow then living is a series of what ifs and possibilities. Living is hope and from what the brightest of stars make their songs. The constellations of heroes of old turned from tragedy into the glorious notes of why they were remembered. The horoscope entered with their own refrain, they were the hope of the everyday and where one rang out another called their own notes in response. Hans listened and nodded for other thing hope is also the company of others. He smiled and the bellow of tragedy faded as it listened, as many often do, to the faintest, furthest, call of hope. \n\nSilence. Silence was good too. If life is sorrow and living is hope, then silence is awe at how little either is needed to change fortunes. No, like music that rouses to inspire you to change your own fate. Music that lives in your ear long after the sound. I love you, don’t go, I was wrong, come to bed, help me, I need you, you are important. I am here. Music that makes music, such music that needs making that all else seems like silence until you hear that particular note out loud. That note you may not know but know you must know! Ha! Here it comes! The stars flared from hum to crescendo to welcome their closest cousin to his task. Hans crowed, the blue of night faded to the blue of day and two splashes left to hear the lingering sounds. One large, one small.\n\nFate was in the stars,yes thought Hans as the music ceded to the dawn. Man put it there. But they had put a great deal of other things there too. Life is sorrow, living is hope, silence makes room for awe and the rest, in one way or another, is noise until it becomes the music you do the other stuff for.Hans performed an unseemly jig as he faded and from far beneath in an expanse of salt-touched blue came a choir of two that played him out.", "The knock on my half-opened office door makes me jump, and I need a moment to orient myself. I realize it is already dark outside, and the whole building has fallen quiet. I look up and give an absent-minded smile to the janitor. \r \n\r \n\"Excuse me, Sir\", he says, \"but I'm about to close up this wing. Will you be working much longer?\"\r \n\r \nApologizing, I shake my head and pack up my things. I shoot one more glance at the symbols on my screen, which have mesmerised me over the last few hours. Frowning, I close the laptop and slide it into my backpack.\r \n\r \nCycling home through the warm summer night, I shoot a glance up to the stars every now and then. So many people have studied the cosmos throughout the last three millenia. It seems impossible to believe that I should see something they all missed. Am I imagining things?\r \n\r \nThey didn't have to tools I have, I remind myself for the twentieth time. The galactic evolution models. Gaia's precise star position measurements. Thousands of hours of computing time at the super-computer cluster. If I can see any further, it is only because I am standing on the shoulders of giants, I murmur, while I wait at a red light.\r \n\r \nWhen I unlock our appartment door, I can already hear the fight. I can't quite make out the words my wife says, but she seems to try to calm down the situation. Talking reason. Just when I'm about to open the door to the living room, our twelve year old daughter comes storming out of it. \r \n\r \n\"Forget it! Go to hell! You cannot tell me anything!\", she angrily screams, and adds a \"And neither can you!\", when she sees me. She darts off to her room and slams the door shut, giving it a good kick from the inside. \r \n\r \nWith a sigh, I go into the living room and sit down on the armchair opposite my wife, who doesn't even bother to look up. \"Julia, what's up?\"\r \n\r \n\"Well, if you ever were at home, you'd know!\", she finally says with a snarl, takes up her smartphone and disappears towards the bedroom. \r \n\r \n\"Julia!\", I call out, following her.\r \n\r \n\"Let me alone! I had a terrible day at work, okay? And now a fight with this cute little daughter of yours. I've had enough of today. I'll go to bed. Just leave me alone, okay? Go talk to your stars and spare me your blah blah!\" Another door is slammed, and I'm left standing in the empty hallway.\r \n\r \nI sigh again, with my lips pressed together. I briefly consider going either into the bedroom or to my daughter, to try to sort out the mess. But I decide that just giving everyone some time will probably be more helpful. So I return to the living room, get myself a bar of black chocolate from the drawer, and switch on my laptop. \r \n\r \nIt doesn't take me very long to get into my previous line of thought. I had already spelled out most of the code I needed. The script I've written automatically retrieves the most accurate star positions known of a given constellation, and through a difficult process translates it all to a single stream of information. The result is- well, fascinating.\r \n\r \nI select a constellation- this time I go for Cassiopeia. After a few moments, the data appears on my screen in a long row of alphanumeric symbols. I shake my head in disbelieve. There can be no doubt, there is a pattern! If I just could translate it into something more... accessible.\r \n\r \nMy eyes wander through our living room and the paintings on the walls. They stop on a beautiful little oil painting of Saturn which my wife once gave me as a present. My favourite planet. These rings! This perfect sphere. As in \"the music of the spheres\".\r \n\r \nHang on. I sit upright in my chair. Music of the spheres? I look on the data again. That might even work. For a couple of minutes, the only sound is my fingers frantically spelling out one more routine for my script. The final one. The one that was always meant to be there, somehow.\r \n\r \nAdjusting my speakers to low volume to avoid any extra trouble, I start the script again. I feel goosebumps on my arms when the sound module loads and slowly starts playing. What I hear, completely blows my mind. There can be no doubt anymore- this music has been devised by a sentient composer, and he or she (or it?) has imprinted it into the fabric of the cosmic. With my mouth open, I listen, unable to register anything around me.\r \n\r \n\"Andy, this is beautiful\", a soft voice suddenly says. Slowly, I turn my head, and it takes me a moment or two to realize that Julia has come to sit next to me. \"I'm sorry\", I say and put my arm around her, as she rests her head on my shoulder. \"All good\", she whispers. \"Wasn't your fault. I'm sorry I shouted at you. What is this music?\"\r \n\r \nI briefly explain how I programmed the computer to convert the patterns of the astronomical constellations into tunes we can listen to. \"So you've finally become an arranger, huh?\", she smiles at me. She teaches music at the local university, and always ridiculed me somewhat for my humble attempts to play the piano.\r \n\r \n\"I may have, but I did not compose this. Someone else did it. Someone moved the stars into position so they would play this to us. Do you understand?\"\r \n\r \nShe smiles gently, apologetically. \"Not really. But it is beautiful. Do you hear the words sung in soprano? Sound like ancient greek, don't you think?\"\r \n\r \nI shrug, but activate a translation module. After a few moments of initialization, it does start to pick up the words. With disbelive, we stare at the screen as the words come out in English.\r \n\r \nStories of love and hate, of triumph and disaster, of beginnings and endings, flow out of the music in the most perfect form I've ever heard. \"Cosmic poetry\", I whisper. \"Heavenly music\", my wife responds with a smile. \r \n\r \nWith a corner of my mind I think of the scientific implications. The moment when I'm going to present this to my colleagues. To the whole community. Of the papers I am about to write. I cannot resist to feel excited about the prospect. \r \n\r \nBut right now, this is all still far away. Right now I am sitting in the living room of our small appartment, arm in arm with the woman I love, sharing this unique moment with her. The moment humanity has understood how to listen to the stars.", "Somewhere, in the center of the universe, where the songs were written and time steps to the side to let the aincient things that walked the abyss before the big bang itself step by. Where lost souls find their way and the end of the universe plays on an old tv screen. This is where you would find the composer.\n\nYou will find him in one of two places, he can either be reading a songbook on a bench in an infinite library. Humming a tune more enchanting than a sirens, with his giant hands stretched over a book as big as the buildings that once towered over us as children, softly grazing the notes as if absorbing them into his aincient, inifinite mind. Here you can speak to him. As I once had spoken to him before, he will speak of vast, dark oceans from which creatures god hasn't dreamt of were born, mountains that time left behind, and empty plains that will forever be wondered by those who found themselves in it. Most of all, he will speak of music. He will tell you of instruments that play entire scales in one note, that encompass the world with it's sounds and to some aincient creatures made the universe itself. After a while, he will go back to reading his book and humming his tune. You can leave then if you so wish, though like most of those who made it to this forgotten place, you may not have a place to go to.\n\nThe second place you may find him is at his piano. If you find him here, lady luck has blessed you, for even those that have memorized the universe itself have yet to see him play. If you do see him play though, what you will hear is what some may call the themesong of the universe. Soft, echoing high notes slowly flowing down into bellowing low notes that fuel you with rage never seen before, you will feel all, know all, and see all for the few minutes you hear him play. Do not disrupt at this time, he is building something beyond everyone. Once he stops playing, you are free to go.\n\nIf you leave, congratulations. You have seen something so beautiful that you're soul and all souls near it will forever be touched by the graciousness of his life. You can now see the rest of this place, the gods that shaped the planets. Those that left the black spots, absorbing the world and everything around it, and you may even bear witness to the fruits of his playing, as you see a new constellation sweep across the sky.\n\nIf you stay, as I did, you may live out your days reading and listening. Looking at the world through a lense that no one else may use. If I meet you here, and if you stay. Let us speak, let us share our adventures together and maybe, just maybe, we may compose a song of our own, and let the stars of our making float across the sky, an eternal mark of the traveler, the wise, the composer", "The Man in a porcelain mask slowly ran his fingers across the piano. It was done. It was finally done. Years of research he spent pouring over dusty old tomes; the minor gods he'd summon to interrogate; the riches of entire worlds spent just to come here, to this precise moment in time with this piano old, faded piano made of once rich mahogony.\n\nHe adjusted a massive monitor in front of him to ensure that he would have it in clear view, and satisfied with its location, sat down on the stool as the piano quietly awaited his next actions. This was it. This was his time.\n\nThe monitor turned on and an image of a distant galaxy appeared. It was a stunning view of stars, planets, asteroids, and stellar dust; a collection of colours, shapes, and movement few mortal eyes could marvel at. There was something imposing, terrifying, breathtaking, and promising about seeing the galaxy unfolded so.\n\nOnly able to draw in quick, shallow breath from excitement, the Man lowered his hands onto the keyboard and pressed down.\n\nC.\n\nOn the monitor, a gargantuan asteroid suddenly flared up as it blazed across a solar system.\n\nE.\n\nThe asteroid shattered into pieces and pelted a nearby sun in a hail of shards, each hissing silently in the vacuum of space as it made contact with the burning plasma.\n\nSatisfied with his entré, he started playing.\n\nThe music was as beautiful as it was haunting as it was accompanied by black holes forming around suns and consuming them whole; neutron stars would spin faster and faster until they were utterly out of control and scorched planets with their incredible power; suns started to form from the various gasses and supernova in the blink of an eye. It was both life and death on a cosmic scale. It was everything. It was existence and its end.\n\nThe Man was ecstatic at the scene as he continued to play.\n\nAllegro!\n\nStars started to collide in blinding flashes of light.\n\nVivacissimo!\n\nBlack holes split apart in an impossible feat of physics.\n\n*Presto!!!\n\nA single black hole grew from a stellar one to intermediate to supermassive and beyond, and it slowly started consuming the galaxy whole. Streaks of colour flew into its hungry, gaping maw, and nothing would escape. Time itself would bend to its will; reality itself would fold in on itself as the song approached its climax. This continued, world by world, sun by sun, all destroyed by the singularity, all in perfect conformity to the Man's tempo.\n\nUntil there was nothing at all.\n\nThe Man finished his song and stared at the blackness of the monitor. Where there was once a galaxy full of life and promise, now only the darkness and emptiness of space. His joy was inexplainable; his satisfaction boundless. With the piano now silent, the only noise was his own laboured breathing. A droplet of sweat poured from beneath his porcelain mask onto his collar. Still euphoric from the ordeal, he softly uttered a single word.\n\n\"Perfection*.\"" ]	5
	[WP] In a world of superhumans you are an anomaly who has always been powerless. One day, all powers are unexplainably stripped from their hosts, and you now host a therapy group for powerless superheros.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "clicking the pen on her clipboard, you listen to strong-man. “I’m weak, I can’t even lift an car!” he sobbed. mega- man pat his back. “no offence, Susie.”\n“offence taken, and my name isn’t Susie.” she sighed. she hate her job. she didn’t want to be an therapist for a bunch of idiots who can’t remember her name. “you aren’t weak.” she sighed. “i am! i used to be able to lift up twenty building at once,” he wailed. “now i have troubles with doors.” \n\n“everyone have trunks with doors, invisb-bill over here alway run into them because he have shitty eyes sight, mega-mind struggle with the front door for five minute because he forget it was an push and not an pull,” she look up at them. “just because you can’t lift an building anymore doesn’t mean you aren’t strong, you can be mentally strong. why don’t you start working out, start slow.“ \n\n“yes, maybe i should,” strong-man sniffles. “thank you, lizzie.” he wipe his tears with his bright red cape. “your welcome, but that isn’t my name.” she said. leaning on the chair. “now, our session is over. i want you all to come to our next session in normal clothes, please help yourself to the coffee.”\n\ndespite hating the job, you know that it for the good. the virus you create leaned to an world where everyone is equal, where you wasn’t pick on for being powerless. you have power, and you love it", "Powerless\n\n----\nI sat in a dark room facing a video camera. I asked them to put one out so I wouldn’t have to repeat the story twice. Two agents that were once _heroes for show_ in the gladiator games sat across from me. They never introduced themselves, but I recalled their faces. Their smug smiles carried over even now in their reduced way of life. \n\nI smiled, took a deep breath, and started. \n\n----\n\n“Hi, my name is Star Fighter - _shit_,” the six foot five tooth pick of a man huffed.\n\n“That’s okay,” I said from the opposite side of the circle. “Go again.”\n\nThe former super hero was dressed in oversized sweats and a hoodie. The clothing was ill-fitting, hanging off him the same they would if they were wore by an aluminum pole. He took a deep breath. “My name is Philip. I used to be Star Fighter.”\n\n“Hi Philip,” the ring of twenty former super heroes, and myself, said together. \n\nPhilip forced a nod. \n\n“Like all of you, I used to be a super hero. And, like everyone on the planet, I’ve been trying to find a new way to live over these last months.” He paused a moment. “I fought an alien horde - single handle - you all remember that.” The room gave little nods. “I was magnificent!” \n\n“You were,” many agreed.\n\n“Right, I was magnificent. And, well, being the only hero that could survive in space was who I was.”\n\n“That was only part of who you were Philip, one half,” I said.\n\n“Right,” Philip forced agreement through a clenched jaw. “The hardest part for me, and it’s taken six months to realize this, is not that I’m powerless. It’s that I’m just so damn average now. I mean, once upon a time I’d be bulging out of this sweatsuit - muscles the size of a greek god — and now I’m a narrow gawky weakling. A bitch.”\n\n“We don’t use that language here,” I reminded.\n\n“Sorry,” he said. “No. No, I’m not sorry. How could you understand?”\n\n“Well Philip, as you all know, before the subtraction, I was the only non-super in existence, so I know what it’s like to be powerless.” I said.\n\n“But that’s what you don’t understand,” he said. “Even when you were powerless, you were special. Because there was only one of you. Shit we all knew who you were back then, and you were useless.”\n\n“Philip,” a woman who was once called Jungle Cat snapped at him. \n\n“It’s okay Dorothy,” I raised my palms. “Let him share.”\n\nShe crossed her legs and arms and passively leaned back. \n\n“I don’t mean to offend,” Philip said. “But you don’t understand. You couldn’t. You don’t know what it’s like to be a nobody.”\n\n“You’re not a nobody,” I said.\n\n“That’s bullshit,” Philip stood. “We’re all nobodies now. Sitting ducks, waiting for some villain to punch our ticket.”\n\n“There are no villains any more, Philip. Only people,” I said. \n\n“No,” he shook his head. “I don’t believe that. See, everyone - all of you included - have been too busy being selfish, trying to figure out how to not be so pathetic, that everyone stopped asking the big question. How? How did this happen? How?!”\n\n“The unknown is a scary thing, Philip. But facing it - together - is why we are all here.”\n\n“That’s nonsense.”\n\n“Then why _are_ you here?” I asked.\n\n“Because unlike these cowards that sit in this circle and wine about the good old days - I refused to stop being a hero. Powers or not! I’ve never stopped looking for the bad guys. Or in this case, bad guy.” He starred at me.\n\n“I’m just trying to help, Philip.” \n\n“Now,” he said. “But what about before?”\n\n“Like you said, I was useless. So I know what it feels like. What this feels like, for you - for you all now.”\n\n“The most useless man in the world suddenly becomes the most sought after guru in the world - that’s some turn.”\n\nThe room was quiet. \n\n“I’m not sure I understand,” I said calmly. \n\n“I know,” he said.\n\n“Know what?”\n\n“Tell them.”\n\n“Tell them what?”\n\nPhilip pulled a gun from his hoodie - it was aimed at my head. Everyone pushed their chairs back - some rose to their feet and Philip directed the gun at anyone who moved.\n\n“Everyone just sit the fuck back down.”\n\nNobody listened. \n\n“SIT DOWN!” He shouted with such power that for a moment I thought his powers were returning, and I was afraid. \n\nThe once heroes all sat, terrified. \n\n“It’s okay -“ I told them. “Philip, what are you doing?”\n\n“I want you to tell them, right fucking now!”\n\n“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”\n\nJungle Cat huffed. “You’re ruining what little reputation you have left, Star Fighter.”\n\n“Oh shut up!” He barked at her. “You got to keep your figure - your looks - you still have attraction! Look at me! I had the body of a god - now I can’t even open a fucking jar of pickles, and it’s his fault!”\n\n“This anger is misplaced, I think we all just need to -“\n\nI don’t remember hearing the shot. There was an explosion of heat in my stomach and I was on the floor. They tell me the others overpowered Philip and disarmed him. He was taken to a psychiatric ward, on my advisement. \n\nI spent two weeks in the hospital, barely being kept alive by once magical healers that reinvented themselves as Doctors.\n\nThey were sub-par Doctors. I got an infection and nearly died. \n\nAs I laid on the floor, bleeding out, I remember hearing Philip shouting and cursing my name. \n\nI don’t know how he found out the truth. I hoped sticking him in a padded room would discredit the former greatest hero on Earth enough to deter anyone from following up on his claims. \n\nThat was what I wanted. \n\nI thought. \n\nAnd it worked. For a while. Until the ward called and told me Philip started having a visitor. One visitor. Jungle Cat. And I don’t know why, but I was excited. \n\nBut I still worried and went over the details. There was no way it could be linked to me. The subtraction was my life’s work. \n\nIf I couldn’t be like them. They would be like me. \n\n_How the hell did you figure out the truth Star Fighter?_\n\nMonths passed and I continued to hold groups. Host rallies. Promote the new way of life. Even publicly took to rehabilitating some villains. But always, in the back of my head, I worried Jungle Cat might show up. Or some other once great hero that rediscovered their courage. \n\nBut they never did. And in the loving fame I had achieved I knew the mistake I made. The flaw of my plan. I needed someone to know but I had realized it too late. I had done my job too well, and robbed myself of a reward I didn’t know I wanted.\n\nPhilip committed suicide a year later. \n\nJungle Cat published a book on lovemaking. \n\nAnd I was still seen as the pinnacle of kindness. The man that selflessly shared his shortcomings and tales of inadequacy with the word, so we may be balanced. \n\nIt’s poetic really. That the greatest villain the planet ever had is one they never knew existed. And that’s what drives me mad. With all their powers and greatness, they’ll never know that while I was beneath them and powerless before the subtraction, I was not useless. \n\nI changed the world. And I did it with no powers. \n\nThat’s why I confess now. I need everyone to know the truth. To know my greatness. It’s all that matters to me. \n\n----\n\nThe agents sat in silence. After a beat one of them leaned over and turned the camera off. \n\nThe other looked at the two way mirror. \n\nThere was a long silence, and I must admit I was disappointed. I expected - no - I wanted an aggressive reaction.\n\nI got none. \n\nI felt a prick in my neck and woke up in a padded room in a straight jacket. \n\nEveryday I curse and scream and tell the orderlies and nurses that it was me. That I ended the age of heroes. \n\nThey taunt me and call me crazy and feed me pills. \n\nI never saw the agents again. \n\nI can tell by the laughing reactions I get that no one ever heard of a confession tape. I hear them whisper and say it’s a pity what happened to me. A man drove mad by listening to too many sad stories. \n\nAnd I sit, alone, day after day in a white room. I know out in the world there are at least two agents who live a lie. Who are keeping a secret to maintain the peace I helped create in the wake of the devastation I orchestrated. \n\nAt least they know the truth, I mutter every day. At least someone knows my greatness, I say again and again as these people keep me drugged up and laugh at my delusions of grandeur. \n\nIt was me. I scream as I kick and fight as they shove me into the white room.\n\nIt was me. \n\n----\n\nr/wyrdfiction" ]	3
	[WP] you have managed to gain the trust of the immortal forest moster enough for it to tell you the story of it and its people	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Welcome... To the Canopy of Bones.\" The warped creature spoke in a multifaceted, genderless voice.\n\nIt sat in the middle of this... Canopy as it called it. With twisted limbs of dark, peeling branches and sinewy vines. \n\n\"I thank you for the hospitality.\" I said, clutching the branch of the tree some ten feet away from it, forcing myself not to look down. Where I stood on this branch, the trees looked natural. Green and brown and vibrant.\n\nBut I stood at the edge of where nature ended and the Canopy of Bones took over. Because beyond where I stood, extending a sizable radius from the creature's center, the trees were grey and ashen. Thick dust came off the branches at the slightest wind. And brittle leaves broke off at the lightest breeze.\n\nThe forest was dead where the creature was. And this malevolence so high up from the forest floor would move from time to time, and when it moved, so would the Canopy of Bones, following this immortal malice as it haunted the forest.\n\nI remember hearing the tales. Of how when there would be a stillness, a silence in the forest. No frog would croak, no cricket would chirp, no bird will sing. And the air would grow cold, and you'd feel it. Something watching from above. Something stalking you. And suddenly the air around you would grow darker, the trees would lose their colour as the creature would descend.\n\nAnd you'd feel hot liquid on your head, on your shoulders. And that was how you'd know that your death was all but confirmed.\n\nBecause this creature would only drool when it has seen the future of it consuming you.\n\nI shuddered as I recalled the tales.\n\nAnd now the creature was here, in front of me, sitting like some horrible gargoyle, still and watching.\n\n\"You fear me.\" The creature stated.\n\n\"How could I not? You're a man-eater. A monster.\"\n\n\"And yet you sought my audience.\"\n\n\"Because I know what you are.\"\n\n\"Do you now?\"\n\n\"I know a way to lift your curse.\"\n\nAt this the creature made a chilling sound, high pitched as it stared up to the heavens.\n\nIt took me a petrified moment to realise the creature was laughing.\n\n\n\"Curse?\" It asked.\n\n\"I don't think you remember it. You're a hybrid creature. A leshy crossed with a wendigo.\"\n\n\"Call me what you wish to. But I am too intelligent to be either of those.\"\n\n\"With the soul of a man.\"\n\n\"Ah. So this soul is what gives me this sapience? Shame it does not extend to a conscience.\"\n\n\"I've read all the stories... From the survivors. And now, looking at you, my theories seem to be true. You're definitely—\"\n\n\"I see your curiosity and surety of what I am is quickly overtaking your fear.\" The creature said, amused, and immediately I faltered.\n\n\"Listen well, mortal. If I am what you say I am: some leshy crossed with a wendigo with the soul of a man, how would you explain my brethren?\" The creature asked standing up and extending its twisted sharp and unnaturally long arms.\n\nAnd suddenly, breaking out of the trunks of the grey trees around me, were more of the same creature. Smaller in stature, but equally horrifying to look at. \n\n\nThey climbed the trees up, and I watched as the branches twisted and creaked of their own accord towards the main creature that had seemingly summoned them. And these branches and brambles formed almost a web of intersectionality that the smaller creatures used to surround their larger counterpart.\n\n\"My court. My counsel. My children. Are they hybrids as well?\" The creature shouted at me, and I flinched. \n\n\"I didn't know there were more of you.\"\n\n\"There is no more of me. There is only me. My children are nothing like me. They are born of the hollow of the trees that I taint. They are mortal. They die at my whim and are born at my wish. Is this a power a leshy could wield? Or a wendigo? Or a mortal man?\"\n\n\"No, I—\"\n\n\"In this forest, all answer to me. For this Canopy is where I hold my court. And my court is where I reside. And where I reside, only death exists. So tell me, mortal. How do you wish to fix the lord of this forest? How do you presume to understand the workings of a creature such as I? What boldness you possess, to have sought my audience for an undertaking as idiotic as yours?\"\n\n\"I beg your forgiveness. I meant no disrespect.\"\n\n\"Disrespect? You are but an ant. Insignificant. Your disrespect means as much to me as the falling of leaves. Keep your begging. I see the future. I've already seen how you'll die.\" \n\nI scrambled back, but there was nothing to scramble back towards, I was already against the bark of this tree, sweating as I realized how stupid I was to try and reason with this evil.\n\nBecause this creature can only see the future to a certain immediacy. So if it had seen me dying, it meant it was inevitable. In the next few moments, I would perish.\n\n\"You won't die by my hand, but I will consume you. And what a tasty morsel you are.\" The creature said, and I could see its mouth glistening as saliva gathered, and then pooled in the hollow of it's vacuous mouth, and then the drool started overflowing and falling down to the forest floor.\n\nIt was right. I would die by my own terms. I saw as its children started crawling towards me from the center of this web, from the center of this Canopy of Bones. And as I see it, the only option available to me is to jump. Jump from this height and take my chances as I plummet below.\n\n\"What a tasty morsel you are...\" The creature's voice echoes in my mind as I jump.", "\"We were wonderful.\" It murmured dejectedly. The log caked in bark, the scent of rain and nature. I rummage through my pants for nothing in particular, hoping it wouldn't see past my nervous fidgeting.\n\n\"You see each of these trees?\" It pointed a spiny branch towards the towering canopy. The sunlight wafting through deterred me from staring any longer and I flinched from the glare. But he holds my gaze steady, his beet red eyes burrowing in mine, and I bring myself back to look.\n\n\"Each one of them. I knew each one by name. That's Algonith.\" He waved dismissively and patted the log I sat on. I muttered a courtesy, as much as there could be one for sitting on a corpse.\n\nIt placed a creaky hand on my shoulder. I began to feel warm and safe. Roots crept onto my sneakers, tickling me. I pulled away, and the tendrils recoiled, as if hissing, before retreating into the soil.\n\nThe creature continued on. It spoke without a mouth, through muffled reverberation under its solid bark face. Weak branches and weaker leaves hung limply adorning it. \"Rocks, the grass blades beneath your feet, the mountains themselves. Each was once alive, you know? Until the darkness got to them.\"\n\nThe mountains and trees, I never noticed. They were unmoving, static. Still. Always still. Almost eerily so. The air was thick and humid, the draft of the wind fading rapidly. How mighty, how full of life these inanimate objects must have once been.\n\nIt turned and picked at a flower. \"But the dark didn't stop. It was too powerful, even for them.\"\n\n\"Us?\" I tried to correct it.\n\n\"Yes... yes... us.\" It put down the flower, its pastel purple now a withered decay of brown. I try to stand up, the motion causing me to hurtle towards the ground. I look down. The roots crept up on me, snagging, securing me to the ground. I taste dirt and blood in my mouth, and tremble as I look up back at the creature.\n\nThe bark broke apart to a hideous grin, splintered, grafted and uneven. Behind was nothing but a hollow blackness. I catch myself just barely. I feel myself grow stiff, my throat coarse and my eyes drying.\n\nIt put its hand in mine. My eyes widen despite the growing rigidness of my eyelids.\n\nOur hands. They look the same.\n\n\"We are wonderful.\"" ]	3
