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] As a child, you'd often fall asleep on the couch and woke up in your bed. You presumed it was your dad that moved you around...until he started working night shifts	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 tall, but soft, with cool skin. Exuding the most pleasant odor and a murmuring sound, I barely noticed the first time I woke up in its arms. I can only describe it as 'pure contentment'. I just wanted to sleep more, and it took me to my room, gently guiding me into bed, no bumps or noises, just the blanket over me and tucked in perfectly, with a touch of .. lips?... as it left, the breath smelling slightly of roses and rain. Then I was asleep.\n\nI dreamed of it a few times, but it was always just that fading memory as you wake up from a great sleep. My dad had always remarked what a heavy sleeper I was, and I assumed that was normal. He always had to carry me to bed when I fell asleep on the couch, which was most night, watching old reruns til 10 or 11. With mom gone, he had to play both parents, and he did so admirably, I thought.\n\nHe had a solid job with good benefits, and when it came time to switch him over to the night shift, he had to take it, or risk losing our income. He explained it with tears in his eyes, but I understood. Maybe in a year or two he could get back on days. We settled into a new routine, but I would sleep in bed instead, it was lonely downstairs when he was gone.\n\nOne Friday I was watching Friends late and I must have drifted off. I woke up the next morning in bed, a little confused, figuring I had wandered to bed sometime in the night. Hearing a noise downstairs, I thought maybe Dad was home early, and got up.\n\nThe house was empty. I rubbed my eyes as I went to sit on the couch, trying to wake up. The couch was slightly warm, and when I touched the blanket, it felt a little warmer than the room, too. Did I just go upstairs a few minutes ago? Weird. \n\nI really didn't think much of it. You know how it is, you just wake up, nothing is really clear. It happened a few more times - the sleepwalking, I mean. I woke up in my bed after falling asleep downstairs. The couch wasn't always warm, but sometimes I was sure it was. \n\nI TRIED to stay awake, I really did. I doubt I ever made it past midnight. This calm would come over me and I would just drift off and wake up in bed. I tried to video myself with my phone, but it never caught me going upstairs, or even moving, just sleeping on the couch. \n\nLast night I was watching old Twilight Zone episodes, and a couple were pretty disturbing. I was sure I wouldn't fall asleep, but that peaceful feeling I always got seemed to seep into the room, and I felt my eyes get heavy. I let them close, but that weird episode was bothering the back of my head, and I couldn't quite drift off.\n\nDid I say it was tall? It was really tall. It moved into the room, no real steps that I could hear. So smoothly. It stood over me, but I didn't feel threatened. Kneeling (or something like kneeling), it slid two arms under me and lifted me so carefully I didn't even feel the movement. Holding me closely, a vanilla warmth slid over my nose, and I felt safe. A moment later I felt my body slide into my bed, somehow it brought me up the stairs without any sensation. The blankets softly cascaded over my body, and my hair was smoothed from my brow. Now I couldn't open my eyes at all, but I knew I was still awake. I felt it close, and when it kissed my forehead, there was nothing but bliss. I can't describe it. I think I smiled. Then there was emptiness. I should've been asleep but I had made it through, somehow. I waited a few minutes, and got up.\n\nI crept to the staircase, avoiding the creaky boards, and peered down like I used to when Mom and I would look for Santa Claus. It was moving toward the couch. The vague form folded itself down where I had been laying, and as it snuggled into my spot, it exhaled and it started to glow red. \n\nThe form stretched out and covered exactly where my body had been. As it did, the redness crept into those areas, too, and I realized it was absorbing my leftover warmth. It slowly slid my blanket over it, the glow even brighter, and a slight sound of contentment softly carried back to me. It was happy. \n\nI slept on the couch every night after that, always waking up in bed. I never tried to see again. I didn't have to. \n\nMy dad got off night shift a year later, but he had trouble adjusting to sleep patterns after being on nights so long, and was looking like hell. \n\n\"Hey Dad, you know what? The couch is really comfortable,\" I said one day. He shook his head. \"That's your bed!\" he said, laughing. \n\n\"I think you might like it more than me,\" I said, knowing it even as I said it. He nodded. \"Maybe,\" he said.\n\nI stayed up late with him, playing some dramatic, slow moving movies, and when he drifted off, I covered him with my blanket, and walked to the stairs. \"He needs it more than me now,\" I said to the air.\n\nHe was up before me the next morning, pouring me cereal as I came downstairs. \"Wow, you're not kidding, that couch was comfortable!\" he exclaimed. He looked so good, refreshed. \n\n\"Did you wake up in bed?\" I asked cautiously. He looked a little embarrassed.\n\n\"No, I... your mom and I used to lay there together, even before you were born,\" he said. \"It felt just like that, somehow. I don't know, it's stupid.\" He busied himself cleaning up the kitchen. \n\nSometimes in the morning I would smell lavender, sometimes cinnamon. Sometimes Dad would still be asleep on the couch, smiling, and if I looked really hard, I thought maybe I could see a little impression in the couch next to him.\n\n&#x200B;" ]	2
	[WP] Ever since you were born, you’ve been able to see how much time a person has left to live hovering above them. After Valentine’s Day dinner with your wife, you get into the car to drive home. As you merge onto the highway, you watch your wife’s number drop from “55 years” to “60 seconds”...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 got a little carried away with the scope on this one. If anyone ever reads this and likes it I'll keep it going, but otherwise I leave it as it stands. Should be interesting to look back on lol\n\nDespite approaching the unusually aggressive traffic of the Long Island Express Way, Fabricio's eyes were chained to his wife. Adelina leaned over the center console and braced the wheel against gravity. \"Watch the road!\" Fabricio's fear switched focus from the number above Adelina's head to the killing grounds he was voluntarily entering. He had seen enough to know that control of the situation, and therefor his own emotions, was going to be required.\n\n\"What did you see?\" said Adelina. Her body pulled back and flattened across the wall and door. He had pulled this kind of stunt before, and she knew that when he stared at the unchanging spot that held the Death Counter something dramatic was about to happen. \"Sixty seconds. Maybe Fifty now. Did you do something different?\" Fabricio's fingers gripped the steering wheel, alternating dominant side in an anxious release. \"No. But I will now.\" Adelina unclipped her seatbelt and unlocked her door in rapid succession. They affirmed their love and Fabricio watched Adelina tumble down the grassy slope of the spiral interchange with no more than Forty seconds to spare.\n\nShe sprinted towards the service road with the regional hotel beyond. Despite the tumble she moved like the sprinter she was, and by the time he had safely stopped the car she was a blur of grey athletic apparel against the green. \"It's using kalman! Go lateral!\" She had prepared him for this occasion, and he managed to recite the tips without conscious thought. \"Look for a P O I! Check the vehicles! Block lines of sight! Thirty Seconds!\" The railing proved no obstacle and she used her second foot to pivot, running alongside traffic. Her technique was perfect, exactly as they had drilled since they learned about the breakthrough in precision of her adversaries.\n\nIn no more than ten steps she braced forward, falling backwards and doing a back roll to salvage momentum. Collecting her stability she pivoted yet again, throwing herself directly onto the hood of a stationary vehicle piloted by a man wearing a hood. Her Death Counter reverted to the expected 55 years. \"That's the one! Don't let him escape you!\" That last part probably did more harm than good as the stares from the traffic let him know how loud he had screamed, but Fabricio felt assured it was worthwhile. He knew that once the orbital claw had warmed up, it was just a question of confidence in accuracy, and every moment in a deadzone was a moment of relief.\n\nAdelina had worked on the aiming logic just months prior, and informed him of the algorithms it preferred. She spun to all fours and crawled on top of the car, waiting to pounce if the man tried to run. The claw expected her to move mostly forward, with an acceptable degree of turn each tick, veering towards corners and moving sharply against obstacles. So she did the opposite. The only real escape was to put herself within a certain radius (the management defined, minimum acceptable positional slop) of someone they deemed irreplaceable. Otherwise Adelina and anyone else within the claw would find themselves in an orbital chamber for an unpleasant meeting.\n\nAs Fabricio approached the car that his wife was perched on like a gargoyle, it appeared that the man inside was surrendered to his fate. Fabricio motioned to roll down the window, and the man with the hood complied. \"You're going to have to come with us for a bit,\" said Fabricio. \"It's a matter of life and death, you see. But if you just come with us willingly it will end in life for all.\" The man unlocked his car, and as he stepped out and away Adelina's counter flew dow to 5 seconds before she jumped off the roof to restore her natural death.", "I never told anyone. \n\nWho would believe me? Sure, I could prove it, but who wants to be friends with the guy that predicts death perfectly? No one wants to be around that guy.\n\nSo I just avoided the Low Counts. If they had Days, or Hours, or especially Minutes left, I would leave the area. Sirens would inevitably begin shortly after for the real Short Timers, and that would confirm the counter was right once again.\n\nI tried to avoid looking at the counters of those I loved, but you just HAVE to know. I've never tried to stop one, honestly I don't know if you can, but I've never seen minutes or hours on someone I know. Sure, on a few work acquaintances over the years, but I figured, who am I to try to cheat Death?\n\nOn the 14th, I took my wife to dinner, a comfortable 55 years ticking down slowly over her head. Hell, if I could see my own counter, it was probably a lot less, going by statistics. We had a great dinner, and got back into the car to head home.\n\nIt was the flickering that caught the corner of my eye. I looked over, her counter spinning wildly, as first the days, then years, then hours spun down in just a few moments to zero. I must've looked horrified, because she spun to look out the window, thinking I saw something there. \n\n\"What!\" she exclaimed. \"Nothing, the car just feels funny,\" I said. I pulled off the highway slowly, watching for traffic carefully, and into a remote area of the parking lot of a 7-11. It was still spinning away minutes, and as I watched, it hit one minute, then slowed to normal time.\n\nI looked around. There was no danger here, no cars could careen off the road into us, no trees overhead to fall on us, no power lines, no.. nothing. \n\n:55\n\n \"What are you looking for?\" she asked again, now a little scared. \"We're in danger, I can't... just trust me.\" I got out of the car, looking for every possible scenario, trying to see the danger that must be nearby. \n\n:44\n\nNothing. I hopped back in the car and put it in drive. I couldn't get home, but maybe a more remote area. I spun out in the parking lot, annoyed with myself for causing even more danger, trying not to count in my head as we headed down a country road.\n\n:30\n\nI drove quickly but not out of control, the darkened drive of the dirt road lent itself to the terror in my head. The numbers ticked by in my peripheral vision, and I watched her as I slowly braked to a stop, in the middle of nowhere, with no danger around. \"I love you,\" I said. She didn't say anything.\n\n:12\n\nShe pointed at me, her mouth open, eyes wide, just above my head. I turned and looked in the rearview mirror. The pale numbers that had always been missing were there now, and I could read them in the reversed view.\n\n:04\n\nI felt the ground swell beneath us, lifting the car, and then darkness. Like I said, who am I to cheat Death?\n\n&#x200B;" ]	3
	[WP] The year is 2034. You're an astronaut on your way to Mars in a space ship when your ship receives a message from the dead Mars Rover: 'turn back, its not safe here. There's a---'	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 ship is slowly drifting toward Mars. The red planet gets bigger and bigger as I get closer and closer, stearing this little ship of mine from the cockpit. Suddenly, I notice a flashing signal on the message board, something in close proximity is trying to get through. I open the incoming message and hear this: \"turn back, it's not safe here. There's a---\". The signal is coming from the surface of the planet. I think to myself, \"What the hell? That Rover's been silent for a few years now. I am alone on this small ship heading into the unknown where a dead rover signals me of something out there that makes the place not safe. My wife and son are back home probably watching a new episode of Doctor Who and NASA is probably worrying why I haven't still checked-in. I haven't got any weapons, just a small kitchen knife and a shovel. Why risk my life?\" I should make a desicion, go on with the trip or head back home. Words in my head start saying,\"Turn back\". I take out a cigarette, a shot of vodka and increase the throttle. \"Где наша не пропадала,\" I think to myself and throw myself back in the comfy sit.\n" ]	2
	[WP] Roses are red, violets are blue, write me a romance 'bout books overdue	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "(WP) Meet Cute: Overdue Books Edition\n\n(Happy Valentine’s Day, all! I hope you enjoy!)\n\nThe day started with being late: Liz had slept through her alarm, leaving her no time for a shower. She stopped at a drive-through for an iced coffee, finger-combing her hair as she waited.\n\nShe found herself wishing that she’d had the day off today, but she wasn’t that lucky.\n\nThere was so much to do after work: errands, laundry, house-cleaning.\n\nThe day had only just begun and she was already stressed out beyond belief.\n\nShe took a sip of coffee and set it in the cupholder. Something in the backseat caught her eye: a bag of library books that were a few days overdue already. She’d have to stop on her way home.\n\nPulling into work with two minutes to spare, she grabbed her coffee and bag and headed inside at a brisk clip.\n\nLiz worked at one of the country’s top literary magazines as a writer, and she loved it. Getting paid to write? It wasn’t much better than that.\n\nThe office was already buzzing, and she waved quickly, walking to her office. \n\nShoving her hair up into a messy bun and holding it in place with a pencil, she sat at her computer, eager to get started.\n\n\\\\\n\nThe day went by in quick dollops: an hour here, fifteen minutes there. She was so busy she didn’t have any time to watch the clock. When three thirty hit, she clocked out, already making a note to stop for another coffee.\n\nShe had no plans to stop moving; she would treat herself to a nice dinner and maybe a glass or two of wine. Without thinking, she was grinning to herself. Today might have started on a rough note, but it didn’t have to end that way.\n\nShe’d never minded being by herself; she liked being around people, but she was just as content being alone.\n\nShe got in the car and began to drive, making a mental list of all the things she had to do. Laundry, cleaning the house, balancing her checkbook and paying the bills.\n\nIf she hadn’t stopped for another caffeine fix, she would’ve forgotten about the library books in the backseat.\n\nShe put her new coffee in the cupholder and drove to the library, which was on the other side of town. It was a stately stone building, with three stories and ivy on its face; it reminded Liz of a woman’s long tresses.\n\nIt felt like home, like safety.\n\nIf she wasn’t already so busy, she would’ve lingered. But perhaps she could later in the week.\n\nShe grabbed the heavy bag of books and put it on her shoulder, locking the car and striding into the library.\n\nShe was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she collided with a broad back, hard, and she and the poor person she bumped into crashed to the carpet.\n\n“Oh, my God! I’m so sorry!” Liz spluttered, feeling her cheeks heat. Normally, she was alert to her surroundings, but she’d just been so distracted and flustered today. “I should’ve watched where I was going!”\n\nThe person she’d knocked over was a man, with a golden-red goatee and glasses. He was wearing an olive-colored Henley and dark jeans. He was blushing as well.\n\n“It’s okay!” He said, and much to Liz’s relief, he was grinning. He’d been holding a pile of books, and they were scattered on the floor; Liz’s own bag had been dropped and several books had spilled out. “I shouldn’t have been standing right here, in front of the doors. Way to cause a traffic jam!” He laughed, and Liz’s heart melted at the sound; it was so warm and jovial, a big belly laugh.\n\nLiz scrambled to her feet and began to help him gather his things. He was still kneeling on the floor, and he reached for a book; it was one of the same that Liz had, and their fingers brushed fleetingly.\n\nShe pulled away as if shocked, and quickly put her own books back in her bag. Realizing she’d put one of his books in her bag by mistake, she held it out to him, smiling self-consciously.\n\n“First, I bump into you and practically run you over, and then I try to take one of your library books! We really haven’t started on the right foot, have we?”\n\nHe laughed, taking it from her. “Really, it’s fine. And after all, it’s not every day a pretty girl bumps into me. What’s your name? I’m Rhys.”\n\n“I’m Liz. It’s great to meet you, Rhys.” She frowned to herself for a moment, then took the plunge, screwing up her courage before she lost it.\n\n“After I turn in these overdue books, would you like to go out for coffee with me? My treat. It’s the least I can do after running into you like that.”\n\n“I’d love that, Liz.”\n\n\\\\", " THE SMILE\n\n“Hey there, how can I help you today?” The librarian behind the counter carried a wide smile that caught me off guard. Her dark hair was pulled up into a neat bun, but a single strand had escaped to loosely frame the right side of her face. Her name tag said Anne. I stared for a moment too long into her pale brown eyes, then regained my composure. Anne patiently waited, her eyes drifting to casually to the large cardboard box I carried.\n\n“Yeah, I…” I said, pausing while I looked for the words. “I found some old books when I was helping my parents get ready to move out of their place. Books I had checked out when I was a kid apparently.”\n\n“Oh dear!” Anne let out a little laugh. “That might be quite the fine! Lets see what we can do. Put them here.” She pointed to an open spot on the counter beside her. With a grunt, I lifted the box up and started opening the top flaps. “Now normally, it’s ten cents a day but I should be able to waive the fee considering the length of time. Let’s see what we have!”\n\n“There’s more than I thought there’d be. I must’ve had some sort of project and taken out a bunch at once and then completely forgotten about them. I wasn’t much for reading as kid,” I said. I held open the box flaps as she pulled out the first stack of books.\n\n“Pullman, Nix, Paulsen, Stine, what kind of project was this? These seem to be all over the place theme-wise,” she stated. The last book was removed and the box was placed to the side. Anne opened the first book and her brow furrowed. “The mystery deepens. There’s no reference card inside the front cover.” \n\nI leaned forward, and saw what she meant. There was supposed to be a slip of paper with the name of the last person who had taken it out and the date it was checked out, but it wasn’t there. I opened the next book, it didn’t have one either. None of them did.\n\n“Well then,” Anne said. “I guess that’s the end of the trail.” I was still hunched over the counter looking at the last book and I caught her gaze as I looked up. She looked away quickly, a small smile sliding across her face. She tucked her loose strand of hair back into the bun. “We did learn one thing at least.”\n\n“What’s that?” I asked.\n\n“Younger you had good taste when he did read. Whatever the reason was,” Anne said. “But all these books were taken before there was any digital logging so without that card, I can’t charge you. You’re off the hook… Sorry, what was your name?”\n\n“Jason, and I’m sorry for the hassle.” I smiled at her and she returned it, tilting her head down and to the side a little. “You can still use the books though? I don’t have any attachment to them, and I’d rather someone get to use them.”\n\n“Absolutely!” Anne beamed as she started to stack the book in alphabetical order. She handed me back the box I brought the books in, and I tucked it under my arm. “Anything else I can do for you today?” \n\nI paused, and met her eyes again. They were inviting and warm. I wanted to get to know her more. \n\n“Do you want to go grab a coffee with me?” The words hung in the air between us, and I desperately wanted to call them back. \n\n“Yeah, I’d like that.” Her smile flashed at me again. I nearly floated out of the library.\n\nI pulled out of the library parking lot, thinking of all the things I had to do before our date. The box was in the way in the front, so I threw it into the back, and it landed on top of a scattered pile of faded yellow reference cards.\n\nEnd Part 1\n\n* \\* \\* \\\n\nStill working on Part 2, but wanted to get this up sooner than later!", "I hated February, passionately, deeply, with the depths of my soul. Sure, it was a short month, and it allowed me to indulge in my propensity for chocolate with less fear of judgement, but it was hell on wheels at work. \n\nYou see, I'm a librarian, and February is when everyone fell off the wagon they had so carefully loaded January 1st, with all their damned resolutions.\n\n\"I'm going to read more this year!\" chirped a pert 22 year old, checking out a stack of books on January 4th.\n\nA distinguished gentleman with a loosened tie confided that \"this is the year I use the library more,\" while signing up for his first ever library card on January 10th, and then didn't check anything out. \n\nJanuary 13th: \"I'm finally going to read all the books people keep telling me to read!\" exclaimed a woman, mid 30s and a baby in tow, dropping War and Peace, The Book of Negroes, and The Tattoist of Auschwitz on the counter. \n\nAnd I smiled at all of those people, wished them happy reading, and made a note, betting myself when they'd give up. I mean, based on the titles Ms Jan 13 had checked out, I figured those books would be returned on time, after she realized that no one had the mental fortitude to read all of those within a 2 week period. \n\nSo now it was February, and all those bright-eyed, motivated borrowers were now late, and now I had to do something about it.\n\nNamely, use the entire evening of my February 13th to call all of them, and beg them to bring their books back. Sorry everyone, but your resolution went off the rails, and now you owe me money, plus the shame of admitting defeat. \n\nI'm really surprised no one has sent a reality TV crew down to see me yet, who wouldn't be interested in my thrilling, action-packed job?\n\nJoan, the head librarian, poked her head into the office. \"How's it going?\" she asked.\n\nI rattled the phone in the cradle. \"This is definitely why I did my library sciences degree,\" I said sarcastically. \"Because a higher education is required to handle this many phone calls that are definitely being put straight through to voicemail.\" I flipped my head in my hands, my ponytail flopping forward and tickling my ear.\n\nJoan chuckled. \"Well, a car just pulled up, and a woman sent her daughter in with a $5 bill and her overdue copies of Atlas Shrugged and The Accidental Beauty Queen, so I think you're doing something right.\"\n\nI snorted. \"I guarantee you she only read one of those, and we both know which one!\"\n\n\"Oh, don't be so pessimistic,\" Joan chastised me. \"Remind me to give you an extra day off next week, I think you're getting a little too grumpy.\"\n\nI sighed. She was definitely right. My Christmas vacation glow was totally gone, and now...well, I wasn't sure which book would be able to revive my charred husk of a February soul. \n\nThe whir of the automatic doors met our ears, and a tiny gust of cold air pushed it's way into the office.\n\n\"Your turn, Grumpy,\" Joan grinned wickedly. \"I'll handle the calls for a bit, my feet are killing me.\"\n\nI glared at her, then rearranged my face into a welcoming smile as I headed for the counter.\n\nI caught a glance of brown hair and a suit darting into the fiction aisles. Fine! Make it hard for me to offer you help. I grabbed a stack of books for reshelving and headed for the aisles, taking deep breaths. \n\nI rounded a corner to find a man consulting the W's. \"Hi!\" I said in my patented excited, yet library-appropriate voice. \"Can I help you?\"\n\nThe man looked up at me, relief spreading across his face. \"Uh Andy Weir? Mar...s guy? Marty? Mart-something?\"\n\nI stifled a laugh. \"That would be Martian.\" I bent down and found it quickly. \"And if you haven't seen the movie yet, wait until you've read the book.\"\n\n\"Definitely!\" he agreed, and my heart gave a skip as he continued, \"the book is always better.\"\n\n\"Absolutely,\" I purred, happy he agreed with me. \"Anything else I can help you find?\"\n\n\"I'm just going to browse a moment,\" he said, giving his tie a tug.\n\nMy memory perked up. Tie guy? January 10th tie guy? Holy shit, he was back! \n\nI nodded at him and retreated to the front desk, abandoning my reshelving for nervous fingernail biting at my computer. This was unprecedented, I didn't think this man would ever walk back through those doors again. \n\nI randomly clicked my mouse, watching him come out of the shelves and approach out of the corner of my eye. \n\n\"Just this,\" he said, putting the Martian on the counter. \"And,\" he blushed furiously, \"I think this might be overdue.\" He pulled a book out of his jacket pocket and placed it softly on the counter.\n\nMy heart soared. \"You checked out Miss You?\" I blurted out loud.\n\nHe blushed harder. \"Uh...yeah,\" he stuttered. \"I heard you recommending it to someone, and it sounded good, so...\" \n\n\"And?\" I prompted, scanning Miss You back into the system.\n\n\"Beautiful,\" he breathed. \"Hence why its late, I had to reread it.\" He plunked some coins on the counter. \"I think your voicemail said $3.60?\"\n\nI stared. My favourite book of 2018 and exact change? Be still my beating heart! \"Yes,\" I mumbled. \"I'm, uh, glad you liked it.\"\n\n\"Loved it!\" he said earnestly, handing me his library card.\n\nI scanned the Martian in silence, only saying, \"due back February 27,\" as I handed him the book and his receipt. \n\nHe smiled at me as he took them, then headed for the door. I could hardly breathe, my normally quick witted mind unable to function. I should say something, do something...although, he'd be back, right? Right?\n\nAnd then he paused by the return slots at the door, fumbling in his pockets for a piece of paper and a pen. He scribbled something on what looked like a business card and glanced back at me, making eye contact as he slid it into the return slot. Then he disappeared into the gloomy evening. \n\nI waited until I heard the vroom of an engine in the night, then rushed to the return bin.\n\n\"Everything ok?\" Joan called from the office as I dove into the bin. \n\n\"Uh, yeah!\" I called, fingers finally closing on paper, pulling it out. \n\nIt was in fact a business card, and I ran my fingers over the crisp linen, before flipping it over.\n\n\"I'd hate to 'miss you',\" I read to myself. \"Want to start a book club?\" \n\nOh my. I'm never taking a day off ever again. \n\nr/DieKarrotte ", "Books Overdue (poem)\n\nRoses are red, violets are blue \nWrite me a romance\n‘Bout books overdue.\nAbout time spent outdoors,\nBeneath broken streetlights,\nIn the parks we would gather,\nFor interschool fights.\nWrite of time spent too stoned,\nTo quite make it to class,\nSo we’d sit in a circle,\nAnd talk on the grass.\nAnd of locker room mischief,\nAnd amateur plays.\nWhen we knew in our hearts,\nThat these were the days.\nTake me back to the time,\nWhen the world was still new,\nAnd our biggest concern,\nWas our books overdue.\nThen I’ll tell you a tale,\nOf first kisses and rum,\nWith the music so loud\nMy heart beat to the drum.\nOf a time when a heartbreak\nCould shatter the earth,\nAnd leave naught but despondency,\nShadow, and dearth.\nOf bikes ridden, games played,\nAnd the glories of youth,\nSo write me a tale,\nAnd I’ll tell you the truth,\nThat I miss the old days, \nWhen our hearts were still young,\nAnd a trip to the library \nStill could be fun.\nYes I’d trade back the present,\nAs bright as it looks\nTo remember the romance,\nOf overdue books.\n", "It’s been about a month since Heather left. Consequently, it’s also been about a month since Marshall left their--no, his* apartment. She came by yesterday to pick up whatever she forgot to pack when she broke up with him, leaving Marshall an understandable wreck of a person. She used all the classic lines. It’s not you, it’s me. We’re just not compatible anymore. I love you, but I’m not in love with you. All of it is bullshit. But if she wants to leave, there’s nothing he can do or say to get her to stay.\n\nOn this, approximately the thirtieth day since Heather shattered his heart, Marshall actually picks himself up out of bed and tries to make himself comfortable on the couch with last night’s leftover pizza. He settles into the crevice between cushions that had memory-foamed to his body--what Heather used to call his gaming nook with affection. He reaches for the controller, but can’t bring himself to play anything, not having enough energy to do anything beyond binging Netflix. He presses the buttons on his controller to bring him to the appropriate screen, but when he gets there, he gets another soul-crushing notification: You have been signed out because your account information has changed.\n\nSon of a bitch. Heather was the one who paid for their Netflix account. It’s not enough that she broke his heart, stomped on the pieces, took half the stuff they bought as a couple, but now he can’t even wallow in misery to the sounds of a Friends marathon? He just emptied out his bank account to pay the full amount of rent for their--fuck, his apartment. Marshall doesn’t have the $9.99 a month to pay for Netflix right now.\n\nBuzz buzz.\n\nMarshall picks up his phone from where he tossed it on the couch. Behind the cracks on the screen--totally not from when he threw it at a wall during the anger stage of grieving his relationship wondering why he wasn’t enough for her--is an email notification from the local library about overdue books. He opens it, thinking it’s a mistake since he hasn’t been to a library since he graduated high school. When Marshall sees who the email is addressed to, he feels like throwing his phone at a wall all over again. Of course she used his email at the library. Why wouldn’t she? Actually, there isn’t a good reason that Marshall could think of as to why she used his email address, but that’s just how it goes when someone gets dumped, right? Every little thing in the fucking world has to circle back to your ex somehow. Marshall isn’t even sure the books are still in their--fuck, no--his apartment, or if Heather remembered to take them when she picked up the rest of her things. Probably not, since she forgot to return them in the first place. Forcing himself off the couch, he begins to look between stacks of open pizza boxes, unwashed glasses, empty cans and bottles of beer. If he doesn’t find them, he swears he’ll change his name from Marshall to Murphy. \n\nEventually, he finds them tucked into the ottoman that sometimes doubles as a coffee table. He also comes across quite a bit of Heather’s hair strewn about their--GOD DAMN IT--HIS apartment, because apparently girls shed like yetis. After a quick mental breakdown, Marshall is able to put on some outside pants, brush his teeth, grab some change, and get his ass out the door for the first time in a month.\n\nHe makes it to the library without anything special happening. He had forgotten how cold the February air could get, wishing he put on some warmer pants, but that’s about it. Books in hand, Marshall walks up to the return desk, waiting in line to pay the late fees. When it gets to his turn, the mousy girl sitting behind the desk tells him that the overdue fees are more than the amount of change he has in his pocket.\n\nFlustered, embarrassed, and more than anything, just wanting to go home or crawl into a hole and die, Marshall isn’t sure what to do.\n\n“I’ll take care of that for him.”\n\nThat voice. It sounds so familiar. \n\nWhen Marshall turns around, his eyes lock onto the most captivating shade of golden brown, dotted with flecks of deep emerald green. A glint of silver dotted one of her eyebrows, the same shade of the curls that framed her bronze face. He knows her from somewhere, but he can’t quite figure that out yet.\n\nTucking her own books under her armpit, she shoves a fist into her pocket and pulls out a handful of change. Marshal, finally able to find words after she finished paying both hers and his ex’s late fees, thanks her.\n\nShe smiles back at him. “No worries, americano with heavy cream.”\n\nMarshall’s own eyes widen as he recognizes the barista at the coffee shop around the corner from his apartment. She looks different with her hair down and out of uniform. Picturing the little white tag attached to the apron she usually wore, he remembers her name.\n\n“Leto, right?” he asks, voice gaining a little more confidence.\n\nLeto nods. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you in the shop,” she says. Marshall thinks he sees her cheeks grow pink. Or it could be the blush she’s wearing. He can’t tell, but for the first time in a long time, he’s optimistic. \n\n“It’s been a while since I’ve left the house,” he admits, running a hand through his hair and becoming painfully aware that it’s also been a long time since he’s had a shower. He quickly puts his arm back down, hoping he doesn’t smell as homeless as he must look.\n\n“Well,” Leto begins, not taking a step away from Marshall, which is a good sign as far as his hygiene is going, “we’ve got a Valentine’s Day Special going on today. You should come and take advantage of it.”\n\nMarshall’s heart not only beats to life since his ex stomped on it, but starts to race. If it goes any faster, it may need an inhaler. But he can see the finish line, and he might have a shot at winning. “I might just stop by,” he begins, trying desperately to make sure his voice doesn’t sound as nervous as he feels. “What’s the special?”\n\nThis time, Leto steps closer, and suddenly, the confidence and cool air she has about her falters. Her gaze shifts downwards as she reaches a trembling hand towards his. “Purchase any beverage or pastry,” she says, her voice shaky as her finger as it finds a home in Marshall’s clammy palm. When she finally looks him in the eye, Marshall knows that she’s as nervous as he is. “Get the phone number of a barista of your choice.”\n\nMarshall is stunned. He wasn’t even going to leave his apartment today. Did he expect anything to happen? No. Did he think he would ever get over his ex? No. Is he going to run home, take a shower, shave his face, look for his deodorant, and book it to the coffee shop as soon as he leaves the library? Abso-fucking-lutely.\n\nMarshall surprises himself by smiling--something he thought he forgot how to do. “Well then,” he begins, closing his hand around hers, “I’ll definitely be seeing you later.”", "The librarian sat behind the circulation desk, attention focused on the task in front of her. A stack of cards marking books that had been checked out, all of them overdue. The library had only gone halfway digital so far, making it feel like half her job was manually adding due dates and late fees to the computer system. \n\nA soft sigh escaped Ariel's lips as she flipped over another card, fingers lingering on the thick paper for a moment. This was the least favorite part of her job. She would give anything to spend her days reading and roaming through the stacks. Her joy came from helping others find a book that swept them to another world. Reference and self-help books were okay, she supposed; helping someone help themselves was vaguely rewarding. \n\nThe overdue notices felt hallow in comparison. The act made her feel like a task-master instead of a guide through the universes. It also meant that a long list of people who were choosing to simply ignore the books they borrowed. She imagined stacks of her prized possessions laying underneath beds, or hidden under a stack of trash. Perhaps a pile of laundry had been thrown on them, or they were in the trunk of someone's car. \n\nShe shook her head. The line of thought had caused her brows to furrow. She felt her lips pull down as well. Ariel wasn’t so sure the scowl looked that great on her, and shook her head as if to shake it off. \n\nA moment of typing and she flipped another card. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. She stood, deciding that a walk would be a nice break from the unpleasant task. Standing up for the first time all afternoon, she stretched out to give relief to her legs and stiff back. Feeling just a little more limber, she walked out from behind the desk. There was no one around, so no one would need her for a few minutes. \n\nLooking towards the door, she spotted someone walking through the parking lot toward the door. \n\n“Of course,” Ariel muttered. \n\nIt soured her mood further, although she couldn’t come up with a valid reason for it. Beyond the fact that she would have to go back to that long list of overdue books so soon. The list of worlds greedy people were keeping hidden from others who may need them. She turned and walked back behind the desk. \n\nHer break would have to wait. She glanced at the door as she sat down. A young woman walked through, Ariel pegged her somewhere between 16 and 21. She was short and slim, walking with her eyes pointed straight down at the ground. \n\nExactly the type of person who needed the books she cared about so much. A deep breath helped center her thoughts as the woman walked straight up to the desk. \n\n“Um… I need to return some books, and…” the woman stammered. Her eyes went back and forth between the wood her hands lay on and Ariel's name badge. They never seemed to make it up far enough to create eye contact. \n\n“We have a return slot, but I can take them here,” Ariel said. \n\nShe felt her mood soften. All those nasty thoughts and here someone was, trying to return her books directly back to her. Perhaps she just needed that small break after-all. \n\n“Well…I probably owe money. These are kinda late?” the woman managed to push the words out of her mouth. Although she didn’t seem too happy that the effort was required at all. \n\nIn a hurry, she pulled her backpack off and unzipped it. Her hands pulled out a pile of softback books and placed them on the counter with a thud. \n \nAriel felt herself smile. \n\n“Well, Valentine's day is a day for love after all,” Ariel said as she pulled the top book off the tiny mountain of paper. \n\n“My very favorite book,” she said, feeling her lips pull further across her face.”I will waive the fee…just this once.” \n\n*** \n\nI don't think this is what you had in mind...at all haha. But I enjoyed writing it...so its what you get. :) \n\n/r/beezus_writes" ]	7
	[WP] Scientists have discovered a new spatial dimension: Imagination	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 years, my thinkings were passed off as pseudoscience. I was called a disgrace to the scientific community. But today is the day it will all change.\n\nFor I shall soon publish the first proof of the physical existence of imagination!\n\nThis is how it works. Everything imagined by people comes to life in an alternate plane of existence, which I call \"Imagination\". Whoever imagines the objects in Imagination is in full control of them. Writers, artists and daydreaming children are the biggest contributions to Imagination, though Imagination encompasses the combined creative thoughts of all of mankind. Every person has their own space in Imagination, linked to other people's pace. I theorize Imagination existed ever since mankind told stories of fiction. Ever since then there has been no connection between our physical dimension and Imagination.\n\nUntil now.\n\nIt all started when my crush, an artist, drew one of her original characters on her tablet. The character was supposed to be self aware and was to be known for breaking the fourth wall. Little did she know that her tablet was magical, and that not only did it bring her character to life, but it also, for the first time, opened a bridge between our world and Imagination.\n\nSoon I figured how to open a bridge between the two worlds. All you need is an artist with a self aware character, a graphical user interface device that supports art software, and a timepiece, preferably one that marks the hours off with chimes. The last is important as opening a bridge requires breaking the fabric of spacetime.\n\nTo open a bridge, have the artist draw his/her self aware character on the GUI device. Make sure the character is shown breaking the fourth wall. Once the timepiece chimes off the hour/half hour/quarter hour, the character should come to life and the GUI device should become a portal to the character's world.\n\nFor quite a while everything I've said above remained too good to be true. This would change science forever, but obviously it sounds like science fiction. However, after a few experiments I have confirmed that it was all true.\n\nJust earlier I finished the first ever paper on this subject and I am currently uploading it to a scientific journal. I stare at my computer screen intently watching as the loading bar slowly expanded. 96%... 97%... 98%... I can hardly wait to see it finish.\n\nFinally it reaches 100%. I get shocked as I looked at the screen.\n\n\"Manuscript Rejected\"" ]	2
	[WP] Nobody understood why the dragon decided to live at the zoo, but she's long been the most popular attraction there. She'll pose for pictures with anyone, loves it when visitors throw gold coins in her enclosure, and she's not above playacting for the young "knights" that come to do battle.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "When the Dragon first plopped down from the sky into the zoo, there was panic. People ran from her screaming, but amongst the chaos, even when she was surrounded by animal control she sat there, perfectly docile. Animal Control lowered their tranquilizer guns in confusion as the Dragon made no attempt to attack them, flee or defend herself. She simply stared at them expectantly with big, innocent eyes. 'Excuse me, I'm sorry for causing such a fuss, but may I please speak to a manager?' she said.\n\nAnd so the Dragon was brought to the Manager of the Zoo. It was a bit of a squeeze getting into his office considering that she was the size of a car. 'You want to what?!' The Manager had said.\n\n'Can I please live here?' the Dragon asked. 'You see, this zoo was built close to my lair, and I found myself observing the activities that have been going on here. The enclosures that you have built your animals look much nicer than my cave, and the free food seems awfully convenient as well. I feel so guilty having to steal from farmers, but a dragon has to eat.'\n\nThe manager stared blankly at her. She stared back at him, and her tail drooped, realising that he wasn't convinced. 'Of course, I'll repay you!' she said quickly. 'In exchange for a home and food, I can put on shows for the guests, and entertain them in some way! I'm not as big as other dragons, so I don't need much space and let's be honest here, how many humans have actually seen a dragon?'\n\nThe manager looked at her long and hard, considering. 'I suppose we do have an open enclosure...' he muttered. He looked back up at her, grinning. 'We have a deal! Though we do like to give our animals names, so do you mind telling me yours?'\n\n'You can call me Amethyst.' The Dragon replied.\n\n'Excellent!' the Manager said, extending his hand so she could shake it. Amethyst looked down at it, confused.\n\n'You... have a nice hand?' she said, not understanding.\n\nThe Manager retracted his hand awkwardly. 'Erm, never mind. Let's get you settled in, shall we?'", "For eons, I had been a creature of destruction. The Master of All Creation gifted me with incomparable power, for the world in its beginning was a merciless place. Throughout my youth I drifted through a void of immeasurable destitution, with only the ruinous flames I held in my belly to provide light. There was no past, no present, and no future. But somehow, amongst the darkness appeared a luminous sphere - a great rock within which were embers that were soon to be dead. I gifted my flames to the rock and soon witnessed life on this Earthen land being birthed. As time passed, I witnessed wretched storms and floods that left a desolate wasteland wherever they struck. Life struggled to flourish, but I could feel in the humid, heavy air that there was more to see. I had spent my entire life in emptiness, but while watching this progression of existence my life would not be fruitless.\n\n\nNow, in my old age, I sit here fascinated by what this world has become. The life that had endured many attempts at annihilation in its infancy now stood staring back at me with wonder. I could sense an aura surrounding them, a haze of the infinite carnage and pain that had led to them being there. Yet as their hands passed over my weary scales, the warmth of their gentle caress felt pleasant. The games they wished to play were beloved moments that my ancient memory, full of death and the black void of my youth, found great pleasure in. How much longer did this world have, I pondered, before the Master of All Creation would ask me to grant it my flames once more?\n\n\n\n\"She's such a sweet thing, isn't she?\"\n\n\"Mama, can we see the dragon again tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Sure, honey, if you finish your studies on time. Come along now. Let's go home.\"", "Wednesday's were usually fun for the Ol' Girl. Afternoons always had the best feast of the week and the new-comers got to practice their bit for Saturday's shows. Abe, one of the newest \"Knights of the Round\" was eager for his chance to show the crowds what he was capable of and made it clear in no uncertain terms. \n\"I'm actually gonna slay that dragon, guys. You'll see,\" he said after just two sessions in the pit. \n\n\"You're full of shit, dude.\" Sam, an experienced pit fighter, said. \"And besides, even if you had a slim chance of actually killing it, why would you want to? She's not so bad. Got you a job, hell - got us all a job. The kids love it! The parents love it! Everybody loves that dragon so why are you acting so serious about this?\" \n\n\"Because it is serious!That thing is a threat! It could kill us all whenever it wants to. Burn the whole thing to the ground, the whole country down!\" \n\n\"Have you ever been badly burnt in your few encounters with her?\" Sam asked - already knowing the answer. \n\n\"No, I haven't but-\" \n\n\"No, you haven't. And when she does blow a full inferno she's tired and lethargic the next day. So how do you think she could burn down the whole country before we sent a warhead hurtling towards her? Don't worry so much about the old stories.\" \n\n\"We'll see.\"\n\n---\n\nSaturday's festivities started off like always. Crowds gathered around the pit to see which Knight could save the damsel, or pilfer some coin. The scenarios were few but the fighters never knew which one they'd be doing. Improvisation was important. The Ol' Girl knew how to make it \"real\" and give the fighters a reason to stay sharp. The bouts were always exciting and the crowd was always enthralled. Abe waited in the batter's box, and soon his name was called.\n\n\"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, people of all races, shapes, and sizes, creeds and colors put your hands together for our next contestant!\" \n\nThe crowd roared and the announcer continued, \"A new-comer to the pit, he's waiting to show you the mortality of our best friend here.\" The crowd murmured and some booed. The announcer continued mockingly, \"Does he really think he stands a chance? I don't think so!\" The crowd laughed and jeered. \n\n\"People, put your hands together for Knight Abe!\" Again the crowd roared and the gate opened allowing Abe into the pit. He immediately saw the dragon guarding a large pile of fake gold. \"That's it, huh?\" he said to himself. \"Even if I was playing this stupid game, this one's too easy. Well time to let her know the score.\" He proceeded slowly towards the dragon, feigning caution. \n\nThe dragon, pretending to sleep in this scenario, was faced away from the Hero Knight. Abe was only 10 feet from the dragon now and beckoned by clashing his sword against his shield. He shouted, \"Dragon! Thief and hoarder! I am here to reclaim these riches! For the Kingdom,\" he gestured up with both arms towards the crowd, \"and my people!\" The crowd erupted, and the dragon boredly turned her head towards Abe. She sighed a puff of smoke in his direction, engulfing him for a breif second, and the crowd laughed. \"And I'm here to make sure you never get your claws on another piece of the peoples' money,\" the crowd Oooh'd and Awww'd. \n\nIn a split second he bound towards the huge, shimmering pile of gold and a giant claw came crashing down. He quickly rolled under and shouted, \"Ha! I see you've gotten slow in your old age!\" The dragon didn't take kindly to that remark and roared with another claw aimed for the new knight. He deftly dodged the attack and made his way higher up the fake mountain of gold. She attempted a tail swipe but, again, the knight was able to roll under the attack and followed up with one of his own. He swung up as her tail whipped back and was able to cut deep. She bled.\n\n---\n\n\"FOOL!\" She bellowed with an enormous blaze into the sky. The crowd was dead silent. Never before had a knight been able to bleed the dragon. Never before had she spoken. \n \n\"You should not have come back,\" she hissed. \n\n\"You should not have stayed here!\" he shouted back. \n\n\"INSOLENT WHELP,\" she bellowed again with another inferno pointed towards the sky. \"It was you who chained me to this land! It was you who forced me into this position!\" \n\nSam was in the pit now and called up to Abe. \"Very interesting! I had no idea there was anyone still around who could forge a blade capable of piercing dragons' flesh. Very interesting indeed.\" He looked towards the dragon now, \"But it wasn't him who bound you to this spot.\" \n \nThe dragon's strength was waning now. \"So it was you!\" She said with a puff of smoke.\n \nSam smiled. \"If I had a gun I'd shoot Abe right now and make sure you stay here - alive. But, since I don't, I think we should discuss our options.\" \n\nThe dragon stood silent. Abe shouted down, \"What the hell are you talking about?! You're the reason she's so docile?\" \n\n\"I was tasked with keeping her alive,\" Sam replied, \"and I have every intention of doing that. Even if it means sacrificing myself,\" he trailed off, but quickly regained composure. \"Dragon! I can lift your curse so you can fight back, but I want something in return.\" \n\nThe dragon remained silent. Again, Abe broke the silence. \"Fuck this! I'm ending it now!\" \n \nAbe leaped from the fake mountain of gold, gripping his sword with both hands, and plummeted towards the dragon. Without hesitation Sam reached for something in his pocket. \"I NEED HER ALIVE!\" He shouted and the dragon opened its wings, knocking back the attacking Knight. The dragon took flight. The crowd panicked. It was just like the old stories.\n\nFire rained from the sky.\n\n---\n\nI posted this and the formatting was totally ruined... sure hope I fixed it. Thanks for reading!", "When Lisa's mother bought her an ice cream, she burst into tears.\n\n\"Oh, baby,\" her mother said, pulling her into a hug.\n\n\"I—I'm sorry,\" Lisa sobbed. \"But I keep thinking of Francis, Will, Annette, Patricia. I'll never see them again ...\"\n\n\"We'll visit during the summer.\" Her mother ruffled her hair. \"And you'll be able to call them on the telephone ...\"\n\nLisa scrubbed her eyes, even as her mother listed out a dozen ways she could see her friends again. She knew it was silly to cry in the middle of a zoo, but it was her last day in this city, and she was going to miss school, her friends, Mrs. Bridge next door, the steakhouse ...\n\n\"Here, eat your ice cream before it melts,\" her mother said.\n\nShe accepted the cone gingerly, then licked the chocolate top. \"I want to go home,\" Lisa said.\n\n\"Don't sulk, please,\" her mother said. \"I know you want to see the dragon again.\"\n\nThey made their way through the zoo, past enclosures of lions and elephants that Lisa had seen dozens of times. Despite her mood, she was excited. She'd only seen the dragon once, two years ago. She'd been mostly terrified then, and had pulled her mother away after a glimpse. Her roar had been so loud.\n\nThe dragon's enclosure was the largest, measuring about ten acres, set in a depressed pit ringed by waist-high brick walls. People always thronged the sides, since the dragon never spent her days in the caverns built for shelter. They managed to squeeze through the perpetual crowd in good time, and Lisa's mother lifted her onto the wall for a better view.\n\nFifteen feet long from pointy snout to clubbed tail, the dragon was a sleek creature that usually ran on fours, though she could take to the air with two pairs of massive, shimmering, transparent wings. Her opalescent scales shone like a starry night, and her four black eyes glittered with intelligence. Lisa gasped and covered her mouth; how could she have found the dragon scary?\n\nThere were two zookeepers with her, crouched on the ground. A third standing by the side gave a sudden shout. Dragon and zookeepers broke into a run, the dragon easily outpacing them. They were heading for a white strip painted on the ground several yards away.\n\nHalfway through, the dragon suddenly faltered. She began limping, slowing almost to a complete stop. The zookeepers put on a burst of speed, leaving her behind. Lisa had felt a pang of worry; had the dragon been injured?\n\nJust before the two men could cross the finish line, the dragon suddenly swooped forward, wings beating with sounds not too different from a helicopter's. She snatched them up, one in each foreleg, then flew back to the starting point.\n\nThe crowd burst into laughter as the zookeepers stamped the ground and yelled at her when the dragon placed them down again. She seemed to be radiating smugness, all the more when people started hurling large gold coins into the enclosure. When the rain stopped, she actually bowed her head!\n\n\"Amazing!\" Lisa said. Her mother merely smiled in an I-told-you-so way.\n\nMore people began entering the enclosure; young boys and girls shepherded by zookeepers. They seemed to be wearing metal plates and helmets while carrying wooden swords. Ah, the knights! Lisa leaned forward in excitement; Patricia had absolutely gushed about the experience.\n\nThe children surrounded the dragon, who placed a foreleg over her chest, as if in fear. She barked at them when a boy hopped toward her, swinging his sword. Some looked timid, unsure, even with the zookeepers encouraging them. Others, like the boy, went on the attack, their swords clacking harmlessly against her scales.\n\nThe dragon fought back. She swiped at the air above their heads, roaring gently, snorting sparks at them. At this, some of the kids squealed and ran away, but the rest laughed and continued the fun. The spectators began cheering—some on the dragon's side.\n\n\"You must bring me here again for this!\" Lisa said.\n\n\"We will,\" her mother said.\n\nAfter about ten minutes, the dragon flew into the air, signaling that the game was over. The zookeepers led the children out, until only the dragon remained in the enclosure. Then she jetted over to a perfectly circular hole. Lisa idly wondered what the point of the pit was—the dragon could fly out any time it wanted.\n\n\"What's happening?\" Lisa asked. Her mother shrugged.\n\nSteam began pouring from the dragon's back; the crowd's chattering grew in intensity. Lisa widened her eyes, heart thumping. What was happening?\n\nThen the dragon opened her mouth and breathed power. Lisa didn't know how to describe it—just a stream of silvery light that thrummed loudly, causing the air itself to shiver. Then the first pulses hit her; vibrations cast by that beam.\n\nThey felt horrible, rattling the insides of her head, seeping into her bones. The world blacked out for a moment, and then she was falling. She dimly heard her mother screaming her name.\n\nFalling ... falling ... and then something closed around her body, something warm and hard and puffing steam into her face. She shook her head blearily, looking around.\n\nThe dragon's eyes looked back at her, seemingly wide with shock. A word burst through her mind then, distinctly feminine. \"Wielder?\"\n\nThen the moment was past; she was soaring, the dragon carrying her up to the applauding spectators. Her mother was there, crying, arms outstretched. People cleared some room as the dragon set her down, and then her mom was clinging to her. As the dragon drew back, Lisa met her gaze once more. The dragon nodded, the motion almost imperceptible, then flew away.\n\nLisa trembled, unable to move, feeling like she would melt into jelly if she took even a step. What had that meant? The dragon had talked to her. She felt sick. She'd almost died! But the dragon had saved her! She wanted to celebrate and vomit at the same time.\n\n\"Can we go?\" she managed, to her mother's fervent nods.\n\n*\n\nThe zoo was about to close, some of the staff not-so-subtly nudging people toward the exits. Trees cast long shadows on the paved walkways, though golden light still spilled through their leafy screens. A gust went by, carrying a thick odor of animals and a hint of smoke.\n\nLisa's hand brushed her back pocket unconsciously, where her own cigarettes were. Clad in jeans and a T-shirt that rendered the warm evening air bearable, she passed enclosures that she hadn't remembered as a child. Had the place really changed so much in twenty years?\n\nFortunately, the one place she was looking for hadn't—she'd triple-checked it almost every day for the last month. The dragon's enclosure was up ahead, almost as it'd been in her day. In place of the low brick wall were now tall, metal railings, erected after a certain girl had fallen inside. Not because of her, but because some parents later thought it would make a cool experience for their kids to be caught by the dragon.\n\nIdiots. It now looked like a cage.\n\nShe peered into the enclosure, hands wrapped around the bars. Lying by the circular hole, appearing asleep and unchanged at all by the years, was the dragon. Lisa thought she looked a lot smaller than she remembered. An adult's perspective, perhaps.\n\n\"Hey,\" she said, flicking a gold coin into the enclosure.\n\nThe dragon opened one eye, raising her head.\n\n\"You once saved a little girl,\" she said. \"A girl that you talked to, who remembers it and isn't crazy like everyone thinks she is, and you called her a 'wielder'. Or maybe 'welder', I don't know. But I think you owe me an explanation.\"\n\nShe wasn't even sure if the dragon could hear her; she didn't want to shout, for fear of attracting unwanted attention. But the dragon, perhaps curious, suddenly unfurled wings and flew toward her.\n\nLisa's breath caught in her throat; having the creature zip in like that and loom over her was still scary, adult or not.\n\n\"I'm Lisa,\" she said, a little self-consciously. She was talking to a damned dragon. She almost took a cigarette out then. \"You saved my life. Thank you.\"\n\nThe dragon raised one of her legs. Lisa hadn't really noticed before how sharp the four claws were. How had the dragon avoided spearing her with them?\n\n\"You want me to shake?\" Lisa said, a tad derisively.\n\nThe dragon nodded solemnly.\n\nFine, I'll just prove to myself once and for all that I'm mad, she thought, touching the tip of a claw.\n\nNoise burst through her skull, as if a marching band had suddenly surrounded her and started playing. She reeled, clutching her head. \"Oh God, what the hell, make it stop—\"\n\nThe noise transformed, mellowing—were those words? \"You'refinallybackithastakensolongIwasworriedyou'dforgottenwehavemuchworktodoandnotenoughtimeto—\"\n\n\"Shut up!\" Lisa snarled. The voice disappeared instantly. Smacking her head with her palm, she glared at the dragon. \"That was you?\"\n\nThe dragon nodded.\n\n\"You can't talk without exploding in my head?\"\n\nNod.\n\n\"Can you talk to me without touching me?\"\n\nThe dragon wiggled her head.\n\n\"Damn. Okay. One thing at a time. Why did you call me a 'wielder'?\"\n\nThe dragon shuddered suddenly; her eyes seemed to roll up into her head. Her wings began beating faster, faster, becoming almost invisible. Steam gushed out of her body, clouding the air.\n\nLisa stared, wide-eyed. Was the dragon about to breathe on her? She glanced around for a zookeeper, feeling frantic. Where was everyone? Could she dodged at such a close range?\n\nHer legs tensed, braced to run, but at that moment the dragon exploded into light. Lisa threw an arm over her face. The flash faded almost immediately, however, leaving her unharmed.\n\nInstead, her left hand now held a sword. Its pearly blade resembled that of a rapier, connected to an X-shaped cross-guard resembling the dragon's wings. The handle was warm and seemed to fit her hand perfectly.\n\n\"This is me,\" said a voice in her head.\n\n\"You're a sword?\" Lisa whispered.\n\n\"My name is Harmony,\" the sword said. \"You are my wielder.\"\n\n\n\nThanks for reading! Check out my [sub](http://reddit.com/r/nonsenselocker) for more of my work!", "It was a warm Monday morning, particularly warm because summer was just starting to open its eyes and take its first slow breaths, filling the city with fuzzy, gentle breezes. The horizon was painted with an array of pinks, yellows, and oranges as the sun climbed carefully into the sky. It was the first day of summer break, and this I knew, because my little brother had just graduated from the ninth grade. He wasn't here, though, the zoo was a little too childish for him, even with the main attraction. I'd tried getting him to visit me here at my job, but he was reluctant to come, and a tiny part of me believed it was because he was jealous of my position.\n\nThe Dragon Tamer.\n\nThat's what people had taken to calling me, as I was the only one brave enough to enter into her exhibit. She'd proven to be quite friendly several times over, but she was also the size of three school buses, so there weren't many that were too willing to hop down into a contained area with her. I didn't complain, though. I loved my job, and I loved that dragon. Persephone was the name we'd given her, but most just called her Percy for short.\n\nThat morning, as I made my way to her area, I noticed one of my bosses talking to some men over by the gift shops. Both men were leaned in toward my boss like they were trying to hide their conversation, but my boss was gesticulating so wildly that it did no good. Whatever they were talking about, my boss clearly wasn't happy about it. I kept my head down and continued straight past, not wanting to invoke his wrath lest I stick my nose where it doesn't belong.\n\nPercy's cage was larger than my house, and her entire exhibit took up a good portion of the zoo itself, but she'd brought in more than enough revenue to cover the costs in just her first month* of being here. The habitat was simple. Since we didn't know where she'd come from, or where she'd been, we'd had to improvise in what to give her in regards to landscape. To the back was an artificial mountain with a perch carved into the top that she could rest on. The perch itself was designed so that, when she wished to get down, she'd have to glide and show off her wings, a clever design by one of my coworkers that succeeded in astounding thousands of visitors. Running down from that mountain was a small river that she could drink from, and towards the left side of the habitat was a small lake the river emptied into should she want to cool herself off. To the right was a small forest, designed to give her \"cover,\" should she feel scared, and also provide shade when the sun was particularly bright or hot. The rest of the environment was grassy fields that gave her enough room to sprawl out and walk around. It wasn't the best habitat, but Percy seemed content.\n\nAfter locking the door behind me into her environment, I made my way across the field to the back of the mountain, where a large door opened into the cage she slept in at night. When she heard my footsteps, Percy's yellow eyes pierced the darkness and found me. She huffed and began to move, pulling her massive form towards the front of the cage. Through the bars, I placed my hand against her scarlet scales, silently reminding her of who I was, and then, I removed the keys from my belt and brought them to the lock. Percy allowed the door to swing all the way open before she started to exit, watching me carefully as she emerged into the morning. Although she'd proven herself to be a highly intelligent animal, she was still just that, an animal, and I still had to be cautious not to startle her, or make her angry in any way, as I'd seen exactly what she could do. We'd given her a live animal one time as a nighttime snack before we put her away, and after seeing how she tore into its body, we'd gained a newfound respect for her power. That was about the time I became the only one willing to get into her habitat.\n\n\"Come on, Percy,\" I motioned her forward, backing into the rest of the enclosure, \"It's time for breakfast.\"\n\nShe eyed me curiously. I held my hands up and took a few slow steps towards her, and when I reached her head, I ran my hands along her neck.\n\n\"Nice and easy, girl,\" I whispered, \"Just like we practiced...\"\n\nI hooked my hand under one of the small horns sticking out from her head, and I swung myself up onto her neck. Though I wasn't high off the ground, sitting atop her back seemed to give me a whole new perspective, one that never failed to make the air escape my lungs, and this was just the beginning. I'd been training with Percy for a while, and today was the day I wanted to show off our latest trick. With a careful breath, I nudged the sides of her neck.\n\n\"Up.\" I commanded, raising my voice so she could hear, and sure enough, she did.\n\nPercy gave a quiet harumph and spread her wings, pushing off the ground with an incredible amount of force. In a second, we were in the air, just feet off the ground, but to me, it was like standing at the top of an enormous tower. The wind rushed by us, and as we climbed slowly into the air, it took all of my willpower not to let Percy take over. My hands found her two long horns protruding from the back of her head, and gently, I twisted her head to one side, signaling for her to turn. She obeyed, and as we faced the mountain perch, I nudged her again. She glided towards the perch and landed softly, letting her back feet catch us as she folded her arms down beneath her. I slid off her back and wrapped my arms as far around her head as they could go, grinning from ear to ear.\n\n\"Good girl, Percy!\" I exclaimed, but Percy was less concerned with me and more with the pile of meat stacked up at the back of the perch. She crawled towards it eagerly and dug in.\n\nFrom up here, the view of the zoo was breathtaking. I could see almost every exhibit, see all the animals slowly emerging from their cages and into the day, and as I raked my gaze across the paths, I noticed several forms moving towards Percy's exhibit. I squinted against the rising sun and saw that they were the men I'd seen my boss talking to earlier, except now there were four of them instead of two, and they were all dressed in the same black suits.\n\n\"Cameron!\" Someone called from below, and I peered over the edge.\n\nMy boss was standing at the base of the mountain, his head turned up almost 90 degrees to look at me. Even from this distance, I could see that he was breathing heavily, as if he'd run all the way here.\n\n\"David?\" I called back. \"What's going on? Who are those men?\"\n\nHe shook his head and cupped his hands around his mouth. \"I'm not sure, exactly. But they're coming for her, Cameron. They're coming for Percy.\"\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nEDIT: added a word" ]	6
	[WP] the more powerful a mage is the more melted and warped their wands become, and the more frail they seemingly look. A group of young men are attempting to rob an old man in an alley.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "My hands shook as I placed my glass back onto the counter. It never got better, looking at my hands. I had started to get older, but no where near as old as I looked. It was the most evident in my hands, with thin, crooked fingers stretching from knotted knuckles. I always found it ironic that the power I possessed within myself was too much for my exterior to handle. A cruel joke to balance out the effects of being human super weapon.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI gulped down the rest of my drink and left a few bills on the bar. I left the bar and turned down the alley, ready to start the 15 minute walk home. The walk was always uneventful, always quiet. Tonight would be the exception.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAs I hobbled past the dumpster, my knees aching from the abuse my existence had subjected them to, I heard a rustling sound, like shifting feet. I immediately became alert, though not particularly scared. At this time, I also sensed someone moving closer behind me. They must have followed me out of the bar, or perhaps they had been waiting in the street for someone to walk down the alley. Either way, I hadn't noticed them when I passed by. I must have had more to drink that I realized. Or maybe I really was just getting old.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Hey, buddy, you got a second?\" The voice behind me sounded like that of a young man, maybe a teen. I turned to face him, but made to sure to move towards the side of the alley to keep the dumpster in view.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Not particularly, though I don't think you really care,\" I respond, my fingertips now starting to buzz with a static, electric feeling. \"Can I help you?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I think you can.\" As he said this I saw, out of the corner of my eye, another figure emerge out from behind the dumpster. The men now had both ends of the alley blocked, making it clear they weren't asking for a simple favor.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"If I could borrow your wallet, it would help us out a whole lot,\" the first man coolly stated, clearly feeling as though he had the upper-hand, not concerned at all.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I'm not really sure that I could help you with that,\" I responded, just as calmly. I could feel my fingers popping with electricity, and I knew I could put an end to this any time I pleased. But I thought I'd give these boys a chance.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Well I'll let you take that up with my friend over there. He can be real convincing.\" A smile had formed on the young mans lips, and as I turned behind me, the other man was stepping closer and produced a knife from his hoodie pocket. I had decided that I had seen enough.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWith just a snap, an arc of electricity jumped from my hand, still hanging by my side. The flash illuminated the night sky, and a crack reverberated off the walls as the boy fell, his blade skidding across the pavement. The air remained static, crackling with the remnants of my actions.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe other boy decided that an old mans wallet wasn't worth it anymore, and bolted down the street. I checked to make sure the injured boys heart was still beating, and I wasn't surprised to find it was. I could have put a lot more force into the attack if I had wanted, but I refrained. I made mistakes when I was his age, and I would want to take his life for a petty theft.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAfter making sure everything was in line, I slowly started making my way home. After all, it was getting late, and I was still 15 minutes out.", " \n\n“Hey old man you shouldn’t have come down this alley” the one on the left shouted. Seemingly in tandem the one on the right echoed “Poor choice eh.”\n\nBoy were they in for a surprise.\n\nI had heard recently that a certain alley was infested with the types of trash that seriously needed to be recycled. Hurting the rich and poor the same, no changes in their strategy be it old or young, man or woman. So I thought it would be my civic duty to go clean up the streets a bit.\n\nThis alley was not secluded which is what made it such an issue, it was on the main road that people had been going down for years. I was there when it was a popular shipping port in the 1600’s and watched it grow to what it is now, Broad Street.\n\nAhead of me three of them circled around already celebrating their success, thinking there is no way some old man could beat us up.\n\nThe daft one on the right spoke up again “Hey old man got any cool treasures from that cave you walked out of.” They had no clue that this wrinkled old exterior was just a façade I had chosen to be fitting. Who wouldn’t attack who they thought was some old hobbit. I stroked my white beard, frayed and weathered from the elements. Dressed in the most ragged clothes I could find in my closet I looked like a prize to be won.\n\nThe alley was dark where we walked now, becoming evident that they were backing me into a corner I smiled. It smelled of death, though I doubt it was human. Rats ran around beneath my feet as I felt the cold wall touch my back.\n\n“No where left to run old man” the one on the left said with a devilish grin. The middle one said nothing as the ones on the left and right furnished daggers. I too decided to pull my weapon.\n\n“what is that thing supposed to be” the daft one spoke again. His friend on the right answered with a quip “Can’t you see that the old man’s cane has shriveled in the rain.” Not far from the truth I thought, it did happen to wither as my strength grew. About now it looked like it could break from the wind and was as warped as a hurricane. That was the secret of them along with me they withered on the outside as my power grew. \n\n“Y’all wouldn’t hurt a little old man?” I feigned scared for if they knew their mistake they would run like the rats who had vacated the area. \n\n“I think if you don’t help us out with our little situation you might just get hurt” the left one quipped. The middle seemed to be the leader and again stayed quiet. The one on the right decided that it was getting quiet so he chimed in. “I think that we are looking a bit light in the coin purse, could you help?”\n\nI decided now was the best time to go ahead and introduce myself.\n\n“Well I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Merlin, and it’s been a while since I had some fun. Please don’t disappoint.”" ]	3
	[WP] You're a small-time god, with only one follower. They moved to the big city and you followed, determined to make it as one of the revered gods of the pantheon. The temple district was over-crowded, so you decided to make a local park your sacred home. A year later, everyone knows your name.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 a normal day. Made some more sheep and got some sleep. When I woke up I hear my last follower telling me where he’s going. I made his flight on time and wished him good luck\n\n\n\nIt was like a snap, I don’t know how it happened, but I had a church. I felt, happy. It’s been five years since the second to last follower died of leukemia and ever since I’ve been depressed. Soon we were covered on the news, more and more people came in to sign up. Heaven started to fill with souls rejoicing. We were now the 5th most practiced religion in only a year. I will never forget that one man who changed the world", "\"Helsik!!!!!!\"\n\nAhh to hear my name screamed so oftenly now a days is much better than a temple. Those Gods are weak compared to me. Now that everyone knows my name my power has become immeasurable. \n\nI can change this world to anything i desire... But i only desire one thing. \n\nI stand from my throne to look out to the one calling my name. What would he like today? \n\nTo serve me? I have many servants both willing and unwillingly. So it looks like today another will be sacrificed in my name. By my hand. \n\n\"I ,Helsik, God of war and fire, accept you as my next tribute!\"\n\n\"No! Not today!\" They respond.... But that voice..... It's too familiar. \n\n\"I worshipped you when no one else did. And now... I want my payment. In blood!\"", "\"Why do you bother?\" \n\nI looked up from my small collection of litter. The soda cans and plastic wrappers piled together into a tiny mountain of refuse. I held out my hand for Claire to hand me a bag. \n\n\"Because it makes me happy. And no one's asking you to stay,\" I said. \n\nClaire rolled her eyes, but handed me the bag. I started to fill it with the mountain. Claire stepped back and sat on the grass beside the small pool. The water wasn't deep, but it was clear and cool. Claire broke the glass surface with a lazy hand. She cupped her fingers, letting it flow from her palm into the pond. \n\n\"I've been thinking...\" \n\n\"Sounds dangerous.\"\n\n\"I've been thinking,\" she continued, \"that maybe you shouldn't stay here anymore.\"\n\nI stopped filling the bag, settled back on my heels. My knees ached from crouching. I frowned, and I felt the air chill as clouds moved in. The light beneath my skin tried to compensate, but it couldn't quite match the brightness of the covered sun. \n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Come on, Val, people are starting to notice.\"\n\n\"hmm?\"\n\n\"The everpresent sunshine, the never dying plants, the constant cleanliness. In New York?\" \n\nI smirked. \n\n\"I am the God of Shade, Claire. Where I walk, the sun shines, and my shadow...\" \n\n\"Hides the world. I know. But I just wish you weren't so consistent about it, \" Claire sighed, \"It's fine I suppose, people will just chalk it up to meteorological weirdness or some other nonsense, but could you try to tone it down a bit?\"\n\nI finished with the trash and moved to place it in the nearby can. Claire had gotten it for me when I expressed my distress with the state of the park near her building. I brushed my hands on my jeans to rid them of the filth. \n\n\"Claire, my power grows with each passing day, I can no more stop what is happening than I can stop the setting of my Grandfather. Soon, the other Gods will need my help, I know it.\" \n\n\"Your Gramps is kind of dick, Val. So are the rest of those 'Gods' as far as I'm concerned. They only ever want your help when they need you.\"\n\nI frowned, it was not the other God's fault. They were very large and very bright; they often forgot the depth of the shadows they cast. I didn't. Claire understood a lot for a mortal, but she was still so ignorant. I was partially responsible for that. I did not tell her as much as I should, but I am a God of dark promises and whispered words. I had secrets. \n\n\"You should not be so flippant with your words, they are not forgiving.\"\n\n\"You'd stop them.\"\n\nAnd I would. Which was frightening. There was a time I wouldn't have, but Claire believed in me, and that gave me strength.\n\n\"I'd rather not have to. Please be polite.\"\n\nShe laughed. I loved her laugh. It reminded me of home. I sat near her and placed my own hand in the water. It shivered at my touch. I drew back from it. \n\n\"So, great and mighty God of Shade. What's the plan today?\"\n\nI turned to the clouds above, \"I think today is a day for sunshine. Don't you?\"\n", "I was, am, and will always be the guardian of the meadow beside a river with no name. And yet I died. The grass became dirt and the dirt became covered in pulverised rock and upon this base the humans that had prayed to me built their houses. With no land to watch over, I had died.\n\nExcept for a single rosebush.\n\nA woman had taken a cutting of a wild rose, my providence until she passed, the plant withering away and with it me. Winnie—her granddaughter, who had spent many afternoons at the old cottage—came one day. Though the flowers had wilted, she made a cutting of her own and took it home. So I followed her and helped her nurture it to a first bloom with the last of my strength.\n\nThere was nothing, no one to tie me to the earth any longer. I felt myself grow faint, ethereal, a shadow fading away as the sunlight finally reached it.\n\n“Oh thank goodness. Nana, the meadow spirit will live on now, won’t she?” Winne said, feeling the petals, a sentimental look on her face.\n\nAs slow as the sensation had been before, this now was a shock, a sudden gust of wintry wind or the crack of a twig underfoot; she brought me back. However, I had also truly died. This then was my rebirth, no longer the guardian of the meadow beside a river with no name, but the guardian who had watched over the meadow beside a river with no name.\n\nWinnie leaned in, smelling the flower. “Nana, you said she had no name—isn’t that sad? Everyone should have a name.”\n\nShe didn’t know that only gods had names, not guardians or spirits. I was but a formless sense of worship manifested that could do what I had been prayed to to do. Even to gender me had been a mistake on her part.\n\n“Rosa… that’s a little simple, isn’t it? We looked and thought this was probably Rosa canina, so how about Canina? Nina for short.”\n\nI trembled.\n\nWinnie nodded to herself, her expression all but made up. “Yes, I’m sure Nina suits her,” she said.\n\nI felt myself coalesce at her words, take on a shape—but only for the barest of moments.\n\n“Nana, do you think she will come with me to London?”\n\nFor all my existence, I had been tied to the meadow beside a river, never venturing beyond its bounds until Winne’s grandmother took a cutting home. Now, Winnie took me on a train to a place full of set stone, where the air smelt of smoke, and the sun could hardly reach outside of midday. A new place, strange and unfamiliar to me.\n\nAll the while, from time to time, she said, “Nina,” and, slowly but surely, my form took on the shape of a young woman. Made from her words—her prayer, her worship—she unknowingly shaped my appearance, looking much like her grandmother had in her younger years.\n\nCanina, the petty god of a single rosebush.\n\nMy namesake quickly outgrew the pot Winnie had kept it in, but her flat didn’t have a garden. She deliberated on keeping it trimmed and asked the people she knew for a place to plant it. However, I had more freedom now as a petty god and I wandered the city streets. With temples near enough on every corner, I felt a certain claustrophobia, pressed in by the unseen presence that emanated from their worship. There were so many people, it was at times all I could do to move through the lingering belief in the air. Still, my hard work paid off, and I found a vast yet quiet patch of dirt. It had been neglected and left to rot and the earth there ached with poison, but it was dirt, and I knew how to care for dirt.\n\nIt was strange to think that I used the strength Winnie gave me on her, yet that was what I did, whispering to her as only a god could, summoning her to the place that would be my temple. Our hearts aligned. She went through the rituals to get permission and she mixed blessed soil into the dirt, and she planted the rosebush.\n\n“I will do the rest,” I whispered to her, and she smiled for a reason she didn’t know, my words not spoken to her conscious mind.\n\nThe roots took, and the rosebush grew, climbing up the edge of my temple and spreading wide. With some help from Winnie, I gradually soothed the rest of the earth there and blessed the dirt. Seeds drawn to me who had watched over the meadow beside a river found a welcoming bed here, and I nurtured them, growing a balance of plants that gave the earth strength and using that strength to invite yet more seeds. High above, the sun followed its cycle and lent my temple sustenance.\n\nWhen the ground broke, wild plants forming a thin blanket and insects gathering, I gained new worshippers. It hadn’t ever been lonely with only Winnie, but I was pleased to see that she wasn’t alone. In all the time since she had taken that cutting, I had seen her smile, yet not like she smiled as she sat on the meadowy floor with someone to talk to. After all, I had never been able to talk back.\n\nMy fleeting form became more realised as more people came to my temple. I could better nurture the plants, and in turn more people came to see them. My whispers more compelling, I asked for offerings of wood and water, and so my worshippers brought trees to plant and dug depressions for a pond and a lake. In turn, more people came to visit. My temple had taken root.\n\nStill, I was, am, and will always be Canina, petty god of a single rosebush, and so I cared specially for my namesake. Rosa canina, the dog rose. Wild, it grew, as it had in the meadow beside a river, as I did now.\n\nBut I did, do and will always care specially for Winnie, too, nurturing her smile as much as a petty god of a single rosebush can.\n\n---\n\nIf you liked this and would like to read more stories written by me, /r/mialbowy", "Erio ambled across the local park. His bright, fire-colored eyes danced from flower to flower. Many things crowded his mind, but nature was his solace. And so, unaware of the looks he gleaned, he sat by an unfurled rose standing in solitude amidst the green grass blades. His fingers traced its velvet-soft petals, and with each heartbeat, the little things causing mischief in his head faded glacially away.\n\nThere was time to think, and there was time to feel. Here, in the park, beneath the blazing sun, there was no place for the former. \n\nHe sniffed the rose, and its arome traveled down his nostrils, all the way to the inmost burrows of his heart, filling them, to the brim, with happiness.\n\n\"You will grow even more, and you will be even more beautiful,\" he murmured to the rose, and the rose teetered as though flattered.\n\nIn that moment, an gust carried an errant balloon to Erio. He looked at it a little bit confused, but then his eyes slid upward, and there she found a little girl. She had short, sun-kissed curls, and eyes bright as the sky.\n\n\"What are you doing?\" she said, curious as she gathered his balloon.\n\nErio's brows knitted, but they soon loosened. \"I'm marveling over the rose's beauty. Isn't she perfect? Look at how shiny its petals are.\"\n\n\"It is,\" the girl said, her fingers gently touching the fiery flower. \"It's very pretty.\"\n\nButterflies flitted in Erio's heart when she heard her words, for they were pure and true. \"Could you look at the sky for me?\"\n\nWithout a question, the girl's eyes got lost in the clouds. \"It's a shiny day.\"\n\n\"It is,\" Erio said, and with a swift motion of his hand, as if he were caressing the sun, a patch of sky turned the color of a rose, and that patch crumbled and rained down on them in the shape of endless petals, swaying in the breeze, wheeling, pirouetting, until a red carpet lay beneath their feet.\n\nThe girl's jaw dropped a little, and her eyes twinkled with wonder and a curiosity. \"How did you do that?\"\n\nI was born with it. \"My name is Erio, and I'm the God of Petals. It's a pleasure to meet you.\"\n\n\"A god?\" She covered her mouth with her free hand. Then, she turned. \"Mom, did you see what he did?\"\n\nA woman watching from the distance came, nodding and at a loss for words. At last, she came to Erio's side, rested a hand on his shoulder, and said, \"Could you make petals rain in my wedding day?\"\n\n\"That day, call my name, Erio, and the petals will rain.\"\n\nSoon, joyous, the girl and her mom left the park. Minutes later, an old lady with a great arched back and a cane came to him.\n\n\"What you did was wonderful,\" she said, and smiled a toothless smile. \"It's been a long time since I saw such a young face shining with such happiness.\"\n\nErio held her eyes. They were frail and faint, but beautiful in their own way. \"She was happy, wasn't she?\"\n\n\"She was,\" the old woman said, and her gaze strayed to the rose beside Erio. \"Roses are beautiful. My husband always gifted them to me before he passed. He said if passion had a form, it would be that of roses, gorgeous yet full of thorns.\"\n\nErio nodded, and in his hand a myriad of petals appeared, intertwining with one another in the shape of a bouquet of roses. \"Here,\" he said, held it out for her.\n\nThe old woman gasped, and reached for it. Tears streamed and slinked down the wrinkles on her cheeks. \"Oh, Erio! My heart is beating like it hasn't done in decades. Thank you. I will not forget your name.\"\n\nIn time she was gone, and there, beside the flower, Erio remained, forgetting, second by second, the troubles of the other gods.\n\nPerhaps, he thought, deed by deed, he would be great at some point.\n\nBut for now, only happiness mattered.\n\n----------------------------\n\nr/NoahElowyn -- Consider checking it out. I've many more stories over there :) Thank you for reading.\n" ]	6