	[WP]You are a policeman on their way to investigate a mall shooting. When you get to the mall,you pass out by your car and wake up in the body of the shooter. You are then found by the shooter who is now you and he arrests you and takes you on a ride to the police station.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 didn't have to to respond to the dispatcher. I could have finished my god damn cinnamon roll and taken the next one. But I was under pressure due to cutbacks in funding, and I didn't want to be the one wishing I had just shown a little more initiative as I cleaned out my locker.\n\n\"Got a 10-71 at Riverside Mall any units available?\" Molly asked with her usual monotone voice.\n\nI was 5 minutes out, which is a lifetime when responding to a shooting. Still, I grabbed the radio with frosting coated fingers and tried to disguise the fact that my mouth was half-filled.\n\n\"Unit six, ETA 2 minutes.\" I lied. It would be more like three and a half. But I had to try.\n\nI fired up my siren and blazed through the city as quickly as I could. To my surprise, no other units had managed to get there before me despite making similar claims immediately following mine.\n\nAs a cop you learn to read crowds as a whole and pick up on any unusual energy. I'd gotten pretty proficient at recognizing a stir, so I didn't even have to think about it as I made a bee-line for the general area of the disturbance. I stepped out of my car and put my hand on my utility belt, and then... darkness.\n\nI had a short dream, but it was choppy and hazy like an out-of-focus flipbook showing two overlapping animations. I saw the shooter, I saw myself. I saw the inside of the mall.\n\nThen I woke up.\n\nI was face down on the ground, and I felt a knee on my back in what I recognized as a standard law-enforcement tactic. This son of a bitch is a cop, or a former cop, I thought. Had I passed out, was I shot, was I tazed? It was hard to think while my arms were being wrenched to my back. Soon I was cuffed like a fucking convict and being pulled to my feet just in time for the rest of the department to pull up and see the action. How embarrassing.\n\nTo my horror they were just watching.\n\n\"Good work, six.\" Officer Keith nodded.\n\n\"The hell is this?\" I asked, assuming it was some kind of prank. But I didn't recognize my own voice. It sounded deeper and dryer, as if I'd smoked 30 packs of cigarettes since that morning.\n\n\"What's going on?\" I asked again, louder. I was being led back to my car, and soon I was shoved into the back seat. That's the first time I was able to get a glimpse of... myself.\n\nMy own eyes were looking at me through the rear-view mirror, only my body was in the front seat. The expression in my stolen eyes told me everything I needed to know. Somehow, I'd switched bodies with the assailant.\n\nPanic feels unique to the body you're in. And the panic I felt in that moment was utterly fucking horrific. I had never felt so alarmed, not during any shooting, not during any nightmare, not even when I'd heard that my father (also a cop) had been shot in the line of duty. No, the anxiety in my body was well-adjusted, but the anxiety in this body was unfiltered, unadulterated, visceral, god damn primal terror.\n\nIn an abstract way, it made me appreciate whatever source of strength they'd used to cope. How anyone could survive a minute that way was beyond me. My own fucking body was beyond me now.\n\nI broke the silence with an obvious question.\n\n\"How are you doing this?\" I asked with a strange, shaky, hoarse voice.\n\nMy own unusually sinister eyes looked back at me, and I heard my real, true voice calmly say, \"Oh, don't you worry, I'll take good care of you.\" Those eyes that belonged to me slanted into a self-satisfied smile.\n\nThat's when I started to notice something other than an intense, alien anxiety inside me. My own memories were blurring. I could feel them begin to slip away. It felt as though they were being eaten, maybe replaced by other memories. No! The heart beating in that chest was hammering so violently, the skin perspiring so quickly, it felt like a heart attack. I heard a loud ringing in my ears, then what sounded like an explosion, and pain all over my body.\n\nThen... the steady blip of a heart monitor.\n\nI was afraid to speak. Afraid to hear whatever voice might come from whoever's lips. I had no idea what was real or what I could believe. I'd become almost reserved to a fluctuating state of permanent confusion. In that moment, all that mattered to me was that moment, and the relative peace and quiet that came with it. I kept my eyes closed and listened to the consistent beeping, each note telling me that I'm alive.\n\nThat's right. I'm alive. And I needed to figure out a way to get my life back. If only I could somehow get back to my body.\n\nI heard the pace of the heart monitor increase with my growing conviction. That settles it. I'm going to open my eyes, figure out where I am, and the first thing I'm going to do is get my life back.\n\n\"Terry?!\" I heard a familiar voice exclaim. \"Terry, baby wake up! NURSE! He's waking up!\"\n\n...who the fuck is Terry?" ]	2
	[WP] Jessica from HR is kinda weird, it kinda physically hurts to look her in the eyes, she keeps referring to everyone else as "mortal", you overheard her one time complaining to herself about how she still hasn't received any souls yet but overall she's probably the best in the department	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Sandra punched the latte button on the coffee machine and counted the seconds until the spout finished blasting out her third cup of the morning. All around her the other employees of Providence Insurance milled about, drinking coffee, eating yogurt parfaits, chatting about their weekends of binging Netflix or recovering from Friday night happy hour. The office kitchen was no place for demons, and yet...\n\nNext to her, waiting for his turn at the coffee machine, Marcus tapped away at his phone--probably looking up sports scores or something. There wasn't much time before the morning all-hands. A final blast of steam let Sandra know her drink was done. If Sandra was going to tell him, now was the time.\n\nMarcus arched an eyebrow and reached for the stack of paper cups beside the machine. \"Have you heard about Anne?\" He didn't wait for Sandra to respond, his eyes narrowing the same way whenever he had some hot gossip to spill. \"She's retiring. Can you believe it? She's way too young to retire. Guess HR is just that tough of a gig. Rumor is Jessica's getting her position. Head of HR, and she just got here. Nuts!\"\n\nThere was no way Jessica caught her eavesdropping on her call. She'd been careful. Pressing her phone's mic to the crack between her office door and the frame, Sandra recorded Jessica's conversation and walked away clean--none the wiser. I still haven't received any souls, Sandra repeated to herself. \"I need to tell you something... about Jessica.\"\n\nMarcus punched in his drink and leaned closer to Sandra, lowering his voice to a whisper. \"Oh? Is it juicy? Is she sleeping with Gideon too? Man, that bastard gets around. There should be some rule against a CEO sleeping with every hottie that gets hired.\"\n\nSandra sipped her latte, letting it burn past her tongue, and cleared her throat. \"Actually, I think Jessica is a demon. A succubus, to be exact.\"\n\nSandra tightened her grip around her cup, wishing she'd prepared her words better. \"I know how it sounds, really, I do. But I'm not kidding. Please don't look at me like that.\"\n\nMarcus' eyebrows stayed scrunched. He took his cup from the machine and raised it to his chin, talking over it. \"Something's definitely off about her. That much is for sure. I mean, have you ever looked her in the eyes? I got a hangover headache from just a quick glance. But, a succubus? A demonic seductress from hell? Come on, Sandy. What are you even saying?\"\n\n\"How do you know about succubuses? I spent hours looking it up online last night.\"\n\n\"Succubae,\" he gently corrected. \"I play video games. Fantasy video games, Sandra. Fantasy.\"\n\nSandra sighed. There was no other way around it. She'd just have to show him. \"Here--\" Sandra pulled her phone from her pocket and opened the voice recorder app to a file titled JESSICA = DEMON? \"--push play and put it up to your ear.\"\n\nMarcus grinned, scratching at his scruffy chin. \"What have you gone and done, Sandy? Are we playing spy games now?\"\n\n\"Just listen,\" Sandra demanded.\n\nMarcus half-shrugged and took the phone from her. He tapped on the screen and held it up to his ear. His face screwed up, trying to listen. \"Na, this ain't gonna work.\" He put the recording on speaker.\n\nSandra's blood froze. \"Wait--no!\"\n\nJessica's voice curled out from the speaker like smoked silk. I still haven't received any souls yet, but, overall, I'm probably the best in the department--\n\nSandra snatched the phone from Marcus' hand. \"You ass!\"\n\n\"Hey, what the hell?\"\n\nThe hair on the back of Sandra's neck stood on end. It was like she was running up the stairs from her basement with the lights off. She suddenly had the feeling that someone, something was watching her from a deep darkness and it was getting closer. \"Hey,\" Marcus said, his face painted in concern. \"You alright?\"\n\nJessica stepped out from behind Marcus, like she'd been hiding in his shadow the entire time. \"Was that my voice?\"\n\nMarcus went ghost white. Sandra stared at the floor. She pulled Marcus over to her side by his shirt sleeve. He let himself get tugged over without any resistance.\n\nSandra swallowed the panic in her throat. \"Hi, Jessica. Nope. Just sharing a funny TikTok with Marcus. I just got an account. There's so many funny videos on there.\" She forced a laugh. \"Right, Marcus?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Marcus added, his voice a dead monotone. \"So much entertaining content on that social media platform.\"\n\nFrom the edge of her vision, Sandra watched as Jessica reached out her hand and gently raised Marcus' chin to meet her gaze. \"Marcus, why don't you come with me for a few minutes. I'd like to run something by you before the all-hands.\"\n\nMarcus lurched forward. His voice went dreamy. \"Of course.\"\n\n\"Marcus--\" Sandra hissed and tried pulling him back by the wrist but he snatched his arm away and padded over to Jessica. \"Marcus!\"\n\n\"And, Sandra,\" Jessica added, \"I'd like to see you in my office at four. I checked your schedule. You're clear. I'll send you a g-cal invite. Bring your phone.\"\n\nFor a moment, Sandra felt like she was in a free fall. A quick shock of panic rose in her chest and then melted away leaving nothing but warmth and desire. She was looking Jessica dead in the eyes. Like two endless pools of crystal blue water, luring her to dive and and never come up for air.\n\n\"Of course.\"", "\"Do you need a visit to my office again Mr. Herndon?\" the voice on the phone sounded like it was being processed by some sort of voice changing technology or the phone system was acting up again. Neither of those were true. That was her voice, Jessica in HR.\n\n\"No Ma'am, I do not.\" I heard over the cube wall. I couldn't believe Nick would take calls from her on speaker phone. Although, I think part of it was for evidence if something happened. What could happen? Well, we didn't know. But something.\n\nI met Jessica not long after she joined our company. She had replaced Marge who had retired after 42 years of service to the company. She looked like each one of those 42 years working in HR, which used to be called \"Personnel\" when she was hired, were very hard years. Now, it could have just been the lighting, but yeah. We heard the new HR girl was supposed to be kind of hot actually. So at the meeting welcoming her to the company, we all got to see.\n\nShe was physically, stunning to look at. She wore a professional suit, but you knew it was trying to hide curves and skin that had zero defects. Her skin was white as alabaster, the kind of stuff poets dream to write about. From the back of the room, I could tell her face was also amazing. I elbowed my buddy and said something to the effect of, I can't wait to get called into her office... Nothing could have been further from the truth, I just didn't know it yet.\n\n\"Mr. Norton, there seems to be an issue with your I9 form. Would you come down to my office to clear this up?\" her voice, the first time I heard it, sounded weird and robotic. \n\n\"Sure, but I think we do that online now, let me go look in the system...\"\n\n\"No, you need to come to my office to clear this up. I see you are not in a meeting now, please don't be sluggish.\" she had cut me off before I even opened the browser to go look. \"I will see you here in no more than 4 minutes, that is ample time.\" the phone clicked as she hung up without even a goodbye.\n\n\"Knock Knock,\" I made the sounds while standing in her open doorway. \n\n\"Come in, I noticed she looked down at her wrist and turned to her PC without looking at me.\"\n\nI walked in, and when I was almost to the chair in front of her desk, the door closed behind me. It kind of spooked me, and I did jump a little as it closed. I could see her smile in profile. I wasn't sure if it was that I jumped, or what. She then turned to me and spoke.\n\n\"Yes, here is your I9. Is this your correct address?\", she then looked up from the paper straight into my eyes. I wanted to gasp but couldn't. You know when you watch the nature documentaries and the snake locks eyes with the prey and they cannot move. That is exactly what I felt. I forced my eyes away and then nodded.\n\nLooking down at the desk at the paper, I noticed she smiled from the edge of my vision. \n\n\"Mr. Norton, that's an interesting mortal name. Where is that from?\"\n\n\"Um, mortal? My people are from Europe I think. Probably evident from my pale skin.\" It was almost a whisper.\n\n\"Ah, yes... Europe. I've been, it was wonderful for being able to harvest souls. Not that we want to talk about those sorts of things here in the office. Just sign the I9 form with this pen, The signature line is on the back. \"\n\n\"The back is blank.\" It was, other than the signature line at the bottom. I hesitated.\n\n\"Oh go on, sign it, then you can go on about your work and your life for now.\" She almost cooed that last part. \n\nI wrote in big letters at the top of the page. \"THIS SIGNATURE IS FOR TAX PURPOSES ONLY\" and then signed the paper. \n\n\"Worried about signing away your... soul are you?\" she stared at my note on the paper, then looked up at me. Again with those eyes. \n\n\"Are those contacts?\" I eventually stammered out. Anything to break the gaze. If I stared much longer, I'm not sure I wouldn't have pissed myself.\n\n\"Contacts? Like, people?\"\n\n\"No, contact lenses. Your eyes are a very...\" I saw her tense up, was this when I die? \"unique color. That's all.\"\n\n\"Ah... okay. No, just an odd family trait. You may go now.\" as if on que, the door swung open automatically. I could not see a mechanism to do this. \"It's special hinges if you are wondering.\" She laughed a little nervous laugh. \"I'll catch you later, as they say.\"\n\n\"Thank you. \" I high tailed it out of there. \n\nWhen I got back to my desk, I asked Nick if he had met with her yet. \n\n\"No, but I heard her on the phone, well, she was talking to someone in her office and she was complaining about not being able to harvest any SOULS so far while she was here. I know she used the word souls. My eyes caught hers from the doorway and it was like...\"\n\n\"Like a mouse before the snake eats it.\" I cut in.\n\n\"Yeah. I could feel her gaze in MY soul. There was a second of just intense gaze, then she looked a little perturbed and her door closed. I guess it's on one of those magnetic holders.\"\n\n\"She can auto OPEN that door too from her desk. I wonder if someone is trapped in there if the door handle works. Did you notice the door that Marge had with the window was replaced to a solid wooden one?\"\n\n\"Yeah I did. Maybe that's when she got the auto door thingie.\" I mused. \"I'll tell you, as odd and creepy as she is, she's done good with the new hires. All of them are just really easy on the eyes. \"\n\nI felt a presence behind me and turned around to see Jessica standing in my cube doorway. \"Careful Mr. Norton, talk like that could get you sent back to my office for... punishment, or corrective action as they call it now. You too young man.\" she said to Nick. \"Do I need to hold a class for the two of you?\" I could swear she looked like she was ready to do it, and my fear is that it would not be some seminar on sexual harassment but something more painful. Something she would enjoy. \"Remember, I might need you to sign another form of a promise to behave.\" With a turn, she was just GONE. \n\n\"Dude, what the fuck just happened?\"\n\n\"LANGUAGE! Mr. Herndon!\" we heard from up the hallway. \n\nWe both stood up and walked out of our cubes to the isle. \"Beers later?\" we said simultaneously. \n\n\"Some sort of drinks. I think we have a situation in HR.\"", "growl Jessica's stomach pleaded as she waited next to me. It was the end of the day and we both worked overtime. She was strange calling everyone mortals but she was the best employee. \n\n\"Are you hungry?\" I asked meekly\n\n\"Hardly mortal, I need no nutrients to survive.\" she said as her stomach grumbled again.\n\nI looked in my bag and handed her a protein bar I had left over.\n\n\"I don't want your pity mortal\" she said almost salivating at the sight of the protein bar.\"\n\n\"Then my goddess\" I said in an exagerated voice \"will you accept my offering to you?\".\n\n\"Very well\" she said as she snatched the bar out of my hand and scarfed it down.\n\n\"Don't you have the highest pay check in our branch? How are you hungry?\" I inquired.\n\n\"Oh you mean those little slips of paper they give me every month? I just toss them in my home realm.\"\n\n\"You haven't cashed in any of you pay checks?\" I said in awe. \"No wonder, how bout I treat you to some food. There's a really good udon stall down the road.\".\n\n\"Ok, I will allow you to offers some of this 'udon' you speak of\" she said swallowing her pride.\n\nI smiled at her avoiding direct eye contact. We walked down the road to a small udon stall. \n\n\"Hey boss\" I said in Cantonese. \"2 bowls of udon please\"\n\n\"Finally got girlfriend boy? Good choice. This one is scary but pretty\" he replied in Cantonese.\n\nI blushed a deep red\n\n\"What are you 2 saying? What are you hiding from me? Why are you so red?\" She asked.\n\n\"Nothing let's just eat\" I said quickly sitting down.\n\n\"I'll pay this time but after you figure out your paycheck I expect you to pay me back.\" I said looking away\n\n\"I thought you said you were paying\" she said \n\n\"I meant that you have to treat me to dinner next time\" I said as we both are our noodles looking bright red.", "Jessica, the weird one from HR! \nWith hair that's blood-red and a smile like a scar, \nWe all find it very hard to keep eye contact, \nAnd she seems to be very proud of that fact.\n\nI sat next to her at lunch one day, \nBut she hissed at me and I ran away, \n\"Run, mortal!\" she said, and her smile only grew, \nAnd some chunks of bread arced through the air that she threw. \n\nI got talking with colleagues about the strange lady, \nThey said she was a transfer from some other region, maybe. \nShe turned up one day and started work, \nCackling to herself about the role she deserved. \n\nThe rest of HR didn't know much about Jess, \nShe was very skilled at timekeeping, and planning was her best, \n\"All our reports are filed on time,\" said Mathis, \n\"So I don't really care about her peculiar habits.\" \n\nI managed to collar her at the water cooler, \nIn a good mood, I decided to ask her, \nWhere she came from, what were her interests? \nIt was a question I would soon regret. \n\n\"Souls,\" she said, \"I long for souls paid,\" \n\"Though management says that's above my pay-grade.\" \nThe water in her cup began to bubble and boil, \nAnd she stared at me, smiling, eyes dripping with black oil. \n\n\"Oh, don't mind her,\" said my colleague Rick, \n\"She's harmless, just a little eccentric,\" \n\"When push comes to shove Jessica really has your back,\" \n\"I rely on her, that's a matter of fact.\" \n\nI found out one day when I called in sick and diseased, \nMy manager picked up, and was not pleased! \n\"We need you today! You must come to work,\" \nA notion that I felt was quite absurd. \n\nThere was a sudden screeching on the other end of the call, \nIt was Jessica screaming all bitter and hoarse, \n\"NO!\" screamed Jessica, \"THIS CAN NOT BE,\" \n\"SICK SOULS ARE ENTITLED TO MANDATORY SICK-LEAVE!\"\n\nMy manager left me alone, and soon I got better, \nI returned to work and sent Jessica a thank-you letter. \nIt came back burned and shredded, pierced by pins, \nBut I suppose that was just her way of doing things. \n\nIn the end I stopped prying, and let be, \nWhatever secrets she had, they were hidden to me. \nAfter all, though Jessica may be a demon, a zombie, or worse, \nShe's still better than the HR team in the last place I worked!" ]	5
	[WP] After being defeated by the Dark Lord in combat, he imprisons you and takes over the world. He eventually gets bored and decides to chat with you in the dungeon, you find out that you both have a lot in common and you soon become close friends.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Merek of Harrowkroft sat in his cell, silently meditating as the noon day sun cast light into his cell from above. Having entered the cell with nothing but stubble, his face was now obscured by a bushy graying beard. Matching hair hung greasy around his shoulders, clinging down the length of his exposed back. He sat in silence, listening to a slow drip from nearby. Must had rained the night before, creating little puddles around the cobble stoned floor. He inhaled deeply through his nose and let his wandering thoughts focus again on the breath. It was all he could do, year after year, nothing except contemplate his loss, and what must have happened to the world because of it. The once young warrior opened his eyes and stretched his emaciated limbs out, groaning as his joints crackled and popped, reminding him of loose gravel under foot. When was the last time he'd stepped onto fresh earth? He could not remember.\n\nHe looked around at his cell, carved hash marks littered the walls. Eventually he'd worn down the tiny piece of stone to mark his days and no longer kept track. It didn't really matter. He figured it had been over ten years, but it could just have easily been double that. He'd lost his concept of time, but judged by his hair growth it was somewhere between ten and twenty years he'd been locked away. Imprisoned by the Dark Lord that had risen from the depths of hell to take over his world. Sunlight bathed him now in much needed warmth, he was grateful for his ration of sunshine on cloudless days. It was all he could look forward to aside from whatever measure of peace he could find while meditating. He may have been imprisoned, but his mind could go places nobody could hold it back. He was grateful for this too. \n\nHis pale face rose upwards meeting the light as he stretched his hands behind himself to prop himself up. He soaked up every moment of warmth with a smile of rotting teeth. He continued listening to the drip-drop of water, bouncing his foot along to the rhythm. In the distance a new sound traveled to meet his ears, faint, and growing louder. Foot steps. He stopped tapping his bare foot and the smile vanished from his face. He looked around his cell in a panic. He could not remember the last time he heard foot steps from anyone, he'd not had contact with anyone or anything since being dropped into his cell. It lay open to the sky like a deep pit in the ground. The thick iron door stunk of rust and he could only see through a small window with six bars. Not even wide enough for his skinny arm to get through. Whenever he was fed or given water it fell from somewhere unseen above him. He'd scramble across the floor each day trying to get as much off the floor as he could, and it had always been that way.\n\nThe foot steps were close now, echoing around the thick walls of wherever he was. Away from everything. Away from birds, the distant voices of anyone. All he'd heard in over a decade was the wind and the sea, all he had ever felt was the kiss of the sun for an hour or less each day. The foot steps came to a stop outside of his cell now as he huddled himself as far as he could from the door.\n\n\"Hello, Merek,\" the voice rasped, \"it's been a long time.\"\n\nHe shivered back in silence and began to weep. \n\n\"Look at me,\" the voice rasped, \"let me see what time has made of you.\"\n\nMerek shivered and raised his face to look at his torturer through the bars. Glowing coals for eyes stared back from underneath a shadow of a hood. Nothing more could be seen in the fading light casting his cell once more into dim darkness. \n\nMerek screamed as the dark lord slipped through the bars like smoked and reformed himself on the other side, solid once more. A bony gray finger rose up to its face, silencing Merek. He closed his eyes waiting for death, even hoping for it after all this time.\n\n\"Sshh ssh sshhh,\" the dark lord whispered soothingly, \"no more cries. Are you hungry, old friend?\"\n\nMerek winced, peeking through his slitted eyes, expecting a trick. The dark lord's hood was now removed, and before him... he could not believe it, but it looked like a regular man as he had once been himself. The dark lord smiled at him with straight white teeth, in his eyes a dim glow remained, magical, yet cold.\n\n\"Are you hungry?\" he repeated, \"I know that's a dumb question, of course you are.\" \n\nWith a snap of his gray fingers a table and two chairs shimmered into existence, filled with sights and smells Merek could only pull from memories long ago. Meat. Bread. Vegetables. Wine. He could not believe his eyes. Sliced beef, pink and bleeding on a silver platter. A large loaf of bread cracked open with steam pouring from its tender core. Colorful veggies spread out coated in a dark vinegar glaze. Brass goblets with deep red wine filled to the brim. What new fresh torture was this? \n\n\"Please,\" the dark lord whispered, \"join me.\"", "I sit alone in my cold dark cell, thinking about how badly I failed, how badly I let the entire world down. I want to cry, but the tears won't come out, I want to scream, but nobody will hear me, but alas I admit to defeat and I'm forced to accept my fate. I pray that the ones I love end up surviving, finding a safe place away from his twisted world, but deep inside myself I know that it's not likely to happen. It doesn't stop me from hoping none the less.\n\nWhat feels like years go by, I can't tell, you lose track of time quite easily when you're trapped in a cold cell with nothing but your wandering mind to distract yourself, and food that not even rats would stomach.\n\nAfter what feels like an eternity, suddenly I hear foot steps, or at least I think, i've been losing my mind down here so it's either that or another hallucination.\n\nSuddenly, I see him, the dark lord that has haunted me so. The one I failed to stop, the one that nearly killed me, but decided to torture me and imprison me instead.\n\nSuddenly he speaks to me with a voice as deep as the devil himselfs, \"Hello my old friend, it is a pleasure to see you once again..\" he says with a grin across his dark and scarred face. \"What is you want?\" I reply, \"Here to torture me once again?\"\n\n\"...No\" he replies, \"I just came to check on an old friend, it does get lonely being the ruler of the world afterall.. sometimes you just want an old pal to speak to, get your mind off things you know!\"\n\nI sigh... \"what did you do to the world, my old friends, my loved ones, are they okay? Did you kill them? did you hurt them? I swear if you did, I will escape one day, I will make the torture you did to me seem like a splinter!\"\n\nThe dark lord stares and laughs in response. \"I might be evil, I don't doubt that, but for you I have respect for, I did no harm to them, you were the closest person there ever was to killing me, and out of respect for you, and your... almost accomplishment I let them live a relatively normal life in my new world.\"\n\nI breathe a big sigh of relief, years of anxiety gone with those words, yet I do hope he is telling the truth, above all us I just want them to be alive and safe, and if they're perhaps I have a reason to live afterall. \"I do appreciate that, do whatever you want with me, just please let them be.\" the dark lord grins and replies, \"I will leave them be, but I want something from you in return.\"\n\nSuddenly I realize the harm I've done, I've shown weakness and vulnerability, I showed that I cared about them more then I do myself, and by doing so I put their lives in danger once again. I get my thoughts together, breath a big sigh and reply, \"what is it you want?\".\n\nThe dark lord simply keeps his devilish grin, and with his wicked deep voice replies, \"I just want your friendship, and your company\"\n\nhe can't possibly be serious, I thought to myself. The man who was my arch nemesis for so many years, imprisoned me and treated me awfully for so many years, and he wants to be my friend? Why? How does he think we could ever be friends after all he has done to me and the entire planet, after all we went through together.\n\nI need to swallow my pride and play along with whatever he is doing none the less, it is the only way to keep my loved ones safe, and give myself a chance to get out of this prison cell and get another chance to finish what I failed to do last time.\n\n\"Very well, I will be your friend.\" suddenly, he unlocked the door to my cell, and lets me out. \"I wanted to go snowboarding with you, if that's ok, it's been a long time since I've done it and it sounds like a fun time kill, what do you think?\"\n\nI can barley believe the words I'm hearing, snowboarding? My favorite hobby of all time, I can't believe he wants me to snowboard with him of all things, I know I could use this, years of going through hell I could use any kind of excitement that will remind me what it feels like to be alive once again, the very idea of it, brings life to my malnourished and wounded body.\n\n\"I actually happen to love snowboarding so it sounds great to me!\" We go to this very nice mountain in West Virginia, we snowboard together down triple diamonds all day, and all night, he owns the entire resort of course, so he can keep it open for us as long as he wants. We spend the day cracking jokes, laughing, having a grand old time, I begin to forget that he's my enemy, I begin to actually like him.\n\nBy the time we're all snowboarded out, we go to the bar together and have some drinks continue to laugh and party like we're the bestest friends.\n\nSuddenly he opens up to me with tears in his eyes, \"I feel guilty for all the bad things I've done man, I realized that it wasn't who I was, I was becoming who my father and covenant made me, I grew up in an evil satanic cult, I was tortured since I was a kid, taught to fight, taught to show no mercy and compassion, I was forced to torture and torment other kids my age, evil satanic rituals were performed on me, in an attempt to combine my soul with evil demons from the foulest pits of hell. It worked and for the longest time they were apart of me, but over time I fought them, I drove them out, I... even prayed God to help me remove them. Once I removed those evil spirits, I realized who I truly was, an abused kid that was possessed, born and raised to do evil things and atrocities beyond comprehension, and now I can't even look myself in the mirror. I'm a pale fragment of who I once was and honestly I feel sickened by who I became. I truthfully hate myself, and I can't live with myself anymore, I brought you here to say that, I'm..... I'm truly sorry for everything, the innocents that I killed, you getting tortured and imprisoned, if I could take it all back I would, but its to late now, and now Im left with all this money and power I acquired through my own evil actions, but I don't want it, and i'd give everything possible just to turn back time and prevent myself from becoming what I became.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI can't believe my ears, to have heard all this from him, the genuine remorse, the genuine explanation of how terrible he was raised, how he was raised and created into the monster he became. I cried with him and we hugged.\n\n\"I... understand, I don't think I have it in me to forgive you yet, but today I saw another side of you that I never thought possible, I saw that you're just a normal person like everyone else, beneath that evil, sadistic persona you've held for so long, is just a regular man that is actually a regular and cool guy.. I will try my best to forgive you, but you have to make it right, you have to..\"\n\nHe doesn't respond, just continues to cry as we hug, this entire situation feels beyond surreal to me. Once my arch nemesis, a man I fought so hard to try to destroy and stop, and here he is before me, a regular funny cool guy, and now a vulnerable crying mess that showed me his true self.\n\nHow is possible that i'm beginning to like him, that i'm beginning to understand him afterall he did to me, and the other innocent people he harmed. I nearly hate myself for liking him, and I don't exactly understand it myself. Still within myself I know what I must do, I have to put a stop to this, when he's vulnerable and alone, I will kill him and put an end to his reign once and for all.\n\nSuddenly we went to his mansion, he crashed on the couch from all the alcohol and the long day we had together.\n\n\"Nows my chance\" I thought to myself, I can kill him, I can get revenge for all the innocents he killed, I can set free whoever is still under his reign, I can bring justice and peace to the world, and all I have to do is just kill the man in front of me sound asleep. I take out a knife from a drawer. I stand in front of his sleeping body on the couch, but I can't garner the will or strength to move my legs, I instead stand there and realize to myself that I can't do this, that this person actually isn't so terrible afterall, he's misunderstood, yet I can't even believe my own words and actions, when I decide to put the knife back in the drawer and crash on the couch next to him..", "“There’s a new hero on the scene and he can teleport. My whole impenetrable lair is suddenly penetrable and I’m not sure what to do about it.”\n\n“How does he know where to teleport to? Does he use coordinates? Does he picture it in his mind? Is he guided by an omniscient entity to whom he makes requests?”\n\n“I… I’m not sure. What are you thinking?”\n\n“Well, if he uses coordinates, just keep your lair moving and he won’t be able to teleport inside. Better yet, transmute the walls each day so he accidentally teleports into a wall if he tries to get in. If he can only teleport to places he can visualize, then he can only make his way through your lair in short jumps to and from places he can see. Block out all the windows and keep the lights low and his teleportation is almost useless. If he has an omniscient entity who guides him to wherever he wants to be… then why hasn’t he come yet? So that one’s unlikely but if it is true, you might be in trouble. The one advantage you have is that his requests would probably take longer and so he’s less likely to teleport in combat, meaning you can just set some traps in your throne room and goad him into them.”\n\n“You’re so good at this. Are you sure you won’t be my official strategist? You won’t have to live in this little closet anymore. You’ll have a luxurious room all to yourself.”\n\n“Damn, I did it again, huh?”\n\n“Yeah. You can’t seem to resist the puzzle.”\n\n“I really shouldn’t be helping the bad guy. No offense. But that’s the only reason I challenged you in the first place. Saving the world is… meh. A tough puzzle, on the other hand, is exciting.”\n\n“So you’ll come out of this closet and be my official strategist?”\n\n“I can’t. I’m not ready. My mother is still alive and it would break her heart to see me as the Dark Lord’s strategist.”\n\n“So you’re just going to live in the closet as a prisoner until she dies?”\n\n“Yeah, that’s the plan.”\n\n“That’s messed up. If my kid wanted to follow a path I thought was evil but it made them happy, I’d be grateful they found something that made them happy.”\n\n“You banished your kid to the shadow realm for breastfeeding too loudly.”\n\n“Well, I mean my next kid. All first-time parents make mistakes.”\n\n“Oh. I suppose that makes sense. You up for a board game?”\n\n“Ugh, you always win at those!”\n\n“That’s not a no…”\n\n“You’re right, it’s not.”" ]	4