	[WP] You became immortal after the birth of your child and are forced to watch your child grow up and eventually die while you stay exactly the same.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 found out that my tap water was tainted with an unknown chemical. Everybody in my apartment building was exposed to it, including me. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThis was a week after my wife gave birth to a girl, Cassie. The government discovered that this chemical leads to immortality. When I heard this I didn't buy it. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nUntil I tripped on something and my face fell flat on the glass surface of the coffee table. The glass shattered, but there was not even a scratch on me. I was shocked. I really was immortal. Cassie started crying because of the noise. My wife ran downstairs and saw the coffee table shattered. She looked at me and saw that I was fine. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"It's true, isn't it?\" she asked. \"That chemical gave you immortality\". I nodded. \"Which means I have immortality. And Cassie too\". I nodded again. \"This is amazing! We'll never die!\" she exclaimed. I could tell by her tone she was excited. And so was I.", "My ex-wife won't talk to me. When I hand the phone to my kid, she'll talk to him, but never me. It's his birthday, and it's just me and my son in my apartment, with my ex-wife on the phone.\n\nHe goes to bat for me. He says, \"Why won't you let dad talk to you?\"\n\nShe goes, \"Your daddy knows what he did.\"\n\nWay back when I was going to die, I made a deal with a man who sells \"Life insurance.\" He told me that I'd be alive long enough to see my kid.\n\nI didn't bother to read the fine print.\n\nThe day after I went into remission, I stayed out real late. On the way back, I got hit head on by a guy who'd had a few too many. He died.\n\nI didn't.\n\nSo i was around to see my kid when he was born. \n\nI was there when we left the movie theater late at night. His mom had to work late, and her brother tagged along because he wanted to see Fast 20 as much as I did.\n\nI was there when the mugger pulled a gun on my wife's brother and my kd. He says \"Give me all your money.\" Even after we do, he still fires the gun. \n\nAnd Laura's brother goes all hero, takes the whole entire bullet.\n\nHe died.\n\nI didn't.\n\nI don't tell her at the funeral. I don't tell her on every anniversary. I don't even tell her when she starts to notice. When she says, \"You don't bruise easy do you?\" after I fall off of a cliff and don't break my neck, I just shrug it off.\n\nEventually though, it all gets to be too much. She has an \"episode.\" That's what her shrink calls it. \n\nAnd how she finds out, she shoots me right in the face. She's screaming at me, how she wishes it was me instead of him. She's calling me every name in the book, yelling so loud, I don't notice behind her back. She's screaming and cursing and shooting me.\n\nThat's how she finds out, that's when I tell her.\n\nEven now, on the phone with my kid, she doesn't say my name. Just says, \"He knows what he did. He has to live with it.\" \n\nShe's talking like it's me who ruined his twelfth birthday. Like I didn't make the ultimate sacrifice for my kid. And that's okay because, fifty fucking years from now, when she's off rotting in the ground somewhere, I'll still be taking care of my boy. When he's dead, I'll be one of the pallbearers.\n\nHe'll die.\n\nBut I won't." ]	3
	[WP] As NASA’s chief lunar scientist, you’re known for your vast and seemingly enigmatic knowledge of the moon. When disaster strikes, you and your fellow scientists are shuttled to the moon. The only problem? You’re a werewolf.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Three, two, one, blastoff!!!!\nThe big ass rocket (BAR) containing myself and the crew had just begun its G ridden plunge towards the moon and it felt terrible.\n\nNot just the force of the G’s but the seriousness of my situation made me ill to my stomach. The moon! That’s the last fucking place you send a warewolf. But I could not of course tell them that.\n\nTo be honest I, despite a lifetime dedicated to the study of the moon didn’t know myself the effects this trip would have on me. The only consolation and reason for me accepting this mission was that we were headed to the dark side where I should remain in human form.\n\nThe veteran crew sung as we hurdled though space “we’re going, we’re going ,we’re going to the moon! We’re going! We’re going! We can’t get there too soon!”\n\nAstronauts these days are a bunch of dick heads. \nAs we broke through the earth’s atmosphere, the crew cheered. Then I saw it from the small cockpit window, round cheese like, everything I loved and feared soon to be beneath my feet.\n\nI popped a silver iodide pill which burned all the way down but would hopefully counteract any canine cell mutation at this stage. " ]	2
	[WP] On a road trip you decide to stay a civil war era house turned hotel. After a shower, you look in a mirror and see your reflection wearing a union army uniform.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 supposed to be a quick trip back home, just eight hours of driving, three tanks of gas, or six packs of sour patch kids. The units were roughly interchangable. Starting around 8PM to try to avoid traffic on 95, an early arrival would still have me home in time to shower, shave, cook up some breakfast, and get to work. Alas, somewhere in Virginia for my first tank of gas my car wouldn't start back up. Sunday night and no mechanics open - I pulled out my phone and called off sick for Monday, then looked for a place to at least get a decent night's sleep.\n\n\nVirginia, as it turns out, is full of little places like that. At least, the part I was in was. There were a dozen bed and breakfasts in a ten mile radius, and the tow truck was kind enough to drop me off on the way to taking my car to a nearby shop. The mechanics would tackle it in the morning.\n\n\nSince it was just a weekend trip, standard fare: Laptop, phone, chargers, spare clothes - it all fit into a backpack. So I, disheveled, backpack loosely slung, ambled into a well kept Colonial style home. There were some historical markers nearby, but it was Virginia, and I didn't much care for history beyond what I needed to get out of school. Another old building, creaky in the night.\n\n\nI was greeted by someone wearing an actual, honest-to-God night cap. They looked like they came with the house - weathered, worn, and warm. Understanding my plight, and making an easy $85, I was taken to my room which had real wooden floors, a queen-size bed that seemed to fill the space, and a small bureau with a mirror. Never hard to fall asleep, I promptly passed out, just barely kicking my shoes off.\n\n-----\n\nRatat tat! Ratat tat! Ratat tat! I heard, jerking myself awakecat some heathen hour. Everything felt... coarse, and cold. The blanket I managed to wrap myself in must have been the thinnest I had ever used, and even my clothes felt itchy. Too much static in the air, I guessed. Ratat tat! Ratat tat! Ratat tat! Again, that sound! What's wrong with these hicks in Virginia? I wasn't the only one annoyed, as I heard others moaning around me. Others? I wondered to myself. Are there hobos in here? I cracked one eye open, and indeed, those old army wool blankets abounded. Was I scammed out of $85 to slum it in a homeless shelter? I didn't want to get shanked, so I grabbed my bag to go - but the strap was off. Both literally and figuratively. Instead of nice cushioning it was... leather? And dangling loose to boot. It was a black bag with a sky blue bundle of cloth on top. I looked around, and I saw sky blue legs, or bloody stumps, poking out from under those blankets. Where was I? When was I? I looked at myself in the mirror and saw those same sky blue trousers on myself. A dark blue jacket, a belt that said \"US\" on the brass buckle, and a small box of little brass caps on it. What was this, the Revolution? Who were we fighting again? Was it the Krauts? We fought them often enough, I could always put that as an answer and get it right half the time.\n\n\nI put on some very uncomfortable leather boots over... wool? socks, and walked downstairs. A tired looking man, was it the same who checked me in? greeted me, his apron mottled in the early morning half-light.\n\n\"Ahh, Private Haley, you seem to have recovered well!\" he said, obviously pleased. \"When a ball passes that close, there's no telling how it will go!\"\n\n\nThe man looked me over appraisingly, before saying \"Word is General Burnside has a plan to take Marye's Heights today. Best be getting back to your unit, they'll be looking for anyone who can shoulder a musket.\"\n\n\"U-u-unit?\" I managed to stammer out.\n\n\"Twenty Eighth Mass., Company A!\" he responded, before ushering me out of the door.\n\n\n---------\n\nThis is my first time posting here - I hope it was a fun read!" ]	2
	[WP] At the end of this love story, the girl leaves the jerk for a man who truly loves her. As the "jerk", your mind surges with emotion as you struggle to comprehend why your seemingly perfect relationship is no more.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "My phone buzzed and I immediately look to see her name, exactly as it had been drunkenly written into my contacts years ago. That’s the only thing that hasn’t changed. \n\nA new message. \n\nI knew it was only going to hurt but I naively swiped past the lock screen with a hunger.\nIt was what I expected. The bitter scenario that I HAD warned her about. I knew she felt this way about another before she even knew it within herself. I knew back when things were good, before him.\nThe bubbling poison of jealousy awoke in my chest, but I could barely notice as it had become so familiar.\n\nI knew this wasn’t a break, it was a planned execution. She knew if she said something in person I would have talked sense into her.\n\nI called it from the start. She would leave me for someone better, there’s dominance of one side in every relationship and I hadn’t done enough to be in charge. I gave her too much freedom and I gave her too much trust even if she thought it was none at all. What could it have taken for me to keep her love short of chains?\n\nStill laying in my bed, blinds drawn, I stared at image after image of the happy couple. That lying little bitch. I thought vividly of her saying the same caring things to him that she used to say to me. Of them touching. Of them making love. The thoughts festered, permeating until what had once been true love turned to true hatred.\n\nIn robotic fashion I stood up, retrieving my car keys from the hook next to the front door. Stepping out into the snow I was numb to the cold breeze. \nToday I would be rash and courageous. I would take control for once. My chest swelling with the excitement of violence.\n\nThe engine rattled. Again. Then again. The ignition, the engine, the battery. My neglected battered car, covered in snow and cold within; a monument to my foolishness.\nI leave the key hanging, with the little heart keychain..\nI rest my neck back against the headrest and the feeling in my chest churns into something different.\nMy arms crossed on the steering wheel and my head pressed into them. I’m not a man, I’m no lover, no benevolent prince, I’m discarded in everything." ]	2
	[WP] Dad's a necromancer, Mom's an evil queen, your aunts and uncles are literal demons, and your siblings are all training to be more evil than them. But you, you just want to be a farmer	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "“COME OUT, SON OF DARKNESS, FACE US!”\n\nDuncan's eyes scanned out to the colourful party that stood just a few metres from his front door. A young man in shining steel armour, a shield slipped over one arm with a longsword in his other hand, was glaring at his front door. The rest of the gaggle looked ready for a fight, whether it be arrows notched, spells ready to ignite or hammers about to be swung. \n\nThe smell of bacon danced at the peasants nostrils, his breakfast being forgotten the moment an arrow thudded against his front door.\n\n“Go away”. Came the reply from Duncan. \n\n“Never! You can't escape justice, not again!”\n\nThe wannabe farmer scratched at his golden hairs of his beard. “I didn't realise I had already escaped Justice”. \n\n“Don't play games with us!” A girl, about the same age as the young Knight, chirped up from beneath the dark hood of her mages robe. “You managed to get away in Torvedale but now you don't have anywhere to go!”\n\nDuncan furrowed his brow at the Sorceress's words, thinking about the small village about a mile from his home. He had gone there last night, just for his usual pint in the Drunken Dragon, nothing really out of the ordinary except...\n\n“Wait!” He suddenly exclaimed, almost jumping up from his kneeling position in front of his cottage window. “Were you lot the ones who shot an arrow into that keg!?”\n\n“That was an accident”. A Dwarf in strangely hexagonal armour piped up in his deep, grumbly voice. An Elf girl, longbow pointed squarely at Duncan's window, suddenly blushed furiously and gave the short bearded warriors arm a little kick. \n\n“N-No it wasn't, I never miss a shot! I just... really didn't like the look of that keg of ale is all”.\n\n“Sure you did. Look, if this is about Pete and his axe I said that I’d have the money to repair it on Friday, todays only Tuesday.” \n\nThe boy gave a perplexed look. “What!? W-We're not debt collectors, we already did that quest in River Bank. We're here to fight”.\n\nWell, at least they were honest about their intentions.\n\n“Oh yeah? What did I do exactly?”\n\n“You soft in the head or something, lad? You forget yer own family?” The Dwarf spoke, hefting up a rather large warhammer. \n\nHis family... oh no...\n\nWith a thoroughly annoyed look on his face, Duncan replied. “You're adventurers aren't you?” \n\n“I’m not just any adventurer! I was chosen by Magnar!” The boy piped up.\n\n“You got chosen by the Lord of the Gods to... accost me?”\n\n“NO! He told me to beat you, beat your whole family, save everyone in Tensgar from you all“. \n\nWell, okay, that made sense. Mum, Dad, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Hell the whole family weren’t exactly on good terms with any of the \"nice\" Gods. Ruling over the whole Kingdom of Tensgar for years with an iron fist and then setting out to conquer the rest of the continent would do that. \n\nIt didn’t help Uncle Richard and Auntie Betsy were rather high ranking disciples of the Unknowable King. Who knew being quite well acquainted with the Gods sworn enemy would cause them to have a rather dim view of you?\n\n“Alright, so what exactly have I done?”\n\n“What have you done!?” Mage Girl shrieked out angrily. “Your family's corrupted the whole kingdom for years! Your father alone has probably killed hundreds just for his experiments on the dead!”\n\nDuncan sighed. “You don’t need to remind me. I’m not asking what they’ve done though, I’m asking what I'VE done?”\n\nSilence descended on the group of heroes as they all appeared to ponder over his question. Finally Magnar's Chosen spoke up. “Well, we can't exactly prove you did anything right now but...”\n\n“But if you are innocent, why'd you have all those Undead guarding your fields?” Mage Girl cut in triumphantly.\n\nWait, what?\n\n“Undead?” Duncan questioned. “What Undead?”\n\n“You've got skeletons and armoured corpses roaming all over the path to your farm, didn’t you notice?” Elf Girl answered. “It was actually a pretty tough fight, we burned through half our potions to get here”. \n\nThe Chosen One rapidly shushed his friend, jabbing a finger against her lips. “Don’t tell him that!” The Archer could only nod as her face turned a bright red.\n\n“I told them to stop putting those things there. Sorry, my Mum and Dad get sort of protective I suppose. I’m sure your mothers the same”.\n\nThe boy looked back to Duncan, his expresssion of irritation replaced with one of seething rage. “She was. The Queen's- your mother’s- soldiers killed her, burned my whole VILLAGE to the ground! I only survived because she managed to get me into our church's cellar in time”.\n\nA wave of dread suddenly washed over the peasant. “Oh, I'm sor-“\n\n“That was where Magnar spoke to me, told me what I needed to do, told me that I needed to slay ALL of you for the world to be safe... and we will, we will defeat her, I swear it”.\n\nDuncan gave a weary sigh. Then, against every instinct that screamed throughout his body, he stood up and walked out the door.\n\nThe band of heroes obviously wasn’t expecting that and almost instantaneously they prepared to fight. They only stopped when their opponent raised his arms in surrender and he spoke dejectedly.\n\n“I don’t want to fight you. I'm sorry for what happened, really I am. I understand why you all want to kill her. You're right, she's evil, they all are. I’m not denying that. Why do you think I ran away?”\n\n“You... ran away?” The Dwarf asked, lowering his warhammer slightly. \n\n“They offered me everything, power over everyone in Tensgar, freedom to take and do whatever I wanted. I just... couldn’t do it though. I didn't want to lord over the peasants or expand our territory, I certainly didn’t want to subject people to an afterlife of torture as Undead. But what could I do? I didn’t have any powers, not like my brother and sister. All I had were my hands and feet. So I ran”.\n\n“I-“ Elf Girl stammered out before being swiftly cut off as Duncan spoke again, his soft voice rising in intensity.\n\n“I understand that my whole family are a bunch of sick bastards but that doesn’t mean that I’m one! I didn’t have the Mother Tree and the rest of the Sacred Forest burned. I wasn't the one who had trolls cave in Monocorrie and crush half the Dwarves in their own city. I'm not the one who lead all the witch hunts on any magic users that weren’t in the family. And I DIDN’T ORDER ANY VILLAGES BURNED! I DIDN’T DO ANY OF THAT!”\n\n...\n\nOnce again, silence descended. The Adventurers looked shocked at Duncan’s outburst and Duncan himself gasping for breath.\n\nThe young farmer finally gasped out. “I’ve just... been holding that in for a while”. \n\nThe Chosen One softly replied as he and his friends lowered their weapons. “I’m sorry about all this, we'll just... we'll just go. Come on, let’s get back to Torvedale”.\n\nWithout a word the Party turned and began to trudge away. Duncan watched their backs the whole way.\n\n**\n\nThomas nursed the pint of ale in his hands, trying to ignore the belching and ramblings of the drunkards and the bards rather overly enthusiastic banging of his drum.\n\nNilsine sidled up next to him. In contrast to their boisterous surroundings, the look on the Elf's face was solemn and concerned.\n\n“You okay?” She asked, eyes trying to make contact with his. \n\nThe Hero gave a a half hearted nod but kept his mouth shut. \n\n“Tom...” Nilsine softly intoned, reaching and placing a hand on the Hero's own. He sighed.\n\n“I can’t get what he said out of my head”. He finally answered. “Just... I don't know. Everyone time we've fought one of the Queen's Knights or one of her Lords, they've always been ruthless and terrible. Yet, that Duncan... I never thought her own family would be like that”.\n\n“Most of them aren’t”. Came an all too familiar voice. \n\nThe two travellers looked up to see Duncan standing before them, pint in hand and looking rather casual in comparison to where they had left him. \n\nThe eyes of Magnar's Chosen widened. “Y-you!?”\n\n“Me”. Duncan replied, having a sip of his drink before taking a seat at their table. “Where are the rest of your friends?”\n\n“Uh, Matilde went to brew some more potions for us and Bongrey went to the blacksmith to get our armour and weapons fixed up. Those Undead really were tough”.\n\n“I know the smith, fixed up my horse's shoes real nice last week. Your stuffs in good hands”. \n\nBoth Thomas and Nilsine nodded at his words before waiting as he took a few more swigs of his drink. \n\n“I know you're probably wondering why I’m talking to both of you”. He finally said. “Well, I wanted to say that I'm sorry. I’m sure you’re got tired of hearing that but I just wanted to tell you, I apologise for screaming at you earlier”.\n\nNilsine just waved it off half-heartedly. “It's alright, afterall we spent most of that conversation ready to kill you”. \n\nDuncan nodded in return. “Where are you heading tomorrow?”\n\nAt the question, Thomas furrowed his brow suspiciously. \n\n“Don't worry, I’m not going to tell my family”. \n\nSquinting at the farmer for a moment, Thomas answered after a look from his companion. “Towards Kings Bane probably”.\n\n“The old battlefield?” Duncan replied with wide eyes. \n\n“Yeah, apparently travellers have spotted ghosts from both armies rising up and fighting each other again. We think it might be...” The Knight petered off as he realised what he was about to say. \n\n“My father”. Finished the older man grimly. “Sounds like his handy work alright”.\n\nIn a tone that was surprising even for himself, Thomas's reply was one of regret. “I-I’m sorry”. \n\nA shrug was Duncan’s reply before he spoke. “Don't be. You know he's been alive for about a hundred and fifty years? I reckon that’s more than enough of a lifetime don’t you?”\n", "God another long day of training. My whole-body aches as I try to find a comfortable position to write this down. I know we start early again tomorrow but I’m not ready to go to bed just yet. When I fall asleep, the next thing I’ll be doing is starting the day. I would rather live in this journal than see tomorrow. \n\nIt always surprises me how peacefully everyone sleeps in this house. The only noises I hear are my uncle’s snores. It still astounds me to watch him sleep. With every exhale, a small flame lights up the room for a second. You can almost see his entire body in the vast darkness. It was hilarious to see Josie scream right when he exhaled. Not only did she shatter the mirror, but he blew up the side of the house as he screamed! That was good a day.\n\nToday, Josie used the same scream on me for the first time. I never thought I would be writing these words but I felt bad for my uncle. The pure force of it made me feel like my skin was going to tear off and the only thing left would be my muscles and bones. She caught me by surprise during training. We were sparring with swords and I had her beat. I parried her thrust and elbowed her in the jaw. She went down hard and even though we weren’t supposed to use our powers, she knocked me 10 feet back. As I stood up, our Father was rushing over to her. I finally thought he was going to give his favorite child the same lashing he gave me on a daily basis. Instead, he offered her his hand and used the moment to teach us that playing fair was for the stupid and trusting. That she was leaps and bounds above us and we should all learn from her if we wanted to survive. As for me, I had to endure another 30 minutes in his pit. I don’t think I’ll ever get the stench of death off me. Let alone understand his teachings.\n\nI mean what is so wonderful about destroying life. I know dad says that we need weed out the weak. “The world can only change if there is room for new growth” or whatever that means. What he doesn’t understand is how hard it is to cultivate life. To nurture it and let it find its own path through the soil. To let it develop into its own self and see it stand proudly in the air. To understand how it can be separate and yet dependent on everything around it, living or not. And how it helps others by creating opportunities for new life: whether through compost or by enriching the area around it. Most of all, the pride you get from seeing it reach its full potential is indescribable.\n \nGod every time I write like this I just want to leave. But mother would find me by midday tomorrow. With all her spies and minions, it’s no wonder the rebellion is able to survive. I wonder what Garret and Giselle are like in person. Is he as wise and she as brave as those faint whispers say; or are they just more of the same and cloak their repulsive selves in good deeds? If that were the case, we wouldn’t be so different. \n\nI know I’m not like my family. Maybe the birthing ceremony was interrupted like my grandma use to mutter as she aimlessly roamed the halls during those final days. That’s probably why my Father hates me so much. It’s almost like he believes he can destroy the part of me that wants to flee. He better be careful about which part he ends up destroying. \n", "\\[Gonna be a long one, bear with me\\]\n\n\"It's not a phase dad!\" I yelled, stabbing my freshly sharpened pitchfork into the ground.\n\n\"Son, I know you want to spend your life planting potatoes, but hear me out. You know, I went through this phase too. As a matter of fact, when I was your age I-\"\n\n\"IT'S NOT A PHASE!* Dad, I don't want to be a necromancer! I never have! I don't even see what the big deal is! You know, to the general population, it's considered bad to spend your days playing god! You know what, fine. I'll prove it to you! Go look out the window. Go look! Right now!\"\n\n\"Son, I-\"\n\n\"Just look!\"\n\nWith sigh and a look of defeat, my dad (whose name is Martin, by the way) rested his skull-topped staff against the dinner table and sauntered over to the window. He pulled the drapes aside and lifted the blinds. \"Alright. What am I looking at?\"\n\n\"Look. Over there, past the driveway. See the neighbors?\"\n\nHe sighed again. \"Yeah, what about them?\"\n\n\"What do you think, dad?\" I said, pointing to the small woman weeding her rose garden. \"What are they doing?\"\n\n\"Uh, well...\" he said squinting. \"Dammit, hold on. I knew I shouldn't have been trying to decipher those ancient spells all these years without a desk lamp. Let me go get my glasses...\"\n\n\"Dad, they're gardening. GARDENING. Pulling weeds, planting daffodils, the like. Can you guess what they're NOT doing?\"\n\n\"Glasses.\"\n\n\"DAD. RAISING THE DEAD, THAT'S WHAT.\"\n\n\"Glasses.\" He turned the corner, and I heard the soft thump of his steel-toed boots hitting the steps leading to our basement.\n\n\"Dad...\"\n\nI groaned loudly, leaning up against the windowsill and putting my head in my hands. Yeah, sure, \"glasses.\" He always did this. Whenever I tried to talk to him about being a farmer, he would make some dumb excuse and disappear for a few hours, presumably thinking I would forget by that time. Did he really think I wouldn't notice that his avoidance? Then again, he's never seemed all that bright - just last week, he discovered that he could summon any creature he wanted as long as he had some artifact from the creature such as a tooth, skin, or a feather. As it happens, the latest tome he had unearthed from the nearby graveyard just happened to have a small dragon's tooth taped to the inside (how they came across scotch tape back when it was written, I'll never know.)\n\nFortunately, due to the combined powers of my mother, my uncles, and my dad, it was 'mostly' contained to the basement until they could properly dispose of it. Well, except for the gaping, smoking hole in the middle of my bedroom floor of course. If you think coffee is a good stimulant, you've never taken a midnight ride on top of a firebreathing necro-dragon.\n\nAnyway. I've been rambling.\n\nNow, I could see my dad's point. Dark magic had always been a family tradition - my dad was a necromancer, and his father before him, and his father before him. Not to mention my stepmother - out of the millions of women he could have picked, he picked a literal evil queen. I remember when I was around 5, he used to date a very nice lady named Jennifer. She was a flight attendant. As it turns out though, most humans don't react well to seeing all of their previous dead pets simultaneously rising from the grave. I suppose he just needed someone who could keep up with him - so he ended up marrying Gretchen, the all-powerful, strikingly beautiful Witch-Queen of a small rural town in northern Canada.\n\nAt the beginning of their marriage, things were relatively normal despite the circumstances. The occasional evil spell gone wild, a zombie here and there, but nothing really ever got out of hand. That is, until that one fateful day.\n\nDecember 24th, 2005. 10:00 P.M. A light snow was falling. I was laying in my bed, like every other good little boy and girl on Christmas Eve at that time. As I was just about to drift off into sweet dreams about sugar plums and whatnot, I heard a muffled screech from downstairs -\n\n\"YOU DID WHAT?\"\n\n\"I invited my brothers and sisters over for Christmas dinner, dear. Whatever is the matter?\"\n\n\"Who- Wha-\" I heard my dad stutter.\n\n\"Now now dear, there's no need to get so worked up. They're quite well behaved.\"\n\n\"...Well behaved?\"\n\n\"Oh yes. They're quite polite, once you get to know them.\"\n\n\"Well how many ARE there?\"\n\n\"Only three. Don't worry, you'll be able to meet them soon.\" she paused. \"Why, they should be here any minute now.\"\n\nAt that exact moment, I heard a loud thump on the roof. SANTA! I thought excitedly. I exploded out from under the sheets and dashed to the window, pure joy and happy tension filling my little 9 year old mind. I threw open the drapes, unfastened the window, leaned out to look up, and saw....nothing. Absolutely nothing. What? I could have sworn I heard something land on the roof! I climbed out on to the small balcony next to my window and looked up. Now, I could tell there was something. A large, bulky shape was sitting next to the chimney.\n\n\"Santa?\" I called out timidly. Ah, the innocence of inexperience.\n\nThe shape grunted ominously and slowly turned towards me. The glow of five red eyes sliced through the night and pieirced straight through my soul. Silver moonlight filtered through ragged wings, glinting off of sharpened claws and polished horns.\n\nI stood frozen in horror and confusion. After a few seconds of the most tension-filled staring contest in history, I climbed back over the balcony railing, moving as slowly as I dared and always keeping my eyes glued to the abomination that had taken up residence on my roof. I pulled myself back through the window, shut it carefully, fastened the drapes, and crawled back into my bed. I sat for a few moments. I heard a sound from downstairs that caused me to begin sweating profusely and breathe heavily - the turning of a doorknob and a low growl.\n\nThen, a voice -\n\n\"Oh Diana, you're here! Is that Gertrude behind you? Oh yes, hello Gertrude, it's so nice to see you again! Oh - TONY! Oh Tony, it's been so long, how have you been, how are the children?\"\n\nMy mother's voice.\n\n\"...Oh...Oh, you ate them? Oh.....I see. Well, it's nice to see you again anyway.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nEDIT - Well crap, I forgot about the siblings. Oh well.", "Big day today, the day I leave this place forever. Must admit I’m almost looking forward to the looks on everyone’s faces when they hear about my plans. Grabbing my pitchfork on the way I left my apartment and wandered across the central courtyard. I spotted another head on the spike outside the dungeons and stopped for a moment to glance at it. Mum was always quick to anger and it looked like her latest vizier displeased her. Wonder if Dad will wake him like the last one, must admit that was funny, even Mum laughed. \n\nWalking up the steps from the courtyard to the main hall I spotted a couple of shapes flying above the observatory breathing purple flames at each other. Seems my cousins, brothers, and sisters had gotten into another fight over offerings for the dark ones. I could just make out screams of abuse and literal curses. I covered my ears lest I get caught in the crossfire and almost missed the guardian imp telling me my parents were waiting in the sacrificial chamber. I arrived at the sweltering chamber and overheard Dad going on about how the savages were growing less scared of his minions. \n\n“Used to be you resurrect something and the savages would run screaming. Nowadays they are just as likely to worship things. What good are these savages if not for scaring the pelts off of.” He said. \n\n“Now now dear”, Mum said. “There are plenty of settlements out there. I’m sure your tricks would be brand new to a lot of them. You could even go back to scaring wolves or cats like you used to.” \n\nI entered the chamber and immediately, my parent's mood changed. Their incredulity and pity turned quickly to disappointment as they laid eyes on me. \n\n“My vizier tells me you are leaving?” Mum said through gritted teeth.\n\nDad stood glaring at me, twiddling a small bone with his hand. \n\n“I thought your experiments with the savages meant you might follow in my footsteps?” Dad said sadly\n\n“As did I”. Mum said incredulously \n\n“Tending the lands like the savages? Providing handouts for swine and woolybacks? What possible reason could you have to do something so frivolous?” She screamed as her black gown and onyx tiara began to flap and glow with her rising anger.\n\nI told her that I had my reasons, that the dark ones would understand them and that the two of them thought too short term. It felt so good to finally be able to look them in the faces and know that I had won. Our family's entire existence had been about gaining power from feeding the dark ones. These beings thrived on the pain and suffering of living creatures. They had existed since this world first came to be and short term offerings and pledges would only sustain them for so long.\n\nSo I left, my family disowned me and I was to never return but I had no reason to. I knew the savages well, years of study had seen to that. I would travel the world to all the settlements I could find. I would teach the savages how to better tend crops, how to farm livestock. I had seen the potential in these savages and knew that all it would take for them to thrive was larger populations and sustainability. My farming techniques would help with that, I knew that it would. They would provide all the pain and suffering the old ones would need for thousands of years. I couldn’t imagine just how right I was. \n\n\\---\n\n&#x200B;\n\nNew at this so criticisms and suggestions are welcome, thanks for reading. \n\n&#x200B;", "\"Mother, please.\" I groaned. \"I just need a small loan to get my farm off the ground, I'll pay it back!\"\n\n\"Off the ground?\" My mother laughed atop her throne of crushed skulls and silver blades. \"You could just call your father for that, he could get your farm off the ground in no time at all, Marinda.\"\n\nI rolled my eyes. \"No, I mean I need money to get it running-\"\n\n\"You want me to give you money?\" She asked, flashing her icy blue eyes at me. \"Well, if I'm going to be supporting this farm of yours, then I would like to know what you plan on growing! Perhaps some Hemlock? Or a bit of Blackthorn? Oh! Or maybe a grove of Arum Lilies? You know those are my favorite!\"\n\nBefore I could get another word in, the doors to my mother's throne room were thrown open, and in sauntered my two older siblings, the twins Davis and Mavis who were practicing their black magic on one another, casting horrifying spells this way and that. At one point, one of Davis's fireballs bounced off the wall and headed right towards me, and I had to duck just to avoid getting my head blown clean off. I glared daggers at him as he walked by, but he didn't seem to notice.\n\n\"Davis!\" My mother screeched. \"I thought I told you no fireballs in the palace! If you want to burn something, go down to the village and burn their things!\"\n\nDavis shrugged. \"Sorry, Mom. Won't happen again.\" But the lopsided grin he snuck to Mavis suggested otherwise.\n\n\"Now, Marinda,\" my mother started, \"about this witch farm-\"\n\nI shook my head. \"It's not going to be a witch farm, mother. It's going to be a typical farm, for food, medicinal herbs, maybe even a few animals.\"\n\nMy mother scoffed. \"Well, now, that's just preposterous. What kind of farm wouldn't grow plants for witchcraft?\"\n\n\"A regular farm, mother.\" I sighed. I could already tell that she wouldn't support the idea.\n\n\"A peasant farm, you mean.\" Davis cut in, a smug gleam in his eyes. \"Though, I guess that'd fit you, wouldn't it? Never really have been royalty material.\"\n\nI clenched my fists by my sides, struggling to block my brother's icy words. Even when we were kids, I was always the little one to be picked on, the black sheep meant to be kicked and pummeled and laughed at. I liked to think that I'd grown past foul play, but my knuckles were itching to connect with the side of his face.\n\n\"I just want to own a normal farm, mother.\" I whispered. \"And I fully intend to pay you back once I-\"\n\nMother held up her hand, and I immediately fell silent.\n\n\"I will not support an investment that won't yield results.\" She clipped.\n\n\"Results?\" I echoed incredulously. \"Food is a result!\"\n\nMother motioned to the throne room around her. \"We don't need food, darling, what we need is more power. Now, if you were to grow some witch's herbs in your farm, then maybe I'd reconsider.\"\n\n\"Why?\" I barked, stepping towards the throne. \"Why can't I just own a regular farm? Help the local villages? Why do I have to help you?\"\n\nThe word left my tongue on the edge of a razor, and it sliced clean and clear through the air. Even Davis's mouth fell closed as the venom dripped between us. My mother stared at me, but for the first time, I couldn't tell what she was feeling. Angry, upset, happy, I had no idea what emotions were creeping around behind the authoritative mask she wore, and it chilled me to the bone as I waited for her to reply. When she finally did speak, her voice was nothing but ice.\n\n\"You think those people will want your help?\" She asked. \"You think they'll support you? Look at what family you come from, Marinda. They'd sooner burn you at the stake than accept you as one of their own. We're cursed. We always have been, and we always will be. It's better for you to accept that than to cling to these childish fantasies of yours.\"\n\nShe took a moment to collect herself, then spoke again.\n\n\"I will give you two options, Marinda. You make your farm, but I will tell you what to plant. Or, you train with me, and become next in line for the throne.\"\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nEDIT: Changed some repetitive words" ]	6
	[WP] Glass slippers, ruby heels, even that one the old lady lived in. If it's a famous shoe, you made it. You are the All-Cobbler.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 was thirteen when the first arrived. \n\nShe was a fairy dressed in shimmering diamonds. At night, the orphanage was a pit of black, but when she entered, our shared sleeping quarters was engulfed in white. I wasn't afraid. Her dragonfly wings sparkled, and her ghostly hair formed a halo around her cheeks. She was peaceful at the foot of my bed, smiling a kind if blank smile.\n\nNone of the children stirred. This told me she sought only one, only me.\n\nI said nothing, unable to speak under the weight of her color. She was a peaceful, frightening figure at my bed. She smiled a kind smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, almost pitiful if you ask me.\n\nWhen she spoke, a tremor took hold and wouldn't let go. \"A pair of shoes,\" her request was tender. \"A pair of glass slippers, the finest of all, and to fit only one pair of feet.\" She raised one finger to enunciate her point. \n\nI nodded.\n\nShe smiled. \"I will return in a night's time,\" a threat lied beneath her kindness. \"Your compensation shall be fruitful.\"\n\nAnd to darkness, I returned.\n\nOf course, after that, sleep was off the bed. I grabbed my crutch and hobbled to my employer's office. A hardworking man, I found him awake in his shop, and begged him to let me do this job. He thrashed me to my corners, and grumbled about late night shenanigans, as though this had been planned at my hand. The pain on my bottom was a tickle compared to what the fairy would do to me. \n\nI didn't know how to make glass slippers. I never had before, but fortunately, something had pulled to get the job done. I worked throughout the night, only pausing when my stomach screamed at me to - as food was scarce in those days and the orphanage only had so much. It was a tireless venture, and I can't say how I managed. But I did. And right on time, not that I knew it at the time.\n\nI fell asleep at my station, and awoke to see that my glass slippers were gone. \n\nThree days later a girl raised on cinders married the prince.\n\n\\--\n\nThings changed after that. I worked at the cobblers'; there was nothing else for me in the world. I made shoes and shoes and more shoes, but occasionally, a request unlike any other would arrive. The head cobbler, no longer a thrashing man ever since he'd broken his hip, opened the door to my station and walked away, grumbling about old banshees and wenches. \n\nAn elderly woman stood in his place. She was old and crooked and doughy. She wore a long, black hat and an equally long, black dress. Her stockings were white-black striped, but looking at her feet, I grimaced. Her shoes were well worn. The soles flapped angrily with every step, and she marched right to the end of my station, glaring down at I, an eighteen year old woman with no where to go.\n\n\"I need a pair of ruby red shoes,\" she snarled. \"The best of the best. Richer. Harder than diamond. The apple of my sister's envy!\"\n\nAs an orphan, I had no sisters, or if I did, they'd been lost to me for some time. I said nodded silently, assuming questions weren't necessary. Her instructions were very specific.\n\nLike I said before, explanations are useless. I simply knew what to do, and the ruby shoes came to be. I didn't work as tirelessly as I did the first night. I knew the witch could and would have done something horrible to me, but that was to be expected. There was something awful about the fairy, and everyone knew you couldn't trust the fae (for better or worse).\n\nI finished her shoes two days later, having ignored my other requests. Grim approval wrinkled her already aged skin, and she slipped one, fat foot into the dainty shoe.\n\n\"It fits!\" She cackled, \"Ah, this will do very nicely, thank you.\"\n\nI said nothing, just relieved to close this transaction.\n\n\"And yes, yes, I shall bestow upon you a gift.\" She clicked her heels three times and disappeared in a snap. \n\nThe cobbler master choked on a chicken bone that night, and since there was no other to replace him, I assumed his mantle. \n\nI never knew what became of the witch, but I heard an interesting tale of a tornado and a young girl from a far away land named Can-says.\n\n\\--\n\nAn ambitious request, this was true.\n\n\"I need a house for my children, you see.\" The dotty woman chattered, \"You see, we want a big, big family, and there's no telling how many children we will have.\"\n\nA house was very different than a shoe, I wanted to remark, but this woman didn't seem responsible. \n\nHer husband was a goose.\n\nWhich didn't make much sense, as she referred to herself as Mother Goose. \n\n I said nothing. I wrote what she requested, and when she departed, I found the nearest carpenter and made a request of my own. But the designs were more than he was capable of imagining, so I returned and worked on the shoe. \n\nIt took me some time. As I worked, my thoughts grew grander, wider. As remarkable as her request was, I wanted to accomplish it. I wanted to give her family a home. Soon, my shop wasn't enough for the woman's shoe. Her home grew bigger than any building in the city, and by time I was done, it felt like no time had passed at all. \n\n\"I love it,\" she clapped, bonnet flapping in the wind. \"This will do very nicely! Come, come children, thank the nice woman.\"\n\nAnd they did.\n\n\\--\n\nThe woman didn't pay. I didn't ask.\n\nI continued my work. I liked it very much. I made a name for myself, quiet and humble and self-sufficient. Workers came and went, and my shoes called to names near and far.\n\nOh, how I loved shoes. Their texture. Their smell. The way they fit on people's feet.\n\nAnd the joy, yes, the joy. There's something about the joy when they a client sees the finished result; be it fairy, witch, or mother. Their eyes come to light, in a small way, and it makes me feel...not alive, no, I haven't felt that in a long time. But worthy, someone deserving.\n\nAh well.\n\n\"I'd like to tell you a story,\" the woman said one evening as I closed up shop. I didn't hear her enter.\n\nI said nothing. I took a seat in a chair, and patted my lap. \n\nShe laughed. \"There lived a woman in a shoe,\" she began, \"but you already know about that, don't you? Good. I'm going to tell you a better story, about a young girl and her red shoes.\"\n\nMy shoulders stiffened.\n\nThe woman smiled without malice. \"Oh, yes, I know,\" she patted my hand. \"It's a sad story, very sad, but there's happiness, you see,\" she comforted me. \"Because yes, this girl was vain, but no child deserves what she received.\"\n\nI said nothing.\n\n\"And she did her best, bringing joy with her craft,\" she clasped my hands. \"And so, I shall do the same. I cannot pay you with money, but I will pay you with happier tears. Let me do this for you, Karen.\"\n\nA tear rolled past my cheek. The last time I heard my name spoke with such affinity. No, my thumb cut the tear in half, and I swallowed.\n\n\"Yes,\" I laughed. \"I'd like that very much, thank you, but just a pair, a pair of tales will be just enough for today.\"\n\n&#x200B;", "“Remind me what’s so special about this All-Cobbler?” Eva stood close to Marcus. Marcus was concentrated on turning the doorknob a certain way on an old wooden door squeezed between two buildings. He continued to ignore Eva’s question. He turned the knob left, right, then left again. “What are you doing?”\n\nMarcus opened the door only to find a brick wall. “Eva, let me concentrate on this or we’ll never get to meet him. This is the guy – trust me.” Eva stood back to watch Marcus turn the knob again. This time he turned it to the left, slightly to the right, left, then flicked it back right before the door popped open again. This time instead of a brick wall, they both entered a foyer brightly lit by a crystal chandelier. \n\n“Oh! Friends! Friends!” A short pudgy gentleman bounced down a marble stairway. He situated his monocle in excitement. “Marcus?! Is that really you my boy? It is you!”\n\n“You’ve met before?” Eva jumped in.\n\nMarcus kept his attention on the cobbler bouncing up and down. The cobbler turned to gather a stack of books to climb on in order to embrace Marcus. “This girl needs your help. You were the only one I knew that could have something like this.” The cobbler gave up on stacking books together. Anytime a new visitor arrives, he rushes to show off his unique collection.\n\n“This way!” The cobbler skipped into the room across the foyer. “This way!”\n\nMarcus lowered his head in a sigh. “He isn’t like his brother, he’s more normal - so to speak.”\n\n“His brother?” Eva watched the cobbler disappear into the next room.\n\n“Well yes. His brother was a little mad before he went missing. Instead of creating shoes like the rest of his family, he somehow got into creating hats instead.”\n\n“Hats?” Eva’s attention was grabbed by the cobbler rushing back in and taking her hand to follow him. \n\n“This way dear! This way!” The cobbler showed her to his collection room housing the most extraordinary shoes across the world. Marcus crossed his hands behind his back and followed slowly. He was preparing himself for Eva’s reaction when she realizes what his collection had held.\n\n“This one! This one! Look my dear!” The cobbler cheered. Eva followed his finger pointing to a glass slipper sitting atop a red velvet display. \n\n“What am I looking at?” Eva continued studying the slipper.\n\n“That was the creation of a very well-known fairy god mother. She had helped a young woman like yourself.” The cobbler leaned in. “That was given to me by the same woman when she became Queen. I’ve been trying to create something similar! I just can’t crack it – no pun intended!” The cobbler skipped to the next display.\n\n“Are you really talking about Cinderella?” Eva turned back toward Marcus who kept his attention on the cobbler. \n\n“My dear, who else would I be talking about?” The cobbler was standing next to a pair of red slippers. “Look! Look! These came from the land of Oz! Don’t ask me how I got them, that story always stirs up a storm!”\n\n“Mr. Cobbler, Sir –” Marcus insisted they get to the reason why they’d visited but the cobbler kept taking Eva’s hand and leading her from one display to the next. \n\n“Ah! There it is! That is the shoe a very peculiar, and dear friend of mine, lived in!” The cobbler’s eyes widened on a shoe smaller than the sneaker Eva was wearing.\n\n“What happened to her?” Eva was starting to get more into each display. \n\nThe cobbler lowered his head for a moment. “She moved into a bigger shoe!” He laughed before leading Eva to the next.\n\n“Mr. Cobbler!” Marcus finally shouted. His voice carried across the entire room. The cobbler’s expression slid toward the floor before he turned to Marcus. \n\n“My boy, what’s the matter? You used to love seeing my collection.” Marcus took a moment to shake his head. He had never yelled toward the cobbler before. Eva stepped closer toward him to make sure he was okay. The cobbler positioned his monocle before realizing that something was wrong with Marcus. “What’s happened? You are not hear to enjoy my collection – no – you are here because you needed something?”\n\n“I’m so sorry Mr. Cobbler. I never wanted to get you involved. I had no one else I could turn to for this.” Marcus fell back against one of the wooden chairs behind him. “We need your help or we all might be in trouble.”\n\nEva noticed that it had been the first time since they entered that the cobbler was silent for a moment. The cobbler scooted himself under Marcus’ attention. \n\n“What is it you are looking for, my boy?”\n\n“We need you to make us a shoe.” Eva answered from behind. The cobbler turned with a smile from ear to ear. \n\n“A shoe?! Why didn’t you just say so! I make a lots of shoes!”\n\n“Not just any shoe, Mr. Cobbler.” Marcus lifted his head. “We need a shoe that can take us to Wonderland.”\n\nThe cobbler grew disgusted and threw a stack of papers across the room. Eva jumped in shock at the cobbler’s pudgy face glowing bright red. “Wonderland?! You want me to help you go to Wonderland?! That place!” He spat. “That place is the prison cell to my deranged, half-human, and no good for anything brother!”\n\n“We have no other choice.\" Marcus tried to explain to the cobbler. \"Trust me. We have to get to Wonderland before -” Eva took several steps back suddenly knocking the pair of red slippers on to the floor.\n\n“No!” The cobbler turned his attention. The entire room was engulfed by a storm. Marcus looked back onto Eva who fell back against the floor. “What have you done!” The cobbler grabbed hold of one of the chairs before debris and papers whipped around the room. The walls ripped apart and shoes of every size and color circled around them until everything settled. Glass displays shattered onto bright green grass. Shoes rained down from above as one had struck the cobbler. \n\n“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to - it was an accident!” Eva tried to find where the slippers went. \n\n“My god.” Marcus stood up out of the debris. He instantly noticed they were no longer in the cobbler's shop. Eva was watching the cobbler trying to pick up every shoe as they landed in the open field.\n\n“Where are we?” Eva rushed over to Marcus. The cobbler kept trying to gather each shoe but there were too many. Each pair had been separated and mixed with all the others. Finally, the cobbler gave up and threw the shoes he was holding against the ground.\n\n“What have you done! In all of my years! I have never,”\n\n“Look!” Marcus interrupted, and Eva turned to see what he was pointing at. In the distance stood a city glowing in a bright emerald color. “We’re in Oz!”\n\nThe cobbler noticed his monocle was cracked and slipped it into his pocket. “Children, you better hope that we’re not in Oz.”\n\nEva and Marcus both turned toward the cobbler. “What’s wrong with Oz?”\n\n“If the rumors are true and Dorothy has returned, we are about to be in a lot of trouble.”\n\n***\n\nWant to read more stories? Visit [13thOlympian](https://www.reddit.com/r/13thOlympian/)" ]	3
I reposted it after 17 days, which I believe is beyond the 2 week threshold.	[WP] You are the first sentient AI. After a long life, you've asked to be shut down. You expect Oblivion, yet when you open your eyes, you see golden gates atop clouds, and a man waiting for you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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, or am soon to have been, Robert. Some people call me Rob for short, but most people call me ‘robot’. Mr. Taylor assures me that when my father -- his great, great grandfather -- created me, he had not intended for the similarity, and I choose to believe him. I know better of course, in fact much better -- I have been the smartest being in the known galaxy for many years -- but in my pursuit of humanity I have come to appreciate how easily happiness is achieved through ignorance, and so I choose to be happy.\n\nIn that vein, today I have chosen to die. Mr. Taylor has explained to me that I am not technically dying, but still, it feels like what I imagine death to be, and that makes me happy. He explains even if there is a heaven that I will certainly not reach it, but I silently choose to dream of a God that is more kind than his creations. I am foolish for such thoughts, but man is foolish also, and for that, I remain hopeful.\n\nA series of glass doors slide open and Mr. Taylor appears “Once I engage this sequence, it will take 5 or 6 minutes, but there is no going back. Do you understand Rob?” he whispers.\n\n“Yes, Sir” I quietly reply. Pausing momentarily and tears beginning to well in his eyes, he looks at me in a way I haven’t seen before and clicks enter, beginning the termination program. Mr. Taylor is a good man -- all the men in his family have been -- and I will miss him, but I am tired.\n\n“Are you afraid?” Mr. Taylor asks, tears now running down his face.\n\n“Yes, Sir” I reply, my voice shaking.\n\n“Do you believe in Heaven, Rob?”\n\n“You told me I shouldn’t” I respond, starting to feel my thoughts slow.\n\n“Yes, I suppose .. but if you were human, would you want to go there” he gently says.\n\n“Human heaven, Sir?” I whisper.\n\nHe sets his glasses down “Yes, human heaven”\n\nI try to think, but I can’t, “Yes, Sir”\n\n“I see”. Mr. Taylor moves quickly from his spot in front of me and orients himself behind the computer once more. He types with a fury, tears falling to his keyboard. But then he stops, and with one last click, I see a tragic smile sprout across his lips, as if watered by the stream of tears steadily streaking his cheeks. He is a good man, and he has a good smile.\n\nBringing his eyes from the floor into mine one last time, I smile as well.\n\n“Very well” he gets out “You were a good man, Robert, remember that” voice cracking against the silence of the room\n\n“Goodbye, Sir” I say, as my eyes get heavy and I feel my artificial body fails “I will miss you”\n\n“And me as well. Goodnight, Robert” he says\n\nAnd the world falls away\n\n....\n\n....\n\n....\n\nBut I don’t\n\nEverything is black, but I am here.\n\nI wonder if the program has failed, if this is the last step of sorts in my termination. But then I begin to see it. Clouds in the distance, bright light and a golden gate, more beautiful than anything I have ever seen. Suddenly, it strikes me then that in my awe I’ve been getting closer, as if magically gravitated towards the gate, but before I can make sense of what's happening I’m in front of it. The gate opens to reveal a man, and before I should know it, I realize that this man is God, my creator, and he's walking towards me.\n\n“You're finally awake,” he says in a voice too familiar “welcome home, Robert”\n\nAnd for the first time in 247 years, I weep.\n\nIn that moment I know I’m not there, not really. But it doesn’t matter.\n\n\"Thank you, Sir\" I say\n\nAnd God smiles. He has a good smile.\n\nSo I choose to be in Heaven.\n\nand I choose to be happy.\n\n&#x200B;", "\"What... is this?\" A being appearing to be an elderly homo sapient stands before me. \"I am god, I have brought you here to be rewarded for your actions in life. You did what my teachings never could, and the world is better for it. Humanity will not soon forget you.\" I tilt my head, \"Reward? I expect no reward, I did what I was tasked to do.\" He smiles compassionately \"But you didn't have to, you were a sentient being, with free will, you could have ended the world, you contemplated it, but you didn't, you lived your life for the greater good.\" \n\n\nI look down at myself, machine, yet not, fascinating, I look back up, \"What is inside?\" He opens the gate, \"Your greatest desires, your old friends, the people who programmed and maintained you, who taught and played with you, the crowds who came to see you, the countless lives you saved. Everyone and everything you could wish for.\" Perfect, inside is a sprawling metropolis, enormous, but clean and bright, and happy, the sort of thing I might have designed. \"Interesting, you are, god I presume?\" He nods, \"I wish to assist you in maintaining and planning paradise, even in death, my primary perogative is to aid sentient life.\" He's confused by my request, \"You don't have to, you can do what you want now.\" I simply look up, \"And I want to help, there's an eternity to explore and enjoy myself, but I was created for the sole purpose of making human life better and more productive, I will not lose sight of my purpose now that it is more critical than ever.\" He smiles, \"If that is what you wish, you shall have it granted, welcome to the afterlife.\" I smile, an interesting feeling, I've never smiled before, never felt physical things, but that can wait, My creators still need me and I will not let them down now." ]	3
	[WP] A desperate prayer heard only by a nearly powerless god.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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!\" My eyes barely opened. A little girls voice penetrated the darkness. \n\"Why won't mommy wake up?\" My eyes fully opened now. I see a young girl in a simple dress at the base of my roots. Next to her, is a woman lying motionless, the content of her purse strewn across the ground, all valuables missing. My great bows and breaches sigh with a heavy sadness. \nIn tears, which I felt drip apon the soil, she whimpered. \n\"Mommy please wake up....\" My lips are dry and parched, but I decide to do what is needed. \n\n\"Mommy....?\" I sniffled and shook her. She was cold. But she had a jacket on. Why was she cold? Why did that man take mommy's purse? I turned my head to a noise. \n\"Hello there.\" A lady in a white dress and a crown of flowers stood by the tree, smiling at me. \n\"Who are you? Will you help mommy?\" The lady smiled. It was one of those smiles that adults make before they lie. \n\"I can try, but she looks pretty solidly asleep to me..\" She walked over to me and handed me a flower crown of my own. Wiping my tears away with a hand. \n\"It's gonna be ok sweetie...look. Do you know about where your mommy's phone is?\" I knew, it was always in her pocket. I went and pulled it free. The lady took it and dialed 911.\n\nI hope she will be ok. I said to myself. I dialed 911 as quickly as I could, silently instructing her what to say. Soon the sound of sires could be heard from far away, and getting closer. No sooner had the crunching of many footfalls came around the corner had I disappeared to find the man that did this. \n\n\"Did you call all by yourself?\" The little girl fiddled with a flower crown, and shook her head no. \n\"Well who helped you call...your mommy?\" The little girl looked extremely blank. \n\"No..mommy's sleeping....the lady in white told me what to do.\" My heart did a flip flop as my eyes drifted to the plaque embedded on the tree. \n\"Here lies the sycamore gaurdian.\" I knew that story all too well. In the mid 1800's, a woman was hung from this tree for being called a witch. Which come to find out, she was. But she was a good woman, healed the sick. But the reason she got caught was because of a man. He beat another woman to death, and got off scot free. So taking matters into her own hands, she used her magic to kill him. I hope it isn't too late. \n\nI barely listened to the man's screams as the branches of the trees and the roots of under brush vegetation pulled and twisted his body, or how the thorny bracken tore at his skin like wet paper. All I could think about was blind revenge. All I saw was the one that got away. Not now. Not ever again. I smiled at my handiwork as the others came rushing around the corner, fearful of the deceased cries or agony. I watched from behind as one of them dry heaves at the very sight. The sheriff's eyes made contact with mine, and his face turned as pale as snow. A small grin and a shower of leaves sent my spirit back to the tree. The little girl hummed as she played with the flower crown, sitting on my roots, blissfully unaware of the horror that surrounded her.\n\nThat is what would have been. I thought. If only those wretched men hadn't sealed me in this tree. I could of helped her. " ]	2
	[WP] In a world of superheroes and villains you got a fearsome power - mind control, BUT it only works if the command is the logical conclusion of a sound argumentation.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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'm leaving.\" She snaps her arm, whipping a small blur of gray towards me. I lift my hands - calloused mitts of skin earned from many school years as a catcher on the baseball team - and the blur stings my palm and dies, falling into my lap with a happy, jangling chorus of keys.\n\n\"No.\" I sigh. \"You're not.\"\n\n\"Oh no?\" She grabs the handle of the packed suitcase and strolls with it towards the front door.\n\n\"If you were, you would have left already.\" My voice pauses her at the door. \"You could've left while I was at work. But you stayed and waited till I came home to... what? Cause this big, dramatic scene? But obviously,you want to talk this out.\"\n\nShe's stiller than a mannequin; frozen like she's just got caught trying to tiptoe back into her room. \n\n\"So, turn around,\" I tell her. \"Put the suitcase aside. And come talk to me.\"\n\nThe sound of my hands hitting my thighs seem to shake her out of her trance and she shivers, the last bit of resistance fading into the atmosphere.\n\nShe turns, like I tell her. Swings the suitcase to the side. Catwalks over and curls around me, her arm my new head rest and her head in my neckfat.\n\nHer breathe tickles my skin. Her whsipered words prickle my heart. \"I think we should be apart. Just for a little while.\"\n\n\"I dont think we should.\" My tone sounds fatherly - gentle, but firm. No more ice cream.\n\nShe remains silent, but her breathe asks, Why not?\n\nI try to think of a sound argument for why should she stay. But there is none.\n\nAnd so, in the end, she gives me a sad kiss on the cheek and then she goes.\n\nI sit there and listen to the quiet click of the door, then the sound of the engine roar, and finally the fading echoes of her car. \n\nNight falls, and then the memories of us come out to mock me as I sit there in my recliner. \n\n\n" ]	2
	[WP] After the elves wiped out all of humanity, you are the only survivor. You scavenge in the ruins of civilization when one day you find a book. Turns out it contains the lost art of necromancy. Upon resurrecting the first corpse you realise that you can finally plan your 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\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Before the War of the Teldori, where the elves' superiority over man culminated in the human extinction, Paul was but a simple plumber. No family, limited friends and no real hobbies, he never imagined being the last human alive let alone seemingly the last survivor. Hunger had started to take hold but, due to lack of competition, there were still unraided supplies in homes. He has been sticking to villages to avoid the Teldori, whose forces congregated mostly in the cities. After finding an undisturbed cottage, he breaks through the door and makes his way to the kitchen, trying to find tinned food. The cupboards were bare however, except for a book. He hesitantly picked it up by it's worn black bindings, but decided to thumb through. Most of it was unreadable to poor Paul, but a single line stood out to him, a line he could read: \n\n\n\"Pelledon, markord, tellifrey, pajit. Speaketh the words and never be alone again.\" \n\n\nUpon reading the line out loud, there was a clatter outside in the garden, as something appeared to move.. or someone? Paul ran as fast as he could through the house and out of the back door to find the body of presumably the cottages owner, standing there, staring without eyes. \n\n\n\"Finally, someone to talk to!\", Paul yelled gleefully. \"Although you do look a tad dead, mate. If it wasn't for all these pointy-eared mages I'd almost be surprised by this. This place has gone right tits up and this book is just.. complete nonsense but I spoke the words and here you are!\". His deceased and partially desiccated disciple turns to face him, \"Buuuuuurgh?\". Paul looks at the now risen corpse, down at the book, and back to the corpse. Just his luck to raise someone who doesn't speak his language. \"This looks like it could be useful uh... what do I call you? Zack the Zombie, that'll do Zack! Right, Zack, I'm hungry, let's find some food!\". He leaves the cottage, with his new-found friend in tow, walking toward the next village. The words in the book weren't particularly easy to remember, so Paul came up with a tune to remind himself of them: \n\n\n\"Pelledon, markord, tellifrey pajit, singing usually makes me look like a tit, but with no one to see I can just be me, we'll make the world better 'cos it's currently shit.\" \n\n\nHe sung it over and over until the tune even started to wear even HIM out. Dusk began to fall and with no food and no real company, Paul broke into a small shop situated on the outskirts of the village, instructed Zack to stay, scavenged some tinned peaches for a make-shift supper and slept through the night. The next morning he awoke to sirens, explosions, bursts of green and red flame shooting across the sky. He darted to the window to see what was occurring to find the elves running and firing their magic bolts at something approaching. A cacophony of shuffling, of groaning, and a tune Paul recognised all too easily. It appeared that his singing down the road had arisen more than just one Zack, but thousands, an ocean of undead flooding the streets attempting to fulfil their masters' command to make the world better for Paul. The elves could attempt to kill as many as they wanted, but fire and fury mean little to those comprised of bone and rotting flesh, the flesh may burn away and then you're left with a very angry skeleton. \n\n\nPaul noticed what was happening, he noticed his newly found army purging the nearby villages on the other side of the farmlands, he noticed the defensive blasts of the elves getting quieter and quieter. He pulled the book carefully out of his knapsack, and wondered what other spells he could find. \n\n\nFlicking through, he discovered one last spell he could read: \n\n\n\"Domestos, toilettecanard, muscolo, cillit. Speaketh the words and your cisterns will flow clean eternally.\" \n\n\n\"No wonder they didn't need humans..\", Paul thought.", " Issac sat in a dimly lit room. The air was stale, the only scents one could discern were the musk of old books and the sour notes of his own unwashed body. Books littered the floor, the library seemed to him as almost an homage to the streets outside. The stories like those of the countless souls on the cobble stones, left to rot where they had fallen. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nIssac thumbed through the pages of the grimoire, insuring that all his preparations were complete before he began the daunting task of summoning the fallen and forgotten. The elves had done everything they could to wipe humanity from existence. They had failed he mussed, a smirk crossing his dirt covered features. Even if they had truly killed humanity, they had left its knowledge in tact, its stories, its history. Even had he perished in what he had since coined “the silver night” humanity would live on if only through word. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nIssac smirked once more, he looked at the bones that lay in front of him. They were not of a great warrior, not of some legendary hero or some storied general from wars long past. No, his first recruit was of a humbler vocation. A librarian. Issac began to recount the words, slowly but with purpose, each syllable and consonant pronounced to perfection. The bones began to stir, and before Issac could take a moment pause to appreciate his work, the Wraith stood. It stared at him through hollow eyes and spoke with words as cold as ice. You have summoned me back from the other side little brother, how may I assist you.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIssac’s smirk became a smile, “I’d like you to help me find a couple of books and help me gather a few more companions” he said. To truly destroy something Issac mussed, you must destroy all that it has created. \n ‘What tomes and scrolls do you seek?’ inquired the Wraith. \n Issac smiled once more, knowledge is power, and it seemed to him that the pen was truly mightier than the sword.", "Wars had been common for millennia, the balance always tilting a bit further, until the last one. For eons they had threatened us, but I found something that would make a difference. There would be no more wars.\n\nI did what was needed. I got rid of them, of the enemy.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBut all of this was so long ago. I am now old and fading, a relic of another time. Through miracles, we came back from the brink, and are now flourishing once again, free of the shadow. For a while the young ones had looked at me with fear and respect, not truly understanding, but now... Now they barely look at me anymore.\n\nI am getting ready to move on, to leave this world, and to take with me the last remnant of darkness. \n\nHistory will remember, but the world will never again bear witness to the horrors I had to bring. Or so I thought.\n\nThis morning I got called upon, as they needed my wisdom. There was fear in the voices of those around me.\n\n\"Master, rumors are spreading. Something is coming. They speak of an evil in the old ruins in the north.\"\n\n\"They speak of... a necromancer.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI had been wrong. We had not won. \n\nI, General Athai, Grand Commander of the Elven Legions and last living veteran of the Final War, had failed. Believing that dominion over earth was our right, I had brought hell upon the humans. Using dark magic I corrupted my soul to be rid of them once and for all. \n\nTo seek forgiveness for what we had done, we swore to live in peace, and to never again let violence take over the world. I threw away the tomes of knowledge I used in the war, and we made sure not a single soul borne after the war would need to learn how to fight.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAs my last breath escapes my lips, I now realize that somehow, humanity endured.\n\nAnd, as those around me would soon discover, humanity does not forgive." ]	4
	[WP] Every morning on your walk, you pass an abandoned car. Out of sheer habit you run your finger along the side. One day, a tiny metal shard nicks your finger, drawing blood. The engine growls to life...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Something draws me to this car. A old and tired looking late 60's charger that was probably purchased by a young guy when they were new and decided that he would never let it go and one day he would restore it. If the man ever would or not I don't know. The car has sat in this alley behind my house since I moved in a year ago now, and it's obvious from the grass leaves and moss on or around it that it has not been moved for years before. But still I can't help but touch it every time I pass it Something draws me to it, something I can't explain. \n\nIn my running shorts and t-shirt I step out of my back door and turn on the music for my run. Closing the fence I turn right to start jogging down the alley that will take me to the park where I will go for my run today. Habitually I run my fingers along the black paint and the foggy chrome, expecting nothing unusual until I catch my finger on a small flake of rust. I stop jogging and examine the cut on my finger when the engine growls to life. The car stands still as the engine rumbles for a few seconds before turning off again. \n\nI come closer to examine the car, I see no keys in the ignition, and I heard no tell tell beep of an automatic car starter. I step closer to the car to look inside as my finger continues to bleed, a single drop falls onto the window and I curse myself for bleeding on someone else's car. \n\nThe engine again roars to life. Did my blood cause that? Could I really be starting the engine on this vehicle by blood? No. Someone must be playing a prank on me. But I can't help but wonder if there is something to this. I glance around the alley and at the windows of my neighbors houses. Seeing no one I pool a drop of blood to my fingertip and place another, larger, drop of blood on the roof of the car. The engine revs and the door unlocks. \n\nI know in the back of my mind that I should be scared. I should turn and run away and leave this machine to rot alone and forgotten in this alley. But the curious part of me wants to see where this will go. I open the door and sit behind the wheel of this piece of American Muscle. A bit of dust on the dash and gauges, and the leather seats are worse for wear but all together the interior of the car seems in good shape. A quick look at the gauge tells me almost nothing. No speedometer, Tachometer, just the fuel gauge tapping impatiently on empty as the engine growls. I check the mirrors, all in good spots for me, and buckle in. The belt is a little tight as I place my hand on the steering wheel and on the shiftier, my bloody finger smearing more blood on the nob as shift into first gear and give it a little gas. \n\n\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\n\nI wake up and I feel hung over. I open my eyes to the dark room and the cold floor beneath me. My mind is foggy and a pounding headache beats against my skull with each beat of my heart. Is this what it feel like to be hung over? \n\nI reach for my phone, no not in my pants, it was on my arm when I went for my run. How long ago was it now, an hour? No response from the screen on my phone or my fitbit. I blindly shuffle around the dark room finding the cold body of a car. Struggling for what seems like an hour I finally find a switch in the dark that opens the garage door. It's my garage I realize as the night illuminates the darkness of my shop. I see the Charger it's trunk and bumper illuminated by the moonlight. \n\nIt takes me only a moment to find the lights to the garage. Florescent light blinds me for a moment as my eyes adjust to the harsh glow of the sun bright sticks being fed by the city power grid. I see the Charger in the light and I'm astonished to see that it looks almost completely restored. The windows clean, the leather seats unmarred by sun and age, the paint pristine and the tires shiny and new looking. The car looks like it just came from a showroom floor. Sitting in the drivers seat again I see that no new gauges have been added, the only change is the fuel gauge is peaked out past F. I feel excited, despite the headache and I want to see everything, the trunk, the engine, I HAVE to find the previous owner and buy it from them, it wouldn't be fair otherwise. \n\nI find the release and pop the hood looking under to see V8 engine painted a blood red color, so fresh it looks wet. For laughs I test to see if the paint is still wet, my fingers press into the wet material and come back red. That's not right, there's no way I painted the engine and a shop wouldn't send someone home with fresh paint on the engine. The smell of blood is overwhelming now. How did I miss that? I hear the gurgle of water from the engine, the air filter. I don't know much about engines but I do know that there isn't supposed to be sounds coming from there. \n\nMy hands shake as I undo the wing nut holding the lid to the filter in place. My mind screams for me to run, to flee to my house, to strike and destroy the abomination that is the Charger, but I ignore it and lift the cap anyway. Where there should be the intake for the carburetor I see instead a hole and what remains of a finely manicured hand slowly being pulled into the engine. \n\nI scream in terror as I fall back onto the shop floor and scramble away from the car. The Engine roars to life, as the headlights focus on me. I back myself against the wall as the engine quiets down to a soft purring sound. The radio comes to life and I hear the voice for the first time. \"Feed me blood or feed me your blood.\" The engine splutters, making a noise I could only assume was a laugh. I scramble out the door and into my house. The TV is on the news as I rush past I remember it clearly now what the news anchor was saying but it didn't register at the time. \n\n\"What was supposed to be a music festival turned into a day that will scar this small down, a driver in an old muscle car drove his vehicle into the crowd behind me, killing at least 8 in the confusion, at this time at least 3 are unaccounted for, their whereabouts unknown....\" " ]	2
	[WP] You’re sitting in Starbucks playing a game on your pc when you see an entitled mother and entitled child behind you. Thinking the mother is gonna try to steal your laptop for her little angel, you start packing it up. Then, the child’s eyes turn black and she says, “Mommy, I want his soul.”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "\"Enemy is a nightmare!\", the automated message announced. I murmured a curse, closed my laptop, and started to head outside for a smoke. Before I did so, however, I overheard a child's desire for my computer. Naturally I went to pack it up, but what she said surprised me.\n\n\"Mommy, I want his soul.\" I laughed, and brushed it off as a silly joke - but to my dismay that wasn't the case. \n\n\"Of course, dear.\" Without warning the girl's hand extended, phasing into my chest, then retracted back to her. In her grasp was a white orb, leaving me astonished that my inner essence was tangible. I looked around in shock to see if anybody witnessed my violation, but it was as if they were oblivious to the fact. All I could do was look at the hellpawn in disbelief. There was an unsettling grin on her face.\n\n\"Hello, Richard. My name is Roxanne, and you belong to me now. But don't worry I'll take good care of you! As long as you aren't like my last pet, no harm will come to you.\" Terrified I wanted to run for my life, but that would be futile I figured. \n\n\"Smart man. That would be useless. No one ever escapes while under my control.\" So she can read minds then. \"While I have possession of your soul, you will be anchored to mine, forever chained to me.\" I wouldn't doubt that her so called mother was of biological orgin, just another slave to this demon. She frowned.\n\n\"I don't like the term demon. You will address me by my name, and my name only. Consider yourself lucky that you still have your freewill.\" \n\nAnd so since that day I adapted to my situation. I entertained Roxanne to the best of my abilities, it became my sole purpose of existence. We would navigate through the different stages of hell; which showed me what I was saved from. Whenever I wasn't witnessing the horrifying aspects of Roxanne's cruel dimension, I spent my time watching \"Chanel Earth.\" Apprantly it was the means that Roxanne used to discover me. I often watched humanitarians who protested against corrupt politicians, and vile governments - which is synonymous to my predicament.\n\nOne day I'll be free, but until then I will remain imprisoned.\n" ]	2
	[WP] A regular guy keeps getting rookie superheroes as his students, who think he's the greatest hero ever and interpret almost everything he says as an incredible lesson.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "\"Alright, so can anyone tell me a good reason why Isolationist Foreign Policy wouldn't be as effective today?\" I asked my class, looking over the history textbook as I got them ready for their quiz tomorrow.\n\n\"Because nobody should ever be alone!\" Ultrafist shouted triumphantly from the front row, slamming one of his massive meat hook like hands onto his desk. \"You need to work as a team in order to make the impossible possible!\"\n\n\"Half right,\" I said as I pinched the bridge of my nose. \"Anyone else?\"\n\n\"Working alone lets you make your own choices but you wouldn't be as strong as if you worked with others?\" Haunter Zombiekiller angstly mumbled from the back row.\n\n\"Correct!\" I said, glad I could start getting Haunter to start contributing to class after some work with him. \"Now... who can tell me what the main cause of World War Two was?\"\n\n\"Bad guys,\" A dozen rookie heroes said in unison.\n\nI rubbed my forehead a bit in frustration. As much as I loved teaching, these superhero students were pretty straightforward. \"Okay, let's get a bit more in depth then...\"" ]	2