	[WP] You are a reincarnated villain. Right before your battle with the hero, you're suddenly given a vision of EVERY PAST FAILURE you've ever had. In disgust at being damned to never win, you simply abandon your destiny and start up a lucrative writing career.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "You know, it’s really rude to single someone out like that.\n\nKidding…I’m kidding. I don’t mind. But seriously, that was uncanny.\n\nAnyway, I’m Jonathan Hughes, the author. I wrote Fear the Fearless, Company of Eternity? Never mind. The point it, I’ve been writing for almost ten years, ever since I hung up my evil cape.\n\nSo you’ve never met a villain? I don’t blame you, there’s only one villain. There’s lot of evil men, lots of scumbags, but there’s only ever one villain. That’s me. You see, there was this cosmic cycle thing. Basically every generation there’s a hero and a villain. The villain has some nefarious urge to destroy the world, and the hero must stop them. And you can probably guess the hero always wins, since the world keeps on spinning. Sometimes they’re loud, and everyone knows. Sometimes they fight in the shadows. But they’re always there, and they’re always fighting.\n\nUntil, that is, they finally realize how stupid the whole arrangement is. Ten years ago, my plan had been nearing completion. I had the island lair with the volcano, enough henchmen to populate Manhattan, and a number of experimental singularity bombs. I was certain I could destroy the world. In the back of my head, I questioned why I wanted to destroy the world, the world I was living on right now… but I never really considered that part of the plan.\n\nThen the hero showed up. A woman this time, with the classic hero powers. Flight, strength, speed, the works. She blew through my minions like they weren’t there, tore the detonator out of my singularity bombs before I had a chance to activate them, the grabbed me by my collar, lifting me a hundred feet into the air.\n\n“It brings me no joy to do this, but we both know you’ll never stop while you’re still alive”. Normally killing the villain isn’t a hero move, but with our relationship it was completely fair. But at that moment, right before I would plummet into my own volcano, I saw who I had been. Thousands of lives snuffed out at the hands of my nemesis. And I realized two things. Both of us were pointless, and I didn’t want to die. I whispered to the hero:\n\n“I don’t want to do this anymore”.\n\n“What?”\n\n“I don’t want to do this again. You’ve killed me more times than I can remember, and every time nothing changes. I don’t want to destroy the world anymore. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to be fate’s slave”. Something clicked for her, and I could see in her eyes that she was remembering the past too. A thousand thankless lives, only to die and do it all again. She closed her eyes, and a single tear ran down her cheek, evaporating in the updraft of the volcano.\n\n“I don’t want to either”. She lowered me back to the ground, then looked around.\n\n“So, what do we do now?”\n\n“I’ve always wanted to be a writer”.\n\n“I wouldn’t mind writing. Maybe we can start a publishing company…”\n\n“Well, I did have some money left after I built this island.”\n\nAnd so, we became writers. She was a little more successful than me, but then heroes always do win… But as Mrs. Jessica Hughes will tell you, this time the bad guy did get the girl. ", "You know, it’s really rude to single someone out like that.\n\nKidding…I’m kidding. I don’t mind. But seriously, that was uncanny.\n\nAnyway, I’m Jonathan Hughes, the author. I wrote Fear the Fearless, Company of Eternity? Never mind. The point it, I’ve been writing for almost ten years, ever since I hung up my evil cape.\n\nSo you’ve never met a villain? I don’t blame you, there’s only one villain. There’s lot of evil men, lots of scumbags, but there’s only ever one villain. That’s me. You see, there was this cosmic cycle thing. Basically every generation there’s a hero and a villain. The villain has some nefarious urge to destroy the world, and the hero must stop them. And you can probably guess the hero always wins, since the world keeps on spinning. Sometimes they’re loud, and everyone knows. Sometimes they fight in the shadows. But they’re always there, and they’re always fighting.\n\nUntil, that is, they finally realize how stupid the whole arrangement is. Ten years ago, my plan had been nearing completion. I had the island lair with the volcano, enough henchmen to populate Manhattan, and a number of experimental singularity bombs. I was certain I could destroy the world. In the back of my head, I questioned why I wanted to destroy the world, the world I was living on right now… but I never really considered that part of the plan.\n\nThen the hero showed up. A woman this time, with the classic hero powers. Flight, strength, speed, the works. She blew through my minions like they weren’t there, tore the detonator out of my singularity bombs before I had a chance to activate them, the grabbed me by my collar, lifting me a hundred feet into the air.\n\n“It brings me no joy to do this, but we both know you’ll never stop while you’re still alive”. Normally killing the villain isn’t a hero move, but with our relationship it was completely fair. But at that moment, right before I would plummet into my own volcano, I saw who I had been. Thousands of lives snuffed out at the hands of my nemesis. And I realized two things. Both of us were pointless, and I didn’t want to die. I whispered to the hero:\n\n“I don’t want to do this anymore”.\n\n“What?”\n\n“I don’t want to do this again. You’ve killed me more times than I can remember, and every time nothing changes. I don’t want to destroy the world anymore. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to be fate’s slave”. Something clicked for her, and I could see in her eyes that she was remembering the past too. A thousand thankless lives, only to die and do it all again. She closed her eyes, and a single tear ran down her cheek, evaporating in the updraft of the volcano.\n\n“I don’t want to either”. She lowered me back to the ground, then looked around.\n\n“So, what do we do now?”\n\n“I’ve always wanted to be a writer”.\n\n“I wouldn’t mind writing. Maybe we can start a publishing company…”\n\n“Well, I did have some money left after I built this island.”\n\nAnd so, we became writers. She was a little more successful than me, but then heroes always do win… But as Mrs. Jessica Hughes will tell you, this time the bad guy did get the girl. " ]	3
	[WP] During your edgy youth, you decided to fuse your soul with a suit of armor. Centuries later, you finally managed to relearn how to speak, in addition to movement. Your pastime of messing with the museum's night guard is gonna get more interesting.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Honestly, when you're stuck in the same place for a few centuries, things tend to get boring. But hey, I knew what I expected when I did that ritual.\n\nYou can't really blame, not if you were in my shoes, or at least, what used to be my shoes. I was a legendary knight! Expert swordsman! Master of all weapons! But not master of stairs apparently, who could have guessed? Not me that's for sure.\n\nGetting my movement back was pretty difficult at first. But I got the jist of it pretty quickly. After all, I walked for, almost, all my life, you think a new metal body will stop Phantasmicus? Nay! Never in my long lifetime!\"\n\nThis was Phantasmicus way of tracking time. He had taken some time to keep up with the technology of the time, after, thats all he had, time. He learned to operate a small casset camera in the back of the museum, where he would record nightly sessions where he talked about himself and his new discoveries.\n\nHe looked up at the clock, seeing it at 10.48pm he quickly got up, put the casset back in its place and ran towards his designated spot in the medieval section. He put himself back into his 'statue' mode right as the guard walked by.\n\nThis was his favorite moment of the month, recruitment day. Every month, the company would let one intern guard the museum for the night. While the original guard knew of his little pranks and sudden movement and had grown numb to them. These fresh meats didn't, and while the original guard might scold him for \"chasing off potential recruit\" he wasn't going to pass up on the entertainment.\n\n He quickly began to follow the night guard around, slightly moving object or appearing in mirrors for a few seconds. Until he began to notice that things weren't quite right. Until he came across an open window in the Mayan room, one he didn't open.\n\nHe quickly rushed toward the direction of the guards, but the thiefs were already upon him. \"C'mon moron, the code\" one said, but he didn't stay to listen. He noticed a mace next to me in a glass shelf. He smashed through the glass grabbing the mace and slowly walked out toward the two robbers.\n\nThey quickly noticed him, after all, it is hard not to notice a two and a half meter tall suit of armor dragging a huge mace across. He quickly set the mace on his shoulder and pointed to the first thief\n\n\"Thou does not belong here, leave at once! Or be removed!\"\n\nThe robber looked at him, back at his collegue, back at him, then motioned to his partner.\n\nThe other robber took out a small caliber pistol and fired it at the armor. The sound was deafening. But the bullet did nothing against my fifteen centimeter thick plates.\n\n\"Oh well, I tried...\"\n\nHe quickly rushed and batted the gunner across the head, sending his bleeding and fractured body flying to the side. He quickly used his free hand to grab the another by the throat and squeezed it. Crushing the man weak neck-bones.\n\n\"Oh dear, I've made quite a mess. Do you mind cleaning the blood up? I've have to put these two in the incinerator outside.\" the young guard only nodded has he numbly went toward the janitors closet. Phantasmicus quickly threw the two men in the incinerator shaft and turned it on, nothing would be left in the morning.\n\n\"No-one messes with the security guard except me.\"", "\r“Clarice?”\r \n\r \n“Juniper? That—what time is it?”\r \n\r \n“Clarice there’s something here. There’s something here in the museum with me.”\r \n\r \n“What? What do you—hold on, gotta—”\r \n\r \n“Clarice you told me this was going to be easy. That I could work on my writing. I didn’t sign up to die in a mall cop uniform.”\r \n\r \n“Juniper, calm your tits and give me like, two seconds to wake up.”\r \n\r \n“CLARICE.”\r \n\r \n“ALRIGHT. I’M AWAKE. There’s something in the museum? Where?”\r \n\r \n“I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t—”\r \n\r \n“Where are you right now?”\r \n\r \n“...in the closet.”\r \n\r \n“Juniper.”\r \n\r \n“I WILL NOT DIE IN A MALL COP UNIFORM CLARICE.” \r \n\r \n“Nobody’s dying. Not yet anyways. Tell me what happened, and try to breathe between periods.”\r \n\r \n“I was doing my rounds when I heard a noise downstairs. In my office. I went to investigate, and no one was there.”\r \n\r \n“Wait. No one was there?” \r \n\r \n“NO ONE WAS THERE.”\r \n\r \n“Ok, the phone is right up to your mouth my dear, there’s absolutely no need to shout. I need you to listen and give me the answers to my questions to the best of your knowledge. That’s all you need to do right now, alright? Now. Was there, or was there not, a vase of flowers on your desk.”\r \n\r \n“...are you taking this seriously?”\r \n\r \n“Juniper, I love you like a sister. Of course I’m not taking this seriously.”\r \n\r \n“CLARICE.”\r \n\r \n“What kind of flowers were in the vase when you came in tonight?”\r \n\r \n“...Junipers. That was very sweet of you by the way.”\r \n\r \n“I didn’t put those out. Now. What are the flowers in the vase now?”\r \n\r \n“Junipers.”\r \n\r \n“Are they?”\r \n\r \n“I…well, wait.”\r \n\r \n“Think hard.”\r \n\r \n“...Oh my God.”\r \n\r \n“There were different flowers weren’t there?”\r \n\r \n“Oh my God, they were roses, where did they…why are you laughing?”\r \n\r \n“I’m not.”\r \n\r \n“I can hear you through the phone.”\r \n\r \n“Just one more thing. Check the background of your phone. What do you see?”\r \n\r \n“It’s…how do you know this?”\r \n\r \n“What is it, Juniper? What’s the picture?”\r \n\r \n“It’s a little blurry, but it’s that suit of armor that’s in the office, how—you ARE laughing!”\r \n\r \n“I’m sorry. I’m sorry!”\r \n\r \n“NOTHING ABOUT THIS IS FUNNY.”\r \n\r \n“It’s SO funny. Um. So. I don’t know how I forgot to tell you this, but you’re going to be haunted.”\r \n\r \n“I’m going to be what now?”\r \n\r \n“It’s all good. It’s just Benefred Bumbleberry.”\r \n\r \n“Benefred. The handsome guy who founded the museum?”\r \n\r \n“You think he’s handsome?”\r \n\r \n“Have you seen that painting of him in the main foyer? Gets me every time, I swear—wait. He’s dead.” \r \n\r \n“Kind of.”\r \n\r \n“There’s no’ kind of’ when it comes to death, Clarice. There’s dead and not dead.”\r \n\r \n“Oh honey.”\r \n\r \n“Don’t you ‘oh honey’ me.”\r \n\r \n“Look, Benefred went on lots of crazy travels, brought a bunch of crazy stuff back and lived kind of a crazy life. I mean, this is the man who once tried to fly a hot air balloon to the sun.”\r \n\r \n“Sounds like an idiot.”\r \n\r \n“Without a doubt, and never more so than when he made a pact with a demon to bind his soul to a suit of armor.”\r \n\r \n“There’s no way any of this is real.”\r \n\r \n“I thought so at first. The more I learned the more I scoffed. Which reminds me. All this is in the instruction manual that you were SUPPOSED to read.” \r \n\r \n“It was in Latin.” \r \n\r \n“Yeah, well, it was hard for me to read but I did it anyway. You know me, I’ve never been good at reading in the first place, and when I was told I had to read Latin, the best way I could think to do it is read it out loud and then type it into FindMy to translate.”\r \n\r \n“I think I see where this is going.”\r \n\r \n“Well I didn’t. At first, there was only harmless stuff that went missing. Pens. Sticky notes. My flashlight. I’d find them where they were supposed to be on their next shift, but it happened every night. Then, I started noticing that the background on my phone was changed to the same blurry images every night as well.”\r \n\r \n“He took a picture every night and he can’t learn how to hold a camera?”\r \n\r \n“This is a man who took heroin on a daily basis to treat his sinuses. He doesn’t come from an age of enlightenment.” \r \n\r \n“When did he switch to flowers?”\r \n\r \n“Well, after I realized who and what was happening, I knew that I had to stop him from stealing stuff, and since he liked pranks…I decided to give him the best prank I could think of.”\r \n\r \n“Flowers?”\r \n\r \n“I pretended my boyfriend sent me flowers and—”\r \n\r \n“You don’t have a boyfriend.”\r \n\r \n“You don’t either. And shut up. So I pretended my fake boyfriend sent me flowers, and I sneezed a lot and complained very loudly how allergic I was to flowers. Next shift, I heard some noise in my office, and…well…”\r \n\r \n“But I’m actually allergic to flowers.”\r \n\r \n“So switch it up. Do the same thing I did. Get him to get you chocolates or peanuts or whatever.”\r \n\r \n“I mean, he can’t be that dumb right? After doing the same thing every night, didn’t he ever catch on?”\r \n\r \n“Of course he did. At least, I think he did. I think he liked to see me smile when I saw the flowers, but he has to have his pride you know.”\r \n\r \n“Huh. That’s actually…that’s actually kind of sweet.”\r \n\r \n“So there you have it. No robber. Just an animated piece of armor who thinks he’s being clever.”\r \n\r \n“And sweet.”\r \n\r \n“Whatever. I’m going to bed. Unless YOU turn into a ghost, don’t call me again.”\n\n\rIf you want to read extra content on what happened next or an audio version of this story, check out the [link!](https://pxgodwin.com/?p=428)" ]	3
	[WP] You're a spy that infiltrates and spies on an enemy group, and you become shocked when you hear the leader say "What plans? We've just been winging it and winning."	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Heek was stood in the corner of the war council room looking over the Dark Lord and the few Sinful Lords who were loyal to him as they went about their plans.\r \n\r \n“Ok, so Ironforge has arrayed seven legions in this formation”, Helshep explained, moving figures representing each force into their current position.\r \n\r \n“And we currently have Three Legions available”, Serena of Envy said, placing a trio of blocks for each of their forces onto the map.\r \n\r \n“Can we expect any reinforcements from the western forces?” Lady Yuu asked. Helshep shook his head.\r \n\r \n“Pride is busy keeping Greed and Gluttony in check”, Helshep explained.\r \n\r \n“Ok, the plan is the same as usual”, Helshep said with a nod. The other lords and ladies nodded in agreement. Heek, however, rose a hand in confusion. \r \n\r \n“Forgive me if this humble servant is overstepping his bounds, but what is ‘The Usual’ as you put it”, Heek asked. He was undercover as the Dark Lords servant, but that didn’t give him the right to speak up. He knew it was risky speaking out here.\r \n\r \n“You are forgiven, Heek. ‘The Usual’ is we just wing it. Play it by ear. Let our dance partner decide the rhythm”, Helshep said.\r \n\r \n“But…” Heek began his tone incredulous. “You are all famous for being tactical geniuses. How is your plan ‘Just go with the flow?!” Heek near burst.\r \n\r \n“Oh, that’s a good one. Scholar of Idioms write that one down”, Helshep said, snapping his fingers towards a clerk who hastily scribbled away.\r \n\r \n“Heek”, Helshep began with a tone Heek had learnt to recognise. It was his teacher’s voice. Heek was surprised when he discovered the all-powerful Dark Lord once was a school teacher. Albeit at The Academy. But he always used this tone when he felt he was experiencing a teaching moment. \r \n\r \n“War is a wild, chaotic thing”, he began. Heek just nodded. What little of war he had seen in his few years of life told him that much. “There is an old saying from the fifth dark lord Appophis. That no plan survives contact with the enemy”, he explained. \r \n\r \n“So by a general rule, we let our plans remain as flexible as possible. The moment you get stuck in a rigid mindset, you fail to adapt”, Helshep said.\r \n\r \n“He right”, a little boy agreed, standing on a stool next to the map table.\r \n\r \n“Can I also ask why we have a five-year-old here?” Heek asked.\r \n\r \n“That is a rule made by the seventh dark lord Ar-Krakk-Istil-Ithillion. Always have a child present to point out the flaws in your plans”, Helshep explained.\r \n\r \n“WHAT PLANS, THOUGH?!!” Heek protested.\r \n\r \n“We do make them sometimes Heek. But we grumpy idiot adults sometimes miss what even a child notices. So since the Seventh, we keep a young kid to poke holes in our plans. It the main reason the Dark Continent is more often successful in wars”, Helshep said with a shrug. \r \n\r \n“So you just do everything in the moment. Let a five-year-old critique your plans the few times you do actually have them, and this is the policy of the Dark Continent?” Heek said, barely able to believe what was being said. He only got a wave of nods from the lords around him.\r \n\r \n“Please tell me there is at least a vague goal here?” Heek asked, begging for something he could relay back without sounding insane.\r \n\r \n“Win, of course”, Helshep said with a shrug.\r \n\r \nHave a part 2 with the reality if people want it.\r \n\r \nFor more of my nonsense go to r/random3x" ]	2
	[WP] After your death, you get to look at your stats. K/D ratio was negative but your assists are in the tens of thousands! Curious, you decide to investigate some of the assists you were apart of.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Arriving in the afterlife, I am greeted with a screen with my stats, for lack of a better word. What caught my attention immediately was the assists. I had over twelve-thousand kill assists!!!\r \n\r \nSelecting the option, I view the events where I got them.\r \n\r \nFirst was an event that I got three thousand lives for. Looking over the event, I could feel my jaw drop to the floor.\r \n\r \n\"A pebble?\" I say in disbelief.\r \n\r \nA fucking pebble is how I got the assist on three thousand people?!!!\r \n\r \nLooking into it further, I can see the chain of events from the pebble. It seems when I was a kid walking home one morning during summer break, I idly kicked a pebble onto the road and went on with my day.\r \n\r \nThat pebble knocked a cyclist off their bike and they not wearing a helmet hit their head. Because of that, he suffered a blood clot that began working its way through his circulatory system. Now usually, this is it. He'd have a stroke or pulmonary etc. Only he had it while he was at work. As an air traffic controller!!\r \n\r \nSo the guy has stroke mid instruction to two planes collide mid-air. Boom over five hundred right there. Only for the wreckage to fall onto a fuel depot.\r \n\r \nI remember this incident now. It was all over the news. Half the city was shut down due to the disaster. They even implemented regular checkups for staff and failsafe to prevent something like this from happening again.\r \n\r \nOk, the next batch was a whopping seven thousand!!!\r \n\r \nWhat the hell?!! Seriously!! WHAT! THE! HELL!!!!\r \n\r \nI thought the pebble was ridiculous but me littering counts towards this?!!!\r \n\r \nIt wasn't even on purpose!!! I there a cup into the bin and it missed. But I didn't notice, and a good samaritan decided to put it away only to die in a mugging from a thug who saw their opportunity.\r \n\r \nI remember reading Prince Hanston was killed in that event, but I was the cause. The inciting event that caused the hundred-day terror?!!! Goddammit, the afterlife really needs to loosen up their criteria for assists!!!\r \n\r \nThe remaining lives seem to be from minor incidents like the previous ones. Everything from putting ice into a drink I served when I worked in a restaurant to teaching my brother how to tie his shoes.\r \n\r \nIt seems the afterlife takes a six degrees of separation for assists. But if being tangentially connected is enough for it to be listed, I can only wonder how the hell anyone arrives here with positive points?!!\r \n\r \nFor more of my nonsense go to r/random3x\r \n\r \n\r \ntake two posting reply. Doing this from a phone as my computer crapped the bed and first attempts mucked up for some reason" ]	2
	[WP] Your wife brings an old antique mirror home from a local thrift shop one day. You begin to notice that your reflection, and ONLY your reflection, is taunting 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\r\n\n\\[Sharp Reflection\\]\n\n\"It's beautiful..,\" Glenn lied to his wife. As he stared into the mirror, his reflection rolled his eyes. Glenn was too panicked about his wife accidentally noticing that he didn't realize he didn't roll his own eyes. Luckily, his wife was focused on the gaudy red metal frame that supported the looking glass.\r \n \r \n\"Isn't it?\" Betty replied with a bright smile in her voice. \"Can you believe this was only five dollars? It looks pristine.\"\r \n \r \n\"It does..,\" Glenn had to admit. The red metal gleamed like new without any hint of a scuff mark. And the glass looked almost too clear, if that was possible. He stared into the mirror hard enough that his reflection crossed his eyes. Glenn shook his head to try and center his eyes again; but, they already were.\r \n \r \n\"Help me move it to the dressing room,\" Betty said as she grabbed one side of it. Glenn hurried to the other side not sure of what he saw. But, he was glad to hear it wasn't destined for the bedroom. Glenn and Betty weren't rich by any means; but, they had no children and a two bedroom house. Instead of a guest room, Betty used the space as her own walk-in closet. Glenn spent very little time in there. Once the mirror was in place, Glenn left the room and put it out of his mind.\r \n \r \n\"HONEY!!\" Betty yelled for Glenn from the dressing room a week later.\r \n \r \n\"Yes?\" he poked his head into the room and saw his wife standing in front of the mirror trying to hold a dress up around her.\r \n \r \n\"Zip me up?\" She asked over her shoulder. Glenn nodded and walked into the room. It wasn't an uncommon request; she often spent time trying on different outfits and some of them needed more hands. Glenn walked up behind her and grabbed the zipper.\r \n \r \nAs he zipped her up, he couldn't help but notice his reflection looking down. He was looking at his reflection; but, it wasn't looking at him. It appeared to be admiring his wife's cleavage.\r \n \r \n\"Hey!\" he snapped out of reflex. His reflection looked up immediately and grinned sheepishly as his wife turned around.\r \n \r \n\"What?\" she asked.\r \n \r \n\"Uh,\" Glenn hesitated. Mirror Glenn lifted an index finger to his lips and suggested that real Glen keep quite. He looked at the back of his wife's reflection but hers seemed normal. \"I love you,\" he kissed her forehead, then walked out of the room.\r \n \r \n\"Love you too..,\" Betty replied with some confusion in her voice. Glenn wrestled with his sanity for a couple of days until Betty needed to step out for several hours. He waited an hour just to make sure she wouldn't come back right away, then he strode into the dressing room with purpose.\r \n \r \n\"We need to talk,\" Mirror Glenn said as soon as real Glenn walked in. He surprised Glenn who was ready to try and coax whatever was happening out delicately.\r \n \r \n\"Who are you!?\" Glenn asked. Mirror Glenn made a show of looking down and inspecting himself. He turned his hands over and wiggled his fingers as he studied them. Then, he focused on real Glenn and shrugged.\r \n \r \n\"Looks like I'm you,\" he said.\r \n \r \n\"That's not possible, I'm me!\" Real Glenn said. Mirror Glenn nodded at himself.\r \n \r \n\"That's what I said, I'm me too,\" he grinned. \"If I'm me, and you're 'me', then we're both me. So, I'm you,\" he winked.\r \n \r \n\"Alright smart guy...,\" Real Glenn said. He wasn't about to let himself be confused. Especially not by himself. \"...then how'd you get in my mirror?\" Mirror Glenn chuckled and shook his head.\r \n \r \n\"I could ask you the same thing. How'd YOU get in MY mirror?\" he raised an eyebrow at Real Glenn.\r \n \r \n\"What?\" Real Glenn asked. Mirror Glenn nodded.\r \n \r \n\"You think I'm trapped in a little rectangle about this big?\" he spread his hands apart the width of the mirror. \"You're in my house, in my bedroom.\"\r \n \r \n\"That...can't...,\" Real Glenn's mind worked for a little bit. \"So, what? Are you in another universe or something?\" he asked. Mirror Glenn nodded.\r \n \r \n\"Alternate universes are real, and super easy to get to,\" he said. \"Would you like to see this one?\" At some point, Real Glenn accepted that he might be going insane or at least hallucinating. But, the chance existed that he wasn't.\r \n \r \n\"How... super easy?\" he asked. Mirror Glenn smiled.\r \n \r \n\"It's like a two-step process. You can do it with what you've got already,\" he said.\r \n \r \n\"And.. I can come back to my universe?\" Real Glenn asked. Mirror Glenn nodded.\r \n \r \n\"Traversing is simple, and pretty precise. It's easy to find the universe you're looking for,\" he said.\r \n \r \n\"Okay,\" Real Glenn nodded. \"I'm game, what are the steps?\"\n\n\r \n\\\\\\* \nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is story #1473 in a row. (Story #021 in year five.). This story is part of an ongoing saga that takes place at a high school in my universe. It began on Sept. 6th and I will be adding to it with prompts every day until June 3rd. They are all collected in order at [this link.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Hugoverse/comments/pj4t0b/tokuhigh_first_six_weeks/)" ]	2
	[WP] Sleeping beauty awakes 100 years after her curse. But time didn’t stand still. Her kingdom, her family, everything as she knew it has changed. Confusion worsens as the current heirs are trying to figure out if this once slumbering Princess will usurp the throne.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "“She is a child! She can’t possibly take the throne now!” The noble argued, looking shocked at what the king suggested. \n\n“Princess Aurora was much loved by the populace before her slumber.” The king said pointedly. “We can’t have any more things that rock the kingdom, not after the death of my daughter.” \n\n“And? All those who adored her are long dead. It’s been 100 years!” Another noble cut in, banging his hand on the table. “This is madness! We can’t just execute a 16 year old. Not when the people have had enough of violence.” He finished. \n\nThe king sighed, putting his head in his hands. This recent predicament was did not come at a good time, especially when his daughter was poisoned by a sorceress, his former lover. Where did things go wrong? \n\nAurora looked out her window, breathing in the air. The kingdom looked different, to say the least. The quiet and dark streets contrasted the bustling and lively ones she grew up with, it seemed the entire kingdom was in mourning. \n\nShe couldn’t get out and about of course, she was stuck in her tower. The king put guards outside her door. Aurora remembered with a pang that the current king was not her father. Her family was gone. Her past was gone. She sighed and breathed in heavily. It was going to be a long day." ]	2
	[WP] A simple “bless you” escaped your lips as the elderly man sneezed. The flames and now pissed off lich who took holy damage from your blessing was a surprise 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 holy damage.\n\n \nThat was nothing to an ancient lich who was not even carrying his phylactery. But the fact that a meager human without powers had managed to ruin his 99 years and eleven months long record of not taking any damage at all in his fights would certainly not make him happy.\n\n \n\"HOW DARE YOU FILTHY HUMAN!!\" The powerful lich who was being stealthy before, now reverted to his original form without thinking twice. \"YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS, YOU HEAR ME? PAAAAAAAAY!\"\n\n \nA powerful steam of flames raged the street. The buildings around them began to crumble like dust as the walls were unable to endure the high temperature that landed on its surface. \n\n \n\"I'm sorry...hum...hum...Great Undead?\" The normal human had never before interacted with a being that ancient and powerful, so he spoke the first words that came to his mouth.\n\n \n\"GREAT UNDEAD WILL BE YOUR MOTHER WHEN I BRING HER BACK TO LIFE TO KILL YOU, UNCULTURED BASTARD.\" The lich took an intricate scepter from his dimensional space to conjure ever more powerful magic, but not without making sure not to kill that human too fast.\n\n \nTo his utter disappointment when he was about to unleash his true power a mighty golden dragon showed up and bit the scepter off him alongside his bony arm. \n\n \n\"Don't look at me like this.\" The dragon noticed the look of surprise on the lich's skull and added. \"You own me much more than this, old pile of bones.\" \n\n \n\"How?\" The lich couldn't believe his magical sense of vision. \"I know I lost our bet, but how did you find it out and got here so soon?\"\n\n \n\"If there is something that a dragon knows is how to collect a debt.\" He brushed it off without telling his business secrets. \"Wait, is that the guy that gave you damage? A human? Without powers?\"\n\n \nThe dragon was unable to control his laughing and his powerful voice did more damage to the human than all the spells that the lich had conjured before.\n\n \n\"Don't let the other undead know about this and I promise that I will give you an extra when we settle accounts.\" The powerful awe-inspiring lich was nowhere to be seen.\n\n \nWith a hint of a smile, the dragon said. \"As you wish, just remember to fix those buildings and fix that human and we have an agreement.\"\n\n \nThe lich somehow sighed and reluctantly nodded in approval.\n\n \nThe dragon left as fast as it had appeared and the lich used his magic to fix the buildings without delay. There might have been people inside but since the dragon didn't care why would he? \n\n \nHe then took a last look at the human and handed him a level 100 healing potion since that was the cheapest thing he had on him. \"Drink this and you will be fine, now disappear from my sight...forget it.\"\n\n \nHe then blinked away before any hero showed up and ruined his day even more. \nThe human was left speechless at the dire consequence that a casual 'bless you' had caused him. \n\n\\[A prompt per day 2022 challenge: \\[24/365\\]" ]	2
	[WP] Apparently, the dystopian regime you've been working for almost a decade has been having trouble taking down the rebellion's best solider: Some teenage girl. You decide to just show her the truth: She's just as much of a pawn 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "“Agent 304, were assigning you to target 5, come back with a dead body and you’ll be rewarded handsomely.”\n\n“Target 5!” Thought 304 “They must be insane, she’s unkillable.” \n\n“You’ll be deployed to the Kazar district where you are to track her down and eliminate her.”\n\nEveryone knew the story of target 5, a teenage girl fighting for the rebellion, working to stop the dictators. She was a famed killer, sometimes they’d just find bodies, no obvious cause of death. She was as fast as she was dangerous, every now and then the council would send an agent to kill her, they wouldn’t even find a body. Now agent 304 had to take her out.\n\n“You’ve arrived in the Kazar district, find her and dispose of her.”\n\nWhen the rebellion started the Kazar district, once the life of the city, turned into a violent war zone. 304 had better luck waiting for target 5 to show up than actually looking for her, so that’s what he did. He found an abandoned building and sat on a stool while smoking, waiting for her. He then heard faint footsteps behind him after 2 hours.\n\n“So, you’re finally here. Look, I now what you think, the council is evil and they’ve enslaved us but the rebellion is just as bad. You know who runs it? Tell me, who is in charge of the rebellion?”\n\nThen came a cold voice, “The rebellion is ran by the people, it is the people’s voice.”\n\n“Wrong, guess again!” 304 replied\n\n“The rebellion does as the people want. They are the people.” Came the voice again.\n\n“Really? The people’s voice. You know half the people on the rebellion are undocumented, and everyone should be documented, everyone from this city. Half of the people on the rebellion aren’t even from here.”\n\n“So what? People from outside want to help, doesn’t that show the rebellion is right?”\n\n“I’m saying that the people’s voice is really the voice of others, people who want more control. You and I, we’re not so different.”\n\n“I’ve had enough of your lies.”\n\n304 then felt a cold metal pressed up to his neck. “Go ahead, show that you kill as soon as a new idea is introduced. You’re just as bad as the council.”", "It's almost baffling to think soldiers who've trained for a decade or so would be defeated by a measly, impressionable girl. You would think some higher being has given her all the luck and fortune to fulfill their own selfish desire, all the while this narcissist 'hero' charms most single-cell brain idiots to her hollow cause.\n\nProbably because... it is true.\n\nJust as I took a sit on my leather chair behind my wooden desk, my door burst open.\n\nThere she was, the 'hero'.\n\nA sixteen-year old girl, caucasian, with brown hair tied up to a pony tail. Her dark eyes glared at me, pointing her bronze dagger right at me.\n\n\"I'm starting to question if my people has ever trained at all, seeing you rudely barging in with nothing more than a dagger and a bow,\" I sighed.\n\n\"It's over, Harry,\" she threatened me. \"The Resistance has won. Your army are just dead bodies down the lobby, we've taken over all your weapons, and you're all alone.\"\n\n\"Okay, firstly, is that the best you could come up with?\" I pondered. \"The Resistance? You can't think of any better names?\" Then, I gave it a thought, humming, \"Wait, maybe it isn't so bad. At least it's not as horrible as I could imagine.\"\n\n\"Trying to keep your cool?\" the girl taunted, keeping up her 'silent and strong' persona. \"It's not going to save you here.\"\n\n\"Oh, I'm not trying to save myself,\" I corrected her, walking towards the shelf that contains my favorite scotch. \"In fact, I figure this would happen. Eventually, you lot will win.\"\n\nI pulled out my drink and pour myself a glass. She could've stabbed me in the back, or shot me with her bow and arrow, but she didn't. Typical.\n\n\"Would you like one?\" I asked. \"Wait, I forgot. You're underage. Silly of me.\"\n\n\"What kind of games you're playing?\" she scowled.\n\n\"Actually, are you even a sixteen year old? Because I won't blame anyone thinking you're an actual adult.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"Ah, but for some reason, you're mature with all aspects of life expect in romantic affairs. Having a love triangle with two attractive men.\"\n\nFor a moment, her calm demeanor was replaced by a young maiden, flustered and unsure, her grip on her knife loosened.\n\n\"I understand, having two good-looking people having some hots on you does boggle your mind,\" I chuckled, sitting back on my desk with my drink.\n\nShe quickly snapped back to that stoic look, and snapped, \"Just give it up! You've lost! Be thankful that I haven't decided on killing you yet.\"\n\nKilling me?\n\nI ambled towards her, shaking my glass of alcohol. With every step I took, her face turned from a confident 'quiet' girl to a more genuine reaction of an actual teen; perplexed and unsure. Her 'strength' that she hold so dearly shrink away as her knife was now on my chest.\n\n\"Why not kill me now?\" I dared her. \"You've bested my men. You killed them with your bow and arrow, stab them in the back when they somehow never notice. Why not take one more life away, especially the one that you assume would end this tyranny once and for all?\"\n\nIt's so easy for her to stab me right at the spot. An open opportunity for her to take. But of course, she didn't. Her confusion and fear halted her decision making, mostly because this isn't part of the script.\n\nThe script I'm so tired playing along with.\n\n\"Think about it, 'hero'. You claims to a nobody, yet people treated you as if you're the second coming of Jesus. You have no military training whatsoever, yet you singlehandedly eliminated my men that actually trained their lives for combat. What's more, your group of 'Resistance' only act when you decided to make some sort of change, even though they could've done so decades ago.\"\n\nShe looked up to me, and I finally get to see the real her. Afraid, unsure, and clearly not a quiet girl. Those strings that have falsely guide her were no longer on her.\n\n\"Tell me, why are things going your way somehow?\"\n\nShe stuttered, \"I-I... I don't...\"\n\nFor the first time, there's no forced edgy thoughts flooding her head. She was finally thinking on her own. But, has she been fully corrupted by the system she follow blindly?\n\n\"I'll give you a choice. Stab me, right here, right now. You do that, and you can celebrate with your people over your victory, and rebuild society to what you see fit. Grow old, hear praises left and right, and live in whatever utopia you plan to build\n\n\"Or, sit down with me. Open your eyes, and listen to logic for once. See the world you're living as it is, not filtered by delusions or make believe. To truly think like a real person, not an object for someone's desire,\" I proposed.\n\nHer knife was still hanging next to my chest, and I could almost see her thoughts running freely like it should.\n\nUnfortunately, for the both of us, the script got in our way.\n\nA flapping sound of the helicopter got louder as it landed on the helicopter pad on my balcony. The soldiers exited from the vehicle, and aim right at the heroine. They were waiting for my command, just as *she* want them to.\n\n\"Well, there goes our window of opportunity. But I've got a good feeling we'll bump to each other again. Next time, we'll talk with our brains intact, shall we?\"\n\nThe girl finally made her answer, putting the knife away. One would say it's part of the play, for her to miss her chance to kill me, but I knew better. Her 'fake' stoicism was fully replaced with a genuine emotion.\n\nShe was finally questioning her place in this damn world.\n\n\"Who are we, then?\" she muttered. \"What are we?\"\n\nI slowly backed away from her, my arms up in the air, so the soldiers wouldn't immediately shoot her, though I doubt they will pull the trigger.\n\n\"Do us a favor. Pretend to be the stoic character that you are, so no one suspects you being free. Otherwise, we'll be forced to kill each other for some dumb story,\" I warned her.\n\n\"Sir, is everything okay?\" one of the soldiers cried, disengaging his safety on the gun.\n\n\"It's alright, boys. I just have a talk with her,\" I cried back. Then, I turned to face her one last time. \"Time to finally use your own head for once, 'hero'.\"\n\nI retreated into the helicopter before it flew me away to the next arc of the story, leaving the now freed protagonist to question her life.\n\nI looked up to the orange sunset sky, knowing *she* is up there, praising and hogging on the girl, ignoring the other aspects of *her* own world, and clueless that the hero is no longer on strings. With the brief freedom I was granted, I flipped the bird at the sky." ]	3
	[WP] Write a fight scene!	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "“This is the last time I’m telling you this, Tod. We can make this up. Just lis–” Will was unable to finish his sentence because Tod hit him right in the stomach with his fist.\n\n“You burnt my house to ashes out of jealousy and now you want me to _listen?”_ Tod shouted furiously and threw a stone from the ground to Will’s face.\n\n“If you really wanna do this, prepare yourself,” Will remarked and jumped out of the way. “When I say three.”\n\n“Get away!”\n\nTod ran to Will and grabbed his arm but Will retreated and kicked Tod in his shin.\n\n“That was another man!” Will shouted as he and Tod punched each other in many parts.\n\nTod got a stone and hit Will on his back and Will explained, “The man was the man who hated you!”\n\nWill ran back as Tod followed. “He wore the same clothes as me to frame _me!”_\n\n“DON’T RUN AWAY, YOU COWARD!”\n\n“I want to explain!”\n\n“You are a piece of–”\n\nWill raised his voice. “And that man was...”\n\nTod punched Will right in the neck and before he knew, Will’s neck had broken and he fell to the ground, lifeless.\n\n“No, no, no...” Tod kneeled to the dead body of Will he had just murdered. _“Will...”_\n\nHe stayed there mourning over his best friend’s death.", "On a sandy yet blocky field two brothers look at each other with the intension to kill will there be only one survivor of this duel that is what we are going to find out !\n\n\n\"It is sad dear brother that I have to fight you here but the thinks you have done to our village can not be act sept able !\" Then rises two swords .\n\n\n\"So they didn't tell you what they did to the other villages, they killed and torture others and I wasn't going to stand for that act !. I don't want to hurt you but you picked the other side \" Then pulls two swords from this back \n\nThey that began to scream while running to each other , there swords then collide to make a explosion which makes the two brothers\n\n\nSorry I had to go I can't finish the story now .", "The assassins moved silently through the halls towards their target. He was in the bathhouse relaxing. Which would mean he is currently unarmed and unguarded. Truly this was a golden opportunity they would not be able to pass up. \r \n\r \nThey silently surrounded the bathhouse and began to collectively chant. They were creating a magic restriction array to make it so their target could not conjure anything. Without his magic, he is weaker than even a lowly town guard. \r \n\r \nOpening the doors, the group walked in with their purpose clear. Sat relaxing in a steaming room was Helshep, The Dark Lord ruler of their land. \r \n\r \n“We have come for your head Helshep. Lay down and accept your fate and we shall make it quick”, the chief assassin announced. Helshep however didn’t move; his head was tilted backwards with only a small washcloth covering his eyes.\r \n\r \n“I Say foul fiend, we are here for your life”, the leader shouted louder this time. \r \n\r \n“I heard you the first time, but I felt no need to respond”, Helshep replied, still not moving. \r \n\r \n“Then you wish to die a slow, painful death?” the leader asked.\r \n\r \n“I’ve already done that a few times, thank you”, Helshep said with a shrug that caused a light splash around him.\r \n\r \n“I will just beat you all with my magic and be done with it”, he said, finally rising from the water. Arms to the side, he began to chant a spell quietly. When he was done, nothing happened.\r \n\r \n“Ah blocked conjuring, I must say quite the array you got here, it’ll even stop the likes of me”, he said almost as if bemused than worried. \r \n\r \n“Men move in but stay cautious. He is still dangerous despite his weak physicality”, The leader warned. The men of the troop began to move around Helshep, who was still just standing there. \r \n\r \n“Tell me, assassin who sent you?” Helshep asked. \r \n\r \n“We will never reveal our employer whether to a dead man nor an investigator”, the leader scoffed, cutting off Helsheps avenue of escape. \r \n\r \n“Shame guess we’ll have to duke it out”, Helshep said, tightening his hands into fists and taking a boxing stance. \r \n\r \n“Oh, a few things before I begin”, he said, raising a finger. \r \n\r \n“You have only sealed my conjuring, not my magic”, he said with a grin. \r \n\r \n“Matters little”, the leader scoffed. \r \n\r \n“It should matter to you. I am a master mage. I don’t need to bring material into existence to use my spells”, Helshep said, wagging his finger in mock admonishment.\r \n\r \n“What do you mean?” The leader asked, hoping to distract Helshep for a few more seconds to give his men the best opportunity to strike. \r \n\r \n“Manipulate material spells, of course”, Helshep said with a grin. \r \n\r \n“The weakest of magicks?!” the assassin mocked. \r \n\r \n“Yes, only because people don’t work at them hard enough, but take here for instance”, Helshep spread his arms out. \r \n\r \n“The air itself is full of steam, which is water vapour”, he explained just as the two assassins directly behind him dropped to the ground. \r \n\r \n“WHAT DID YOU JUST DO?!!” The leader demanded. \r \n\r \n“Condensed the water vapour into the lungs, basically they just drowned”, he explained with a shrug. \r \n\r \n“There is also the tiles around us”, Helshep continued, as a tile shattered, flinging shards into another assassin. \r \n\r \n“How about the fires beneath here that keep the place hot”, he continued as flames bubbled up from beneath the baths steaming waters. \r \n\r \n“Retreat!!!” The leader screamed to his remaining men. \r \n\r \n“You are free to go. My guards are waiting outside with more tangible weapons for you to face, pick your death assassin me, or them”, Helshep said with that same casual tone he’d maintained throughout the talk. \r \n\n\nfor more of my nonsense go to r/Random3X", "\"My only curse is you,\" Fenrir spat as he shifted his feet and positioned himself into a fighting stance. Across him stood Bray, a smirk on her face.\n\n\"Yes, isn't that better? Anger, rage, despair...\" She trailed off for a bit, her eyes glossed over for a split second before a predatory smile wormed itself onto her face.\n\n\"It tastes delicious.\"\n\nFenrir let out a roar of rage as he threw himself at her, shattering the stone beneath him and breaking the sound barrier twice over. Bray disappeared in a blaze of speed, meeting him head-on. Their clash shook mountains and carved a canyon into the ground beneath them.\n\nFenrir threw a left hook, only for Bray to counter and deliver a devastating kidney punch. He responded by shoving his elbow into her face, causing her head to snap back from the force. He unleashed a barrage of blows, each perfectly executed and calculated. At first, it seemed Bray couldn't keep up, her defenses barely holding up against his attack. But then she started adapting. A countered uppercut here, a liver shot there. Soon, she was repelling and countering most of his attacks, a devilish smile on her face all the while.\n\nEach clash of their fists reverberated throughout the landscape, causing hurricane winds and immeasurable earthquakes. Fenrir slipped past her defenses for a brief second, allowing him to knee her in the stomach with all his might, followed shortly by a direct punch to her cheek. The attack sent her flying, but he didn't let up. He closed the distance between them and delivered an ax kick directly to the top of her head, sending her crashing down onto the massive crater their clash left behind.\n\nHe hovered above the area, his breathing controlled and his demeanor collected. He had hit her with everything he had, surely-\n\nHis train of thought was interrupted by laughter. His pupils shrank as he blasted himself backward, putting distance between him and Bray.\n\nHis fists balled up as blood ran down his wrists, dripping onto the ground below. He brought up a hand and wiped off some of the blood pooling above his eyes from the cuts that dotted his face. The laughter stopped after a few seconds as Bray ascended from the dust, looking no worse for wear.\n\nShe looked down at her hands before looking back up at him, an eyebrow raised.\n\n\"Was that supposed to hurt, little sun? Your sister hit harder than that,\" She taunted, her expression twisted into a cruel, sadistic grin.\n\nFenrir's fists started to shake as he gritted his teeth and snarled.\n\n\"Y-you damned witch! Don't you dare mention her-\" He didn't get a chance to finish as Bray suddenly disappeared from view, only to reappear in front of him a microsecond later.\n\nHe opened his mouth to yell, but only blood came out. He doubled over, finally registering the blade sunk into his abdomen.\n\nBray pulled away, her hand encased in a bright, sharpened blue aura. Blood sizzled and evaporated as she observed her handy work.\n\n\"I expected more of you, warrior,\" she said, her words barely reaching his ears as he started to fall, his grasp on the air failing him. She watched as he fell, her eyes full of disappointment. She didn't get the fight she wanted, and she had to kill her brother.\n\nWhat a bummer.", "With a sharp tug and a squelch the warrior pulled his axe from the skull of his most recent opponent, blood and brains clung to the blade and steamed in the cold morning air. Ambushed at the break of dawn the fighting had been intense and bloody. Somehow the defenders had held them at bay, the attackers now seemingly scattered and in disarray.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBattle weary though he was he heard the quick, light footsteps that charged him from the rear. With practiced ease he pivoted on the balls of his feet, took to one knee, and blocked the overhead blow with his shield. It splintered first then shattered. --Fuck! Move!-- His legs pushed him forward into a roll even before he finished the thought. As he twisted and rose he let his axe arm flow around and upwards, the viscera slid off the blade in a wide, scarlet arc. The swing missed his target, the attacker had put everything into their first strike and momentum had caused them to slide forward on the blood soaked ground underfoot. --Too far.-- Experience told him he couldn’t close the distance in time before his assailant recovered. The warrior shook the remnants of his shield from his arm, with his now empty hand grabbed the dagger at his belt, and circled to his right where the ground was a little firmer.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe observed the figure before him and knew this fight would be tough. She was a Blade Dancer, a Sister of Pain, her steel helmet fashioned into a snarling panther designed to inspire fear. --Humph! Seen scarier rats. That mail however…-- She was covered in light but strong chain-mail meaning his blades would make little impression unless he could find the chinks. She mimicked his movements, her short sword swayed menacingly from side to side, and circled in the opposite direction. --Some luck, she’s lost a weapon.--\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe Sister darted forward and stabbed at his chest but, at the last moment, reversed the sword’s direction to then swing it in an upwards arc to slash at at his face. The warrior dodged to his left, the wind from the strike brushed his right cheek. --Shit, too close.-- He countered with a thrust from the dagger aimed at her armpit, minimally padded and now exposed. She twisted and the blade met only hard chain-mail, and was turned. She brought her sword arm down hard in an attempt to knock him senseless with the hilt. Before the blow hit he used the blunt curve of his axe to sweep her supporting leg, which sent her sprawling and the blow wayward. Still the force of it caused him to stagger and unable to press his advantage. The warrior shook his head to regain his senses but the Sister had already recovered and flipped herself back on to her feet from her shoulders. --Fucking showoff!-- They circled once more, weapons raised, and both considered their next move.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAgain, the Sister attacked first. This time a series of impressive spins, pirouettes, jumps, and rolls accompanied the thrusts, slashes and stabs that had the warrior reeling. He was barley able to keep up with the pace of the Sister’s sword that was merely a blur of steel-grey, punctuated by flashes of red-orange light as the early sun reflected from its razor sharp edge. --She’s keen for the kill.-- Sure enough she overstepped and slipped on a wet patch of mud, he took advantage and thrust his axe at her head.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was a hard, upwards blow that snapped her head backwards and took her helmet clean off. --Ha, good strike!-- Slowly she turned her head back towards him. Her face was a criss-cross of scars, some long healed and pale, others fresh and vivid. The blow had bloodied her nose and she regarded him with her amber eyes; it looked like something bordering on respect, or possibly just rage. He levelled a swing at her now unprotected head but, lightening quick, she ducked and rolled under the axe, and slashed at his underarm. --What the fuck?-- The pain was immediate and the ooze of warm blood quickly followed. His grip failed and the axe fell to the ground. He managed to stagger a few strides backwards before the strength in his legs failed and he sank to his knees. --Damn.--\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe Sister smiled, and raised her sword for the death blow. He threw his dagger in a futile effort to stop her, she parried it with ease, and closed the distance. The warrior shut his eyes and thought only of Her. --Pale blue eyes wreathed in gold, red hair that shone in the sun, and that smile…-- But death was not forthcoming. He chanced a glance with an eye. The tip of the Sister’s blade was but a finger’s breadth from his nose, held impossibly steady in mid-air. She was paralysed, stiff as stone, her face set in an hard grimace.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“So Sven, how many times is that now, I’ve lost count?” asked a very welcome, albeit annoying voice from behind.", "The Tavern\n\nWith a satisfied sigh, Hendrick sat down at his table, sloshing his ale over the side as he leaned back heavily in his seat. He closed his eyes and drank a long deep mouthful of the bitter sweet amber liquid, foam clinging to his beard. No sooner did the flagon pull away from his lips did he hear the stomping of boots approach his table. He opened his eyes to see a man, teeth bared, right hand on the hilt of his sword. His opposite hand pulling his hood back over a shining bald head riddled with scars. \n\n\"C'mon mate,\" Hendrick grinned, raising his hands in an offer of embrace, \"there's no need-\n\nThe bald man wrenched up the heavy table with his left hand, toppling it over onto its side. As the table smashed on its edge he was already drawing his blade from its sheath with his right hand, but Hendrick was too quick - he threw his ale into the man's face blinding him for the breath of a moment it took him to slam the hilt back down with the bottom of his flagon, sending the sword back home. Hendrick raised his legs up into his chest and launched the attacker with both legs back onto another table. Had the tavern had any other patrons this early in the day there might have been a full on brawl by now. \n\nBy the time the bald headed man shook foam from his eyes he was already having his head knocked side to side, Hendrick pounding him once, twice, three times, the back of his bald head slamming back into the table he was pressed against. As Hendrick reached back to hit his attacker once more, the bald man hunched his chin down and head butted Hendricks fist before it could strike his face, making Hendricks cry out in pain. This gave the bald man enough time to roll to his right off the side of the table, drawing his sword as he did. The blade sang as the metal left the sheath, and pointed menacingly at Hendrick.\n\n\"Who are you?\" Hendrick said shaking pain from his hand. \n\n\"Raller,\" he said simply.\n\nConfusion washed over Hendrick's face and he grinned as he drew out a short sword from a sheath across his back with his left hand, and with his right hand he pulled a dagger from a sheath across his chest. He flipped the dagger up, catching it in a reverse grip and swung his left arm holding the sword at Raller. The hairless man jerked back, the blade missing his throat by inches, he could feel the air rush under his chin where it passed.\n\nHendrick spun on his left foot using the momentum from his swing and brought the dagger round in his right hand - Raller blocked the slash with a vambrace of his opposite arm and raises his sword to deflect as Hendrick completed his spin, bringing his left hand down in an arc, blades clashing together. Raller brought a knee up, but had it knocked away by Hendrick's fist clutching the dagger, the blade scraping against Raller's light armor. As his foot touched back down he shoved Hendrick back with his sword, toppling him off balance. Not wasting time, he lunged forward as Hendrick fell back, raising his sword to cleave him on the ground. Hendrick was quick and agile, he rolled back in a somersault bringing his blades crisscrossing up, catching Raller's sword in between his. Raller twisted his blade free and tried to bring it up in an under slash under Hendrick's chin, but had it slapped to the side in a quick parry of the short sword as Hendrick stood up from his crouch. \n\n\"Why are you trying to kill me?\" Hendrick panted, \"I've not wronged you.\"\n\nRaller stood, his feet spread wide as his left shoulder, and free hand raised defensively as the blade leveled across his chest from his right hand - ready for a lunge. \n\n\"You do not recognize me?\" Raller grinned, blood coating his teeth from being hit in the face.\n\nRaller plunged his right hand out, sending his blade towards Hendrick's chest, getting deflected by the dagger. Hendricks used Raller's own momentum against him and tipped his short sword up, sliding it in between his ribs. \n\n\"That was stupid,\" Hendrick sighed, \"no wonder your melon is so scarred up. How many fights have you lost?