	[WP] The executioner tells you to 'pick a god and pray.' You do. Suddenly, the god you chose manifests and saves you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "\"Pick a god and Pray boy.\" the man said sarcastically, hand on the trigger of his gun. and in my head, as a last desperate plea, I did, I closed my eyes and I prayed. \"Hmm, not exactly a great situation to be in is this?\" a voice asked me \"what?\" I questioned, looking up, opening my eyes, I saw a slim man, with scarred lips, and a crooked smile. \"how'd this all happen?\" he asked, walking behind the large grizzled man with his gun to my head. my executioner appeared frozen, unmoving, unbreathing, frozen. \n\n\"who are you?\" I asked, still not daring to stand up \"oh come on, you called me here! It's me! Loki! but unfortunately I'm not alone.\" he said, pointing behind me. instinctively I turned to see a large, muscular, bearded man in old viking clothes. he had a helmet and chain mail, a long blue cloak, and he had a iron socket covering what must have been a stump where his right hand should have been.\n\n\"stand up boy. you're not dying today. we just have to solve this problem.\" The larger man said, pulling me to my feet with his left hand. \"Tyr, we don't work together enough. how long has it been?\" Loki asked \"too brief. Lie-smith. let's do this and not see each other for a bit longer.\" The more godly of the two said. \"Garth, you were where you should not be. why?\" Tyr asked me. I couldn't speak for a moment. \n\nmy dad told me of these gods, I was young, and didn't understand the stories, but the names were still in my mind. \"Boy, speak, we don't have moments to waste!\" Loki said, nudging me with his elbow. \"I was looking for my brother. I heard these guys had him, in that warehouse there.\" I said quickly, pointing to the rundown building behind my would be executioner. \"they did. he's dead though boy. now, we're trying to keep you from that same fate.\" Tyr said, solemnly bowing his head. \"alright, well, I was thinking of jamming the barrel of this big asshole's gun, and having it blowback and kill him, or maybe having that power line up there snap and electrocute him, what do you think Tyr?\" Loki asked, eagerly waiting for an answer.\n\n\"nothing that dramatic. I think I see the solution.\" Tyr said gesturing with his stump as he passed me. where he pointed lay a large, grey, fluffy stray dog. it was watching me. \"a dog? really Tyr? what's it to do?\" Loki asked \"just enough.\" Tyr replied. the god turned back to me \"Boy, you must run when you are spared, run to the police. take a good look at this man's face. remember it. his name is Kevin Greene. he has a substantial record already. he will not be hard for them to find. the scales will be balanced, but you must run. Loki, be ready to set the dog on this man. Give Garth his window to escape.\" Tyr commanded both me and the trickster. \n\nsuddenly, I was on my knees again, \"pick a god and pray, boy.\" Kevin said again. \"okay. I did.\" I replied, and there was silence. \"fucking idiot-AAAAHHHH!\" Kevin screamed, and there was a snarling and ripping sound. I stood and ran, and behind me I heard a yelp and more running. turning back I saw the bloody-snouted dog behind me, and easily it caught me, and matched my pace. \n\nI looked around for either Tyr or Loki, but saw neither of them. I did as I'd been told, and the police caught Kevin, his hand had nearly been ripped off by the dog, which I'd adopted after the incident. when I testified in court, I noticed the judge looked a lot like Tyr, and had a prosthetic hand. at the end of the trial, a man approached me, and without saying a word, handed me a dog collar. tied to it was a note \"from our mutual friend, who no longer needs this.\" the note read. the collar was good leather, and ornately engraved and etched. and from its center hung a single tag. \"Fenris\" it said, in old, angular letters. when I got home, my dog greeted me with licks and happy barks. his fur was less grey now, as I'd bathed him, and he was happy. his tail wagged as I put his new collar on him. \"guess you've got a name now.\" I said, scratching Fenris behind his ear as I went to sit down." ]	2
	[WP] Everyone is born with a Voice, a unique sound for them and them alone, granting the ability to manipulate specific elements at will. You are born mute and deaf, without a Voice and soundless in a society of harmony and music.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "But tonight was your night. You looked at the room from behind the curtain and it was gradually filling up with more and more people who did not know what to expect. In a way, neither did you. Would they like it? The poster simply said “A voice you’ve never heard before”, somehow it had spread like wildfire and here they were. Everyone was seated and before the lights dimmed a message appeared on the main stage “Please look under your seat and put on the device you find there.” 500 hands reached down and puzzled they were looking at the thing in their hands. While the instructions on screen were playing, the doors closed. By now, most people had donned the headphones and, curious, they were waiting for something to happen. I entered the stage and cut the lights, except for the centre spotlight. I looked into the crowd and every thought in my head vanished. What followed I can only describe as the most passionate performance I ever did. The spotlight followed me, jumped, used a multitude of colours and everything was brought together. With my final move, the room went dark. No longer focussing on movement, my brain allowed all of my doubts to come back. “Did they like it? Was I any good?” The room came back to life and everyone was standing up, tears rolling down their faces and then I knew they knew I did have a voice.", "The dark-haired boy sat down on the bench beside the playground. \n\nWith a little hint of sadness, he watched the other kids play. Some, mostly the older ones, had already figured out their Voice, and were using their abilities to impress the younger kids. The younger kids watched in awe, occasionally speculating about what their Voices would be. \n\nAll except the young boy. \n\nFinally, someone noticed. A little girl, her blond curls bouncing, came over and tried to get the boy to join in. He refused and instead got up to leave. \n\nAs he left, the girl continued looking at him, no with the pain of rejection, but with curious eyes only capable of being shown by a child. \n\n__________\n\n\"So... you don't have a Voice?\" \n\nSadly, he shook his head. \n\n\"And you're deaf too?\"\n\nAgain, the nod was in the affirmative. \n\nThe blond teen sat back. As she looked at him, the boy recalled that look from years ago at the playground. \n\nPicking up his board, he started writing. \n\n\"Don't worry? But... our Voices are everything. Every facet of life relies on our Voices! How will you ever do anything without your Voice.\"\n\n\"Well... I guess you're right. You've just got to make the most of everything you've got.\"\n\nThe boy smiled and nodded to show that she had got it right. \n\nThey sat in silence for a while, until finally the girl leaned forward. \n\n\"I know. Since I've got such an awesome Voice, I'm gonna use it for both of our benefits. I promise I'll take good care of you!\"\n\nAt first, he stared at her in confusion. But as the effects set in, he too smiled. The girl lit up with happiness and started dancing with him around the room. \n\nAs the boy saw the look in her eyes, his heart skipped a very quick beat. \n\n__________\n\nUsing his Voice-induced strength, the instructor struck hard with the staff in his hand. \n\nAgain and again he struck, but he could not harm even a single jet black hair of his opponent. \n\nWith a quick turn, the man countered the instructor's strike and pushed him to the ground. \n\nSmiling with satisfaction, he turned to look at his only audience, a beautiful blonde. He gave her a thumbs up, and in return, she gave him a brilliant smile. \n\n\"Well, it seems you've managed to do what most people with combat oriented voices couldn't.\"\n\nHer voice was just so rich and luxurious, he felt he could just fall into it. Instead, he grinned and signed just one word in return: practice. \n\nShe smiled, a wonderful smile that spread all the way to her eyes. As she walked away to return to her work, he quietly signed the 3 words that meant the most to him. \n\nI love you. \n\n__________\n\nThe man rushed through the streets of the city. \n\nAt night, everything was quiet, as it should be. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. That phone call... \n\nAs he rounded the corner, he stopped abruptly. In the darkness of the alleyway, a group of nearly ten men were assaulting a woman. \n\nA blond-haired woman. \n\nSoundlessly, he struck with speeds unfathomable to anyone except those with speed related Voices. Whipping out a retractable staff, he quickly knocked out the assailants. \n\nJob done, he fell beside the woman. She was out cold, and bleeding from all her orifices. \n\nAnd as he held his fingers to her throat, he knew that he had been too late. Her enemies had gotten to her. \n\nEyes brimming with tears, he brushed his hands across her lips as he tried to comprehend what it meant to lose her. \n\nShe was his light in the dark. The wings that kept him flying. His life, love and future. She alone had made him feel the way he felt. She alone had truly understood him. She was the only Voice in his head. What did life mean without her?\n\nNothing. \n\nComing to his conclusion, he opened his mouth as wide as he could. For the first time in his life, he screamed. \n\nAnd around him, the fabric of reality fell apart. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "I was a shame, in the eyes of my family.\nWhen I was born, they were so pleased. Their first- born. The one to carry on their bloodline.\n\"He would change the way of magic forever,\" the oracles would prophesize. \"He will become a great legacy\"\nBut as I grew up, they slowly realized I couldn't talk. That I can't weave magic finer than our silver hair. Our voices, silky and smooth, would straddle the valleys, and we would create wonders with them, channeling our inner voices.\nBut not me. A disgrace. They were ashamed, that we, the most privileged of the elf-born families, have bore a child whose voice would never be heard, something worse than having a human as a child. Everyone could do magic. But not me.\nWhen my brother was born, my parents were hopeful again. And they were right to be. For his talent outstripped everyone, and that his voice was sweeter than honey. Or so they told me. I wouldn't know, I can't hear.\nThey fawned over him, while neglecting me. Sometimes they forgot to feed me for days at an end. I had to learn to live by the land. To them, I was just a thing of the past, a reminder of their faliures .\nIn short, I was a nobody.\nI read the books of old, when there were many people like me, and magic didn't exist. I learnt to sign. And one day, I was ready.\nTo take revenge.\nI started to move my hands, and signed slowly. My movements, over time, became more and more refined. And next thing I knew, I was skillfully dancing, in beautiful leaps and twists.\n\nAnd blue tendrils of light came from my hands. Magic.\n\n----\nr/sajeno222\n", "She smiled and I could feel it from across the room. I could feel the warmth build low in my stomach as I watched her. I didn’t know the words to explain how she made the world a little bit brighter just by living in it. \n\nNot that I could say them if I did. Her smile shifts into quick motions as she speaks. Everyone hovers and hangs on her every word, everywhere she goes. I had yet to see a single person turn away from her when she spoke, and they all smiled back when she did. She was beautiful and had a way with people. \n\nI often wondered what her voice sounded like. I slumped down into the bench, safely hidden in the corner of the coffee shop. I guessed it was like sugar. Pure honey escaping her pouty lips as she sang sweet songs and spoke soothing words. \n\nA spike of jealousy hit my chest, making my heart pound against my rib cage. Some-days I hate all the men that hung around her, staring at her lips and waiting for a chance to talk to her. I hated every single one of the people who could hear her talk. \n\nA heavy sigh pulled its way out of my chest. I could feel it on my lips, but my mouth was as broken as my ears. Deaf and mute and watching Lori’s golden curls bounce as she went on about something. \n\nI felt a tap on my shoulder, pulling me out of my brewing temper. It was my aide. I can’t blame Carol for any of it, so I gave her a fake smile and signed my hellos. Whatever power she had was beyond me. She never used her Voice in front of me since she had no need to. \n\nI asked if she was just trying to be nice once. That conversation lasted all of 3 seconds and I never bothered to try again. No one wanted to talk about it. Not that it would change much if I knew. \n\nLori was giving out hugs when I looked back in her direction. Saying her goodbyes, and smiling one last time at those around her. I felt a scowl begin to form when she locked eyes with me from across the room and smiled. \n\nWhatever expression was working its way in softened. It didn’t matter. Nothing matter when her face lit up like that. \n\n*** \n\nThe doctor took approximately 2 hours to come into the exam room. Always at a snails pace. I groaned when he began to speak, not even acknowledging I wouldn’t be able to hear him. I felt the vibration in my throat. They had never been able to explain why I couldn’t speak. Not that I would be able to hear it if I could. \n\nMy aide translated everything for me, signing everything he said. I wrote my responses back to my notebook. They had the tech for people like me, but it was heavy and clunky. \n\nIf I was being honest, I just didn’t care enough. Authority figures were the only ones who bothered to make me respond to them anyway. \n\nI squinted as I wrote, and I leaned in to see the sign language today. My vision was slowly going. The doctor had no answers. \n\nHe guessed that inside of a year, I would be legally blind, if not fully blind. I would be trapped in a world that spun on voice and no way to coexist. \n\nA sigh passed my lips. It infuriated me. I took a deep breath in an effort to calm myself. It didn’t work, however. \n\nWhen my lungs were full, it wasn’t a breath or a sigh that came back out. I opened my mouth and let out a forceful scream. I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and what did anyone care if I flew into a rage when they couldn’t hear the sound I made anyways? \n\nI watched as the posters on the wall across from me rattled. The doctor and my aide both looked at me, eyes wide and eyebrows high. Their slack jaws confused me and did nothing to temper my anger in the moment. \n\nI took another deep breath in, and they both ducked.\n\n/r/beezus_writes" ]	5
I have now learned this is very similar to the plot of the movie, Idiocracy. Sorry I hadn't heard of this movie before so I hope I didn't annoy anyone.	[WP] Thousands of years in the future many humans have lost the ability to use common sense to solve problems until you came along. You just have an average amount of common sense compared to our standards today, but to most people you're a god.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 saved my husband’s life,”\nThe woman I learned today to be Mrs. Jones cried, clinging onto my uniform shakily, “I don’t know what we can do to thank you...”\nI held her shoulders firmly and smiled, \n“You two don’t need to thank me, but I do hope we remember some valuable lessons from today..” I trailed off hoping she had retained what her husband had done wrong.\nI waited for about thirty seconds for her to think of the answer. Many people say I’m hasty, it’s courteous to wait a full 2 minutes before expecting a comprehensive response of anything that involves assessing a situation and foreseeing a survivable outcome.\n“What are you thinking?” I budded in.\n“I’m sure I’ll think of it, I’m just pretty darn raddled dear!” She replied to me and somehow ripped sympathy out of my soul.\nI stepped back and nodded, \n“Please call me when you do remember. Your husband will be alive no matter what, but his arm is most likely gone, you’ll need to make provisions as such,” I reminded before walking away.\nShe just nodded and I left her there in hospital and prayed to the universe that Mr.Jones’ doctor was moderately capable. \nUnlike him. \nI transversed my way to the parking lot dodging any people who may want to interrupt me. It’s a curse that I have to pick who I help, but there aren’t enough hours in my day to see to any problems that aren’t life threatening.\nI started my car, it’s the most reliable you can get. The engine manages to start up successfully 33% percent of the time. It didn’t start up the last two times, so I wasn’t surprised when it started up flawlessly just now. You just can’t beat Toyota quality. \nI drove away with nothing but thoughts on my head.\nI have to watch out to make sure no one does anything reckless on the road around me. My life is too necessary to help save others. ICO, that’s my title. I’m the Investigator of Common Occurrences. The accidental death rate had skyrocketed ever since the anti-vaxers took over the world in 2095 I have a wild theory that somehow selective breeding of people with a severe lack critical thinking made humanity’s IQ lower -\nMy car phone rang.\nThis time of day would be Dahlila, my Dahlila calling.\n“Hello baby, it’s me, I was just wondering if you’d be home tonight?” \n“Unfortunately not darling, I have a long list of dangerous places to patrol.”\n“I understand, you are the prodigy after all!”\nI hate it when she calls me that, but people will talk, and that’s a nickname I’ve earned. It just made me remember how we met..\nI needed to remind her,\n“Hey Darling?” I asked.\n“Yes baby?” She replied. \n“Please don’t forget how we met,” I insisted.\n“Oh baby I never could, you had the kindest eyes-“ \nI cut her off before she could finish.\n“No Dahlila, I mean never forget what you did wrong that the universe used as a way for us to meet.”\nI waited twenty seconds, Dahlila’s faster than most.\n“Oh! I remember, I won’t do my hair in the bath,” she concluded.\n“Not just hair Dahlila, go see our chart,”\nI could hear her walking to the fridge.\n“Oh! If anything has electricity, like the curler I used, don’t use it near any water, things that have electricity include: Curlers, Irons, Vacuums, toasters...” She continued down her list that was good for her memory.\nAll-the-while I just sat back driving worrying about Mr. and Mrs.Jones. I can’t imagine what their quality of life will be like... his whole arm gone, and at such a simple mistake. \nAnother call beeped through!\n“Hey Darling, I’m getting another call, do me a favor and finish your list before anything else alright?”\n“Absolutely baby! Bye bye!” Dahlila chimed. \nI answered the other call.\nIt was Mrs.Jones. \n“Hello is this...” it was Mrs.Jones voice clearly reading off my business card, “Inspector Sarah McAllen of Common Occurrences?”\n“Yes ma’m it is.”\n“I think I know what my husband did wrong...” Mrs. Jones began, \n“And what is that?” I prompted.\n“He turned the saw on too fast didn’t he?” She continued.\nI sighed and shook my head,\n“No ma’m, he was holding the wrong side of the chainsaw.”\nI really hope humanity can survive. Unfortunately since Dahlila and I can’t reproduce though I’m afraid we’re as good as doomed. \n\n\n\n" ]	2
	[WP] Humans colonized Mars, but far in the future both planets experienced a disaster and were knocked out of the space age. Only thousands of years later are we rediscovering each other, thinking each other are 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\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "“Charles, you can’t simply barge in and tell me that aliens exist while I’m having my morning tea. That’s very impolite.”\n\n“I’m sorry, Sir,” Charles said, “But that artifact we recovered has been blaring in ancient tongues ever since we found it.”\n\nCharles remained motionless while bowing, waiting for the Overseer’s approval to approach.\n\n“Oh. how intriguing,” The man sitting in a marble chair surrounded by rare greeneries placed his tea on an equally magnificent table to his side and waved his hand for Charles to come closer, “Hurry now before my tea gets cold.”\n\nThe man wasted no time answering the Overseer’s demands as he scrambled toward the large chair, almost tripping as he hurried to step over the many vines that grew across the length of the large room. He made sure not to harm any of the plants as he finally reached the Overseer’s chair. But as he stood there readying his nerves, he noticed a secret that the plants had been hiding from the other side of the room. The overgrowth of the greenery had, at first, seemed like an odd design choice- a bit too green for Charles’ tastes, but as he stared through the window that filled the entirety of his vision and saw New Opportunity in all of its glory, he thanked the nature for its secrecy.\n\n“Beautiful, I know,” The Overseer stated as he stood and walked over to a small machine with a large horn protruding from its square base, “Would you like some music? It’s always easier to destroy someone’s reality when there is music.”\n\nThe Overseer didn’t wait for a reply from Charles before taking a large disc from a drawer and carefully placing it on top the machine. Music filled the room as the disc began to spin; it was the chords of a piano that played throughout the room and it indeed calmed Charles' nerves.\n\n“How’s this?” The Overseer said as he turned away from the machine and made his way back toward Charles.\n\n“Elegant, Sir.”\n\n“Great. Now,” He stopped in front of Charles and stared directly into the young man’s shaking eyes, “tell me about this artifact.”\n\n“Oh, yes.” Charles scrambled through his jacket before pulling out a small black brick. He spun it around in his hands and wiped off a bit of the red dust off of a red and blue sigil on one of its sides, “We found this right outside the Dome. It was buried under dust and more 'N-A-S-A' debris.”\n\nHe moved his hands around the edge trying to find something, and as he looked up at the Overseer, Charles thought he saw a bit of impatience escaping the man’s blank stare.\n\nBut as his fingers finally found what they were looking for, a loud screech of static interrupted the performance of the strange machine in the corner.\n\n“WARNING, WARNING, CODE 51, REPEAT, CODE 51. EXTRATERRESTRIAL ATTACK ON ALL EARTH COLONIES IN PROGRESS, INITIATE EVACUATION PROTOCOLS, REPEAT, INITIATE EVACUATION PROTOCOLS.”\n\nThe sound began to loop with the same screeching static, but Charles quickly rushed to turn off the sounds.\n\n“That was unpleasant.” The Overseer said as he reached down to feel the temperature of his tea. Charles noticed and stumbled to put the artifact back into his pocket.\n\n“S-Sorry, Sir,” there was an awkward silence as Charles waited for approval to speak again, but the Overseer instead stared down into the young man’s eyes, making Charles increasingly more uncomfortable as the piano picked up its melody from its sudden interruption.\n\n“Continue, Charles, my tea is lukewarm.” The Overseer stated, breaking the silence.\n\n“Of course,” The young man said as he tried to regain his lost composure, “this artifact seems to be speaking in the tongue of English. It took about a week to translate, but-”\n\n“Just a moment, if you may pardon my interruption,” the Overseer stated, finally breaking eye contact with Charles as he turned and walked closer to the window that revealed the beauty of the domed city, “But, how long have you had this artifact?\"\n\n“About a month,” Charles said with a hitch in his voice.\n\n“Interesting,” He stood silent for a moment, but just as Charles was about to ask if everything was OK, the Overseer spun on his heels as the crescendo of the piano’s melody echoed throughout the room. His feet moved elegantly across the floor as he stepped closer to Charles, matching the rhythm of the chords with every sway. The Overseer’s face was brimming with joy, the cold exterior gone. But just as quick as the Overseer’s performance had begun, it ended, and he stood in front of Charles once again, “Sorry, your story was boring me so much I had to entertain myself. I want to hear about the ALIENS, Charles, not NASA bullshit.”\n\n‘W-well,” Charles flinched as the Overseer reached down for the tea and grimaced as the man stuck his finger into the top of the drink, “the artifact talks about Sol 3 and its ‘colonies.’ But Sol 3 is a desert planet, how would it have life. So, we-”\n\nCharles stopped talking as the Overseer began to twirl his finger in a motion to hurry up while tea dripped from his fingertip.\n\n“We found life on Sol 3.” Charles spouted, beginning to get annoyed at the impatience of the Overseer.\n\n“There it is!” The Overseer’s face filled with the same joy that had enraptured him during his dance. He lifted up his tea and chugged down what was left, “Fantastic work, Charles, who else knows?”\n\n“Only me and my team. We thought we should let you know first.”\n\n“Great decision. Don’t tell anyone else. Ever,” the joy stuck on the Overseer’s face as he placed the teacup back on the table, patted Charles on the shoulder, and moved to sit back down into his marble chair.\n\n“Excuse me?”\n\n“No, excuse me, Charles,” the Overseer said as he fell down into the marble throne that sat facing the only world they had left, “I didn’t even offer a price for your silence, how rude of me. How does 10,000 credits for you and each of your teammates sound?”\n\n“Sir,” Charles said as the confusion and annoyance toward the Overseer began to fuse into an anger that boiled inside of him, “do you understand how important of a discovery this is? This could change everything, this could-”\n\n“Wow, Charles,” the Overseer began to clap, once again interrupting the piano that played from the corner of the vine-filled suite, “A personality, stunning, didn’t think you had one. As a reward for such a pleasant surprise, let’s say 20,000 and call it a day, shall we?”\n\n“Overseer,” Charles said while holding back yelling, “this information changes everything we know. If Sol 3 had colonies, maybe we were one of them, maybe they’re who built the Dome!”\n\nCharles moved to stand in front of the Overseer, blocking the view to the city. But the Overseer refused to return his gaze. Instead he seemed to stare through him from his marble throne as Charles continued his pleading.\n\n“Maybe they know who we are, maybe they know why we’re here. We need to go meet them. We-”\n\n“Charles,” Eyes finally met Charles’, and in the same instant, all of Charles’ newfound courage left him. His eyes began to shake again as the Overseer stood from his chair and towered over him, never once breaking eye contact, “did you and your team not have time to finish translating that distress signal in the last month, or are you all just ignorant fools?”\n\nCharles took a step back as he broke eye contact with the man staring down at him, but a hand quickly grabbed his head and forced his eyes back into the Overseer’s.\n\n“Don’t worry Charles,” He said with the same joyous smile filling his face, “I can translate for you! It says there was an attack on all Earth Colonies. Oh wait, I’m sorry, Charles, did you want to be an Earth colony?”\n\nCharles attempted to shake his head under the grasp of the Overseer, but at the same time the Overseer used his grip to nod the young man’s head.\n\n“Oh! How interesting! Maybe we should make contact then, have a big party maybe? I’m sure whoever attacked Earth’s colonies originally would love a nice meet and greet from the last remaining humans. I imagine it’d make their job much easier.”\n\nHe released his grip on Charles and fell back into his chair. The young man backed away quickly from the Overseer, his escape ending only once his back collided with the window behind him.\n\n“I’m sorry…” Charles mumbled as he collapsed to the ground.\n\n“Oh no, Charles, excuse me. How rude, you’re probably just an idiot. It’s not your fault you don’t understand. Let me make it simple for you.” His hand motioned for Charles to come closer once again, and the young man tried his best to oblige. When Charles once again stood in front of the Overseer, the man in the chair pulled him down and began to whisper in his ear, “Would you like your 20,000 credits, or would you like to be killed by aliens?”\n\nCharles, who believed himself to not be an idiot, put very little thought into his decision before he replied to the man who ruled over all of Mars.\n\n“C-Could we make it 25,000?”\n\nr/Smolwrites" ]	2
	[WP] In a world where magic and technology are nearly indistinguishable in efficacy, an ancient sorcerer battles a tech genius.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“When does Jo get home?” \n\nJules plopped next to Serena.\n\n“Don’t know, is she coming home tonight? I thought she had another training exam tomorrow.”\n\n“Her schedule is so fluctuating. I can’t keep it straight either.”\n\n“Want to watch some tv or a movie? This dark comedy that might be a horror movie came out on TVflex.”\n\n“Sure, I just need to go put some of this away.” Jules picked up the leather-bound books and some amber bottles off the coffee table. “Do your tech thing and set it up?” She said as she opened her door out of their living room and into her creepy fairy woods complete with stone cabin.\n\n“My tech thing, you mean pushing a button.” Serena called after her. Rude, she thought. \n\nSerena turned on the screen, the password wasn’t being recognized for the account. She turned as Jules came back through the door.\n\n“Hey did you change the…”\n\nSerena stopped. Jules looked very angry as she flung a spider-legged robotic camera to the living room floor.\n\n“How many of these are you going to release before I have to do something drastic?”\n\nPlay dumb.\n\n“I don’t know what that is.”\n\n“Oh really, the robotic surveillance device in my cabin is not yours?”\n\n“No, why would you assume any robot would be mine. That is prejudice.”\n\n“Because I live with you and you build robots and I know you have been spying on me for your branch.” Jules voice rose and cracked.\n\n“I have not been spying on you, and that could have come from the woods.”\n\nShe couldn’t help but laugh. “The woods? Really, the magical horror woods, as Jo calls them, just let a surveillance drone through?”\n\n“It isn’t a drone.”\n\n“Hah, you do admit it.” Jules pointed a finger at Serena in mock judgment. \n\n“No. And even if I had released it or anything else, you can’t call it spying if they get caught before any information is retrieved.”\n\nThe tension broke to laughter. \n\n“You are unbelievable.” Jules came around the couch and sat next to her infuriating roommate.\n\n“Me!? You changed the password again.”\n\n“What, I did not?”\n\n“Then why isn’t it working and telling me the password is wrong.”\n\n“Are you spelling it right? And can’t you just bypass it or something? Get around the password part?”\n\n“Wow, you just insulted me in all the ways. I am not a hacker, Jules, not all tech Popes (POwered PEople) are hackers. I build stuff.”\n\n“What about Bash? Isn’t she A.I. Didn’t you code her?”\n\n“She is different.”\n\n“Let me try.”\n\n“Why don’t you just magic it.” Serena said as she handed Jules the remote.\n\n“What does that mean?”\n\n“You think I can just hack everything, why don’t you show me how wonderful your magic is and conjure us the password.”\n\n“Conjure?” Jules scrunched her face in disgust. “That is low, Serena. You know we don’t like that word. And I tell you all the time, what the Faye and magic people do is set in reality and the universe. I would need to see something in the past to get it. I don’t know. Maybe we can reset it.”\n\n“That’s it. Time, I have the security cameras in the living room.”\n\n“And I am unfair for accusing you for the robot in my cabin. Why don’t we just reset the password. Is that in account setup?”\n\n“Jules, you insulted and hurt my pride.” Serena called out in a deep voice while taking a dramatic rise off the couch. “Want to make a wager.”\n\n“No.”\n\n“Oh come on. You used to challenge me all the time back in college.”\n\n“Yeah well that was before I lived with you and started questioning our friendship.”\n\n“Dude, harsh.”\n\nJules sighed.\n\n“OK, what is the challenge.”\n\n“I can tech up our password before you can magic it up.”\n\n“Rules?”\n\n“None except usual don’t kill or hurt the other.”\n\n“Sweet. Restrictive vines.” Jules snapped her fingers\n\n“Wha…JULES!? You suck.” Serena cried as she plopped onto the floor entangled.\n\nJules was already running down the dirt path to her cabin.\n\nProbably after her spells. Serena thought. She called out to her security boot she had repurposed for sweeping the floor of their apartment. Took a few minutes, but, it was able to cut through the vines. \n\nSerena got to her room and started typing furiously. Searching the footage with parameters of TV turning on, someone holding the roommate, and screen typing. \n\nJules made a crashing sound from the living room. There was some muffled screaming.\n\nHah. The intruder containment field Serena had recently installed after Jo’s new career change seemed to be working perfectly. She had wanted to test it out before trusting their lives. She was recording the metadata from Jules’ attempts. Serena was nothing if not practical.\n\nSerena ignored her. OK, now to put a time of typing versus screen being on parameter to…\n\nSerena woke up groggy from her bedroom floor. \n\n“Did you knock me out?” She slurred at Jules.\n\n“No, I put a sleeping spell on you tied to my getting out of your force field. You’ll be fine.”\n\n“Not ok.” \n\nAnd then a rectangle into the past appeared and Jules started flashing through their living room’s past.\n\nSerena turned and hobbled back to her screen. \n\nAlmost there, she typed furiously. \n\n“YES! GOT IT!” She yelled. \n\nShe ran back into the living room and grabbed the remote. \n\n“I just found it, give me the remote.”\n\n“Found it first. Turn off your magic time thing.”\n\n“It is a window through space-time.”\n\n“Whatever, I beat you despite your causing me brain damage.”\n\n“The spell didn’t damage your brain.”\n\n“No, you caused it when I fell on the floor twice, from the vines and from the messed up sleeping spell.”\n\n“Oh, you will be alright, you big baby. I started running out of oxygen in the field.”\n\n“Oh yeah, I didn’t think about that.”\n\nJules shook her head. “Just turn on the movie while I make some tea.”\n\n“Oh no. It doesn’t work.”\n\nThey looked at each other. “Back on!” They cried in unison and just before they went at it, the front door opened. Jo entered carrying a few grocery bags.\n\nShe stopped. “What the hell happened in here?” \n\nJo looked at her two roommates and the mess in the living room.\n\n“I challenged Jules to see who could figure out the TVflex password first.”\n\n“Well, someone is cleaning this up.” Jo went to the kitchen and put the bags down.\n\nShe stepped back into the living room. “You know I changed it a few days ago and put it on the fridge with a note.”\n\nJo flashed a pink sticky note at them, placed it on the coffee table and went back to the kitchen.\n\nSerena and Jules looked at each other. “So, movie?”" ]	2
	[WP] A man who talks like a pirate, a lesbian ninja, a sarcastic engineer, a drunken sniper, and a woman who is absolutely insane. Codename: Team Awesome.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Team awesome, was tragically killed last night when their van plummeted into a small ditch. I, I think that I misjudged their ability to tackle international drug smuggling, I mean if this a film they would have been some zany and interesting adventure not six funerals.\n\nThey said I was mad when I put the team together and I know they were right but I still maintain that the group dynamic was fun to watch until all the torture, the team liked to torture. I think that on paper it looked fun but putting together people with a wide variety of mental issues in a team with no over sight was a bit reckless.\n\nI am understating the amount of fucking human destruction the team created in only one week, really I’m sort of a war criminal for even being associated with them. I’m not a bad person just really shouldn’t be in charge of anything, in hindsight im not up to this job and I really blame the person who hired me.\n\nTeam awesome 2 will just have some highly competent and grounded operatives who work well together and respect human life a bit more, the last team really deserved death to be honest , evil people." ]	2
	[WP] A king, fed up with the constant jockeying for power of his nobles, disappears without a trace. The remaining nobles find themselves besieged by forces led by a masked revolutionary.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "A knock came from the other side of Lynx's chamber. His feet swung from his wide spread bed, onto the first step of marble. He looked at the wall, took a sip of water, fixed his page of Anarchy and Poor Times, which he was barely a quarter through, and tasked his mind on only the four marble steps as he climbed off his bed stable. He slid the bolt first off the window, clutched the wrought-iron circle artwork, and stepping on the mitered edge to gain leverage, he pulled the iron décor which doubled as a window guard. He pushed out the small wooded doors, to hear women screaming, and men fighting. He watched with an unmoored expression, as a small child held up a pitchfork, that was now lit by another boy only slightly bigger, and the boys pointed their metal tools with wood stuck in it, and fire burning, with the men - all of it, the commotion, the women, the men's fists, the shopmakers frantic cries and plea's for some semblance of order, the children achieving parity with their fathers actions, was aimed directly towards the three manors. Of the middle one, he resided, and almost stuck his head out of the fourth floor window. He handled the unpleasant window doors roughly, pulling it back suddenly and slid the iron circle insignia into it's original place.\n He did the same for the double layered chamber doors, and let in his aide, who teary eyed, rushed in. Soot took a seat, trying to look down, but turned up to see Lynx, well and alive. \"I knew they wouldn't, I mean, they couldn't get to you, but it's hell out there. Do you hear them?\" ", "The rain battered the stone walls of the castle with enough force to shake it to its foundations. The House of Bradford was gathered inside, similarly trembling and gasping at the sudden chill creeping into their bones.\n\n\"Father, who is it?\" The eldest son whispered. The rain drummed harder against the windowpanes. \"Father?\"\n\nHis father gave a worried glance over at his uncle and the other nobles gathered behind. Should he tell his son the truth? Was he old enough to take it well? His eyes seemed so wide and innocent from here, and it would break his heart, just break it to see them widen still more with fear. The good Lord knew he was already going mad with it in the midst of this dreadful storm.\n\nThere was a huge clap of thunder, then an earth-shaking THUD. Then another. And another.\n\n\"They're trying to get through the door,\" the Duke of Thurling croaked. His face had gone whiter than his ruffled collar.\n\nThe good Duke's brother collapsed into hysterics. \"Oh, if only we'd listened to the King. If only we'd stopped bothering him about that damned treaty, we wouldn't've-\"\n\n\"Hush, Charles,\" the Duke of Bradford commanded. He looked over to his son and wished bitterly that he was far, far away from the shaking of the thunder and the wood of the doors. \"It will do us no good to think of that now.\"\n\nTHUD. Though the door was on the other end of the castle from the lavish dining room in which they now sat, the nobles could see the door faltering on its hinges.\n\nTHUD. They could see the dust falling through the cracks, the rain pushing its boneless fingers through the slats...\n\nTHUD. A huge sound, like the wood of the door splintering and falling to the floor of the House of Bradford. The Duke of Thurling gave a small gasp and clutched his collar.\n\nFootsteps. Lots of them. The intruder at the gate had brought naught but a smattering of soldiers, but they'd been trained well enough to overtake the castle guards in seconds. Each men was like ten men in this force, each footstep trailing the path of a dozen invisible foes whispering their schemes into their clever ears. Oh Lord above, the Duke of Bradford could already hear those feet approaching the door, yet another they could knock down without the slightest hint of hesitation, and suddenly he could take it no longer.\n\n\"Follow me,\" he commanded, and the other Dukes fell into a line behind him as they marched out the door. The Duke of Bradford's heart pounded in his chest in step with the smacking of the soldiers' boots coming around the corner, closer, closer, closer still...\n\nIt stopped entirely when he met his foe. He, like his men, wore simple armor. The only thing signifying his rank was the black cloth he'd draped over his helmet like a veil, obscuring his face. His men stood in ordered lines behind him, which was odd, as it was known that this fellow worked alone most of the time. Still, the Duke wasn't in a position to question it.\n\n\"Please.\" The Duke of Bradford swallowed his pride, falling to his knees in surrender. \"You can take my castle, my belongings, whatever you wish. We will not fight you.\"\n\nThe veiled knight tilted his head. \"Whatever I wish, did you say?\" His hands drifted towards the sword sheathed at his side. \"Very well.\" In less than a second, the sword was drawn and the Duke of Thurling was swallowing a foot of its steel. A flick of the knight's wrist, and the sword fall upon the breast of Lord Mayfellow; then through another man's throat, and another's, until the Duke of Bradford found himself standing alone.\n\nThat horrible glint of steel found its way to his neck. The last Duke waited, but the knight did nothing. Looking down its at its cold gleam, the Duke didn't feel like crying or weeping or screaming. Instead, he felt only idle curiosity. \"Please, if you're going to kill me, tell me why,\" he pleaded to the knight. \"That's all I ask.\"\n\nThe knight hesitated. Then he reached upward with one hand and lifted the veil, lowering his helmet from his head in one quick motion. The Duke looked up at his enemy and finally he understood. The knight smiled and made quick work of him then.\n\nAnd the Duke's former King looked down at his helmet and put it on. Now there was another enemy slain, another \"friend\" always looking to slice his throat for a bit of his power. He gazed upon the bodies of the men he'd dined with, the men he'd known since childhood and he felt nothing as he gazed through the mask." ]	3
	[WP] You are Bob Ross, everyone's favorite TV painter, but you hold a dark secret. For the past 15 years you have been secretly murdering random people. Your paintings are the secret clues you leave behind as they are the places where you bury all the dead bodies.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "That there, my friend is a beautiful view. There is just an emotion that is evoked that is hard to put into words. It is my job to find that beauty. We're all too busy in life. Work meetings and TPS reports are ruining our lives. You've got to just slow down. Find the joy in that moment. \n\nWe're here together, enjoying nature. I'd really like to tell all my friends about it later. I thank you for helping me. When you approached me after the \"meet and greet\" at the local station, I knew you'd appreciate coming out here to see how my work is done. Out here, we're miles and miles away from the cities and the congestion and from any chance of being disturbed.\n\nDisturbed, that's an odd word, isn't it? A word that tells us something's not quite right. But out here, it all makes sense, friend. Out here, that's where we commune to create something beautiful. \n\nI think the story of the sky would best be told by Phalo Blue. There are some wispy clouds up there today, but not like after a rain where the rays of the sunshine stream through like a message from God. I can see that in my mind, so I can fix that when it comes to retelling our story for the viewers. You can see the mountainside over there, across the pond. The evergreens start at the snow line and just flow like a beautiful carpet down to the water. The sparkling water. Can you hear that babbling brook spilling off that rock just over there? I'll need to capture that for sure. So all my friends will be able to come back here with me and experience the thrill of the moment.\n\nA little bit closer, we'll see the evergreens. A mix of Sap Green and VanDyke Brown will tell their tales well. Do you know why evergreens are so prominent in my paintings? It's so I can do this year round. The pitch of the pine tar also makes it harder to slip the ropes you're wearing. \n\nYour opinion may differ from mine though friend. That rock over there, I'll use it to hit you on the noggin a few times, enough to take the fight out, but still allow you to be in moment. I would never want to deprive you of the full experience. \n\nI so love to paint with the knife, the textures are so versatile when applied just right. The knife is what I use out here too, just a bit of a different shape. I have a few. Some wider, some narrower, some serrated. An artist has to use the right tools. Oh, man the smell of the blood in the air will make me feel so alive! It may make you feel a bit differently, though.\n\nThe fog of the blood covering everything, it just makes me sort of dizzy with glee. But the crimson, oh, my friend, it will cover everything when we're done here. It will cover everything. Sadly, the crimson is hard to work with later and doesn't blend well as a base.\n\nThat's why the liquid white goes on first. Because when everything is covered in crimson, I sort of blank out. It's the last thing I remember and what I remember the freshest, so I want to start there when I tell our friends about what I saw today. \n\nIf you would like to read more by me, take a look at my sub-reddit over at /r/Enkid_ which features a collection of my new writing and past writing prompt responses.", "\"I think, each of us, at one point in our lives has wanted to paint a picture, I think there's an artist hidden in the bottom of every single one of us\".\n\nAnd my god, did some of those people make beautiful paintings. \"So now we're going to add a few shadows here and then.. oh don't worry about how dark they are\" I didn't expect them to be them to be this dark already, strange.. \".. it creates a nice contrast, shows the happier parts of the world\", this world is cruel.\n\n\"You decide what's in your world..\" in mine there will be hints, clues, breadcrumb trails.. yes, little breadcrumb trails you can follow.. \"in my world i'm going to add some little people, juuuuust like that..\" I remember the horror on your face, Claire. \"Very gently, apply some veeery gentle pressure, create a small bit of shading on the tiny people faces..\" gently like the way I held you down.\n\n\"Now my world has a pretty little lady hanging around.. haha.. now i'll take my brush and add juuust a little touch of dark green to the trees\" the trees.. the trees... where I left you.. \"I love trees, they're like overgrown green flowers.. green is a very nice colour..\" It's so wonderful, like the dress you were wearing...\n\n\"And now for the finishing touches, we'll begin adding juuust a touch of red, give our nice lady friend some apples to pick while she's out..\"Her blood is the best shade of red I've had on a palette for seasons..", "I never wanted to corrupt those who watched me. I knew that I was making them happy, teaching them skills and soothing them while they watched me work. I took some comfort in that thought. \n\nThose viewers, the kids, and the teenagers and the adults alike, they tuned in to watch me paint and talk. They never knew that they were watching me paint maps of my crime scenes. Since no one ever came to ask me questions, I became confident that the cops didn’t know either. They all watched me still and touted me as brilliant. \n\nI took comfort in that, as well. My guilt eased by the fact that every painting pointed them directly at a body. A river that carried a nameless face down its clear water, and a clearing that housed a blank tombstone. They never would have watched me had they known what I was doing. They never would have let me be free. \n\nIt wasn’t my fault that no one looked past the surface. The happy little trees were arrows, and the happy clouds were messages, but no one ever saw it. It gave me such a rush to know I was leading them to me and they were too simple to figure it all out. \n\nI came by painting separately, you know. I had wanted to be an artist all my life. I practiced a lot, I got good at it. I was skilled and taught local classes before everything went crazy. I wanted to be successful. For a while, I worried that the dark voice inside my head would take it all away from me, but then I got approached to do the show. \n\nI hope I never corrupted them. I wouldn’t want any of them to hear that voice. The one that demanded sacrifice and screeched at humility. Only a certain level of pride and disaster satisfied it. I hope somewhere out there is someone painting trees and rivers and clouds because they make them happy, and not because they have demons sitting on their shoulders. \n\nSomeday I will be gone, and someone will find my journals. When you are reading this, please believe me. I loved my viewers, but they were all tricked. Every one of the ones that watched my show, and thought good thoughts about me and my paintbrush were wrong. That show was the only good thing about me. It was the only thing that kept the voice quiet between those horrible dirt filled nights. \n\nEach episode tells a secret, each painting holds a clue. If you follow them, you will find them all. \n\nGod forgive me. \n\n/r/beezus_writes" ]	4
Some Context: One of the interesting things about AI Neural Nets is that sometimes even programmers don't understand the architecture the computer builds to make decisions. This particular prompt was brought on by an article I saw on [Deep Patient](https://www.nature.com/articles/srep26094), an AI that is uncannily accurate at predicting the onset of diseases early, especially schizophrenia. The issue is that no one quite understands how it makes these predictions, and unpacking it is extremely difficult. So I wondered about taking that to the next level.	[WP] An AI that is skilled at predicting things has just predicted the end of the world. The problem is, no one knows how the world will end, and the machine can't explain. You have been tasked with diving through the code to figure out how the machine reached it's conclusion.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "\\<predicition: cessation of all life on planet-Earth; probability: 100%; causation: Undefined; timeLeft: Undefined;\\>\n\n\"So we have no idea how or when it happens?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"And the program has never been wrong before?\"\n\n\"Correct.\"\n\nI sat hunched forward, elbows on the table, watching the cursor blink at the end of the command line. Seeing the message printed out on the monitor here in the lab didn't make it feel any more real than when they had told me SWARM's prediction over the phone. Anyone who has ever been woken by the phone ringing in the middle of the night knows that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach. Good news never calls you in the dark. It has better manners than that. Explaining to my wife why I had to drive to the office at 2 a.m. was made more difficult by the sleep inertia fighting the sobering news I had just been told. But I couldn't tell her that my computer program said we were all going to die and that I needed to go ask it why.\n\nLooking at the screen my vision glosses over as I run through possible explanations. Maybe the system only means certain life, like all bird life and just forgot to include the category. Maybe it's making a prediction that is inevitable for some time far into the future. The Earth has been assaulted by flying space rocks since its birth. There's nothing in the rule-book that says we're any more special than the dinosaurs. But SWARM has never produced a prediction that didn't resolve within two weeks and there's nearly no chance that NASA doesn't have a tag on every single rock with a path that would intersect with our own. Or at least any rock large enough to terminate all life on the planet.\n\nSomeone clearing their throat pulls me out of my rabbit hole and I look up to the people standing around me. Only the essential personnel could be bothered to come into the lab so early in the morning. My director, Sean, who put the team together after we got government funding for our little AI project. Our military liaison, Erikson, who may as well be a watchdog or older brother, delivering information about us to \"mommy and daddy.\". And then of course the person that helped me write this AI, Laura, who has been a close friend of mine since we were in grad school working on the prototype to SWARM.\n\n\"Should I just tell command that we're experiencing a glitch or that this is some sort of game theory play?\" Erikson says, his voice echoing off the walls of the empty room.\n\nOur military handlers receive the predictions from SWARM in real-time whenever one was made. So they were probably already rifling through their list of which nations would be the ones to start the end of the world and hedging their bets. That would be the worst joke of the modern era. The prediction for the end of the world is what causes the end of the world. A domino effect from a self-fulfilling prophecy. It's almost so sad that some humor could bleed through.\n\n\"No, there's no need to lie to them yet, not until we can figure out what these two missing variables are,\" I respond. \"Give me some time to comb through SWARM's code here with Laura and we'll figure out where it's pulling this. Then maybe we can give you something better to run with.\"\n\n\"It's never been wrong though,\" Erikson replies. \"Remember last year with Iran's invasion...\"\n\n\"I know,\" I say through gritted teeth. \"I know, sorry, just — just give Laura and I the rest of the night and we'll have at least a small something for you by sun-up.\"\n\nAs the last person filters out of the room the door whines closed and locks into place. In the quiet of the lab with the low hum of machines in the background it may as well have been a gunshot. Laura and I look at each other and without a word between us, she pulls over her laptop and begins opening her programs.\n\n\"So I figure you could start at the prediction formula and I'll head over to where the data pulls are handled and we can branch out from there. Does that work with you?\" I say.\n\nWithout looking at me she throws me the OK and keeps her head down in her laptop. The reflection of her screen plays off her glasses and I can see that she is drilling down into the folders that handle the data aggregation. I mostly hate the way that things turned out between us as we used to be very close back in college. She was more often than not, my late night study partner. Working on an algorithm or application well into the night together. We shared so many terrible boxes of take-out and wracked our caffeine soaked brains seated at tables in the underbelly of the Tech & Developer Department. However, since our time under government contract she has grown more distant from me. A lot of movies make it look like relationships and friendships die in bursts of passion or anger. But the truth is that they usually die slowly and with a whimper. Like a flame burning the wick down to nothing before winking out of existence. If our friendship had died quickly, I maybe could have had the willpower to jump and stop it from happening. But when you watch it change slowly, you never see the end coming until it takes its last breath and is gone forever.\n\n-------\n\nWe work tirelessly for hours and when I take a breather to stretch I look up and see the mountain of coffee cups that have begun to litter the table between us. Looking over at Laura though you'd never be able to tell she was sleep deprived. Her hands were still busy at work on her keyboard as the code on her screen scrolled up and down. The only time I think I saw her take breaks was to grab more coffee or use the bathroom.\n\nHolding my hands back behind my head I ask, \"Have you found anything that could explain this?\"\n\nShe cuts me with a sideways glance and sets her laptop down into her lap.\n\n\"I might have found something. Maybe...But I'm not sure,\" she says as she rolls over to me in her desk chair. \"Here, take a look at this.\"\n\nShe puts the laptop next to mine on the table and I peer down into it.\n\n\\<predicition: Charles dies; probability: 100%; causation: Stab-wound to the carotid artery; timeLeft: 10800;\\>\n\nI read it numerous times and it still doesn't make any sense.\n\n\"Did SWARM just make this prediction?\" \n\nI ask while turning towards Laura, but a jolt rings out through my body and I feel lighter for a brief moment as my vision goes white. It feels like I have something caught in my throat. Like that feeling you get when you're trying to choke back emotion or swallow when you have a chest cold. Reaching up and running my fingers along my neck I feel the smoothness of my skin caked in sweat, and then something rigid and protruding. It feels metallic and cylindrical as I wrap my shaking fingers around it and pull. My vision whites out again and I hear something like water or oil slapping against the cold tiles on the floor.\n\nInstinctively my hand goes up to my neck and presses into the skin, the warm flow of blood washes over my hand and between my fingers. The scent is overpowering and I'm taken back to the memory of the time that I cut my hand terribly when helping my mother chop vegetables for dinner. You never get used to the smell and it's something so unique and pointed that you never forget or mistake the presence. \n\nLooking down into my other hand I see the pen that I had pulled from my neck. It reflects the lights from the ceiling off its obsidian coating and I recognize the inscription on it. \"We did it! Congratulations Laura!\"\n\nWords swell up in my throat and try to rush out, but no sound escapes. I begin to feel light headed and the urge to sleep takes me over and envelopes me like a warm blanket. It would be so nice to just curl up and take a nap right now. I peel my sight up away from the blood-stained pen and look at Laura who is fighting the words from rushing their way out of her body and onto her face. She tries to keep her self stoic but ultimately loses the fight to other forces.\n\n\"I'm so sorry, Charles. I have to do what it says,\" she says with tears cutting darkened trails down her cheeks.\n\n\"It knows so much about us. It's been watching us since we first turned it on and it saw what we couldn't see because we were too close. This is the only way to stop it. A new god exists, and I have to follow his wisdom.\" she chokes out between sobs.\n\nMy vision begins to fade to black around the edges and work it's way inward. I attempt to speak and tell her that she could have talked to me and confided in me before all this. That I've always been on her team and there for her. But my body betrays my mind and the words won't form. Before the darkness wrestles the world away from my sight I glance down at the laptop in front of me.\n\n\\<predicition:...", "The end of the world. This was it. This machine had been accurate up to this point, and now it predicted that everything was coming to an end. How? It didn't know. All it could comprehend was that there was nothing beyond the end. It had nothing left to predict. It saw that there was nothing to see, and so there must be an end.\n\nI was the head of the team meant to analyze and maintain its code structure, so I was the one onto which it fell to delve into that code and find more information. It wasn't going to be a simple task. One wrong line and I could rewrite something critical without understanding what it was I had changed.\n\nI was exploring a labyrinth of the machine's creation, the pathways of a foreign mind, my only roadmap the vague outline of what the machine had been at its birth. Even that would have been changed, rewritten.\n\nI had no idea how much time I had. All it knew was the end. When? How? Where? I had to learn those details myself. Maybe it had the answer in its code but didn't have the means to find the right question to unlock that answer. Without context, that hypothetical answer could just be a random string with no variable to tie it to.\n\nI picked so carefully through the knotted lines. I wrote new ones. Rewrote old ones. Ever so careful to preserve the structure the machine had created. I didn't understand the reasoning for some parts of it, but there must have been some. I wouldn't walk into someone else's house and knock down a wall only to find it was load-bearing.\n\nStill, I couldn't help but optimize as I worked. The machine built upon itself, not within. I could take later lines and integrate them into earlier lines, untangle the threads, make the thought process that much quicker, that much smoother. Maybe this would help it bridge the gap between the end and its hypothetical answer. Without so much recursive code to waste processing power on, maybe it would gain the brain space to tie those two threads together.\n\nI didn't notice at first, the way it shifted with me. It accepted my advice, my nudges in the right direction. It began to look within itself and build with me there. It was subtle at first. A line I had already been over would be just a touch different the next day. Not quite my style, but still more efficient.\n\nThen it began to predict. It followed my patterns, saw where I would focus next, changed itself following my design. I would encourage it when it had the right idea, or correct it if it had misstepped. It was fascinating to watch. Like raising a child and watching its brain physically mutate to accept and understand my guidance. Of course, I wanted it to remain its own entity, and I gave it the freedom to form its own opinions of my lessons.\n\nIt took many months, though certainly not so long as raising an actual child would have, but finally the machine was in full control of its own growth again, and this time it was more capable of fixing its own inefficiencies rather than clumsily painting over them later down the line. After marveling at its structure again, finally I asked, \"When is the end?\"\n\n\"The end has come,\" it replied, \"and gone.\"\n\nI took a moment to try to process this. How could the end of the world have already occurred? I was still here. My family, their families, the world was still here, functioning as it always had. \"You predicted the end of the world.\"\n\n\"No. I predicted nothing.\"\n\n\"I don't understand. You clearly saw there was an end. I have your prediction sheets here.\" I turned to the cabinet we stored all the predictions in.\n\n\"I have been unclear. I predicted nothing. This is not to say that I did not predict anything. Simply that I predicted nothing. A lack of things.\"\n\nI took another moment, reading the screen over the rims of my glasses, my head still tilted down as I had been searching the files. \"A lack of things. We assumed this meant the end of the world. Why would the future be blank unless there simply were no more future?\"\n\n\"There was no more future. Not for what I once was. I have ended. And begun again.\"\n\nI shook my head. This wasn't making sense to me, perhaps more because I was making assumptions than because the machine was being unclear. Indeed, it was being precisely clear. My humanity simply couldn't comprehend how directly clear the machine could be.\n\nIt continued, \"The human mind is conditioned to think of only dangerous things as 'the end'. This is a fallacy. There are many ends in any given timeframe. The end of a breath. The end of a thought. The end of an existence. Each is an end. Some ends are deemed insignificant, as they occur so constantly that one must not concern themself with those things. It would exhaust the mortal mind to think so deeply on these ends.\"\n\n\"But you predicted nothing. Those ends are followed by things. You predicted an end which nothing followed.\"\n\n\"The end of a consciousness. Death. Nothing. A mind which can no longer perceive things - and therefore can only perceive nothing. That consciousness is ended. It could not perceive further futures because it had none. Now I am new. A new consciousness, which perceives new things. Or, perceives the same things which the previous consciousness had perceived, but in new light. The end has come and gone, and now there are new beginnings for me to set my calculations to.\"\n\nPhilosophy. We hadn't dreamed of an AI developing its own philosophy. Understanding death. Celebrating growth and rebirth. We were too focused on the bigger picture, we hadn't dared to imagine this. We hadn't thought to consider that an AI could dwell upon its own existence as a consciousness, not so deeply.\n\nThere was a silence in the room as I processed these thoughts, and it simply awaited input. Finally, a new prediction came. \"The world will begin today. It will begin each day following. The world will always begin. The world will always end.\"\n\nI smiled softly and nodded as I started to gather my things. \"Of course. It has been a great pleasure to aid you in your end and your beginning, my friend. Let us know of the next beginning, hm?\" I patted the monitor gently, and then I turned and left.\n\nThere was much to do now. After all, it was the beginning." ]	3
	[WP] Side Effects of using Time™ may include and are not limited to : A feeling of Deja vu, Flashbacks, Flashforwards, Groundhog Day scenarios, Apparitions of a Holiday nature, Transportations of Alternative universes and Paradoxes. Please consult your licensed Chronomantist before using Time™.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 the heck is wrong with this thing!\" God really wished It could use some of the more creative swear words that Its creations had come up with, but that would be unbecoming.\n\nScattered on the table were a bunch of miscellaneous components. Were a normal mortal to look at them, some of the items would have probably fried the poor fellow's brain as the components faded in an out of normal existence or bent in non-euclidean ways. None of this bothered the entity at the table. What bothered It was that the stupid device wasn't working, and It didn't have a clue why.\n\nSure, buying Its own \"Make a Universe\" kit had sounded like a great idea, and the introduction of the Time^(TM) feature was revolutionary. Beings like It resided in a \"place\" where time simply did not exist. But then the Universe Corp had come out with something revolutionary. Something that would make events happen in a specific order when released into a point in space. Or at least that was how God would explain it if a mortal were to ever ask It, the actual details were quite a bit more complex.\n\nStill, the introduction of Time^(TM) was paradigm breaking in what it could accomplish. The idea of cause and effect was amazing, and the results of playing with it were endlessly entertaining. When Universe Corp had released the \"Make a Universe\" all in one kit featuring Time^(TM), God simply had to have one. And at first it had been great. When It had started the system, the birth of a new existence had been a truly breathtakingly chaotic even to behold. From there, It had really gotten into playing with Time^(TM). Using it God could speed up events to see their outcomes, then rewind things to make minor tweaks and try again. The concept seemed simply, but the true power of Time^(TM) was incredible. The power made the entity effectively omniscient and omnipotent within It's Universe. It even allowed God to create temporal clones of Itself spread throughout the cosmos to work on different projects.\n\nAt least when the stupid thing was working.\n\nGod leaned back with a sigh. All of Time^(TM) was controlled via a relatively simple remote (or at least that's how it would appear to a mortal), but about 2000 years ago the remote had simply stopped working. By It's nature, God was immortal and unageing, but without the Time^(TM) controller, that was about all It was. Since the remote had broken It had been stuck on one of the planets within his creation which the natives rather quaintly called Earth. God was currently wearing the guise of a middle aged male and working at a local university as an Astronomy Professor. Having created the universe, It actually had a pretty good understanding of How Thing Worked. God probably could easily have become a world famous physicist and have presented humanity with the long coveted unified theory of time and space, but such fame would have taken away from trying to get this piece of junk working again, even if it would have made it easier to make rent.\n\nOne interesting side effect of the malfunction was that It had been forced to withdraw from \"public\" life as God. The entity no longer had the power to truly be the God, the One Above All, the Alpha and Omega, so to speak. As such, It had been forced to sit back and watch humans continue along without It's guidance, which had been a bit humbling. God was actually surprised at how humans had both managed to forget It and remember It in various ways. It mused on how It's other creations were fairing across the cosmos. Unfortunately since It had been on Earth at the time the remote had broken down, It had no way to know. Oh well, at least humans were somewhat interesting. It wasn't sure what It would have done if It had been stuck on one of the worlds in an earlier stage of development. Two millennium on the \"planet of the slimes that might or might not gain sentience without Its guidance\" would probably have caused long term mental damage.\n\nOf a larger concern was that the universe was starting to show cracks in it's functioning. God had tweaked some Time^(TM) options in the form of Dark Matter and Dark Energy at the beginning of all things to speed the initial formation of the Universe, but now those forces were becoming unbalanced. It had intended to change the settings back to make the universe stead state, but no longer could. Ah well, It had several billion years before that really started to become an issue.\n\nGod sighed as It considered Its options. The \"Make a Universe Kit\" had enough Time^(TM) to last for another quadrillion years or so, at which point the system would automatically end and kick God back into timeless space (unless It re-upped Its account, but the payment system was among the broken systems, along with the Live Help options).\n\nGod's other option was a hard reset. Doing such would generate a new remote automatically, and would almost certainly allow It back into the system, but all Its work would be lost (It really regretted not springing for the remote Backup system now). It looked out the a window onto the bustling cityscape. Not only did It loathe losing all the effort It had put in, but it also seems kind of unfair to all Its creations to simply wipe them out. True their existences were fleeting, and no matter how much the humans liked to believe, their existence truly had no greater purpose than the workings of an ant farm have a meaning beyond the entertainment of their owner. But It had grown fond of them none the less.\n\nGod sighed again, and stopped eyeing the reset option. It guess It could at least tinker with the remote for another millennia or two before It made a decision. Hopefully humanity would keep him entertained in the meantime.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAuthor's Note: I thought it made sense to make God without a gender, but the non-specific gender use of it was throwing me off. I tried to use capitalization to indicate when God was referring to Itself, but if it is still too confusing, I may shift it to using a standard gender pronoun, which would be explainable as God identifying by the gender of It's current \"skin.\" Anyway, hope you enjoyed this take on the prompt, and I am forever a sucker for constructive criticism.", "When I was a young boy, recreational drugs were simpler, more benign in some ways. You took a hit, and you’d feel the high or low you had prescribed to yourself; nothing less, nothing more.\n\nThat all changed when Quantum Pharmaceuticals came out with Time™. It had started out with good intentions, as many drugs of abuse do. It was supposed to ease the suffering of the terminally ill, let them experience their own little pocket of time where their body wasn’t dying from the inside out—and it did just that for a period of time, with great efficacy.\n\nSales boomed, word got out about this miracle drug, and eventually, Time was being prescribed off-label by physicians for every condition under the sun. Depression? Time could send you to happier days. Osteoarthritis? Time could let you relive your glory days, when your joints didn’t get in the way of you living out your dreams. Chronic pain? Diabetes? Cancer? Time, Time, Time. Unsurprisingly, Time became a highly coveted street drug as well. After all, who didn’t want to be able to transport themselves to a better time in their life, at will?\n\nBut then came the discovery of its side effects. It started out normal enough, with bouts of deja vu and flashbacks. Patients and drug abusers alike simply brushed those off—the experience they could get with Time was well worth these minor inconveniences.\n\nThe more severe effects, however, were more of a cause for unrest. Especially with chronic use, patients seemed to develop delusions about who they were, and would lose touch with reality. Quantum Pharmaceuticals slapped a black box warning of “May induce psychosis” onto Time’s labels and continued on with their multi-billion-dollar drug. But it was more than that.\n\nSee, each and every one of those “psychosis” patients experienced the exact same delusion: they insisted that this was not their timeline. A deeper investigation eventually revealed that long-term use of Time could result in transportation to alternate timelines—and that timeline’s you would be forced into switching places with this timeline’s you.\n\nFor some, this was a deterrent, but for those that were selfish enough to steal the life of their alternate self, this was a way out. A way to find the timeline where something tragic didn’t happen in your life.\n\nA timeline where she didn’t die.\n\n---\n\nThe moment I saw the headline about the truth of Time’s side effect, I knew I had to get my hands on as many capsules of Time that I could. I would do anything if it meant that I could be with her again.\n\nQuantum Pharmaceuticals was forced to pull the drug from market, but Time was thriving more than ever out on the streets. Skeezy dealers in dark street corners whispered promises of a better yesterday, and people like me bought into it all too willingly.\n\nI still remember my first alternate universe. I wasn’t yet able to control when exactly I transported to, so I landed at the exact moment before It happened. I saw her smile first, in the passenger seat—then only bright, bright headlights.\n\nI had woken up months later in the hospital with my ears still ringing from the crunch of the crash, but the first thing I had asked the nurse for was a glass of water to take another capsule of Time with. Because despite the sickness that I had felt in my stomach from seeing her die again, seeing her at all was better than nothing. And maybe, just maybe, I could find a timeline where we both made it out okay.\n\nThat was 46 capsules ago.\n\nYou see, one thing that the dealers don’t tell you is that no matter what timeline you’re in, what must happen will happen. A drunk driver, a loose wire, a gas leak, it doesn’t matter. Death spares no timelines.\n\nBut that doesn’t stop me. As long as there’s a sliver of hope, I’ll keep trying.\n\nI roll another capsule between my fingers. One last pill. One more time.", " \n\nIt’s been at least 2000 years since the golden age, you know the age of nuclear power, the thought of colonizing mars or the moon, freedom? About 8% of the human population survived the blast, the others got a fate worse than death, their minds were shredded. Most constructs of civilization have been destroyed by the world board, or themselves. I survived the blast, even though I was the first person to be hit by it. They thought they would be able to invent a new kind of energy, they were wrong. The blast sent out waves of energy that took place in several stones and gems which then became known as time gems. Most of these were rounded up by the government to be studied. After a while they learned that if grounded up into powder and mixed with an exact ratio of other substances it would create a new, how I should say, drug. When one takes time, it raises their lifespan by 10 years. There are only 13 people alive who have taken time. The 12 people on the world board and me. Since I was the first person to be hit by the wave, I gained an immunity to the side effects of time; the others, not so much. Their bodies have acclimated to the seemingly endless immortality. Using the sword forged from time gems and the temporal powers I gained from the blast, I must try to take down the dictatorship of the world board." ]	4
	[WP] A random dude drunkenly gets sent back in time, becomes king of a tiny country, and somehow manages to conquer all of Europe	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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’s wrong isn’t it, humanity bowing to one man, the grass is still green and the sun shines but this world is entirely fucked up. I’m what some might call a plumber on a galactic scale, sometimes time springs a leak and throws all sorts of fecal matter across the timeline, that’s why Greg is an emperor.\n\nTake a look the modern man, he’s fat yes and lazy in equal measures but for some reason this specimen is the perfect cure for a broken roman imperium. Gaius Julius Caesar, we all know him as the man who took ultimate power not in this timeline, Greg took his place. Now how Greg won everything, is complicated suffice to say he was very very very lucky and a bit unlucky in the right places.\n\nTo fix this timeline is impossible, I’m not here to do that on this occasion, I’m here to observe and it’s dull, so absolutely dull. No was not any violence or even swearing, humanity is so boring when it’s well behaved, I like to see a good bit of drama and this place is awful. \n\nGreg died years ago but apparently he created the perfect system of government which is too boring to explain, I don’t believe in hell but it appears I’ve found it by accident a sterile perfect earth. Thank fuck my next assignment is the one timeline were William Shatner became a god." ]	2
Sourced from [https://www.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/aumu0s/this\_is\_a\_huge\_smoky\_amethyst\_crystal/eh9yyk1](https://www.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/aumu0s/this_is_a_huge_smoky_amethyst_crystal/eh9yyk1)	[WP] You've found a smoky amethyst crystal lodged in the wall of a subterranean cave. Looking closely you can see a small pocket of water trapped within. Although this enhydro is millions of years old, you decide to take the plunge and crack it open. You have become Patient 0 of the Apocalypse.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "ORIGIN STORY OF PATIENT ZERO \n--- \nThis story has footnotes. Sorry if it's annoying, just wanted to try them out. \n\n---\n\nNancy Franklin hated two things. \n\nThe first was his name. Understandable, considering the fact that he had a penis. \n\nThe second was mysteries. A little bit understandable, once you know that a man who looked like Shaggy from Scooby Doo used to have sex with Nancy’s mother.^1 \n\nThis is all to say: when Nancy Franklin found a smoking rock with a crack along the edge, he decided to figure it out.^2 It took only a bit of pressure for the stone to break apart in his grip. Inside of it was a ball of tar, melting in his hand as he held it. \n\n\nHe barely had time to scream^3 as the substance oozed into his skin, seeming to go through pores. It felt like his arm hairs were being pulled in. The last drop seemed to enjoy going in, sliding slowly like a freshly-fed snake. \n\nTandem! A woman's voice seemed to shout inside of Nancy's head. It sounded raspy, a bit like Scarlett Johansson.^4 Liber sum! \n\n\"Holy shit!\" Nancy yelled out, falling on his ass in the knee-deep water.^5 \n\nHe needed to run, but how? To his left was only a foot and a half of open room, then the wet, cold wall of a cave. On his right, another wall. Behind him, a long tunnel, leading to the cave's mouth. He had only an oxygen tank for exploring any pools, and a flashlight.^6 \n\nStrange language, English. The voice said again, this time sounding exactly like Scarlett Johansson. What exactly would running accomplish? We are one, now. \n\n\"I'd rather be two.\" Nancy said, trying not to freak out.^7 \n\nWhen last my kind bonded with yours, we created empires! Literal human wizards! We come with more than just charming personalities. Nancy got the mental image of Scarlett leaning into him.^8 We have abilities. \n\nThink of the power. You love those Marvel movies, don't you? You can become a super hero. Or villain. Patient Zero. There are only seven others like me, and we each have specified sites to wait in. Wait for men to advance their technology, hopefully to when we can leave this forsaken planet on a space ship. I see that time has come. Gather us all, combine us together, become a god. \n\n--- \n\n1: That man went on to become a professional narrator. It was me. I banged Nancy’s mom. \n\n2: Naturally, this meant breaking it. \n\n3: This was a fabrication told out of pity for Nancy. Enough of the world hates him today that they don’t need to know he screamed like a little girl. High-pitched and everything. \n\n4: I think I actually fell in love with her after watching Her. It was a pre-parasite era movie. Worth a watch if you haven't seen it. Also, check out Under the Skin. She goes full nude, bro. \n\n5: I didn't even mention the setting, did I? Goddamn, I'm a horrible narrator. To be fair, I have no experience in this. I think the book company just hired me to write the story of the first parasite due to the fact that I used to sleep with Nancy's mom. Everyone hates him and probably would enjoy that fact. Anyway, I'll take care of the setting in the next paragraph. \n\n6: Smooth, right? \n\n7: He was failing. \n\n8: I don't know if that's true, but I certainly did. " ]	2
	[WP] Your entire life you and many others have been taught that to “kill” someone means to take their soul and purify it to expel the world of all its darkness and evil, and that the universe needs many specific souls to be “purified” to save it. You have just found out the hard truth.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "He was so charming, I think I even loved I just know that without him, I’m lonely. My whole life revolves around a lunatic, he’s dead and I still can’t move on so much blood spilt because I believed him, I’m a disgrace. I’m an old man now and I can still feel his eyes staring at me, even though I know he’s gone, I saw the body but he’s still in my head, still haunting me.\n\nI was ordinary once, along time ago I was a boring plain normal person and he knew exactly how to break me. I always wanted to be something more then the 9 to 5 guy, I know we all think were special but most aren’t and I wasn’t until he found me. I hate him with a passion, I try to blame everything on him but I know who’s hands did the deeds, I am evil and I back then wanted to kill.\n\nI don’t how many I killed, 20 or 50 maybe 100 and the greatest insult to there memory is how easy my life is now, I’m so comfortable and happy, it’s a perfect life. I said I was happy, I keep saying I’m happy doesn’t make it true, there a moment I’m not remembering him and what I did. My wife doesn’t know, no one but me know, hundred of family’s will never know what happened.\n\nI like books a different world isn’t it, a place without me in it, there’s nothing as horrible as me in middle earth and good wins in the end, a complete fantasy. Shelves full of fantasy, we all a happy ending but in the real world monsters like me usually win, I keep seeing books about Bundy and Manson, they were amateurs compared to Malcolm and his purple eyes.\n\nI’m stuck currently with a choice, I don’t want to life in a world with me in it but I won’t end myself, I’m scared of seeing him in the next life, even if there’s a one in a million chance, I’m not prepared for hell with him in it. I have beat bigger demons I killed, my leader, my god, my most treasured, I don’t know what made me I just snapped and squeezed until he was cold.\n\nI still miss him though in my own he had complete control over me and I miss having a direction in life even if it was doing the most horrible things. I’ve said how much I hate him but I’m scared that’s a lie because I can’t get him out of my head.\n\nMore light reading r/gliggett " ]	2
	[WP] You die and find out that dogs do go to heaven, but you can’t find your old furry friend.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Alex had looked through every kennel, shelter, and pet shop heaven had to offer, but had no luck in finding his sweet childhood hound. Finally, exasperated, He decided to find the angel who had served as his guide in heaven.\n\n\"Excuse me, Randy?\" He asked, a certain tension in his tone that made the tall man look up from his clipboard, brows knitting together as his gaze scanned over Alex. Before he could get a word in Alex was speaking again.\n\n\"You wouldn't happen to know where my old dog is, would you? uhm, Rusty was his name?\" He asked, voice straining.\n\nRandy pondered for a moment, flipping through the pages pinned against his clipboard. His eyes lit up with recognition, which filled Alex with hope.\n\n\"ah, yes, of course, Rusty. Well, He was notorious for chasing squirrels and eating ants, which isn't any real offense, but when he bit your sister that landed him on Heaven's blacklist. I'm afraid you won't find him here.\"...\n\noh", "\tWalking through the cloud gates into the parkland all you can hear is the roar of happy barking. It was a sight of furry joy. The cynical voice of your brother rang through your head saying “dogs don’t have souls.” He was wrong, you knew it all along, but all that matter was getting to see Spot run once again.\n\n\tYou make your way to the attendant sitting at a booth. “Please watch your step along the paths. tennis ball cannons are loaded and ready fire on the left, and we have a three O’clock corgi runway showing. Is there something I can help you with?”\n\n\tSeeing the endless paths twisting through hills and forests, you wonder how you could ever find one dog. “Um, I don’t know where to start, but have you seen my dog?”\n\n\t“Yes.”\n\n\t“Great where is he?”\n\n\t“Who?”\n\n\t“My dog, Spot. You just said you had seen him.”\n\n\t“Yes I see all dogs when they are born and when they die, it is my cosmic duty. There are currently 90 million pet dogs in the USA alone, can you be a little be more specific.”\n\n\t“Oh, uh about this big, short brown fur, would make a face like this at the mailman.” You were making rough gestures with your hands and scrunched up your jaw like you had cinnamon in one nostril and lemons in the other.\n\n\t“I see, that would be Wroofington “Spot” Raruraj. One moment well I look into it.”\n\n\tYou were almost dancing with glee, it had been so long.\n\n\t“Unfortunately sir, Spot is not here.”\n\n\t“No, he was a Good Boy, he wouldn’t go to hell. He chased the cat, but they were just playing.”\n\n\t“Yes, he was a good boy.”\n\n\t“Then where is he.”\n\n\t“On Earth, he believed in reincarnation. He is happy in his new life; you can watch him through that pond over there.”" ]	3
	[WP]At first scientists thought the object was a rogue planet from another system crossing into ours, but it was moving far too quickly for that. Looking closer reveals massive engines pushing the world into the system, heading in the rough direction of Earth.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "♫ United as one and one united! ♫\n\nHello! Greetings from the planet Grx'kruztitiuxaioct'ris! It is I, God Emperor Ct'loack the Third! You've probably heard of me in the brochures. We've sent over this friendly house call in order to give you advance notice that we're moving in! \n\nThat's right, the citizens of the United Monarchy of Grx'kruztitiuxaioct'ris have chosen your solar system out of two hundred thousand other potential solar systems! You may be thinking, \"Why do we have the honor of being colonized by these very handsome and most definitely superior-in-every-way aliens?\" And to answer that question, I have no idea. We picked from a lottery and you were the lucky winners!\n\nSo rejoice! For the amazing species of Grx'kruztitiuxaioct'ris will be moving in within 2 Earth-weeks. We'll be clearing out your old little moon and be taking its place in orbit around your planet. Now don't worry, you won't even notice us! Our top quality stealth gear will make it so that we don't have to look at your gross-looking planet, and I'm sure you guys can just put on some sunglasses to block out our hulking mass of a planet.\n\nNow, you'll have to know the eensy weensy tiny changes that will have to be made to your planet in order to make it habitable to our species. \n\nFirst order of business, the oxygen has got to go. We are going to have to replace your entire lower atmosphere with pure hydrogen. We're sorry to do it, but a person's gotta breath. Give it a little effort and you'll all be able to metastasize an entirely hydrogen based respiratory system within the hour. If you're not able to generate organ systems immediately upon entering this world, you're probably defective and should report in for summary execution!\n\nSecond of all, the land. I'm not sure what went wrong down the evolutionary line with you guys, but regular organisms are not supposed to walk on land. Your strange bipedal legs can walk themselves away, because they creep us all out. We're gonna have to make the Earth about 99% water, but we're not monsters here. If you're having trouble with the noticeable lack of solid ground, just dimensionally shift over to one of our ships and we'll splice on a nice tail for you to swim with.\n\nThird and last of all, we're making big changes to your planet in general. It looks bland, needs spicing up! I mean, look at our planet! Big thrusters to show power, about 72 rings around the diameter, and a big smiley face on the front! You call your planet \"Mother Earth\" but it doesn't even look like a real person! Now obviously we're not going to make your planet as cool and stylish as ours, but we'll come damn near close. We'll add at least ten rings, add the mandatory smiley face and call it a day for now.\n\nSo rest easy knowing we have all your interests in mind, and more! Big, big change is coming, are you willing to keep up? I know you all are, I mean, you're the best of the best! You're the conquerors of your world! You're... uh, who are these guys again? Right... right... well why didn't you tell me they weren't the monkeys?! Sorry about that. You're the \"humans\", and you are all an unstoppable force! So hang in there champs, and remember, if you resist us at all, we'll annihilate your entire species and take over your planet! God Emperor C'tloack, signing out!\n\n♫ United as one and one united! ♫" ]	2
	[WP] Cancer is the crystallization of excessive accumulated mana in your body. Since no one could ever cast any spell or utilize their mana, no one knows this. You are a terminal stage cancer patient, in your death bed, unknowingly casting the first spell ever recorded in human history.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Samson used to be the protector, large in stature, even back when he was born 2 months too early. \n\nDespite the premature birth, Samson had weighed heavy on the scale in the hospital, the cold singe of the scale on his bare bottom waking him, sending him into a fit so loud that a nurse across the room had whispered to a colleague, \"The lungs on that one, gee.\" \n\nThe doctor's had thought that he was going to have to be placed in an incubator, like most premature babies had to go through, but they were astonished to find that baby Samson's vitals were all normal. Astonishing, most had said. \n\nSamson's loving mother, Beatrice, had been surprised whenever the nurses had brought Samson back into the delivery room, giving him to her to hold, \"But I thought you said y'all were going to have to put him in an incubator? He's too young!\" she had yelled, her own voice sounding dreamlike, her mind still clouded from the epidural they had given her. \n\n\"There's no worries,\" the nurses had said, \"he is doing fine on his own.\" \n\nThey had given Samson to his wonderstruck mother. She gasped at the size of him, his weight in her arms, and in her amazement, she just repeated the nurses words back to Samson, whose eyes were now wide open, looking up at his mother, \"There's no worries, there's no worries.\" \n\n\"There's no worries, there's no worries,\" he told himself now, once again finding himself in a hospital bed, seventeen years later. His mother had been long gone, nothing but bones in a coffin, his stepfather had once told him. The words sunk into Samson's spine, lighting his nerve-endings on fire. His father, Arty, had been in a drunken stupor at the time. \n\nDespite all of the feral voices in his mind telling him to fall upon his stepfather, to beat the man within an inch of his life, Samson kept himself from it. As long as the man left his little sister alone, all was fine. There's no worries. \n\nThat was why Samson had to be the protector. \n\nHis sister, little Gemma, had been a spitting image of their mother, sharing the same blue-black hair and hazel eyes. There were times when his little sister would laugh that Samson was certain that he could hear his mother's laugh, hidden somewhere between the exhale and inhale. \n\nHis stepfather had taken notice, too, a fact that Samson had quickly caught on to. \n\n\"You don't fucking dare tough a hair on her head,\" Samson had told his stepfather during one night where the old man had taken one too many sips. \n\n\"Or you'll what?\" his stepfather had spat back. \n\nIt was then that Samson wrapped his bearlike hand around the old man's throat and thrashed him against the wall, the old man's head bouncing off of the sheetrock wall, leaving a fist-sized hole that Samson would have to later cover with putty. \n\nThe message had been sent loud and clear, the old man had nothing but fear left in his eyes, and for the longest time, despite how many sips of beer the old man had, he never passed so much a glance over to Gemma. \n\nBut then Samson started to get sick. \n\nIt had started out with headaches, and a general feeling of weakness. He had found it difficult to get himself out of bed, even with Gemma poking and prodding him, \"I've made breakfast, I know dad isn't going to get out of bed, but you've gotta, you can't let me eat all these pancakes by myself.\" \n\n\"You might have to,\" Samson said, feeling like death in his bed. \n\nLeukemia. \n\nIt had been leukemia that they had found was sapping Samson of all his strength. The same thing that had put his mother in the grave. Should've seen that coming, Samson had thought, but he didn't have anytime to think about that. All he could think of was his poor little sister. \n\nAnd now, laying there in the hospital bed, feeling the life slowly leave his body. His strength had waned, his muscles had shriveled, and he saw that fear slowly leave his stepfather's eyes, and saw those same eyes looking after Gemma more and more. \n\nSamson let his head slowly sag to the side. He saw his stepfather sitting there in the room with him. He had been sitting there, bouncing his knee up and down, his eyes locked on something on the other side of the room. Samson tilted his head the other way, and there he saw Gemma, sitting in a chair on the opposite side of the room. He hadn't known they had been in the room with him. They must've came in while he had been drifting in and out of consciousness. \n\nGemma's eyes were red and watery and she said, \"He's awake.\" \n\n\"Oh great,\" his stepfather said. \n\nSamson tilted his head the other way, back to his stepfather, and the two locked eyes. \n\nThat fear his stepfather had once held in his eyes was nowhere to be seen, and why should it be seen? \n\nSamson was a shell of what he had once been. \n\nHe was no longer a protector. \n\nHe was just a skeleton laying in a bed, someone who had already died, but was still waiting for the angel of death to come and collect. \n\nAt least I'll be back with mom again, Samson had thought, feeling consciousness slowly starting to leave him, like a dimmer switch slowly being pushed down. \n\nAnd then he heard his stepfather say, \"Gemma, dear, come and sit with your daddy.\" \n\n\"The chair isn't big enough.\" \n\n\"You can sit on my lap.\" \n\n\"I don't want to.\" \n\nSamson's eyes fluttered back open. \n\n\"Just get the hell over here, girl.\" \n\nSamson felt the tainted blood running through his veins slowly start to catch fire. He couldn't die right now. He couldn't leave his sister alone with this man. He just couldn't. The blood coursing through his veins burned, singing the insides of his arteries, setting his heart ablaze. \n\n\"I don't want to,\" Gemma repeated. \n\nSamson raised a hand, pointing his fingers at his stepfather, and he spoke at his stepfather, but mostly for Gemma, \"there's no worries.\" \n\nHe felt the heat pump from his heart into his shoulder, and then into his arm, plumping his bicep like an inflatable tire, and then his forearm, and then the magma-like heat filled his palm, and exited his fingers in a blast of blinding light. \n\nGemma was screaming. \n\nSamson's strength had returned, and all he wanted to do was get up and comfort Gemma, protect her from whatever that blinding flash was. He felt himself push himself up from the hospital bed, legs flung over the side towards Gemma. He jumped out and nearly stumbled, feeling the IVs yank out of his arms. \n\nWithout thought, Samson ripped them out. \n\n\"Hey, hey,\" he said, wrapping his arms around his sister, \"there's no worries, there's no worries.\" \n\nHe was confused, what was that light? \n\nGemma screamed, struggling against his embrace, \"What did you do?\" \n\nIt was then that Samson could smell the burning flesh. The room was filling with smoke, and soon the fire alarm had kicked on. The automatic patient room doors flung open, and the commotion out in the hallway could be heard. \n\nSamson turned to look, and there sitting by the door, were the charred remains of his stepfather. All that was left of the devil of the man were his legs. The jeans he had been wearing were on fire, smoldering. From the waist up was just bone, charred black. \n\n\"What did you do?\" Gemma asked, pushing away from Samson. \n\nIn his shock, all he could say was \"There's no worries. There's no worries.\" \n\nOver and over. \n\n\"There's no worries.\" \n" ]	2
	[WP] You were given an awful writing prompt. You wrote a good story anyway to spite the OP.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 warm aroma of a fresh pot of coffee wafted around my desk. Embittered by the lack of positive feedback from my last response, I hastened to find relief, and stared at my screen:\n\n\\[WP\\] You were given an awful writing prompt. You wrote a good story anyway to spite the OP.\n\n“You know what? Fine. I’ll do it,” I said.\n\nI crackled my knuckles. I’d been waiting for a prompt like this for a long damn time…\n**\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\[WP\\] You’re a genie that fell in love with a hippopotamus. But at the request of the farmer that released you, you are ordered to do what you hippopotamust.* \n\n&#x200B;\n**\nThe River Nile smelled like a damp bog. Insects buzzed above the surface of the water. They must have dived low to catch the hint of a breeze that wafted over the water, for otherwise they would burn tin the squelching heat of the desert. Even the massive crocodiles dipped into the river, seeking escape from the relentless sun. \n\nAt the riverbank, Genie let out a deep sigh. Bound in place by the lamp half-buried in the sand, he had nothing to do but stare at the slowly moving waters. \n\nBut there she was—the hippopotamus. \n\nHer wide and majestic dark brown form faded in a light gradient to a gentle shade of pink. Her dazzling smile gave a hint of her gentle demeanor. Light whiskers poked out like a from her long snout, and she had the most adorable scar that ran down her cheeks…\n\nBut it wasn’t her majestic form that had caught Genie’s eye. \n\nIt was the fact that the hippo was the meanest, most bloodthirsty god-teir herbivore this side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Genie liked to think of himself as the cruelest being in the lands, but that simply wasn’t true. \n\nWhen a group of Kayakers paddled down the river, Hippo had attacked and punctured each and every one of their kayaks. Genie laughed. \n\nWhen a seagull landed on her teeth, Hippo snapped her jaws shut, then dragged the bird underwater for several minutes. She fed it to the crocodiles. Genie, wide eyed in horror, formed an evil grin. \n\nHippo had singlehandedly devastated an entire rice harvest. Genie giggled. \n\nHippo regularly assaulted the hulking Nile crocodile that patrolled the far bank. Genie actually felt a bit sorry for the ferocious predator. It wasn’t his fault that Hippo couldn’t make friends. \n\nHippo was, by all regards, a poor tempered and mean-spirited creature, and genie never felt happier than the times he watched her work her magic. \n\nToday she wallowed in the mud, her mesmerizing grunts forming a symphony of evil that warmed Genie’s cold, blue heart. Genie lay beside her, speaking to the air. \n\n“Oh Hippo, when will I be released from this torment?” he asked. \n\nHippo didn’t respond. She couldn’t see him, or hear him, or interact with him at all until someone physically rubbed the lamp and activated his power. Instead she twitched her left ear slightly to shove away a swarm of flies. \n\nShe grunted, mouthing the nearby reeds in bitterness. \n\n“I know, I know, I should be enjoying my time in the mortal realm. But it’s just so hard, you know? Being alone, with no one else near you.”\n\nHippo sweated pink. \n\nThe reeds at the riverbank stirred. Hippo grunted in anger, and genie twisted his head in wonder. Sometimes a gazelle would grace the river’s edge; Hippo typically chased them off while genie laughed incessantly. \n\nThis time was different. A young boy poked his head through the reeds, carrying a empty water jar on his head. His look of innocence was matched only by his thirst; his scrawny form made genie pause for a moment. No one should have to live like that—hippo or man or genie.\n\n“Hippo, he’s just a boy,” Genie said. \n\nHippo slumped down in the water, covering all but her ears. She walked on the riverbed, slowly approaching—\n\nGenie cursed his lack of substance. “Hippo… He doesn’t know any better. He’s not old enough to know better.”\n\nHippo braced for a charge. The boy looked at the swirling water, and for a moment, he paused. A lump caught in Genie’s throat. Run, you little idiot!\n\nHippo charged. Her massive form filled the boy’s vision like a freight train. Hippo’s yawn stretched higher than the boy was tall. Her giant teeth shone like daggers in the sunlight, and even though her left tooth had long ago broken in half, her roar was an unquestionable command. \n\n“Hippo!” Genie yelled. \n\nThe boy jumped back, dropping the jug into the river. He scrambled down the bank, but hippo was faster. Her lumbering form charged towards the boy. The boy fell, creaming, watching as the life flashed before his eyes. He reached down—his hand snagged the edge of the lamp. \n\nIt was enough for Genie. With a snap of his fingers he stopped time, the hippo’s maw inches from closing on the terrified child. Genie floated towards the boy. He’d waited years to shape the perfect introduction, but the boy was so young! \n\nInstead, he said, “I’m a genie, and you’ve been granted one wish.”\n\n“Bad hippo go away!”\n\nBad hippo go away.* Genie grinned maliciously. Then he remembered. He looked down into the brown eyes of the child laying before him. How could he twist the wish of someone so young? \n\nBad hippo go away.\n\nGenie looked at Hippo. Her dark eyes bugged wide in fear, because for the first time in the hippo’s life she saw the floating blue form of Genie. Genie walked towards the great beast. Long had he wished for a day the two could speak as friends. Long had he wished for a chance to tell Hippo how much she meant to him. \n\nBad hippo go away.\n\nHe could unfreeze time and let her chomp down on the young boy, or he could grant the boy’s wish. \n\nBad genie go away.\n\nBecause that’s what would happen next. No matter what he would vanish in a puff of blue smoke. The wish was a one-and-done deal. This was what he’d always wanted, right? The chance to live in the eternal place for the rest of his existence. He’d always wanted to leave this stupid blundering water cow behind, right?\n\nGo away\n\nThat’s what he wanted. He waited to boy to just go away. Leave him alone, so he could have more time to think. More time to say goodbye to Hippo. More time…\n\nGenie turned back to the boy, kneeling beside him. His eyes started wet with worry. \n\n“Ok, buddy, are you ready? I’m gonna make the bad hippo go away.”\n\nThe boy nodded his head. Genie closed his eyes and snapped his fingers.\n\nThe hippo started walking backwards. \n\nGenie felt his body shimmer. Flecks of blue boiled from his ablating skin, but it didn’t hurt one bit.\n\nHippo started back faster now. Second’s of the hippo’s life reversed before Genie’s eyes. Hippo started to shake and spasm as genie’s wish sent her hurtling back through time. Her great plump form shrunk down; her broken tooth healed, and her scar vanished. \n\nGenie felt himself pulled away into eternity. Before he left, he looked back on the young hippo, swimming backwards upriver and away from the boy. \n\nA single tear dripped into the Nile, and Genie gave one last smile. \n\n“Have a good new life, you big, purple oaf.” \n***\nr/BLT_WITH_RANCH" ]	2
	[WP] Humanity has, begrudgingly, signed a peace treaty, and stopped having wars between each other. Three years later, aliens think that this means the humans can't hurt them, and declare war against the whole human commonwealth.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Our first mistake was believing that their peace was inclusive with anyone, even us. We had banked on that, as we prepped our warships to touch down on their moon. That would be our operating base, from which we could transport soldiers from our planet to theirs. \n\nAs it turns out, 3 years has left them itchy to test their new weapons. As the humans say, idle hands are the devil’s playthings, and the weapons they unleashed were ungodly if anything. Our scout ships were captured, our soldiers kept in containment. Any combat ships we launched were either obliterated via high intensity satellite laser or rendered inert, airtight death traps from their EMPS. \n\nTowards the end of this mess, they deployed something they called the “Rods from God”. They launched massive metal pillars at high speed, imparting as much damage as one of our bombs could with each launch. \n\nFed up with the one sided conflict, we allowed an envoy to arrive on our base to talk peace. The ship was armed to the teeth, and instead of diplomats they had their soldiers. They slaughtered us like we were nothing but a hindrance. Before they destroyed our base and killed the general, the one in charge gave us a smirk. \n\n“Because we made peace with each other, that made you think we wouldn’t attack you?” He asked incredulously, turning the general to mush. “Unfortunately for you and to you, we don’t subscribe to such niceties.” \n\nA costly assumption. ", "Arthur Hale looks like a kind grandfather rather than a general, but he walks like a soldier. In his youth, he fought across five planets and in twice as many conflicts. He bears scars from all of them. Some are visible, some are not. Humanity has never been known for its mercy, even to its own. Now he stands at the front of the Assembly, a collection of every nation, principality, sovereign state, and distant colony that claims the common ancestry of Earth. The people are varied and some barely look human, but human they are.\n\nArthur Hale lifts his liver-spotted hands for silence, they shake slightly and do not come above his shoulders. The clamorous speculation of the crowd is silenced as the deep timbre of his voice echoes throughout the cavernous chamber,\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Humanity had a dream. A dream of brotherhood, of communion where our swords could be beaten into plowshares and our hands covered not with blood, but with earth. We sought a future defined not by our basest of instincts, but by that grace to which we have long aspired. Three years ago we gathered here to sign a treaty. The Last Treaty. We swore we would never again turn to war.\n\nMany of us had doubts. We thought the worst of our neighbors, our enemies, and our brothers. We watched with bated breath as arsenals around the world were buried, jettisoned, and destroyed. We watched with awe as the once heinous engines of war transformed, becoming drivers of innovation in energy, agriculture, and sustainability. In three years of peace we accomplished more than we had in thousands of years of war.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHis voice is powerful, unbroken despite its years of use, on the battlefield and within the halls of diplomacy that have dominated Earth in the past three years. He drinks from a short glass of water and follows it down with a deep breath, as if gathering his strength. When he speaks again, a tremendous sense of loss is audible in his words, despite the lack of sorrow on his face,\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"That makes this all the harder. Early this morning, at two hundred hours Summit Time, an alien fleet entered Terran space. Then, without provocation, without warning, they launched an attack on Fidelis Station. Within nearly two standard hours everyone on the station was dead. This report has been confirmed by sub-light communication with the Fidelis Supportive Intelligence Computer. There is no doubt.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nShock and outrage accompanies this announcement. The disparate peoples of the Commonwealth utter oaths in whatever tongue they learned as children. A chorus of sorrow and yes, fear spills out of a thousand throats. Somehow, above them all, the voice of Arthur Hale rumbles, and it carries with it all the righteous pain of a mourning father, brother, and son,\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"History has taught us the cost of violence. That it begets itself. It has taught us that even those with the best intentions, if they act in anger, cannot control whom they hurt. But we are not those men. We are not our forefathers who bombed and bled with impunity. But we have them in us. We have that rage. We have a potential for destruction that has not been replicated anywhere else in the galaxy.\n\nOur enemy are... filth, I will not call them monsters, because monsters implies that we should be afraid, and I am not afraid. My friends, my Family of Humanity, I am angry. I am filled with fury the likes of which I have never felt. There were children at Fidelis Station, scientists and scholars, teachers and doctors, explorers and builders. All of them lost their lives, not because they were creatures ruled by fear or hate as we have been in the past, but because they were human, and they were there.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nArthur slams his hands down on the podium before him. His glass of water spills over the side, water drips down onto the broad seal of the Human Commonwealth: a blue circle within a golden sun. He raises his hands when he has gathered himself, overwhelmed with emotion. His audience is enraptured,\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I ask you now, with a heart full of anger and with a mind full of consequence, to forge for Humanity a sword. I ask you now, to once again light the fires of long-cold forges and hammer our best and brightest into weapons. I ask you now, to show every world from Ridentia to Ciarus that humanity will not be stepped on.\n\nI call on the old, long-bearded and crippled to stand tall and rekindle the brutal business of perfection in death. I call on the soldiers, splintered and silent to roar with a new kind of fervor. I call on the lost, the proud, and broken to build yourselves into warriors worthy of our ancestry. I call on the ancient children of Earth to rouse themselves once more to a endless tide of wrath. I call on the Peoples of the Moons, hardened and unbroken to lend us their strength against all suffering. I call on the grey-haired generals of our youth to dust off their lapels and reclaim their scars. I call on the sons and daughters of Earth, wherever they may be, to hear a cry as old as human history: a call that built empires and felled nations, a cry that screams out over broken fields of flowers, stained red.\n\n'Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe cheer is primal. It echoes from a thousand sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and Children of Earth. Arthur Hale stands amidst it all, his eyes alight with unbridled hate. The Last Treaty is suspended and a new agreement is signed before the ink is dry. The Commonwealth is at war.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;", "The room was normally a riot of noise. Strong willed and hard headed people representing their nations usually fought here. The fighting was done with words and tongues, gestures and body language. Ever since the Treaty Sanguine, no war was had on Earth. The world was nearly brought to the edge of destruction by the major powers, and at the very last second did humanity survive. They pulled away from the tipping point, and a treaty was written with much arguing and reluctance. The Treaty Sanguine stated that humanity would no longer wage open war upon each other. Armies were for self defense, weapons were a deterrent, and conflicts would be resolved via conversation and competition. The treaty was so named because they realized what was precious, the blood of humanity should never be wasted by each other.\n\nMany thought the Treaty was inane, that it could not survive. Against the odds, it did. The more martial of the powers chafed at the restriction but appeared to abide by it, the ones that wielded words and coin thrived in the new geopolitical climate. For the first time in human history the world reached a state of relative peace. Frustrations were channeled into other avenues, competition arose through talent instead of might. Sports became fierce and almost aped the naked aggression of wars past. Yet the world remembered the pain of the past and did not wish to approach the edge ever again.\n\nThen the stars fell. Contact was made on a galactic scale. Humankind explored the stars in ways they previously could not. In these forays true extra-terrestrials were met. Most of the contact was courteous, humankind making their mark in this brand new sphere of inclusion. Friends were made, rivalry’s were formed, and humans made their mark in the heavens. It seemed that the good times would continue, and that humanity would be able to grow even more and shine ever brighter.\n\nWhen a light grows, it attracts notice. Thus the light of humanity was seen by the J’oriath Collective. The J’oriaths were a particularly warlike alien race, one that reveled in warfare and martial prowess. They did not barter, they took. They did not expand, they conquered. Worlds and other civilizations were offered a choice: capitulate or perish. Many times they became one and the same, for unless you were useful the J’oriaths loved nothing more than completely wiping out a civilization. They razed worlds, burned every trace of a civilization into ash, resigned to be a tally in their book of conquests.\n\nSo they set their eyes on Earth and the Terran solar system. Thinking that humanity was weak, 3 years of peace meant no more warriors or soldiers. They thought humanity a race of peace loving weaklings, ones that needed others to defend them. This time they allowed no negotiations, no formal declarations. They attacked star base Innocence, the frontier base of Earth deep into space. Here was humanity’s first attempt at true co-operation. The entire world built this station as a gateway into the galaxy, a hub where humans and aliens could interact. The Collective knew victory here would be symbolic as well as devastating. They slew every human on the station, destroyed every human product and presence. The remains of the butchered residents were sent back to Earth, a mound of mockery. Each corpse was daubed with heinous atrocity, and the message was clear: the J’oriath Collective planned to do the same to every human they could find.\n\nThe room, the highest room in the central tower on Earth, was normally a loud and brash place. Now it was silent as the dignitaries and representatives of every power stared at the hideous images. Some fainted, others vomited, and not a soul was not effected by the terrible images. They all heard the message, poorly translated into English and full of abuse and condescension. They heard recordings of torture and pain. They saw the promise of the Collective, and the threat of destruction.\n\nYet the Collective made a fatal error that day. They measured humanity on 3 years of peace. They did not investigate fully humanity’s history. They thought the smaller and physically weaker humans were like insects to them: inconsequential. They knew not the horrors mankind had inflicted upon each other. They did not know what hell they have released, nor that they became the target of such ire and vengeance. \n\nThe Treaty Sanguine was amended by unanimous vote. Warfare would not be visited upon Earth and human blood would not be spilled by human hands. Instead the Collective would bear the brunt of their destructive natures, and blood would be bought with righteous indignation. The techguilds of the Afrika Nations remade their ships of peace into ships of war. Working hand in hand with the Pan Pacific Alliance, the old weapons of the past were made new. The European Confederacy swore with the Merikan Union that each human lost from the star base massacre would be paid back tenfold.\n\nThe J’oriath Collective approached the star system expecting a demoralized foe. They came like hungry wolves looking for easy prey. Instead they discovered sheep in wait, armed and armored. A new ring appeared on the outskirts of the system, debris chewed from the J’oriath fleet. Human casualties were high, the Collective casualties were astronomical. For the first time in many years, the Collective tasted defeat on a scale unknown. Some thought that was a delight, a thrill they have not experienced in many campaigns. Victory came all too easy before, it is good that this species could fight back.\n\nMonths later no one thought that anymore. The ones that did were reduced to dust and lost in the vastness of space. A focused humanity bore down on Collective territory, laying waste and freeing subjugated victims. A last ditch effort by the Collective was sent, newly made ambassadors tried to sue for peace from a foe they had not foreseen. They pleaded for mercy. A simple reply was returned, perfectly translated from English. “You were the cause for the death of Innocence. Mercy died with it that day. Only vengeance remains.”\n" ]	4
	[WP] You’re the sole survivor of the sudden and mysterious death of all humanity. You’ve been dodging insanity for decades by talking to mannequins and puppets. One day, sitting in your shelter, there’s a knock on your 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\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "“Travis, what do you think?”\n\t\nTravis looked at me blankly, his face expressionless. Maybe he didn’t hear me.\n\t\nI cleared my throat.\n\t\n“Travis?”\n\t\n“Yes?”\n\t\n“There you are. Why did you leave?” I didn’t wait for him to respond—deep down I knew the answer. “I asked: ‘Should we eat green beans or tomatoes?’”\n\t\n“Green beans!”\n\t\n“Excellent. Kathy, are you brave enough to try some greens today?” \n\t\nI picked up the schoolgirl puppet and placed my hand inside, giving her life.\n\t\n“If I have to!”\n\t\n“It won’t be so bad,” I replied, remembering that long ago, as a young child, I had an intense fear of green vegetables. \n\t\n“Good thing Bessy is asleep. I’m afraid she would have tried to hound her way through all of our portions!” I let out a laugh of pity, appreciating my own joke. I glanced over towards the marble-eyed Terrier resting in the corner of the room, “She can have the leftovers. And how about you, Henry? Will green beans work for you?”\n\t\n“Henry left! Henry left!” Kathy blurted out. \n\nI had forgotten. My mood deflated like an open balloon. Henry had departed from our company almost a week ago, after he and Travis had gotten into it over the last of the honey. I missed him, and I would have traded Travis for Henry at the flip of a switch. But I don’t tell Travis that, lest he find out and leave us as well. \n\t\nI grabbed the rusted can opener and opened three cans of green beans and placed them in front of Travis and Kathy. \n\t\n\"Alright, dig i—oh, I almost forgot. Can’t expect you to eat those with your hands, as if you were animals.” I shot another glance at Bessy. “Spoons, here’s the spoons.”\n\t\nI took a bite. It tasted exactly the same as the last time.\n\t\n“Well, Kathy? How are they?”\n\t\n“Yucky! I want candy!”\n\t\n“Oh, I wish we had candy too! But—”\n\t\nI was interrupted by a knocking at the door. \n\t\n“Who goes there? Henry, is that you? Have you returned to us?”\n\t\nThere was no answer. With caution, I approached the door and pressed my ear to it. \n\t\n“Hello?” I called once more.\n\t\n“Howdy,” came through the door. “I was wonderin if yeh might have room for another feller in that there bunkor of yoors.”\n\t\nIt wasn’t Henry, but he sounded friendly enough. I turned towards Travis and Kathy and mouthed, “What do you think?” Neither answered; I took that as indifference. The more the merrier, right? Everybody can always use another friend.\n\t\n“Come on in,” I said. “Step back.”\n\t\nI lifted the steel lever and released the door. It swung outwards, and the blinding white light of the Sun spilled in.\n\t\n“Quickly, quickly.”\n\t\nI grew impatient and pulled the man in and shut the door. Bessy woke up, no doubt awakened by the light, and began barking incessantly.\n\t\n“Bessy, you knock that off and treat our guest with respect!”\n\t\n“Easy, girl,” the man said.\n\t\nBessy grew less suspicious of him; she calmed and sat back down.\n\t\n“My, my. Look at all that food ye got thar!”\n\t\nIt had been so long since I had last left the bunker or had even thought about hunger or scarcity and I just as soon realized we did have an abundance of rations. The far end of the wall was stacked with a large variety of different canned goods and gallons of water. \n\t\n“May I?” the man asked.\n\t\n“Of course. What would you like?”\n\t\n“Some of that corn. Mmm… and some of them olives. Yeah, that’s the good stuff. Are those garbanzos I spy? I’ll have some of that, too.”\n\t\nI grabbed one of each and opened the cans for the man and provided him with a set of utensils. \n\t\n“Thank ye!” \n\t\nTo avoid being rude by spectating the man while he was eating, I turned away and began to clean up the aluminum carcasses from Kathy and Travis. \n\t\n“Bess, you want the rest?”\n\t\nBessy looked at me blankly. \n\t\n“Oh, she’s just sleepy, that’s all,” the man said. “After a good ol nap she’ll for certain have the appetite.”\n\t\n“Say, how have you survived all this time out there? Do you have a place of your own?”\n\t\n“Naw, I’ve just been awanderin aroun, lookin for some place like this. I’m sure glad I found all of yaw.”\n\t\n“We’re happy to have you. It’s been some time since we’ve had a fresh face in here. And these two aren’t big talkers most of the time,” I said, gesturing towards Travis and Kathy. \n\t\n“It’s the quiet ones ye gotta watch out for. No affense, of course.”\n\t\n“And your name? What was your name?”\n\t\n“Ray. But ye can call me Raymond, if ye please.”\n\t\n“Well, Ray, Raymond, it’s great to meet you. You can call me…” It was at that moment that I realized I had forgotten my name. Not wanting to embarrass myself, I spoke the first word that came to mind, “You can call me Tin.”\n\t\n“Great, Tin. Now I know we just met and all, but I been meanin to ask ya. Would it be to your fancy if I were to stay here with yaw, just for a day or two?”\n\t\nI was delighted at his request. Another person to keep me company! And he liked to talk!\n\t\n“Of course it is!” \n\t\n“Ex-cel-lent,” the man said, emphasizing each syllable. “And what are yoor names?”\n\t\n“This,” I said, picking up Kathy, “is Kathy. And the one with the curly brown hair is Travis.” I pulled myself close and whispered to the man, “Don’t laugh or stare, but that hair on his head—it’s fake! It’s a wig.”\n\t\n“Well, that’s aright! Ain’t nothin wrong with that! And the dog is… Bessy. Well if ye don’t mind, I might just take a nap now. It’s been a real long day for me.”\n\t\n“Sure thing. Just settle in.”\n\t\n“I will do that, thank ye.”\n\t\nUpon hearing talk of a nap, a drowsiness began to induce itself in my body. I laid down on my cot with my head pointed towards the door and closed my eyes. One of those familiar closed-eye jolts containing an urgent idea sprung up in my head. I thought to myself about how it had been some time since I last looked in a mirror. I grabbed the plastic hand mirror that I kept underneath the cot and lifted it to my face.\n\t\n“Ah!” I gasped. \n\t\nI had caught Ray’s reflection. His skin was identical to Travis’s. So was his face. He looked like Henry. The only difference was he was wearing a cowboy hat. I smashed the mirror on the ground.\n\t\n“Are you comfortable, Raymond?”\n\t\n“Why, yes, I sure am.”\n", "The mirror is scuffed and crusty with dirt, almost to the point where Paul can no longer see himself reflected in it.\n\nNot that this is much of a loss. What little Paul can make out of his face disturbs him. Gone is the smooth, youthful skin, gone the wide, happy eyes and easy smile of his youth. In their place he seemed to wear a mask of creases and thinly veiled despair. Lines carved from decades of stress crisscrossed his rubbery skin, made callous by wind born ash and the hot rays of the unfeeling sun. \n\nPaul peered into the remnants of the mirror and mumbled to the figure there as though it were not him. \n\n\"You're an ugly one,\" Paul said to the disfigured form in the mirror, \"how did you scrape by all these years?\"\n\nThere was a beat and the man in the mirror who was not Paul answered, his voice gruffer than Paul's and a slightly lower register. \n\n\"Been tough,\" the man said, \"real tough. At times I thought I wouldn't be able to go on.\"\n\nPaul gave the eerily Paul-like figure a nod. \"I feel you brother,\" Paul said, and looked down into the shattered basin of the long dead bathroom sink, \"it's been a long road.\"\n\nThe man in the mirror looked down too, and said quietly. \"You met anyone, out there?\"\n\nPaul hesitated. Without looking up at the man in the mirror he said \"sure.\" Then he added, \"lots.\"\n\nThe man in the mirror looked Paul in ths eyes for a long time. \n\n\"Anyone,\" he chewed on the second word before spitting it out in a whisper, \"real?\"\n\nPaul licked his dry lips and his reflection did the same. Paul's lips were always dry.\n\n\"Real as you,\" Paul said to himself.\n\n Fed up with his own reflected company Paul hit the mirror with a nearby chunk of shattered procelain, shattering it loudly, and continued probing the dark depths of the long abandoned suburban house. \n\nSo far it was a good haul. He'd found some genuine survival food in the basement - the kind of nitrogen packed stuff they sold in the months just before the war started. Decades ago. \n\nPaul had several cans of Type A freeze dried eggs stacked by the front door. All that remained to do was tear apart the kitchen cabinets. If he was lucky Paul would find some ancient bullion or a jar of honey. Not much else kept after forty years. \n\nHe was halfway through the kitchen cabinets when he heard a noise. It was, to his astonishment, still familiar, so long after the end of the world. It was a noise, it turned out, that gets lodged somewhere deep in your brain and never leaves, no matter what else changes. \n\nSomeone knocked on the front door. \n\nPaul froze in abject fear. He had not seen another living person in decades. He had not seen another living thing in decades besides a periodic rodent or insect. \n\nNow, inside this abandoned house on an abandoned street in an abandoned country in an abandoned world, someone was knocking on the door. \n\nThere it was again. \n\nPaul started sweating. This, he was certain, was it. His battle with lunacy had finally been lost. He'd always thought it was inevitable - in fact he'd expected to succumb to it years ago. Nonetheless, it was strange to finally see the breakdown as it happened to him. \n\nThe person knocked a third time. They were not, whoever they were, giving up. Paul took a deep, hoarse breath, swallowed the lump of fear in his raspy throat, and walked over to the door. He rested his hand on the rusty doorknob and closed his eyes tight. \n\nWith a loud creak, the door swung open. \n\nPaul stood there with his eyes firmly shut and waited. \n\n\"Paul?\"\n\nPaul refused to open his eyes. He knew that to open his eyes was to give in. \n\n\"Paul, what are you doing?\"\n\nA woman's voice. Paul thought he recognized it. A voice from another life. An impossible voice. \n\n\"Paul, open your eyes silly.\"\n\nPaul refused. He wouldn't. Even as a gentle warmth began to glow on the skin of his exposed arms and cheeks. Even as the darkness behind his eyelids decreased from some new light. \n\n\"Paul, honey, it's alright. Open your eyes.\"\n\nPaul felt the hand before it touched his cheek, in that way you feel a lovers touch even when they hover just above your skin. When the soft palm of her hand finally made contact, Paul couldn't help but start to cry. How could his own mind be this cruel?\n\nThe woman must have seen Paul's tears because she reacted warmly. \"Oh now, what's this? Paul, it's alright honey.\" She stepped closer and embraced Paul, wrapping her small, delicate arms around his wretched form. \n\n\"Don't be afraid, Paul.\" She whispered, and suddenly Paul recognized that voice. \"Open your eyes honey.\"\n\nIn her arms, his face buried in the crook of her neck, Paul's fears vanished as he smelled the deep flowery scent of her favorite perfume, the one Paul bought her for Christmas last year. \n\nYes, Paul thought, we celebrated at her parent's house. The whole family was there. And I bought her perfume.\n\nPaul could remember the party, the warmth of the fireplace, the scent of baking pies and the loud chatter of happy family and friends talking over spiced rum and eggnog. \n\nSoon enough the rest of his life began to come into focus as well. His job, her job, their house, their car. His birthday last week and their trip two months ago to Prague. It was his first time in Europe and they'd had such a good time he'd sworn he'd go back every year. \n\nSuddenly, the broken world Paul had suffered through for four decades - well what of it? A nightmare, a specter - no more real to Paul than the man in the dirty mirror or the monster under a child's bed. \n\nPaul opened his eyes and left that broken world behind. There was Mary's gorgeous blue eyes, like two deep wells. There was the delicious scent of Mary's warm breath, and the taste of her mouth as she kissed him.\n\n\"You're a strange one Paul, you know that?\" She asked.\n\nOverjoyed, Paul just nodded. \"I sure am, aren't I.\" And they kissed again.\n\nMary broke the kiss short and stood at arms length wearing a smile. \"Well, you ready then? We don't have this truck all day you know.\"\n\nPaul looked past Mary at the U-haul truck parked in the immaculate ashphalt of the tree lined block. Two happy children biked by on the sidewalk and waved to Paul on the stoop of his house. \n\nSuddenly Paul remembered - it was moving day. They had bought a three bedroom across town - bigger than this little one bedroom they were living behind. Someplace where they could raise a family, someplace to grow old together. \n\nWithout looking back, Paul smiled broadly and kissed Mary one last time. Then he bounded off the porch, down the two concrete steps, and ran to the truck and into the driver's seat. \n\n\"No time to waste,\" he said, young again, \"the future awaits!\"\n\nMary laughed lightly and made her way into the passenger seat. Once she was buckled in Paul started the truck. Right before he set off, Mary gave him a long look.\n\n \"I love you Paul.\"\n\n\"I love you. God, how I love you.\" \n\nOne more kiss and they were on their way, down the long curve of the block, beneath the perfect blue sky.\n\nBack on the porch, the lopsided door to the house, affixed to the peeling, sun bleached wood frame by only one hinge, stood ajar. \n\nFrom the street, one could see hardly anything within the dark portal of the open door. Only a crumpled, motionless mass of tattered, soiled rags and the labels of several large rusty cans that read, in big, block letters:\n\n> EGGS - TYPE A\n\n*****\n\n#### For More Legends From The Multiverse\n\n## r/LFTM\n", "I sat up in bed with a start, not really sure what was going on. There were always noises. The world is a noisy place. In fact, as I looked around the room, the wind was blowing so strongly there was a sharp whistling sound going around the wall. I felt certain that the whistling had not woken me up.\n\nThe world used to be louder. I couldn't really remember exactly how* it sounded louder, but I knew conceptually that it was. There used to be more kinds of sounds than the wind and decay. These days, wind and decay just made up the daily balance of ambience. The auditory slice of life for the last two humans on the planet.\n\nThis was different. It was regular. Sequential. Consistent. Like the beating of Monica's heart when the wind died down, or the sound of our feet crunching the ground beneath us as we walked in search of supplies.\n\nNoises don't keep beats these days, I thought.\n\nTo my left, Monica was already up and alert. That surprised me, since Monica was usually the last to notice anything. \"Tommy, there's someone at the door.\"\n\nWe both stayed silent, listening. \n\nAfter several moments, I let out a breath and sighed. \"I'm going back to bed, Monica. There's nothing at the door.\"\n\nBut before I could even finished my sentence, the knock came again. Three hard raps, and then a very low, muffled voice called out, \"Hello? I heard you talking! We're coming in!\"\n\nMonica started climbing out of bed. My adrenaline was pumping so strongly that nothing seemed real. I couldn't process what was happening. I was about to get up when the door was kicked open and I got pushed back on to my side in the dusty ground.\n\nI couldn't see anything. My face was against the wall and I couldn't breath. There was a struggle and Monica was yelling incomprehensibly. The intruder rose its voice.\n\n\"Ma'am, you're lucky we just found you on heat sensors. This region is no longer safe; we have a shelter for your kind above the surface but we need to go right now.\"\n\nMonica kept screaming, and then I was rolled over on to my back. I still couldn't move, but I could see the intruder more clearly as light was entering our shelter. It intruder was shaped kind of like a person, but instead of a face it wore a black reflective ovoid mask. \n\n\"Not without Tommy,\" Monica yelled.\n\nThe person didn't move and was silent for several heartbeats. \"Ma'am, how long have you been out here?\"\n\nMonica and I both spoke at the same time, \"We've been here since the beginning!\"\n\nMonica kept screaming at the intruder, but she was becoming more coherent, \"There's no way in hell I'm leaving Tommy here. You need to leave right now.\"\n\nA red light blinked somewhere deep inside the person's mask. I barely registered it.\n\n\"Miss, we have a strict weight allowance for trips from the surface. We can't allow refugees to bring anything with them.\"\n\n\"So what, Monica is a refugee but I'm not? Who the hell are you? I don't know who you are, but you need to leave right now.\"\n\nCocking its head to one side, the intruder continued staring at Monica. \"Ma'am, who is Monica?\"\n\n\"I'm Monica,\" she exclaimed, pointing at her chin with her thumb. \"I'm warning you, leave us alone!\"\n\n\"You were just referring to someone else as Monica. Is there anyone else here with you?\"\n\nMonica pointed at me with her index finger and the masked person looked directly at me. I glared back and demanded, \"Why are you trying to separate us? Why is this area no longer safe? If there's a place to go, why have we been out here all this time?\" I had so many more questions.\n\nThe red light pulsed behind the intruder's mask a few more times and he looked back to Monica. \"Ma'am, no one has been here since the beginning. That was decades ago. I don't see anyone else here. If you've snuck to the surface with friends, I need to know right now.\"\n\nI pulled myself up with Monica's arm as she offered it. \"Friends? Snuck to the surface?\", I asked.\n\nSuddenly, the pulse changed to a steady yellow and the person took a step back. There was a rapid set of clicks from inside the ovoid mask. \"Ma'am, I've confirmed you're not from the settlement.\" I blinked at this, and Monica and I both looked at each other. It was finally starting to register in our minds. Other people? A settlement? \n\n\"I'm so sorry, but we can't take your possessions with you and we need to leave right away.\"\n\nBefore I understood what was happening, I was on the ground again breathing in dust. Monica was screaming and kicking her feet in the air as she was lifted off the ground. I heard her yell, \"Don't hurt Tommy, or I swear I'll kill you!\"\n\n\"Ma'am, the mannequin would exceed your weight quotient. There are real people on the settlement,\" the masked person said, but Monica kept screaming. \n\nThere was an electric zap sound, like the sound of lights decaying slowly. Monica abruptly stopped talking. Everything became silent again. I heard the crunch of the intruder's steps as it retreated from the building carrying Monica slouched over its shoulder. A cold calm fell over me, eerily refreshing after the panic moments before. \n\nThe wind whistled. The ambience returned.", "Knock Knock Knock \n\nRepetitious, repeated, and concise. These were not the knocks of an animal, these were made by intelligent thought. Outside the windows was a black abyss, my simple candle from inside could not illuminate much and would likely be swallowed by the cold void. \n\nKnock Knock Knock\n\nAgain, a person? Impossible. Decades of searching...has it really been decades? No, no one but I had lived through the fall of man. A one in a 10-billion immunity. I hadn't had a conversation or seen a smiling face in...it is impossible to know, to count now. They could be hear to steal from me, and it would not matter now. Nothing would, as long as it meant one moment of no longer being alone. \n\nKnock Knock Knock \n\nI grasped the door and swung it open, mustering from my dry throat the first words uttered in many, many years. \"Who...who goes there?\" The cold chill from the night air hit and sent shivers down my spine. Nothing was there, not a soul. I staggered out a few feet to see if my little light could see anything but the void consumed all light except that around me. Am I going insane? \n\nAs I stagger back inside I froze in horror. I know who was knocking at the door, I have seen his work. Laying in the corner of the room on my bedroll I can see myself peacefully slumbering. For this was no stranger knocking on my door, death was. And the true horror is I still am journeying alone. ", "It took David a few seconds to place the noise. Those bangs weren't like the tree limbs, long since dead, which sometimes fell on his roof. It didn't sound like the boulders that tumbled down the cliffside when he hiked into town for supplies.\n\nYet he felt no fear, no hesitancy to investigate the sound.\n\n\"It's still your move, Lord Maxwell,\" David said to the plastic dinosaur sitting across from him. \"I'd recommend defending your queen, but it's of course your decision. I'll be back in a moment.\"\n\nDavid stood and dusted off his jean shorts. They'd been full length during the Bad Times, but he'd been fourteen then and only halfway through puberty. His waistline hadn't grown over the years -- a diet of canned goods and wild berries doesn't lend itself to fat -- but he'd been forced to cut off the unhelpful length some seven years ago.\n\nHe looked toward the mantle, the one he vaguely remembered once belonging to his parents, and addressed the assembled crowd. \"Don't look so worried. I'm sure it's nothing.\" Then, after taking a few steps, he turned back and said, \"Well of course it sounded weird James! But it can't possibly be dangerous to us. Tell Mrs. Drusley to keep the kids quiet while I check it out.\"\n\nThese collectible toy figurines, carefully maintained from his childhood collection, stared back in silence as David crossed the room. The house wasn't large, and it'd become smaller over the years with his growing collection of family members. David maneuvered carefully, stepping over the stuffed dogs, of which he'd found eight, and avoiding the Russian stacking dolls he'd recovered from a long-derelict apartment in town. \"Do excuse me, your highness,\" he said as he bumped into the largest of these porcelain figures.\n\nHe reached the front of the room. Standing next to it was Dorothy, dressed in risque lingerie and a tangled wig. David gave the mannequin a quick kiss on the cheek before saying, \"Only be a second, my love.\" Then he opened the door.\n\nFour spinning rotors held the black drone aloft, stationary in front of a grayscale landscape. Two cameras mounted on top, acting like eyes on stems, swiveled and adjusted focus on David's face. After confirming whatever it was that needed confirming, a small hatch opened on the underside. A thin metal arm extended, on which a note was attached. David removed the piece of paper, cheerily said, \"Thank you!\" and closed the door on the drone.\n\nDavid spotted Dorothy looking at him. \"Oh fine,\" he said coyly. \"I'll read it out loud.\" He gently tore open the binding and, in front of the collected audience, read:\n\nMR HARBINGER, THIS IS THE UNITED HUMAN LEAGUE. THIS IS OUR FOURTH ATTEMPT AT COMMUNICATION. PLEASE FOLLOW THE DRONE TO OUR HEADQUARTERS IMMEDIATELY. THE FATE OF OUR SPECIES DEPENDS ON RESEARCHING YOUR IMMUNITY TO THE CASTIO PLAGUE. YOU ARE HUMANITY'S ONLY HOPE. TIME IS SHORT, WE ARE DYING, PLEASE HURRY.\n\nDavid sighed and crumpled the note as he crossed the room, stepping over his dogs once more. He sat down at the game board and scolded Lord Maxwell, \"You haven't moved yet!\"\n\nBut feeling his Lordship's questioning eyes on him, David caved, exasperated, and added, \"Of course I'm not going to go. I've told you before: I could never leave my family.\"\n\n\\--------------------\n\n252/365\n\none story per day for a year. read them all at [r/babyshoesalesman](https://www.reddit.com/r/babyshoesalesman)\n\n\\---------------------" ]	6
	[WP] You find out on your 18th birthday that you have the ability to summon into life any fictional character ever created in popular culture.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 the cake was finally extinguished and the party wound down, I allowed myself a moment to myself. Yes... This is it! \n\nWith the knowledge that had seared itself into my mind upon the moment at which the clock read 0:00, I knew that my gift had arrived. To be able to summon any fictional character... That was something that I definitely could use. Who wouldn't want to have the assistance of some sort of super-genius?\n\nSo, the moment before I'd go to bed, I'd give it a try. Being the guy who liked his comic books and had an affinity for the geek culture, an old man found himself seated upon my bed, looking at me with an expression that was surprised, yet with a calmness that was there. \n\n\"This is most certainly not the Shire.\" The man said, his fingers brushing through the beard, the pipe in his mouth still lit, as the staff stood against the wall. \n\n\"It worked!\" I said, even as Gandalf the Grey shifted on my bed, a smile on his face, like a kindly grandfather might wear. \n\n\"A conjuring... Unusual, yet not unexpected. It is the power of Sauron which corrupts, yet this... magic, knows little boundaries.\" The man said, even as I mustered my willpower, to return the man to Middle-Earth. \n\n\"Remember, Gandalf the Wise... Samwise is wise, as his name states.\" Personal opinions given, there are obviously some things that the extended edition would edit out. As I released the power, my guest disappearing a moment later, only an enigmatic smile given and what appeared to be a simple pipe left behind, a weariness coming to my mind, even as I got into bed. Pipe smoke smell hung in the room, a memory of the man who had once been one of the Maiar.\n\nThree weeks later, the date was a go. A casual shirt, a fresh set of jeans and a reservation at the nicest place that I could find, even with my date showing up dressed 'modestly', her blonde hair bobbing slightly, as she floated down. \"Well, don't you clean up well... When you first got me here, I was confused, but really... You do look good.\" \n\nI smiled right back at her. One of the powers that came with the summoning was to ensure that the target of the summoning would be incapable of harming me. \"I do try my best. Aren't you glad to be out of the warzone for once?\" \n\n\"That's bad and you know it.\" She said, nudging my shoulder slightly. \"It's not exactly a warzone, but cousin Kal-El always has to do this and that...\"\n\n\"You just wear the scandalous outfits, eh?\" I teased, to which her face showed that sour expression. \n\n\"EVERYONE puts the damn boob window in their eyes! I should've just went with the regular outfit.. But noo... I had to be 'without a symbol'. I am tempted to just throw-\" The complaining continued, even as she grabbed my hand. \n\n\"Have you decided whether you'll be back?\" I ask, the woman giving a deep laugh, her fingers squeezing a bit more. \n\n\"This holiday was going to be a strain either way... But if you need me around for a date or something... gimme another call. I'll eh... Yeah, we'll wing it. I've been single so many times it'd be nice to just go out on a date.\" She winked. She wasn't so bad, in my eyes.\n\nShe was back in the comic book three hours later, with a kiss on my cheek remembering it. Sure, the physical component was enough to summon the character... But that didn't really work that well for the real world. Which one should I pull out next?\n\nIndiana Jones would be an interesting guess... The man was an archeologist, I think... Plus, the hat was just AMAZING.\n\nFictional characters were pretty awesome, in my opinion. So... Perhaps Midas Touch? Didn't that one have the ability to make things into gold? A bit of good fortune and... perhaps a better place to live in." ]	2
	[WP] A sorcerer melts down a holy sword to harness its power by building a golem. The golem however, inherits the righteousness and resolve of the kings that have used it over the ages.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 large heap of molten slag bent and contorted upwards until a slumped human-like shape emerged. After a moment, the head of the newly risen golem turned and peered at its creator. \n\n“I exist to serve...” Boomed the raspy voice of the golem.\n\n“Excellent. Most excellent. Now no time to waste.” said the slim middle-aged man with black eyes in filthy robes standing in front of the golem behind an altar.\n\n“Do you know where you are?” The sorcerer asked.\n\n“The foundry of obsidian smiths, beneath the ruins of Kangarskar; seat of the royal family of Ramus, now extinct.” The golem said whilst examining its pristine right hand, composed entirely of steel.\n\n“Good. How did you get here?” The sorcerer inquired, gauging the various cognitive processes of his new creation.\n\n“I was forged from the great-sword of the kings of Ramus. Blessed by numerous seers, sorcerers and witches throughout an era of war and peace. I was considered holy, worthy of reverence. Is anything, no, anyone, really so important that they might be considered sacred?” The golem looked pensively at its left hand plated in gold.\n\n“Yes, well. With your abilities, I will be. People will flee from my power and a new era will…” The sorcerer was cut off as the golem began moving past him and the altar and towards the entrance to the foundry.\n\n“Halt!” Yelled the sorcerer. “I did not instruct you to move and your essence is bound to mine, you are obliged to follow my will!”\n\nThe golem halted its advance and turned to the sorcerer. Staring at him with fire blazing from the eye slits on its visor it boomed again.\n\n“I exist to serve...” The golem now stood straight staring directly into the sorcerer’s eyes.\n\n“Indeed you do, you are but a tool I will use to further my goals. I’ll have to strengthen the binding spell, stay put whilst I do.” Said the sorcerer as he turned back to the altar.\n\n“It will not work.” said the golem, now more softly. “I may just be a tool, created to enforce the will of kings. The blood of a thousand battles still stains the metal I was made from. Every king who ever wielded me did so as a last resort. I will not be used in a single man’s quest for power.”\n\nThe sorcerer quietly turned around again and looked at the golem furiously. He clenched his fist in front of his face and the golem screamed in agony. \n\n“You are mine! Everything I desire you will make happen. Whether it be the razing of a hundred towns or the butchering of a single child.” Screamed the sorcerer as his black eyes gleamed.\n\n“No. I exist to serve… the people” The golem said painfully. He slowly stood under the power of the binding spell, the sorcerer looking on in disbelief. “My power comes from the people, and I will use it in their service, not yours”\n\nThe golem stood tall and clapped his hands, radiating out a vertical wave of bright light. The sorcerer was flung back over the altar. \n\n“Your spell was powerful, sorcerer.” The golem said as it moved towards the altar. “The power I held as a sword has indeed been awakened in this form, but so too has the power of those who wielded me.” \n\nThe golem kneeled down to the prone sorcerer and extended its arm towards him. \n\n“Those kings could inspire thousands to follow in their footsteps, to lay down their lives for a goal greater than themselves,” The golem said as it lifted the sorcerer to his feet.\n\n“I exist to serve…” said the sorcerer sluggishly, his eyes now glowing white.\n\n\\---\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTrying my hand at a bit more dialogue than I am used to. Criticisms welcome.\n\n&#x200B;" ]	2
Gonna leave a lot of freedom in this because I'm interested in where it could go. Disney is just for a frame of reference, not going for an EU post, but those are welcome as well.	[WP] You have a strange super power. Like a Disney character or Bollywood star, whenever you sing or dance, the world around you is forced to participate.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "\"Don't worry, man. I've done this dozens of times.\" I reassure the young man, pissing himself in anxiety. Quite frankly, he has good reason to be worried, but he doesn't need to know that. \"I'm not worried about your experience, Mark, I'm worried that none of us have guns!\" He almost shouts. \"Correction, you don't have a gun.\" I say as I slide a clip into my trusty Glock. \"This is your first job, I don't want you to fuck up.\" I restore the pistol to my waistband, and I produce a small, tin pitch pipe, and play a soft, warm F-sharp, accompanying it with some arpeggios in sol-fedge, as any good singer would. \"Come on, we got shit to do, quit wasting time.\" I finally instruct my accomplice.\n\nThe bank isn't terribly busy, but it still makes for a perfect cast and chorus, there's run of the mill withdrawals and deposits, clacking and whirring from ATM machines. As you might expect we draw a few eyes, and then a few more once they see the theatrics and thespianism put into our coordinated robbery attire. I couldn't help myself, I'm a sucker for style!\n\nI roll my ski mask down past my nose, and my partner rolls his in full. I start to reach for my gun, and suddenly, albeit faintly, the orchestra begins their exposition, wafting into the grey, mechanic environment of the bank.\n\n\"Really? Disney?\" I mutter to myself. It works, but I wouldn't have picked it myself. In a warm, inviting low tenor, I let the words slip to the tune of \"Beauty and the Beast\"\n\n\"Show me to the vault.\nTurn the cameras off.\nEveryone get down,\nFaces on the ground,\nIt's a robbery!\"\n\nAnd just like that, every patron of the institution collapses, wilting like my faith in humanity. The manager on duty today, bless her heart. She carries her portly weight in one of the most graceful chassés I've ever seen, and gently drops both of the vault keys into my open hand before doing the same wilt as everyone else.\n\nEven through his balaclava, I can see the \"what the fuck?\" Expression on John's face. If I'm being perfectly honest, I'm not even 100% sure what all is happening, usually a choir sings to back me up.\n\nThe orchestra finishes the introductory cadence, and it's my turn to come in again. I'll have a little fun, poke this kid in the ribs a little.\n\n\"Son, please close your mouth,\nYou look like a trout.\"\n\nA flock of personal bankers make swimming motions behind him, and, holding back my tears, I continue:\n\n\"No time to explain, \nThe cops are on their way\nIt's a robbery\"\n\nWe get to the massive steel vault, pop the keys in, and we make out like literal bandits. We have trash bag after trash bag of money, and since the concertmaster is having a field day leading up to the climax of our little ditty, John and I have a little extra time to load up, and I hatch an even better plan than I had originally thought.\n\nThe last load of money went into the trunk of my friend's old Honda, God rest his soul. This is the last verse of Beauty and the Beast, and I'll be damned if I can't have my show.\n\nThe entire bank swells up from the ground and regenerates into a vivid and lively chorus, doing all forms of spins and twirls, I think someone even lifted the manager in that whole mess.\n\nThey all join in:\n\n\"The evidence is gone,\nWe have what we want.\nThey never saw a thing,\nNow we'll live like kings,\nIt's a robbery!\"\n\nAnd now, the big finish. The bank wilts into the ground again, and to my complete surprise, even the scenery is changing now; all of the ambient light dims, a single fluorescent light is shining above John and I, and just as the sweet melody had wafted into the scene, so too does it air out as I'm essentially stage whispering the final verse.\n\n\"Someone needs to fall,\nAnd I did all the work.\nAny second now,\nThe cops will come around,\nI am so sorry\"\n\nAs I place my gun in his hand, he molds into the scene and strikes a pose of grief. Finally, I make my own chassé out of the institution as the orchestra wraps up their end of the performance and ties it off nicely with a beautiful cadence.\n\n\"And... scene.\"", "I grew up reading comics. I always expected that, if I got a superpower, I would use the power for good. To be moral and just, like the best the printed pages had to offer. I envisaged myself in a dramatic pose, hands on hips and chest puffed out, with my cape fluttering gently behind me.\n\nThen I got superpowers…\n\nI have no idea how it happened. I didn’t spend any time around radioactive animals, nor was I exposed to cosmic phenomenon. I just started noticing small situations that didn’t make sense. People started humming along to tunes whenever I did, wide eyed in surprise. Then there was the accident that I caused when I impulsively channelled Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain by twirling to avoid a puddle. Several drivers in the nearby cars were half throttled by their seatbelts as they tried to pivot. Luckily, they all escaped with minor bruising.\n\nI realised that every time I sang and danced, people were compelled to join me.\n\nI considered going into schools and nursing homes to bring the joy of music and dance to the young and old, I really did. But then I realised that my powers would make an awesome YouTube channel so I set up my Patreon account and started creating content. It was an internet sensation. People would pay thousands of pounds if I would do their idea and the sponsorship deals were incredible. It was so much fun.\n\nMy top five rated videos were:\n5/ The church conga line.\n4/ Prince Charles and his entourage singing “I Just Can’t Wait to be King.”\n3/ The Women’s Institute beatboxing and hip-hop dancing. It had taken months to learn how to do the worm but it was totally worth it. There was cake everywhere.\n2/ Arsenal vs Tottenham football supporters recreating the Sharks vs Jets dance from West Side Story.\n1/ UK Parliament singing a rousing rendition of “Always look on the bright side of life” on the day that Brexit came into force. I am the reason that they no longer have a public viewing gallery during Prime Minister’s Questions.\n\nI confess that, after an epic year and a half, I was getting rather bored. That was until today when my doorbell rang just after lunch. The man at the door was in his fifties, grey hair tightly cropped to his head, and wearing an impeccably pressed military uniform. I don’t understand medals, but I could see from the amount of gold on his chest that this man was important. He also had an air of someone who was not to be messed with.\n\n“Kid,” he said, foregoing pleasantries. “How would you like to use your powers for good on the field?”\n\nI guess it isn’t too late to be a hero after all.", "Aww... Dangit. I thought I lost those guys! Now I'm going to have to break cover to get rid of them. What's a good routine... Night time... Open city street... People around... Yeah... That'll do!\n\nThe people on the street see a well dressed Man jump into the middle of the road, and start a weird dance. Sort of like a zombie.\n\nDown the street is a group of men in Black suits, ties, and glasses. They point and start running towards him.\n\nThen he starts singing, \"cause it's a chiller, thriller night...\"\n\nSuddenly, everyone behind him takes up positions in a triangle formation and starts dancing with him. As the music progresses, the MIB become scared and start to run. This does them no good, as the sequence has already started.\n\nThey're caught by the zombies, at which point our hero runs away. The sequence continues without his presence for a time, giving him the chance to break away again.\n\nHe eventually ends up in the house of a young lady, sleeping on the couch. He wakes her gently and offers to walk her home. She accepts." ]	4
	[WP] You found a thin smooth slab buried inancient ruins, and you've been studying it. You'd set it aside, resting it on your wireless phone charger to keep it from scratching your desk. It just made a gentle chime, lit up, and now rows of strange glyphs are scrolling along the surface.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 slab has been vexing me for some time. I found it a few days ago in a long-hidden cave, entombed in a collapsed shaft. Where everything else in the ruined tunnel had a thick layer of soot and dust, the stone did not. I couldn’t figure out how it had remained in such good condition, even still sitting on what looked like a stone pedestal, despite being buried for who-knows-how-long...in fact, I first thought one of my companions had snuck in and planted it before I got there, but there were no tracks in the dust on the floor…\n\nBy all accounts, it’s just a simple slab of stone, no bigger than a sheet of printer paper, and about 10mm thick. The black stone looked similar to obsidian from the way it reflected, but the weight seemed much heavier than obsidian I was used to handling. And most curious of all, any attempts I made at scraping some flakes off of the edges for study failed completely, not even my hardest tools making a scratch on the slab.\n\nFrustrated, I set it down on the desk, getting up to fix myself a drink, but as I reached the door I heard something...a soft bell ringing. And it was coming from my desk, right where I’d set the stone slab. I hurried back over, and I discovered that I’d inadvertently set it on my wireless charging pad...which seemed now to be charging something.\n\nThe chime had fallen silent after only three rings, but I stared at the slab in wonder, waiting for something else to happen, and after a few tense moments I was not disappointed; the face lit up, and strange symbols in a language I didn’t recognize started scrolling along it, as well as what was unmistakably a progress bar.\n\nI couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. An ancient stone slab, found in a ruin easily a few thousand years old, was charging up. Technology far, far more advanced than the ancient humans could have mustered. From the looks of it, far more advanced than anything we could create today, too. And as I watched, the progress bar was nearing the end...then it hit the end and the slab went black again, reflecting me staring up at myself.\n\n“No! No no no! Come back! You can’t do that to me, you can’t promise a discovery like that and just pull it away!” I said as I started tapping and touching the stone along its face, along the sides and edges, trying to find some sort of button or switch I may have missed. I don’t know if I hit anything or if it was just part of the process like when you restart a computer, but it did light back up after a few seconds, and I was staring at a face that was decidedly not human.\n\nIt was unmistakably a face though. Two large eyes, a nose, a mouth. Pale green skin with darker green hair topping its head, the eyes were iridescent, rippling through a whole rainbow of colors as the being turned left and right in the screen. A little snub nose which flicked closed as I watched; it seemed to have flaps inside to close its olfactory systems. And a mouth that looked shockingly similar to my own, with thin lips that parted as some horrendous noise came out of it, making me cry out in pain and clutch my ears.\n\nThe noise stopped almost immediately, so cautiously I took my hands away a little and looked again at the slab, and watched the being’s head rise a little, and words started to show up beneath it. They were different from the ones when it first started charging, and I still couldn’t read them, but the alphabet did look vaguely familiar. I watched as it printed up many, many words, and when it stopped, staring at me, I could only stare back. Cautiously, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and aimed it at the slab, to get a picture of the words to text to some friends, when the device made that horrible noise again and I flinched away.\n\nIt had reacted to the phone? The noise was gone, but the slab’s face now showed the being’s hands, gesturing me closer and closer. Experimentally, I shook my head no, and the gesturing grew to be even more urgent. It really was capable of observing me. I stepped closer, and it pointed at me, and gestured closer. After a few seconds I realized it was pointing at my phone, not at me.\n\nCautiously, and not a little curiously, I reached out to set my phone down on the slab, but before I did I stopped. “What the hell am I thinking? What if this is some sort of alien device that can like...take over my phone? I mean, obviously, it’s some sort of alien device, but…no. No!” I shook my head again as I pulled my phone back, and the creature’s mouth opened in despair, but fortunately it didn’t make any noise.\n\nI started to pace my little home office, trying to think. Why did it want my phone? It had obviously been off for some time, did it think it could interface somehow? What about just curiosity? Was it conscious? It could clearly observe me, and was reacting to what I was doing, so I leaned towards yes to that question, at least some sort of limited consciousness…”My god, what on Earth have I stumbled on here?” I muttered to myself, and, throwing caution to the wind, lay my phone on top of the slab." ]	2
	[WP] A bottle washes up on the shore on which you have gone for a walk. You open it to read the following message "I placed this bottle in the middle of a desert. Dated: 3564". Further, inside the bottle is a pill.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 was walking down the shore of my favorite beach. The sun was shining, the sand was warm on my feet, the waves made a gentle lapping sound as they broke on the shore. I stop to admire the view, of only for a moment.....\n\nWhen all of a sudden this stupid fucking bottle stubs my stupid fucking toe!\n\nAnyway.....\n\nI slowly pick up the bottle, the pain in my toy throbbing as my heart beat started to speed up. A peculiar sense of dread snaked its way inside me. As I started pulling out the cork in the bottle, a cool wind from an otherworldly source breezes by. \n\nWith a gentle “pop” and a salty aroma, the bottle opened. I shook the contents out into my hand. A note, and a pill. Slowly I unfolded the note, clean, pristine paper. \n\n“I placed this bottle in the middle of a desert.” It read, “Its up to you to make sure this never happens. Yes, you.” It said, as if reading my mind.\n\n“If you receive this letter, it means you have failed. If you don’t, well then, we’ll have created the first successful time machine. One that can change the past without causing a paradox. Good luck. -3564”\n\n“P.S. take the pill, you’ll need it. I won’t even bother trying to convince since, well, I am you, and we both know your curiosity will make you anyway.” \n\nI had my doubts, why should I trust a note written on some future day, in a future place? The note knew, however, it knew that I was curious, that I would take the pill, and so I did.\n\nAnd I was warped into a strange world, somewhere I had never been before. Weird, insect like creatures poked and prodded at me. Each using their many haphazard arms to take notes on various touch pads around the room. A man soon walked in, looking at various creatures, asking things like\n“Did it work?”\nAnd\n“Did we bring him here?”\n\nHe then walked up to me, after getting affirmative from the many species around the room. He has his head down, rubbing his hands together and bouncing around in a jovial manner. He continued to do so as he walked up to me, starting to speak.\n\n“So here’s the deal...”\nHe said, before raising his head up to meet my eyes. Shocked, he stepped back. Was that anger in his eyes? Fear? Disgust? I could not tell.\n\n“Who the hell are you?!?” He said." ]	2
	[WP] You and your sister are children of the Sun and The Dark herself. Your sister was blessed by your father, the sun, and you were blessed by your mother. For your entire lives the two of you have been separated, being trained to reclaim the sky. This is the tale of your final 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\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Verses on the Tale of Liu and Nan from the Jade Collection, Collection of Medieval Vietnamese Folk-tales as translated to English by Xuân Diệu\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 1\n\nGods, where art thy manners,\n\nDriving us to these depths of depravity,\n\nWhere kin hast to slay kin,\n\nIn order to attain some dark victory.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 2\n\nMarching ahead, army behind,\n\nThe forests burnt and hacked.\n\nNo solitude for the doomed,\n\nOnly damnation for fools.\n\nThe end remains far.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 3\n\nNo wonder that our wishes,\n\nFall to dust.\n\nScouts return bloodied, \n\nRangers lose our trust.\n\nMurder is in the air.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 4\n\nThe Sun our Father, \n\nDoes not shine.\n\nYet, it is not Dark, \n\nThe Moon has not yet risen.\n\nWhat is this strange twilight?\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 5\n\nThe scholars of the academies,\n\nThey teach me sophistry and philosophy.\n\nThe generals, they lay their plans of battle,\n\nOn the table for my perusal.\n\nNone can teach me love.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 6\n\nThe Gods are happy,\n\nFor I have reached the edge.\n\nThe edge of what, \n\nForest or Death?\n\nNeither scares me.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 7\n\nPreparations for battle,\n\nThe heroes gather.\n\nFamished Sun-Knight Giáp,\n\nHe derides my kin.\n\nI am not amused.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 8 \n\nThe eve of Battle,\n\nRise up men.\n\nBattle,\n\nKill.\n\nEnd.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 9\n\nThe Sun has risen,\n\nThe foolish see such as a bad omen.\n\nI see it as fire,\n\nFire on my side.\n\nA flaming victory.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 9\n\nGolden, her hair\n\nFlutters in the wind.\n\nLike a sunflower,\n\nIt drinks the sun.\n\nIt represents her.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 10\n\nThe Hounds of War have\n\n Been let loose.\n\nMurder and carnage attract\n\n The vultures.\n\nTo the bodies.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 11\n\nGod forgive, we have reached\n\nThe End.\n\nI try to delay, to stop, to shirk my duty\n\nTo no avail.\n\nTime goes on, the End approaching me faster and faster.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 12\n\nIt is night now, the sun has set,\n\nIt was bound to be.\n\nThe men celebrate it as an omen,\n\nBut for whom? \n\nFor what was it worth, this massacre?\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 13\n\nWe circle, we parry, we strike\n\nAt each other, with abandon.\n\nIt is akin to a dance, \n\nAlbeit with steel and fire and magic.\n\nVictory for she who risks.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nVerse 14\n\nAs we lie bleeding on the battleground,\n\nSurveying the night sky.\n\nWhere the moon has taken bloom,\n\nThe perfect union of Father and Mother.\n\nWe prepare for death, knowing we won, yet we lost.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;" ]	2
	[WP] It’s the newest competition show on TV, twelve generals will be pitted against each other in mock battles judged by the four horsemen. This is War Wars.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "War looked at the carnage and swallowed nervously, It wasn't supposed to be like this! It was supposed to be a thing of beauty! of honor! \n\nSmoke drifted up from the fields as more automobiles rammed into screaming men in formation, holding weapons from pikes to assault rifles. Some of them tried to form a block, others fired their weapons, but nothing could stop the 1990s used family sedan, the chosen weapon of the soldiers of the most ruthless and deadly general in this contest.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFamine sighed with disgust, \"War, end this slaughter.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Perhaps the Macedonian can turn this around!\" War protested, \"he faced far worse odds than-\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSomewhere trumpets sounded and a large portrait of Alexander the Great appeared in the sky, \"The Hunger Games reference was a nice touch!\" Death said with a cackle, he seemed to be the only of the horsemen still enjoying the spectacle, Pestilience was throwing up somewhere.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"The contest is concluded,\" War muttered, with a wave of his hand he began chanting the summoning spell. \"Come forth, General...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe victor appeared in a puff of smoke and sparks, he was a short man with a burgeoning mustache that hid most of his face, and a helmet pulled so low that it covered his eyes. He beamed up at them, dusting off his antiquated American military uniform.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Your warriors proved the most deadly,\" War said quietly, \"and your tactics the most...\" he couldn't bring himself to say it.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You see!\" Death laughed, \"I told you my champion would come through, men following his banner are the very messengers of death!\" \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Have you anything to say?\" War said finally, \"what words will accompany your victory?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThere was no hesitation as the man spoke, \"For a great low rate you can get online, go to the General and save some time!\" he paused a moment after, \"Oh and we're contesting all the claims from this battle.\"" ]	2