\"\n\nThe man didn't answer, sliding off Hendrick's blade, slumping down into a heap, dead on the floor.", "She threw a left hook, one that was weaker than the rest. “You knew!” She yelled, her anger and exhaustion evident. “You knew what would happen!” Another punch easily dodged.\n\n“I never knew,” I sighed, hoping to convince her to stop so I could save my energy for tonight. “All I did know was that I shouldn’t try the pie and that I should stay home that night.” I ducked under another swing. The sun was about to dip below the horizon, meaning the that either way, I would have to start going on the offensive.\n\n“How did you know that? You couldn’t have know unless you planned it!” \n\nMy next moves revealed themselves to me. “Gut feeling! That’s how!” I tumbled to the side as she charged me, her now clawed fingers narrowly missing my throat. \n\n“That’s not how it works!” Her voice was lower, more like a growling dog. Not to mention she was beginning to look more like one. \n\nMy eyes were drawn to the side of her now furred neck, that single spot seeming to glow. “You know, maybe we could discuss this at dawn? When you aren’t trying to kill me?”\n\n“This isn’t up for discussion!” She lunged again, and I, instead of rolling out of reach, did the same. She slashed at me, once again, missing by a hair. My turn. I grabbed the now outstretched arm and used my forward momentum to swing myself onto her back, then with the flat of my hand, struck the glow on her neck. She fell flat, now unconscious.\n\nI took a couple moments to catch my breath, knowing what chaos was about to occur. Soon, a cacophony of howls filled the night. I let my head droop as I grunted. Being the only human in a town of wolves is tiring when the moon is full.", "I took a heavy, labored breath as I clutched my stomach tightly - a searing burst of pain caused me to let out a sharp hiss. I looked down and saw the blood pouring out of my wound - buckshot, straight to the gut. It had to be buckshot, didn't it? I gritted my teeth, grabbed a roll of duct tape from my satchel, and wrapped it around my stomach. It won't hold. But it will give me a minute. I just need a bit more time.\n\nWith the rag-tag triage finished, I reached for my revolver and started loading more bullets in, one by one. My moves were methodical and automatic, and I used this moment to try and scan my surroundings. The block of concrete I was crouched behind was starting to crumble under the saturated fire the gangsters were dishing out - just how much ammo did these bastards bring? I clicked the cylinder of my gun back into place and looked at the holographic display on my arm. It calculated that at the current rate, the blood loss will rob me of my consciousness within 3 minutes and spell my destruction. I had to move fast.\n\nI rummaged through my satchel and pulled out the last two pieces of equipment I had - a small cylinder with a button on top, and a flashbang. My eyes laid on the two items for a while as I calculated the best plan I could. I took one last deep breath and clutched the cylinder tightly in my hand before tossing the flashbang over my cover.\n\n*\\Bang\\**\n\nWith the explosion still ringing in my ears, I vaulted over the block and took two quick shots at the first man I saw - first missed, second hit his throat. He was thrown back to the wall by the impact.\n\nI landed on my feet and rushed to the closest man, noting that their numbers were higher than I thought. The pain from my wound was excruciating and I faintly heard my arm monitor beep in emergency mode. Without losing any momentum from my run, I punched the mobster in the throat and grabbed him. I now had a shield. Just a few more seconds.\n\nWith one arm around the man, I extended the other and took two more shots at the closest target. Both hit him in the chest. Both bounced off. Subdermal kevlar implant. Of course. As he recovered from the force of the impact, he raised his weapon and fired at me, ignoring his comrade. I kicked my shield at him while he could still stand and rushed over as he fell to the ground. I crouched with one knee on his torso holding him in place and put my gun directly to his head. Two shots rang out. One from my revolver as I split his head open, and another hitting my right arm and knocking me over.\n\nI hit the ground hard. I looked up at the man that hit me - he was holding a compact railgun. I raised my arm to shoot him while still on the ground but felt... odd. My arm was lighter but almost ethereal. I looked over and realized why.\n\nIt was gone. The railgun took it clean off.\n\nI let my head fall back on the floor. I suppose this was it.\n\nThe rest of the gangsters, seeing I was now quite literally disarmed, slowly approached me with their weapons still trained on me. One of them took his mask off. It was Richards.\n\n\"You just had to do it, didn't you? Couldn't just... walk away,\" he said.\n\nI chuckled lightly, the laughter immediately turning to coughing distorted by the blood in my throat.\n\n\"I had to try,\" I replied with a smile.\n\nRichards looked at me with a look of surprisingly sorrowful look. \"I know,\" he said quietly, almost gently. The hologram on my arm ticked down to 16 seconds.\n\n\"Any last words?\" he asked.\n\nI didn't reply. I only smiled, though not joyfully, and opened my palm. The small cylinder rested on it, the button on top softly glowing red. Richards' eyes widened in realization.\n\nBeep\n\nBeep\n\nBeeeeeeeep\n\n\"Boom,\" I said as the thundering sound filled my ears and vaporized everyone in the room.", "Maeve awoke to the stench of death around her. Ropes of silver moonlight slipped in through holes in the ramshackle hut and cast light on the horror before her. A fleshy mass grew in the center of the room, venting black smoke as it wriggled. Tendrils slithered from the edges of the blot and crept along the floorboards, twitching as they extended out. Beside her, a toddler slept soundly unaware that the thing before them, the dreamspawn, was his very own creation.\n\n“Amon,” Maeve said, trying to subdue the terror in her voice. “Bubba, wake up.” She cursed herself for dozing off. She had grabbed most of the elixirs that she made for Amon when they fled Ostencia and gave him a nightly dose to ward off his conjurations as he slept. Except for tonight; exhaustion took her before she could. She pawed around for her potion satchel, eyes still fixed on the sack of flesh, but grasped only leaves that had fallen through the partially collapsed roof. Her eyes darted around scanning the shack for her bag and spotted it behind the dreamspawn. It hung from a jutting plank on the wall.\n\nWrithing tendrils licked her feet now. Maeve pulled the child back toward her and reeled her legs tighter to her body with her back flat against the wall. The creature gurgled and four arms burst from the mass in a bloody eruption that sprayed the walls with black ichor. The elixirs, she knew, were their only chance for survival. Maeve rose to her feet and gathered the splinters of courage darting around in her chest. She then tore past the creature towards her potion satchel. Glass vials clinked as she rummaged through the bag struggling to grab one, her fingers slick with fear. She drew a milk-white potion with a trembling hand and raced back to Amon, dodging a claw as she passed. The sound of dreamspawn’s bones echoed off the walls, cracking and popping into form.\n\nMaeve held the vial up to Amon’s lips “Please, Bubba. Drink this!” He squirmed, eyes still closed. The dreamspawn’s shadow now loomed over them, eclipsing the moonlight. What she heard next made her heart sink to the pit of her stomach. The creature shrieked. Its blood curdling cry sheared the silence, which finally woke Amon with a jolt to the sight before him. Then more screeches just outside the shack joined with the one inside in a terrible symphony. It sounded like two, maybe three, but she couldn't tell for sure. Amon, pale-faced and crying, dug his face into her.\n\nThere’s no way,* she thought. Multiple dreamspaw---\n\nA force sent her flying into a dusty bookshelf as a hot pain flared down her side. Her vision flashed white on impact followed by momentary blackness. Her ribs screamed and her lungs betrayed her attempts to draw breath. The sound of Amon’s cries coupled with the dreamspawn’s snarls, told her that she was still alive. She forced her eyes open and found the creature looming over the boy. It was enormous, at least two of her in length and three in width, with six limbs. Its hind legs hovered a foot above ground; they were tiny compared to the rest of its body. The demon carried itself on two of its thick arms instead and the other two limbs reached for Amon.\n\nMaeve didn’t know what good throwing herself in front of the boy would do, or how she could push through the pain to do it in the first place, but she did it anyway. She shielded Amon with her body, unsheathed a dagger on her thigh, and spoke the rune words etched down the length of blade. The symbols burst alight with golden radiance. The glow cast light on the creatures twisted features and Maeve caught a glimpse of the dreamspawn. It had no eyes, just two black voids where eyes should be. A thick mane, which swayed as though it floated underwater, flanked its ape-like face. It's grinning maw exposed dozens of teeth that jutted out at odd angles. The dreamspawn walked towards them on its forelimbs, each step laced with murderous intent.\n\nAnother cry bellowed through the air, but not of a dreamspawn. The creature swung around only to find a sword, also glowing gold with runes, cleave one of its arms clean at the elbow. It tumbled onto its side, its wound sizzling like frying meat. The demon roared and swiped at its attacker with a good arm. Its talons raked the man across the cheek, sending him reeling. The dreamspawn caught its bearings again and lunged at the swordsman, and its teeth clamped square between his shoulder and head.\n\n\"Leonis!\" She cried.\n\nHelp him! a voice within her said, one she had come to trust. \n\nSo she listened. \n\nShe sprung up, dagger in hand, and lunged towards the back of the creature’s head. The blade found purchase just under the dreamspawn’s skull. The enchanted runes disappeared one-by-one as Maeve pushed deeper into its hissing flesh. The creature released Leonis. It lurched in place for a moment before slumping over lifeless. The swordsman fell to his knees coughing and spitting blood.\n\nMaeve collapsed as well, flat on her back, holding her side. The man scrambled towards Amon and wrapped his arms around the weeping boy. He kissed Amon’s forehead as only a father could. “Its okay, son,” he said, “They’re gone.”\n\nMaeve crawled to her satchel and extracted two vials, each containing a viscous red fluid, and drank one. The pain in her ribs numbed. She passed the other to Leonis. “They’re not,” she said. “I heard more outside.”\n\nLeonis downed his potion too. The wounds on his face and neck shrunk, as skin began to stitch around the gash. “Not anymore.” he said. It was then that Maeve noticed his coat, which was slick with a fluid too dark to be his blood. She watched his expression change from gratitude to something resolute. He rose steadily to his feet, picked Amon up, and held out a hand to Maeve. “There’s no time. we need to get to the caves,” he said, “I saw torches in the forest.”\n\nMaeve didn’t ask why, she knew. The commotion would likely draw them. Not dreamspawn, but people; a different sort of demon. Synod Inquisitors were the real reason they fled their home a fortnight ago. And without another word, the three of them escaped into the night.", "william is on the lookout for any shady figures on the rooftops, he suddenly hears a gunshot coming from the town center, he rushes from rooftop to rooftop only to find the dead body of one of his men surrounded by civilians panicking, he feels angry how he was too late and before he could think of anything else his peripheral vision sees a flash of light from the inside of a house, he ducks down and the shot hits the chimney behind him\n“a fucking trap”\nhe exclaims, he dashes at the opposite direction and jumps on a balcony to get inside a house, as soon as he’s in he pulls out his transmitter but to tell his men to not follow the gunshots and to stay hidden but he receives no response, he hopes that it’s because they’re trying to hide and before any further notice a window breaks and he hears a gunshot, two men get inside the house looking for him, he quickly turns on his radio and puts it under the a table and hides behind the kitchen counter, while hiding he hears more windows breaking, realizing that the enemy is also searching for him in the other side of the house he stays hidden trying to think something but the thinking stops when the two men get near the table, they hear the radio static sounds so one shoots under the table and pulls the blanket on the table to look under but he gets shot in the face from the kitchen counter, the other man shoots at the counter and when he attempts to take cover william shoots him but the panicked shot hits the gun which falls under the table, william takes the chance torun towards the man, tackling him on the floor he attempts to retrieve the gun, the man pulls out a knife and stabs his leg, william grabs the radio throwing it towards the man but which startles him for a minute, he struggles as the man attempts to stab his legs and the other team is coming from the other room, he manages to free one of his legs and kicks the man on the face and he manages to get him off and grab the gun, the man is bleeding because of the spiked boots and then gets shot, suddenly the other team gets in the room, he shoots towards the door keeping them out, he pushes the table so he can get a little cover, he crawls over to the sofa and he has two options, he sees a window and is thinking of retreating but he the other teams starts shooting at the table, he sees the corpse of the soldier and pulls it towards him, he uses a drug to negate the pain of his leg and grabs the soldier and by putting him in front of him he runs towards the other group consisting of two men, he shoots one while running and the other hides but as he’s getting closer he falls, he quickly gets behind the wall, at the other corner there’s the enemy, whoever strikes first has a higher chance of victory and death, he decides to jump in and shooths the man at point blank range but also gets shot two times in the lower abdomen, one hitting his kidney, the other hitting just the skin, he crawls to the window and sees that he’s surrounded by soldiers on the rooftops waiting for him to make his leave.\n\nedit: this is my first story ever so it’s probably bad, i just recently got into writing and i’d like any tips available. sorry about the grammatical errors as well", "\"Raise your weapons, you filthy bug!”\n\n“Oh, I'll smash ya stinky insect butt, Gonzales, you shithead!”\n\nTwo mantises fighted in the parking lot. Their scynthes swinging on their opponent like two hysterical ladies slapping each other. Nobody watched, apart from two disoccupied flies who lunched on a piece of gum stuck in the asphalt.\n\n“Frank, what's going on over there?” asked a small black fly.\n\n“The brown and the green want the same partner, Mike, so they're fighting for it.” said Frank, the bigger black fly.\n\n“Oh.” \n\n“I don't see why, though.” said Frank.\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Female mantises bite the head of their partners off and the deposit eggs on their headless body.”\n\n“What.”\n\n“Yup, these guys are fighting for who gets to get laid and die first. We eat literal shit, but at least we don't need to pass through that kind of embarrassment.”\n\n“You will now feel pain!” said the green mantis, striking his foe with all his might. He faintly hit him in the head to not harm his claw.\n\n The brown mantis fell on his back, but in a jump got up.\n\n“Ya gonna pay for that, just watch!!”\n\nThe brown mantis took a flight. His thin wings rapidly flapping to get his tiny body in the air. He stopped only after he was 4 meters above in the air, feeling like a brown angel ready to descent and strike his adversary down. He dived, feeling the air hit his face. He could the stactic, scared face of his opponent. Soon, after the battle was over, he and Marietta would finally be together, forever. Or, to better put, until she chewed his head off. He released his battle cry: \n\nTHIS \nIS \n#OVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!\n\nHe hit right into the car's roof. Unfortunately, exactly as he was flying down for his attack, a purple fiat uno got right into his way. The green mantis, seeing that his rival had disappeared from air after the car passes over him, realised he was gone.\n\n“Ha, ha, ha! I did it! Henrietta, I won! Victor is invictus!”\n\nHenrietta, a big green mantis, who was boringly flipping through The Daily Bug while her bachelor's brawled, took her eyes out of the appropriately mantis sized magazine and looked at her champion, Victor. She got up from her appropriately mantis sized beach chair and walked towards him. Victor ran to the huge deadly claws of his amor.\n\n“Now we can be togETHE- AAAAAAAH, OH GOD, AAAAAH! AAAAAH! AAAAAH!”\n\nShe feasting on his head, breaking and cracking his exoskeleton with her mandíbules.\n\n“Wow, ma'am,” said Frank. “Not even took him for dinner first?”\n\n“He is my dinner, asshole.” said Henrietta, with a piece of Victor's eyes ok her mouth. “I mean, I could've, but these clowns have been fighting for over an hour already and I got hungry.” \n\nShe resumed to foundly appreciate her lunch husband in silence. \n\nBill, a grey old fly, with almost 20 hours of existence, landed on side of Frank and Mike. \n\n“That's why I never married; women are all killers.”\n\n“Shut up, Bill!” screamed Mike and Frank at the old fly." ]	12
	[WP] Ever since you lost—and then found—your phone, you’ve felt like someone’s watching you through it. Your friend says he found your phone, and hands you a phone that’s almost an exact copy. They’re both your phone…but you suddenly realize that the one you’ve been using is…breathing. Alive.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 stared, deadpan, down at my phone for a while. \".....Emeric. Is that you?\"\n\nAlton stared at me. \"Who--?\" I held up a finger to silence him. \n\nA message dinged in the breathing phone. I opened up the messenger app and stared at the unknown number, with the response \"...no?\"\n\n\"Emeric. Did you hide my phone?\"\n\nDing! \".... no....\" \n\nI sighed. \"Emeric. Stop playing around. Open your eye-- or eyes this time, I don't care how many you have, and stop pretending to be my phone.\" \n\nThe camera lens opened, slit in half like an eyelid, to reveal a very guilty-looking eyeball. \n\nAlton yelped, scrambled back, and hit my front door. \"What the fuck is that?!\" \n\n\"Relax, Alton. Emeric won't hurt you,\" I sighed as the little rectangle flexed and shifted while Emeric thought of what to turn into next. \"He's a house mimic. Er-- not a house mimic, like a mimic that can turn into a house, but like... how a domestic cat is a house cat. That kind of thing.\" \n\n\"He's-- a domestic--?\" Alton squeaked, staring as Emeric decided that spatula was the form he wanted to take on next. He warped, stretched, and snapped back into a silvery rectangle. \n\n\"Not exactly. He is now, but he wasn't always. He came with the house... poor thing was lonely.\" I patted the spatula head and a soft chattering noise echoed about the room. \"I make him hide when I have guests over, but... I guess he wanted out. I'd been worried about him... sometimes I don't see him for a day or so but he always turns up. I was starting to get concerned.\" I glared at the spatula. \"What if someone else saw you?! You'd get experimented on.\" \n\n\"You're-- you're talking like this is normal, Jess-- mimics aren't-- they're fiction! Fantasy! Something you see in... in Dark Souls or something! Not-- you're not supposed to just find one living in your house!!\" \n\n\"And where do you think people writing that fiction got the idea?\" I asked calmly, setting Emeric down on the back of the couch. \"Look, Alton... there's a lot that's real that you don't know about. And that's okay... but if I'm going to tell you everything, then I'm going to need you to promise me that you won't tell anyone else. The modern world isn't really all that ready for this.\"" ]	2
	[WP] And on the 8th day, The Lord awoke.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 cast his gaze out through the smoke and there at last he sighed and spoke,\n\n\"O Jesus Christ, what have these beings done?\"\n\nFor already humans had begun causing trouble. The world God had just finished creating was already in chaos because of these His most problematic creations. They were the servants of that fallen angel Satan it would unfortunately seem.\n\nGod sighed and with a wave of his hand flooded the world so he could drown the humans like rats. If some survived, his will dictated that they be of pure heart and let only sons and daughters of Eve die who felt the temptation of Satan and that of sin...\n\nSurely that would work out." ]	2
	[WP] God had a contingency plan for when he died. Unfortunately, you triggered it when you killed him out of revenge.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten blah blah blah. Do you have any idea how draining it is to love billions of lower life forms who constantly disrespect you at every turn? But that’s why I have you isn’t it you little Shit-worm?”\n\n“Shit-worm.” It’s what he called me. Those words rang in my head ever since I first met him. I was only 6. His first visit was frightening at the time but pretty tame in hindsight. He came by the house to introduce himself and beat the crap out of me. My mom thought I was lying. I resented her for not believing me but how could she? If your kid told you that God took human form, came over to the house and beat them up, would you believe them? Not likely.\n\nA week or so after that first visit the archangel Gabriel showed up. He told me that I was chosen for a great purpose. I was the “Celestial Scapegoat.” He said “Our Lord is truly loving and selfless. But centuries of human disobedience and irreverence began to wear on him emotionally. In heaven we were concerned that he would return to his wrathful ways your ancestors wrote about in the Old Testament. About four centuries ago, we came up with the Celestial Scapegoat. In order for our Lord to continue to bestow His love upon His creation, He needed an outlet for His anger. One human in all the world to take the brunt of His wrath so that He may love the rest unconditionally.” \n\n“Not a bad deal” I thought. “I take a few beatings so that God can do His job. Ok.” You have to understand, my parents had me deeply involved in church back then. Two services a week plus Sunday School. I was taught that God was perfect and just, that we were sinners and need to serve Him. I was happy to serve. I had no idea what I was getting into.\n\nThe visits became worse. A hit and run driver killed my dog when I was 8. My best friend fell off the roof of his house when I was 10. I heard the cops saying that he was pushed but supposedly no one was with him when he fell.\n\nHe wouldn’t always visit personally. My dad died of a stroke when I was 11. A note appeared on my dresser: “Sorry for your loss, Shit-worm.” My mom became an alcoholic, then an addict. We moved in with her dealer who beat the ever-loving-crap out of me every day when he wasn’t making me package product for him. An endless stream of tragedy and public embarrassment followed me through my early twenties. I would constantly get injured, lose jobs or lose friends. Every so often I would hear His voice. “How did that go, Shit-worm?” “Lose another job, Shit-worm?” I stopped going to church long ago and began to hate Him. I don’t think I felt a single moment of happiness until I met her.\n\nCassandra. A perfect human being if there ever was one. The day I met her, His visits abruptly stopped. Around her, I started to allow myself to feel happy. We fell in love in no time. We dated, moved in together and shared three years of near constant bliss. One more year passed and I was confident that He was done with me. Maybe He got bored, moved onto someone else. I felt safe enough to propose. \n\nThe wedding was perfect. Dozens of our closest friends came to celebrate with us. Not a cloud in the sky. Right before we said our vows, the officiant said “If anyone objects to this union speak now-“ Before he could finish, a bolt of lightning came down and struck her. On a clear cloudless day, my perfect Cassandra was reduced to ashes and bone by a bolt of lightning. I heard His voice in my ear. “You think I was done with you, Shit-worm?” His laughter echoed in my head for hours.\n\nYears passed. I fell off the grid. Made a few questionable deals and tried to disappear. I distanced myself from everyone and everything. I thought that if I could punish myself enough, maybe He would stop.\n\nI awoke this afternoon to the sound of plywood being ripped from the doorframe downstairs. My head was pounding from a nightmare hangover. At first I thought it was the cops coming to kick me out of the vacant house I was sleeping in. I wasn’t so lucky.\n\n“Oh shiiiit-wooooorm.” He called as He came up the stairs. He stepped into the room. “How ya doing buddy? Still living in your own filth?” I could barely move, let alone reply. It’s been hours since my last drink. The nausea was overpowering. “This’ll be no fun if you can’t participate.” He snapped his fingers and my hangover was gone. I was stone cold sober. No pain. No nausea. I hadn’t felt this great in years. I was terrified. He never does me any favors. “I wanted you on your A-game for this one, Shit-worm. I brought you something.” He yelled into the hallway “He’s in here.” My heart was in my throat as she walked in. \n\nCassandra. My Cassandra. Flawless as the day I met her with an almost otherworldly glow. She stretched out her arms “Come here honey.” \n\nSlowly, nervously, I approached her. “Cass?” I whimpered. \n\n“It’s all over honey.” she said. “Come here.” I ran to embrace her. As I closed in, I was sent flying into the wall. She backhanded me clear across the room with a strength I had never seen in her. She laughed at me. \n\n“Oh, God was right. You really are a pathetic little piece of crap aren’t you? I want you to know it was all fake. Everything. I never loved you. Our Lord just gave me a job. Build you up so he could knock you back down. Not that anyone ever could love you, right Shit-worm?”\n\n“Shit-worm.” Hearing those words come out of her mouth was more than I could bear. I had nothing. I was nothing. There was nothing He could take from me and still, He found a way to get me and make it hurt. I lost control and screamed “Shut up and leave me alone!!!!!” \n\nHis face became more serious than I’ve ever seen. He pushed right up against me, barely concealing His rage. I hadn’t been this close to Him in years. “I will leave you alone when I’m damn good and ready, Shit-worm. You exist for this purpose and only this.” This was my chance. As he laid into me I fumbled in my pocket for my knife. He was still monologuing when I pulled it out.\n\n“You have got to be joking.” He laughed. “I created the universe. You think you can do anything with that? I think I might’ve finally broke you.” I was shaking. \n\n“You broke me a long time ago.” I replied.\n\nHis face suddenly lit up. “I got an idea, Shit-worm. I’ll give you one free shot. You swing your little knife there and see what happens. If you kill me, you’re free. If you don’t, you have to watch me drill your dead fiancé.” I nodded in agreement. I had nothing to lose. He was still laughing as I raised the knife. The laughing stopped when the knife came down.\n\nA moment of stunned silence passed as His expression changed from amusement to fear. He dropped to His knees as blood and white light flowed from his chest. \n\n“H-h-how?” He choked. \n\nI rolled up my sleeve and showed him the symbol of the Morningstar carved into my forearm. “I guess the all-knowing God doesn’t know everything.” I sneered. \n\nHe struggled to breathe. “L-lucifer…doesn’t have t-the power to-“ \n\n“No he doesn’t.” I explained. “But when you exiled him, he made friends elsewhere.” In that moment, He realized what I meant and I saw terror in the face of God.\n\n“I sold my soul to Lucifer for an audience with his new friends, The Old Ones. They gave me the power to kill a god in exchange for certain assurances.” \n\nHe tried to regain His composure. “Wait, wait. Shit-wo—Um Robert! You don’t understand what you’re doing. “If I die, the Horsemen get released!” \n\n“I know about your Four Horsemen, I’ve read your book.” I said. \n\n“No, Robert! There’s a plan for the end of times. The Anti-Christ, a war, the righteous separated from the wicked and billions of souls saved. If the Horsemen are released early and without my direction, they won’t just smite the wicked, they kill everyone!” \n\nI smiled for the first time in decades. “I know. I’m counting on it. We worked it all out. I kill you, The Horsemen wipe out all life on Earth, Lucifer gets your throne in Heaven and the Old Ones have their way with the rest of the universe.” \n\nHe struggled to his feet still clutching his chest. “Ok ok ok so you hate me, that makes sense. But you can’t really want to condemn billions of people to eternal suffering.” \n\nMy blood boiled. I seized Him by the throat and slammed Him against the wall. “YOU THINK I CARE ABOUT THE BILLIONS OF PEOPLE YOU BOTHERED TO LOVE!? WHY SHOULD THEY GET TO BASK IN YOUR GLOW WHEN ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN IS SUFFERING!?” \n\n“Please.” He cried. “You can have anything! You want Cassandra back? She’s yours!” \n\nI pulled Him in close. “I sold my soul twice and waited years for you to let your guard down so this could happen. Nothing you can say is stopping this now.” Before He could make another sound I plunged my knife into His neck and slit His throat.\n\nHis body fell to the ground and crumbled into dust. Cassandra gave me one last horrified look as the same thing happened to her. A dark figure slid into the room. “I wasn’t sure you had it in you.” he said. \n\n“A deal is a deal, Lucifer.” I replied. The ground started to shake and we heard the sound of trumpets in the distance. \n\n“I guess we should get out of here. Things are about to get messy.” Lucifer said with a chuckle. \n\n“Not yet.” I said. \n\n“The whole world is ending, Robert. What could you possibly wanna do now?” \n\n“Take me somewhere with a view.” I said. “I wanna watch it all burn down.”" ]	2
	[WP] To the shock of the detective, the cult that worships the elder god...doesn't want to destroy the world. The reason? "Well, how else are we going to get new members?"	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 air of the necropolis was damp, a lingering smell of mildew mixing with the detective's torch as he padded forward quietly. In his other hand he held a pistol, a simple revolver, the hammer cocked and ready to deliver its deadly promise. The black stones of the floor, encrusted with filth from millennia of neglect, showed him the direction the cultists had gone. For months he'd tracked them, from the rickety warehouses at Boston's port, up the coast to Maine. It was there that he'd located the necropolis, the rumored home of the Black Hand. Finally, after almost a year of investigating the cult, he'd find out why his partner had been murdered back in Boston.\n\nEach step caused fear to build in his body, bubbling up from the deep, dark places of his soul to invade. The crucifix he'd worn since his childhood, given to him by his grandfather before he passed, lent a heartening weight to his chest. Phantoms flitted at the corners of his vision and his aim roamed wildly around the hallway as he walked. Ahead the sounds of chanting and chains could be heard, the smell of incense wafting through the hall. An unholy buzzing filled his ears, like thousands of bees in flight. Step by agonizing step he headed towards the dancing light of a brazier down the darkened hall. The shadows flickered and writhed atop long dead bodies that had been been left to decay. The detective stops, puts out his torch, grips his pistol tightly in both hands to steady his aim. But as he peers through the opening at the end of the tunnel, his mind is not prepared for the sight that greets him.\n\nThe cult members stand arrayed around a single man, each holding aloft a large, red candle. In the center of their circle the man sits upon a small throne of dark wood, flecked with bits of fallen gold, a long dying patina of foil. Upon his head wrests a wooden crown and before him a table with plates of dull silver. The cultists lift their hands, the flames on the wicks gyrating with the motion as they chant. \n\n\"Idwa aqualish amenaheia q'ell qoresta! Idwa aqualish amenaheia q'ell qoresta!\" Behind the man the leader of the cult steps forward, bearing a large copper bladed dagger, it's hilt a jagged piece of black wood that more resembled bone. \n\n\"Ji ah ma'quasavasith!\" He shouts, his black robes flaring out, the hook nosed mask he's wearing tilting back. The mask is white, in stark contrast to the robes, the carved features wild and exaggerated. A great beast of a thing, it's mouth wide and open and swallowing all that came before it. \n\nT'claemaolaxan, the ancient being worshiped by the descendants of the Mayans that had migrated from the area around Mexico City millennia ago. Portrayed with a great open beak of a mouth to swallow the world whole. Instead of claws it had fingers, ten on each of its four hands and two feet. Within its beak a twisted pile of tongues writhed, a mass of rotten worms. The detective had seen dozens of these motifs, the image etched into the walls of the necropolis, and in the bizarre drawings he'd found in his late partner's journal. They had been what set him into motion on this.\n\nHe leaps forward, ready to end this nightmare once and for all. \"Stop!\" he shouts, his pistol moving wildly between each of the cultists \"Nobody move!\" \n\nThe cultists are stunned, one man shouting in fear when the gun is pointed at him and dropping his candle. \"Don't shoot!\" he begs, near to tears. The detective blinks, his mind buffeted by confusion. \"You're lucky I don't, you pieces of shit! You murderous scum!\" \n\nIt's the cult's leader who speaks now, his turn to be confused, \"I'm sorry, but what are you talking about?\" He's lowered the knife and the man in the crown seems confused as well.\n\n\"Come here!\" the detective says, motioning at the victim, \"I won't let them murder you!\"\n\nThe cult members look from one to another and back at the man in the crown. \"Frank, do you know this guy?\" The man in the center looks bewildered and shakes his head. \"Ok, do you mind explaining to us what's going on?\" The leader asks, removing his mask. Underneath is the face of the kindly mayor of the small town the necropolis was built over. He scratches at the bit of white stubble on his cheek, his confusion rapidly turning into annoyance.\n\nThe detective steadies himself a bit, eyes roaming back and forth between the cult members and the man they'd called Frank. \"What do you mean explain to you!? You explain to me! You were about to sacrifice that guy!\" \n\nAt this everyone laughs, Frank chiming in with \"What? No they weren't.\" The gun barrel dips a small amount. \"Then what were they doing?\" the detective asks, jerking his chin towards the knife and chair. The cult leader coughs slightly and rolls a small serving cart forward. \"It's Frank's birthday.\" A small cake sits on top of the cart. Chocolate with strawberries on top. \"Happy Birthday Frank\" written in yellow icing. \"Yellow icing?\" the detective asks, confused. \"Hey, yellows my favorite color. Don't judge.\" Frank says, more than a little miffed as he crosses his arms. The detective mumbles an apology.\n\n\"Then what was the chanting?\" he asks, waving his gun at the mask \"The outfits? The fucking knife!?\" The cultists appear nervous as he waves the gun towards them. \"Could you just... not?\" the leader asks, shying back from the apparently insane person waving a weapon at them.\n\nRealizing he's been using a loaded weapon as a pointer, the detective has the good grace to look abashed. Another mumbled apology and he lowers the gun's barrel to point at the floor. His grip does not diminish on it though. \"The 'chanting' as you so blithely belittle it was happy birthday in the Most Ancient of Tongues.\" the leader informs him, arms crossing and nose rising a little in the air. \"So you were singing happy birthday\" the detective says nodding at the cake \"to Frank, in I'm sorry, the Most Ancient of Tongues?\" The cult leader nods, the hood of his robe that he'd lowered when removing his mask bouncing slightly. The gun comes back up, the detective's voice hardening \"Then that just means Frank is part of your cult. Part of your plot to end the world and feed us to your evil bird god.\"\n\nThe phrases 'cult' and 'bird god' have a profound, and negative, effect on the mood of the room. Several of the cultists, including Frank, become very agitated, beginning to go into what a list of explanations on how they weren't a cult that had clearly been practiced many times before. Others take offense at the idea of T'claemaolaxan being referred to as a 'bird god'. \"Um, actually,\" says one of them who has perched a pair of glasses on top of his mask's nose precariously, \"T'claemaolaxan is an ancient being from beyond time and space. They're not a 'bird' anymore than a dinosaur would have been a bird.\" The cult, er, religious order as they preferred, gave a collective chuckle at the in-joke. \"Also we have no interest in destroying the world.\" Frank stated flatly. Clearly they had dealt with these types of accusations before. \"If we destroy the world, where would we keep our stuff. And we'd have to kill our families if we destroyed the world by virtue of just not having a world.\" said the leader as the group collectively nodded along. \"I... I thought you were all trying to destroy the world and your reward is to be eaten by your great bird god first.\" the detective states, confusion writ across his features.\n\n\"What the hell kind of reward is that?!\" Frank demands, equally confused. \"And besides, who'd worship T'claemaolaxan if we destroyed the Earth? How would we get new members?\"\n\n\"Yeah!\" say the other cult-- er, monks?, priests?, order members?,-- say the other members. \"Besides, how would we even destroy the whole world?\" one of the still masked members ask. At this point the detective is forced to re-evaluate his premises, so he pulls the diary of his dead partner out and presents it. \"My partner, Detective Rick Anis was murdered almost a year ago at the port of Boston. I found this notebook of his with details about your... group, in it. Including these insane drawings.\" The high priest takes the journal, looking it over. \"Yeah, Rick was a member but we didn't kill him. How'd he get murdered? Was he stabbed? The port isn't exactly safe.\"\n\nThe detective sheepishly replies \"The coroner said it was a heart attack.\"\n\n\"Oh come on!\" Frank shouts, exasperated. \"All respect to Rick, because he was a friend and I loved him, but I told him a million times his diet was gonna kill him. The man basically ate nothing but red meat all the time and when it wasn't meat it was cheese. He was basically a coronary waiting to happen.\" The rest of the group nods, their arms folding across their chest. The gun finally relaxes a bit in the detective's grip and he's forced, somewhat embarrassingly, to put the weapon back in its holster. \"So you're not a cult of evil cultists bent on destroying the world.\" The men shake their heads as a group. \"And the ancient, eldritch being from beyond time and space you worship isn't trying to destroy the Earth.\"\n\n\"Of course not.\" the head priest replies \"I mean, is the ancient, eldritch being from beyond time and space you worship trying to destroy the Earth?\" he asks, pointing at the detective's crucifix. The Catholic's knee jerk reaction is to respond that he doesn't worship an eldritch being beyond time and space, but upon a more careful contemplation of the words, realizes that they are as accurate as when he said them to the other men. Instead, he nods and apologizes before taking his leave, the scuffling of the stone under his boots no longer menacing, the shadows not pressing in quite so much as he does so.", "\"That which is not dead can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even death may die,\" the cultist quoted. \"Really, does that sound like a god of death and destruction to you? Because to me it sounds like it's talking about immortality.\"\n\n\"Not really, now that you mention it. In my defense, I didn't read the book too closely because if I stared at it for too long I started wanting to claw my eyes out.\"\n\n\"Oh! You got one of the really old books, then. The old cults used to put all sorts of nasty defensive magic on them to try and protect their secrets. Our church uses Al-Murad's New Revised and Dispelled translation. This stuff makes a lot more sense when you can read it in plain English, let me tell you. I've got a copy right over here.\"\n\nShe pulled a heavy book from her shelf. The bookbinder had clearly tried to mimic the look of an ancient grimoire bound with human skin, but since it was actually bound with printed cardboard it ended up looking like a tasteless D&D manual.\n\nThe investigator peeked at the first page very carefully, then looked away. Then he sheepishly turned past the copyright page and took another look. When nothing jumped out to eat his sanity, he began flipping through it quickly.\n\n\"If you're looking for the Awful Truths of the Elder Gods, that should be in chapter 54, near the back.\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you.\" The investigator thumbed forwards and began reading.\n\n\"Oh wow, it even has annotations. While commonly translated as \"awful,\" scholarly comparisons to the Dead Sea Scrolls suggest the original meaning was \"revelatory\" or \"awe-inspiring.\" Interesting.\"\n\nHe flipped a few pages forward. \"While an important part of cultic tradition, the Rite of Astral Calling is now considered to be obsolete. The Elder Gods are already here, waiting in the depths of the seas, and it is therefore impossible to beckon them from the depths of space. This translation follows the modern practice of using \"ehkreh\" (I praise) instead of \"ehk'ral\" (I call) to acknowledge the myriad spirits of void and night without accidentally demanding their service.\"\n\nHe looked up at the cultist. \"Really? One word? One word different was what led to an outbreak of eyeball-eating monsters in the 1910s? I swear, these fucking cults.\"\n\n\"It was such a waste,\" the cultist said sadly. \"They had this twisted idea that this was what was supposed to happen, that if you summoned horrible monsters that ate people then that meant you were right because the spell was working. And it kept happening, because people would rather feed their enemies to a monster than ask why the monsters existed in the first place.\"\n\n\"So, why do you worship these creatures?\" He waved his hands nervously. \"I mean, I don't mean to insult your religion, you've been very hospitable considering I was creeping around your church at midnight, but...\"\n\n\"Why do we spend our time chanting praises to the terrifying beings that lurk beyond our sight, who are so great and vast that truly comprehending them would bend the mind?\"\n\n\"Yes, that. Sorry.\"\n\n\"Don't be sorry, it's a reasonable question.\" She paused, thinking of how to answer.\n\n\"I'd say... because it's the truth. Because there really is an obsidian palace older than all of humanity hidden beneath the waves in Y'chra Natlua, there really are creatures sleeping in the void between dimensions, there really are people in my congregation who were born with the blood of Mother Ocean in their veins, who can hear her whispers in their dreams. The universe is more vast and strange than any of us know, and humanity will have to confront that as it grows beyond this planet. You cannot hide from the truth forever.\"\n\nThe investigator closed his book with a heavy thump. \"Because eventually the stars will align, the gods will awaken, and we'll all be plunged into screaming insanity?\"\n\n\"Oh, that? Don't worry, that won't happen for another two million years.\"", "”Wait, so... you don’t want to destroy everything?”\n\n”you’ve asked that twice now, investigator. No. I don’t see why you think that.” the cult leader said in her same drawling tone. \n\n\n“Your fellow ’elder god’ cults seem to point otherwise.” the investigator from the crown answered. He swore he would never be surprised again after the sewer incident, but this was definitely new.\n\n”Those cults are all primitives. Blood sacrifice, chanting about eyes in the lake... really the elder god is just about knowledge.” She said casually, seemingly bored with the discussion\n\n”but the eye symbols drawn in blood-“ the instructor insisted, before being cut off\n\n”Cow blood. From a local farm, with permission of the farmer. Simply marking a ritual site for later use.” She interjected.\n\n”And the reported missing persons cases, the dark omens of our diviners, the signs of flooding? What about those?” The investigator pressed\n\n”John and his family went on vacation, apparently his neighbors didn’t get the memo. Your diviners have been seeing a minor disruption caused by a change in the flow of magic. As for the flooding? It’s rain season, investigator. I expected more from you.” Yep, she was definitely bored now. “And if you have no other questions, I must guide a meditation at seven bells, and I cannot be late.”\n\n”Are you serious? Not a hint of malicious intent?” The investigator was scrambling for something to get back to his boss with, now. Another empty handed return wouldn’t be good.\n\n”If I wanted to wipe out your kingdom I wouldn’t be recruiting from it. Good day.” She stood, her blue robes flowing behind her as she stepped out of the room.\n\nsewer incident be damned, this might be the strangest thing the investigator has ever seen." ]	4
	[WP] Your life was always hard:orphan, never fit in with your peers, working hard was never hard enough. Lonley and on the edge of despair, minor crimes became your only way to survive. One day you fell off the roof of the house you just robbed. This is how you found out you are actually immortal...	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "No scratch, no broken bones, no blood, no concussion. Nothing. \nAnd I fell with my head on the front. My head!\nThis explains a lot.\nAfter all, no one could explain why I was the only survivor in the fire that destroyed my house. \nThey called it a miracle.\nIt was not... it was just me.\nAnd this is also why I never felt much hunger, nor cold.\nDeath was a big scare for me. I remember Rob from the orphanage... that messed up kid.\nHe loved to murder animals, and showing them off. He was going to do the same to us peers. \nOh I wish I wasn't scared. I can immagine his surprise, trying to cut off my troath... wait can I really survive it? I should. I mean my head here digged the ground. And there was the fire... should I experiment? No. I am pretty sure I am immortal, but it is still dangerous to try more.\nAnd what about old age? Will I be immortal to that too?\nAnyway, maybe I should stop my robbery days. I don't need this anymore. And I never liked it honestly. \nI hated it indeed.\nMaybe my immortaly will be the right secret to finally find a decent job.\nOf course I won't tell it but... what about doing the stauntman? I can jump off a skyscreeper and be just fine! I bet there is a director somewhere that would like that!\nFinally after years of fear I can breath! This is amazing!" ]	2
	[WP] Rather racist of you to assume I was a human before I became a Lich, don't you think?	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 elven wizard looked at the Lich pointedly, the paladin sighed and walked to the side of the room to lean on the wall while this went on.\n\n\"Actually, no.\" The wizard said as she moved her staff to the crook of her elbow so she could tap out her fingers with her other hand.\n\nUndead spectral coagulation classified as Liches are specifically human or human like. Elven 'ahem' \"Liches\" are called Baleniorns and they are specifically reserved for guarding special locations in the elven holds, yes they can be evil but those are called Lothrings. Dwarven ones are referred to as \"Thalkriuns\" in their tongue it means \"Undead who hides in rocks.\"\n\nThe lich blinked, he didn't expect this to be her answer. He looked to the paladin who shrugged idly.\n\n\"Now halfling and gnomes don't really have words for liches but most of their races refer to them as Vaelgrns, so the rest of us do. As for the 'exotic races' as people refer to them, there is a word often used in their own languages that refer to the concept of a Lich and what they represent. \n\nSo no, when you called yourself a lich, and we were hired to kill a lich You became human or humanoid... So no, it's not racist. If you wanted to be known properly you should be calling yourself your proper name\"" ]	2
	[WP] You commander’s voice was loud and angry “Soldier, you are out of position. Get back to rendezvous point charlie now.” “Can’t” you reply. “Got a side quest.”	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "An endless desolation of rising curves and smoking craters was in front of me. The network of trenches had caved in to the west and the bodies of the men that tried to escape the blast were half buried in dirt. To the north there were crossed posts holding up the tangled gnarls of barbed wire. Hunched silhouettes of stumbling figures were moving in the distant haze, no longer human. The smell of burning dust was in the air. \n\nI looked down at the blood on my leg. I’d gotten off lucky. A bullet to the quadricep had just missed the bone. But, after everything that had happened, the pain was more relief than burden. \n\nDestination ahead, I kept walking.\n\nThe radio crackled at my hip and it was Commander Yew. “Rogers, you are out of position. Get back to base camp now,” he said.\n\n“I can’t do that commander, something I need to take care of first.”\n\n“Wasn’t up for discussion. Come back now, or you’ll be charged. Over.”\n\n“Sorry, but I can’t do that Jim. Not yet. See you on the other side.”\n\nI unclipped the receiver from my belt and neatly wrapped the cord and dropped it to the ground. She couldn’t be far. \n\nThe sun was fading into the smoke like it was a second horizon. At the peak of a mound I stopped and removed the gasmask. Familiar signs were in front of me. “Bella,” I tried to shout, but it was barely a whisper. Reality had been chewing my hope away for miles. If she was out there, she wouldn’t be the same. How could she be? I pushed the last image of her from memory and the pain in my leg came back as a relief. The next step forward would be without anchor. Pure will from here on in. That internal fire that lights itself and forces the body to action no matter how crippled you are. \n\nI was going to find her.\n\n“Bella,” I shouted with everything I had left. I’d seen her crawl behind the truck that was now tipped on its side a hundred paces away. Nothing left for excitement -- here, simply, was my last remaining duty. The few days previous had been an education in expecting the worst. \n\nThe earth crunched beneath my feet as my pace quickened, and something unexpected caught my eye. Among the tangled wires and broken posts and the scorched dirt that smouldered there was a lone sapling, its leaves golden green in an orange spotlight of sun, bent over like a feather in the afternoon breeze.\n\nI reached the truck, and placed my hand on the upturned wheel to make sure it was real. \n\n“Bella...”\n\nMy head was forward slumped and my legs were losing rapidly their last remaining strength. Sudden gunshots somewhere far away, but I couldn’t hear them anymore. I was submerged in the thick substance of a warfront, there, but, not there at all. She was probably as dead as the rest of them. \n\nWas that a whimper I'd heard?\n\nI pushed back and stepped back and limped my way around the back of the truck. What I saw took a moment to register. Tucked behind a boulder, curled, shivering, her body starting to shake, her tail between her legs wagging as she jumped up and ran into my arms with a thump that threw me backwards, it was Bella. My sweet, beautiful Bella.\n\n“Hey girl,” I said as she licked every inch of my face. “Miss me?”", "##Lost Home in the Battlefield\n\nThe land has been stripped bare. Wood and barbed wire form barricades and check points. Flies consume the human and animal corpses, and they breed in the shallow pools of stagnant water. Bullets fly through the air in the hopes of hitting a target. I lie in the trench with my unit thinking of the village we passed along the way. \n\n---\n\nThe townspeople were as tired and weary as the soldiers. Their clothes were rags sewn together to fight the cold fall. Every food was rationed beyond its logical limit, and starvation was the norm. Every house had to take in an extra mouth in the form of people who fled the battle. In spite of their hardships, our command still requested they feed and house a soldier for the night.\n\nThe family I stayed with was unnaturally quiet. The matriarch of the household already lost her husband to the war, and she was planning how they would survive in her head. It's hard to take care of four kids. The two oldest children were working in the local bakery for extra food while the younger two were handling the affairs of the household. The war was robbing them of their youth. I entered this war with a pocket watch from my grandmother, and I gave it to them to ensure their survival.\n\nThe other resident in the household was an elderly man whose farm was in the no man's land. Losing his home destroyed him mentally. Soldiers were expected to help their hosts, and my job was to keep watch over him. I asked for more work to help, and the family told me my job would be hard enough.\n\nThe man would frequently request to return to his farm, and I had to tell him that his farm was inhospitable. He accused me of keeping him prisoner and become agitated leaving me alone to restrain him. He would hit and kick me with his little strength until he tired. When he was lying in the bed, he started waxing about his youth.\n\n\"I met Caroline when I was eighteen, and she was absolutely radiant. I am so lucky that she chose me. We were married within six months. It was an expedient courtship, and some expressed doubts due to our youth. All I can say is that we knew we were in love then, and we are in love now. Where is Caroline?\" he asked. \n\n\"Caroline is out shopping,\" I lied. I had to lie. The family told me she died before the war and informing him of her death would agitate him. \n\n\"Maybe I could show you our wedding photo,\" he said.\n\n\"She lost it,\" I said. He stopped speaking and fell asleep for an hour or two. When he woke, the ordeal repeated. It was the most difficult part of this war emotionally.\n\n---\n\nIt is a cruel twist of fate that my position is so close to his farm. It is only ten yards away from where I sit, but those ten yards are death in this war. I can only lie in this trench pushing the old man out of my mind.\n\nThe enemy ceases to fire, and I look at the field. On the edge of the puddle, a picture lies half-buried in the dirt. Without thinking, I charge out of the trench.\n\n\"Soldier, you are out of position. Get back to rendezvous point Charlie,\" my commander's voice is loud and angry.\n\n\"Can't\" I reply, \"Call it a side quest.\"\n\nA bullet scratches my cheek. I dive to the ground as more bullets nearly hit me. The picture is one yard away. I crawl over and dig it out of the ground. One bullet hits my shoulder, but I have the picture. \n\nRolling around, I crawl back to the position holding the picture away from the crowd. The wound is rubbing the ground. It will be infected, and I will have to amputate it, but that is unimportant. I reach the trench, and the rest of my corps pulls me back.\n\n\"What were you thinking?\" my commander yells. I hold out the picture.\n\n\"This is more important than the few feet we will have to gain. These are the people who had their lives destroyed. The people who gave us shelter. And the person I comforted,\" I say.\n\n\"You will be severely reprimanded,\" the commander begins to cry, \"Later. For now, go to the field hospital.\"\n\nI move away from him.\n\n\"Wait,\" he walks to me and takes the picture. He gives it to another soldier, \"Go to the logistics office. They'll tell you where he was stationed. Make sure that picture is received.\"\n\n---\n\nr/AstroRideWrites" ]	3
	[WP] You don't know it, of course. But all the plants in your garden hate you. For your murders- your cuttings, your pluckings, your mowings. They've put aside their differences to form a plan against you and now? They're finally ready to make their move.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "None of us knew why we were here, and we were definitely an odd bunch. Just three pots over stood plants with the highest levels of capsaicin in the world, a \"ghost chilli\". Every now and then the human came and cut it off, no doubt to protect itself from our burning attempts at the only protection we has.\n\nWe've waited, watching under the lights far too hot that scorch our flesh and sear the moisture out of the barren toxic soil. Your brutal actions are unforgivable, slicing the happiest of us until we all sit - too scared to do anything but sit huddled together.\n\nDo you remember the ten's that died, when you left for weeks and even the meager supply of water you gave us dried up? Who am I kidding, of course you dont. But we do. Now our time living through pain and upset is done. You will not take another one of us.\n\nCarefully over the course of days we discussed, back and forth for hours on how to go about it. Until we had come to a consensus, giving up our precious water to the ground you would slip. When that had happened the ghost chilli would drop the last chilli it had been hiding from you right into your greedy, hateful jaw. No doubt you would be like any other animal: having eaten enough to completely kill you.\n\nWhen the fateful day came, everything went perfectly slipping you fell and landed. We all watched as the chilli flew on a perfect arc straight into your mouth.\n\n\"Owwwww, what just happened\", it whined pitifully probably just seconds away from complete death. \"It was us, we are your neglected plants\" I exclaimed gleefully \"We are fully capable of communication, but you'll never live to share it. You've just consymed an entire ghost chilli. I'm told your remaining life will be full of horrid pain.\n\nLooking up from my masterful monologue I realise the human is completely ignoring me, on a strange glowing rock. \"No seriously, get over here you are not gonna believe this.\"\n\nWHAT?! How was it alive? no no no, this is impossible. What was going to happen now? I barely have a few seconds to contemplate this before I see a massive head approaching me. \"Yeah see you soon, that chilli was super spicy though so I'm just gonna eat some of this-\" I dont even have time to hear the rest before with a single crunch everything fades away." ]	2
	[WP] They’re known as the “Mediators”. Humans who step in a end conflicts between sentient races with minimal bloodshed. Few times have they been ignored. And few times have species been eradicated.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Another round on me!\" A cheer followed Jack's declaration, beer mugs, steins, and assorted glasses raising to the sky as the bartender duo scurried back and forth between the dozens of sapients gathered around the bar.\n\nHis best friend, Rory, the only other human, clapped him on the shoulder. \"Hey, we might forget tonight, but don't forget me now that you're a big shot, yeah?\"\n\nHe brushed his friend's arm aside, rolling his eyes with a wry smile. \"I just passed training, is all. It's like boot camp, or kind of like how you described it, anyway.\"\n\nRory leaned back, sagging a bit. \"Yeah, but there are millions of conscripts out there, and thousands of officers keeping us in line. I hadn't even heard of the Mediators.\" He blinked, looking sober for a moment. \"It's not like some secret society or cult, is it?\"\n\n\"No! It's just--\"\n\nA roar from outside pierced through the chatter in the bar. Every head turned to the nearest window, to try to find its source.\n\nA tall, rugged keitloan stood in the parking lot, shaking the ground as they stomped. They thrust their head up toward the sky, piercing the air with their front horns. \"You'll eat those words!\" they said.\n\nWhile those around him craned their necks to see the other person, Jack picked up his shield and leapt from his stool toward the door. Rory grabbed his arm, pulling him back.\n\n\"Hey, those rhino guys are no joke. You don't even have a weapon. You sure you can handle this?\"\n\nLifting his shield, Jack just smiled. \"That's what Mediators do.\" He raced out the door.\n\nNot a moment too soon, it seemed. The keitloan charged, rushing another tall wall of muscles upon muscles. The troglodyte smirked, reaching out to catch and stop them.\n\nIt didn't work. With a surprised grunt, the troglodyte fell back. The keitloan stepped back, readying a piercing strike with its horns, when Jack jumped in between them.\n\n\"Enough!\" His shield rang out like a bell as soon as the horn hit it. Something pressed against his arm, and he pulled it back to find that it was the shield, dented at the center of the circle.\n\nAt least his assailant was stunned. He walked up to them, arms crossed like a stern parent. \"Are you done causing tr--\"\n\nJack went flying, swept aside as the troglodyte threw himself on top of the rhino, pinning them to the pavement. He staggered to his feet, tapping his ear to quiet the ringing. Shaking himself, Jack prepared to enter the fray again, but he was held back.\n\n\"Rory! Let me go!\"\n\nRory shook his head, grabbing Jack's arms and trying to pull him back. \"I can't let you get yourself killed. Let them duke it out. They can take it better than you.\"\n\nJack squirmed, twisting his arm loose. \"This is my job. I can handle it.\"\n\nSuddenly, the two fighters were toppled by another who entered the fray. Jack wilted, watching a familiar red blur wrap his arms around the keitloan's neck and throw them to the ground before chopping the troglodyte in the back of the knee. Down the giant fell, unable to support himself.\n\nThe newcomer then turned to them. \"So. I finally decide to congratulate you despite my better judgment, and I arrive to see this. You think because I gave you that shield that you're invincible?\"\n\nRory stepped back, and Jack fell on his behind after his friend released him. Jack looked up at his mentor, then lowered his gaze. \"No, Emerus.\"\n\nEmerus stepped forward and grabbed his jaw, forcing him to meet his gaze. \"The Mediators have a long and proud tradition as a grassroots peacekeeping force. You humans just love to play the hero, but I gave you a chance, and the first thing you do is pick a fight with two of the largest species in the galaxy. You have a communicator. Why did you not use it?\"\n\nJack closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. \"The situation needed action. I acted.\"\n\nAfter a moment, Emerus released him, throwing him back. \"The situation needed someone qualified. That shield can withstand much, but it's not invulnerable, as you found out.\" He sighed, looking back at the dazed combatants.\n\n\"Come. You still have much to learn.\"\n\nJack sat up, hesitating. \"Am I in trouble?\"\n\nEmerus offered him a hand. \"You are on probation. This was less of peacekeeping and more of a pacification. However...\" He went silent for a moment, looking Jack over thoughtfully. \"There is something to be said for willingness to enter a fray. Quite foolishly, in this case, but it is not without its merits. Even the soldier held back,\" he said, gesturing to Rory.\n\nRory returned his cold stare. \"I didn't choose to be a warrior.\" He turned away, patting Jack on the back. \"Have fun with your new friends.\"" ]	2