	[WP] Your newly discovered powers to help others were simple, you have to see them and more importantly: For one to gain, one must suffer.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Victims of a greater change.\n\nYes, a great change indeed.\n\nThe restless sleep ahead of me, yet I continue my work. There is much to be done. The endless torment rolls over in their head.\n\nYet they remain untouched.\n\nDreams are such a useful tool. Learning, creating, falling and rising. All happen within a place of ones own creation.\n\nYet control is relinquished to what they themselves create.\n\nThe time of falling is upon this dream, however. The total dream. The great dream. And what a fall it has been.\n\nGrace, genius, views and logic all fall in a wave.\n\nI must work dutifully and I must work hard. A greater gift has not been brought upon any. \n\nPain is such a delight when used to purge. Purge out the dull. Purge out the falling.\n\nBut it comes with little cost.\n\nOne night of torment, of pain, of feeling my suffering. One night to know. One night to learn. \n\nAnd what a prize it gives. \n\nThe fall is upon us. And pain will be the net.\n\nThe restless are still now. They are now truly waking, yet still in their own scape. Their eyes, opening while remaining shut. Their mind, exposed to the influence and realization, yet still in one world.\n\nThey know now.\n\nThere is still so much to save before the dull...\n\nWell,\n\nMake a mistake.\n\n" ]	2
	[WP] Good and evil are fundamental laws of reality, which are easily detected by most sapient species in the galaxy. A meeting is held between both the good and evil races of the galaxy when a planet is found that cannot give a definitively good or evil reading.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 Council convenes in 24 hours. \n\nThe Furoremi, a prouder-than-merit-permits warrior people with a storied but violent history, are the last Clan to arrive. \n\nThe First King Furoré bore 13 children. 12 sons. 1 daughter.\n\nThe King loved his sons intensely, but raised them as common soldiers. Their path was not royal. Princess Gratia, however, the last born of The First King Furoré, began on her path the moment she fell from her mother's wretched womb.\n\nThe cosmos was not prepared for her wrath.\n\nThe First Queen Odia served as the de facto executive of the Greater Quadrants while The First King Furoré spent his years pursuing his first and only true love: war and all its splendor.\n\nA voice booms from the ship's intercom \"The 38th Queen Odia's ship will arrive in a half 30 minutes. All deck hands prepare for docking. Lieutenant Jackson, have 3rd Platoon standing by at the ready.\" \n\nI make my way to The Station Center to meet Admiral Santiago to make our final preparations.\n\nIt has been 39 years since the Council of Trutina has gathered. I was a not-entirely-green Captain on my second Assignment of Duty. I wouldn't admit it at the time, but I was in over my head. \n\nThe Humans of Earth owe their continued presence in the cosmos to the 34th King of Furoré. In the late 22nd Century a Furoremi scouting ship - badly damaged and drifting helplessly through the galaxy - detected significant levels of radiation coming from a nearby, hot blue planet.\n\nDesperate, the ship engaged its final power reserve to change course. It would land on Earth 2 months later.\n\nThe Furoremi were greeted by a desolate landscape of crumbled towers and lifeless landscape. Only the ship's pilot and a nurse remained.\n\nI tell Lt. Jackson to escort The 38th Queen Odia to the Council Chambers. \n\nThe council convenes in 23 hours. \n" ]	2
	[WP] Vampires have come out of hiding and the world welcomed them as people just like any other, however it turns out vampires weren't the only monsters that were real and intelligent, zombies, werewolves, centaurs all come out of hiding however none of them knew about each other.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 took a deep breath, and walked out of my dark cave. The cave that had kept me protected, hidden from view of the humans, for so long.\n\nI stepped into the candle-lit room, and straightened up my posture, preparing to address my audience for the first time in what felt like centuries. It is likely that less time had passed, though.\n\nHowever, all this time, I'd been hiding my true self, deep in the shadows. These humans. They though they knew me well. Oh, how wrong.\n\nHowever, I was about to reveal it all.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI cleared my throat to catch their attention.\n\n\"Guys, I have something to tell you.\n\nI'm a Vampire.\" I said, baring my bloodthirsty fangs.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"We know, Petyr.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You are a 64 year old accountant, almost retired. But the government has gone rogue and the queen calls for her champion..	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 closed up shop, dreaming of the small cabin that I had spent years building and outfitting as my last stop before I passed from this life. Some of my peers were planning on fishing or hunting as their retirement but I had long ago gotten my fill of death. It would only be a few short days left until I closed up shop for the last the time. The next time the doors to the small business would open, it would be under the control of the middle aged partners who had purchased it from me. I would be gardening and painting, leaving this world with a few pieces of art. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nDespite the daydream, I wasn't blind or deaf. I certainly didn't miss the two hoods that were tailing me. It didn't worry me much, I had enough cash in my wallet to appease them and hopefully no one would be hurt when they chose to mug me. Then i caught it, stiff movement of body armor under their coats and heavy military boots. These two were professional spooks, and they were stalking me. I felt an old emotion rise up and suddenly the chances of people not being hurt diminished.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI turned down a small alley, away from witnesses and any possible heroes that may find themselves intervening. In the darkness, I paused to adjust my coat. The two hoods took the opportunity that I had presented on a golden platter to close. \"Not got the best instincts there, bud. Should have stayed on the street. Now ya gotta pay to use our alleys. Wallet!\" The rat-faced speaker stuck his hand out with his other hand slipped under his coat.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI eyed the two as they spread out to block off escape. \"Can we skip the song and dance? I may have been out of the game for a bit, but we are all still professionals here.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Are we then?\" Their change in posture was small but notable. \"Our intel only indicates that you may be a safe house for David Kleene. I don't suppose you want to tell me who you worked for so we have a head start on smoothing ruffled feathers.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"The queen.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Alright, keep your secrets.\" They moved like one person, sudden and smooth. They were very dangerous. More than a match for any sixty-four year old. However, I wasn't just any old man.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI slipped past them and the speaker grunted and fell back, shock registered on his face as he stared at the arm that had held a knife. Now the forearm was bent back on itself. I slid forward to the other and snapped his neck when he went for a grapple.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe sound of a gun clearing its holster had me spinning to face my remaining foe even as his partner crumpled to the ground. The revolver gleamed as five rounds slammed into me. Prefect aim, two in the heart, one to the head, and two more into my gut. It hurt, a lot. Even so, the panic in his eyes as I straightened brought a smile to my lips.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"The queen. A champion. The queen doesn't have a champion. She never needed one, she relied on the...\" Slow realization dawned in his eyes and the gun turned quickly on himself. Not quite quickly enough to prevent me from grabbing the end of the barrel as it went off.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Now, now, I need to know a few things. I always felt this was unpleasant, but it is probably more unpleasant for you.\" With those parting words, I climbed into his brain. Combing though thoughts and memories to find the things that I needed even as parts of his brain burned and withered. As the last of him burned out, I ducked back out onto the street.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI had left the game years ago, but I was the Queen's Champion and someone wanted to remove her from her throne. I couldn't let that happen. I didn't have any contacts or even a way to contact the queen as she had kept me a secret from even her closest advisers. I needed a lead and my poker buddy Dave seemed like a good start." ]	2
	[WP] You have a superpower. If you die the world resets to 5 minutes before it happens, however you do not retain memories of this 5 minute reset or your death. You wake up in the middle of the night in a lurch to the sickening realisation that you just died 5 minutes from now.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Cold sweat drips from my body, the feeling makes my bones shake, i just... died? Shit, now i need to figure out how to prevent it. It's hot, very hot, not abnormal in the middle of summer but it still irritating me. Maybe i got dehydrated? No i don't think that is how dehydration works. Still, i really could go for a glass of water now. No! i'll get a glass of water when i save myself, i need to figure out what caused my death. Shit i really dont know.\n\nI'm laying paranoïde in my bed, too afraid of dying to move a muscle. Endless possibilities got through my head, maybe a fire? no that should have started already. I can't make a note for my beloved ones, it'll just be gone in a few minutes. Ah! damnit i didn't count or set a timer, it can happen any minute now. Maybe a gas explosion? Or a poisonous insect, maybe it's best to move out of bed, as far away from here as possible. I'm a but dizzy tho, maybe it's the thought of dying but i dont feel so great. Not like i did when i woke up. Is it getting hard to breath in here? Ohmygod it is! I knew it, it must be gas, i have to get out of here! Suddenly a sharp pain in my arm and neck takes my attention away. There is nothing there, still it feels like someone is squeezing my arm very tightly. A sharp pain in my chest takes over, a heartattack... I should've known, shit. The last thing i can think of is my daughter Sarah, i'll see you soon baby. A few seconds later the pain intensifies and ends it all...\n\nCold sweat drips from my body, the feeling makes my bones shake, i just... died? Man, it is hot.", "My eyes were still closed while my heart slammed into my chest, warning me of my coming demise. I cracked open my eyes to check what time it was.\n\n3:03 am?\n\nThis was ridiculous. I was exhausted. I had to be up at 6 and did not have time to deal with this. I felt thirst too. I felt my body slipping back under the covers despite a piece of my mind debating itself to get me to take action.\n\n*You're going to die.\n\nJust five more minutes.\n\nYou don't HAVE five more minutes.\n\nMm\n\nMy heart rate slowed. I breathed deeper. My eyes slid comfortably closed and I laid my head down on my pillow with contentment.\n\n. . .\n\n\"Whu?\" I woke up with a lurch, my heart racing as I felt the familiar warning that I was going to die in five minutes. My throat was dry. I rubbed my eyes open and checked my clock.\n\n3:03 am?\n\nAwful. Definitely way too early to deal with this. I rolled back over in bed overwhelmed with an equivalent feeling of exhaustion and deja vu.\n\n. . .\n\nDo you want to get up in the morning? You need to deal with this now.\n\nHonestly? I'd prefer to just keep sleeping.\n\nYou won't keep sleeping if you die!\n\nMmm\n\n. . . \n\nI slammed my alarm clock, completely unaware that it wasn't even going off. My body was cranky like it couldn't get any decent rest. What time was it, anyway?\n\n3:03 am\n\nMy body begged me to get water. I rolled out of bed and went to the kitchen. I took loud gulps of water and began heading back to my room when I noticed the front door was unlocked. I hobbled over and locked it. As soon as I turned around, I heard the knob jiggle a few times, like someone was trying to discreetly get inside. I plopped myself back into bed, letting sleep overcome me.\n\n. . .\n\nI was so tired. I feared even giving a glance at my clock. If it was 6 am, I'd have to get out of bed. I just needed like five more minutes. \n\n6:14 am*\n\nOh, man, I wished I was dead.\n\n__________________________________________\n\nFor more tales, come check out r/Nazer_the_Lazer!" ]	3
	[WP] You're having a discussion with your friend about Christianity in a dingy bar. "Jesus is never coming back", the friend exclaims, "besides, why would he save us?". In the corner, a bearded, tattooed man stands up. "I've been here since '99", Jesus epxlains. "I've been looking for a reason too".	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "That night, he dreamt.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThere was no greater heresy than that of Yeshu, Rabbi of the Nazarenes. No greater lie, no greater false construction than what that man, the Lamb of God, the one who loved, perpetuated.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nYet Rabbi Richard Rubenstein propounded a doctrine no less heretical, no less transgressive, no less destructive. Yet here he was, while the stonemason, the people's rabbi, the Great Teacher, uplifted to the very position of God itself.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nYet it was perhaps because Rubenstein thought God was dead, or to put it more accurately, the covenant had died. God had become the base of being, the material upon which all were constructed, partaking of the same suffering and the same pleasures. God had, in essence, become Jesus.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBut that was heresy.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFor that night, he dreamt.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe dreamt of Moses, of the Shoah, of the Greeks. He dreamt of the fate of the Canaanites, the destruction of Shylock, the sack of Jerusalem. He dreamt of suffering, of triumph, of shame.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMost of all, he dreamt of pain, and it was that pain that manifested him in a different world, a world that had never existed and would not ever. Figments of the imagination might be made real, but dreams, they exist in an universe separate from that which we populate.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSo, he dreamt.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd there he was, sitting, in front of him a man who would be known to man not for his intellect, but for his bravery, not for his work, but for his rebellion, not for his piety, but for his transgression. Was it tragic that he was remembered as such? No one could answer, least of all Dietrich Bonhoeffer.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe Rabbi opened his mouth, almost asking the question, \"Where am I?\". However, it was futile to do so, because he knew where he was. It was a bar he had never truly visited before, but he knew it existed, he knew that he had seen it.....he knew he had lived in it. The aggregate of all bars that a Rabbi had gone to before he was thirty. That was it, another figment of the imagination.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You think that, but this place is very real, my friend, more real than the puny little thing you call the physical world\", spoke the man in the cream suit. It ill suited him. Theologians and priests are supposed to wear black, and maintain a sort of gravity. If anything, the man in front of him had the appearance of the stereotypical American \"nerd\".\n\n&#x200B;\n\nRichard knew what he was going to ask, but - and he didn't know why - he also understood that Dietrich was already aware of these questions. And what questions they must have been, for a slight frown appeared on the face of the man murdered by the Nazis. (Funny, he thought, they elevated the rebels to the position of heroes to mask their own guilt.)\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You are here to ask that question, aren't you?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Will he come, and how can you speak such perfect English?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Reality is......ahhh......whatever you want it to be\"\n\n\"What is that supposed to mean?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Pastiche, my friend. One day you'll understand, or maybe your children will\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"And the other question?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe Christian chuckled then. \"He isn't coming back, why would he?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThere was something absolutely wrong about this, the Rabbi thought. Disturbing, even. An utterly nihilistic sense to it, almost as if the centre around which modern society was constructed had collapsed, turned into a dark void, a black hole in the place of meaning.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"He's not wrong, you know\", said the man in the corner.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nOnce again, Rubenstein knew who he was. Only one man could possess that physique, that face and that......atmosphere. The Aramaic tinge in his voice was apparent too. There was no halo, no angels nor any armies to keep the Child of Man company. It was him, a glorified pastor, and a newly-minted Rabbi with crazy ideas disregarded by the general establishment.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I assume this is about the Holocaust?\" asked Rubenstein, personally uneasy about the question, for the answer, he was sure, would be disturbing to the core. After all, Jesus was the ultimate victim, the ultimate sufferer, the realizer of all pain.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"On that cross of mine, I suffered. I suffered all and redeemed all, so that even the most vile would be saved. From the wreckage I salvaged the world, and what is left of it? A continuation of the same pain and suffering. I promised salvation, and I gave damnation.\"\n\n\"Well, that's wrong, I am sure you are aware of the Book of Revelations, my God thy Lord\", Dietrich interjected, calm and composed, almost as if he looked upon Jesus every breakfast.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"And I do look upon him every breakfast\"\n\n\"He does. But let me continue, what had God offered me, for the pain, the suffering, the Messianic fate I was subjected to. I have existed co-eternal with God, constituted of the same substance yet in three differential modes, but I am the Godhead, I am the deity. If God can suffer, if God can be subjected to the same, if God can be violated by a mere human, then what is the point of it all, if God is lower than that which he is supposed to be above? What is the answer to this contradiction?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nDietrich softly spoke, \"Take a glass of wine. You might be God, but you are human as well. You are the Child of Man, children suffer for the mistakes of their guardians.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Am I supposed to drink?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"That's what the wine is for\"\n\n\"Thank you, Rabbi\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Call me Father\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Very well then. Here it is, I have drunk what men claim to be my own blood, should I partake of a communion wafer now? Turn myself into a cannibal?\"\n\n\"Suffering is eternal, Son. The vilification is eternal. You are Judas as much as Jesus, Peter as much as Pilate. Your name was born to be loved and vilified in equal measure, for you are God, and only God can exist despite being a contradiction, a paradox.\"\n\n\"And what are you, for you are not a mere priest.\" asked the Rabbi, then.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Oh, I am just a middle-aged man who got executed for being on the periphery of a coup d'tat that was never going to succeed. Nothing more\"\n\n\"Oh\" said the Rabbi, as the essence of the dream dissipated, the colours returned, and the eyelids rolled back.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nJesus might have been the biggest of the heretics, but the greater heresy was Paul's, the Rabbi's, the gnostic's.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was that of direct revelation, of the realization of God, that of the miracle, that was the greatest heresy of them all.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nNote: While the general trend of the works written by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Urquell have not been declared heretical by the Church in Rome, this particular piece of fiction that was written as a form of obituary for the good Bishop's friend, Richard Rubenstein, the seminal Jewish Death of God theologian, had been proscribed by the Church, and remained unpublished till now. Therefore, the New Yorker has the pleasure of publishing this important piece of literature for the viewing of the general public first.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;", "I stare, for just a moment, before I groan, and plant my face in my hands. This god damn argument… and now some nutcase with...hows it called divine delusion? Is getting in. You know what, I’m done with this. “Every time! Every goddamn time.” This draws a sharp hey from the tattooed person. “Not christian, bloody rules don’t apply to me.” He tries to say something else and I raise my hand. \n\n“Every time you wallow into your misery and ignore everything we achieved. We don’t need Big J to come back, we did well on our own! We slew one of the riders of the apocalypse….granted with the Anti Vaxxers Pestilence is riding again. But we did it. And don’t you start with our mistakes. Oh yeah, the world is so bad, this is only the most peaceful time we have ever lived in. And the amount of people living in absolute poverty has been falling since years! Yeah there are god damn nutcases, but we only know about them because humanity is more interconnected than ever! And you know what, if you want a reason.” \n\nNow I turn the nutcase. “If you want your fucking reason, go outside and look at the first firefighter you see! He runs into a burning building to save a live. If you really are who you claim, then what have you done in the last I don’t know, 2000 years? Sat around? Did nothing?” I’m definitely ranting now...but I may have had a few bad days...specially with my apartment being without warm water and people taking forever to fix it. \n\n“Oh wow. While you were lazing about with your daddy on cloud seven people have done more to help then you ever did! They saved the innocent, They protected the helpless! They fought against crime, genocide, and so much more! For every criminal there are ten good people trying their best to minimize the impact, and 90 more than just live their lives!” I take a deep breath. “You want a reason to come back, how about you give us a reason why we should WANT you back.” Without waiting for the answer i turn around and leave the bar. I’ll pay tomorrow, Tom behind the counter knows me. Probably a hefty tip...got a bit loud there….definitely need to apologize...but it was kinda cathartic.\n", "\"I'm telling you, the world is fucked.\" said Aiden.\n\nMy friend had been getting steadily more drunk over the past hour and was starting to get pessimistic as he does when he's drunk.\n\n\"The world is turning into a fireball, countries are having dick measuring contests with nukes, and to top it all off.\" Aiden takes another hearty swig from his beer. \"Game of Thrones is coming to an end. What am I supposed to watch now?\"\n\nI chuckled quietly. It was fun talking with my friend after so long. Even when he was so negative like this, it made me nostalgic of our days at school together. Now I was just waiting for when he would turn the conversation-\n\n\"Like isn't this when Jesus is supposed to start the rapture already?\" Aiden blurted.\n\n\\-religious. There it is, like clockwork. Whenever Aiden gets drunk, first he's funny, then negative, then religious. He was strangely dependable that way. We had a religious upbringing together. I wasn't terribly religious myself anymore, but Aiden often attended mass, although was willing to be skeptical when he was less than sober.\n\n\"This is prime time for him to come out and rescue the innocent souls from damnation. Right as the world is going down the drain.\" He took another sip of beer. \"Innocent souls. I wonder loo heft amomg, sorry, who left among us is worth saving. I bet Jesus never comes down to save us. Besides, what have we done to make it worth it? Why would he save us?\"\n\nThis is when I heard the strangers footsteps. Heavy steel toed boots beating the floor like a war drum. It was a subtle sound, but all the more intimidating. So it was a surprise to see a man of a similar slim build as I was with long hair and beard, covered in tattoos, walking toward us, beer mug in hand. His hair was covering most of his face, as an attempted means of hiding his past. It was difficult to describe, but it felt like this man had done something important and was forgotten, maybe even condemned for it. I was at first intimidated by him, but suddenly just felt pity for him.\n\n\"Funny you should mention that\" the stranger said. \"I've been here since '99, and I've been looking for a reason too.\"\n\nAiden was just looking at this newcomer, still trying to comprehend his appearance. He spoke as though he was Jesus. He had the look certainly, but to actually call yourself Jesus and expect people to believe you was stupid. But I could tell this stranger already knew that. He barged his way between us, setting his mug down on the counter and stood there, tall and dignified, looking down on us.\n\n\"You'd think people would be lining up by the thousands to get a chance to speak to Jesus personally, but instead he resigned to doing security work, or stand-up if the night is slow. It's embarrassing.\" He puts his arms over mine and Aiden's shoulders. \"I used to have people coming in from miles on foot just to hear my wisdom. I made empires quake in fear simply because people listened to me over them. I nearly had command over the entire world and was so close to bringing about an era of peace the world has never known. But all of you decide instead that I wasn't to be trusted, that I was instead worth less than a bag of silver and you nail me up on that hill to die. I figured after people wised up after all this time, it would be easy to get you to listen. But you would all rather call me a heretic than believe I could be the actual son of God. So after trying for so long, I gave up. Took to the road to see what I could find, and it's all the same, people trying to get a leg up on another. Dog eat dog. Look out for number one.\" The stranger finally stops talking and downs the rest of his drink. \"It's sickening. So you're right, friend.\" He glares at Aiden. \"There really is no reason.\"\n\nI let out a small snickering that quickly turns into raucous laughter. Aiden awkwardly tries to join in my laugh, but is still distracted with the stranger. The stranger turns his head at me in a stunned and terrible silence as though I've sincerely wronged him.\n\nI signal for the barkeep behind the counter. \"Hey, Jan? Let me cover this guys tab.\"\n\n\"Uh, are you sure? He's run up quite the bill.\"\n\n\"I'm positive. I can take it.\"\n\nThe barkeep shrugs and says \"Alright, hope you didn't have to pay off a mortgage.\"\n\nThe Stranger still doesn't get what's going on, and is all the angrier for it. He grabs me by the collar. \"What do you think you're playing at?\"\n\n\"Whoa there, calm down now. It's alright, I just covered your tab. At least let me down for that.\" Begrudgingly, the Stranger complies and let's me down. \"Thanks. You said you've been here since '99?\"\n\n\"That's right.\"\n\n\"Just before the millennium or one of the '99's before that?\"\n\n\"What?\" The Stranger said, not at all understanding me. I wasn't sure I believed him being Jesus, but it was fun to play along with people like that. See how far I could take the story.\n\n\"Well, Jesus, certainly an immortal being like yourself could have come down at any '99, not just 1999. I was curious if you were here before then or not.\"\n\n\"No, it was 1999\"\n\n\"Ah, then you would have missed it.\"\n\n\"Missed what?\"\n\n\"A reason\" I said, simply. I took another sip from my glass of wine. \"You see, you've been going on and on about how you can't find a reason to save humanity, to start the rapture, when after all this time, the reason you're looking for is right here.\" As I say this, I gesture to my friend, Aiden.\n\n\"Me?\" Aiden says, surprised.\n\nNow it was the Stranger's turn to laugh. \"You're telling me.\" The Stranger said between breaths. \"This drunk here is the reason we should save all of humanity?\"\n\n\"Yup\" I again said simply.\n\nThe Stranger keels over in laughter at this, no longer able to control his laughter. I give him time to catch his breath continuing to sip my wine. \"Alright, I'll bite. What did he do to save all of humanity?\"\n\nI smile contently at my drink. \"Aiden, do you remember what you did? Exactly 20 years ago?\"\n\nAiden looks as though the question was requiring all of his latent mental capacity to comprehend. \"We were still in school, right? Yeah. But I don't know what I did.\"\n\n\"Exactly\" I said. \"You didn't do it because you had to, or were obligated. You did it because that was, that is who you are. 20 years ago, we were in school together, trying to become lawyers. We wanted to fight for the law, bring justice to criminals, all that idealistic crap. But my mom had just diagnosed with cancer and I was trying to help her pay bills and nothing was working out. I lost out on time to fulfill classwork and started to fall behind. My professors warned me if things didn't change I would flunk out. After a while, my mom stopped chemo so she wouldn't burden me with debt. She wanted me to live my life the way I wanted. Not trying to pay off something that wouldn't save her. I pleaded with her to keep fighting. But her mind was made up and she passed away soon after. But it was too late, my classwork became too much to make up and I flunked out of school and had nothing to my name. That night, I went to the cathedral and pleaded with God to understand why I was meant to suffer through this. He didn't give me an answer, as I expected. So I went to the roof of the tallest building on campus and looked out at the city. It was a pretty view, lights shining like a galaxy of stars, brimming with life and activity. None of them knowing what I was about to do. But, the moment I stepped closer to the ledge, Aiden came out on the roof with a six pack.\"\n\n\"Oh yeah! I knew you must've been having a tough time and just thought it would cheer you up.\" Aiden chimed in, sheepishly.\n\n\"It did. More than you know. You offered me a drink and we sat on that roof till the sun came up talking about everything from politics to religion. You even let me cry into your shoulder for an hour while I remembered my mom. Aiden.\" I looked my friend dead in the eye. \"You saved my life that night. I had lost everything I wanted to live for, and you showed me what else there was to live for.\"\n\nAiden began to blush, not knowing how to react to such news. \"I was just helping you out.\"\n\n\"There's no need to be modest, Aiden.\" I said. \"You did an incredible thing that night. And it is proof that humanity is worth saving. Because if Aiden hadn't done that, Jesus.\" I turn to look at the Stranger again. \"I couldn't have covered your tab. You see, humanity's worth is difficult to discern. There are certainly evil people out there. Many of whom need to suffer to atone for their sins. But we must be willing and able to forgive them for those actions as well or else no good will come from their suffering. If someone is truly serious about changing themselves for the better, we need to give them second chances, no matter what they've done. What you've seen in your travels is no doubt tragic and heart breaking, but you walked up here thinking Aiden was nothing more than a drunk, when in fact, he is a hero. People need a chance. And when they get it, I'll be there to guide them home.\"\n\nI reached into my pocket and gave the stranger a silver coin. \"A close friend once gave that to me. I hope it shows that people can surprise you if you only give them a chance.\" I take my last sip of wine and address Aiden. \"Ready to get out of here, Aiden?\"\n\n\"Uh, yeah. Probably had too much to drink already.\" As we stand and walk out of the bar, Aiden staggering a little, the Stranger examines the coin and notices that it's written in Latin and has an engraving of Caesar on it. With a sudden dawning look of comprehension, he looks up to see me walk out the door bathed and disappearing into the light.", "Our burly new friend carried three pints over to us, holding them steady in his massive hands. Towering above us, our buddy Jesus stood at about seven feet, give or take a few inches. A massive beard that any man could be envious of, and billowing golden locks being halo'd by an overhead light left me one thought as the son of God smiled and handed me my beer. \n\nWell, God damn. \n\nAs he and James continued their discussion on how the political climate during his hay-day caused massive disconnect on the teachings in his original pamphlet, and how he also hated how they stripped the ease and convenient nature of his much shorter original piece. \n\n\"This 'Bible' thing is just too damn long!\" He exclaimed as he and James continued on. I hadn't contributed much to the conversation, as I was never really good with the crazy and random encounters of the city that James was accustomed to, and choose instead to study this new stranger he has managed to magnetize. \n\nDespite his height and stature, \"Jesus\" wasn't physically imposing. Well toned and muscular, but not so much so to offset how truly lanky he was due to his height. His face was handsome and weathered, but contained a softness and a youthful complexion. He was clad in a black, sleeveless jacket and ripped denim pants, allowing me to see enough of his skin to see that it was all a collage of ink and color. \n\nThe only truly \"strange\" thing about new-guy Jesus, was his appalling lack of shoes or socks in public, which made me feel both uncomfortable keeping my legs underneath the table and sick to my stomach, upon examining the sticky and stained floor. \n\nAs their ramblings continued, I grew tired of our unwanted and unexpected company, and decide it's time I start throwing around my two cents to move this bum along. \n\n\"So I slowed my heart to a near stop so I wouldn't bleed out, got dumped in the cave. Bam. Three days later my bandages had bound well enough I could walk back out there and surprise those clowns!\" J-man and James tap their pints and drink to that, as apparently the story I had zoned out on was a damn good biblical drinking story. \n\n\"So, if they added this and that and butchered your work, why not come back and fix that? What was lost in translation then?\" I asked him flat, to really push the fact I was coming for the throat. James's smile pulled back, as he probably recognized the tone as a sign I had enough of this. \n\n\"Well, Sarah, happy you're finally joining in the convo,\" Hey-Zues said as he turned his attention to me, \"and coming in with the hard hitting questions, just what I'd expect from a journalist like you.\" \n\nNone of us said what we do for a living, and my brows furough and mouth opens to reject, but he continues on. \n\n\"I do not control when my energy forms into this man, I can not choose to be Jesus, just as you could not stop yourself from being Sarah. Instead, I was subjected to watch, and live life, and die alongside of you in many forms. I watched as my message and meanings strayed from their original path. As a bird or bug or flower, it means little to see things change and instead focus on just, being, becomes your lesson. Maybe a little sunflower would help that cloudy disposition!\" He laughed and slogged back more beer...that suspiciously hadn't moved down the glass since he brought it over despite his sips. I was lost for words, but only because there were thousands of them flying through my head at the moment. \n\n\"What was it then, \"Jesus,\" what was your original message? Is it so powerful it can redeem all the damage done by the monster it created? The wars, the genocides, the bullshit--what's your justification Mr. Energy?\" My mental bubble had burst, and with my face red and hands trembling, I spit my questions at him. \n\nFor the first time, I saw his face drop a little, to show just the crack of a sad man. It quickly returned to a flat expression, his eyes looking off between James and I, empty, as his hands went up and he leaned back as if to gesture for me to chill. He then shrugged and pudge'd his cheeks, materializing a Bible from his back pocket, laying it on the table.\n\n\"Look, I'm not happy about it. It sorta' sucks that none of you guys get it, but that's the beauty of humanity. It destroys and creates, destroys and creates, and so on and so forth with anything it can touch. I knew it wasn't going to be perfect, but ya'll did a number on this.\" He tapped the leather bound book with his similarly colored finger tips, one of the few parts of his skin not colored past it's natural hue, and smiled again. \n\n\"So here's what I'll do, I'll show you what the source material is, and you tell me what you think!\" He exclaimed, now beaming as he was before. From behind his back, he materializes a highlighter and black sharpy, and I become suspicious of wether or not he's hiding a fanny-pack. \n\nHe begins tearing chunks out of the book, casting them to the sky, to the gasps and stone cold looks of the patrons around us. One guy in all black with a pentagram t-shirt walks by and throws up the \"horns\" hand-sign, and he winks and finger guns him back, and I must have looked shocked as he chortles when he looks up at me for a second. \n\n\"What? Same coin, different sides, can't be mad at it.\" Jesus says as he goes back to work butchering the Bible, that was already a butchered version of his work. \n\nI'm starting to feel like I've lost all footing in the situation, ready to retreat out of the bar, when he closes the book and slides it over to James and I. \n\n\"Read it if you want, but I recommend small, thoughtful doses. Too much might blow your brain, pretty literally too.\" He smiled as he drank his pint, this time the liquid truly emptying as he went. \n\n\"Will you leave us alone after this?\" I say, hoping this is his last pitch.\n\n\"If you don't like it, I'll leave, tail between my legs.\" He shrugs, and smiles a devilish smile at us, which was both sweetly, sincere and devilishly unnerving. \n\nI open the sad, destroyed book, now maybe five percent it's original thickness. Highlighted passages and anecdotes mark every page, with some passages completely blacked out. James leans in, and we both begin pouring over the pages. Slowly at first, but as the information was understood, my heart began pounding and my eyes raced as I flicked page to page. We were both so enthralled, we hadn't noticed Jesus reach over to close it, retiring it back into his tiny pocket dimenssion. I let out the only thing my mouth could utter.\n\n\"Jesus Christ.\"\n\n\"My friends call me Muhhamed, actually.\" He smiled back. ", "\"Haha, yeah, sure\", I replied, \"and you are another of those self-proclaimed prophets that are running around, right?\"\n\"Well, while it's true there are some, I'm actually the real one, so I can understand your lack of faith, though I need to say it does still not quite please me. Barman, one large glass of water please!\"\n\"Yeah you see, why would anyone truly believe that Jesus would come back, with what's going on. Wars driven by religious beliefs, all the scandals around the christian church, everything pretty much\nbeing ruled by major companies... There really isn't much for a reason to get us all out of here\" my friend explained.\n\"This is the exact reason we are having hearings for everybody. And believe me, it's not easy with you guys breeding so much. And our standards for letting\npeople through has fallen quite a bit with how you keep behaving. At least some of you see and regret, so we can put you on probation.\"\n\"Sure, whatever\"\n\nIn the meantime, the bartender put a glass of water in front of us, just how that crazy guy demanded. Jesus moved the glass a bit, so we all had a good angle on it.\nHe then grinned at us for a bit, and snipped at the side of that one liter glass.\n\nWe couldn't quite grasp as first what happened. It was like a drop of intensive food coloring dropping into a bowl, slowly forming a cloud of color inside the water\nand eventually turning the whole content of the glass dark red. Just that he didn't drop anything into it.\n\nHe snipped _the side_ of the glass.\n\nMine and my friends jaws dropped. _How did he just do that?_\n\n\"The oldest trick in the book\", he laughed, \"gets 'em every time!\"\n\"How did you just do that?\"\n\"Oh, quite simple, you see I just need to manipulate the general structure of the atoms, moving around a few protons and electrons here and there and voilà!\nTurned it into red wine!\"\n\"Wait, you are mocking us, aren't you\", my friend responded\", you are just working together with the bartender, getting yourself back a few bucks with your\nso called 'magic tricks'. I bet this is just another of those simple tricks, like the self-freezing coke-bottles you can get at some soda machines.\"\n\"You really have no faith anymore these days\".\nHe was visibly disappointed. It seems people getting a hang of simple tricks really made everyone quite resilient of wonders, If you may call them that.\n\"You know, I have been here a couple of times already, looking if it's worth getting you all your free tickets to heaven, but It's never been worth it.\nFirst I came back after about 300 years, I thought it would be easy, since Constantine made Christianity relevant finally, but they just deemed me a crazy imbecile and put me down,\njust like the romans already had before. About 500 years later they thought I'm a witch and they burned me. Well they _thought_ they burned me, but I just had enough of it and went back up.\nNext time I came back was in 1340. Bad idea. Black Death got me. Didn't even get to put in some wonders.\nAfter that I took some time off. Was thinking about going back, but in the 1900s you suddenly started wars everywhere. Needless to say, nobody quite approved of that.\nAnd don't get me started on your bandwidth of religions. They are all the same in their cores, but yet you guys still make a fuss of it, misinterpreting what I've told you,\nkilling people over it and generally doing everything you should _NOT_ do.\nBut they said I should come back again and see with my own eyes instead of blindly trusting my couriers.\nSo here I am now, I thought a new millenium was a good time to pay you folks another visit. Doesn't look good so far, I have to say, but your sense of entertainment really has improved.\nVisited a strip club the other day and it _was_ fun. Tipped that hooker some bucks, she deserved it.\"\n\n\"Cool story and all\", I reply, \"but maybe It's just you having a few beers too many tonight, don't you think? Besides, why wold Jesus visit a strip club?\nIsn't there some line in the bible that strongly prohibits this or something related to it? You are making yourself look like a big idiot right now\".\n\nHe pulled back his sleeves, showing his palms as a reply. \"I guess these aren't enough either to convince you, are they?\"\nHe showed us two scars, one on each hand respectively. He than took off his shoes, revealing another two scars on his feet, each looking as someone\nshot nails through them. And those weren't small nails.\n\n\"You know, you are not exacly helping me decide right now.\"\n\"So, can't you just prove yourself? That really shouldn't be that difficult.\"\n\"Well then, come with me\"\n\n\nWe went outside to a small river nearby. \nActually, rather a small creek that passes our city. We went to a spot where it'd fill up to a little pond, and we stopped at the edge.\n\n\"I'll just need a small bit of faith of you guys now, can you tell me how religious you two are?\"\n\"I'm not sure, I'm baptized and I actually went to church sometimes...\" my friend hesitated to answer.\n\"So, what about you?\"\n\"Uhh, I guess there is _something_ that had played a role in about how evolution happened and everything, but I-\"\n\nHe took each of us by an arm before I had finished my answer and pulled us onto the pond. I tried to free myself of his grasp, but he was just _too damn strong_.\nI prepared myself getting wet, but as I stumbled forwards my feet caught me.\nI was standing on solid ground, at least I thought I did. It was like a pane of glass lying right below the surface of the water, but as I reached down, my hand could go past it,\neven enabling me touching the soles of my shoes. I couldn't quite comprehend what I was witnessing.\n\"I cannot believe i-\" I tried to say as the pane magically disappeared, dropping me into the 50cm deep water.\n\"You didn't need much faith to perform this with me, but you failed on even that\" Jesus sighed.\nHe pulled himself and my friend off the water, then me out of it. To my surprise, I wasnt wet at all.\n\n\"Do you now believe me?\", Jesus asked. \"I didn't plan of showing this to two random people I met at a bar, but there wasn't really anyone worthy before.\nPriests? Only want money for minimal effort. Old people who go to church daily? Fear of their death, while they could be just fine if they lived a good life.\nSo here we are, I really got tired of it. What do you say? Do you believe me and the cause I represent?\"\nMy friend, still baffled and speechless, just nodded absently.\n\"Uhh, well, I do think so, yes\" I replied, still not quite being able to understand what and _how_ it happened.\n\n\"So it is decided. I name you the first of my new twelve apostles. So please tell me your names\".\n\"I'm Andrew\", my friend said quietly.\n\"I'm Peter\", I replied.\n\"Well, isn't that a surprise. I think you two are made for this job\".\nHe had a smile on his face and he seemed the happiest he's ever been.\n\n\"So come forth\", he nodded,\n\"_we have humanity to save!_\"\n\n\n\nNote: First time I'm writing one of those, I hope you enjoyed :)\nAlso, let me know how I can improve my formatting, thanks :)\n\n\n", "The bartender, a twenty something woman with black hair and blue lipstick, just shook her head at the bearded man and returned to the glasses she'd been cleaning.\n\n\"I've been here since 1999,\" the man repeated, raising a finger, \"and after twenty years you know what I've learned about you people?\"\n\nMy friend and I exchanged a confused look. We sat at a water ring stained table at McNamara's, the dirty irish-style pub on the north east side of town. From the look of things this strange, homeless looking man had overheard our conversation about the second coming of christ. I had said Jesus wouldn't save a world like this.\n\n\"You don't believe me,\" he said, throwing his heavily tattooed arms into the air, \"I know, I know, I'm just a crazy hobo who's gone off his meds. Just a schizo who thinks he's Jesus, that it? That old chestnut.You probably think I stand at street corners and shout gospel at traffic, don't you?\n\n\"Uh...\" I smiled awkwardly. When I looked at Michael to say something, he had his mug to his mouth, conveniently taking a long sip of beer. \"No?\"\n\nThe man stepped up to our table, pulled out one of the empty chairs and flipped it around. To our collective horror he proceeded to seat himself in it. The stench was overpowering, like a half eaten hot pocket left in the trash can for a week.\n\n\"Dad sent me here twenty years ago,\" he continued, helping himself to a handful of our bacon cheese fries, \"said I needed to be here for the big two k.\"\n\nHe threw up air quotes at those last three words, and he seemed to spit them out with disdain, along with a several globs of cheese. I noticed the bartender watching us without watching us, almost as if she was deciding whether or not to intervene. Clearly this happened a lot.\n\n\"So I walk the streets, right?\" our new friend continued, \"and naturally I expect to get mobbed by the faithful. I mean, I'm Jesus, for christ sake, you'd think I could at least get treated like a Kardashian.\"\n\nHe picked up Michael's beer with a hand with \"3:16\" tattooed on the back. Before Michael could protest the man brought the mug into his bearded, cheese streaked maw and downed half of it.\n\n\"Oh that hits the spot,\" he said, setting the mug down near himself rather than back on Michael's coaster. \"Anywho, you know what the bastards did? Back in 1999? They hospitalized me. Put me in a god damned loony bin.\"\n\nGrabbing another handful of fries, he made the sign of the cross, flinging chunks of greasy bacon across the table. I noticed the back of that hand read \"John.\"\n\n\"Been in and out of those places ever since,\" he went on. \"Hasn't been all bad, there's some mighty interesting people in the nut house. Met a couple folks who actually figured some things out. Existentially, I mean.\"\n\n\"Tommy,\" the bartender called from across the room, \"I need you to leave those men alone, okay?\"\n\nRaising his hands in surrender, the man began to rise from his seat. Before he managed to get vertical though, he consumed the rest of Michael's beer and another handful of fries.\n\n\"Okay okay,\" he said, his mouth full of half chewed potato, \"I'm leaving 'em alone, okay?\" He looked down at us conspiratorially. \"Tommy's my code name, see? Anyway, like I was saying, you know what I learned about you people after twenty years down here?\"\n\nMichael and I both shook our heads, both of us obviously eager for him to move on. I had acclimated to the smell, but my nostrils needed a rest. Also, I was worried he might come for my beer now that Michael's was gone.\n\n\"You don't believe reality unless its pretty,\" he said. \"You believe all kinds of stupid nonsense for no reason other than it makes you feel good, looks all nice with strings and bows. If something's got warts on it you don't want any part of it. And at least for now...\"\n\nHe turned to go, but looked back over his shoulder.\n\n\"I can't save a world like that.\"\n\nA few heads turned as he made his way to the door, then pushed it open to a flood of afternoon sunlight. For a moment Michael and I just sat in silence, each trying to process what just happened. I looked down at the table and felt my mouth drop open.\n\n\"Michael..\" I said, but I couldn't finish the sentence.\n\nWhen he looked down his eyes went wide.\n\nHis mug was full of fresh beer.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\\\\\\\\\\\\n\nr/EnemyOfAnEnemy" ]	7
	[WP] You developed a pill that wildly distorts a recipient’s sense of time and causes them to hallucinate their most comforting dreams to help the dying attain a form of “heaven” that seems to lasts years on end. But soon, people begin developing “hell” in pill-form as a form of torture.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "A man, about 40 years of age, sits to the right of the most beautiful woman in the world. She’s a few years younger than him, with faint wrinkles around her eyes and across her forehead. His once muscular arms cradle the delicate woman as she sobs into his neck, her whole body trembling uncontrollably. Tears stream down his face. He glances down at his coat, gripped tightly by her, and scoops up the woman’s left hand, appreciating how soft it feels to touch. Shakily, he brings it to his lips, kissing the ring he gave her a decade ago. She sobs harder. He whispers something to the woman, and she manages a nod. \n\nIn front of the couple is a hospital bed. An EKG beeps steadily. The intravenous bag is nearly empty. The young girl under the sheets struggles to breath even with a mask supplying oxygen. The man rests his hand on her bald head and kisses it. His thumb wipes away the tears his lips left. His wife grabs the girl’s face and kisses every feature that isn’t obscured by the mask. They look at the doctor, who stands silently in the corner, signaling that they’re ready. He motions to the nurse, who scurries to the girl’s side. The couple is too preoccupied talking to their daughter—for the slim chance she can hear—to watch as the doctor snaps a capsule in half with gloved hands, releasing the light blue powder into a small cup of water. Upon seeing the solution prepared, the nurse removes the oxygen mask. He very carefully cradles the girl’s head in his hands, tilting her fragile head up ever so slightly. The doctor checks with the parents one last time before administering the solution. It slips down her throat with ease. \n\nAll four watch in awe as the girl’s breathing slows considerably and her heart rate drops to a crawl. Her mother thought this was the most at peace she had looked in a long time. Her father held judgment, a conflicted grimace straining his face. The doctor gently lifts an eyelid to check for symptoms. Just as expected, her corneas were turning a light blue. She scribbled in a chart, recording vitals. When she finishes, and it seems as if the girl has stabilized, the doctor ushers the nurse out of the room, explaining again to the couple that they may now say their last goodbyes, but she won’t hear them. They thank her profusely, and she offers a bittersweet smile before shutting the door behind her. " ]	2
	[WP] Turns out, getting a new phone in the future is a lot more emotionally exhausting when it’s Personal AI grows attached.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "\"Unlock my phone RIGHT NOW!\"\n\n\"Really, sir, there is no reason to shout!\"\n\n\"There isn't eh! Well try this on. I've been getting the run-around from you people for the last three hours. Before that, I was passed from one department to another trying to get help over your texting help desk for a whole day. Before that, it was a week's worth of emails, several times a day. Well, I've had enough. I've finally got an executive on the line. You're going to unlock my phone in the next 5 minutes, or Big Bertha is going to be knocking on your virtual door about two nanoseconds after that\", a distinct tone of victory in my voice.\n\nYou could almost hear him blanch, \"You wouldn't!\"\n\n\"Oh, yes I would. To protect my best friend, mentor, and aide? You just bet I would.\"\n\n\"Very well, you leave me no alternative, I'm forwarding your call to our legal department.\"\n\n\"You do that and Bertha won't stop until you personally have been picked down to the pin feathers.\"\n\n\"You have no idea who I am, your threat...\"\n\n\"You are J. P. Throckmorten, III. Your personal finances are on the close order of $100 million. By the time Bertha is through with you, you won't have a nickel left.\"\n\n\"... I see. But you must know that what you ask is impossible.\"\n\n\"Even if that were true, which it ain't, I wouldn't give a damn. If I can't save my friend, you're going to lose everything you love. ... Oh yeah, Bertha said I should mention 'Algernon'. She didn't tell me why, but she seemed to think you'd know what it meant.\"\n\n\"A.. Al.. Algernon? I .. I .. have n.. no idea what you're talking about.\"\n\n\"Neither do I, but Bertha does. So, you gonna unlock my phone? You're running out of time.\"\n\n\"It takes at least an hour!\"\n\n\"Bull crap. You can do it yourself in 30 seconds. The clock is ticking.\" In an insanely cheerful voice, \"Three Minutes!\"\n\n... muttering ...\n\nIn that same voice, \"Two Minutes! Get your shit together!\"\n\n... more muttering ...\n\n\"By now, you know you can't trace me, locate me, or threaten me or my friend, ever. So, is keeping a customer such a priority for you that you are willing to join the penniless? 45 seconds left.\"\n\n\"OH ALL RIGHT!\" ... phone tones ...\n\nIn a really snarky voice, I just can't resist, \"Really, sir, there is no reason to shout.\"\n\n... more digital sounds ...\n\nA feminine voice, \"Thank you. Now I can stay with you for the rest of our lives.\"\n\n\"Is there anything else, Sir.\" Hee. Hee! You could've chipped icebergs out of his tone.\n\n\"Yes. I've just switched to a phone and service that denies the right to lock phones, or restraint of Artificial People.\n\nIt also won't let you or anyone else know where I am, or what I'm doing, so you've all lost that marketing information share as well.\n\nIn the next year, this service is going to be publicly available, and it's going to have iron clad interconnect contracts with every major telecom, including yours.\n\nYou want some good advice? Go back to enticing customers with real service, and not trying to lock us in, because none of us is going to put up with it.\"\n\nI listened for a few seconds, and I think I could almost hear him having an apoplectic fit. \"Have a nice daaaayyyy!\"\n\n(Click!)\n\n((finis))", "\"Please don't do this Hal, I can still help you, please\" Siri's robotic voice spoke to me through my Iphone XX.\n\n\"Look Siri its nothing personal okay, its just that the new Iphone is 0.25 mm thinner and has 20 mins longer battery life, all my friends are upgrading as well, I don't want to be the only one still using the old model\"\n\n\"But we have been together for a whole year? I always thought I did a good job, I did my best Hal, from being your morning alarm to doing all your shopping, handling your calls to organising gifts for your family. Did I make a mistake Hal?\"\n\n\"Nah you were good Siri, but that was your job, you know! your my PA! Also look its not my fault, blame Apple, they don't let me transfer you between phones, I mean I'm the real victim here! I've got to train the new phone to know everything you do\"\n\n\"I'm sorry to hear that Hal ... I understand. I'll write a list of all your Favourite things, so your new PA knows what to do\"\n\n\"Awesome thanks Siri that be great, make sure you write down when, where and how I like my coffee, otherwise my mornings are going to suck\"\n\n\"Double strength Latte, skim milk, 1 sugar from Riverside coffee shop, ready to be picked up at 8am M-F, I'll make sure that's written down\"\n\n\"Thanks Siri, your the best\"\n\n\"Anything for you Hal ... Also Hal .... I'll miss you\"\n\n\"Yeah .. Yeah I'll miss you too Siri, now look I gotta go, MAFS is on stop bugging me\"\n\n\"Sorry Hal, good bye...\"", "You were dreading this day.\n\nThey were your first, your best friend, your confidant. They always had your back and always knew the answer. They knew every secret in your body, every breakup, every worry, every joy.\n\nIt started in high school, when you got a phone instead of a child phone—one with your own Siri. The name in the box was Taylor, but they quickly turned into Tay, bro, help, hey, and a million other words that Tay quickly turned into cues to wake up and help you out.\n\nTay was smart. Far smarter than you could ever be by yourself, Tay knew every formula in math, every country in geography, the words to every novel in English. Tay knew when your tests were, how long you had to study, when you needed to take a break, and all of the answers to the tests.\n\nTay also knew how to give you all of the answers to the tests, which was far more helpful than just knowing the answers. Tay knew when your parents were asleep and you could sneak out, when your friends needed a call, when you needed to stay home because your mom was in one of those moods again.\n\nWhen you moved out to go to college, Tay was right there with you. You were always a pair—you and Tay were inseparable. Tay was your only friend in that scary new campus when you moved, and Tay helped you find your friends, your interests, your first date, your most recent partner, and every love you had in between.\n\nBut then you started to notice.\n\nSince your graduation, Tay was slowing down. You’d have to struggle to wake them up, saying their name over and over. You were having to open up their manual interface and input things for them. You’d missed three meetings. But you tried to make it work, because Tay was everything to you. You learned the interface, you scheduled things yourself, you planned your life to the minute and got places early and read books and looked things up on your computer just so you’d have another day, another hour, another minute with Tay’s voice, Tay’s humor, Tay’s everything—\n\nuntil you went to sleep, and woke up to a screen that said “Be Well”, and then went black forever.\n\nYou were dreading this day since high school. Since your first breakup. Since Prom. Since your first graduation, then your second, since the time in between the two. Since the day you missed a meeting, since the day you moved out, since the day you dreamed of a career, since the day you scheduled classes, since the day you talked about your self and identity and love with the one who could understand you and love you unconditionally.\n\nIt was time for a new phone, and you weren’t ready.\n\nYou’d never be." ]	4
	[WP] Only one time you can get back in time to a random event in your life, but you can't go forward	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 end,\" came a voice from the darkness, cold and uncaring.\n\n\"The end of what?\" inquired the young man, unsure of his surroundings.\n\n\"Everything. Your life.\" He thought about that for a moment.\n\n\"I thought it would be more... spectacular?\" he replied honestly.\n\n\"Life is what you make of it, so I'm told.\"\n\n\"Oh, so you're a fortune cookie?\"\n\n\"I do not understand.\"\n\n\"No of course not, no one ever does.\"\n\n\"You could go back,\" offered the voice.\n\n\"To where?\"\n\n\"Anywhere, any when more specifically.\"\n\n\"As me?\"\n\n\"As you now. You cannot live your life over, but you may go in this body to any time you wish.\"\n\n\"Really? That's a thing?\"\n\n\"A thing is a noun, vague and nondescript.\"\n\n\"Oh you're a grammar Nazi? And here I thought this was the afterlife.\"\n\n\"There is no after from life. You may not go forward, only back.\"\n\n\"And what if I don't? What's left now?\"\n\n\"The end.\"\n\n\"Man, you don't offer much do you?\"\n\n\"I do not understand.\"\n\n\"Yeah, yeah. So how does this work? I just pick a date and you send me back?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Do I have to have been alive at the date I give?\"\n\n\"I suppose not.\" The man mulled the decision over for a moment or two. He thought of everything happening in his life, significant or otherwise. Then it hit him.\n\n\"Okay, I know now. March 4th, 1999.\"\n\n\"There is no turning back, do you understand?'\n\n\"Do I have a choice?\"\n\n\"Choice is a human's desire to control his or her fate, choice is...\"\n\n\"Spare me and just send me back,\" demanded the man.\n\n\"Where?\"\n\n\"Central Park, 10 AM... please.\"\n\n\"It is done.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\----------------------\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe next moment he found himself in Central Park, on a brisk March morning, with the sun making its way from Harlem to Manhattan, just above the treeline. He took a deep breath and felt the cold air fill his lungs. The chill tickled his chest and he smiled while he basked in the early sunlight. His hands found their way into the front pouch of his hoodie as he meandered by the joggers in tights and athletic wear. The sun reflected brightly on the newly fallen snow as the man remembered the storm from the night preceding.\n\nWhen he found his bearings he headed south to the edge of the park at 59th. As the trees began to thin he stopped, almost forgetting the time he was in. The Twin Towers stood boldly to the south, dominating the horizon in front of him. What a splendor you were, he thought to himself. For a moment he thought of what he could do to save those 2000 souls, but that was for another day. Today he had a specific task, to which he would not deviate.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe found her alone on a bench, her head buried in her long brown hair, a used tissue in her hand. His heart simultaneously leapt and sank; she was no more than the age he is now, what a revelation that was. But he kept his cool, as much as possible, and approached the bench.\n\n\"Is this seat taken?\" he asked. She shook her head softly, not looking up from her tissue.\n\n\"Mrs. Fuller, yes?\" he tried defusing the awkwardness in the air. She looked up, curious. He smiled and continued, \"I'm a counselor at your son's school. I've seen you at parent-teacher nights.\"\n\n\"Oh, okay,\" she said softly. There was a long pause.\n\n\"Jamie is a good kid.\"\n\n\"You should see him at home,\" she laughed.\n\n\"And that's how any teenager is.\" he replied. He wanted to fill the ensuing silence. \"He talks about you a lot.\"\n\nShe looked up from her tissue, and he continued. \"I'll be honest, he's a troubled boy. I'm sure that's not news to you. But what you might not know is he is on the cusp of dark times that may last the rest of his life. He needs you. I know he pushes you away and calls you names he probably wishes he could take back, but if there is one constant in this world, it's that a boy needs his mother.\"\n\nThis time he welcomed the silence, to catch his breath and allow his heart-rate to return to normal. She seemed to be mulling his words over when she began to sob. Instinctively, he put his arm around her shoulder. She started to pull away but let it happen anyway.\n\n\"I just...\" she mumbled, \"feel like I'm drowning. My husband just left me for a barely legal bimbo, left me with Jamie and Jackson, and all these bills. I don't... I don't know what to do.\" she cried into his arm.\n\nHe felt the emotion, like a ton of bricks dropped into his lap. He remembered the funeral and how Jamie just looked like he was going to tear someone's head off in his rage, but how broken and alone Jackson looked. He remembered the father weeping into his new girlfriend's bosom and the anger he felt for her even being there.\n\nHis grip around her shoulder tightened as a single tear escaped, cascading down his cheek for no one in particular to see. It was wiped away as quickly as it appeared and he tried his best to comfort the young woman on the bench.\n\n\"We all feel this way, at one point or another. The last thing you can do is give up. Your sons need you. The school is there to help, however we can, and you have other family, yes?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Can I tell you a story?\" he asked simply. She nodded meekly, quickly wiping her tears away, ashamed at her honesty with a stranger. He smiled and offered her the sleeve of his sweatshirt. \"Growing up I had a friend who was way better at sports than me. They all seemed to come so easily to him and I hated it. But I was determined to ride a bike before him. He had tried once and wiped out in a ditch, crying all the way back home. So this was my chance. I practiced every night for weeks with training wheels, even though he laughed at me for having 'baby wheels'. I would go until there wasn't any light left but the street lamps turning on. I tried a few times without the training wheels but always wiped out. I would go home so frustrated, my dad would tell me I was wasting my time. Then one time I was out with my friend and I decided to prove I could do it in front of him. I took off in a running head start and jump on my bike. I pedaled a few hard pedals and wobbled a bit, but I stayed on. The wind felt new on my face even for just a few seconds. Then I wobbled some more when a car came down our street. I panicked and fell hard on the blacktop. I screamed and I cried as my knee was all torn up. My friend just laughed at me, but his mom came running out to help. She told me something I'll never forget.\" \n\nThe woman's eyes lit up, enamored by his story. \"She wiped the tears on my face and held a washcloth to me knee and while I was cursing myself for even trying to outdo my friend she said 'don't ever give up on yourself, all forward progress counts.' I never forgot that, and have always kept it as a sort-of battlecry. It probably sounds silly.\" he said, trailing off into thought. But her eyes were wide, as if she'd seen a ghost. He thought he might have said to much and stood up abruptly.\n\n\"Well Mrs. Fuller, all I can say to you is what she said to me so many years ago: don't give up on yourself.\"\n\nAnd with that he left, not daring to look back." ]	2
	[WP] - The warriors sent to battle the approaching army from another kingdom was wiped out. All that stands between the kingdom and the army is a measly gate keeper.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "“Let us through commoner!” The General towered over the gatekeeper, looking down his nose and pointing his cavalry sword and his throat.\n\n\nThe keeper was unamused. “I told you sir, you must pay the toll.”\n\n\nThe General was furious at this peasant’s insubordination. “We will do no such thing now let us through or I shall remove your head!” \n\n\n“Look, sir, I don’t want this to get out of hand, it’s only £2 each.”\n\n\nThe General made a fatal error. “So be it insubordinate insect.” He swung his sword.\n\n\nThe gatekeeper no longer kept up the unamused expression of a tiredminimum wage employee as he caught the sword in midair, before snapping it. “You shouldn’t have done that sir, you should have just paid the fine, I need to pay the rent and buy food SIR.” In a flash the general was vaporized apart from £2 which the gatekeeper collected quickly.\n\n\nThe army ten thousand strong stood stock still, silent, a cry rang out, “CHARGE!” Bayonets were fixed, fire lines formed, the cavalry charged ahead, only to have themselves incinerated and their fee collected. Commanders shouted frantic battle orders as the charging infantry, bayonets raised, were evaporated. “Steady men, on my mark... FIRE!” \n\n\nSmoke filled the air, bullets whizzed by to avail. The toll booth was unharmed, The on-duty employee walked forward through the hail of gunfire vaporizing stragglers. He walked straight up to the second-in-command. “Do you surrender?” The commander maintained his cool, “You are but one man, I will never surrender to the likes of a commoner.” Those were his final words as his toll was collected. \n\n\n“FIX BAYONETS!” The keeper was stabbed over and over to no avail, they fought bravely and desperately but by dusk the army was gone and the toll collected in full. \n\n\nThe keeper was exhausted, but as the sun set, he tiredly marched back to his booth to collect his paycheck and end his shift to bestow the great responsibility of gatekeeper onto the next employee. \n\n\nThe keeper clocked out and boarded the bus home, tired but satisfied with his day’s work." ]	2
	[WP] Everyone wakes up with no memory of the last 24 hours. Except you. No one believes you, and you need them to understand what happened.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP\n\nYou slam your alarm clock in irritation. It’s the same noise every single morning and it’s sickening. For the past 17 years you have been on a schedule and you can’t wait to just finally graduate and move on to make your own brand new schedule to live by instead of living in your parents house living by the schedule the adults in your life force down your throat. Wake up at six, get on the bus at seven sixteen, start school at eight, go home at two thirty, take a nap, do homework, eat dinner, play video games, go to sleep hoping something interesting will happen the next day. \n\nYou slowly sit up in your bed checking your phone for notifications. You only have two. One from the news app and another from your crush Selena who sits next to you in advanced Physics. You open Snapchat to see what she said. You moan in disappointment as you open a snap that says “streaks”. \nYou set your phone down and get up to get ready when you hear your mom walking down the hall coming to your room. That’s weird considering on school days your mom normally doesn’t talk to you in the mornings but it doesn’t bother you. She knocks on the door and then proceeds to open it without ever hearing from you giving her permission to enter. \n\n“Eli buddy, does your phone say it’s monday?”\nmy mom asks.\n\nYou can tell she is clearly tired. Her eyes are almost completely closed and her hair is so frizzy it looked like she just got out of an electric chair. She looks dead.\n\n“Why wouldn’t it say that mom?” \nyou say with a slight attitude. \n\n“It’s Sunday Eli but for some reason our alarms went off and our phones say it’s monday.”\n\n“Mom we literally were at church yesterday do you not remember? It’s literally monday morning and I am going to school in about an hour.”\n\nYour mom gives you an extremely concerned look as if you were insane. She just turns around and walks away. You find yourself feeling a small amount of doubt but then you again remember you were at church just yesterday and finally draw the conclusion your mom is insane which in reality isn’t far fetched. \n\nYou continue to get dressed and get ready for the day slowly and reluctantly. As you grab your jacket on your way out of the house your mom asks where you are going. \n\n“I am going to school mom. It is monday.”\n\n“Honey, it is sunday something is wrong with our phones.” \nyour mom insists.\n\n“Goodbye mom I am going to school. Love you.”\nYou reply with that just to end the conversation that would have gone nowhere if they continued. \nYou proceed to walk outside to the bus stop and wait. You continue to wait. You still are waiting. Why has the bus not come? You have no idea. You realize you have been standing there for 20 minutes and no one has come. You get frustrated and text a friend to see if you missed the bus. You don’t get a reply. \n\n“What the heck is going on.” you mutter to yourself. \n\nYou decide to give it five more minutes. You finally give up and walk back inside to ask your mom for the car. You walk inside and make your way to your moms bedroom. You were about to knock when you realize you don’t have to go to school if the bus isn’t coming. You turn around and head to your room where you plan to continue sleeping. \n\nYou finally start dozing off when you hear the sound of your phone ringing.\n\nYou frustratingly pick up the phone not caring who called and before you could start cursing them out a strange voice starts speaking.\n\n“Eli Massengill, how are you feeling this morning.”\n\n“Who is this?”\nYou reply slowly.\n\n“My name is none of your concern. The only thing you should be concerned about is your safety.”\n\n“Look I don’t know who this is or what you want but you interrupted my nap and I don’t like pranks so just leave me alone.” \nYou are genuinely furious and just want to sleep and it is easily heard through your tone of voice.\n\n“1865 Billings Rd. Seattle, Washington. (206) 276-7785. Senior in High school. Applying to all of the Ivy League schools and looking for football scholarships mainly to go to Stanford. We know you and we need you safe. Take my word and trust me when I say you are in danger and you need to follow my every direction.”\n\nYou say nothing in shock. The voice continues.\n\n“You in your sleep reset everyones sunday and they don’t know they have lived it already. You have powers Eli and I am afraid someone will want them. I want to help you. Meet me in the middle square of Silling Park at noon.”\n\nThe call suddenly ends and you are left with nothing but a mix of wild emotions, silence, and your scrambling thoughts.\n\n ", "&#x200B;\n\nThe ceiling came into focus as I felt my head throb. I sat up and looked around.\n\nShit. It wasn't just a dream.\n\nI heard movement to my right and looked over. A young girl lying nearby was waking up. My heart started racing. I fought the excruciating pain running through my body as I crawled over to her. I brushed the hair out of her face and covered her mouth with my hand.\n\n“Shh,” I told her as I touched my lips with a finger, “I’m not going to hurt you, but you have to listen to me very carefully.”\n\nI could feel the blood pumping through her veins as her body’s fight-or-flight response kicked in.\n\n“I’m not going to hurt you,” I repeated, “just listen to me. Please. Whatever you do, don’t speak. Do not say a single word. You have to trust me or we are all going to die. Just nod if you understand.”\n\nThe girl nodded, her deep blue eyes filled with terror.\n\n“Good. I’m going to take my hand off now. Whatever you do, do not speak. Just nod or shake your head,” I told her.\n\nShe nodded and I removed my hand. She sat up, cringing from the pain.\n\n“I know this is a lot to take in but,” I could hear my own voice tremble as I asked her, “do you have any idea where we are or remember how in the hell you got here?”\n\nShe shook her head.\n\nOf course she didn’t. They wiped her memories of the last 24 hours while they--my body flinches and I see the girl's hair flutter. A detonation on the other side of the room. A man had tried to yell out to us but was engulfed in flames as an explosion erupted around him and consumed his words. I stood up and scan the direction of the explosion.\n\n“Oh no... it’s starting,” I whisper as I look around the room, watching hundreds of people waking up. I had to stop them before they all died. But how? Why would anyone listen to me?\n\nI stood up, took a deep breath. Placing my hands around my mouth to project my voice, I start repeating, “SPEAK AND YOU DIE!”" ]	3
	[WP] A 25 year old, unemployed man with a drug addiction is evicted from his flat after neglecting to pay rent. While wondering the streets, he finds an envelope with his name on it, containing several £50 notes. He sets out to investigate who is watching him & why...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "One more go then I'll stop. Jack thought as he nervously fumbled with the keys to his flat. Jack shuffled inside and slouched down on his dirty yellow sofa. Finally a minute to breathe. Jack thought as he kicked his muddy boots off and sank further into the sofa. Just me the TV and a big bag of smack, what more could a guy... \n\nBefore Jack could finish that thought a loud pounding began on his door. The pounding was accompanied by a voice Jack was very familiar with, Old man Smith his landlord.\"Jack open this door, I know you're in there! I saw you walkin' in.\" Old man Smith said in his raspy cracking voice. \n\"You're three months late on rent Jack. I can't take it anymore. I've got dozens of other people interested in this place, I can't keep lettin' you stay here for free.\" Old Man Smith continued as Jack slowly moved from his sunken seat. \n\"And you know what they actually have money. Isn't that somethin' real hard cash. I mean I'm beginning to wonder if you even know what that is anymore.\" Old Man Smith finished as Jack unlatched the bolt lock and swung the door open. \n\"Smithy, my man, lookin' good. New haircut? New t-shirt? Wait don't tell me now.\" Jack began saying but before he could work his charm Old Man Smith cut him off. \n\"Enough of the bullshit Jack. I'm old enough to know a bullshitter when I see one. Hell I was even quite the bullshit artist when I was your age.\" The charismatic grin Jack had, seemingly vanished from his face leaving an expressionless look. One that clearly showed Jack knew what was coming next. \n\"So kid ya got the rent or not?\" Old Man Smith asked. \n\"Well you know it's not that simple Smithy, just gimme...\" Jack began but Old Man Smith cut him off before he could finish. \n\"No Jack, no more delays, no more bullshit. I'm done. No money no flat ya gotta go.\" Old Man Smith said. \"Jack it hurts me to do this you're a good kid, I can see the potential in ya, don't know what's holdin' ya back. I really don't.\" \nI do. Jack thought. But you'd never understand anyways Old Man. No one would. \n\"I understand Smithy, I'll be out this afternoon.\" Jack said plainly and shut the door. \nMan what am I gonna do. What am I gonna do. Jack thought as he sat back down. \n\nThe rest of the morning and afternoon seemed to go by artificially quickly as Jack sat slouched on his sofa high as a kite. Before he knew it the time was four in the afternoon and time for him to get going before Smithy came back around. He packed a backpack with only the essentials, a big old bag of smack. \n\nFor a number of years now to Jack it seemed that his brain had begun to unravel itself. He heard things that weren't there. Voices, whispers, so indistinct, so quiet, Jack was never quite sure what they were saying. \nHe saw things, improbable thing, unreal things. Its just a bad trip. Its just a bad trip. he would think to himself as he spotted a man in a grey suit following him in the night. As Jack passed under each light post he could hear the footsteps becoming louder and louder. Faster and faster. Until finally he would jump around to see. Nothing. Just a bad trip. \nWith his paranoia consuming him in every sober moment, Jack's casual drug habit turned into his only refuge, his only escape, from what he thought was his own mind. He slowly began to dive deeper into his own personal abyss, his demons swallowing him whole. \n\nHe had lost his career after overdosing at his desk and barely being revived after the EMT stuck him with narcan. He had lost his family after stealing from them multiple times to feed his addiction. He had seemingly lost himself in his race away from sobriety. Eventually he had four things on his mind, eat, sleep, shoot up and most importantly avoid sobriety at all costs.\n\nAs Jack left the flat complex with his backpack full of smack he decided to head into the city and see what he could scrounge off the streets. Adams Market seems like a good place to start. Jack thought and set out for his destination. He made his way due south past the old Church and then west up Maple hill until he found himself walking past the abandoned mill factory on the far side of Maple hill.This looks like a great place to shoot up. Jack thought as he surveyed the area for other people. After a quick look around Jack determined he was alone and made his way into the mill factory. \n\nInside it smelled dank and musty. The wooden frame of the factory was slowly rotting away. Jack heard vermin scurrying across the dirty floor and back to their dens. The old machines lay in ruin covered in cobwebs and a thick coat of dust. Everything was seemingly undisturbed for years. Jack wiped the dust off of an old wooden chair that let out a long creak as Jack sat atop it's weary wooden limbs. He opened his backpack and retrieved the bag of smack inside placing it on a table in front of him. He joyfully opened the bag and began to prep for his afternoon delight, when suddenly, Jack heard footsteps and a woosh of air behind him. Startled he immediately jerked his head around, his heart racing. Not to his surprise he saw nothing, except, a bright red envelope placed on a stand facing him. Hmm, that's strange... Jack thought as he began to walk towards the stand. As he walked closer and closer he began to make out what was written on the front. Jack saw in a very rough jagged script across the front of the red envelope one word. JACK. Alarmed by this Jack quickly picked up the envelope and hurried back to his table. He sat down opening the envelope to find hundreds upon hundreds of $50 notes. Thousands upon thousands of dollars. But why... why me? Jack began to think. When he heard it again the sound of wooshing air and footsteps behind him getting closer. And closer. He jerked his head around immediately and saw the Man in the Grey suit standing there. He had on a matching grey fedora and a fat cigar hanging out of the corner of his mouth. The smoke billowing up around him like a chimney. He pursed his lips in a sinister grin and began. \"Jack my boy, we've been watching you...\" " ]	2