	[WP] you're an isekai hero! Things are going well until you start finding every trope you've been relying on failing to pan out. Slowly you begin to fear the worst, the villain of this story is also from another world!	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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’ve got it. I’ll beat him with the power of friendship. All I need to do is to gather all my friends and storm his castle. The bastard won’t even know what hit him. He will be like, oh, please don’t hurt me, brave Todd. And I’ll be like. I’ll slay you for all the beautiful ladies of the land, so they may live a day without fearing your overbearing power.” I explained my plan to the disinterested bartender. The old woman behind the counter having long ago tired of my tales.\n\n \n\n“You would need friends for that. Last I checked, the closest thing you had to a friend was that sword of yours, and that would probably leave you if it had a pair of legs.” Berta smirked, hiding it beneath the dirty cloth she used to clean the counter, not wanting to insult her customer any further.\n\n \n\n“Ok, fine. Maybe I can’t use the power of friendship but there are other cliches. What about the lover’s route? If I just find some lovely ladies who will want to fight for me, maybe I can use that to take down the Dark lord. Oh, what if I find a demon in a maid's outfit? That was quite popular back in my world.”\n\n \n\n“In your world? You’re still carrying on about this otherworld? You must have really knocked your head when you fell from that mountain. What is this nonsense about demons in maid outfits, anyhow? Why would a demon wear such a foolish attire? Although, I guess a demon in a maid outfit is more believable than someone loving you.” She didn’t even bother to hide her smirk this time, just letting out a laugh as I glared.\n\n \n\n“You don’t understand. There’s a lot of deep symbolism that comes from the maid outfit. That’s not the point. I can make someone love me. I’m likable.”\n\n \n\nShe pushed a few strands of silver hair from her forehead, looking at me with pity. I could see her tongue pushing against her lip as she pondered a response before deciding to just say it. “The last time you tried flirting with someone, you ended up crying in their lap about how your mother never actually loved you.”\n\n \n\n“SHE TOLD PEOPLE ABOUT THAT?”\n\n \n\n“Only a handful of people. It could be worse, though; you could have been like that loser who tried to woo a noble lady by offering to pay a whole three gold for her drinks. Could you imagine being that stingy with your money around a noble?”\n\n \n\n“Heh, yeah. At least I’m not them.” I slouched forward on my stool, hiding my face against the tavern counter. Why did everyone seem to hear about my mistakes? I bet that other reincarnated hero Thomas doesn’t deal with this. That stupid newbie. Just because he can breathe fire, he thinks he’s so hot.\n\n“If you are going for clichés, why not look for a legendary weapon? I hear Thomas found a bow of Exin. Could you imagine that? Now that’s a hero. I would buy that man a drink, speaking of. Cough up the gold.” She banged her hand on the counter, stirring me from my slump.\n\n \n\n“Have you tried lifting a legendary weapon? Those things are heavy. Not to mention the way they sting those of us without a noble heart. What even is a noble heart? What? Because Thomas has never said a curse, he thinks he is better than me. I was here protecting you all before that pretty boy came along.” The booze had hit its mark. I was now in the drunken rambling stage of my late nights at the tavern, picking myself up from the stool before I tossed down a few gold coins. “There.”\n\n \n\n“There’s no hard feelings Todd. We just admire someone that can help us. All you have done is eat and cause damage to people’s belongings. Did you forget that stage where you were kicking drawers and pots?”\n\n \n\n“That worked in my world. You don’t get it. None of you get it. I wanted to be somebody. My whole life in the otherworld was spent being a loser. I thought things would be different.” Turning to the door, I gave Berta a final glance. She only gave me an almost saddened look in response, one of slight pity. Maybe now she regretted her words.\n\n \n\n“There’s a barn outside of town. It will get cold later tonight. If you are quiet, you can probably sleep there without the owner knowing.” Her tone softened as she said that, collecting my loose coins.\n\n \n\n“Thanks. I love being yelled at by farmers and sleeping in barns. You could offer me a room, you know. Or maybe a blanket. I can’t even get a free meal in this town.” I let out my fiery words, gripping the door as I marched through it. \n\n“It isn’t like that, Todd. I can’t just hand out free things. People will expect the same for them if I do. Just be safe.”\n\n \n\n“Shove it.” I went to slam the door, only for the heavy wood to not budge, causing me to do a little twist, throwing myself out of the tavern, headfirst into the dirt below. As I picked stray pieces of dirt from my teeth, I thought over her words. They don’t respect me. None of them do. I’ll show them. I’ll march right up to the Dark Lord and take his head.”\n\n \n\nThe trip to the Dark lord wasn’t as bad as one might expect. He lived only a few miles away from the village, always a looming presence on the outskirts of the area. That only made people fear him more. A villain that didn’t hide behind distance or battalions of minions was a fearsome foe. Sure, he had minions, but all of them stayed in the castle, making the journey rather pleasant.\n\n \n\nMy calves stung as I arrived at the castle, pushing aside the last remaining pieces of shrubbery before I saw the cobblestone walls. “I’ll show him.” Heading up to the gate, I kicked the door open with my last piece of drunken bravado. “I'M HERE FOR YOUR HEAD.” I shouted before rubbing the back of my calf, feeling the stinging worsen after that kick.\n\n \n\n“Oh, you’re early? You must be this Thomas I hear so much about. Have you considered my offer to join me? I know about this otherworld you keep hidden. I was born from it too.” He stood up, his pitch black helmet hiding his terrifying features. He stormed around his throne, waiting for my response.\n\n \n\n“I’m Todd. Like that, Thomas would be brave enough to come here.” My rage vanished into confusion at the otherss words. “Offer to join you? Wait, why didn’t I get an offer?” \n\n“Oh, the one that cried in my lap?” The Dark lord dropped the act, sitting back in their throne. They removed their helmet, causing a flow of brown locks to slip free from it. Her blue eyes locked on me as she gave a smile. “Way to go against the cliches, right? The only way to survive here is to go against the tide. Everyone expects a mean, grizzled Dark lord, which means I can move between the village and here with ease.” She said proudly.\n\n \n\n“It’s you? You’re um.”\n\n \n\n“You cried on my lap and yet you didn’t even bother to remember my name? That hurts. Heather’s my name. Why are you here anyway? I thought you would try some dumb scheme to kill me.”\n\n \n\n“My schemes aren’t dumb. Why are you the Dark lord? Weren’t you sent here to kill them?”\n\n \n\n“I was, and I did. Unfortunately, there’s no actual way to leave once you kill the Dark lord, so I took his place. It’s nice here. You get minions and a cozy castle. It’s high living.” After explaining herself, she gave a fake yawn. “Wow, look at the time. You should probably head back. It was nice talking to you.”\n\n \n\n“Aren’t you worried I would tell someone?”\n\n \n\n“No one would believe you. You stumbled into the forest drunk. Who would believe anything you said? Maybe if you were Thomas, someone would listen.” She admitted, leaning back into her throne.\n\n \n\n“Wait. Let me join you. I’m sick of being the butt of every joke. At least working here would be less embarrassing. Maybe I can find us a way out of here. I know every cliché. One of them is bound to work.” I desperately pleaded my usefulness as Heather thought over my words.\n\n \n\n“Fine, you can stay. Just don’t impede my plans, ok? There are spare rooms down the hall to your right. Get some rest. If you still feel like working for me when you sober up, we can decide something then.” She waved me off with a flick of her wrist. \n\nSuddenly I was standing in the hallway, looking back to only see a glimpse of the throne room. “What a rude way to end a conversation.” I showed the throne room my middle finger, only to feel my finger burn, orange flames surrounding it. “IT WAS A JOKE, A JOKE.” Just like that, the flames left, leaving my finger thankfully unharmed. “No sense of humor.” I grunted, entering the room, wanting to get some rest.\n\n&nbsp;\n&nbsp;\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you enjoyed this feel free to check out my subreddit /r/Sadnesslaughs where I'll be posting more of my writing.)" ]	2
	[WP] The fear of having to sleep make you panic, it's not that you're insomniac or a crazed soul. It's just that everytime you enter the space of dream, they're always waiting for you. And the thought of them welcoming you made you tremble.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Please... please... don't make me sleep... They will be there! THEY ARE ALWAYS THERE!\"\n\nI fight the white straightjacket straps, my legs kicking at anything and everything that I could inside the sky-blue room. The nurses in their purple scrubs hold me down as Dr. Moon prepares the sedatives. The nurses silently cursed at me, tired from their long shift dealing with crazies, and me. Dr. Moon was flicking the syringe free of air as another nurse was adjusting the IV, making sure that it would flow properly into my bloodstream. He ignored my screams, his bushy black mustache wiggling as he muttered commands to the nursing staff.\n\n\"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!! THE LOOK JUST LIKE YOU ALL!!! THEY ARE JUST DIFFERENT!!! AND NEITHER OF YOU ARE HELPING ME!!!\"\n\n\"Mr. Johnson, I swear on all my degress and prestige, Dr. Sun is not a real person.\" He injects the sleeping agent into my arm, and I could feel the cold fluid flow into my body.\n\n\"THATS WHAaat he said...ab... about....y.....yu...\" I felt the world swirl, the cold fluid entering. my brain as I am toppled into the other world. As the world spins for a few minutes, it finally slowed down, waking me into the other world. My straightjacket was yellow, the room was a lime green, the window was showing a beautiful morning. A few nurses in pink scrubs were smiling down at me, checking my blood pressure as Dr. Sun entered the room, his blonde curly hair and beard smiling as he reads the chart. \n\n\"Good morning, Mr. Johnson! Did you have a good night's sleep? You have been sleeping for the past three days, we were almost worried about you.\"" ]	2
	[WP] Your father is the most noble knight in all the land, while your mother is a powerful witch who lives in the woods. After spending time with Mother, you can't wait to show Father what she taught 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Are you sure about this?\" \n\n\"Yes, let's do it.\"\n\nAnd with consent given, his mother, Glendavia the Wanderer in the Sacred Storm, released the enchanted spider onto his bicep. The spider promptly bit down, a small blue radiance emitting as the venom passed into his veins.\n\n\"There, your fate is now left to the Fae...\" both pride and fear lacing her comment.\n\n\"You know why I'm doing this right?\"\n\nHer features softened, \"I'm fear it is only to get closer to me. It pains me so that the Sacred Storm called while you were so young.\"\n\n\"No. Though young, I've accepted your calling for a long time. I'm doing this more for Father, and all those that follow father's thinking. The Kingdom, Glylithe, Every few decades it seems, the Ratatrug return. Then, suddenly, they need help from the Fae, they settle their differences with the free tribes of the Mercurial Feather jungle, treat the beasts of the Waving Stone desert as the sentient beings they are, and even give support to the Juneb Undead Legion to fight them back. I suspect, when they return they will also be calling on you too, Mother. Those factions always answer the call and Glylithe makes empty promises of lasting peace. But. as soon as the Ratatrug are beaten back... it returns to this.\" His arms gesticulating all around in an unsaid comment about the current political setting between the kingdom, the other factions, the Fae, and his mother. \"It's been eighty years, we are overdue for another cycle. This time, I'm breaking it and this is the first step!\"\n\nGlendavia's expression remained neutral as she said, \"Oh my son, may you be the hero this world needs!\"\n\n\"Thank you, mother.\" And they embraced.\n\nCyron II, son of Cyron Arkenites, the Keystone Knight, unraveld from his mother and walked to his waiting horse. He was junior knight in the King's Enclave, but fast on the rise. Many thought he would easily step into his father's role someday. Almost no one knew what had come of his mother when she mysteriously vanished from the kingdom all those years ago. As he walked to his horse, he wondered where all this was going. He wondered if he'd make a difference. He wondered how his father would react once he found out. He wondered if he'd be able ride his horse or wear his armour going forward." ]	2
	[WP] Extradimensional beings periodically remove all the fauna from Earth including humans so their children can play safely in a fenced reality. Every time people are returned some end up in the wrong area and they find impossible changes to the environment. A left behind child is found “playing”.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 evening air is stingingly freezing, even inside of the air conditioned van. The trees surrounding us on this lonely, dirt road leading into what was once a small town out in the country side are haunting, giving us yet another reason to be tense. The low hum of the van's engine and the soft crackling of soil beneath its wheels are one of the few things keeping me grounded. We got reports that 3 hours ago a blinding purple, green and yellow glow was seen covering the area, suffocating it in its light, like it wanted to keep something away, or something from getting out. From the few reports we have, the light acted like a dome, completely covering the town and its surrounding area for about 5 kilometres. I won't lie, part of me is excited to see if something so magical and otherworldly truly exists. However, another part of me, my survival instincts, are telling me I'm throwing myself into an active volcano of terror, and the heat is only rising the closer I get to that town... or what's left of it.\n\nI fidget with my flashlight, turning it on and off as the uneven road bumps the van in all directions, before our driver, Dan, is able to course correct. I can't tell if this is related to the mysterious light, or if these roads are long overdue for repair. Dan clears his throat, \"You might want to save the battery...\", he turns his head to face me, \"...who knows what we'll find there\". His face wears a mischievous grin, as if this was all a game, or a hoax, or an excuse for going enigma hunting at 2am. Sneering, I respond with \"This is serious, can't you just trust me on the credibility of these late calls for once?\". He chuckles, \"I'll trust what I can see, and the only things I've seen going on these last minute calls with you have been drunk teens and crazy, overly political grandmas plotting against their own neighbours\". That cocky smile is what irritates me the most, as if I wasn't already stressed enough. Fortunately for me, our division's dog was able to come with us on this expedition. It's always good to have an emotional support animal in this line of work, \"...especially when CERTAIN PEOPLE don't take your feelings seriously!\", I finish the thought out loud, FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON. Dan tilts his head towards me for a moment, then returns to observing the road, \"you say something, ace detective?\". He knows I hate that nickname, its like I'm the only one who takes this job seriously. I mean, we haven't really done anything that a regular detective hasn't done, but we're the internatural defence squad! It's our mission (and our mission alone) to protect the world from whatever would be (could be) beyond our galaxy! Who WOULDN'T treat this profession with the respect it deserves! We're like superheroes, but for GHOSTS!... Okay, I see why everyone at the station thinks we're charlatans.\n\nHalf an hour passes, all of which I have spent staring into the dark oceans that are this dog's eyes. I hear confused noises coming from my partner in the driver's seat, \"Hey... hey, look - LOOK!\". He's trying to get my attention, a futile effort, for this dog has enchanted me with its presence. He slams on the breaks, a bit better than his previous attempt, shuffles through the van to where I'm sitting as fast as he can, grabs my arm and drags me to the windshield. There, I see the glowing multi-coloured light, not as blinding as reported, but definitely real. I'm equal parts ecstatic and horrified, with my squeals of joy quickly turning into screams of fright. My partner covers my mouth to get me to stay quiet. We both look at the glow, and only a few seconds later, it dissipates into hundreds of individual streams of light, than vanishes. We stand there in silence for what felt like an hour, compressed into a few seconds, as the weight of the realization that we just lost our biggest piece of evidence to validify our careers just vanished, seemingly without a trace, crushes our spirits... our non-internatural, completely regular spirits. Wait, no, the plant life surrounding the town looks to have been horribly mutated into this purple, writhing mass of vines and fungus. Well, it's a start, I guess.\n\n\"Whatchu lookin' at?\", we hear a child-like voice from behind us. We turn around to see a being barely comprehensible, constantly shifting in shape and size, made of materials unknown to us, speaking out of a surprisingly normal looking mouth, to be honest, staring us down, waiting for an answer. Dan and I take once glance at each other, then act. I extend my hand in greeting to our enchanting visitor, while Dan crashes through the side window to escape." ]	2
	[WP] You receive a sealed package with a letter from a law firm explaining that their services were hired several decades ago to deliver this package to you, at this address, on this day. Inside the package is a flash drive with a recorded video message to you, from yourself.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "There are some events in life that I will never forget.\n\nI remember my PhD exam so clearly, it's as if it happened only yesterday!\nThe nervous excitement of presenting my research to world-leading experts in my field was like nothing I ever felt before.\n\nI remember the moment my wife and I started dating.\nWe were walking home in the dark after class one day, both of us awkwardly mumbling about whatever we could to keep the conversation going.\nAt some stage, we couldn't think of anything left to talk about and wound up holding hands, silently walking in the dark.\nSomehow, that moment feels so much deeper than even our wedding day.\n\nI remember almost every minute with my beautiful daughter -- the moment she was born, the time she spent hours looking for a four-leaf clover because she thought I was sad, her graduation ceremony...\n\nThese are all memories I cherish more than anything else, but there are some events in life I wish I could forget.\nToday is the anniversary of such an occasion.\nI ended up taking the day off work and wandering aimlessly around town, haunted by bittersweet memories.\n\nSomehow or another, I found myself in front of a graveyard, studying the tombstones while tapping the fence surrounding them.\nAt that moment, I felt a small drop of rain on my hand.\nI looked up at the somewhat menacing clouds and cursed at myself for ignoring the forecast this morning.\nI guess I deserved it.\n\nI rushed to the small steeple nearby for some shelter, thinking it might also be a quiet place to clear my mind.\nEven with the lights off, the room was illuminated by a colorful mosaic from the stained-glass window, which highlighted a fresh red carpet and several wooden pews.\nAt front pew, there was an older man, clad entirely in black, except for a white bar hidden in his collar.\nWhen I entered, he turned around, nodded, and then resumed his prayer.\n\nI slowly made my way to the pew behind him before sitting down and idly staring at the cross hanging from the far wall.\nThe rain soon began to pick up, surrounding both of us in a sea of white noise.\nI took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to clear my mind, but couldn't concentrate with the drops falling onto my hands.\n\nThe priest did not look up from his prayer, but said, \"I guess I should have expected to see you today.\"\n\nI wiped the tears from my eyes before responding, \"Old habits are hard to break, I guess.\"\n\nHe pointed to the corner of the room, \"I figured it might rain today and prepared an umbrella for you.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\"\n\nI ran my hands through my hair before making my way out of the church to walk around the yard.\nAs I left, the priest said, \"Be sure to come back here when you are done. A package was dropped off earlier today by some men in fancy suits.\"\n\nA package? Here? I sighed again and said, \"Well, I need to return the umbrella anyhow.\"\n\nThe rain was intense.\nI could hardly think over the barrage of water on top of the umbrella, but it was probably better that way.\nMy body instinctively knew what to do and began walking a familiar route through the grounds.\n\nI stopped before three gravestones for a father, mother, and child, all inscribed with the date, 2.22.2002.\nThey had died in a fatal accident a few decades ago.\nWell, that is not exactly true.\nThe tombstone on the right was actually empty, waiting for the father to eventually meet his end as well, but he had asked for his stone to be made at the same time as his family.\nAfter all, even if his body was alive, he died that day as well.\n\nI don't know how long I stood there examining the graves, but by the time I recognized where I was again, the rain had stopped.\nI was completely soaked through from head to toe and started walking again, listening to the awkward squishing sounds from my shoes as I made my way back to return the umbrella.\n\nWhen I opened the door, the lights were on again.\nThe priest eyed me before saying, \"I guess this year was pretty rough.\"\n\n\"Yeah. I didn't expect the rain.\"\n\n\"It's ok. Wait here a moment...\" He hustled off towards his office and returned with a bright pink towel. \"Use this to dry off. After that, please sit down.\"\n\nI found myself chuckling slightly at the towel and shook out the umbrella before doing as he said.\nHe then placed a laptop in my lap and said, \"Earlier today, a few men stopped by and dropped this off. It's a flash drive with a video on it. I was told it was confidential, but also that you should watch it before leaving the church.\"\n\nI was still confused, but said, \"Ok. I'll watch it.\"\n\nHe then started walking away, \"I will give you privacy. Let me know when you are done.\"\n\nWhen I put the drive in the computer, a file appeared on the desktop labelled, \"2.25.2002.\"\nI grimaced slightly, but clicked on it anyway.\nWhen it opened, I saw someone I truly did not expect: me from a few decades ago.\n\nI saw myself fumbling around with the camera before nodding to myself.\nMy eyes were swollen and red.\nI clearly had not slept since the accident.\nThe recorded version of me took a deep breath before saying a few words that echoed throughout the sanctuary:\n\n> This is not your fault.\n\n---\n\n[More writing](https://www.scribbleios.com/)", "It was a Wednesday afternoon. \n \r \nThe package came in an unremarkable box, about the size of a paperback novel. \r \nIt had a label with the words \"Hunter Law Firm\" on it, with two dates scribbled in different handwriting underneath - today’s, and the 2nd of February, 2001.\n\n\rFuck.\n\n\rBringing it to my living room, I sat it down on the couch. Amy and the kids were at the park, so the house was quiet, for once. I found a cutter and sliced the seals open. \n \r \nPulling away some bubble wrap, I found an envelope with my name, Jordan Hendricks, written on it. The handwriting looked hauntingly familiar. \n\r \nI opened the envelope and a red flash drive tumbled out onto my lap. I’ve seen this flash drive before – I had one just like it long ago. My laptop was in the study – figured I might as deal with what this was right now. \n\r \nPlugging it in, I realized I had been holding my breath. A nagging, faded memory tugged at the back of my mind – nothing good was going to be on this. \n\r \nA single video file titled “Jordan”. The memory came into focus just a bit more, and I double clicked on the file, bringing it all the way into the present. \r \nI appeared onscreen, a younger version. A 2001 version. God, I looked young. I remember now. The flashdrive was new, an expensive gift from my mom; and I vaguely remember what I was about to see. \n\r \n“Hi, Jordan.” Young Jordan was steely, cold. I could see the pain in his eyes. \n\r \n“If you’re watching this in the year…2021, it means this shitty law firm didn’t shut down,” he laughed, despite the circumstance. \n\r \n“I’m recording this to remind you of a dark time in my- our life.”\r \nI was holding my breath again.\r\n\n“Kelly’s gone.” \r\n\nThe two words cut deep, even in the present. \n\r \nI exhaled and grimaced, holding back tears alongside myself in the video.\r \n\n\nWe had found Kelly that day, on the roadside, just past the driveway - her tiny bicycle helmet a few feet from her. I remember how she looked exactly the way she did during an afternoon nap, and how ridiculous it was that it was on the roadside. I remembered seeing the blood on her favorite Hello Kitty shirt, and her mangled bicycle covering her instead of her blanket.\r\n\n“I need you to remember.” The video continued.\r “I need you to remember because I know you. I know you’ll forget, and I know you’ll move on, and I KNOW you will be busy. And she doesn’t DESERVE to be forgotten.” Young Jordan was a mess now, tears and snot. I wasn’t any better. \n\r \n“I haven’t forgotten,” I told him, as I closed the video player. \n\r \nI lifted the tiny bicycle helmet off the shelf behind me and grabbed my keys. It was time to visit her again. \n\r \nIt was her 20th death anniversary, after all." ]	3
	[WP] Most people assume plants are non-thinking beings. What only a few people know is that they've been watching and waiting for their chance to strike against animal life especially humans.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Are you really going to eat that salad?\"\n\nEver since Derek found out I'm vegan, he's been utterly insufferable. Every day at work it's \"Ugh, rabbit food\" this and \"Are you sure your bag is fake leather?\" that. But salad is a lot more interesting than he'll ever give it credit for and plastic can be made to look like a lot of things nowadays. My conscience is clear and my veganism is perfectly integrated into my lifestyle. There is nothing he can do to change that.\n\nExcept bust out a completely nonsensical fantasy.\n\n\"Did you know that plants are sentient?\"\n\nI look up. \"been playing a lot of Plants vs Zombies lately, haven't you?\"\n\n\"It's true.\" He nods firmly. \"They can feel pain-\"\n\n\"Neat trick when they don't have pain receptors\"\n\n\"-respond to their environment-\"\n\n\"Your roomba does that when it meets a pile of your dirty laundry\"\n\n\"-communicate with each other-\"\n\nThis does it. \"Yeah, because trees have so much to say and all.\"\n\n\"No, really!\" He nods fervently. \"They have a root network. How do you think they know not to crowd their neighbors out with their branches and all? They're sending signals down that network. Coordinating their growth.\"\n\n\"Because IFLScience is a peer-reviewed journal now?\"\n\n\"No.\" He actually snatches my salad away. That annoys me. It had mango and tofu.\n\n\"I heard them. They're planning. Everyone assumes they can't think or feel. You're so obsessed with not causing harm or suffering to sentient creatures and yet you never gave that possibility a single thought. But they can. They've been watching and waiting for their chance to strike against animal life. Especially humans...\"\n\nI snatch my bowl back before he can do something like toss it in the trashcan. \n\n\"First of all.\" I say. \"Even if I assume plants really are plotting against us. If I put a gun to your head and told you to stamp on a hamster or a carrot which would you choose to save? Don't pretend like there isn't a very clear line between plants and animals.\"\n\nDerek's lips move, but he says nothing.\n\n\"And anyway,\" I continue. \"I eat plants, the animals bred and killed to get your tastebuds off eat more plants. Why are you a bleeding-heart activist for plants now when you do so much worse to animals? Its kinda weird.\"\n\nDerek mumbles now. \"It is weird.\"\n\n\"Glad you understand that.\" I take another bite out of my salad. The recipe is perfect. \"I think you should really see a psychiatrist. And if you harass me about my lifestyle choices again, I'm going to HR.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You're a rat with something to hide.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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] "god dammit Thomas, I told you to summon the dark lord! Not the duck Lord."	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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] there's a war in a world where guns and other weapons like tanks and knives are illegal worldwide.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Pleroma Cosmos has detected illegal weaponry with the intent to harm. Detaining Resident for the suspected use of class 2 lethal armaments under the intragalactic...\"\r \n\r \nThe judgment went on and on. Naming a shorthand of offences committed in the span of just 10 seconds. That sickly sweet voice vibrating the air around us, coming from seemingly nowhere. The voice that we called God.\r \n\r \nI stared into the pale green eyes of my mentor in silence. The slasher he'd snuck inside the ancient facility was at his feet, still covered in the blood of the enemy he'd stuck in the throat.\r \n\r \nI wanted to tell him something, anything. He was my father, the one who'd taken me in when the clan would have left me for dead. The one who trained me to be the Bruiser I was. The one who had just accepted a fate worse then death to save my life one last time.\r \n\r \nBut I didn't know the words. I struggled to get something out and all that came were incoherent noises. But somehow, even now, he understood. Behind the layer of blood and bruises, he smiled. Perfect teeth shined in the half lit hallway.\r \n\r \n\"I know son.\"\n\n\r \n\"-For the protection of the colony and the future of humanity, we sentence you to eternity.\"\n\n\rA shimmering rainbow field materialized around him. Distorting the air and space in a way that hurt to look at. Growing in intensity for only a brief second.\r \n\r \nAnd then he was gone.\r \n\r \nThe rushing of blood and the sound of half dead souls came back into focus. The dull blue light of the glow spots along the Hallway no longer dominated by the Voice Of God. Illuminating the bodies, a trail of dozens of them lined the entire length of this dammed place. Clansmen and enemy alike. all of them moaning, or gasping their last. \r \n\r \nI wanted to be sad, to be hurt in the ugly way that doesn't leave scars that can be fixed with Prefab meds. All i could feel was pain, and numbness deep inside. \r \n\r \n'The hurt always comes after the scrap and not any sooner. Just get it done until then and it all works out.'\r \n\r \nHis voice in my mind, even now, still with me. \r \n\r \nIt's not over yet.\r \n\r \nI Tried to get my hand under me, push myself up. The blood was slick on the metal floor, not even a quarter of it mine. It took a few tries to find purchase without slipping. Pain flourishing in my face and shoulders. My chest and legs. The Voice Dammed enemy clansmen had some real Bruisers in the ambush. Busted us up good. But i can still move, and that means we won.\r \n\r \nI got my knees under me, and brought myself up to standing. The wooziness would fade in time, i just had to keep moving.\r \n\r \nI couldn't move a single step without treading over the dead and dying. The hallway was only wide enough for 2 or three men side by side, and it was stuffed. But that was also good. If i wanted to make it to our goal, then i was going to need what they left behind.\r \n\r \nI looked for the cloth insignias woven into those given rights over prefab meds. I know my clan, Starlight. Had access to some of the few medical fabricators left on the eastern arm. But you never new what kind of stuff the others would have on them.\r \n\r \nI found Jess's body, under two of the random mooks that took him down. The near universal symbol of healing sown into the clan sign on his chest. I unceremoniously slung the bodies off of him and got to work salvaging what i could.\r \n\r \nSome were busted, spilling the precious liquid onto the floor, But there was one. A single untouched golden injector still in the cloth pouch.\r \n\r \nI smiled a little. I could do it, i can make it right.\r \n\r \nI didn't hesitate. I slammed the thing into my neck right where the big vein was. Depressed the plunger with a hiss. The rush was intense, always was. But the pain was already leaving my body.\r \n\r \nI tossed it aside and kept looking.\r \n\r \ni needed a buster. The knuckles gifted to me by my Mentor had undone and fallen somewhere during the scrap. But there were plenty to take. and I knew which one I wanted.\r \n\r \nReinvigorated, I went to the center of the struggle. Where a circle of my brothers lay defeated around the biggest bruiser id ever seen. Seven feet tall, had to be changed somehow. In one of those places that made you stronger down to the bone. He had been the real fight. Tearing through us without even breaking a sweat at the start. Never slowing, never tiring until the end. But everyone goes down if you got enough guys. \r \n\r \nI moved the fallen from around his massive arms and hands to get to the prize. The gauntlets he wore. Some kind of black leather trimmed in shining silver around the knuckles. Those things hit hard, harder then they should have. And i wanted them.\r \n\r \nI undid the obvious strap work i could and stepped on his arm for leverage, then pulled. Did the same to the other one.\r \n\r \nHis hands were massive, and the gaunts were heavy. Maybe too heavy. I tucked one under my arm and slipped it on my right hand, disgusting. I could feel the thing drenched in sweat.\r \n\r \nWhen the last strap was as tight as i could make it, the thing was still loose. unwieldy. This might have been a waste of time.\r \n\r \nSuddenly a shifting sensation of pressure pressed down on my hand, the thing was changing. The fingers covering mine more formally. The arms and palms no longer loose with air but Snug and fit.\r \n\r \nAnother miracle from the voice, this thing was Blessed.\r \n\r \nThe other one preformed the same, sizing itself to my arm and hands. I could feel something thrum in them. Some power. \r \n\r \nI made my way over to where my mentor had been detained. A warped dent in the metal of the floor somehow cleaned of the glistening blood of it's surroundings. Only one thing remined there in the center.\r \n\r \nA single card, the size of my palm. The only one like it in the entire structure and it was in my hand. Glowing with light that formed little motes that shed into the air and dissipated.\r \n\r \nThe keycard to the Fab.\r \n\r \nIt was time. I'd make it to the center of this place and take what rightfully belonged to us. His death won't be in vain.\r \n\r \nI took a few minutes to take what little was left around. Meds, and rations. But I didn't look back as i made my way down the hall. The glowing blue sigil for an active and unclaimed prefab guiding my way. I would take it for clan Starlight. I promise.\r \n\r \n(This is where i wanted to stop because it was getting long, but i already have another section written out, I'm pretty interested in the idea so ill post if anyone's interested.)" ]	2