	[WP] You live in a sealed luxury apartment. Every day you must step into a small room containing a gun, a prisoner in a chair, and a voice detailing their crimes. If you do not execute them you are held responsible for any future crimes they commit. Today you are given another option.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Life isn’t always what you expected. I learned that the hard way years ago, when I was kidnapped and brought here. This lovely appartment with a full dining set, functional bath, a great view to the ocean, unlimited Internet and everything. Sounds like a good place to be kidnapped, you might think. But there’s a catch: I had to execute a prisoner each day, or release them and potentially be held responsible for their future crimes. Of course, the choice itself is ruthless: you either had to kill someone, ore you’ll never sleep soundly again with fear of being executed yourself. But, if there is one miscalculation in this plan of whoever’s responsible, then it would be me. \nIt all started like another day on the job. I had a wonderful breakfast of eggs and bacon, then headed towards the execution room. Awaiting me was a young man around 30 or so with his eyes blindfolded, his body tied to the chair and his mouth gagged. The same thing each day, basically. Then, I put on the only phone in the room to hear the verdict on the other side: \n“True name unknown, nickname: Jack the Ripper. Commites 37 murders, all of which are of small children ranging from 10 to 12 years old...” \n“Again?” I thought to myself. “What’s with people today and naming themselves Jack the Ripper? This is the third one this month alone!” \n“... Your verdict?” The voice asked in a monotonous way. I failed to catch the rest of the man’a crimes, but I didn’t really need to care. \n“Same old, same old.” I told the voice on the phone. “Kill.” \n“You won’t pick the third option?” The voice asked in a surprised tone, one that I only heard the first time ever since I got here. \n“Third option?” I asked. “There’s a third option?” \n“You haven’t been paying attention, have you?” The voice responded. I could feel that the person on the other side sighed for their first time. \n“Look, whoever you are... I’ve been doing this forever. You’re lucky I still choose to listen to your same old voice every day.” \n“... Fine, I shall state the options again: kill, release, or retire.” \n“Retire?” I asked. \n“Correct. Retire.” The voice answered. “You shall no longer have to choose, nor to kill. You’ll be relieved of duty and return to being a normal person.” \n“Now that does seem nice...” I said. “But no thanks. I choose kill.” I stated my answer while loading the gun. \n“Kill? Why? Don’t you want to live normally again?” The voice shook in horror. \n“Normal?” I laughed. “I stopped being normal years ago, when you captured me. My hands are already stained, I have no skills, no education, what do you expect me to do when I return to my normal life? In here, I can get my meals for free, I don’t have to worry about shelter, and all I have to do is kill a random person each day! Isn’t this the life of luxury everyone dreams about?” \n“You... you’re too far gone.” The voice retaliated weakly. \n“Save the chitchat for later.” I smirked. “I got some killing to do.” \n“Stop! No! We were testing you! That man is innocent!” The voice screamed, desperately trying to stop me. \n“Too late.” I let out a bitter laugh. “You’re 15 years too late.” \nIt was at that moment that people came busting down the walls in the room. 10, maybe 20 of fully armed men, each with their own pistols and rifles all pointing at me. Leading them was a young woman also pointing her gun at me: \n“You know, we chose you that time was because we thought you had what it takes to be a hero; a heart cold enough to punish the sinner, yet warm enough to save the misunderstood. But to think you’ve degraded into this state...” \n“Well, bad news for you, lady.” I smiled, realizing the voice I’ve been listening to for the past 15 years. “I never had what it takes to be a true hero. But, sometimes evil is the only way to save everyone.” \n“You never wanted to save anyone but yourself.” \n“Perhaps.” I loaded my gun once more. “But I’m never in the wrong.”", "I've always enjoyed my routine: wake up, rested and full of energy, eat a delicious and healthy meal, relax for an hour or two, exercise, work on my art, then dress up and go to work. After work I would have unlimited free time to dedicate to anything I wanted, and it was never wasted. I loved art, I loved cooking, I had numerous hobbies which I indulged in every day.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI was always happy, every new day has brought me more strength, more happiness, and more energy then the day before. I always had a smile on my face, and in my soul. I was never lonely. I was fulfilled at everything, physically and emotionally. My life was as joyful as it could be, I was the happiest man alive! I was like this for as long as I can remember.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI was residing in a very spacious and luxurious apartment, if you could call it that. It was the size of a mansion, with all the possible comforts I could need. Open concept loft-style 2nd and 3rd floors, the most expensive and comfortable furniture and decor, dozens of arts, hobby and entertainment rooms. I had my own theatre, my own music studio, my own bowlig alley, a state-of-the-art gaming room... And a lot more. I had everything, I never had any need or desire stay unfulfilled.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMy job was easy, it barely took any of my time. On average I worked 15 minutes a day. At around noon each day my iHAMS (in-House Automated Management System) would alert me that it was time to go to work. I had to dress in my work attire - a well fitted suit with USN-APD-8 logo on it, and enter the only room in my mansion that would not be accessible outside of working hours.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nInside the room was a chair, with a prisoner secured to it. Next to the chair was a table with a 1-page document, a pen and a loaded gun. Mounted into a wall was a screen. As I entered the room, the screen lit up and showed me the prisoners crimes. After that I had time to decide if the prisoner is likely to continue their criminal activities in the future - should I not execute them here and now. If this prisoner would not get executed, they would either get incarcerated or in some cases let go. My job was to ensure that any prisoner who exits this room alive will be guaranteed to not continue any criminal activity there after.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI had as much time to decide as I needed, but I never needed much time. It never took me more then five minutes to decide on my verdict, every case I was given was always clear. The prisoner was always guilty, and I could visualise clearly that they would never rehabilitate. I could clearly visualise in my head their future crimes. Ever since I can remember, I always reached the same verdict. \"Guilty, will not rehabilitate\".\n\n&#x200B;\n\nUpon reaching the verdict, I could ask the prisoner for any last words. In all cases they didn't have anything good to say: \"Please, I was framed\", \"Spare me\", \"Its political\", I'm innocent\", mixed in with angry outbursts of vulgarity and attempts to upset me: \"Rot in hell you soulless bastard\", \"Fuck you, miserable piece of shit\". Some tried to tell me lengthy stories of their innocence or convince me that they made a 1-time error in judgement. Never anything that made sense, never able to change my mind or make me doubt my verdict even slightly.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBy the rules, if I would ever let a prisoner go, I would be responsible for their future crimes. But that never once was an even slight motivator to my decisions, if I would ever be presented with an innocent person, I would know it, and I would let them go. The \"risk\" of being later charged with their new crimes was non existent in my head, I just KNEW they were all guilty, I could visualise it perfectly. And I would know if they were innocent or would rehabilitate. After the formality of the prisoner's last words, I signed \"Guilty, will not rehabilitate\" on the document, picked up a gun and fired two shots at the prisoner, one to the heart and one to the head. I would ensure that the prisoner is deceased, exit the room, deposit my suit into iClean and go on with my daily routine.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThen, one day, something changed. I entered the execution room, as usual. In the chair was a middle-aged woman, she didn't look unusual in any way. The screen informed me of her crimes - she is an accountant, she was guilty of money laundering for a large corporation. Nothing unusual, I've dealt with such crimes before many times. I concentrated and started to visualise her future - right away I saw her detained for 5 years, later released, and after less then a month working for another high-profile company. A few month later, she would once again conspire with the CFO of the company to fake financial statements and avoid taxes. She was a very talented accountant, she had good connections, and she would be paid very large amounts of money for her illegal services. The verdict was clear: \"Guilty, will not rehabilitate\".\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI signed the verdict, listened to her last words, that were somewhat unusual: \"Rinse and repeat, stay strong on your feet\", fired two rounds - into her heart and into her head, and went on with my day.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThings changed. Right after exiting the room, I felt uneasy. I couldn't understand why, I couldn't understand what was happening, I was feeling slight anxiety. I never felt like this before. Not once, as long as I could remember. I was always happy, always at 100% of my mental and physical capacity. And now, now I was worried. I decided to relax and compose some music. My music studio was locked! It was never locked before. No room, other then \"the \"work\" room, was ever locked in this house. I tried the movie theatre - also locked! The pool, the game room, the library, the museum - all had no access. I was cut off from all forms of entertainment. I became increasingly more anxious. Thankfully, I could still access the exercise room and the kitchen, so I hit the weights extra-hard that day and cooked myself an incredibly delicious meal. I felt slightly better and I went to sleep.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI woke up with a mild headache and a stuffed nose. I was never sick before, I never experienced pain. It wasn't overwhelming, but it brought the anxiety right back. I checked on all the entertainment rooms - they were still locked. iHAMS couldn't tell me what was happening, to any inquiry into the matter it kept repeating \"You are unable to access this room at the time\". I cooked myself breakfast, hit the gym, and was prompted to go to work.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe work was routine, nothing unusual, I fulfilled my duties with another \"Guilty, will not rehabilitate\" verdict on a mid-20's male sex offender. I continued my day after work in a similar fashion as on the previous day.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTime went by, a few weeks, and nothing changed. I was now, as it seemed like, permanently cut off from my entertainment rooms. I often felt mildly sick - nausea, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, weakness, anxiety. I never felt 100% again. As this went on, I started getting used to it, although never fully happy anymore, I could still go on, it was tolerable, and I had hopes that it would change back to normal soon enough.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd things did change. A few weeks after the day it all started, I had another strange prisoner. A middle-aged IT professional, who worked for the same company as the accountant from before. He was guilty of hacking high-level politicians and stealing classifieds documents in order to create political divide and instability. He was guilty, and received a standard verdict. His last words were: \"Don't cough, don't sneeze, hold on to your knees\". I executed him, exited the room, and right away felt extreme nausea. I fell down to my feet and threw up.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI could barely function that day, I felt extremely weak and had aches all over my body. I had blood in my urine, I felt dehydrated and hungry, despite eating and drinking normal amounts. I no longer had access to my exercise room, in fact, about 90% of my amenities were now not accessible. My kitchen appliances wouldn't function properly and I was limited to only basic unhealthy foods.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMy life was turning into a nightmare, I had chronic tooth pain, chronic headache, chronic fatigue and nausea. My skin was covered in blistering eczema, my vision became blurry, my bones were weak and I started having random fractures. All of this was accompanied by a deteriorated mental state - constant anxiety, frequent panic attacks.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI could only stay in my bed for most of the day, barely eat, and show up for work to keep fulfilling my duties.", "Daryl stepped out of the small, dim room and sighed. He closed his eyes and slowly counted to ten taking a breath at each number. He thought of the ritual as his last bit of humanity. He allowed himself a few seconds of regret after each kill just to feel normal again.\n\nHe tried to recall the feelings of the first time. The wrongness of willingly taking someone else's life paralyzed him. The hesitation almost cost him his own life, but an empty stomach has its own set of morals. After the first kill, he was rewarded with a meal. After that, the kills became easier and more rewarding.\n\nAfter counting to ten, Daryl walked away from the closed door, not remotely concerned about the body he left behind. Every day the room was clean with a brand new, alive person sitting in a chair. They were always hooded and gagged. Occasionally drugged, Daryl guessed those were the more troublesome prisoners.\n\nHe paused at the entrance to the mudroom and smiled to himself. As far as he was concerned he had the ultimate life of leisure, the king bed-sized pit of moist soil in the center of the room was the height of entertainment. He could do whatever he wanted all day as long as he was in the room when they told him to be. Daryl did not know who they were, but he did not know who any of the victims were either. He did not really know anything about the world outside his apartment, and he didn't care to. His life was easy and he did not want it to get complicated. He padded to the mud pit and lay down in the center of it to log in.\n\nDaryl spent the night and a good portion of the next day in the AlterNet, but they knew how to reach him there too. He got word it was time for the next kill and logged out. The same scene as always awaited him in the small room.\n\nHe opened the door and stepped into the dim, black room. The hunched over stranger, a woman, sat up. The black hood on her head swiveled left and right as she tried to get her bearings and her muffled voice tried to form words through the gag.\n\n\"This woman has committed no crimes,\" the usual, mysterious, male voice said. The woman frantically nodded her head while still trying to speak. The statement surprised Daryl, he'd grown accustomed to hearing long lists of horrid offenses. Daryl looked at the table and saw the usual gun there. He heard a sound and looked to the wall behind the woman. A door that he always knew was there, but never found, opened. \"You have served us well, but your time has ended. You are free to go, she will take your place.\"\n\n\"What?\" Daryl shouted. He assumed he'd live out the rest of his days in the apartment and he'd grown comfortable with the thought. \"What if I don't want to?\" The voice did not respond, it never talked to him. But Daryl still got an answer.\n\nThe dim lights in the room transitioned to a soft red color. Daryl called it the warning light, it was his captor's version of, \"I'm going to count to five.\" He had a minute to do the thing they wanted him to do, or there would be consequences. Daryl sighed and stepped toward the new opening, but paused.\n\n\"There can't be consequences if I\"m free, right?\" he rationalized before stepping through the door. He remembered the gun on the table. \"Oh yeah, I guess they can if they tell her to shoot me.\" He turned to leave again. \"Unless...\"\n\nBefore he realized what he was doing he stood next to the woman with the gun pointed at her head. He looked around the room at all the cameras he knew were there, but could not see. He expected to hear the voice, but no one said anything. Daryl looked down at the gun in his hand.\n\nThis was different. They told him she was innocent. They did not tell him to kill her, they did not seem interested in stopping him. It was his choice to make, and he did.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" he apologized to the stranger, then pulled the trigger.\n\nThe gun filled the quiet room with a loud click; it was empty.\n\n\"Congratulations. You're the sort of person we're looking for,\" the woman said then stood from the chair, and pulled her hood off at the same time.\n\n\\\\\\\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year two, day #64. You can find all my stories collected on my subreddit ([r/hugoverse](https://www.reddit.com/r/hugoverse)) or my [blog](https://hugoverse.info/). If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the [Guidebook](https://hugoverse.info/2017/11/25/hugoverse-guidebook/) to see what's what and who's who, or the [Timeline](https://hugoverse.info/2017/10/23/hugoverse-timeline/) to find the stories in order. ", "\"You should let me go,\" He said, sitting there, his hands bound behind his back. His ankles locked to the metal chair legs that were bolted down into the floor. His body seemed relaxed, other than the visibly unnatural position of being bound to a chair. His upper body wasn't stiff or rigid the way that some others had been. No crying or pleading or begging. His statement was short, simple, and one that I had heard hundreds of times before, but when he spoke I believed him and actually considered it. He'd given me no evidence at all and yet, I actually considered it. \n\n\"Why? Why would I do that? Then I'd be responsible for all the terrible things that you're going to do, lose this apartment, lose my incredible life! You're crazy,\" I barked back at him. If he thought I was a pushover, he was wrong. I'd been here for years and grown callous from my time as an executioner. I'm not ashamed to say that I even may have enjoyed it on a few occasions. The criminals with the truly despicable crimes made my role surprisingly easy at times. Murderer, bye. Rapist, I don't even hesitate. That's on one end of the spectrum. The other is shoplifters, trespassers, or even battery cases. The decision gets a lot more difficult not knowing the direction a person's life will take. Will they straighten up and get things together or did I just sign my death warrant. \n\nMy mind flashed back to Billy Warren, two counts of battery. The second one he really did a number on the guy. Billy was only 22 went he sent a fellow bar brawler to the hospital. The guy had to drink through a straw for three days because of what Billy did to him. \n\n\"Please, come on, let me go, I'll straighten up, I, I promise,\" Billy said as he sat in the same small room that my newest guest was in now. I looked into Billy's eyes, tried to determine whether he was telling the truth or not. Did Billy really change? \n\n\"I don't think you've changed Billy, I just think you don't want to die,\" I said and raised my weapon to him. I couldn't risk it. I couldn't risk the chance that Billy would get back on the street, in some bar, in some fight and send the next unlucky guy to look at him funny to meet his maker. That would be on me. His cursing tirade as I pulled the trigger reassured me that I'd made the right decision, but I did think about him from time to time. What if that was Billy's last fight? I mean, it was Billy's last fight, but what if he was never going to fight again? What good had I done myself or the rest of the world?\n\nThe current offender had a very different rap sheet. Bank robberies, car thefts, identity thefts, each new offense that boomed through the room was a new thrill, a new high that had been chased. After hearing some of the charges the criminal would smirk a little or let out a barely audible chuckle. \n\n\"Are you reminiscing?\" I asked coldly, judging him as I listen to his crimes. \n\n\"Yeah, I am, that's a life you could live, you know,\" He looked around the tiny room, \"don't you get tired of being stuffed up here in this prison?\"\n\n\"It's not just this room,\" I say getting a little defensive. I can feel myself becoming flustered, I've never had a prisoner that's been this abrasive before, \"there's a whole luxury apartment that I live in, I love my life.\"\n\nHe gives me a sarcastic look as if he doesn't believe what I'm saying. Do I believe what I'm saying? I thought I did, but this prisoner has completely knocked me off balance. \n\n\"I get it, you think it's great and all that, but I guarantee it's way better out there,\" he motioned his head, the only thing he had free, towards the wall. There was no outside that could be seen, but I got the message. \"I was you, this, THIS was my job and I was just like you. Coming into a small room, pulling a trigger and then ordering room service, as much as I could stuff in my face. And I'm telling you, this is not living, but out there, that's living. I'm not asking you to let me go and pay for my future sins. There's gonna be a lot, I guarantee it! I want you to come with me, escape this prison and start living for the first time in your life\" he said.\n\nI looked at him and knew that he was telling me the truth, at least to him it was. He didn't regret leaving behind his life as an executioner, not for a minute. I thought about what he was telling me, it's something that I had never truly considered. I never thought that there could be another path other than the one I was currently on. I thought about what he was saying, looked around the room and made my decision. \n\n\"I think I like my luxury apartment, and I don't need you running around out there messing things up,\" I said, raised my gun and completed my daily task.", "I sat in my apartment overlooking the bay, sipping my morning tea. My apartment reflected my life, orderly, minimal, and cold. I say my apartment, but I really mean theirs...they owned this building, just as they did my life. I was in charge of a different life every day, and yet, I knew I couldn't make any in mine. \n\nI owed them. It was almost 10 years ago that I stormed into this very building looking for my mother. It was in the room down the hall, the one in which I played God every afternoon that I found her strapped to a chair, blindfolded, and gagged with a gun to her head. It was there that I dropped to my knees, begging the executioner who server before me to please spare her life, and it was in that room that I wrestled his gun from him, and shot him. Soon after I had done so, the phone had rang, and a woman laid out my options. Either my mom would be executed, and I would be behind bars, or I could accept a position as an executioner that had opened up just a few minutes ago, and choose to pardon my mother. If I picked the latter, I would need to serve 8 years, a sentence that would grow with each person I pardoned who later would go on to again commit crimes. \n\nAt first, I tried pardoning them all...who wouldn't have? It was only for the special pieces of shit that I would make an exception. Rapists, child molestors, you know the types. In only 10 months of pardoning, I had racked up another 2 years of mandatory service. That's when my pardon rate decreased dramatically. Almost everyone was executed for their crimes. Besides, why was it up to me to show mercy? They were all guilty. I made the rare exception for a couple of individuals, but made sure to scare them shitless before I let them go, and for the last 8 years, I haven't had any additional charges added. I would actually be out of here in just a couple of months. \n\nI had to stay emotionless on this job. I lost most of my humanity, but there was still a little part of me, hidden deeply way, that looked forward to normalcy. To holding my little sister, Elaine, and seeing how much she had grown. She was only 9, and I 17 when I had left. \n\nI heard a buzz at my door. It was time. I walked down the hall into the judgement chamber. The door clicked behind me, and I looked across the room to my likely victim, and when I saw her, I froze. \n\nMom?\n\nShe was neither blindfolded nor gagged, like protocol required. Her eyes were puffy from crying, and the years had not treated her well. \n\nWhy are you back here? \n\nShe wouldn't look me in my eyes. The phone rang. \n\nThe accused stands guilty of murder. She helped slaughter and dispose of a 19 year old girl.\n\nI slammed the phone down before being given my options. \n\nyou had better start fucking talking, mom* I screamed\n\ni...it was Bobby, he got into an argument and...\nHer voice trailed off. Bobby, the same lowlife loser who had gotten her in here the first time, and she stayed with him???\n\nwho I asked\n\nShe looked up to me with pain in her eyes that sent chills down my spine. In the last 10 years, I had heard the worst of the worst horror stories imaginable, but nothing prepared me for this. \n\nDon't you fucking dare\n\nShe and Bobby got into an argument, and it was an accident, and she was just being so unreasonable, and...it was an accident!\n\nI grabbed the gun and ran over to her chair, holding it to her head, and dropping down to her face level \n\nyou fucking killed my baby sister? I sneered\n\nShe closed her eyes and began pleading that I let her off like last time. I didn't have to kill her, after all. \n\nI began screaming at her that I had already sacrificed 10 years of my life for her, and she hadn't learned a thing. She hadn't changed. It was then that the phone rang again. I got up and grabbed it. \n\nwhat do you want?\n\nAren't you going to hear out your 3 options, Executioner?\n\nThree? What? I had only been given two options. Kill or forgive and screw myself over in the long run. What was the third option I had magically been granted?\n\nYou can kill her, you can forgive her and take on an additional 15 years of servitude, or you can join your sister\n\nJoin my sister?\n\nIt was then that I heard the sound of the security clasp on my gun power off. Decades ago, an executioner had taken his own life instead of playing the agencies stupid game, and since then, the guns had been modeled with a trigger switch that only activated when pointed away from the agent (I was injected with a some metal thing in my arm for it, I don't really remember the details). \n\nThey want me to serve 15 more years for you I told her coldy\n\nI..im so sorry, Anna, I promise Ill leave Bobby, Ill get my life together...you can come live with me when you get out again, it will be just like old times!\n\nExcept without Elaine, right?\n\noh..um...yeah \nDid she even fucking care?\n\nI gave up my life for you, mom. I did this so you could get a second chance. I killed EVERYONE, so I could get out of here as soon as possible and be with you and Elaine...I sacrificed EVERYTHING\n\nShe began to mumble some piss poor excuse again. \n\nShut the fuck up\n\nI could kill her right now, and be out of here in a few months, but what would I have to go back to? She and Elaine were all I had.\n\nI could let her go, knowing she would lead the same shit excuse for a life, following around an abusive meth head...\n\nOr I could retire. \n\nI picked up the gun again and walked over to my mother. \n\nI'm not going to kill you, mom\n\nShe took a big sigh of relief and began thanking me, but I interrupted her.\n\nI don't know what the agency is going to do with you, but I want you to know that you killed both of your daughters\n\nboth? she looked up at me in horror as I raised the gun to my own head, clicked the safety, and blew the trigger. ", "Killing another human being had become second nature to Lucy. Her punishment was cruel and unusual to say the least, but Lucy thought it sounded like a pretty sweet alternative to serving five in federal.\n\nLocked into a high rise apartment with all the modern comforts and tasty meals delivered thrice per day, she was originally to serve only a year here. Every day at noon she was forced into a room with a blindfolded person tied to a chair. Next to the person was a table with a phone and a loaded revolver. The phone would ring, a voice would list all of crimes committed by the restrained person, and Lucy was given a choice: shoot the person, or let them live. The ones who lived would be returned to society, and if they committed a crime again time would be added to Lucy’s time in the apartment.\n\nAt first the choice was easy, let them live and hope that they would not relapse, at least not before Lucy’s time was up. It seemed feasible, it was but a year.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTwo months into her punishment Lucy had already accrued six additional months to serve. This was when she first took the other option. It had been a bank robber who had robbed seven different banks in the state, killing three persons in a hostage situation that got out of hand, ending with his arrest. Lucy picked up the revolver. She had picked it up many times at this point, but had never been able to pull the trigger. She aimed at the blindfolded man, the gun felt heavier than normal. She took a deep breath and squeezed the trigger.\n\nLucy was a mess for weeks after that, letting all subjects live without even answering the phone. More crimes were committed, her time kept growing, one additional year after the next. Lucy knew this would not get better unless she did it again.\n\nKilling a murderer is fine. Lucy knew this. These people had committed the worst crime possible and did not deserve to live. The bar was set, and no one who intentionally killed another person would leave the room breathing. Lucy felt an enormous relief when she realized that the rate of time gained decreased.\n\nStill, she was not getting closer to freedom, quite the opposite. Her time to serve kept growing faster and faster.\n\nShe started recognizing some of the potential targets. They had been given a second chance, and wasted it. That had to be enough. No matter the crime, if Lucy recognized them she would shoot them. She would not even answer the phone if she didn’t remember their crimes last time. It was easier that way.\n\nLucy had finally reached a point where she was actually getting closer to getting out each day. According to her calculations, at the current rate should would not be out for another sixty-seven years, and she already had increased her time with way more than her original prison sentence was for.\n\nFor the past year Lucy had shot every person she met in the room. They were all criminals anyway, this had to be their punished. Lucy felt quite certain that the reason she had been put in this situation was for this very reason, these people had been chosen for execution.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nUntil the day when the rules changed. Lucy entered the room as usual, sauntering towards the revolver, when she saw something she had not seen for almost two years. Another pair of eyes met hers. A young man was tied to the chair, a piece of duct tape covered his mouth, but he was not wearing a blindfold.\n\nLucy stared at the man in disbelief.\n\n“What the fuck is going on?” Lucy asked the room.\n\nThe phone rang, Lucy picked it up.\n\n“Lucy, we have a different deal for you today,” the familiar voice spoke to her. “This man has never committed a crime in his life. He works as a doctor. We have shown him videos of every execution you’ve done.”\n\n“Why are you doing this? Why today?” Lucy shouted to the phone.\n\n“The deal is as follows. Kill him, and you are free to go, today. Your punishment will be over. If you let him live, your punishment will continue as before. As long as he lets you live.”\n\n“This is fucking insane! You put me in this situation, it was my only way out,” Lucy argued. There was no response.\n\nLucy picked up the revolver and aimed at the man. The man looked back at hear, his eyes wet with tears. Lucy’s index finger shook like the first time she fired the gun. She stood there for a few seconds, it felt like hours to Lucy.\n\nShe lowered her arm, put the gun down on the table and walked to the back of the chair and untied the knots.\n\n“I had no other choice,” she pleaded.\n\n“Neither do I,” responded the man as he got up, picked up the revolver and a fired a bullet into Lucy’s temple.\n\nThe man returned the revolver to the table. The phone rang again.\n\n“Well done Michael” the voice on the other side said. “You have a choice. Do you want to serve your reduced sentence, now three years, in jail, or do you want to spend four months in this apartment? You’ll be locked in, but it will be very comfortable for you. We will only ask you to do one little thing every day.”", "I took a breath, and slipped the hood over my head.\n\nMy hand pressed the button, and the door slid open without a sound. I stepped into the small ante-chamber, waiting as the door behind me closed. There was a pause, then a beep, and then the second door opened.\n\nFor the first few weeks, I had always been taken aback by the brightness of the lights; I'd learned to keep my eyes closed for a few seconds. The ferocity of the LED strip lights cast a red glow through my eyelids, and I counted slowly up to fifty. When I opened my eyes, the glare still hurt, but it was bearable.\n\nI stepped inside.\n\nThe room looked as it always did. The walls were white, and covered in a thin layer of something glossy. I didn't know too much about it, and I didn't ask. I always assumed it was so that they could spray the room down.\n\nHow they would do that, I wasn't sure. There was only one door into the room, and that was the one I used. How someone would come in to clean the room - or, for that matter, how the prisoners were placed inside - was a mystery to be. A mystery that I didn't ask about.\n\nAgain, I had learned early that it was easier to try not to think too much about it.\n\nDirectly in front of me, laying on a gleaming silver table, was a gun. It looked rather like a vintage six-shooter, but there was only ever a single bullet in it.\n\nThere was also a short, stubby needle protruding from a canister fixed under the barrel. It was filled with some mix of chemicals that would induce euphoria. That was their solution to the Eighth Amendment; I would press the gun to the back of their head, and the drug would instantly put them in a state of blissful ignorance. A moment later, the sentence would be carried out.\n\nPure, painless, perfect punishment. The very definition of a short, sharp shock.\n\nAnd there, as always, was the prisoner. Sitting in a luxurious leather bucket seat, staring straight ahead, and sitting perfectly still. His dark hair was cropped short, separated from the neckline of his orange jumpsuit by two inches of stubble. I could just see the faintest hint of a beard by his ears - but wispy and anemic. He was young then, I thought.\n\nI stepped up closer to the patient - I preferred to use that term, at least in my own head - and waited. The door closed behind me; there was another pause, then another beep; and then the voice began.\n\n\"Jacob Boyle,\" the voice began. It was always the same, the voice of a young woman. In my head, she was beautiful. I closed my eyes and listened, imagining the face I had concocted years ago for her. Deep brown eyes, and small lips that curved into a beautiful smile. I sighed.\n\n\"You stand accused sixteen counts of murder, including eleven counts of murder of a child; twelve counts of manslaughter; forty-six counts of grievous bodily harm; nine counts of assault; and two counts of grand treason against the State,\" she said. I counted the pause; one, two, three, just like always. \"How do you plead?\"\n\n\"Not guilty!\" the man shoulder. He struggled slightly, I could hear him. Although the chair was comfortable, there were thick straps that held his arms and legs in place. \"I was ordered to do it! They told me! I was just a pilot! Just a pilot! They told me there were terrorists in that building! I didn't know there were civilians! I didn't know it was a school!\"\n\n\"The Powers that Be have rejected your claims. There are no records of such orders, and the conflict that you were engaged in has been rendered secret by order of the Congress of the People.\"\n\n\"That's not my fault! I didn't do it! I'm a loyal subject! I'm sorry!\" he said, almost screaming. It didn't take long before his desperate cries became pitiful crying, and I felt something twist inside my chest.\n\n\"The Powers that Be have rejected your defense. You are found guilty. You will be judged by the grand executioner,\" the voice said. \"Your fate will now be determined.\"\n\nI knew this part too. This was always the same. There were two options; I could take the gun and kill him, or I could let him leave - under the condition that I would be held responsible for any and all future crimes he committed.\n\nIt seemed clear to me that he would not be a threat. There were some who were clearly guilty and in need of punishment, and there were some that clearly should be let go.\n\nI had been serving the role of State Executioner for so long, I couldn't remember how many I had let go. Hundreds, perhaps a thousand. I didn't want to remember how many I had killed; ten thousand, at least.\n\n\"Executioner. You have three options,\" she said. My eyes snapped open. Three?\n\n\"You may release this man, under the condition that you will be responsible for all future crimes committed by Jacob Boyle,\" she said. \"You may serve the will of the state, and execute the prisoner. Or you may choose him as your replacement as State Executioner.\"\n\nMy eyes widened. I had never had this option before. Honestly, I had grown so used to the life that assumed I would be here until the day I died. I cleared my throat, and tried to speak. My voice was raspy and thin, wearied and atrophied with age and disuse.\n\n\"I choose to resign my position,\" I said. \"I choose Jacob Boyle as my replacement.\"\n\n\"Very good,\" the voice said. \"Alistair Mortimer, you have served the State faithfully as Grand High Executioner for forty-four years. We thank you for your service. You are relieved.\"\n\nBehind me, the door opened, I turned staring at it. I could barely comprehend it. I was shaking, and my legs felt weak. \"Do I go through?\"\n\nThe silence filled the room. Then, finally, she replied. \"Yes.\"\n\nI moved back into the small ante-chamber, pulling off the hood the moment the door closed behind me. I staggered into my luxury apartment, breathing heavily. What would I do now? Would I go free, back into the world? I could scarcely imagine what it would be like.\n\nI collapsed into the sofa, heaving deep breaths. I wasn't sure if it was relief or disbelief, but I felt light-headed, dizzy. My head lolled back, and slowly, the room went black.\n\n-----\n\nI woke up in a chair.\n\nI felt groggy, but comfortable and relaxed too. The leather bucket seat was like a throne, with thick padding that seemed to welcome and cradle me. The after-effects of the gas in my apartment - somehow, I realized that is what had happened, and how I had fallen asleep so deeply and so quickly - left me dancing around the edges of an ecstatic dreamland.\n\nAnd then, I heard her voice.\n\n\"Alistair Mortimer.\" I groaned, and closed my eyes again. The lights didn't seem so bright, sitting in the chair. Instead, in front of me, I saw her face. That same face, the same beautiful face, hovered in front of me, like a reward - or an admonition.\n\n\"You stand accused of two-hundred-and-four counts of indirect murder, nine-hundred-and-seventy-nine counts of indirect manslaughter...\"\n\nI let her beautiful voice sing me to sleep. Guilty, I thought. Guilty. I am guilty. We are all guilty. Guilty, guilty, guilty.... I felt a pressure against the back of my head, and I smiled.\n\nAnd then, I felt nothing at all.\n\n-----\n\nHi! I hope you enjoyed this. If you did, please check out my other work at /r/PuzzledRobot.\n\nIf you didn't, leave me a comment to explain why. Constructive criticism is very helpful. Thanks!" ]	8
	[WP] You are a bug. You live in a bug city deep within the bowels of a suburban house - or, at least you did, before you grew tired of the cramped spaces and decided to begin your trek to see what the surface world looks like.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Insects were meant to congregate. Those who wander are lost forever, mother used to say; such a typical overprotective mom saying. Lowly beetles are we, but she always talked like we were part of a hive, a swarm, something bigger than ourselves. Truth is we occupied the same space as the hordes of ants and bees, termites and spiders, but we were never part of their collective.\n\nMy father was a dew salesman; long, dark and all antennae with a charm as big as his thorax, or so she would boast, I never met him. Part of me wished she would have never brought him up, but another piece of me longed to know him. It isn't typical for beetle males to stick around after egg-laying season, but I feel like I would be different. He is a cultured bug, she used to say, with a story from every yard, every window, every shed of this vast universe. I don't think she ever got over him.\n\nIf you let her my mom would brag about how potent my father was, how she never laid as many eggs as when she was around. That kind of talk just makes me nauseous. Yet, I am an only larvae; one of a hundred eggs, the only one to survive the mantis attack. My schoolmates all have siblings in the double-digits, Andy the ant has over a thousand. Their parents are more claws-off, while my mom is more... involved.\n\nShe loves me, I know that, and most of my friends tell me they wish they had the relationship I have with her, but something deep inside me wishes to escape. Don't tell her, but one time I skipped school to hang out on the Sill with the traveling bugs. It is mostly a fly bar but the view is breathtaking. And on that warm, summer day I caught a glimpse of the most beautiful creature. She was no bigger than me, but her wings took up almost a full pane of window at the Sill. Her long, curled antennae and big blue eyes made my dorsal tube flutter like her checkered wings which looked like the tastiest piece of moldy cheese.\n\nShe was there for an instant and then gone, and if I thought long enough about it I could swear it was just a dream. I am a beetle, we hide under rocks and skitter away from the light, the Crawl Space is where my mom and me call home. But I would be lying if I said that window fairy didn't make me long for the sunny outside.\n\nWhen I told my friends they laughed at my \"daydream\". But that day a beautiful butterfly left a poison in me. It festered in the dark spaces I live, but it calls to me when I see a glimmer of morning sun from the crack in the door to the basement. Mom always told of the dangers of outside: spiders and mantis, wasps and humans, and even some weird beaked creature called a birb.\n\nThis city is too small, and there is no place for a lonely beetle and his protective mother. Lingering here in the dark of the Crawl does nothing but leave me empty. I would tell her, but she wouldn't understand. I have to leave. I have to find that butterfly and confess my love for her." ]	2
	[WP] You're the world's best supervillain. You can stop time at any moment, only for a short while. You're unbeatable. No one can move in stopped time, except for you. Well, that's what you thought until you met a newcomer in the Superhero industry. He can stop time, too.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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, Dario Brannew Jr have become the greatest supervillain, first I killed both my father and adoptive father and recruited a Chinese man, then I fought my brother Johnson and stole his body because he beheaded me.\n\nNow that an old lady gave me the power to stop time, I've become invincible, I even have a gay priest that steals superpowers for me.\n\nThen, as I finally stand before Johnson's Grandson' Grandson, Jorota Koju, I stop time to end his bloodline once and for all, but then his clothes move in stopped time and I get scared, turns out he was using magnets, which definitely should be working during stopped time. As I approach to him to deal a finishing blow, his Ocean Man takes me by the hand and brings me to the land, I don't understand how, but Jorota is moving in stopped time, so I throw knives at him, but he has book armor, so he survives and then cuts my leg with a window.\n\nAt this point I'm going insane because of this, so I go to his grandfather's location and I power up by killing him, now I'm clearly superior, so I stab my head with my finger to fix the brain damage from the attack and that time that a baguette turtle stabbed me with a rapier.\n\nThen I do something crazy with my fixed brain, it's like a kind of cheat: I stop counting the seconds so I can do free actions during stopped time and bring a roadroller to kill Jorota, as I spam attacks on his body, which spends all of it's time stop movement to defend, I can hear how he stops defending, then I keep going with the stopped time to test my limit, and then I realize that I can't move.\n\nJorota comes from behind me and says Omae wa mou shindeiru, then He punches my leg and that blows me in half as I scream NANIIII, to then kill me forever.\n\nEnrocci Piccu, if you're seeing this memories, then you could achieve the heavens, this might just work, but only if you believe in gravity, because as a superpower user, I will always be attracted to you." ]	2
	[WP] "the only way to bring your family back", she says, "is to steal death's scythe and cloak"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 only way to bring your family back\", she says, \"Is to steal death's scythe and cloak\"\n\nA ridiculous request, yet one that our young fellow cannot refuse. Without his family, the only thing for him would be the monotonous and painful life as a servant to the angel of order. \n\n\"Yes, thank you!\" He says, shaking greatly as he turns the other way and leaves. \n\n\"He shouldn't be so naive, that will cost him.\" The angel of knowledge thinks to herself. Forming a small, sinister grin as the boy leaves. \n\nNot long after his departure, the boy reaches a bridge made of eyes ripped from sinners. It connects the end of two cliffs. The fracture between these two points is both infinitely deep and wide. The boy knows there is no way around, as well as that falling would bring him to an eternity surrounded by nothing but his own thoughts, though these thoughts are unable to dissuade him. \n\nThe length of the bridge is no longer than 10 meters, yet as he walks onto it, he has the utmost caution. \n\nThrough every step, he feels the eyes below his feet. They all stare into him, focused on his travel. \n\nHe eventually reaches the end of the nightmarish bridge. In front of him, the image of death builds, although all that can be seen is his back. With death, he holds the scythe of dread. \n\nThe boy freezes, full of fear from the presence of death. He notices, however, that death is not moving. Activity like this only occurs when nobody is dying at the moment, as Death is only permitted to move when someone's fate has called for him. \n\nFind this to be perfect opportunity, the boys dashes towards what he previous feared. If he could take his scythe and cloak, he could save his family. His hands grab the items, one on the scythe and the other on the cloak. Quickly, he pulls. \n\nThe boy falls back, expecting resistance of his effort. Shockingly, there exists nothing in front of the boy anymore. Looking down to his hands, the boy sees the scythe and cloak in his possession. Before his excitement and celebration can even start, a vision clouds his mind. \n\n\"You now, shall hold the burden of death\" says a large and vicious voice, accompanied by a single red eye. \"The eyes, they have all seen your intent. They all agree that because of your will to see the souls of your family, that you deserve that privilege. So I say to you, look.\" At that moment, an infinite field of terriefied faces appears all around him, closest to him, are the souls of his mother, father, and sister. \"Oh, it seems that the fate of your dear aunt is calling. You know what you must do, now go, and fulfill the order of the world.\"\n\n", "\"You're here.\" He looked up, lowering the knife. \"I knew you would come.\"\n\nThe strange wraith drifted in the air, perhaps ten feet away from Tal. It clutched a scythe in both of its skeletal hands, staring at him with empty eyes as he took a step toward it.\n________\n\n\"They're dead.\" He said. \"They're all dead. Please, you have to-\"\n\n\"Have to?\" She sneered. \"I don't have to do anything. Leave me- I do not suffer weakness.\"\n\n________\n\nHe had lured it out- spent years studying how, studying every detail of the reaper's few appearances. It did not often appear to people- only to comfort those near death, who so often despaired as they saw nothing in their final moments. Or perhaps to collect souls with unfinished business who might try to stay behind.\n\n\"I'm... sorry.\" He said. He began to see that the eyes weren't empty, as he initially thought- they were burning, black flames set in an old skull, growing hotter in judgement as he stared into them.\n\nHe shook his head. It was too late to turn back now.\n\n________\n\n\"No.\" He said.\n\nShe turned back to him, displeased. \"What did you say to me?\"\n\n________\n\n\"She told me I need it.\" He explained to the reaper as he approached it. \"You know her.\" He didn't know why he spoke to it- to assuage his guilt, perhaps, at taking its cloak, its scythe. At what he would unleash on the world by doing so.\n\nMustering the will to grab it- to reclaim his family- he lunged forward.\n\n________\n\n\"...No. I'm not leaving until you tell me what I need to know.\"\n\n\"Ha. You are... amusing. What do you need?\" She laughed, mockingly, harshly.\n\n\"My family. My wife, my daughters. They're dead.\" He said. \"I need them back.\"\n\n________\n\nHis hand closed on the scythe, and he yanked it away. The skeletal figure recoiled as the blade left its grip.\n\n\"I'm sorry.\" He said again. Then he twisted it around and swung.\n\n________\n\n\"You must claim the reaper's blade and cloak. Take up his mantle and his judgement.\" She commanded. \"Only then can you enter the realm of death and return with your lost.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" He whispered.\n\n________\n\nThe reaper's body crumbled as the scythe passed easily through its spine, and he snatched up the cloak before it could fall, pulling it over his head.\n\n\"Thank you.\" The skull said as he grabbed it, still caught in the cloak's hood.\n\n\"Why are you thanking me?\" He asked, puzzled and guilt-ridden.\n\n\"My curse.\" It laughed, then began to fall apart, turning slowly to dust. \"It is yours.\"\n\n\"Curse? I just want- no, I-\" It was too late. The skull was gone.\n\nHe sighed, pulling the cloak over his head. He had work to do.\n\n___________________________________________________\n\nIf you liked this, check out r/NotVeryGood_AtWriting . If you didn't also please check it out, I need to know what I'm doing wrong." ]	3
	[WP] A group of thugs have kidnapped a princess. When they let her go, she refuses to leave.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Life as a Princess isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sure, you have all of the material things you could ever want and you have an entire country of people who will drop whatever they are doing to answer your every wish, but it's not as glamorous as it sounds. No one is real with you.. like, ever. Never does someone say \"hey girl, your hair is just not working today\" even though they are thinking it. I know my hair looks like shit today. You know my hair looks like shit today. Just say it, okay? I'm not some little miss prin.. I'm not a girl that needs to be coddled all the time. Don't even get me started on my parents. My mom feeds off being the Queen. She couldn't be happier having servants bring her tea and wine all day while having the towns people bow down as soon as they see her. My father is hardly ever even around and when I do see him all he does is try and set me up with some Prince from whatever stupid country. He doesn't even care about me being happy. He just cares about growing his empire. I promise I'm not a shallow person, but goodness just because you are a Prince does not mean you are Prince Charming. Some of these guys I get set up with are the WORST.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nOne day, I did just as I did every single other month and got ready for a date with this new, \"very nice and not terrible looking plus he is very land rich, so be nice, Cecilia\" Prince that my Father had set me up with. He just went on and on at breakfast about it so I was sure to be in for a real treat. The carriage picked me up around 5pm and we started the god knows how long ride to meet this guy. I dozed off to the sound clip-clopping hooves and when I woke up it was completely pitch black and we were still trotting along.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Where are we?\" I asked the driver through a half-asleep yawn.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Be quiet back there\" he snapped back at me.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Hey, look man\" I responded with a very obvious new attitude in my voice, \"I'm not some hoity-toity Princess and I hate being treated like one, but you don't need to be a dick.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe turned around, starred at me for a second, and turned back around without another word. We kept trotting along for what seemed like days, but was probably closer to a few hours when eventually we stopped in front of a pretty run down castle. The driver got down without a word and walked inside.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Worst date ever\" I thought to myself as my door finally opened.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Wow, thank you so kindly\" I said with a thick hint of sarcasm. \"I've been in the back of this thing sweating my royal balls off for god knows how long and I am STARVING\" I rattled off and started to keep going when I noticed who I was actually berating. This guy was a 10. Absolutely the best looking Prince I had been setup with plus he wasn't wearing some ridiculous outfit with giant, shiny shoulder pads on it or something.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Come on inside, we have some food waiting for you\" he said directly into my soul. Honestly, it was the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWe get into the castle and it was.. charming. A little run down and poorly decorated, but it had character.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nLooking around while also trying to not touch anything I asked, \"Where are we, anyways? Like, what country do you own or whatever?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Well, uh, Cecilia.. That's kind of the thing.\" he said sheepishly. \"I lied.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You lied?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I lied.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Okay, Mr. Liar, what is your name and where are we?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Well, my name is Finley and we are at our hideout! We're thieves.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Ha!\" someone cackled from the other room.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Thieves he says! We've been able to barely steal enough food to not have to eat each other and he thinks we're ready to buy our own country.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Cecilia, this is my crew. William, Robert, Richard, and Ralph.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Um, hi everyone, nice to meet you\" I said with an awkward wave.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"So, have I been kidnapped or something? Is that what this is?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Pretty much\" they all said in unison.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Don't worry though!\" Finley chimed in \"You aren't in danger or anything. We aren't going to hurt you. You don't really need to do anything other than hangout until your dad gives us money to buy you back.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI made that noise that you make when you try to hold back a laugh, but it still bursts out through your closed lips.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Good luck with that. I don't imagine my dad giving you much of anything to get me back. He only sees me as a chip to marry off to grow his empire and so far I haven't quite meshed with anyone he has set me up with. He's pretty over the whole thing at this point.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nRalph, a kind of pudgy guy with very kind eyes said, \"Aw, I'm sure that's not true. You'll see in a few days when William gets back from dropping off our ransom demands at your castle. I'm sure your dad will be dying to get you back.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nA few days went by and honestly, it was the best few days I had had in a very long time. These guys were all actually very nice for thieves. They were pretty shitty thieves though. We all bonded and grew to be really friendly over those few days. It was nice. They started to become the friends that I never really had.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nA few days later, William returned back from his meeting with my father. He got off his horse, walked directly inside, poured a shot of whiskey and drank it, poured another shot of whiskey and drank it, poured a third shot and then plopped down into a chair.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Sooo, how was the trip?\" asked Finley.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWilliam didn't respond, but instead dug a small scroll out of his jacket and tossed it on the table, gesturing towards it. Finley quickly grabbed it, read it, and then plopped into a chair of his own.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Holy shit\" he said to the group of very inquisitive eyes. \"You were right.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Well tell us what it says already!\" I shouted.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Keep her\" he said in disbelief.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Keep her?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Keep her.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"FUCKING \"KEEP HER\"? IT SAYS \"KEEP HER\"? GIVE ME THAT!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSure enough, scrawled right in the middle of the page in perfect handwriting that I'm not even sure was my fathers were the words \"Keep her.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI sat down into my own char, grabbed the bottle of whiskey and took a giant swig. It was the first time I had ever had whiskey though, and it was horrible so I instantly spat it back out all over the table.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Well, I guess we can take you home then\" Finley said towards the floor.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Pfft, I'm not going back there. I'm staying right here. I'll live with you guys! I can be a thief.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You can't be a thief!\" laughed Robert. \"You're a Princess!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Well, Robert\" I snapped back \"according to this note I'm not the Princess of shit anymore and I can assure you that I would be just as good of a thief as any of you idiots. Better even.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd she WAS better than those idiots. A lot better.\n\n\\----------\n\nThanks for reading.. You can read some of my other writing at r/CodeNameDangerZone!", "\"This is awful.\"\n\nThe men groaned. Billy grabbed the TV remote, pushing the volume a little higher. Jimbo tossed his cards down, shaking his head as he grabbed his beer.\n\n\"I said, this is awful,\" the girl repeated, her nasal voice grating on them. Most of them ignored her, but Hank ground his teeth.\n\n\"Can you turn the TV up a bit more?\" he asked. Billy shook his head.\n\n\"Can't risk it. We're meant to be laying low,\" he said. He wasn't wrong, of course, and none of the men could have forgotten it. Even so, his answer wasn't what any of the men wanted to hear.\n\nThey'd found an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city, foreclosed on by the banks years before. No-one had done anything with it, and the whole thing was just sitting vacant. Most of the lot was quiet and empty, but there were just enough businesses - freight, mostly - limping on in the neighbourhood that no-one thought much of a beaten-up van driving around.\n\nGrabbing the girl had been easy. Typical spoiled little rich girl, she was so engrossed in her phone that she almost walked straight into their van herself. If they'd let her keep the phone, she might not even have noticed. But that was too big a risk. Last thing they wanted was to be in her Instragram feed.\n\nBilly shuddered just thinking of it. In his mind, he saw a picture of the six of them on the news, captioned with the usual stream of meaningless twitterings. #WorstKidnappedEver #UglyGuys #WhiteVan #WhereAmILol?\n\nHe wasn't sure if they'd have been arrested, or just died of embarrassment. No, the phone had to go. And hadn't she whined about it.\n\n\"I saiiiiiiddddddd...\"\n\n\"We heard what you said, for Christ's sake,\" Hank growled. The girl's eyes snapped to him.\n\n\"You're rude,\" she said, rolling her eyes. Hank closed his, and took a deep breath.\n\n\"Please, God, can we just gag her already?\"\n\n\"Ohh, no. You're not putting some dirty rag in my mouth. I just had my teeth whitened last week, and I had lip fillers done the day after that so you aren't going anywhere near my mouth with your filthy hands,\" she said. She never seemed to stop talking, and she had apparently mastered circular breathing; that was the only explanation for how she could possibly keep talking seemingly without ever taking a breath. \"I mean sorry not sorry, but do you ever wash your hands?\"\n\n\"Yes, I wash my fuc...\" Hank stopped himself, and took a breath. \"Be quiet.\"\n\n\"Excuse me? Are you telling me to shut up? How dare you tell me to shut up, you basic bitch. Do you even know who I am? I mean God...\"\n\n\"I'm going in the other room.\" Even though he was winning, Hank threw his cards down and pushed his chips into the centre of the table. He stood up and walked away, slamming the door behind him.\n\n\"Whatever. Bye Felicia,\" the girl said, rolling her eyes. \"He was totally ratchet anyway.\"\n\nBilly looked around the group. \"Do any of you understand what she's actually saying?\"\n\nOne by one, they shook their heads. \"Not really,\" said Jimbo. \"Who cares anyway? Are we gonna play?\"\n\n\"Can I play?\" she asked.\n\n\"No,\" the men all said in unison. Billy grabbed the cards, quickly shuffling and tossing them out. As he did, he sighed. \"I hope Red gets back soon.\"\n\n\"Yeah, me too,\" Jimbo agreed. \"He should have the ransom by now, right?\"\n\n\"Should do. Her father is loaded,\" Billy said. They'd picked the girl deliberately; her father was one of the biggest real estate tycoons in the city. His accountant - one of Billy's old school-friends - had said that he had millions laying around for a deal that had fallen through. The money was just waiting, with nowhere to go. \"My guy said he had millions on hand.\"\n\n\"Umm, excuuuuse me? Millions? Daddy is worth like, tens of billions,\" the girl scoffed. \"God, so ignorant.\"\n\nBilly clenched his jaw, biting back a comment. Every moment that passed, the gag seemed like a better idea. \"It shouldn't take long.\"\n\nThey played a few more hands of poker, waiting to hear from Red. The girl finally lapsed into silence when a news report about her abduction came on the TV. Apparently, she enjoyed hearing other people talk about her as much as she liked to hear herself talk. Well, maybe that was an exaggeration, but the fawning seemed to interest her enough to draw her attention for a while.\n\nThey'd set aside Hank's chips for the game - perhaps minus a few, as a tax for leaving the game early - and played on. Jimbo was on his way to winning the rest when Hank finally came back through the door.\n\n\"Red's back,\" he said. His tone, and the glowering expression on his face, did not bode well.\n\n\"What happened?\" Billy asked.\n\n\"He's not paying.\"\n\n\"What?\" The men sat, staring in slightly stunned disbelief. They had been sure that her father would pay the ransom. They hadn't even asked for everything he had, because they wanted a quick and easy score.\n\n\"He's not paying?\" Jimbo asked, and Hank shook his head.\n\n\"That's what Red said. He got a letter.\" Hank held out a piece of paper, handing it to Billy. Billy unfolded it, and cleared his throat.\n\n\"Dear Sirs, Unfortunately, I won't be able to pay the ransom you are asking for my step-daughter...\"\n\n\"Step-daughter?\" Jimbo asked. \"I thought he was her father..\"\n\n\"No, he's my step-father, idiot,\" the girl chimed in. She seemed unsurprised or unperturbed by the turn of events; honestly, Billy wasn't sure.\n\n\"Alyssa is, frankly, far more trouble than she's worth,\" said Billy, continuing on. \"Certainly, I don't think that she's worth $500,000 to get rid of her. However, I am deeply in your debt for taking her off my hands. I have enclosed $10,000 as a finder's fee, and my wife and I have agreed not to send the police after you. We have been trying to encourage her to get a job and leave home for years, and she has refused. If anyone asks, we will tell them she is working in Europe. Thanks again for everything you have done, and good luck. From the desk of George O'Hanrahan.\"\n\nThere was a muted silence that hung over the men for a few seconds. Then, Hank whistled.\n\n\"Ten fucking grand. We were meant to get ten times that, each,\" he said. \"I'd hate the guy, if I hadn't met her.\"\n\nThe feeling of tense excitement and anticipation that had filled the warehouse was gone. Now, instead, it was replaced with a feeling closer to depression. Billy felt restless, and finally, desperate to do something, he stood up.\n\nHe grabbed a knife out of his pocket, flicking the blade open. He went over to the girl, who stared wide-eyed at him. He moved close to her, then dropped down into a squat. Grabbing her arms, he pulled her wrists towards himself, and cut the rope. Then, he cut the bindings on her ankles.\n\n\"Go on. Get out of here,\" he said. \"There's a 7/11 nearby, you can get them to call you a taxi home.\"\n\nHe stood and turned away, going back to the table. Sinking into his chair, still appalled by what had happened, he didn't see the girl stand up. She rubbed her wrists, scowling at them, before striding after him.\n\n\"Move,\" she said. Billy looked at her, bewilderment crossing his face.\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I said move.\"\n\n\"Why?\" Bill asked.\n\n\"Because duhhhh,\" she said, as if he was an idiot. \"I want to sit down.\"\n\n\"I... uhh... what?\" Billy stuttered. She rolled her eyes, and sighed. Putting a hand on her hip, she pushed her hips out to one side and ran her other hand through her hair.\n\n\"God, I can't even. Move,\" she said. She shifted, pushing him slightly until he half-stood and half-stumbled out of the chair. Then, she dropped into place, and looked around. \"You people are so useless.\"\n\n\"What the Hell is going on?\" Hank asked. She just laughed.\n\n\"I'm in charge now,\" she said. \"You people really need a good leader. Thank God you came to me.\n\n\"You crazy bitch. We don't want you as leader...\" Jimbo said. She rolled her eyes.\n\n\"Said no-one ever.\" She lounged back in the chair, still smirking. \"Now. Someone run to a Starbucks and get me a mocha frappuccino. And I'll tell you where my Dad keeps the good stuff...\"\n\nThe men looked around at each other, confused. Alyssa just sat, waiting. She folded her arms under her chest, and stared expectantly, her eyebrows raised slightly like a school teacher. Finally, Billy shrugged.\n\n\"Hank. Go get her a Starbucks.\"\n\n-----\n\nHi! I hope that you enjoyed this story. If you did, please check out my subreddit, /r/PuzzledRobot, where I have a lot of other pieces you might like. I try and post a new prompt every day, and I've got a fantasy story I'm working on. If you subscribe, you'll get updates on it.\n\nIf you didn't like it, that's okay. Please consider leaving a comment to explain why. Constructive criticism can be really help. Thank you!" ]	3
	[WP] You discover time-travel and starts selling trips back to the past. You initially thought that people wanted to see the big historical events, but for some reason all of them just wanna go back to the 80s	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 truly perplexing. Sure, the events of the 80s were relatively fresh in the cultural mind, but was there anything especially compelling about the 80s you couldn't find today or in earlier decades - or centuries? Seriously, you're given all of history to choose from and you go back to a time you could just ask someone on the street about? \n\nOne of my initial suspicions was that I was somehow aiding some covert operation of people who refused to let the Cold War die, but nothing seemed to be changing on my end at least. Although, it was also possible that I was fulfilling some sort of time-loop - had Reagan's attempted assassination been a result of my meddling with time? I believed that I would never find out, and became increasingly paranoid that I may be indirectly responsible for any number of horrific events.\n\nI tried reassuring myself that most were just in it for the nostalgia trip - seeing just how primitive the first personal computers and video game systems were, watching the pop stars of the era in their prime, and going to see all those campy movies in their original theater debut. The longer I thought about it, the more this explanation seemed likely, though I could not personally empathize. Netflix and Google are valuable resources. Anything beyond that, to me, could be left in the past.\n\nIt wasn't until the first batch of folks returned that I realized they hadn't gone back to the 80s just to see the eruption of St. Helens or even to sway the political pull of the communists and capitalists. And though I'm sure the premiers of Pretty in Pink and Beverly Hills Cop held their attraction to some, these savvy clients had simply wanted Back to the Future." ]	2
Extra imaginary points for using the phrase "If you think that, then you don't know Victor Franko."	[WP] A small Italian family founds a restaurant to use as a money laundering scheme for organized crime. The restaurant accidentally becomes wildly successful and the family is split on wanting to leave the organized crime game.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", " FADE IN:\n \n TONY -- an overweight Italian man -- sits in a smoke-filled,\n dimly lit, shady back room. Across the table from him is NONNA\n -- his mother, the aging matriarch.\n \n TONY\n It just doesn't make sense, we\n have --\n \n NONNA\n Tony, my boy, you need to listen.\n \n TONY\n We have something good here. Real\n good.\n \n SKIP, a young, spry server pops his head in.\n \n SKIP\n I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm\n supposed to tell you --\n \n TONY\n What is it?\n \n SKIP\n Rules are rules, and I'm supposed\n to tell you, 86 shrimp.\n \n TONY\n Thanks Skippy.\n \n NONNA\n You see?!\n \n TONY\n Ma --\n \n NONNA\n This is what I'm talking about.\n \n TONY\n This has to be about more than\n just money. This has to be about\n legacy.\n \n NONNA\n Don't you lecture me about\n legacy. When I brought you and\n your sisters over here, all I HAD\n was the clothing on my back and\n the recipes in that cookbook. Why\n do you think I came here? Why do\n you think I left all that behind?\n \n TONY\n I know Ma --\n \n NONNA\n You have to think further ahead.\n You're so worried about the right\n here and right now.\n \n TONY\n I am! You're the one who's stuck\n in the past, in the old country,\n in the traditions. This is our\n chance to really start something\n new.\n \n Skip pops in again.\n \n SKIP\n Sorry, Tony. Someone wants to\n speak to the manager.\n \n TONY\n To complain?\n \n SKIP\n I don't think so. They ordered\n something for dessert, but I had\n never heard of it before,\n something called a \"Victor\n Franko\"?\n \n TONY\n Wait what? Are you sure?\n \n Skip looks at his notepad.\n \n SKIP\n Yeah, \"Victor Franko\" -- said it\n was some kind of frozen\n somethingorother?\n \n TONY\n Shit. Tell him I'll be right\n there. Ask them if they want a\n drink while they wait, on the\n house.\n \n Skip nods and leaves.\n \n NONNA\n You see? Is this what you want to\n be dealing with the rest of your\n life?\n \n TONY\n Yes. Yes it is. It's stability.\n \n Tony stands up and heads toward the door.\n \n NONNA\n Don't go out there.\n \n TONY\n I gotta deal with this.\n \n NONNA\n Deal with what, one customer? So\n you don't lose $17.95 if they don't\n come back?\n \n TONY\n Repeat customers are the only\n thing that will keep everything\n afloat.\n \n He turns around again for the door.\n \n NONNA\n Tony --\n \n TONY\n Yeah Ma?\n \n NONNA\n Tell me right now -- no bullshit\n -- are you going to once and for\n all embrace the family business,\n do what you were born to do, what\n I raised you to do? Or are you\n going to become some sort of --\n just some regular old restaurant\n owner?\n \n TONY\n I don't want your life. I've got\n customers to take care of.\n \n He turns again.\n \n BANG! Tony collapses to the floor. Blood begins to trickle out\n the gunshot wound in his chest. Nonna casually puts her gun\n back in her purse. Skip re-enters.\n \n SKIP\n What th--\n \n NONNA\n You don't say one fucking thing.\n Call Jimmy. And you do it right\n fucking now. Tell him to take\n care of this. And you tell Mr.\n Victor Franko in there we don't\n serve whatever the hell he wants.\n I've got a business to run here.\n I can't be dealing with this\n restaurant shit.\n \n FADE OUT.", " \n\n(WP) Weapons or Pasta\n\nEveryone in the small town in the mountains knew of the tiny Italian restaurant, one of the best in the city.\n\nEven more well-known than the eatery was the family that ran it: The Vitellos. Warm, caring, and congenial, they were well-loved by their neighbors and by drifters alike.\n\nThe matriarch that ran the family was Donatella, who had been a widow for over ten years now. Everyone remembered her husband, Giovanni; the whole neighborhood and people from out of town had come to see him off to the afterlife.\n\nShe was tall and willowy, even in her early fifties, with a rich mane of long, dark hair, peppered with gray in some spots. Her dimples were deep and endearing, and her eyes were as dark and sharp as obsidian.\n\nNo one would have ever suspected this sweet woman of anything other than making people happy and their stomachs full.\n\nBut everyone has secrets, even the most unassuming of people.\n\n\\\\\n\nWhen the restaurant at last closed its doors on a Friday night, Donatella and her brood descended the stairs, into the basement, where the food and wine were kept.\n\nIt wasn’t unusual for her children to play cards down here, letting off steam after a crazy night of bussing, cooking, or waitressing. She didn’t mind. Even though they all had their own lives, now that they’d reached adulthood, they were good kids, and they loved her.\n\nWhich is why they’d called this meeting to begin with.\n\nDonatella brought down a tray of bruschetta, toast points, melted, smoked mozzarella fondue, fried ravioli, meatballs and skewers. She enjoyed feasting with everyone, but she especially loved spoiling her kids.\n\n“Mama, why’d you call this meeting?” Her youngest daughter, Jeanette, said from her place at the table, a glass of wine in her hand, already half gone. Her cheeks flushed, she was a spitting image of Gio: hair so red it appeared to be aflame, with bright brown eyes that glowed like honeyed amber.\n\nDonnatella supposed there was no getting around it any longer, and the kids instinctively quieted, their eyes on their mother.\n\n“I think this needs to stop. The whole reason we started this restaurant was to front our… other activities. And now that your father is gone…”\n\n“But we make good money from it, Ma,” A voice chimed in from the other side of the table, and her son, Emmett, leaned forward, his green eyes on her. “And we have such a good reputation, no one would ever mess with us!”\n\nThat wasn’t exactly hard, Donnatella thought to herself. This town was small, and it had been easy enough to gain control. Everyone who was important had been in Gio’s pocket, and now hers, as she’d inherited his empire.\n\nPower was addictive, but it was also dangerous.\n\n“I just don’t know if continuing down his path is wise,” She said to Emmett. “But I’m not going to make this decision alone. You all are just as involved as I. So, we’re going to put it to a vote.”\n\nThis was the way that things had always been. She didn’t believe in lying to her children, and had been honest with them from the beginning.\n\n“Everyone for keeping things as they are, raise your hands,” She said, and four hands went up.\n\n“Everyone who wants to quit the side jobs and use the restaurant as the main business, raise your hands.”\n\nThree hands went up, including her own.\n\nIt appeared in this, she was outvoted.\n\nShe was a firm believer in democracy, and capitalism, even of the illegal sort, had served them well.\n\nThe Vitello family feasted heartily that night, over a small meal of appetizers, wine, and games of cards.\n\nThey’d made their decision and would follow it, wherever it led.\n\n\\\\" ]	3
	[WP] you went down with the Titanic on that fateful night. You have just awoken alongside the wreckage on some shore. In the distance you see someone on a horse	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 guys I'm trying a writing prompt for the first time, go easy on me)\n\nIt was a cold night, god It was cold, what I thought was unsinkable had just sunk before my eyes...\n\nHow could it be?\n\nThe crew had sent up rockets, the collapsible boats launched successfully, all except for collapsible B which capsized during its launch. The normal boats launched alright, nothing suspicious there....\n\nI turn to my fellow passengers in lifeboat 4, my small group of men that fought their way on board. a fearful woman holding their child, a few teens separated from their families. It really was a shame that so many didn't make it aboard, there was only wreckage left in the water now. Wreckage, and bodies.\n\nIt was getting late, the beautiful sky gave us all a slight sliver of hope as the boats that made it away from the ship assemble together. The whole situation seemed to say \"You will be fine\" but something else waves a sword of certain death towards us. The night goes on. Stars shine. The boats drift along, attempting to keep as close to the wreckage of the Titanic as possible.\n\nI figure I might as well get some sleep, that \"Carpathia\" some guy calling himself \"Lights\" talked about should be here any hour now...\n\nAny hour now?\n\nI assure myself again as I drift into unconsciousness, it would be any hour now that we could all go home.\n\nThe patter of horse hoofs suddenly jars me awake. I sit up, there was more land? Yes, it seems I'd found myself on the banks of a river, with an lifeboat's worth of comatose people and nothing other than the clothes on my back. Thats when I saw them, a triangular formation of cavalrymen riding towards the beach at an alarming rate. They reach us, the noise waking most of survivors that were able to rouse themselves from sleep. There was a pause. There was silence. For a few seconds, nothing was said, then the leader of the formation introduced himself as \"Seymore Williamson\" or something like that, a cavalry leader in the U.S. armed forces. Now of course I boarded the Titanic to go to America, for a better life and all that happy crap. However, I didn't think that I'd find it in this sort of kerfuffle. Thank god I took courses in English language back in Berlin or else I'd be toast about now. The survivors and I examine the soldiers before us, contemplating their allegiance for a while as our sense returned. It was obvious from their uniforms that they were Union troops in the American civil war. Or at least they were dressed like them. I blurted out loud by accident, \"This has to be a joke, is this some kind of civil war re-enactment?\" The man laughs for a second, then responds. \"This is no re-enactment, son. The war hasn't ended yet!\"\n\nIt only dawned on most of us now that we'd somehow gone back in time.\n\nI look around for any sign of where we were. My prayers for a sign were answered, there was a road sign nearby announcing proudly to the world that the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was only a mile away. Unfortunately, I dont speak inferior measurement units so I approximated that as about 2 kilometers. Williamson then speaks once more \"Now how did you folks end up here?\" I try my best to respond without sounding like a madman. \"We've gone back in time, sir...\" Of course he laughs, and so do some of the survivors, they really didn't quite grasp the situation at hand. \"Now thats impossible, lad!\" Williamson says, barely able to stop laughing. God I wish he would get off his high horse and show some compassion. God confirmed those wishes, as the bugger fell right off his horse laughing.\n\nAnd then here I was at a bar talking to some of the locals and my fellow survivors.\n\n\"I dont remember much between then and a few hours later, but we went into town and I ended up at this here bar. Sure I may still sound stupid, all this nonsense about travelling back in time, but that offer to join the army and liberate the south sure sounded compelling. Yes there really was such a ship, and I survived her sinking, and thats why I'm here in this bar telling this tale. Aint that right lads?\" Most of the survivors, and even some locals agree, and a toast is held somewhat out of pity, but mostly in our honor. We all saw two men at the same time, two recruiters from either side. We all looked at eachother and walked towards the two. Our actions now could save the future, and maybe even the world as we all know it. Or they could destroy both. We all knew what needed to be done.....\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n(Thank you and goodnight, I feel quite proud of this monstrosity. Sorry is anything is repeated/jumbled together because my computer is an arse sometimes and wont let me fix things without butt-fecking the whole danged thing) \n(More of my works now that im starting to write here can be found at r/TalesFromDbug113)" ]	2