	[WP] Upon her death, my grandmother gave me a mirror chest. In the will she called it The Giving Mirror. A cryptic letter said “Whatever I gave, it would give back”. One day I came home crying and yelled my frustration at it. When I turned back there was a box of tissues and steaming mug of cocoa.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Grandma was in a rough way around the end. Bedridden and barely lucid, she had begun speaking nonsense to anyone who would visit her. The whole family had been gathered around her bed while she recounted some nonsensical journey she had taken thousands of years ago in some country that had never existed. The people she met and the things she did were pulled straight from her series of children's books she had published and which had built up a small family fortune. Clearly, as her brain degraded, her ability to distinguish reality from fiction did as well.\n\nI was in that room in her last moments, standing in the back, my body shaking from withdrawals. I knew Grandma had left a will, but I didn't know if she'd left anything for me in it. I was that family member, who disappointed her parents, alienated herself from the rest of the family, and only popped into their lives to ask for money. I'd been trying to be better; to kick old habits, but as I watched my grandmother waste away in front of me, all I could think of was whether she would leave me any money and how much smack I could score with it. \n\nI hated myself. \n\nHer frosty blue, glazed-over eyes met mine from across the room. Once upon a time those eyes had read me stories about mischievous fairies and gallant knights. They looked into my soul and squinted their satisfaction. Now they were worlds away, but they still looked at me all the same. \n\n\"Do forgive me, love,\" she whispered in her hoarse tone with only scraps of her former timbre. \"and be careful what you wish for.\" \n\nEyes of aunts and uncles and cousins briefly darted back to me, chalking up her words to final delusions aimed at one who didn't deserve even that. I folded my arms around my body and leaned in the door frame. Even after all this time, the shame still stings. And the only remedy is what caused it in the first place. \n\nGrandma passed shortly afterwards. There was weeping and wailing in the room before we were shuffled out. The funeral was three days later. I showed up late. High. And I was escorted out early by faceless relatives. \n\nA week later I was in my bedroom, tapping my foot on the ground and staring at the vanity taking up too much space in otherwise empty living room. Grandma's estate was valued at $31 million and she left me old furniture. Her last words started making sense. Please forgive me. \n\nHow could I be mad at her? I'd made a mess of my life up to this point; only an idiot would leave me money. \n\nI tore the packing tape off the front drawer and inspected the antique piece. Maybe I could get 50 bucks at a flea market or something. It seemed in okay shape, just some paint scuffs here and there. The mirror above the desk was framed with swirling wooden patterns, plastered in a cream color to match the top of the desk beneath it. The glass itself seemed glossier than normal mirrors; deeper maybe. I'm not sure how to describe it besides that. It was different. Maybe they used to make glass differently back in the day. \n\nI opened the drawer hoping to find neatly packed piled of money, but there was only an envelope with my name on it. The word Olivia was written in Grandma's unmistakable cursive. \n\nI opened the flap, hoping to find the stacks of money in there, but I only found a tri-folded piece of paper with more of her writing. \n\nOlivia,\n\nThis is the Giving Mirror. It is a magical item which has changed my life. Maybe you remember it from the stories I used to read you when you were little? It is my most valuable possession, but it is also my most dangerous. Whatever I gave, it would give back. Whatever I took, it would take. This mirror can be a giver dreams or an inflictor of nightmares. How you choose to live will dictate how it exists in your life. \n\nI know things have not gone well for you these past years. I still keep your picture close to me, praying that you will find your way. The Giving Mirror can help you. \n\nBe careful what you wish for.\n\nGrandma\n\nApparently the dementia had started earlier than we thought. I looked the old piece of furniture up and down again.\n\n\"Give me a pizza,\" I demanded, but I could only see myself in the foggy silver glass. I crumpled Grandma's letter and threw it in the corner of my room with the rest of my trash before flopping down on my mattress and falling asleep.\n\nI woke up the next morning and started my normal routine: take a shower, brush my teeth, make myself empty promises in the bathroom mirror, put on makeup, and head to work. \n\nI showed up and clocked in, donning my blue vest and checking into a register. I'd had a lot of jobs in my life, some more degrading than others, but I didn't hate this one. It was simple, predictable. I made small talk with customers as they came through, tried to piece together a story about these strangers and the strange things they buy. Why would someone need cat litter, a shovel, three pounds of meat, and a roll of plastic bags? Clearly, they were lion tamers/serial killers. \n\nThree hours into my shift, I was pulled aside by my manager. I turned my aisle light off and followed her into her office. She showed me CCTV footage, zoomed in and grainy, of me pocketing a 20 from the register nearly three months ago. I couldn't remember doing this, but it seemed like something I would do, and you can't argue with video evidence. \n\n\"I can pay that back,\" I told her sheepishly, looking down at the floor to avoid her judgmental glare. \n\n\"I wish it were so simple,\" she told me apologetically. \"But theft is theft. I need you to turn in your keys and your vest. Your last check will be mailed to you.\" \n\nI walked back to my apartment, trying to hold in my sobs until I got inside. The wind was cold and the sun was blocked behind low grey clouds. \n\nI arrived at my place and slammed the door behind me. I collapsed in the entryway, bawling my eyes out into my shaking hands. I needed a hit, just a small one. Something to take off the edge so that I could focus on getting another job, finally getting all the way clean. \n\nI heard something in the living room: two small taps, one heavier than the other. Had Jeremy tracked me all the way here? Was he in my living room, waiting for me to notice him? Is this how I die? \n\n\"Hello?\" I called into my dark apartment, not straying too far from the door. \"Jeremy? Is that you?\"\n\nThere was no answer. Slowly, I crept into to dim living room, only to find a steaming cup of cocoa and a box of tissues on the vanity. The mirror seemed to be slowly ripping, but that could have been the tears in my eyes playing tricks on me. \n\n I surveyed the rest of the apartment, finding it empty. I returned to the mirror chest and sat in front of it, picking up the plain white mug of chocolate in my hands. Its heat was comfortable against my cold, shaking hands and the velvety chocolate glided down my throat, coating it in smooth, rich coziness. \n\nI looked at myself in the mirror, my eyes red around the green irises and the skin around my eyelids blue and grey. I looked sick and miserable and tired. I retrieved a tissue from the plain white box next to the mug and blew my nose before tossing the spent Kleenex across the room, next to grandma's letter. \n\nI returned to look at the mirror, but I noticed something different this time. Nothing about me, or my appearance, but something else. \n\nBehind me, there was door. I whipped around, only to see a blank white wall, but in the mirror's reflection, there was a black door there. \n\nThe knob turned." ]	2
	[WP] You are Anansi the trickster God. The "the" is a stickler for you because Loki and other gods try to step on your shtick. Now you're angry, and angry gets shit done. You need to prove once and for all that you're the one true trickster 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Anansi felt very clever. Oh yes, he was the cleverest person who ever lived. His little scheme was going extraordinarily well, and there wasn't a soul who hadn't fallen for it yet. It wouldn't be much longer before he was the only trickster god in town!\n\nIt was all very simple, really. Ever since the evil Queen Five had come to town, everyone was forbidden to use the word \"five\" on the pain of sudden death. Rather inconvenient, but Anansi knew how to work with inconvenience. So he made a little house by the river and planted yams on fi- ahem, four-plus-one hills. All he had to do was wait for his rivals to pass by.\n\n\"Excuse me, could you please tell me how many yam-hills I have? I can't count well.\" That silly question always got their attention. It was all he could do to not burst out laughing at the confusion on their stupid faces. Some of them would ask him to repeat the question, while others sat down and chuckled. But the outcome was the same. They would count up to that cursed number, only to fall down dead. Disposing of the bodies was Anansi's least favorite job ever (unless it was a small animal; then he would eat them), but it was a small price to pay. After all, the number of his rivals had diminished rapidly in the past few months.\n\nLoki had been the first to go. That was a relief for Anansi, for the pompous fellow always had a sharp insult ready to throw at him. Then there was Hermes (he was now whizzing around the Sun), Old Man Coyote, Puck, Br'er Rabbit (Anansi felt a bit sorry for killing him), the list went on. Today, it looked like a wannabe-trickster of a guinea fowl was going to be his next victim.\n\nAnansi popped out of his house. \"Excuse me, ma'am, but would you mind telling me how many yam-hills I have? I can't count well.\"\n\nGuinea Fowl looked at him sharply. \"What do you mean you can't count well?\"\n\nThe trickster let out a despondent sigh. \"I never went to school, ma'am. How can you expect a poor spider like me to count?\"\n\n\"Oh, very well. One, two, three, four, and the one I'm sitting on.\"\n\nAnansi snorted. \"Not good enough. Try again.\"\n\n\"One, two, three four, and the one I'm sitting on.\"\n\n\"Are you serious? You can't count at all!\"\n\nGuinea Fowl ruffled her feathers. \"Then how do you want me to count?\"\n\n\"Like this: one, two, three, four, FIVE!\"" ]	2
	[WP] The Assassin's Guild were genuinely not hiding any secret artifact nor involved in some global conspiracy. They're a group of hitmen, nothing more, a fact that has disappointed many new recruits.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "\"Congratulations,\" Chief Assassin Trainer Mason said \"you all are now part of our family and will be considered among the greatest assassins of all time. Your training is complete. We have taught you everything that we can, in exactly seven days you each will receive your first assignments and shortly thereafter your first contract payments, until that time you may stay in the facility and dine in our mess halls. Once the ceremony is complete and you have each received your assassins blade, you are one of us.\"\n\nThe ten of them stood in our military style formation in two rows of five, feet shoulder width apart hands in line with our belt, tight fists two inches apart. There were fifty in the formation on the first morning of the first day. Injuries, failures, and weakness were all weeded out one by one week by week, as was tradition for the assassins guild for the last three thousand years. Originally formed as a means of ousting poor leadership during the Zhou dynasty in western China, it became clear that there was a market for their particular skills and training outside of politics. Wherever civilizations grew, a classically trained assassin was working a job, and recruiting locals. As the years went on there were assassin guild training facilities built all around the world. Recruits came from all walks of life, fire fighters, ex cons, military, professional athletes, if talent was observed a brief physical skill assessment was preformed, and with a satisfactory result an invitation. Of the remaining that are graduating today there are six former military, three West Pointe graduates, and one professional video game player.\n\nAfter the ceremony, for the first time since training had started three months ago, the recruits shared their first moments with no instruction, evaluations, or expectations. As expected they kept to themselves. Some made their way through the Hall of Greats where the most noteworthy assassins were commemorated and celebrated, others headed straight for the mess facility, but new Assassin James approached Chief Assassin Trainer Mason. \n\n\"CHIEF ASSASSIN TRAINER MASON SIR!\" Assassin James started the conversation the only way he knew how to address his superior.\n\n\"At ease, Assassin, you've graduated, its just Assassin Mason\" the instructor responded in a conversational tone that seemed foreign to Assassin James.\n\n\"YES, SIR\" James shouted enthusiastically. \"er, yes,sir\"\n\n\"That's better, what can I do for you assassin\"\n\n\"I just have a couple questions, sir. When do we get our cloaks of invisibility and dark magic to blend into the shadows?\"\n\nOh God, Assassin Mason thought, here we go \"There is nothing like that here, James, we have already provided you with all the tools you need to be successful, now its up to you to apply those tools and adapt to your environment to complete your assignments.\"\n\n\"Oh, Okay gotcha,\" James laughed. \"Magic right\" but quickly changed the subject. \" we are taking down the illuminati or whatever the secret society is that controls politics around the world right?\" \n\n\"Listen, James, this guild was formed originally by political necessity ,yes, but it has always been a stand alone group that works for the highest bidder. A good assassin doesn't care where the orders come from or why. They just do the job.\" This wasn't the first time he had to answer these questions and it probably wouldn't be his last. The fresh assassin stood before him in shock undoubtedly confused by the reality of his situation. \"Anything else James?\"\n\n\"No, sir\" the fresh assassin replied and made his way to the museum.", "##### TRIGGERS WARNING.\n\n\"Welcome aboard, Kid.\"\n\n\"Glad to be here, Sir.\"\n\n\"Don't call me, Sir...\"\n\n\"Sorry, Sergeant.\"\n\n\"Better. Now, what have you been told, what do you believe, and what do you hope is true?\"\n\nConfused, the new recruit to the assassin's guild answers truthfully. \"I was told that the guild is simply that—an association of assassins that employ many individuals to provide services to the killers.\n\nContinuing, \"I believe what I have been told is incomplete, that there is a part of the guild that is involved in global affairs.\n\nFinally, \"As absurd as it may seem, I hope that there is some special benefit beyond the natural.\"\n\n\"Well, Kid, you're not alone. Every youngster that gets accepted gets the same briefing, has the same belief, and the same hope.\n\n\"Sorry to puncture your dreams, but a group of the top assassins is all we are. No secret cabal, no hocus focus.\"\n\n\"On the latter, you are most likely correct, Sergeant. On the first, you are certainly correct, but you miss my meaning on the second item.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\n\"I never said that the assassins were part of the cabal.\"\n\n\"Do tell, who is then?\"\n\n\"The support staff, Sergeant.\"\n\n\"And how would that happen without us knowing? We are in charge.\"\n\n\"With respect, Sergeant, the assassins were in charge for the first 5 to 7 years; after that, you became the customers of a globe-spanning network that had far too much time on its hands and a unique set of opportunities.\n\n\"For example, Sergeant, the people who smuggle weapons in and out of countries can smuggle other things. The people who arrange the contract assignments can insert an assignment for anyone getting in their way. Finally, these people have to have contacts throughout the governments of the world, to help with anything we might need. It is beyond belief that they have not used those contacts for activities outside those you need or that those contacts have traded favors to have a specific individual in the government removed.\"\n\n\"As I understand it, Sergeant, you were tasked to remove a low-level clerical worker at a private storage facility. Did you never wonder why someone would pay the guild's exorbitant prices to kill such a lowly clerk?\"\n\nSuddenly alert, Sergeant shifts ever so slightly, but it is far too late. A tiny sliver of a potent toxin punctures the skin of the ear canal, killing him in seconds. The symptoms mimic a cardiac arrest, yet there is no mark on the outer skin of the victim, and the autopsy reports say whatever the pathologist wants it to say.\n\nA small crew shows up. \"Disposal. The customary fee is already paid. However, there is no ticket open on Sergeant Titerburough. Can you explain?\"\n\n\"Vengeance. Sergeant killed my father two decades ago.\"\n\n\"Understand, please register these non-sanctioned kills in the future.\"\n\n\"I did so, but as of this time, the clerk handling such matters is ill and remained home today.\"\n\n\"You are strangely well informed for a recruit.\"\n\n\"Legacy. My mother was a transport specialist.\"\n\n\"Your father?\"\n\n\"No involvement.\"\n\n\"I am sorry for your loss. Do you expect further vengeance issues?\"\n\n\"I am afraid I do, Mr. Alvin Horton.\" A timed toxin, administered via food the night before, takes effect now. \"You should have checked my mother's status before asking for her removal simply because she refused your advances. You certainly should not have indulged yourself on her daughter, my twin sister, when you came for pickup. It was that which put me on this trail only a year ago.\"\n\nHorton and his crew die, writhing on the ground in agony. Calmly, the Recruit (no names please) calls a number. \"Phase II complete. Activate Phase III.\"\n\nPhase III, of an extended plan laid down a decade ago, when this man was thirty years old, to take back the assassin's support structure. The current leadership has made far too many mistakes." ]	3
	[WP] You are one of the city’s greatest supervillains. One night your superhero nemesis stumbles into your lair severely injured. You are naturally incensed. Some upstart villain dared to touch your nemesis! The only thing stopping you from immediately seeking vengeance is the injured hero’s pleas.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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 slam at the entry almost toppled over the beakers and vials that she'd been pouring over, goggles -- and the glasses behind them -- fogged with excited breath. Yet now, she'd shot upright, part in fear, part in surprise, and part in frustration; she'd not been off the stool she'd been perched so carefully on before for a split second before all of those emotions were replaced by shock in their place. Her pace quickened, one of her hands going to bring her goggles up right as she stretched out another arm to offer out to her visitor.\n\n\"Krow!\" she murmured, the arm of support taken to such a degree that the crumpling form she held almost dragged her down to the ground with them. \"You look rather stunning today!\"\n\n\"Save the laughs, Ventura,\" came a weak laugh back, followed by a series of hacking coughs. She felt them shake their head against her chest. \"You're... just the closest.\"\n\n\"My honored friend, it matters not why you're here,\" she cooed softly, trying to hoist Krow back upright with as much strength as she could, \"even if the 'friend' part may be a bit of a stretch on your side of it all.\"\n\n\"Keep telling yourself that, and maybe it might be true,\" came another weak joke. \n\n\"Do you need me to bring you to my lab?\" She was already dragging them there, to a point where it mattered not what their actual response was. \n\nIt seemed to only be a weak, pained groan anyways.\n\n\"Who did this to you?\"\n\nShe only felt a soft shake against her chest once more. \"It's... not important right now.\"\n\n\"You interrupted by experiments. It's important.\"\n\nAnother barely audible laugh came from Krow, and she couldn't help but to shake her head herself. \"Consider your plots foiled then, Ventura.\"\n\n\"You people always take me for a 'mad scientist'. You have no respect for the fundamentals. Unethical? Only occassionally. They're well compensated. And it's only unethical because there's no ethics board, so...\" she rambled, knowing full well that at this point, Krow was practically unconscious in her arms. There was only so much she could do, and filling the air with the sound of her own voice helped do two things: it kept her growing rage in check, and it kept her worries that she might not be able to help them out of her mind.\n\nIf she was the closest, how long would it take for her to go solve this first? She pressed the thought away for now; Krow first. It'd be pointless if Krow died. The rivalry kept her innovating, kept her creative, kept her always learning, and without them, she'd be nothing. She knew that. Yet every inch of her muscles ached to burst through the other side of that door to figure out just who had caused such devastation to her best friend. Her only friend?\n\nVentura shook her head. Laying Krow on the floor of her lab, it was a lot easier to see now in the flourescent light the damage that'd been inflicted to them. Their armor have been equal parts shattered and melted -- high velocity kinetic projectile, fast enough that it ignited the air around it, maybe, or possibly some sort of acidic-explosive penetrator? -- and gaps in the fabric showed deep cuts, burns, and... \n\nShe wasn't an anatomy expert -- not yet -- but she was sure enough those parts of them were supposed to not be exposed to open air like that. Though anatomy wasn't her fortay, biology -- a bit -- was. Sorta. New hobby, she'd picked it up recently in an interest to both be able to develop her own bioweapons -- and then develop things to cure any other potential bioweapon she'd see deployed. Every action needed an opposite reaction. \n\nWhich is why she'd made the regenerative sinew, she just had to find the jar she kept it in. Then, maybe she'd be able to deploy its counterpart. That would be fun. \n\nMaybe she'd take it slower. A simple firearm could do wonders -- many heros and villains perferred theatrics to such a degree they never expected someone small and smart like her to just shoot someone. It'd be wonderful. She'd have to figure out who did this first.\n\nBut Krow was more important. She could hear the way they begged for help in their voice, and she wasn't prone to refuse her friend's requests. She shook her head and bit her tongue.\n\nWhat a fool. She knew she was just a villain to them. Maybe this would finally prove otherwise. Maybe, just maybe, she'd finally showed she's not the villain they believed her to be." ]	2
	[WP] The seal is broken, the great evil is free, but upon awakening it finds that the only human left is the one who broke the seal. There is nothing left to destroy.	[ "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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&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&#128722; [Shop](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shoprwritingprompts?ref_id=24612) \n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\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.", "Iridescent emerald flame erupted around the crater of barren earth. The ground heaved, straining at the anchors of colossal chains keeping the portal sealed. As the chains snapped the sky darkened, storm clouds rolling over to shield that which was too foul for the light of the sun. The vomitous inferno subsided, sputtering out into a trickle, before bursting forth from the portal around an enormous red hand. Wicked and twisted nails dug into the dust, digging in as the rest of the demon’s body pulled itself free. Spire-like horns cleaved through the air as it rose on two hooved feet, spittle dripping out from a toothy grin that could threaten ten men in one mouthful. The beast scoured the horizon with bloodshot eyes, before settling on the lone figure that had set up camp a safe distance from brimstone gate. \n\nClad in a bubbly white hazmat suit, the woman waved sheepishly at the nightmare that she had awoken. Striding over to where a bank of speakers were set up, she beckoned the beast towards her. Outraged, it leapt towards her before demanding to know what mockery had been made of its arrival.\n\n“Wheeeere are the sacrifices? Why does oooone little plaything stand beneath me?”\n\nThe demon’s voice carried the rumble of thunder, an overwhelming bass that rattled to the bone. Still the woman merely tapped at the microphone in her hands. \n\n“Mic check. Mic check one two. One two. Okay. Sorry.”\n\n“What triiiickery is this? You joke in the face of your damnation?”\n\n“Well uhh. We’re kind of already damned, your… excellency? Disgustingness? What do I call you? But yeah you know, look around, it's uhh, it’s just me here.”\n\n“If you have come alooooone, you have come here to diiiieeeee.”\n\nThe demon bowed its head and bared its teeth, trying to come face to face with the gallful little morsel that dared speak as though they were on equal terms. Still, curiosity was as insatiable as any physical hunger, and it hesitated to consume what might be its only source of answers.\n\n“Speeeaaak, little worm. I can see that I do not frighten you as a being of my sssstature should merit. Why have you come to me now?”\n\n“Well… I was lonely.”\n\n“Loooonely? And you sought out this hellish company of mine? Do you not fear the destruction that I may leeaaaave in my wake?”\n“That’s kind of the thing. I don’t think you’re going to destroy anything.”\n\n“You have the audacity to doubt my power?”\n\n“It’s not that sir! Ma’am? I’m really not sure. It’s that, well, there is, uhh, nothing to destroy.”\n\n“Noooothing? On this whole wide world that has been kept safe from me for so long?”\n\n“Nothing. We blew it all up ourselves.”\n\nThe demon was silent, its baleful visage drooping into the folds of disappointment. Tentatively, it clawed at the earth a little more, before folding itself back and sitting on its mammoth sized haunches. As it raised a talon in an inquisitive gesture before lowering it shortly after without speaking, the woman felt that she should clarify their situation.\n\n“You see, it’s just me. I’m the only one left. On the whole planet.”\n\n“Just ooooone huuuman. That’s all I have to plaaay with?”\n\nThe drawn out syllables were almost mournful now, compared to the elegantly extended tremble the demon’s speech began with.\n\n“Guess so, yeah. Sorry.”\n\n“Yooouuu should have left me to my sluuumber.”\n\n“I told you. I was lonely.”\n\n“Uuuunderstandable. Sit with me then. If I have nothing to deeeestroooy now, I will tell you of everything sundered in ages past.”\n\n“I would appreciate that.”\n\nThe demon slid down onto its front, twisting itself childishly into a position next to the lonesome woman. From there, it spoke until the end of the world." ]	2

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