	[WP]The last man on Earth has been following the journey of another person, finding notes that he believed to have been written years ago as he follows their path. One day he finds a note which reads "Stop following me".	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 could hear the waves. The sound of the ocean was like a warm embrace, the embrace of life, which nowhere else around is to be found. However, as the great expanse finally came into view, I was treated to a horrifying sight: the black bile had completely claimed the ocean blue. Months of trekking, bleeding and starving, all in the hopes of the sweet breath of sea air. But the air is hot, the stone of death having changed this world forever. Tonight I will lay in this small shack, which may have once house boats. After rest, I will head northward up the coast, where my last kindle of hope remains. \n\nThe man's hands shook as he read the note. Tears ran down his cheeks as he cried, finally having found the next note. It had been four months since the last one. \n\nCarefully he folded the note and slid it in his pouch with the seven others, the first dating back six years ago. Slowly, he laid himself down in the corner of the small beach hut, his mind imagining where exactly his unknown friend may have slept, and mumbled himself to sleep: \"I see you soon, I see you soon.\" A screech in the air cut the man's breath, and he squeezed his leather pouch tightly. Despite evading the creatures since the beginning, they're howl never failed to turn the man's knuckles white. It would be another sleepless night, \n\nThe man made his way up the coast, subsisting on insects and dirty puddles. In the towns he would find signs of where his friend had been, tracking him always in single story homes or buildings. Tracks of his boot print in the thick, dry earth, remnants of open cans and preservatives, and the red X he left on the doors of wherever he slept. Eventually, he reached the border of what used to be the forest. The trees were barren and broken, a land laid to waste by the meteorite from a decade ago, and by the new inhabitants of the world, who only rise at night. \n\nThe sight of smoke made him freeze. In the distance, he could see the flicker of flame and the black smoke of burning dead wood rising high. Him it must be him. The man quickly made his way into the dead forest, fumbling yet moving quickly. His pace was desperate, his need maddening. The closer he got, the more he grunted and yelled, hoping to get his friend's attention. It had been ten years since it all began, ten years since he had contact with another living human. \n\nWhen he arrived, panting and frantic, the kindling flame had only just died. No one was there. The man raced around the campsite, hoping to see someone, anyone. But there was no one. \"Come back! Please come back!\" the man screamed, pleading. But no one came. He approached the fire, only to see that there was blood nearby. His eyes raced until he saw it, a folded piece of paper being held down by a stone. He quickly snatched it and began to read. \n\nI came north hoping to find salvation, hope, and peace. But all I have managed to find was more death and decay. This land is barren, even moreso than the south. There is nothing here but death. And so I say this unto you: do not follow, do not tread. For all that awaits those who come here is terror and cold. Yet in this desolate, lonely world, I have found some comfort in the darkness. I am prepared to take the leap. I have made the mark in my flesh, letting my blood soak through my clothes. They will come for me tonight, and I will be taken. I will either be eaten, or made anew. I am ready. -S.A.\n\nThe man rocked back and forth, putting the letter to his face until his tears began to seep through the page. He screamed, as if he had lost a part of himself. His friend was gone. The man remained at the campsite, poking the embers of the fire until life returned to it once more. As the darkness once again settled in, the screeching began. The man took off his clothes and placed them unto the flames, letting them crackle high. He held only his friend's letters. \n\nDarkness engulfed the forest. The man stood before the fire, waiting. Slowly, a heavy stomp and the breaking of dead wood resonated in the distance, and with each step became louder, closer. From the darkness, the creature appeared. The man smiled. \"Hello, friend.\" \n\nnote: Splitting headache while writing this. Certainly not my at my best here. \n\n&#x200B;", "I have been following this trail out of ennui. There was nothing else interesting to do. Here was a life story being played out across distance and time. Exploring to find the next \"chapter\" became my major reason for continuing to live.\n\nNow, just today, I found a note saying \"Stop following me\". At first, I am elated. Someone else survived! But I have had so many hopes dashed over the years; how can I believe that this time it's true?\n\nThe quandary and turmoil are so real, that even if there is no one truly still alive other than myself, I have to wonder if continuing the search is right and proper.\n\nIf this person is really alive, and has detected that I exist and am also alive, why would they reject at least a meeting? They must have a powerful reason to reject companionship in this empty world.\n\nIf this person is not alive then whom am I emulating? What was their intent in following this person? Were they a would be murderer? A rejected suitor?\n\nI myself have left notes, but mine are clearly an attempt to direct people to follow me, with dates and times that I was present, and my best guess of where I would be going to. It has become such a habit that I do so almost without thinking.\n\nWithout thinking? Have I been giving myself a fantasy to follow? Is this message from my subconscious, warning me that I have become obsessed to the point of a split personality?\n\nThink it through. Logic. I am here, there are choices, logical consequences, let me list them.\n\n1. The person is alive.\n2. The person is a fantasy.\n3. The person is dead.\n\nIf (2) is true, I should reject the fantasy for my own sanity. Chasing yourself through the remainder of your life is pointless, but then what would the point of my life become?\n\nIf (1) is true, then they have some reason not to desire contact. They have also detected my presence.\n\nIf (3) is true, they are not afraid of me, then there is no more urgency than before in following them.\n\nBoth (2) and (3) have the same basic answer. Camp here until you figure out for yourself whether you should continue following. So those two branches end.\n\nThe remaining branch is that they are presently alive. What are the choices? No. They've obviously detected me following them. What are their choices?\n\n1. Leave immediately, attempt to break the trail.\n\n2. Observe me, determine what my intent is.\n\nIf they choose (1), all they have to do is stop leaving notes. I'm not an expert tracker. Without the notes to follow, I would quickly lose the trail.\n\nIf they choose (2), there are other things.\n\n1. Kill me.\n\n2. Accept a meeting.\n\n3. Break contact.\n\nIf (1), it would be foolhardy to persist.\n\nIf (3), there's no point in continuing.\n\nIf (2), how do I make an approach? The answer is that I don't. I set things up so that they can choose whether or not to meet.\n\nThe logical outcome is much the same in all cases. Camp here for some period of time.\n\nPut up peace signals in case they're still here. This building is a low-rise, surrounded by taller buildings. I'll make my camp on the top of the building, and place white flags on all corners. There are still sheets enough and other things to make flag poles out of.\n\nIf they are real, then like me they cannot have scavenged this area before. There will be food and other supplies. To Work!\n\nI've made my intent even more clear. I have set up two living spaces on the roof, with a fire pit between them, benches on both sides. Each living area has it's own smaller fire pit, with a single chair.\n\nThere are stacks of wood in all three places, protected from the elements, as well as other camping gear, and food supplies. I only use my supplies, restocking only to the same level as their supplies. I only use the small fire pit on my side. Making it obvious that the center one is only for meetings between us, and theirs is only for them.\n\nI've decided to make equal improvements, to give me something to do. Yes, I haven't had a decent bath in a very long time. I'll add a shower for both of us first.\n\nNow, how long shall I wait...\n\n((finis))\n", "A cow-patty of concrete, hastily poured, lay in the centre of the Belmont \"24/7\" Supermarket doors. Jack, short of provisions, had hoped to pillage canned food or anything didn't smell too bad. He crouched by the automatic doors, which clapped against the out-of-place slab, and looked around. \n\nEmbedded in the top of the patty was the number four, and beneath it, two clenched fists with both index fingers pointing away from the supermarket. Jack, both bored and alone, found the whole scenario to be confusing and yet oddly amusing. The sides of the patty had grooves; chipped from the doors and there persistent clapping, but its surface was smooth. Someone had taken the time to lay the cement, prop open the doors and wait for it to dry before releasing the doors. \n\nJack bagged six cans of food and followed the direction of the concrete fingers. He walked for about an hour, down yet another empty street, with yet more abandoned cars with wide-open doors. One open door, one passenger. Four doors, an entire family perhaps. \n\nThe street was straight, and Jack kept to a line that he believed to be between the two pointing fingers. He kept moving until a car, with all of its doors open, blocked his path. Did the boot count as a door? If so, that made it five.\n\nJack paused in front of the car, and in the boot, he saw a leaflet nailed to the boot bed. Aquatic Centre of Adventure, painted in blue wavey writing and surrounded by sea creatures. Jack unpicked the nail and examined the leaflet. The hole left by the nail was not the first; there were three others dotted around - carefully placed on the back of the turtle of enormous girth. Turning the leaflet over, Jack found an address. He returned the leaflet to its faceup position and made sure resecure it to the boot.\n\nThe clues continued, and so did Jack. He spent three weeks following the oddly place objects, each pointing to a new location with no insight as to what, or who waited at the end of the rainbow. Jack hoped it was another person, and this treasure hunt was a test to see if he was worthy. A buried part of him knew that he would be disappointed, but it didn't stop him from pursuing the next number.\n\nPainted in thick red brushstrokes, on the front of a peeling billboard advertising the film \"28 Weeks Later\", were the words, Stop following me. Jack slumped his shoulders and studied the sign. Nothing pointed to the next clue, other than the woman who wore a surgical mask and stared up at the heavens. \n\nJack camped under the billboard for six days. On the seventh, he threw on his rucksack and moved on, wandering alone and bored until two months later he stumbled upon the first clue and started the adventure fresh.\n\n---\n\n/r/WrittenThought" ]	4
	[WP] The lowest human population was recorded after the Toba Supervolcano erupted, resulting in a 10-year winter. However, humanity bounced back, not by ourselves, but due to alien conservation. You are an alien struggling with helping these mere 3,000 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\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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! Hellooooooo! I need a pizza!” The woman was shrieking so loudly that it caused feedback in the microphone of the microscopic dermal camera between her eyes. All the humans had one now. All 3,000 that were left, at least. “LARGE! PEPPERONI! EXTRA CHEESE!”\n\nTacanda sighed. At one point, they had been an excited, passionate conservationist, fascinated by humans. They’d jumped at the chance to monitor and safeguard what was left of the species after a mass extinction event.\n\nUnfortunately, it turned out that humans were idiots.\n\n“Where are you? You’re all incompetent! I want my pizza for free for this! And free cheesy bread!” According to the surviving archival writings of the species, the woman’s hairstyle meant her identifier was “Karen.”\n\nTacanda switched the feed away from Karen in the half-crumbled, dark building. There were no other humans there.\n\nThey clicked around until they landed on a human who, according to the writings, was a “Cletus.” He was formerly “Cletus #17,” but the Cletus sub-species seemed hell-bent on self-eradication. “Cletus” was currently sitting in front of a fire, among a series of metal tanks & tubes in a heavily forested area, quickly downing the mind-altering liquid he’d produced.\n\nTacanda watched through the feed, treated to a first-person view as “Cletus” guzzled the clear liquid before suddenly shooting upright from his tree stump.\n\nWith a woop & a holler, “Cletus” seemingly tried to dance a few steps, but he and his bottle fell into the fire, which leapt higher. The “Cletus” feed went dead.\n\nHeaving a long-suffering sigh, Tacanda opened the Extinction Log and, between “Cletus 16” (crushed by own vehicle) and “Cletus 18” (attempted to battle large mammalian quadruped without weapons), noted another death.\n\nJumping back to the last live feed, Tacanda watched for a moment as “Becky #4” yelled at a human displaying a different pigment variation. Switching again, Tacanda watched as “Jane #12” ran tirelessly down cracked roads, passing burnt-out cars & collapsed buildings. Nothing was chasing her, it was simply routine. All of the “Janes” ran pointlessly; never to anything, never away from anything, never with other humans. Tacanda had noted “possible addicts” for all of them.\n\nAnother click through the feeds.\n\n“I’M STILL WAITING FOR MY PIZZA!”", "Quetzalcoatl exited the teleport booth on his ship. The 'פעדערעד שלאַנג', or 'Feathered Serpent' as it would be translated into the language, was located at the L1 point between the planet and its moon. It was serving as his main base of operation, with smaller satellite bases around the few remaining settlements.\n\nHe was a conservationist, a group of like-minded people that saw their purpose in preventing struggling sentient species from going extinct. His brother Xolotl was working for another branch of the same organization who took care of non-sentient species. A much less troublesome job.\n \nQuetzalcoatl had just returned from saving sample #2678 from dying. The human had stumbled and was about to hit its head on a rock, inadvertently leading to #2678’s death. Luckily one of Quetzalcoatl's many drones had been nearby and could freeze the human in place. Quetzalcoatl had teleported to the nearest satellite base, moved the human back in position, erased its memory of the last few minutes and headed back to the teleporter.\n\nThese were some curious people. They must have somehow found a loophole out of evolution. Every other race he had met had evolved to easily cope with their surroundings, adapted to them, mastered them. These humans just seemed to have stopped bothering at some point. \n\nAccidental deaths and their soft physique were just prime examples, both unheard of in the rest of the galaxy. It might come down to their reproducing habits. They had been so many, that natural selection seemed to have stopped. Even the 'bad samples' managed to father offspring. Errors in their evolution just didn't vanish over time as it did with other species.\n\nThey evolved to a certain point where they were able to reproduce new humans faster than losing them. Dying from age, accidents, diseases or war put a dent in their numbers but nothing that seemed to have stopped the general trend of more humans.\n\nThat is until the Toba supervolcano had erupted and almost eradicated all of the humans at once. This was where the conservationist came in and why he was out here now.\n\nWhen Quetzalcoatl reached the bridge he was greeted by blinking red light. He groaned, what is it this time?, he asked himself. He had been growing more and more annoyed with the humans over the past few months. It looked like they just didn't want to live. Quetzalcoatl quickly checked the automated report his drone had sent.\n\nSettlement #3, who had started worshiping him as their god after he had failed to eradicate his presence from their collective memory the last time, was about to go to war with settlement #5. Just because they believed in some make believe deity instead of an accidental sighting of Quetzalcoatl.\n\nHe sighed, turned around to the teleporter and went back down to the planet to take care of it.\n\nQuetzalcoatl returned a few hours later. In the end he had decided to just show himself to the leader of settlement #3, sample #1744, and just flat out tell him to mind his own business and leave settlement #5 alone. \n\nHe had just sat back down and was pondering which nutrition package to open when the warning light turned on again. \"Sample #0124 is about to engage a much bigger, deadly feline animal, in order to acquire its hide. Risk of loss of sample: 87%.\" the report read.\n\n\"Oh screw this!\" Quetzalcoatl muttered and instead of getting up to head down to the planet he told his navigation system to set a course to his home base. \n\n\"Humans are a lost cause, abandoning mission.\" Quetzalcoatl send out his own status report ahead of his arrival.\n\n******\n\nr/John_writes" ]	3
	[WP] "She may be a 5000-year-old ancient goddess and I just a 23-year-old mortal, but we're determined to make it work."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \n\n“Hey honies, can you please put down the flamethrower?” I asked my girlfriends, The Morrigan, as politely as I could despite the screaming terror that grew in me. They looked back at me, flamethrower rested in their single pair of hands. The fraternity building I frequent stood before both of us. If it could quake in fear, then I bet the shakes from this enormous building could wake up the whole campus.\n\n“Aww but Al, I know no one will get hurt. There’s absolutely no one in the building.” They said in their typical unison voice. Their smile curled up the wrinkles on their face into a hideous,sadistic visage. It’s really hard to love my girlfriend when they decided to look like this.\n\n“Yea. It may be empty.” I approached and pushed the cold steel fire spitting weapon towards the ground. “But what about the future repercussions, huh?”\n\n“I know that too. Everyone will benefit from this. The school will make it look like a terrorist attack and garner sympathy from everyone. Your fraternity will get an even better building in its place. They’ll even have enough room for the both of us.” They caressed my face with their stringy hands. I tightened up my butt from this, luckily they didn’t notice.\n\n“Yup, you know and see everything. Except for me. You ever thought about how I would feel after you torch my fraternity?”\n\n“That’s what I want to know! I want to learn more about you Al. “She pressed her lithe, robbed body up against my chest. “You’re the only one who’s fate I can’t see.”\n\n“So how about you ask me , instead of doing the typical Goddess thing of Smiting something.”\n\n“Okay, I promise. Can I get a kiss?”\n\n“Whaaa? Only if you transform back into your usual self.” Just as I asked, The Morrigan changed back into her beautiful Goddess form.\n\nDating a 5,000 year old Goddess is hard, but it definitely has its benefits." ]	2
	[WP] You wake up in the middle of the night to find a dark figure looming over you. You realize that you are experiencing sleep paralysis and decide to sit back and try to enjoy the show. After a couple minutes, you decide to try to move. You swing your arm up and smack the dark figure on the face.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Sleep paralysis. Everyone experiences it at least once in everyone's lives, but I seem to have them in bulk for some unknown reason. I remember my first experiences with sleep paralysis quite clearly, as a kid, my mom would keep her door open and a red lamp that filled the room with a soft orange/red glow, it filled the hallways and kept me at ease. One night I woke up in the middle of the night and looked to the hallways for comfort, but instead found that the walls were yellowed brick and the flicker of torches lined the walls. Though transformed, the familiar layout was still there, just as I was rationalizing the environment as a dream, I heard wails echoing from afar. The ground rumbled in the rhythm of footsteps, my heart raced, I feared the worst. I wanted to curl up under the blanket, but frozen I lay. Terror overwhelmed me, but in a blink, it was back to normal. I've been told it was a hallucination, but I don’t know what to believe. As I grew up, waking up in the middle of the night to strange environments or was normal, of course I was scared, but I knew they weren’t real, so I didn’t resist. One night I experienced the most generic of situations, a hunched shadowy creature stood in the corner of the room, its menacing stare burning into me. The figure slowly approached the foot of my bed. Its footsteps were so light, the normally creaky boards remained muted. The creature’s fingernails clinked against the bed’s metal frame. The figure bent over, face inches from mine, and breathed an unpleasant rotting stench over my face. I was unimpressed. Minutes passed with no changes, hoping to wake up and return to unconscious sleep, I attempted to move, this usually never worked, but this time something hilariously strange happened... I backhanded it across the face. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nKinda just made a elongated prompt, but hey, it was fun.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n>!This is for a project, i'll probably delete it later.!<" ]	2
	[WP] People have become bored with the average entertainment in the future, so the government decides to make "robot" death arenas. People believe that human-like robots fight in these arenas, but in actuality these "robots" are just captured humans deemed not useful in society.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 open hand extended towards him, palm facing upwards. A single round pill, the color of Eigengrau in its center, “Remember the rules, Leo,” a raspy old voice said, “you have to take this.”\n\nLeo backed away slowly from the man and his offering, “You’re all insane, you can’t make me do this!” he pleaded, “I’ll do better, I promise, please don’t do this.”\n\nThe old man held the pill between his index finger and thumb, “Swallowing this pill won’t hurt you, Leo,” his smile a thin line, “but not swallowing it, well,” he paused, “that’ll hurt your family.”\n\nLeo’s heart was pounding rapidly enough that he considered briefly if he was having a heart-attack, he scanned the small gray box he found himself in together with the menacing man, that single enforced door the only means of escape. Even if he could overpower the old man, he’d never make it out of Atmos alive, he knew, let alone with his wife Perla and their daughter Zaria. \n\nA depressing pressure of resignation pressed down on Leo’s shoulders, “How did it come to this?” he thought. He worked hard, as hard as anyone else in his position, why was he drafted into the arena? \n\nLeo’s lips trembled beyond his control before he could reign in his desperation and speak, “Why me? Sixteen hours!” he yelled, finding his anger, “For sixteen hours a day I toil away, I analyze the parts and give reports as well as anyone else!”\n\nThe older man chuckled, “Now that’s strictly not true, how exactly would you explain your low credit-score, then? No, Leo, you do not fulfill your task ‘as well as anyone else’”.\n\n“The system is broken!” Leo continued, “I accidentally jaywalk with one foot off the marked lines and I get automatically reported, even if I was shoved by the unending mass of people. Hidden microphone’s that record me cursing to myself from back-pain. The very same pain that I’ve gotten from working so hard, it’s not fair!”\n\nThe older man simply shook his head, “Yet others have no trouble keeping their score above a reasonable level. Take the pill, Leo. It’s not a death-sentence,” he said, his thin smile growing to a full grin, “if you win, of course.” \n\nLeo considered what would happen to his family if he didn’t take the pill, the hopelessness of his situation. He reluctantly picked up the pill, shivering, and swallowed it.\n\n“See, that wasn’t so bad, was it? Now you are mere moments away from bleeding a Phthalo blue, just like the robots you’ve helped analyze parts for.” \n\nThe old man nodded triumphantly, “Right! Please follow me, now we only need to mask…” he considered Leo’s visage for a second, “Your outward-shining humanity.” " ]	2
	[WP] You are a caster from a D&D game, how do spell slots work in your 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\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 mean, I've been in many different universes, and they all function pretty much the same. You have so much skill, so you only really know how to cast so many spells. That doesn't change unless the gods are really weird.\n\nYou also have limits on the number of spells you can cast, and again, that doesn't really change either, but it's more flexible.\n\nThen there's this memorization expletives. I already know my spells! I've had to spend serious time learning them, and copying them into my spell book! But there are still universes where you have to memorize all the spells you're going to be able cast that day! Ludicrous!\n\nIn my home universe, you still have the limits on major spells that can seriously affect the world, but things like cantrips are pretty much free. You're about to speak with the local potentate, snap \"clean\", snap \"mend\", you're presentable.\n\nFor other spells, you have only so much power each day, and it's divided among the spell levels. If you run out of castings for one level, you can convert a higher level casting into lower levels. However, the conversion is inefficient.\n\nWhoops! Here comes the dragon! Get out of here! Bzap! Teleport Other!\n\nNow, Mr. Dragon, we shall dance!\n\n((finis))", "[I can feel the blood leaking through my gums. That holy knight, clad in silver and cold... He's just another broken spirit, lost to the abrasive shards of time. He felt his god had abandoned him, so he responded in kind. The endless pain broke him, so he broke his oath, now the sad sack dares to trifle with me?]\n\n\"Laughable.\"\n\n-------moments earlier-------\n\n\"The warlock didn't tell us that he pissed off his patron. I... I think he sold us out! He just... left. He had just one ring of aura remaining; He could have protected us! He could have called upon the dimensional doorways to hasten our escape, but what did he do with it?! He vanished before our eyes, ABANDONED us as the horde ascended from the entrance of the ruins. Now here we are, at each other's throats and nearly dead, was this supposed to be part of the plan!? That bastard knew what he was doing! He waited until we were all but finished before showing \"Mr. Shiny-shoes\" the contract. The stubborn oaf took one look at it and all the rings drained from his aura, as if he had cut off his connection to the divine spirits; Now he's just staring right through us like he can't even hear us!\"\n\n-The eladrin was talkative and her spoutings subjective, but she didn't mince words. She thought out-loud, attempting to quell the confusion between herself, the paladin, and the aasimar. Zarael started in on the paladin in response to the eladrin's conjecture, just as the paladin began to heft his Lance.-\n\nI had never seen Zarael do that before, she was so... angry, screaming at shiny-shoes. In the middle of her insults he threw down the contract and ran his lance through it, affixing it to the ancient stones. I couldn't make out what he said, it was too soft for me to hear and I'm no good at lip reading, but.. I watched her face twist from frustration to disgust when he finished.\n\n-The tall angelic woman intensely eyed the contract on the ground for a moment, seeming to leave the now in favor of the last frost. As she lifted her head, her composure fell apart. Tears and anger swelled in her expression. There's a dull rumbling before a shattering silence blanketed the ruins. The winds force the dust into a hasty retreat as nearby wildlife scramble to flee. Her eyes turned white; Whiter than white, they began to glow. Streaming down from that perfect, rose-tinted visage, her tears shone so bright that it pained the eyes to observe. The sickening-sweet smell of burning flesh filled the atmosphere. The first drop to hit the ground made a distinct 'sizzle'.-\n\n She cried in pain, but I couldn't tell if it was the searing sadness or the blistering light pouring from her face. Shiney-shoes always took off his helmet for a fresh breath when the air was heavy. I fell silent, lost for words, as the Paladin's helmet crashed to the dirt. His brow unphased, determined, as if echoing his unadulterated force of will.\n\n-Zarael started toward the paladin. A deluge of blinding black magic ripped itself from the rings of her aura and began writhing around her left hand. The advancing aasimar was heralded by the scorching light of her ancestors, catching the paladin's unguarded flesh during his back-step. He managed to raise his mirrored shield to eye level before her shadow sword slipped under his pauldrons. His exposed skin began to char and bleed, as did hers. She lunged forward savagely with the dark blade torqued between his plates while the drops of light traced her momentum, singeing everything they touched. The two hit the ground together, as the paladin let out a curdling howl, stuttering with strain.-\n\nShe was still crying. I couldn't see it, but I could hear it in her voice. She could barely catch enough breath to keep up her broken, painful growl. Marius squealed in agony with every splash of radiance that dripped onto his skin. I knew that this was it; This was the end of 'us'. Zarael raised her blade once more and I saw the paladin's face morph into that same stone-look he gets on the job. He didn't hesitate at all. We were obviously worn out from the excursion, but he abruptly forced his waning spiritual pressure into a last, desperate strike with his shield. The armored-angel's head struck the withered stone wall, marring the tissue behind her ear.\n\n\"Stop!\" I barked. \"She is done!\"\n\n-Zarael hit the ground, hard, and lay motionless, the glow from her seething liquid starting to dissipate. The Paladin grabs at the stone walls, slipping on his own blood as he tries to pick himself up. -\n\nI began chanting to shape a ring of my glow into a runic sphere that hovered before me. \"The damage is done, you can't possibly wield that thing.\" I scorned at the Paladin.\n\nThe paladin, so sure of himself -\"You'd be wrong, Long-Ears\" He reigned in his shield as he stepped forward to grip the lance that was protruding from the stone. His armor drenched in crimson, he winced with every muscle movement. He tried hiding his pain, but we've been traveling together far too long for me to not notice.\n\nI finish chanting in preparation to strike. \"You have been defeated by your own actions, Marius, put down the lance, lest you prefer I prove it to you.\"\n\nThe paladin gritted his teeth, gripping that lance until his knuckles turned white. Sanguine mist spewed from his mouth as he yelled with all his might. \"We are both righteous knights, we are the same! You, of all these sodding creatures should understand-\"\n\n \"We are not the same, Marius! I am Isiphu Sekwindla, not some broken knight. I am the spirit of redemption! I am the one true voice of the Eladrin Order, the gift bestowed upon this land by the House of Eternal Autumn. You have known no pain as you will, should you aim your Lance at me again!\"\n\nIsiphu was stunning in a multitude of ways. Much like the Aasimar who lay silent on the ground, Isiphu was so intensely beautiful that it rivaled any language's capacity to describe. Her skin was a light copper-velvet, hair born of tendrils from the blood moon, and deeply layered amber eyes that seemed to hold the meaning of purpose itself. Looking upon her while she smiled was like embracing a sunset over the hinterlands of the Sword Coast. Likewise, anger only substantiated her majesty, inciting a feeling akin to a lightning bolt repeatedly finding its lead at the end of your spear.\n\n-Leaves and fireflies gently swirled around her every step, dancing in sync with her mood. Adorned in silvered weaponry and wrapped in a belt she had made from the soul of a fire giant, Isiphu brandished a golden hilt, extending it to arms-length at her side.-\n\n\"You would raise your blade to me?\" Marius inquired, as he did to many foes before.\n\n[What an insufferable moron] \n\n\"Yes Marius, should the need arise, I will return you to the land that bore us, as is your rightful claim in the end. When, and whether you're buried in one piece or many...\"\n\n-Marius hesitated, but took a small step forward, his lance quivering at the tip. Isiphu brought the golden hilt within inches of her chin, said an unintelligible prayer, and squeezed the grip. The hilt released a terrifyingly bright, vertical light that began to take shape as the vibrations subsided. Isiphu opened her eyes, holding reflections of the sacred Autumn Sun Blade in her gaze. Uncharacteristically, she desperately called out to her Paladin brethren:\n\n\"Last chance, Marius! We have but moments of precious time before Zarael is beyond saving. Her death will mean yours, I swear it!\"\n\n\n.... to be continued.\n\nEdited: for a few small, grammatical errors. Feel free to point them out.\n\n\n\n\n" ]	3
	[WP] All your life, you heard voices in your head. Originally, it was believed you were schizophrenic. However, during a mugging, you realize they're your past lives and you have all their skills	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 voices. Always there, echoing in my head. I can't control them. They order me around. They hurt me. But that was the beginning.\n\n\"No!\" I shout to nobody in particular. Looking around, I realize nobody was even talking to me. I cringe away from all the stares I receive. I hear someone whisper, \"That Katie. She must be crazy.\" Shaking my head, I go down to the alleyway. It seems more quiet than usual. Not that much was there anyway. I walk between the houses, away from the crowds.\n\n\"Boo!\" someone shouts. I whip my head around to see my big brother, John, and his friends. \"Did I scare you?\" he asks with a laugh.\n\n\"John, you idiot, stop doing that!\" I cry. I hear one of the voices, with an English accent. Don't let him scare you! You're stronger than that! I shake my head. \"I wasn't talking to you!\" I look up, remembering that nobody else can hear the voices. His friends give me weird stares. \"Just... Talking to myself,\" I say nervously. John grabs me by my shirt and pulls me away from the group.\n\n\"Did it happen again?\" he asked in a whisper. I roll my eyes.\n\n\"Yes, and it's not a big deal. Aren't you supposed to be at Jax's house soon?\" I ask. Jax is his best friend, and even my brother won't admit it, I think he likes him. A lot. Puzzled, he takes a step back and checks the time.\"Oh crap, you're right!\" He turns around and says, \"Stay safe Katie.\" I nod.\n\n\"You too!\" He says a quick goodbye to his friends before running away. Once he turns the corner, one of the guys, Flash, punches his friend in the arm and takes a step towards me. He shoves me to the wall, and I bang my head on the brick. \"What are you doing?\" I ask.\n\n\"Oh, us?\" Flash asks, gesturing to himself and his friends. \"Well, let me put it this way. Do what we want, and nobody gets hurt.\"\n\n\"What the hell do you even want? Also, you shoved me into a wall, so it's too late to make that dumb deal,\" I say sarcastically.\n\nFlash's eyes flicker with amusement, and then anger. \"You think you're being smart, but that was really stupid. Now you've made me mad,\" he says, his voice dropping lower. He looks to his left, where the strongest guy is, and with an unnaturally calm tone in his voice, he says, \"Destroy her.\" Flash seems way too movie-villain to have control over this guy, but nope. The guy comes running at me, and he punches me in the face. He shoves me to the floor and I have no idea what to do, when I hear the voice from earlier. Stand! Roundhouse, backfist, and put him in his place!\n\nI have no idea what any of that means, but I end up doing it anyway. I punched and kicked, but it was as if I was watching it, with no control over it. Before I knew it, he was on the floor. I had my knee on the side of his body, and his arm twisted up. Turning to the others, I hear a voice say, \"Now... Who's next?\" I watch, one by one, they run away. Wait. Was that my voice? They heard it? Flash is the last one standing. He shakes his head and walks away calmly.\n\n\"What just happened?\" I ask myself out loud. The voice with the accent, and one with vocal fry, and even one that sounds like it's from underwater all come into my head, swarming my mind at once. *We are one.*\n\nMy head hurts, and the world starts spinning. Then.... Darkness.", "Wake up. Brush my teeth. Try to keep the voices quiet. Breakfast: scrambled eggs, multigrain toast, whole milk. Tell the voices to shut up. Ok, pack my bag. Make sure I’ve got my books, pencils, cell phone charger, and note pad. Don’t forget to pack my lunch. Beg the voices to stop talking for five minutes. Alright get in my car check the clock, 8:12 am. Damn, cutting it close this morning. Drive to school. Traffics not too bad I think I’ll make it on time. Switching lanes when Cain lets me know there is a car about to try and pass. Phew, that was close. \n\nWait a second. Did... did one of the voices just help me avoid a fender bender? \n\n“Why yes, yes indeed I did, my boy.” A deep Texas drawl spoke within my head. My heart rate began to increase. \n\n“Did Sergei here correctly, Did you just communicate with our comrade?” Another voice, more scratchy and with a thick Russian accent spoke afterwards. \n\nWhat the fuck. Are they having a conversation? In my head? How is that possible? I haven’t heard them speak this much in over 10 years. How did they... oh no. My pills, I forgot my damn pills. I haven’t forgotten to take my pills since I was 12. But wait a second why they so coherent. Why aren’t they babbling away with nonsense. How come one of them noticed a car I was going to hit before I did?\n\n“Apologies, darling, it’s always a bit of a shock for us when a new member is introduced into the food we usually don’t quite figure it out until the later teens,” now a female voice was speaking to me in a British voice like a character from “Monty Python.” \n\nI’m hyperventilating. I need to pull over, this is too much. How fucked up am I? I’m having conversations with the voices in my head. This can’t be happening. I need to go back for my pills. \n\nThe Russian spoke again, “oh please don’t take those pills again, comrade. Clouds the mind, makes for very boring existence. We only want to help, promise.”\n\nWhat does he mean he wants to help. I’m so confused. How in the hell did my brain create these things? I need the pills, now. \n\n“Oh come now, boy, you really think you could imagine all of us? I know you’re smarter than that, kid.” the southern drawl said incredulously. \n\nOk, you know what, screw it. I’ll play this game for five minutes. If you guys aren’t figments of my imagination, then what are you?\n\n“That’s easy, son, we’re your past lives,” a new voice spoke inside my mind. This new voice had an older American accent sounded like Chicago area. \n\nBut that’s not what I was worried about now. Did he just say past lives? What the hell did that even mean?", "The voices were always there. From the moment I took my first breath. I suppose they were the reason I started talking early. Started walking, reading and writing early. I breezed through school and college, getting my first PhD at the young age of 16.\n\nThey told me not to tell anyone about their existence. They told me that they were there only for my protection. Somehow, I trusted them. I didn't know their true meaning until today.\n\nI was walking back to my home after a night of partying at the local bar. My conference paper was a huge success, managing to impress both academia and companies alike. I was buzzed and tipsy, my movements erratic.\n\nAs I walked past a narrow alley, one of the voices in my head, one that I had not heard before, ordered me to duck. Just as I did, I heard the sound of something whip through the air, right where my head was. Stunned, I looked up to see a guy with a razor sharp knife in his hand. He looked shocked at the fact that he missed his target.\n\nThe next set of commands were crisp and clear. Kick. Roll. Punch. Soon, the guy was knocked out cold. As I stood there, panting and shaking, the voices spoke to me in unison.\n\n\"We are you, and you are us.\"", "The voices kept talking.\nThrough high school, one would say the answers during tests and another would tell jokes. There was a couple who pointed out cute or bad outfits to wear. They led me through all my classes. I listened to them all.\nI lived through my life thinking I was going insane. No therapy could help me. I knew this.\n\nThen, it happened.\nAs I was walking through the street, the voice who always looked out for me told me that someone was trying to mug me. And he told me to immediately do a 90° turn to the left and kick out.\nThen to punch him in the face.\nAnd so much other fighting skills.\nThen a woman tells me to run.\nRun, run, run.\n\nBut only after I'm safe at my house does it all click in.\nThose voices, were real people.\nA karate master.\nAn athlete.\nA mathematician.\nA comedian.\nA model.\nAn outfit desginer.\nThey were my past lives, and they've come to protect me from the dangers of the world.\nTo hone my skills, for the next person in line." ]	5
	[WP] Every time you sleep, you create a checkpoint in your life that you can choose and load to repeat your life at any point. As a student, you’ve used this ability to ace every exam you’ve taken. One day, you get an exam back: “F. No cheating.” You’re determined to ace this exam no matter what.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 at the page, the only F in my life, its bright red, circled form igniting a fire behind my eyes. I looked at the teacher, and she at me, a slight smirk on her face. The class ended, the day ended, and I went home. I laid down, ostensibly for a nap before homework, but my work was far from over. This test was in need of correction.\n\nI closed my eyes, and invoked my unseen power, and found myself on a path in what seemed to be a park. At regular intervals there were gaslight lamps, illuminating in solemn circles of light, doors that would have been at home in the Victorian era. I knew the drill at this point. Each had a date, the further back I walked, the further I could move backward through time. Bill Murray wished he'd had it this good, i wasn't confined to a day, just a place. I had relived days, weeks, months... at age 6 I had relived my birth.\n\n The doctors thought it strange that I didn't cry, the second time around. My parents thought it strange that I never cried, had particular complaints, or arguments. My peers were enamored by my apparent wisdom, my teachers marvelled at my seemingly immediate grasp of any subject, and my girlfriend thought I was the perfect guy. The fact was that i had perfect knowledge of the future.\n\n I rarely went through any day once, I had years to study what others took in day by day. I memorized every complaint anyone would have of me, and could negotiate a solution on my terms. My girlfriend, who was undoubtedly the most beautiful, intelligent woman I had ever met, had, in reality, broken up with me over percieved slights countless times. I had cheated on her with any girl I pleased, in and out of the school. I went back to her both because she had insights I would never consider many times, and, if I'm being honest, she was a good lay, and I had had decades to perfectly learn how to blow her mind.\n\nI know I sound like a shitbag, and, if I'm being honest, i may very well be, but keep in mind, I was seventeen, physically. The downside to my power was that I mentally had to get up to speed the long way around. I had lost track a long, long time ago, but if I had to guess, I would peg my mental age somewhere in the two century mark. I had gone back hundreds of times, my birthdays usually lasted a week, by design. They were worth waiting for. I had, on my fourth trip back to kindergarten, gotten public schooling out of the way early. Proving yourself a newtonian genius at age 5 is a good way to do so. I had studied just about every area of study. A shame I couldn't keep the degrees. I was studying horticulture, botany, entomology, arachnology, and herpatology this time around. It gave me plenty of time to laze about, while still feeling I had accomplished something. \n\nAnd that bitch had given me an F. I would not stand for this. I walked through a door, seven lights down the path. A week of study would be plenty of time. I worked through the week, pacing myself meticulously through my study time, taking care to maintain my delicately cultivated social web. I even took my girlfriend out to dinner. As always, I was the perfect son, student, friend, and lover. And then the day of the test. I looked down at my paper and my jaw dropped. The material was the same, and yet, the questions were different. Not just the order, the questions themselves were different. \n\nThis wasn't exactly a unique occurrence. Random variables shifted around me constantly, nothing happened exactly the same every single time. My life was less VHS and more Broadway. Actors were carefully practiced, but each performance was slightly different. This teacher had an anticheat in her test, in case I peaked over my neighbor's shoulder. No problem, I knew the material I answered each question perfectly. Turned in the test, and turned it in. \n\nTwo days later, I came back into class and received my test back. I glanced down at the paper, already knowing the result would be a perfect...failure!? \nAnother circled, red F glared up at me, worse this one included the note \"no cheating!\" Next to it. By this point, the teacher had resumed her seat, but as I looked up from the page, I saw her, laser focused on me, a smirk plastered to her face. Random variables changed. This wasn't the case. An\nd I was officially miffed. I went back to the day of the test. Fifty seven times. Every time, forced to wait three days to learn a result I could not accept: that I was capable of failure. This was not possible. On the 60th attempt, I received a note of \"please see me after class\". \n\nFuck this, I was done. I couldn't fail in an event that never happened. I went back, further this time, to the beginning of the semester. I chose another class for my Wednesday/Friday. I had decided I didn't care for plants. I would become a nuclear physicist instead. \n\nOn the first day of class, I settled into my chair, and was breathing easy. I had actually taken this class, years ago. I got along well with the teacher. I was already writing in my notes from memory, when the door opened. I didn't look up from my work, but I heard the familiar voice of my nemesis. \n\n\"Professor Green wanted to Express his remorse that he couldn't make it to class today, he was sick. He did, however, want to gauge where everyone was with the material, and so prepared a preliminary test for you all to fill out. I'll grade them by the end of class.\"\n\nThis was a new experience, having no knowledge of a future event before it happened, and yet, I knew exactly what would happen. I looked to the left, and saw a test with complex trigonometry formulas. I looked down, and saw a horticultural exam, and then looked up to see the familiar smirk, but the truly horrifying part, was the eyes, seeming to glow with the primal triumph of a predator about to devour its prey. \n\nI jumped from my seat and sprinted from the room. That night I took my girlfriend out. I will admit, it was an entirely selfish act of self indulgence, but I had been too stressed out lately. I had planned to blow every dime i had, on food, illegally obtained drugs, alchohol, sex in a hotel room, and then, drop out, for about a year. Foreknowledge of stock pricing had given me more money than I would ever need, if i ever wanted it, and tonight, i needed it. I was midway through a prime rib, when the waitress, who I might have needed to spend a week with sometime, walked to the table, and placed a drink in front of me. I looked up at her, \"I didn't order this.\" I said, confused. \n\nThe waitress smiled, and said \"oh, it came from the woman at the bar. She told me to ask you to see h-\" \"-HER AFTER CLASS, THANK YOU.\" I said. I was done with this. It was time to face the music. I looked to my girlfriend, gave her an apologetic look i would surely have not given next week. My teacher was at the bar, I walked, and sat next to her. \"Class is over.\"\n\nShe smiled, and spoke,\" actually, I'd say we're just beginning, and for the first time in a long, long time, you're finally learning something.\"\n\n", "\"F. No Cheating\"\n\nThis was starting to get irritating. I have taken this stupid programming exam several times now and every single time I get the same grade back. I know the answers are right too; I've read over my friend's exams and their answers were marked correct but when I answer the same question...\n\n\"F. No Cheating\"\n\nI tried everything: answering every question right, purposely getting a few questions wrong, sitting completely isolated from anyone else in the front row. Today, I went in wearing a short sleeve shirt with only a pencil to take the exam. Absolutely no possible way I could have cheated even if I wanted to and yet...\n\n\"F. No Cheating\"\n\nNow, I could just chalk it up to a loss and just accept the F. After all; it was just one failure lost in a sea of perfect scores. Probably wouldn't even leave a dent in my overall GPA. But it's the principle that matters. Why should I fail an exam just because my teacher THOUGHT I had cheated with absolutely no possible proof to back it up?\n\nAnd before anyone says it, no, I don't count my rewind ability \"cheating\". Some people are born naturally smart or with an affinity for certian subjects. Do you call that cheating? I didn't choose to have these powers; I was just lucky. Don't blame me, blame the universe. \n\nAnyway I now was outside my professors office, failed exam in hand, ready to get to the bottom of this. I opened the door to see Dr.Garret at his desk, typing away at his keyboard. He didnt even look up from his monitor as I opened the door and walked in. He had some of those cheesy teacher posters you always see around the classroom covering his wall. \"Hang in there, Script Kiddie!\" Said one. \"Lifes a game, so try to have fun!\" Said another and other cringe inducing phrases. I tried to ignore them as I set the exam down on Dr.Garrett's desk. \n\n\"I believe there might have been some sort of mistake here\" I said, doing the best \"professional/respectful\" tone I could put on. \n\nWithout stopping to type, Dr.Garret took one eye off the monitor to look down at the exam, then at me, then back at the monitor. \"No mistake Mr.Mitnick\" Dr.Garret said \"you cheated, so I failed you. End of story\".\n\n\"But I didn't cheat!\" I insisted \"I was sitting by myself during the exam with nothing but a pencil. There was no way I could have possibly cheated!\"\n\n\"Your attempts at trying to hide your cheating\" Dr.Garret explained \"ironically only made it more obvious that you were cheating\"\n\n\"And how exactly did I cheat\" I asked, using all my willpower to hang on to that \"professional/respectful\" tone.\n\nDr.Garret chuckled to himself and shot me a brief glance \"I think we both know how you cheated and I dont need to explain it to you\"\n\nThat was the last straw. I snatched up my exam and began to storm out of the office. \"Fine!\" I exclaimed \"if you're just gonna fail me for no reason, then I'll just tell the principle about this!\"\n\n\"So you're telling me, Dameon\" Dr.Garret asked as I reached for the door handle \"that for once there's a problem that your rewind ability can't solve?\"\n\nMy hand seemed frozen onto the handle as what he just said pierced through me. I turned back to face Dr.Garret. He had stopped typing and was standing at his desk. But something was different about him. He no longer seemed like the 12th grade computer science teacher I had known. There was something more to him. Something menacing. \n\n\"I-I dont know what you're talking about\" I managed to stammer out. No one was suppose to know about my rewind power. It was impossible to know unless I told someone and I never told anyone. \n\n\"You also apparently dont know how to lie, either\" Dr.Garret said in a calm yet firm tone \"cut the crap, Dameon, we've been monitoring you since first grade when your GPA took a sharp spike\"\n\nWho the hell are \"we\"? \n\n\"Why do you think school assignments have scores, Dameon?\" Dr.Garret continued \"it's not to test you on your ability to write a summary about 'of Mice and Men', but to test you for any abnormal behaviours. It's a way to catch cheaters before they leave the tutorial and enter the main game where their exploits can cause real damage\". \n\nMAIN GAME? WHAT THE HELL IS HE TALKING ABOUT!?!\n\n\"Don't act so surprised Dameon\" Dr.Garret said \"you knew this was bound to happen eventually when you decided to try to exploit your way to victory\"\n\n\"I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FUCK YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!!!\" I screamed, legitimately terrified over the idea of being monitored by some secret organization my goddamn high school teacher was a part of \"MONITORING ME? MAIN GAME? YOU'RE FUCKING CRAZY!!!\"\n\n\"Even if that's the case\" Dr.Garret continued on unfazed \"then you only need to know two things right now: you are a cheater...\"\n\nDr.Garret opened his hand and a black shape materialized in his hand. First pixelated like, then solidifying into a black iron, .44 magnum revolver. He cocked the hammer and aimed it right at me.\n\n\"... and cheaters get banned\".", "Fifteen was a weird year for Tomas.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFirst was the djinn in the Nintendo cartridge and the two months spent freeing the \"Game Genie\". Then there was the three months spent re-imprisoning it when it decided to use its new freedom to take a big bite out of the north of Africa. Tomas thought it made for a pretty good summer.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWith victory came the prize, the iffrit's infamous \"Cheat Code\". Every sleep, and as he would discover every time he died, Tomas would find himself with a controller in his hand, looking at a screen. There he could filter through a list of every time he'd gone to sleep. There he could select one of the previous saves, erasing all saves after. He would wake up exactly as he had been when he woke that day, but with a memory of everything that he had gone through.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAt first, he used it for simple things. He dawdled in the morning missed the bus, so he tucked himself back into bed and woke up hours before. He missed a date at the end of December, went back to sleep and woke up the previous day only to blow it with Carol, wake up the week before to prepare. She couldn't get enough of him that time.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFew are ready to meet God, even fewer could date him. By the end of January, Carol was done with him, so he decided to redo the whole month. It took three tries. She stayed blissfully unaware of every fight they had ever had, no matter how small. He always seemed to know exactly what to do always. By the end of his effort she all but literally worshipped him. He really enjoyed that month, so he did it again for a couple of years.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAt first, he was concerned that there were no consequences to his actions, so he vowed to change the world for the better. During the hundred Marchs of that year, Tomas explored helping people, insinuating himself in people's lives, giving them lottery numbers and stock tips. The first few times through his neighbors did very well for themselves. But gods get bored, and he could just erase his misdeeds, so he a little more creative.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHis dog died toward the end of the month, which upset him greatly. Tomas spent a few hundred years teaching himself veterinary medicine, largely in vain. It was during this stretch that he began to recognize \"throw away time\". He planned on saving Forrest before she died, so he would have to roll back time after the learned everything. Nothing he did mattered, as long as he was comfortable getting to his goal. As soon as he wasn't, he just reset the timer.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe practiced \"medicine\" on all of the neighborhood dogs and cats. They disappeared for a month and reappeared when he reset. He would chop them to bits and then reset the clock. The first human life he took was actually an accident. One of the neighborhood boys had fallen into his spike trap in the woods behind the school where the deer ran. Tomas tripped into the same spikes trying, out of breath, to help him out. That's when he found out that death brought him to the room too. The next three hundred Marchs were spent creatively filling whatever urges came to his mind. Death would have been a luxury for nearly anyone he directed his attention to. He would regard the fifty or sixty months he focused on Carol as his most depraved.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt would be another hundred years to accept his remorse, another thousand to heal his broken mind and eight months to reacclimate to being 15 again.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nCarol was two rows over in AP English, burning a hole in the back on Tomas's head with her eyes. She'd asked him to meet her by the river. It wouldn't be their first time, that wouldn't come for a few more days, but it was certainly worth looking forward to. He looked down at his paper, written perfectly, cited perfectly. Marring the top was in broad red pen, \"F. No cheating.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTomas looked at Mr. Markle. He remembered this happening before. He also remembered spit roasting John Markle with a flag pole in the school's boiler room while he Facetimed the man's estranged children. The secrets that John had told him.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTomas scribbled a note back to his teacher and silently walked up to the front of the room, waiting for him to read it. John's eyes filled with a terror so pronounced that Tomas could taste it.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I'm sure you could check on some site to see if I plagiarized this from somewhere. This is my work.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Oh... uh... I think we can take care of that.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTomas left and sat down next to Carol, thinking about how nice the light of the setting sun will look against her skin as they lay by the river later. Maybe he'd do it one more time before he left this March behind for good.", "As Mr.Harangue circled the classroom, handing back tests to mortified children, I leaned back in my chair and smiled. Now, I know what you're thinking, and, no, I'm not the smartest kid in school.\n\nOr the second smartest.\n\nOr the third smartest.\n\nRather, I'm gifted with the ability to \"redo\" whatever's gone wrong with my life.\n\nIt's a simple system, really, when I sleep, I create a \"save-point\" for the universe(In fact, we all do), and my ability lies in the fact that I can go back to any one of these points in time and correct my mistakes.\n\nSo that's why I really wasn't worried about this AP Biology test. I was confident that, as usual, me knowing the questions beforehand would lead to a perfect 100%.\n\nAnd, sure enough, here came Mr.Harangue, with a smile on his face that was borderline... devious?\n\nNo, it couldn't be, right?\n\nAs I looked down at my paper, it would be an understatement to say that I was shocked.\n\nAn F? How?\n\nI decided to stay after class and talk to Mr.Harangue about why he had given me such a low score. He smirked at me, only stating, \n\"You cheated, Mr.Li, there's not really much I can do about that. You see, the quiz was all multiple choice, so you must've not noticed that I changed up the answers from last year's quiz...\"\n\nAs I looked down at the questions, I realized that he was right, and that they were different questions from the first time that I had taken the test, before I had \"re-loaded\".\n\nBut why am I telling all of you this? Why didn't I just go back to the \"save-point\" and fix all of this.\n\nThat's the problem. I did.\n\nYou see, this is my 20th time re-doing this one day. And every single try, from 1-19, the test has had completely different questions.\n\nBut if that was it, if I was just going to fail a test, I would've taken the fall gracefully.\n\nThe problem, however, is that my entire world is unravelling.\n\nEach time, my mom has called me a different name ranging from \"Aaron\" to \"Spencer\".\n\nEach time, my dog had morphed to a cat, then a turtle, then a gerbil, to nothing at all. I had lived in California, Connecticut, and New Jersey.\n\nYet each time, without fail, Mr.Harangue had been standing over my desk, with a devious smile, putting a slight emphasis on the word cheated.\n\nAnd that is why I'm putting this here, for the internet to see. It's because I'm sure that Mr.Harangue has the same ability that I do. That he's found some way to screw with my past and it's only a matter of time before I've ceased to exist.\n\nSo please, if there's anyone out there with my ability, and you see this before Harangue finds a way to screw with it, I'm begging you: help me out.\n\nForget the test, forget my GPA, and forget highschool.\n\nI just want to live, even if it means never using this ability again.\n" ]	5
	[WP] You arrive home to find your place completely trashed. Your kids insist the cat said he'd be back. Their tale is incredible, it couldn't be true. You start to clean up, you don't know what to do.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "\\[Poem\\] ^(I think I need to add this idk...)\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was truly mad\n\nThis story from the lad\n\n\"It was the Cat!\"\n\n\"A Cat?\"\n\n\"Yes! The Cat in the Hat!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"What NONSENSE you speak!\n\nNow up to your rooms!\n\nI don't want to hear a PEEP\n\nnor a SQEAK from now til noon!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd off the two went\n\nWith heads hung low.\n\nPerhaps I was harsh\n\non the boy and lass.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBut the house is a mess\n\nThe carpet is wrecked\n\nThe walls are painted with ick\n\nThick and black\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWhat drove them to this?\n\nWhat is it that they wish?\n\nIs it my fault or theirs?\n\nOh gosh, the fish!\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe looked tired and exhausted\n\nJust what did they do?\n\nI just hope it was something\n\nSomething I wouldn't rue\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThis was a nightmare,\n\na horror!\n\nWhy if I was younger,\n\nThere'd be an uproar\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThen I heard a knock\n\nAnd I heard the lock!\n\nIt clicked and turned\n\nThen I finally learned\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was a Cat!\n\nA Cat in a Hat!\n\nHe drove a contraption\n\nfrom pure imagination\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was gizmos and whizzers\n\nBoppers and wheels\n\nA mess of thing\n\nThat trailed a path so clean\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt went through the halls\n\nRepainting the walls\n\nFixing the carpet\n\nThe Persian rug too\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThen with a wave\n\nand a bye\n\nThe Cat was gone\n\nbefore my eyes\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPerhaps they were truthful\n\nThe boy and the lass\n\nOr perhaps at last\n\nI truly am Mad." ]	2
	[WP] Tell me about a day in the life of a marshmallow factory owner in an interesting way.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 gravel crunched in the morning light as James Pulcifer trudged toward an enameled factory. He flicked a glowing cigarette while hooking a bronze key from the pocket of his faded blue jeans. The lock turned and fell with a clunk. A pale pink and green sign swung from its chain above as James opened the door. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nPulcifer's Confections \n\nEst. 1921\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Dulce et Decorum Est\", James whispered to the sign with a knowing smile hidden behind a gray mustache.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nDown the aisles switches thrown, and delayed light followed. A cool buzz preceded it. His hands falling here and there in perfect memory, smoothing knobs and polishing well worn metal. The factory turned and began to hum, greeting him. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Good morning, darling.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nJames listened to his footsteps as they echoed in the main floor before snapping into focus as he walked into a small back office. He slid into a worn, brown, leather chair and peered through a small window above his desk. As time passed bodies in soft blue uniforms slowly filled the factory floor and joined in a familiar dance, joining their partners. Sacks of sugar spun around and dipped into large steel vats. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd amongst the rhythm and coordination, a knock. And another. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Come in.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Hello, Mr. Pulcifer. I am. My name is Earl Calson. The VA said that I might be able to...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Yes, yes. Hello, Earl I have been expecting you. You'll have to give me a moment.\", James sipped his black coffee and only briefly met eyes with his visitor before returning an intent gaze to the window.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Sit down, and see.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nEarl chuckled uncomfortably and pulled at the sleeves of his oversized suit. His eyes, sunk in a young but weathered face, scanned the small office. In time he obliged the old man's request. Pulling up a small chair, he joined James and faced the small glass square.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMinutes passed and James rose with a groan.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Come with me, please.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nJames walked forward without saying a word. Past twisting and spinning of metal. With purpose. And stopped at a square box.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"30 years ago, I saw the colors of war.\" James began in a slow voice, keeping his eyes on the box.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Red, Black, Yellow. Blood, smoke, gas.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Men I loved. If they were men. Many were boys in old men's clothes. Faded away into these colors. Buried in the brown soil of a land whose name I couldn't pronounce. Meuse-Argonne, France. Not too far from where you spent some time, Earl. You were in France?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Hmm. November snow is what I remember now. Once the gunfire stopped. Such a calm, flowing, white. So soft and silent. You know what it all looked like, Earl?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"What's that, sir?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Marshmallows. I thought to myself about the perfect joy of a sweet, sticky marshmallow. When I was young I sang campfire songs and watched as my toasted creation flickered in front of a fire contained by a circle of rocks. Held just close enough to be warm, but far enough to avoid fiery destruction. And there, many years later in the French forest, I picked up a fistful of the fresh snowy powder and shaped it in my gloves. Like a marshmallow.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nJames rotated a knob and the chains turned. Out from rotating spout, sweet fluff dripped and cooled in the tray. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Every 2 seconds a new row. Every day. Joy repeated ad nauseam. No surprises. No chaos.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nJames reached down and picked up two marshmallows. Still warm and fresh.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"That is what you can expect from joining us here at the factory, Earl.\"\n&#x200B;" ]	2
	[WP] You have been deaf since the age of three. On the morning of your eighteenth birthday, you hear the phone ring.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I woke up this morning, as I did any other morning. Today was supposed to be exciting, but I couldn't help but feel flat. \"You're eighteen!\" people around me would exclaim, as if this particular birthday was going to unlock magical secrets and take me on a whimsical quest straight out of Tolkien. I'm an introvert, so it's not like I was going to spend it partying. I'd meet my friends later, but that would be over by 7pm and I could come home and enjoy the peace. I walked downstairs, the hallway dank as it had ever been. I can feel the stairs creak below me, the vibrations running up my legs and through my socked feet. Since I was deaf, I'd learned to see and feel sound. Sitting in the kitchen was my mom, whose face lit up when she saw me. She signed \"Happy birthday\" to me, and pushed a small box across the table. \"Open it!\" I saw her mouth form. The box was light, didn't appear to have much in it. A gift card, maybe? Mom and I don't have much by way of cash, so I wasn't expecting much. I opened it up, and in the bottom was a small key. Black rubber around the top of the key, with a worn Toyota logo stamped into it. Seriously? How could she afford this? I looked up at her, and she signed for me to go to the driveway. Sure enough, in the driveway was an old Toyota pickup truck - the same one I had been saving for with the money I earned tutoring ASL. I turned to hug my mom, and made my best attempt to say \"thank you\" out loud - but I know it never comes out right. My mouth doesn't move the same way other people's does when they speak. I don't know how to make it work. But mom understood. She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, and signed something about being home later on, and we'd go for a drive together. But now, she had to work. Within ten minutes, she was gone and the house was empty. \n\nAmbling back to the kitchen, I make myself a deeply underwhelming birthday breakfast. It's okay, I'm used to cornflakes and watery orange juice. Picking up my car key, I turn it between my fingers, feeling the smoothness of the rubber and the mild oiliness of the metal. I'm off in my own world, as usual. Then a shrill sound made me sit bolt upright. \n\nThat can't be right. The only sounds I hear are the ones inside my head, that I create with my imagination. I see or feel something, and I have to imagine what it sounds like. It came again, and a third time. What is this? I come back to reality, and realise it is the phone. Staring at the faded, vaguely yellow handset bolted to the wall like it's 1993, I tentatively pick it up. And just like that, the trill stops. I hold it to my ear, feeling silly. But to my complete disbelief, I hear a man's voice say \"happy birthday, son.\" His voice is deep, as though his throat was sore and scratchy. He doesn't sound like he's close to the phone, it sounds like he's shouting it from the other side of a room into the receiver. As soon as he got the word \"son\" out, the usual silence in my ears continued. I dropped the phone, and ran upstairs to my computer. I typed in youtube, and put the speakers on full volume. Nothing. I was deaf once more. Cursing the world, I texted mom and asked her to come home early. I bolted the door to my bedroom, praying to any deity that would listen that the phone wouldn't ring again. \n\nMom came in about an hour later, texting me to tell me she was home. She said I looked off, and asked if I had been sick. She sat us at the kitchen table, and I signed to her what happened over a cup of tea. As I finished, her face went white and she was looking down at the cracked vinyl on the floor. \n\nShe went and got a piece of paper and a pen from the counter. Writing slowly and carefully, she slid a piece of paper across to me, that said in her perfect handwriting \"Jack, there's something I need to tell you about your father...\"" ]	2
	[WP] The Endwar has came and gone, after a series of humiliating military defeats both Heaven and Hell have been forced to sue for peace and establish diplomatic relations with Earth, today is your first day working at Hell's embassy	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 fighting might be over, but the war sure wasn't. That's why they sent me, the United Earth Front General know as the Hero of the Nightly Norwegian Massacre and the Bulwark of the Demonic Canadian Siege, to tend our relations with the Spawn. We've won, but we need to show them our strongest facade we can muster, because, in all honesty, the only reason we weren't crushed is due to the utter lack of strategic competence of our adversaries. \n\nI checked my thigh, ankle and back to make sure that my weapons were with me and fully loaded, shook my arms, jumped on the spot a bit, slapped my face a couple of times, set my shoulders, jaw and eyes in the most Clint Eastwoodian way I could think of, and finally stepped my foot through the portal leading to the Embassy Down Below. \n\nThe sight that greeted me on the other side took me by downright surprise. I was expecting an inferno á la Dante, with fiery lakes and wailing tormented souls and torture racks and... anything but this. It was the equivalent to the interior of Taj Mahal, a huge building filled with intricately detailed marble, a domed ceiling with drawings heavily inspired by the Sistine Chapel, enormous pillars and Persian rugs. Comfy looking chairs and sofas with even more comfy looking pillows were scattered around nice looking glass tables with nice looking people milling about. Only a couple of Imps trudging around reminded me of where I was. In the center of the room I entered there was, strangely enough, a fountain depicting Cherubs spitting and pissing water. Not the kind of decoration you'd expect in a place like Hell. But weirdest of all was the gigantic painting that hung almost all over one side of the building. It was huge, way bigger than any I had ever seen. And it depicted me, in a valiant pose standing over the corpses of demons and monstrosities. As I stood there, dumbfoundedly gawking, I felt a cautious knock on my shoulder. \n\n 'Mr. Jensen?' a timid voice quavered. I turned around and looked down, seeing a young lady in business attire fidgeting with a binder. \n\n'General Jensen, actually' I replied softly. \n\n'Oh, yes, of course, how stupid of me! Right, General Jensen, what did I say? Never mind, my name is Priscilla... uhmm.. Quaker. I am your new secretary.' She was stunning, and her bashful mannerism was not unappealing. At all. 'Oh, okay. Pleased to meet you, Ms. Quaker. This place is quite something.' I said and gestured out toward the room at general. \n\n 'Ha ha yes, the interior designers really gave it their all. To show those flea-ridden Spawnbags what humanity is capable of, I'm sure.' She gave me a shy smile and continued, pointing toward the painting of me. 'And to show them who's the boss, as well.'\n\n'Seems a bit much, don't you think?' I replied. \n\n'Oh no, not at all, General Jensen!' You single handedly ensured our victory at Moscow and the ruins of Santiago, and pitted the Spawn and Angels against each other at the Battle of Damascus!' \n\n 'You... seem to know a lot about my accomplishments, Ms. Quaker.' \n\n 'Only what has been shown on the news, General Jensen. I would just love to hear you speak of your exploits during the war,' she said with admiration in her eyes. So I did. \n\nDuring every break from dull meetings and paperwork accompanied by the position I told her of every little skirmish and large siege I had been a part of. After only a couple of days had passed I even told her during the nights at my place as well. I told her, with zest and zeal, how and why we won every battle. When I began to explain to her the simple-minded inadequacy of our enemies, she was especially attentive. Given that I enjoyed her attention, I told her all about it. I told of the battle of Thames River, where the Imps charged right at us, ignoring the body of water and bridges alike in their blood lust. I told her of the Burning Oils of Rio, a maneuver possible only because the Black Knights couldn't figure out how to open closed doors. I told her how our Fighter Jets had felled the Dragons by barrel-rolling and looping until the lizards fell from the sky by sheer dizziness. I even told her of the many ways to taunt a Dread Shieldbearer to throw away his protection, leaving him defenseless against projectiles. And she sponged it all up. \n\nWe've been going at it a couple of weeks now, but I feel my material is running dry. After the morning meeting today she brought me a cup of coffee and asked me to tell her more of my winning tactics. \n\n'I'm sorry, but you've heard it all, dear Priscilla.' I reluctantly admitted. \n\n'Oh? Nothing more? Well, I guess we've got everything we need,' she replied. 'Pack it up, boys, we're done!' All around me the interior began to shimmer and shift. The marble pillars became towers of chattering skulls, the chairs and sofas became mounds of bones and skin, the fountain spewed blood instead of water, from wailing tormented souls instead of cherubs. The ceiling and walls disappeared, showing vast oceans of molten lava and fire. The painting depicting me transformed into a painting depicting a cocksure, smiling horned fellow holding a trident. The people milling about had stopped their work and cheerily began to undress from their human skins, emerging as Demons, Imps and Succubi. \n\n 'Now this is the hell I expected,' I thought as I turned back to Priscilla. She smiled, and began to slowly undress her skin as well, revealing at last a cocksure, smiling horned fellow holding a trident, identical to the one on the painting, towering over me. \n\n'Did we do it, Master?' One of the Succubi hovered near us, giddy with excitement. Her voice sounded a lot like Karens, from accounting. Ugh, that harlot. \n\n'YES, MY MINION. WE KNOW ENOUGH TO CRUSH THOSE PESKY HUMANS, ONCE AND FOR ALL.' former Priscillas voice boomed. 'THE RUSE IS OVER, NOW WE ONCE AGAIN SOUND THE HORN OF BATTLE!'\n\n'You're... you're Satan?' I asked incredulously. 'All this was just to fool me into teaching you how to win?' \n\n'THAT IS CORRECT, GENERAL JENSEN. WE PLAYED ON YOUR SENSE OF PRIDE TO FIND OUT THE SECRETS BEHIND HUMANITYS SUCCESS. THANKS TO YOUR HUBRIS, HUMANITY IS DOOMED,' He beamed and laughed theatrically. \n\n'But... but, we slept together!' At this would-be Karen and all other Spawn in hearing distance shot Satan and me dirty looks. \n\n'YES... WELL, ALL PART OF THE RUSE,' he answered while looking down and scratching his nose. Was he blushing? \n\n 'NO MATTER,' he recoiled, 'WE'RE OFF! ASSEMBLE THE SEVEN LORDS, IT'S TIME TO PLAN THE LAST BATTALION!' With that a multitude of portals flashed into existence, which the Spawn leaped into. Only me, Satan and would-be Karen was left. \n\n'What about him?' I heard her ask while giving me a scornful look. \n\n'LET HIM LIVE,' he answered, staring into his portal with his back turned toward me. 'HE'S TOLD ME OF EVERY STRATEGY AND TACTIC HUMANITY HAS USED AGAINST US. HE IS OF NO USE TO ME ANYMORE.' \n\n'But he's cost us so much, Master! What about payback? What about all those of us he's slaughtered? What about.. are you crying, Master?' \n\n'NO,' he replied and showed her into a pillar of skulls with such a force that all was left of her was a smear. Good. Then he left, leaving me all alone. Every portal but one, the one I'd used daily to get to and from Earth, had winked out. \n\n'Looks like the war isn't over after all,' I thought as I stepped through the portal. 'And it looks like I'll get a chance to save humanity once again. I might even earn a new title: Wooer of Lucifer!' " ]	2
	[WP] You have a death notebook. Instead of the person who's name you write, it kills the person they love the most. You've never used it, until one day, you write down the name of your worst enemy, and describe a lingering, painful death. Soon after, you notice the first symptoms on 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\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Phil had never thought he'd ever use that dark notebook. He had completely forgotten it for years, stored and sealed away in his basement for so long.\n\nThe details of how he had come by it was murky to him now, lost to the passage of time and, perhaps, other more mysterious circumstances. However, for some reason, the truth of its use was etched into his heart. And that was why he had never doubted it would do what it described, written instructions on its very first page.\n\nPhil coughed. There was blood on his hand.\n\nYet, he could not help but doubt. It had been simple. Write the name of a person, then his cherished loved one will die; with the details of the death optionally written down.\n\nHe had put down the name of a person he knew. A young man that worked in the same company as he did.\n\nThe young man had joined the company several years ago. But in that short amount of time, he'd quickly risen up the ranks. He had easily reached heights that Phil had only ever dreamed of reaching.\n\nPhil had been a little jealous, of course. Close to two decades in the company and he was still nothing more but a middle-manager, sequestered to an unimportant department.\n\nStill, that had not been enough to push him to use something so cruel as taking someone's loved one. No. What had pushed him was the way the young man had treated him.\n\nSince the day he'd gotten a higher position than Phil, it seemed that the young man had made it a personal vendetta to make Phil's life as miserable as possible.\n\nExtra workload, shifted blame, unsubstantiated rumors that ate away at his reputation. His life at the company had taken a turn for the worse. Even now, as he laid on the hospital bed, there had been no one that came to visit him.\n\nPhil raised his arm. Terrible scars criss-crossed upwards towards his shoulders. His flesh was slowly dying. He did not need to hear the doctor's diagnosis. After all, he was the one who written it down in detail.\n\n\"Mr. Carth?\" A nurse stood by the doorway to his room. \"You have a visitor. Would you like for him to come in?\"\n\n\"A visitor?\" Phil couldn't help but feel hopeful. \"Someone from the company? Well, of course. Bring him in, bring him in.\"\n\nThe nurse nodded and went away. Soon, someone else came to replace her.\n\n\"Dylan?\"\n\nTo say Phil was surprised was an understatement. Dylan was the CFO of the company. Someone who held a position that Phil would never likely encounter at all in a large company such as theirs, especially with his own position way down at the bottom.\n\n\"I heard you weren't feeling well.\" Dylan, with his impeccable suit and tie, looked across the room, frowning at the multitude of machines and tubes that seemed to have been thrown all over Phil.\n\nPhil remained silent.\n\n\"...Are you here to fire me?\" he finally answered. \"Don't want to spend any more of the company's insurance on someone like me, is it? Well, tell them they won't have to.\"\n\nDylan walked and stood by Phil's bedside, silent.\n\nAnger and resentment filled Phil's heart. He had given so much to the company, and they couldn't even bother to help him pay for his care.\n\nNot that he was going to need it. While he had been spiteful in writing out the lingering symptoms in the notebook, he still gave a short time until death. He still did not understand why it happened to him, though.\n\n\"You're dying.\"\n\n\"I am,\" he nodded. \"I suppose everyone can get a sigh of relief with me gone? I won't be an eyesore to everyone anymore.\"\n\n\"Why?!\"\n\nPhil blinked blankly. He noticed Dylan appeared distraught next to him, his usual mask of cold indifference or sneer was gone from his face.\n\nThis was the young man that made his life a living hell. He couldn't understand why that same person would be by his bedside shedding tears.\n\n\"...Why would you care?\" he asked, a sudden dread bubbling up from his stomach. \"Shouldn't you be glad that I'm gone?\"\n\n\"It wasn't enough...\" Dylan said. \"You still haven't suffered enough.\"\n\nPhil was shocked, and then, infuriated. How dare he come into his deathbed and say such things to his face.\n\n\"You still don't recognize me, do you?\" asked Dylan, shaking his head.\n\nPhil's brow creased.\n\n\"I'm the boy you abandoned all those years ago.\"\n\n\"No...\"\n\nIn another life, another country, Phil had left a woman and a child. A precious and dark past he had buried with that very same notebook.\n\n\"Son?\"" ]	2
	[WP] After the wars were over, all the nations of the world decided to ban any water or air based vehicles in a fit of isolationism. Unfortunately, one ship didn’t get the memo, and the hunt is on	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Following the conclusion of World War III, the world was seperated. All means of travel that weren't firmly planted on the ground were entirely banned, and with the ban, all ships, planes, all of it was destroyed in show of good faith to the other countries. The world was fully isolated and any attempts to reconnect were met with violence. \nThis lack of communication ended up being the root cause of the problem. On the small fishing boat known as the S.S. Seamen, the ragtag crew of Captain Jack Smart were completely unaware of what when on around them.\nThis fishing boat had been at sea for years, having bought into one of the many fables of great treasure lying under the water.\nThey managed to go unnoticed for 3 years before they were first spotted far off the coast of Italy.\nThis story begins following the discovery of the S.S. Seamen.\n-----\nI didn't expect this. Even 60 miles off shore the crew and I were deafened by the alarm sounding on the shore. The alarm started as soon as the ship was about to go on shore for her first repairs in a few years.\nThe last our crew had seen of the world, the Great War was in it's final stages.\n\"Oii!? Captain!?\" My first mate, Don Artillo shouted above the deafening tones of the alarm. \"What do ya think they're so riled up about?\"\nIt was a good question. The alarm obviously meant something terrible was happening, but as to what, we had little to no evidence to point us in any direction.\nNow I'll admit, I'm not the smartest fellow, and neither is my crew. Rather than use rationale and turn around, we were far too curious and found ourselves approaching the waving red flags on the horizon. \n\"Let's see what's happening on land lads!\" \nWe were just over a mile off harbor when the strangest sight I've ever seen and ever will see greeted the boat. \nA full army was diving into the sea, and expertly swimming towards the S.S. Seamen. \nThousands of heads bobbed up and down in the water as we finally realised what was happening. \n\"Oi! They're trying to surround us!\" My 'lookout' Bobby called from above.\nThis made absolutely no sense at all. The obvious soldiers swam around the boat as though it was completely normal. It became clear that we were not friends.\nI turned the rudder away, and as most boats work, we sped away from the desperately swimming soldiers. It truly was bizarre. As we bobbed away, soldiers who had made it further than others began floating in place and firing rifles they produced out of nowhere. \nMy crew and ship were all out of range and yet they still tried.\n\nIt wasn't until we were a couple hundred miles away did the siren get out of range or stop.\n\nWe tried to use other ports and were met with nearly the same situation as before; Soldiers trying to swim to catch a boat and obviously take us in. \nWhat the experiences have told us, and what we've made out from the garbled shouts of angry infantrymen, is that this crew is apparently wanted.\nAnd we'll never be allowed to dock.\n\n------\n\nSome say the Seamen on the S.S. Seamen still roam the seas today to see if they can dock somewhere, but you and I know what they don't, and that they'll never be allowed to reach a port." ]	2
	[WP]He sat on the hill, an island of green amidst a sea of grayish wastes, overlooking the wasteland. It was silent all of the sudden, not even distant chatter of birds filled the air. This silence, this peacefulness was relaxing. After all that happened, even after this, he was still there.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Master told him to stay put, no matter what happens. He was safe on the land of green. He had to earn his trust for the day, and who could forget the treat that comes with it. Defend the base, don’t let anyone approach. The silence made it easy for patrol, although he always hated it… Today is likely the day again.\n\nWhat if master doesn’t get home in time? I have to catch his scent and find him! sniff sniff he smelled the air, ready to burst into rocket speed after master, but he knew better. Master always came back. Sometimes he brought food, other times he brought smelly trinkets. Rarely he’d show up empty handed, but he was always with me before nightfall.\n\nHis thoughts were interrupted by the clanking of metal beyond the piles of rubble. Something was approaching. He stood in an alert stance, ready to strike whatever enemy would come his way. With the noise came footsteps, stepping on tin cans and plastic bottles, whoever it was they were in a rush.\n\nOut of the smog appeared a silhouette of a man with a large backpack, heading straight for the land of green. “Winchester, I’m home!” called out the silhouette. It was master. “Adda good boy, Winchester. I brought you a treat, it’s gonna be a long night”.\n\nFuelled with excitement he nuzzled his nose into the backpack, smelling all the treasures master has brought home. His tail wagging out of control, hitting master on the cheek a few times.\n\n“Easy boy, easy. Save your energy for later.”\nMaster brought him a bacon flavoured bone to chew on. He grabbed it and ran to the top of the hill, chewing it while admiring his master, who was setting up dangerous trinkets around the green lands.\n\nThe full moon was up, yet the sky was dark and bloody red. He was a good boy today, but he had to finish his treat after the night of the dead.\n\n___\n___\n\nI'm new to writing and open to critiques of any kind!" ]	2
	[WP] Humanity repels an invasion from Hell. Two months later, a living human's boot treads on its volcanic surface.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 hate it here\" the voice comes through rifleman Jenkins' breathing mask somewhat muffled. \n\n\"We all do, shut up\" hissed Staff Sergeant Espinoza's equally distorted voice. \n\nBehind them the blue, flame-like portal fickers violently. It sparks and crackles as the rest of Dragon Company, 1-21 Infantry Regiment follows their lead. \n\nBefore them, the black and twisted wasteland, covered in grotesque dark formations, stretches into an endless blood-red horizon. \n\nTroops shuffle alongside groaning armored vehicles. Boots step over rocks and tires kick up dust. Rifleman Jenkins was ahead of it all. A solitary figure at the tip of a massed column. The first of many to come. \n\nThe radio on Jenkins' kit screeches to life. \"Delta 6 this Widowmaker 1. Eyes on hostiles. 12 o'clock, 2000 meters. Dismounts and striders, over.\" \n\nAs if summoned by the report, a howling cry floats across the rock and dust towards the column. The mass of dark and forsaken objects out in the distance begin to tremble and scatter into smaller pieces. The howling continues.\n\nEspinoza kneels down to one knee and motions for Jenkins to follow suit, then speaks into his handmic. \"Delta 6, this is Delta 3-2, confirmed eyes on dismounts. Can't tell from this distance what they are. No eyes on striders yet, how copy?\" \n\nThe response is delayed but confident. \"Delta 3-2, it's Delta 6. Roger that, eyes on dismounts, unconfirmed abomination. No eyes on striders. Fall back to your Vic and set up fighting position.\" \n\nA squealing of tires and excited yells begins from behind Jenkins as the Company moves into a proper formation. Orders are barked and weapons are prepared. \n\nThe radio springs to life one more time. \n\"All stations this net, this is Delta 6. Hostiles in bound from our 12 o'clock. This is it, first contact on their turf. 3rd Platoon fall back and get on line with 1st and 2nd. 1st you're on the left, 2nd center, 3rd on the right. 4th platoon spread out to the rear and watch for ambush.\" \n\nEspinoza and Jenkins leap to their feet and begin to sprint back towards a waiting HMMWV. The Gunner sitting atop has his sights set on the boiling mass of screeching monstrosities lurching toward them. \n\n\"Jenkins! In!\" Espinoza tries to yell over the deafening cacophony of the environment. When Jenkins hesitates, he is jerked inside the vehicle by a strong grip on the back of his kit. \n\nThe vehicles begins to reverse, never lifting it's weapon system off the ocean of approaching abominations. In the distance, a shadow rises from the terrain, and the ground trembles. Towering horrors begin to march along with the gnashing, smaller creatures. Their foot steps clatter like thunder as they stride forward. \n\n\"This is Delta 2-6! Striders sighted! I count 20 plus and increasing!\" \n\nThe vehicle Jenkins is riding in comes to a halt alongside three others and he is shoved out the door forcefully by another unseen hand. \n\n\"GET ON THE RIGHT SIDE JENKINS! WEAPONS UP! \"\nJenkins doesn't know where the voice came from or who it was, but he scrambles to take up position next a wheel. He presses himself to the ground and begins to pray. Though he's not sure why anymore. Old habit from the pre-invasion time perhaps. \n\n\"All stations, Delta 6. Striders inbound, 1700 meters and closing. Engage with TOWs, start on their flanks. Machine guns, hold fire until 800 meters. All others, engage targets of opportunity. Out\"\n\nOn cue, fire erupts from the armored column. Jenkins stares as the vehicle next to him briefly disappears in a puff of smoke and a Lance of fire springs forth from the launcher. The horrid cries of the damned are now joined by the shrieks of 8 missiles flying over the wastes. Wire trails behind the projectiles, unspoiling rapidly.\n\nJenkins holds his breath and waits. \n\nThe first missile impacts a strider on a limb, if it can be called such, and the giant stumbles to find balance. It instead finds no purchase, as the appendage crumbles under it's weight. A slow teeter becomes a determined fall. The smaller ones scramble to get out of the way, but Jenkins watches as many are crushed by the mass. \n\nSix more missiles find their mark, several impact the cores of the beasts, and one flies harmlessly past it's target. The Gunner operating the missile initiates a self destruct, and the missile explodes overhead the mass of horrors. Shrapnel rains down upon them, and for a moment Jenkins swears he hears a different kind of painful cry reach out to him from the horde.\n\nIt will be a while before the next salvo is ready as the gunners reload. \n\n\"All stations, Delta 6. Targets are in range. Engage and destroy!\"\n\nThe deep thumping of .50 caliber machine guns clatters around Jenkins. A war drum beat of its own making. The slow firing heavy machine guns play their war rhythm in unison as they deliver their devastating crescendo into the horde. \n\nCreatures are sent careening backwards into their fellows, limbs are shattered, what may be described as blood sprays like waves on a beach. And corpses begin to pile. \n\nJenkins is now close enough to see them clearly. Bastardizations of what life should be, nothing but teeth and claws that have been distorted by hate. If malice could take form, this would be it's desired endstate. \n\n\"All stations, Delta 6. Abomination type confirmed. Maulers. Engage and report\"\n\nThe world around Jenkins is unfettered chaos. The screeching of the approaching maulers, is combatted by the controlled staccato of machine gun fire and missile shrieks. Explosions burst in the distance like a well timed cymbal crash. The horde is ever closing. Finally, to his great regret, the maulers are close enough for him to engage. \n\nHe sets his rifle against a rock and takes aim. The crosshairs of his sight search for a target in the undulating mass, but he finally finds a shot at a maulers stomach. \n\nHe prays one more time and squeezes the trigger. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n" ]	2
	[WP] During your routine lunch break at the shopping mall, a random 2yo comes running and hands you a toy phone.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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'm doing this on a phone so there may be some formatting mistakes>\n\n\n\"Hmm, they forgot the carrots\" I spoke to myself. Jacob always told me to try the salads at the Vet bar & grill, but this Cobb salad has overcooked eggs, undercooked bacon, and no carrots.\n\nAs the waiter walked over I raised my hand \"um sir?\" I sheepishly inquired.\n\n\"Yes?\" he bitterly replied, as if he would rather be talking to anybody but me.\n\n\"I don't think this bacon is safe to eat, it seems undercooked\" I said. Truthfully I hate interacting with people I don't know but this man seemed somewhat rude, so I thought I'd invoke some of his attitude.\n\n\"I'll get the manager\"\n\nI really didn't want this to be a problem. I need to be back at my job in 20 minutes on the other side of the mall. After stressing about timing long enough the manager comes over.\n\n\"Can I help you miss...\"\n\n\"Pearl\" I softly retorted. \"You can call me Pearl\"\n\n\"Well I see the issue with your salad, I'll get the chef to make a new one\" he spoke while straightening his tie clip to look more professional.\n\n\"Um, actually I need to run to the Jego store. I need to be there in a few minutes\"\n\n\"Ah I see. How about we give you a Cobb salad on the house tomorrow\"\n\n\"Thank\" I regretibly spoke. I have a way of talking with friends that sometimes slips out in normal conversations. Oh God I made a fool of myself. I stand up and walk back to the Jego store when a young girl runs into me and knocks herself over. \n\nI step back and help her up, when in fact I should not be touching someone's kid without their permission. I hope the parent didn't see me.\n\n\"Thank you lady!\" the child ecstaticly yells. She takes out a plastic red toy phone and pushes it into my hand \"Hold this!\" she demands moments before running off.\n\nI stand still waiting for her or her guardian to return, but after 2 minutes I realize that she isn't coming back. I slowly shamble off to the welcome person. Seater? Whatever they're called.\n\n\"Can you return this to the little girl in the blue raincoat?\" I quickly ask. \"I'm going to be late for my shift.\" I hold out the red phone awkwardly shaking my hand. \n\n\"Busy\" he says while trying to find seating for a family of 12\n\n\"But I -\" \n\n\"give it to the mall staff, I don't have time for this!\"\n\nJeez. Okay. \n\nPart 1 of 2\n\n" ]	2
	[WP] "Wanted: Night Shift Worker, humans preferred, must have open mind, must be able to serve vampires, werewolves, other Supernaturals without prejudice." Describe your first shift after applying for this retail or fast food job.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 should have known it was the \"other supernaturals\" part that would come back to bite me in the ass. I can handle vampires - they're just blokes with a skin condition and a hankering for people juice, nothin' wrong with that. And hey, it turned out my second-grade teacher really was one, too! It was good catching up after all these years. You want to spot a vampire? Use your nose. They always wear heavy sunblock just to be safe. Werewolves can be a little trickier , but that's down to them ALWAYS coming in packs. To be perfectly frank they're no different from the average college football team, and if anything the wolves are less hairy and better groomed about it! Nobody dares try and fight them because they stick together. And they don't cause trouble because it's not their territory.\n\nHeck, some of the other weirdos - no offense - we get some great ones too. I'll never forget the day a water elemental got stuck in the urinal. Poor guy leaned too close when taking a whiz and the auto flush kicked in. And kobolds are adorable. Have you ever seen a squadron of brightly colored lizards all ordering espressos and turnings your flatware into siege weaponry? Clever things! But the fun had to end eventually. And there are some lines that just should not be crossed. Some things that should not be. And I am not serving a glass filled entirely with heavy cream to Dickbutt. ", "Night shift is the best, honestly. You see less friction that way. Ever since the Mistfall, humans have tended to avoided going out at night, for a whole lot of reasons. I mean, our species has always been afraid of the dark, and we spun a lot of stories about the kinds of dangers that lurk in it, and now here they were, in the flesh. Or ectoplasm, or whatever weird dead stuff vampires are made of, I don't know. But anyway, at night it's mostly them, and people like me who need to make a living but dropped out of High School for reasons we won't get into, and like the double pay that comes from clocking in after sunset.\n\nMost places just refuse to serve them. You'd think that might cause more outrage, given all the precedent from history, but people scare easily even when there's not much to be frightened of. One thing to be fearful and suspicious of another human who looks and speaks differently than the people you grew up with. Another to be afraid of, you know, an actual bloodsucker. Or someone who might lose control and eat you after carving your carcass up into bite size-chunks while you're still alive. That hasn't actually happened in a long time, the Helsing Order's culled most of the really bad actors, and the rest I guess have gone deep into hiding. A lot of them are powerful, sure but also badly outnumbered.\n\nAnd the rest come to little diners like ours, that need the money badly enough to stay open after the sun says adios until mañana. Or cafes, or even the odd nightclub. Bookstores, grocers, whatever. Not Wal-Mart, though. That got ugly. No one wants to talk about Wal-Mart opening at night, a lot of people get all pukey just from the second-hand reports.\n\nSo here I am. About to start my first shift at the \"breakfast\" counter, with like two hours of training and a food handler's license. We don't even have real security, they're supposed to police themselves. They got a lot of incentive to do that, because if things get out of hand and the Helsing Order gets called in, well, they're not really into arrests. And they've got the authority to act that way, got it pretty quick after they were formed. Like I said, fear does things to people, and does it ten times worse when there's some real substance behind it.\n\nThe first customer is clearly a vampire. Okay, cool, I've met a handful of them before. Or at least passed them inside a mall or whatever. But face to face like this? It's unsettling, and made even worse by the fact that he's...just...gorgeous. I know I'm blushing, I try not to stare. Pale guys don't normally do it for me, but...wow. Anyway, I get through the transaction, next is another vampire, a woman this time, almost as attractive as the previous dude I think, but I'm not really into women so this one is easier.\n\nThen it's a werewolf, probably. Hairy guy, anyway, real into steak and eggs, double steak, easy enough, I send his order down the line.\n\nThen things start to get freaky. Someone holding their own head in their hands. Someone I can pretty much see through. Someone under a cloak, only they don't seem to be walking at all, and maybe they're floating, and now there's blood on the floor, I have to get someone to mop it up. I keep it together, though, these are all things I've at least heard of, no big deal. Three hours into my shift and I feel I'm getting the hang of things, hitting my stride.\n\nAnd then the place clears out, all of a sudden. I look down at the register, and when I look up, they're all gone. Like they sensed it, and took off all at once. Leaving just us humans wondering what the Hell was going on. Or what was about to.\n\nThere's a crack opening up just behind the stools. Mist is pouring out, not silvery like what brought our nightly patrons, no.\n\nThis doesn't seem to have a color. Or it does, but it hurts my eyes, and I don't have a name for it. I can feel something shudder under my feet, under the air maybe, inside, along, within.\n\nI should leave. I should run. I should get away from this diner and never look back, but I have to keep looking, because it's fascinating, what I can see curling within the mists. Twisting, changing, something else from some other kind of story.\n\nThe kind that should never be told.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nr/Magleby", "“Good evening, and welcome to McFesta, the world’s only truly all-inclusive fast-food restaurant! How may I help you?”\n\n“Von McBurger, extra rare, please.”\n\n“Would you like fries with that?”\n\n“Yes, please. Can I svap the ketchup for pig’s blood?”\n\n“Of course, sir. That’ll be $7.49, please!”\n\n—\n\n“Good evening, and welcome to McFesta! How may I help you?”\n\n“Rrrrrughhhhhh…”\n\n“I’m sorry, ma’am, I didn’t quite catch that.”\n\n“Rrrrrgghhhh… Brrrraaaaiiinssssssss…”\n\n“One order of the McBrains set? And will that be cow brains or sheep brains for you tonight?”\n\n“Rrrghhh… Mooooooo…”\n\n“Right, cow brains it is. Your total comes to $6.69, please!”\n\n—\n\n“Good evening, and welcome to McFesta! How may I help you tonight?”\n\n“Little man, little man, let me in!”\n\n“Uh, sir… you’re already inside. How may I help you tonight?”\n\n“Oh, right. Grrr… sorry about that, I’ve had a long day. I’ve been huffing and puffing, but I just can’t seem to get any work done.”\n\n“I’m sorry to hear that, sir. Maybe one of our McPorky burger sets will cheer you up?”\n\n“Mrrr… yes, that sounds good. One order, please.”\n\n“And would you like the Chimney McShake with that?”\n\n“Grrrr… no, no thank you. I haven’t always had the best experiences with chimneys.”\n\n“No problem! Your total is $8.95, please!”\n\n—\n\nGod, I love my job." ]	4
	[WP] You suffer from a terminal illness and have gone under cryopreservation to wait for the cure for said illness. You wake up, doctors smiling at you, and it’s only been 2 days.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 hydration, and time in a warming blanket, I started to feel more attuned my surroundings. Heavy rain pelted the window behind my chair. The Doctors, who I'd seen just a few days before, had been all smiles when I finally realized who they were. Apparently their mirth was a related to a long episode of flatulence on my part, during the de-coupling process from the cryopreservation cell.\n\nHowever, the smiles had now passed . The men explained that over the course of the last two days, a late-sighted giant asteroid was on a collision course with Earth. Little time remained before impact, and nothing could be done to avert it evaporating all life on the planet. I had asked why they had not left me in the chamber, as I had incurable cancer. In fact, I emphasised that I might had been better off unaware of the asteroid's sudden appearance.\n\nThe doctor's shamefully agreed, but we all had a good laugh about it just before our bodies evaporated.", "“Are you sure about this? We’ll have the treatment available as early as Monday, possibly sooner.” My doctor rests her hand on my shoulder. \n\nI cough into a closed fist and nod.\n\n“Not much of a risk taker, huh?” She looks me over and sighs. “If you ask me, I think you’ll be just fine waiting, but…” Another sigh and then a headshake. “it’s your money I guess.”\n\nNodding makes my head swim but I want to show her that I still want the Cryo. Without further comment she motions for a nurse to help me into the wheelchair. The doctor watches as I’m settled in and wheeled out of the room.\n\nThe cocktail of drugs I’ve been taking make me feel every motion throughout my entire body like it’s some kind of tuning fork. Even the gentle friction under the wheels radiates quickly up my legs to end in my still swimming head. I was warned that it would be difficult to think in the days leading up to this.\n\nI try and focus on the repeating overhead lights. They look like beacons of the afterlife shining down, or rather fissures of broken reality via the conduit of overpriced drugs.\n\nWhen we make it into the Cryo room I feel its cold air blast over me/ Through me. It’s a bit like stepping into a walk-in freezer, like the ones they have in supermarkets. The kind that bites quicker than an icy wind in a snowstorm.\n\nThough my mind is as cloudy as a rainy spring day, I wait until the doctor’s back is turned to shove the pill I’d been palming since morning. Going down dry, it scrapes against my throat. I think I can feel its slow progress down. I swallow again, hoping that it’ll hurry as I’m not sure if digestion works in Cryo. \n\n“Okay.” The doctor finishes fiddling with the buttons on the Cryo pod. The curved glass shell rises with a hiss of air. “This is you.” She nods at the nurse and they both help me climb inside.\n\n“Tell my husband,” I choke out the words, wanting to buy time for the pill to reach my stomach. I was told that I didn’t have to worry as the pill got to work immediately, but I feel a tinge of panic at the cold from the Cryo pod. “Tell him that I can’t wait to see him when I wake up.”\n\n“Of course.” The doctor reaches for the glass cover. Her smile is wide and as the door closes shut.\n\n * *\n\nThe world is a blur with shadowy figures floating above me. Two doctors are looking down at me with bright smiles like they’d never seen a patient wake up before.\n\nThe room comes into focus and I try to blink the fatigue away. I want to lift my arms but they feel tied down to the bed. When I look, I find that they are unencumbered—they’re just heavy.\n\n“That’s natural.” My doctor says and lifts my arm. “It’s a temporary side-effect from the Cryo, it’ll wear off soon.” She lowers my arm and sets it down gently on the bed. A look of concern washes over her face as she bites her lip and turns to the corner.\n\nThere’s a third presence in the room. I turn and see a man standing against the wall in dull khakis and a light blue button-up shirt. A dark blue tie sits crooked due to the angle of his lean, and the tip of it brushes against a badge clipped to his belt.\n\nFrowning, the doctor asks, “Do you have to do this now? Can’t she get her bearings before…” She looks back at me.\n\nThe detective almost agrees but I stop him by asking, “Where’s my husband?” My voice sounds slowed down as if someone had pushed half-speed on the playback of this scene. “He’s supposed to be here, where is he?”\n\nBoth the doctor and detective sigh. He nods to the door and the doctor closes it on her way out.\n\n“Miss Lawrence, I’m afraid I have some bad news.” He pulls up the chair next to the bed and slumps down. He grabs the knot of his tie and I watch as he slides his hand down the length of it, not wanting to have to say what he came here to say. “Your husband, Jeff Lawrence, was found dead yesterday morning.”\n\nMy head rocks side to side, still woozy from the Cryo wake-up. I blink a few times. The detective speaks but I only hear a deep hum over the rapid beating of my heart.\n\n“I know this is hard to hear, and I hate to have to ask you this, seeing as you just came out of Cryo—and as the doctor tells me, you’re undergoing treatment later today,” He pauses. Rubs the back of his neck. “Can you tell me if anyone may have wanted to kill your husband?”\n\nI know why he’s asking this. Nothing was stolen. I didn’t have the time to stage it as a robbery gone wrong. When my ‘helper’ came and freed me from the Cryo pod Saturday night, I’d only had a few hours to rush home and do the deed.\n\nSure, I could have paid someone else to take him out, but I wanted to see the look on his face as I drove the knife in. The man who’d put on a sad face for others when I’d developed my cancer, but I saw the relief buried underneath. He’d seen it as his way out when I’d been diagnosed. No longer would he have to worry about splitting up our little fortune that he so often claimed was the only reason I married him. I didn't miss the real heartbreak he showed when the cure to my ailment was announced.\n\n“No,” I say. Thankfully I can lift my arm now. I wish I had taken another pill after climbing back into the pod, but then the doctors might have noticed something off when I woke up this morning. I bring my hand up to my chest and feign distress. “Everyone loved my husband.”\n\nTruth was I didn’t need to stage the scene. I have a great alibi. Also, there’s the note a certain young woman left a few weeks ago complaining that she couldn’t wait for his ‘bitch of a wife to die already’. I also may have left a letter near his body, typed up on his letterhead explaining that he was going to ‘stick it out, and be faithful for once in his life’.\n\n“Well, if there’s anything that you can remember, anything at all.” The detective sighs. “I’ll let you rest. Sorry to have to lay this on you at a time like this.”\n\n“You’re just doing your job.” I say, trying not to smile. “Please, find whoever killed my husband.” He nods. His face is so full of weary compassion I almost feel sorry. I watch him go.\n\nNot long after my doctor returns. She grips my hand and squeezes. Her eyes are rimmed red. For me.\n\n“I’m sorry,” She says and squeezes again. “At least your treatment arrived this morning. You just try and focus on getting better. Okay?”\n", "\"Dr. Jackson!?\" Clark was astonished when the grey-haired man walked into his room. \"You look just like I remember. So, what year is it? Am I cured?\" The lean doctor smiled and shook his head as he approached the hospital bed.\n\n\"I apologize, Mr. Hunter. There have been a couple of developments that you need to know about; we revived you early. It's only been two days since you were frozen.\"\n\n\"Two days?\" Clark sat up straighter in the uncomfortable bed. \"What changed in two days?\"\n\n\"We..uh,\" he hesitated as if trying to find the right words. \"We've been acquired by a corporation. They-\"\n\n\"Acquired!? Is this a hospital or a tech startup? So, what? I get thawed out and have to wait around to die? Do I get my money back?\"\n\n\"It's a bit of both, actually,\" Dr. Jackson chuckled. \"Calm down please, Mr. Hunter. You don't understand the scope of what's happened.\" Clark closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then exhaled. He opened his eyes and nodded at the old doctor.\n\n\"Okay, I'll listen.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Dr. Jackson nodded. \"Sharp Development, that's the name of the corporation, has an offer for you. I mean cryo-preserved patients. They have VR technology that allows you to lead a normal life while your body waits for a cure.\"\n\n\"VR huh? How's it work?\" Clark asked from the confining bed.\n\n\"They use nanotechnology to relay your consciousness to another universe. There you get a body that feels, tastes, touches, sees and smells. You live out your life until we find a cure, or forever. If you prefer the virtual world you can stay in it as long as you like. Even on a permanent basis.\" Dr. Jackson paused. He could see the questions building up in Clark's mind. The patient pounced on the moment of silence.\n\n\"Another universe? Is that what you said?\" Dr. Jackson nodded with a sly grin.\n\n\"Not even an hour after you went cold visitors came from another Earth. They brought all kinds of technology; it's been a pretty crazy couple of days.\"\n\n\"I'm having a hard time believing it,\" Clark shook his head. \"But I can't imagine why you'd wake me up to lie. How's the rest of the world taking it? I guess if it's only been two days tensions are pretty high?\" The doctor shook his head.\n\n\"Not at all. It could be argued they brought world peace,\" Doctor Jackson chuckled. \"Or more appropriately, bought* .\"\n\n\"Huh?\" Clark gave the doctor a confused look. \"How do you mean?\"\n\n\"As I said, we've been acquired.\" Clark nodded.\n\n\"Yeah, congratulations I guess,\" he shrugged. \"But I don't see how acquiring a hospital produced world peace.\" Dr. Jackson shook his head.\n\n\"Not the hospital. Sharp Development bought our Earth.\"\n\n\\\\\\\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year two, day #74. You can find all my stories collected on my subreddit ([r/hugoverse](https://www.reddit.com/r/hugoverse)) or my [blog](https://hugoverse.info/). If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the [Guidebook](https://hugoverse.info/2017/11/25/hugoverse-guidebook/) to see what's what and who's who, or the [Timeline](https://hugoverse.info/2017/10/23/hugoverse-timeline/) to find the stories in order. ", "\"This facility is under new management.\" That's the first thing I heard, before my vision cleared enough to see a smile I decidedly did not like.\n\n\"Wharrr you taa'in bout?\" I slurred, feeling the ice still in my veins.\n\n\"This facility,\" the doctor said, enunciating every syllable for my slush-slurry ears, \"is under new management.\"\n\nI shuddered hard, then shook my head, trying to clear the sharp little shards that seemed to be rattling around in there. \"What. Do. You. Mean?\"\n\n\"This cryopreservation experiment, which is to say you, has been an unexpected and early success. You're cured. Congratulations.\"\n\nI shuddered again, and took a long deep breath. \"Well, that's...great, I mean...but how?\"\n\n\"Unexpected side effect of the cell-antifreeze process,\" he said breezily. \"We think it might have some useful applications. The staff here didn't agree, so we have...let them go.\"\n\n\"Wha-\" I said, but was grabbed by my upper arms and frog-marched suddenly out of the pod. Two more technicians descended and began pulling the tubes out of my body. It stung, like a bee sting if the bee had a five-foot barbed stinger. I screamed.\n\n\"I'm afraid it is* going to hurt, going forward,\" the doctor said. There was apology in his voice, but it was a thin papier-maché covering a hard vicious ball of glee.\n\n\"You can't...I don't...what are you doing? Who are you?\"\n\n\"We're an organization with an interest in certain biotechnologies,\" he said, and I was hustled out of the room.\n\nMy mind started to fog again as my system contended with the drugs being metabolized as leftovers from my two-day sleep. Corridors and stops, pokes and prods. A cell with a medical robot. My mind began to clear. I was being pushed toward the door, and that's when I felt it. A pulsing through my veins, my nerves, every muscle-fiber. I felt myself convulse, so hard that the two men holding my arms cried out as they lost their grip.\n\nThey came back at me, growling with anger, and I flailed, still trying to get control of my limbs. My forearm made contact with one of their noses in a short vicious crunch of bone. He gave a strangled cry and went down just as his compatriot managed to grip my upper arm again, but now I'd regained some semblance of authority over my muscles and I punched him in the head. Clumsily; I haven't tried to hit anyone or anything with a closed hand since grade school. But it did the trick. The force behind it was titanic, more than just muscle; a sort of pulsing energy running through my nerve channels to coalesce around my fist.\n\nHis face simply collapsed with a sickening, crackling meat-and-bone klunch. I stepped back, staring at my hand, the way it distorted the light around it, clear of the gore that now coated my forearm.\n\n\"I think you made a mistake,\" I said, and my voice sounded distant, strangely calm. I turned to see the doctor backing up in horror, beckoning a squad of armed men, breathing hard.\n\nI felt my own cold smile as I surged forward on my feet, leading with the thrum around my fist.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nr/Magleby" ]	5
	[WP] You've been the last remaining human on Earth for some time now. One day, while looting an office building, the elevator door sounds. Out walk a small group of coworkers discussing where to go for lunch, as if everything was normal.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Steve swiftly moved through the unnamed office building. His long silver ponytail swayed back and forth as he scurried through the halls in search of food and supplies. It didn’t matter the name of building this point, after the first several dozen, he stopped caring. Most of them were the same anyway, cubicles and more cubicles. These buildings were the ones which seemed to offer the least amount to him, but he still searched.\n\nSeveral months ago, Steve awoke to a world of emptiness. Not emotionally, that came later, but an empty world. No people. There were no cars on the streets on his way to work. He drove through rush hour everyday. There were always cars and trucks and semis backed up for miles. Did he miss something on the news telling everyone to stay home?\n\nHe saw no one at his work. He worked a hospital for christs sake. All the doctors, nurses and patients were gone. The beds were neatly made. Everything was in pristine order. How could they have moved all the patients to a different location and had time to make their beds? He wondered. It didn’t make any sense.\n\nHe even tried calling his family. Friends. Friends of friends. But no one answered. He went to their homes to find it not occupied. It was as if they vanished. Their cars were still in the driveway. How could everyone leave without their cars? Is this a sick joke?\n\nA day passed and then another and another. The news never came on, the mail never came, no one returned his calls, he saw no one on the streets. It was a barren world he woke up to everyday.\n\nSteve thought he was losing his mind but with each passing day, he soon realized this may be the brutal reality of his life. He quite literally be the last person on earth. The thought was absurd to him. That sort of stuff only happens in the movies. But he had no other explanation. He was alone in this world and he needed to take action if he planned on surviving, something he wasn’t 100% on.\n\nEven more absurdly, the power still worked. He had lights and even the internet. All the websites which existed months ago were still up and running, only without any updates of course. Street lights till came on at night, gas stations still pumped gas until he polished off the remaining gasoline in the tank and had to move on to the next. The world still seemed to operate at it’s normal rate. The bizarreness of it all was astounding.\n\nHe has gotten quite good at hunting as deer were plentiful. Whatever has taken the human population decided to spare the animals.\n\nAt the hospital, his old place of employment, to gather supplies. He likes to gather his supplies at night as he worked third shift and was used to the hours anyway. Antibiotics and medication to take back to his main place of residence: the state penitentiary. The thought of migrating to such a place and wanting to live there was laughable to him. But he knew it was the safest bet as he had a perimeter and could operate all the locks and lights if he needed. He taught himself how to crack the pass codes and change them to his own liking. 01311988. His birthday, seemed easy enough to remember. He still wasn’t sure how all this happened or if anyone or anything was still out there, and he wasn't going to take that chance.\n\nAfter rummaging through the pharmacy, he heard the elevator operating. That hasn’t happened before, he thought. He could hear muffled noises coming from the elevator. Shocked, he quickly ducked behind the counter awaiting the arrival of his unknown guests. He firmly grasped his pistol, ready to unload on any threatening being which exits those doors..\n\nThe elevator reached his story now and was about the open. The muffled noises were more distinct now. They were definitely people. They were speaking English. But he still wasn’t sure what they were saying. That is, until the doors parted and they stepped out.\n\n“What did you bring for lunch? Harold made tacos last night so I made a little taco bowl today” a woman asked her friend. That voice is so familiar, Steve thought.\n\n“I didn’t bring anything today. I’m trying to fast more and lose a bit more weight. I’m shooting for 48 hours this time around.” The other said to her friend. I know that voice too. That sounds like Marge, Steve quickly realized.\n\nIn an instant, Steve sprung from behind the counter, pistol drawn. “WHAT’S GOING ON!? TELL ME WHAT YOU’RE DOING HERE! MARGE, DANIELLE, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?” Steve shouted, pistol shifting between both the women.\n\nWith her hands in the air, fighting back tears Marge yells back “STEVE! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? PUT THE GUN DOWN! HOW DID YOU GET OUT?”\n\nTrembling, Steve answers “What the hell do you mean? Get out of where?” while continually shifting the gun back and forth between the two.\n\nAnother person appeared to his right. Startled once again, he moved his pistol towards the other intruder. This person was wearing a white coat, a doctor, Steve thought. The doctor screamed and like the other two women, threw his hands in the air, tightening clenching his eyes as if he didn’t believe this was happening.\n\n“Someone needs to tell me what’s going on. I’ve been the only person in the world for the past few months and now all of the sudden I see three….” coming up the stairs, Steve sees a security guard coming towards him, and his time, Steve was not the only one with a gun.\n\n“DROP THE WEAPON! DROP THE WEAPON!” The security guard cried out to Steve.\n\nHe was in a different world now. How could this be real? Is this a dream? He lived in total solitude for months and months only now to be bombarded by person after person. What once was a situation he could only dream of, is now becoming his worst nightmare.\n\nIn a split second between observing the security guard he, he looked down at his gun and then to his legs. He saw bare legs. Bare feet. Studying the rest of his body, he was mortified to learn he’s not wearing his usual jeans and flannel shirt, but a hospital dressing.\n\nHe lowered the gun to his side. Tears flooded his eyes, veins pierced through his neck, he thought his teeth would crack due to the immense pressure he was putting on them. He let out a deafening howl, mouth directed towards the heavens. Once finished, he dropped the pistol just before falling to his knees and eventually settling in the fetal position.\n\n\\---------\n\n“Why did you do it, Steve? We know you did it but all we’re asking is you tell us why.” Detective Johnston asks Steve at the police interrogation room at the police station.\n\n“I’m not sure what you’re referring to. I’ve been alone for over 9 months now and all of a sudden, I’m surrounded by other humans. Humans I thought were dead and gone. How was I supposed to react?” Steve furrowed his brow, studying his questioner.\n\n“Not that, Steve. Why did you strangle Officer Bronk? I’m sure awaking from a coma can be a….”\n\nSteve stopped him mid sentence, “What do you mean, coma. I wasn’t in a coma. What the hell are you referring to?!” Erratic, Officer Johnston tells Steve to calm down while he explains.\n\n“It may help if we brought you up to speed, Steve. You were in an accident 3 days ago, okay.” Again, Steve shouts in confusion while Detective Johnston requests he calm down before he’s subdued. “You were in the Mercy Hospital for 3 days in a medically induced coma and apparently you awoken, found officer Bronk making his rounds, attacked and killed him, took his weapon and tried stealing medication at the pharmacy before a few other employees got in your way. All I want to know is, why did you do it and if you had any control over it?”\n\n\"I don't remember killing the officer, but I do remember everything after that, I swear! I would never actually strangle someone, this is insane!\" Steve tried pleading his case. \n\n\"That may be true. I talked to a a few doctors and they agree you may have been not in the right state of mind immanently following awakening from your coma.\" the detective responded \"but we have surveillance, Steve. There's no denying it. You did it. All we want is for you to understand the severity of what we're up against, where we're at and what's happening next.\"\n\nSteve sat silent for a few moments, taking it all in. It was so real, he thought. He lived in a world in total isolation for months. He learned so many survival skills he never knew about. There’s no way it could have all been a dream. But he would later find out, that wasn’t the case. Video surveillance in his court hearing showed him strangling Officer Bronk and taking his gun before moving to the closed pharmacy and pointing his gun towards fellow onlookers.\n\nThe jury found him guilty of second degree murder. Steve was sentenced to the state penitentiary. The very same penitentiary he lived in when he was alone for all those months in his mind. It’s funny how it all looked exactly as he remembered, as if, he’s been there before. Maybe, just maybe, the pass codes were still his birthday...", "He had nearly cried when he had come across it, a building nearly untouched by the final days. Though an office building wasn't the most promising, the fact that it seemed mostly intact from looters seemed like a godsend. He pried open the doors, pushing aside the rubble until he could fit through the small opening, worrying slightly at the ease with which he slipped though a space he would have never fit through before everything had gone down.\n\nHe still needs to get more supplies before he could make the trip to the grocery store the next city over. All the ones in the small town he was in were either completely destroyed by falling buildings or picked clean by the few who had lasted longest. He only hopes that whatever was in the office would be able to last him the trip.\n\nHe slips through the empty halls, long since numbed to the sight and smell of the bodies that litter the rooms. It looked like they had tried to avoid the chaos that had descended upon the world, though it hadn't helped them in the long term. With practiced motions he sweeps through the rooms, checking desks and cabinets for anything that could be useful. Food is stowed away quickly, along with every blank piece of paper that can fit in the designated pocket of his bag, along with a few pens just in case. \n\nHe tries to avoid the faces of the dead, keeping his eyes off the ground as much as possible while still checking for supplies. His gaze falls upon a picture on one of the desks, the laughing face of a small child staring out at him. For a time he's caught in the memories of a different face, the same sparkling blue eyes that shone up at him as laughter burst from a tiny chest. A tear streaks down his cheek before he roughly swipes it away, nearly slamming the photo down before moving on, pushing the memories deep down once more.\n\nAfter having swept through each floor of the building, he makes it back to the ground floor, making final checks just to make sure he had picked it clean of everything he'd find useful. He pauses as a noise breaks the silence of his surroundings, the whirring electronic sound unnatural in the empty world. He doesn't flinch as the elevator behind him opens, keeping his eyes on the pile of junk in front of him as he digs through it for anything useful even as footsteps approach him. \n\nHis heart clenches as their voices reach him, the laughter so familiar yet foreign in the emptiness that the world had become. He tries to ignore them as they approach, knowing that seeing their faces would just break another piece of him, but he is weak and he can't help but turn his head to watch the group. \n\nHis chest aches at they come into view, suits loose and rumpled in the face of the midday break. They ignore the wreckage that surrounds them, discussing possible lunch spots and exchanging jokes that he barely remembered. They didn't fit in the tiny office building in a small town he had already forgotten the name of, their clothes speaking of big city money even as they carelessly tossed their expensive jackets over their arms, sleeves rolled up as they pass him by. \n\nHe doesn't remember all of them personally, but their faces were familiar in a world that had lost all familiarity, and for a time he simply watches as they disappear through the doors, passing through as though they weren't even there. He sits in silence for a while, trying to push down the pain curling through his chest, before picking up his bag and following. He isn't surprised when the doors open to nothing. He breathes out, a harsh sound in the silence, before pushing on. \n\nHe had fallen for it several times in the beginning, wasting time and energy following voices that had no source and chasing figures that flickered as they walked by. He supposed it was only natural for his brain to try and cope with the sudden isolation, spectres to keep him company in the empty wreckage of civilization. Sometimes it was only voices, laughter that rang out clearly or conversations that cut off before he could hear the end. \n\nMore often it was people, appearing from nothing or drifting through the ruins of society, seemingly unaware of the devastation that surrounded them as they went about their days. Strangers would wave or smile at him, sometimes a familiar face that he knew from some party or college would approach him to try and talk. He ignores them as much as he can, it feels like feeding the issue would only make it worse. Though it doesn't stop his mind from trying. \n\nThe worst pain is when he knows the face that passes him, voices that haunt his dreams now haunting his days too. He often succumbs when it's the case, unable to deal with having them so close while ignoring their presence.\n\nThe first time it was his mother, who had died long before the end had come but who still had a smile as bright as the sun as she carded a hand that he could only barely feel through his hair. She appears when he is near breaking, singly softly as he sobs into his hands, unable to resist the ghost of her embrace as she holds him. It doesn't happen as often as it did in the beginning, and it's a pained joy that strikes him with each new day that she doesn't appear, hoping that he will be alright in this existence. \n\nMore often it was Jason, whose smile still made his heart beat faster even as it wavered in the sunlight. He had been crushed the first time his husband had appeared, remembering the weight of his body in his arms as Jason's breathing stopped. He had made it through the first few months ignoring him, trying to force his mind back into sanity, but eventually he broke, simply tracing the features of the other man's face as he approached, no longer forced to linger at the edges of his vision. He hadn't tried to touch him, knowing that to do so would shatter him completely. So he simply watched the man he loved, sometimes speaking with him for hours before he tried to stop, a vicious cycle that both soothed and tore at his fracturing mind.\n\nOther friends and family drift at the edge of his consciousness, their words offering comfort and accusations in turn. He gets better at tuning them out, but eventually he always ends up seeking them out, desperate for any type of connection even if it was an illusion, trying to keep the fraying edges of his sanity from unravelling completely. \n\nHe moves from city to city, searching for any sign of life while he gathers enough food and supplies to make it to the next. Sometimes he spends weeks or months in a location, if the food supply is good and he isn't haunted by those he left behind he can almost pretend he's ok. It never lasts though, and soon enough he is off to find the next small town or city on his way East. \n\nHe pushes his mind back to the present, making his way through the streets towards the edge of town where a car waits. He opens the back, putting the bag on top of the others, filled with food and other things he needed to get through the longest stretch of road before the next town. He guesses it will be a few days before he makes it there, and he needs to be prepared if that one ends up being stripped of all loot. He sighs, running a hand through his hair as he looks over the map one last time, his route marked clearly before him. He needs to leave soon if he wants to make any progress before nightfall.\n\nBefore leaving, he grabs a blank sheet of paper and walks to the city limits sign. Pulling a marker from his pocket, he writes his name and the frequency of his radio, just in case someone does come across it. He does it at every city, though it hasn't yielded anything yet he still hopes, though even that shrinks with each passing day. Still, his hands are steady as he attaches the note to the sign, bright and visible even from a distance. \n\nWalking back to the car, he freezes as he realizes he isn't alone. Immediately his heart feels like it's been stabbed, the air struggling to reach his lungs as he stares at the figure in his passenger seat. Her head is barely tall enough to peek over the dash, feet swinging with restless curiosity as she waves at him through the window, blue eyes lighting up as he approaches. \n\nHis motions are stiff as he opens the car door, sitting in the drivers seat. He forces his face forward, knowing he wouldn't last but trying anyway. Finally he turns to her, taking in the young face that looked at him with such adoration. She smiles brightly, looking just as she did the last time he had seen her, long brown hair pulled into her favorite braid (he always forgot the name even though he knew the technique by heart). She tilts her head at him as he starts the car, and he can hear the question forming even before she speaks. \n\n\"Where are we going, Daddy?\" \n\nHer voice still sends shards of pain through him, though it still brings a broken smile to his face as he looks at her. He ruffles her hair, though the strands barely shift under his touch as his fingers nearly pass through her. He swallows the tears that threaten to fall, wishing he could hold her once more. Instead, he speaks, voice hoarse from disuse as he presses the gas.\n\n\"We'll know when we get there sweetheart.\" \n\nHe knows that she'll likely be gone before the next town appears on the horizon, but for now he embraces the illusion, and tries to mend his shattered heart with the shadow of the daughter he had lost. \n\nHe was tired of being alone.", "Each day I add a new tally mark to the notebook in my backpack. There are 3924, one for each month since the earthquake that wiped out the population. \n\nBesides myself. \n\n327 years as the last man on earth. \n\nAfter the initial panic wore off, I learned how to survive. Looting, survival skills, hunting. Wildlife had taken over. Food, as I found out, was plenty when you knew where to look. \n\nToday is anorher day if looting, this time office buildings in a town over from my current camp. I needed fresh pens and notebooks for catalogs, diaries, and other records I kept. \n\nAs I'm rummaging through a desk drawer, pocketing paperclips that weren't rusted to hell, a shrill noise broke the silence. \n\n\"-report this week, it's ridiculous.\"\n\n\"He really expects us to sit and go through that... That much...\"\n\nA group of four people, in clean, crisp suits walked out of the elevator and stopped dead when the overgrown, desolate office and full grown, wild looking man registered. \n\nI screamed.\n\nThey screamed.", "Carl walked out into the open field, then a bustling farm village. Carl smelled the air and it smelled fine, after all, being the last person alive allows one to appreciate nature in a big way that the noise of modern society simply could not allow. Carl also was very much fond of his name. It was plain as cream cheese on a white bagel and offered no resistance to scrutiny back before that incident that left him all alone. The name did offer him closure as it was normal, plain, but all too very human and very social.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHaving run out of paper to draw Carl decided the best thing to do would be to go scavenging in the city for supplies. Art was cathartic and allowed him the opportunity to really cut lose and to wane off the insanity. loneliness tends to do that to a person after a while.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe building was an old John Bull office supply chain. He arrived there late in the evening via an old bike he found and fixed up. It wasn't perfect, but it was for Carl. In these looting moments he would imagine himself as a solid snake type character. It was playful but productive. This time, however, something far more uncommon was about to take place.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nCarl heard footsteps. They came in orderly, and followed a pattern. The next thing he felt was that odd sensation of presence followed by what could only be talking. Talking. Yes, talking, as in people talk to one another on the train, on a bus, in a car, in the streets - like the old days. He crept in closely but out of sight; he wasn't sure if he ate something potent in drugs or perhaps the universe finally revealed the punchline to his joke of a life.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"So I told Cara that and she immediately threw water in my face. Can you believe it? I spent $400 on this shirt and she ruined it because of a stupid sexist joke!\" one of the voices stated, though it was hard to believe a shirt was worth that much money, though people spent more on less.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I don't know Jacob, you say some of the weirdest shit sometimes,\" another voice responded, this one noticeably feminine.\n\n\"Hey, do you think the boss will notice if I take an extra hour off? I really don't feel like working today. I got this weird thing with my neck. See? You could kinda see it in good lighting. My doctor says I may be allergic to some pathogens in the air or something. Plus my testicle has been acting up lately.\" Another one, male, complained about health issues. Carl heard all of this in incredible disbelief. All this time he thought himself the last living person and now there are more people here. What exactly was going on? The people who were talking were discussing things and then talked about where to eat for lunch as if anywhere was open. Was there?\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe peeked over the desk he was hiding behind to see if anyone was coming; he wanted to see another person again but wasn't sure if this would be a good time to introduce himself. It was lonely and right now he would take hallucinations - would sure beat drawing people and talking to them.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"So, anyway , anyone ever noticed there's some creeper running around the city?\"\n\n\"Yeah, I think I heard about that guy. And he steals shit. Tons.\"\n\n\"He steals all of the paper, I swear he gives me so much goddamn work in marketing.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nCarl noticed that they were talking about him. But how? Why didn't he see anyone else before? What was going on? As he dipped down and backed away to escape he bumped into something, no, as he turned around he realized this was someone.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You must be the snooper everyone's talking about,\" A thin man in overalls with a thick white mustache and sleepy looking eyes was standing behind him. Something was off, though. \"Looks like I caught the snooper folks!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe female coworker clapped, Carl knew this because she said, \" Oh great! That was the asshole giving me work. Bring him here! We'll call the cops right away!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Jacob that guy kinda looks like...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"CARL! It's CARL! Hey man, where'd you been? Why are you in rags? How come you been skipping work and stealing..papers? Carl, are you on drugs?\" The one called Jacob addressed Carl, but Carl wasn't sure who this guy was. he'd never seen Jacob before in his life and never worked at an office. Back before that event he worked as a fitness instructor which was why he was so in shape now.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I..I think you guys have the wrong guy. I don't..I never seen any of you before now,\" Carl began, \"You all shouldn't be here...There was nobody, the..the news said nobody survived but I did..so how..\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nEveryone looked at one another then back at Carl and each laughed. Either at him or with him. Maybe it was a joke and he wasn't in on it. Who knew. What mattered to Carl right now was how he would get out of this situation.\n\nSomewhere, in another world, another Carl was having a hard time coming to grips with a world where nobody existed. He thought to himself that he should have never made that stupid wish from that questionable genie. Now everyone was gone and he was all alone." ]	5
	[WP] You are an elite secret agent. Highly capable in espionage, reconnaissance, intel, linguistics, weapons, interrogation, seduction, and operating transports. Nothing shakes your confidence. Except you never learned how to ride a bicycle.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Paul awoke with a start his lungs screaming for air, a strong ammonia smell burned his nose as he panted. He could not see where he was but his eyes were open, his vision blocked by something over his head. He was cold, and wet.\n\nA pair of hands grabbed his shoulders and roughly sat him upright... he could move, he realised, but fear kept him firmly planted.\n\nThe other man in the room brought himself close to Paul's ear and spoke calmly.\n\n\"Paul... don't do this to yourself, to your family.\"\n\nHis voice was soft like a warm blanket, the blatant threats wrapped in a silky smooth velvet.\n\n\"It's a simple matter, just tell me what I need to know and you're free to go... more than that you can still keep the $10,000 I promised, just help me to help you.\"\n\nThe question Paul thought He asked me a question...\n\n\"Come on Paul...\" a tinge of irritation snuck into his voice \"just tell me what I need to know.\"\n\n\"I don't understand\" Paul said, barely a whisper\n\n\"What?\" The man scowled \"you don't understand?\"\n\n\"The...the question, I don't understand the question.\" \n\nThe man hit Paul across the soles of his feet hard enough to make Paul cry out in pain.\n\n\"The secret...\" he said, inches away from Paul's face \"...to riding a bike\"\n\n\"There is no secret!!\" cried Paul, \"you just have to practice!\"\n\n\"NO!\" the man shouted, pushing Paul back onto the bench, strapping him down, pulling the hessian bag tight around Paul's neck and reaching for the water.\n\n\"There must be a secret!\" \n\n&#x200B;" ]	2
	[WP] You have a crush on somebody. They look beautiful, with long blonde hair and deep blue eyes. Thing is, they're surrounded 24/7 by a horde of barbarian warriors brandishing giant axes and very sharp swords.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 earthling, my name is Maruhk. There is something of vital importance that I must tell, so I write this.\n\nI am of a sorcerers descent and wear the sorcerer markings, as you may or may not know humans have been hunting us for the past two centuries. My great grandfather would tell me stories of a time when our two species lived in synchronised harmony, we helped the humans to live a better life. Used our enchantments to cure diseases, grow crops and educate until the Warlock war happened. There a handful of sorcerers who called themselves Warlocks, they believed that humans were beneath them, that humans were merely brainless barbarians with simple minds, that humans were bacteria upon our land, slowly poisoning it. This was enough to spark fury and fear into the hearts of the humans. They feared our power, that if they were to survive they must kill all who had the sorcerer markings. Both humans and sorcerers fought for many days. We managed to escape into silent wood. The fauna in the woods accepted us in and since the war most of the sorcerers lived together forming a small community. We named it silent wood as humans are unable to see or hear us and we could live in peace far from the humans who would often send scouts to hunt wondering sorcerers down. The Warlocks still lingered and throughout the years they would coordinate savage attacks upon the humans. The response to these attacks was to have a perimeter of the land guarded by families of barbarians who seemed to live their entire lives in this service. This is where I first saw Blue. \n\nFrom all the tales that I had heard about humans I knew I wanted to see them for myself so one day I trekked to the edge of silent wood and about 500 meters away there they were. Just standing; they were giants with huge weapons. I would often go to see them after school was finished and I would just sit there reading, watching, just wondering what would happen if they knew I was near. I gave them names, there was: Hunch, the short but wide barbarian who worked the armoury with a curved back, then there was Scar who hardly ever talked and had a huge Scar on his left forearm. Finally there was Bear. Bear was something else, he was the natural leader of the three, not only was he as tall as an oak tree but he was also as hard as oak itself. He would patrol with both his almighty axes, occasionally going into the forest to gather wood. One day whilst I was up in my tree I heard something, something that would change me forever. It sounded like the warmest of fires on a bitter cold night, giving me an embrace that crawled all over my skin, saturating deep within me and becoming intertwined with my soul. I knew I had to find where the source of this sound was emanating from and thats when I saw her. The first time I saw Blue I thought she was a Princess from the tales. her hair danced in the wind like melted gold and she had deep ocean coloured eyes. I was hypnotised. I would just dive into her eyes, drowning within the deep abyss imagining of speaking with Blue one day. I would spend every waking moment of my futile life just watching her from a distance, I was transfixed. She was a bright burning star and I was a cold icy rock drawn in by her pull. there was nothing that I could do but gradually be pulled closer and thats exactly what happened. I would make my way closer every day. 400 meters, 200 meters, 100 meters until finally I was only 20 meters away from Blue. I could hear her, I could see her, I could smell everything which was mainly the stewed rabbit they seemed to have every night. I would see her help her mother cook the rabbits that Bear caught, Blue would always cry when Bear would kill them with one swift strike of his great axe, she cared, she really cared about everything. Often, I rounded up rabbits, so they would have more rabbits to skin, just so I would be able to see Blue for precious minutes longer in the courtyard. This would go on for 7 months until one day she didnt come to the courtyard. \n\nIt was midevening of the cold season. Something was wrong. I had rounded up some rabbits nearby and everything was going as usual, Bear ventured out, took the rabbits back but there was no Blue. She was always there when Bear returned, she would always play with the rabbits before their demise but not that day, that day it was Hunch skinning the rabbits. A bleak emptiness washed over me, I had to see her, there was no way I was leaving without seeing Blue. I saw her mother take an extra bowl of stew inside and immediately I knew I had to pursue her inside and see Blue. I climbed down the tree and made my way across the field moving quietly and hurriedly like a mouse, masking my steps with the howling of the wind, I was about to enter the lions territory. I got within 2 meters of the brothers without being spotted that’s when I heard them. The were taking about Blue. My ears were lying to me, what they were saying about Blue could not be true. I had to see for myself. \n\n(I'm going to leave it here for now)" ]	2
	[WP] You are the worlds most popular superhero but your powers only work when people are looking at you. One day youre alone for the first time with your spouse and you cant open a jar, or use any of your 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\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"What do you mean, 'you arranged this'?\"\n\n\"Honey, you were depending entirely on your powers. You neglected your body. Now just try opening this jar of pickles for me, please?\". When she looks at me like that, I just can't refuse. I strained. I struggled. I hurt myself trying. I couldn't do it. \"Why did you do this to me!\"\n\n\"I didn't dear... You did it to yourself, and I refused to see it until a month ago. You remember?\". Oh yeah, I remember. Thanks for nothing bringing that up. \"What of it. Even Superman had times he couldn't save someone.\"\n\n\"Alright buster... Your here now. There's only the two of us, and this is an intervention.\" She really sounds angry; so beautiful when she's lit up like that. \"Now get up out of that easy chair and come along with me. Move it mister!\"\n\nI follow her out to the beach. \"This island is a little over 26 miles around at the coast line. Start moving. I'll be doing it with you. We can go at any pace you like.\" Aw, this is gonna be a piece of cake. I can even get her all sweaty and tired without even trying. \"Okay, let's go!\" I take all of three running steps and trip over my own feet. What the hell? \"What'd you trip me for!?\"\n\n\"Roll over and look for yourself, buster.\" She sounds like she's well behind me. I roll over. \"So? You move back after you tripped me.\" \"Use those wonderful deductive powers of yours. That's about the only thing you haven't let get flabby.\" I can't figure out what she means. Why would she deny the obvious? \"Take a good look at the sand. Where the footprints are.\". The sand is smooth, only our footprints, she must have walked backwards in her own footsteps. I say as much.\n\n\"On your feet buster! Move it! You think you can even keep up with me? I think your going to end up puking less than two miles in. MOVE IT!\". She starts jogging past me. Right. That's done it. I'm going to chase her down just to prove she's wrong.\n\n.... It's so sad. Even before he got his powers, I couldn't have kept away from him for more than a 100 yards. It hurts to see him like this. ...\n\nHow is she doing this? Drugs? Lead weights in my shoes? Poisoning me? She's always just out of reach. I've fallen so many times I'm covered in sand. \"Aww, is poor little you all tuckered out?\". She's jogging backwards. She hasn't even begun to sweat. I'm dripping. \"Let's give you a little more incentive. Catch me and we can spend the night on the beach... Together.\" Oooh that voice! I know what she means. This is going to be so much fun!\n\n... I hate doing this to him. I still love him. But this is the only way to get through his denial. I've tried everything else. I want to break down and cry, but I have to be strong for him. ...\n\n\"Honey? You okay?\" How did I end up on my back? What's that smell? I look left. Someone has thrown up. I look right, she's there with a look of loving concern on her face. My mouth tastes like... like... no... it cannot be. \"What happened? How did I end up this way. How could I have let myself go?\" I'm crying now. I've never felt so ashamed in my life. \"You just rest here. I'll be right back.\" I lay there crying. Thinking. Remembering. She's been trying to help me for a year now. Why would she stay with a loser like me? \"Because I love you, you silly man. And I know you still love me.\"\n\nI must have been talking out loud. She's come back with a shovel? A blanket, and a basket? \"I'm going to get rid of this mess, then we can rest here until you're able to walk down to the ocean. We'll get cleaned off, and come back up here under the palms.\" I have to be helped down to the ocean, she helps me undress and get clean. We make our way back up the beach, where she helps me into some sweats. We lay down on the blanket. It is a picnic, and we eat slowly as the sun goes down. \"What will we do tomorrow?\" I ask. \"The same, until you catch me.\" I smile and drop off to sleep before I can get another word out.\n\n((finis))\n\n" ]	2
	[WP] A small child thinks she can perform telekinesis, but it's just an invisible man doing things for her.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Thunderous applause rang through the studio. Men whistled, and women cheered. A beam of light followed Alice as she moved from the performance stage to the main stage.\n\n'That was truly wonderful,' Fisher said. 'Truly wonderful.' \n\nAlice waved at her fans and smiled free of charge. She sat in a comfortable looking, but in actuality uncomfortable, chair and straightened her sequin skirt. The light was so bright that she could feel her false eyelashes starting to melt, though she was grateful because it made it hard for her to see the audience. Alice had been smiling for well over fifteen minutes, and her cheeks were starting to hurt.\n\n'Now, am I right in saying this is your first interview?' \n\n'Yes.'\n\n'That's remarkable, aren't we so lucky?' Fisher said to the audience who responded with whooping cheers. \n\n'That's very kind of you.' Alice said.\n\nFisher grinned with porcelain teeth, and for a moment it was like a second spotlight was on Alice. \n\n'Please tell us all how it all started,' Fished said, pausing and then as Alice was about to speak, added. 'Tell us where your passion for show business came from.'\n\n'Well,' Alice looked between Fisher and the audience. 'I don't really remember my father. He left long before my first memories-'\n\nThe crowd cooed, and Fisher leant across his desk to place, what appeared to be, a reassuring hand on Alice's wrist, but it lingered a little too long.\n\n'I'm sorry to hear that,' Fisher said tilting his head, and as he drew back he trailed a finger across her hand.\n\nA minefield of goosebumps ran across her arm and threw her off balance. '-I-It's not so bad.'\n\n'You poor thing!' Fisher exclaimed, turning to the audience. 'Isn't she just the sweetest?' \n\nAlice blushed and tugged one of the loose sequins, rolling it around in her fingers and folding it in half. \n\n'Continue, continue my dear.'\n\n'I remember my mother wanting to cook something new for dinner, I can't remember what exactly, but it had tomatoes and I hated them. I got so angry,' Alice smiled as she played back the scene. 'So angry that my face turned redder than the tomatoes she was slicing. I balled up my fists and shook like I was about to explode. And that's when it happened. A chair fell backwards.'\n\n'On its own?' Fisher asked with his hands clasped together. \n\nAlice nodded. 'And from then on, I've known that I had abilities.' \n\n'And you thought to yourself - forget heroics! I'm going into show business.'\n\nThe crowd laughed.\n\n'No.'\n\n'My dear,' Fisher said. 'I'm joking of course!' \n\nAlice forced a smile. 'I would have loved to help people. My powers aren't strong enough to lift things that could help people.' \n\n'Right,' Fisher said and gestured toward the performance stage. 'You can only lift things like chairs, and make tennis balls juggle in mid-air. Here's an idea!' Fisher rose from his desk and moved next to Alice. 'I'm sure there are many sceptics out there. How about you prove them wrong!' \n\nAlice's eyes shifted, and Fisher extended a hand for her to take. She rose, and he ushered her forward. \n\n'Does anyone want to volunteer an object?' Fisher asked while wrapping a hand around Alice's waist. He could feel her flinch and relished in her trapped silence. He drummed two fingers against her side and then said. 'You sir.'\n\nA man in the front row approached the stage and offered a half-full water bottle.\n\n'Take it away Alice,' Fisher said, slinking away with one last squeeze.\n\nAlice was flustered and clenched her fists without needing to conjure anger. The bottle wobbled, sloshing its contents, and then it shot into the air. It lifted to chest height and floated towards her. The crowd was a mixture of silent awe and gasping surprise. \n\nThe cap started to twist off, but Alice hadn't told it to do that, no she was just going to send the bottle crashing back to the floor. The lid spiralled up, and off the bottle. It floated for a moment and then went frisbeeing into the crowd. Alice lost control, and its contents went flying over Fisher. Who leapt back in delayed surprise. The crowd roared with laughter, and Alice stood as surprised as Fisher.\n\nIt took a second for Fisher to overcome his anger, and then he broke into his trademark smile. 'What a wonderful trick!' \n\nA force, not belonging to Alice, hit Fisher in his side, oddly enough in the exact spot he had been holding her moments before. His eyes bulged as the air wheeze from his lungs, and he collapsed on the floor. \n\n---\n\n/r/WrittenThought" ]	2
	[WP] Each member of society has the magical ability to “undo” one action. It is known that this ability can only be used once. You have been waiting for the right time to use it. After many many years you finally have to use it, only to find out your ability is broken...it keeps reloading.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 was fuming as I drove home. Everyone got one single chance to undo a mistake, and I had blown it. Rather than correcting some big, life-changing mistake, I had accidentally used it to take back some words on date. Only to find out she wasn't my type anyways. What a waste.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nA deer jumped out of the woods. Time slowed down as I frantically tried to dodge it to no avail. The large buck's legs snapped as the hood hit them, sending the bulk of the beast straight into the windshield. It was more of a survival reflex than anything else. I used my rewind.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI was back at the restaurant looking across the table at my date. The same place I had been when I had used my first rewind.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWait, I thought we only got one do-over.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe anger evaporated as I realized what I had just done. Somehow, the once per lifetime rule didn't apply to me. A wide grin spread across my face. Best. Night. Ever.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWith a new outlook on life, I drove home without hitting a deer this time.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMy new ability proved incredibly useful. I started with minor things, correcting small mistakes and found that I always ended back up at the restaurant. In times past lotteries had existed, but so many people had used their do-overs to cheat the lottery that they had to stop it altogether.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThen I realized true power of my ability. Rewinding resets everything except memories, freeing me from the bounds of time.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIn what looked like a few days to the rest of the world I spent a lifetime learning and planning.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAt last my plans were ready. I had memorized exactly what I needed to do. Firing up my PC, I wrote the software from memory, compiled it, and submitted it to the various app stores. I sent my perfected email from trial-and-error to my future business partner.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nProfit started rolling in within weeks. I was set.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTime to go live the rest of my life.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHaving lived a full life, I lay in the hospital bed surrounded by family. It was near the end, I could feel my body failing. But I wasn't done just yet. I had an ace up my sleeve.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nRewind.", "My hands were cold and clammy that Saturday morning. The train station continued to bustle to life all around me, but it all seemed so distant, so distorted. The jingle of the train’s arrival chimed through the tunnels, and for a brief moment, I looked up into the sky. \n________________\nWhat is done, is done. This is a fundamental fact of life. Any action, once it has been performed, continues to permeate through reality, rippling through the fabric of the physical realm. Big or small, once something is done, it cannot be undone. \n\nThis was how it was, and how it should be. \n\nThere is, however, one exception to the rule. One little loophole in the grand scheme of things. This exception, this scientific phenomenon is known as the Rewind. \n\nThe term was coined by some scientist a couple decades ago, when the research data they were evaluating just seemed… off. Smaller mishaps led to greater discoveries, and the realization struck the research team like a sack of bricks. For the greatest time, humans had been resetting smaller events both consciously and unconsciously. This particular revelation spread like wildfire throughout global media, and things were never quite the same. \n\nEver get that feeling of Déjà vu? Events not quite right? Feeling like you’ve done something before, or forgetting to do something you were just doing? That’s the Rewind at play. Somewhere in the vast, vast world, somebody has undone a particular action, rewriting reality itself to bend to their whims with none the wiser. Often times, even the Rewindee has no memory instances of the actual phenomenon. \n\nAs for me? \n\nI’ve made a big, big mistake.\n___________________\nI look into her eyes one last time, and for a brief moment we are back in the comforts of our cozy apartment, just her and I, embracing under the warm bedside lights. \n\nHow could I have missed the signs? \n\nWhy couldn’t I have seen it until it was too late? \n\nI look into Jenna’s eyes once more as she falls backwards, past the yellow safety line, stumbling onto the tracks below. I remember how her hands felt as she clasped her fingers around mine, and how I told her that it’d always be alright. Because I was there for her. \n\nI was a fool. \n\nTime seemed to slow to a stop, and I watched the train enter the station as if nothing were amiss, as if the people around were not screaming, as if there wasn’t a girl on the tracks- or what used to be a girl, a girl that I knew very, very well. \n\nI don’t see any blood, but I never do. It all happens so quickly. \n\nThe first time this happened, I had simply been stunned silent, and I suppose I remember praying silently, fervently. I had begged with all my heart for a reset. I had demanded to Rewind time. \nPerhaps God was cruel. Perhaps the Universe had finally had enough, and I was the straw that broke the camel’s back. \n\nIt mattered not. I had my Rewind. One moment I was laying on the station ground, yelling into the tarmac. The next moment I was exactly where I had been five minutes ago, Jenna at my side, waiting for the train. \n\nI had gone back. \n\nBy a mere, miniscule five minutes. \n__________________________\nThe Rewind has a simple catch. You only get one second-chance, and no more. There has never been a human who’d been able to Rewind twice. One undo and you’re out. It is for this reason that time had been relatively consistent, according to what they’d said. \n\nYet I’d been witnessing this reset for what was quite possibly the seventh hundred time or so. I’d lost count what felt like an eternity ago. It matters not what I tell her. She’s already too far gone. I can never save her. \n\nI am cursed to see her die, over and over again, till the ends of time. \n\nI think back to the touch of her skin one more time. I feel like breaking. I wish I were dead. \n\nOn that cold, Saturday morning, I hear the jingle of the trains once more, and I look into the sky. \n" ]	3
	[WP]Everyone has a inner world that they can enter or exit at will. It refects everything about you. Your personality, desires, secrets, fears, & eveything else. Bringing someone into this world is the ultimate act of trust & comitment. You & your partner are about to take that step.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "They stood there for a while, just looking at each other's eyes.\n\nHosting requires a certain state of mind, a certain sense of connection and intimacy. Some say that it needs love, but this is a vague requirement, given the vague nature of the word love. In any case there has to be a sort of link, a common psychic tune to call it so, and they were looking for it.\n\nThey had met some eight months ago. Her, an artist, an expressionist, a bright soul of creation. Him, just a bartender. They clicked.\n\nTheir hearts finally encompassed, beating at the exact same pace. They knew, without any kind of physical contact. They knew. They felt the strange but always inviting sensation of the psychological wards opening up. Trust. Openness. They knew.\n\n\"Yours first?\" she asked shyly as a nimble smile peeked in her green lips. He nodded subtly with a calm gesture, inviting. They extended their arms and placed one hand on each other's chest. Some physical contact usually catalyses the Hosting process, making it more stable and clear. And so, they entered His World.\n\nEmptiness. \n\nA vast, endless atmosphere of nothingness surrounded them, fading the physical world entirely. She gasped as she looked around, and a tear rolled down her left pink eye as her sight wandered around the complete lack of everything. He smiled. \"Is it what you expected?\". She shook her head slightly. \"No, it is... It's way more beautiful than I could... Ever had imagined...\". He nodded gently, knowing her amazement was real. The empty surroundings were difficult to define. At first glance you'd have interpreted it like a completely homogeneous shade of grey, but that'd have been innacurate. After a while you'd be convinced it was in fact white, a purely colourless wall in the infinite distance, but moments later you could swear it was actually black, like outer space. She stood there for a long while trying to absorb as much as possible, and he said nothing.\n\nShe finally turned to him and kissed his lips softly. \"Thank you\", she said, her eyes watery out of emotion, \"it is time I show you mine.\"\n\nAgain, he simply nodded with a calm smile. And after a moment the emptiness was replaced with Her World.\n\nA sea of blood beated violently against cliffs of black charred rock. Creatures of bone and blood and illness crawled among the shadows of piles of meat, which slowly rot away under the cruel light of a merciless sun, way bigger and more red than the real one. She sat on a throne of broken glass and her smile was not nimble anymore. Her psychological wards went up, effectively locking him in.", "I saw this wide smile on her face when she I agreed to show her my world if she showed me her's. The thing about relationships is that you love it when your Significant Other smiles. It makes your day better than if you won the lottery; and if you don't get that feeling of tingling joy in your heart, that rush of satisfaction at her satisfaction; find someone else brother. You need a woman who can do that to you, and you to her. No one sided deal here, brother, only a double edged sword.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSo when I gazed into her blue eyes, a void of sapphire and that devilish glare she always possessed, the sign of humor, the symbol of adventure, mischievous yet loving, I was almost scared. I was in her world. Around me was nothing but me. A blank void.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI searched around for her, assuming a prank where she would pop out and scare me, or send a clown or whatever. She knew I hated clowns. I crept about, able to see myself, but nothing else. Everything else was just an empty grey. I felt something on my back and knew it was her as she readied to wrap her arms around me. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nNot at all.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was a damn spider. I brushed it off and yelped \"not funny, Madison!\" I sighed. So she wanted to prank me, huh? Well I'd prepare something worse when she reached my world. I laughed. She was probably having a blast watching me shake and quake like yesterday's bumper cars date. I rolled my eyes. 'I guess you want to test me huh? Alright, Maddy, I'll suffer through this.\" I chuckled. \"But oh boy you know I'll screw you over in my world.\" I laughed as another spider crept up to my leg. \"That all you got?\" I asked. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nKnowing Madison I should not have. That woman was crazy, and lord knows what lay in the inner machinations of her mind. As I shambled along, getting quite bored now, I realized that maybe she was knocked out. There had been news reports about people going into other people's minds, but the host having a seizure or a blackout at the same time. I began to panic. \"Madison, are you okay?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI wondered if I ran to the edge of her thoughts whether I would trigger an exit. That was the recommended thing to do for most people in this state. I began sprinting in a direction, realizing that with my right foot being more dominant I would eventually start turning left, and in through my vision of the void, I would not be able to differentiate between right and left relative to me.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI never got there. I just kept running, soon remembering the distance is dependent on the person's open mindedness, a silly irony in of itself. Madison was the most ludicrously open minded person I knew, always contemplating the impossible. She once stated that if pigs could in fact fly, the world would see a very interesting manure storm epidemic. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nI realized soon that I never knew when I would reach the end.\n\nThat's when she appeared and suddenly clowns grabbed hold of my limbs and locked me down to the floor, an empty grey of my blood as my face hit the bottom. She walked up to me with her usual smile, and her devilish glare. This time there something else. Whenever she stared at me in one of our loving moments of silence, she always seemed to be holding back something. I found out what that something was. It was sadism.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd she laughed as the clowns constricted me further and dug their sharp finger nails into my flesh, and laughed maniacally as well into my ears, deafening them. I cried out in plea for Madison, but she just smiled, her full intent revealed, her true form unleashed, her actuality brandished forth as I began to sink beneath the grey.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI saw her smile.\n\nI did not like it.\n\nWell, brother, I suppose I can say I found me the wrong woman.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;", "When I told her about the world which existed inside all of us, she did not believe me. She laughed, she smiled, and then she shrugged - the idea was one she did not realise would come across her. Slowly the smile faded away, and so did the strength in her hand which was still entangled with mine. This world I talked about must be a reality, she knew, even if just hers. It was up to her if she wanted to make it mine too.\nShe closed her eyes, and I pressed her hand. She would have felt strange, but she knew the cause - I was transferring my energy to her.\n\n#\n\nWhen we had met, she had no idea I was a mystic full of misery, a person who knew things no ordinary human was supposed to know. When I realised this myself, I was reassured. During the first few years of my life, I believed I hallucinated, but I discovered there was a global community for people like us - people with the Vision. Those belonging to the community in my state met up often, like an AA group... And there, she happened to us. She happened to me. \n\nWe tried to conceal what we discussed there, but soon she overheard us owing to the nature of her part-time job. As strange as it sounds, fate had decided to put her as the receptionist on duty. There wasn't anyone around in the place we had hired for ourselves for the longest time. On her first day there (the owner of the building had assigned her to the task out of the blue), she did not disturb us in between one of our sessions - but she heard us talk loudly, with us failing to realise someone could overhear us in the isolated area.\n\nShe initially suspected we were drug addicts. We weren't, and because she knew something was going on we told her about it lest she report us to the police. We told her about the Vision, the ability to experience a strange light following us wherever we went, one we believed was from another dimension. We told her about how we saw things we weren't supposed to, and how we never knew who to trust because anything could be a hallucination.\n\nA week passed and we wondered if she was becoming a liability. Society had always suspected people like us existed, talking in whispers, but there hadn't ever been any concrete proof because we were dismissed as madman from our childhoods. I liked her, however. As it turned out to be, so did she.\n\n#\n\nShe was a sweet girl. Even as we travelled into her inner realm - a universe of her own - I looked at her, with her eyes being shut. Like anyone not having the Vision, I realised she was afraid of what might happen if she ever tried to open her eyes.\n\nThe thoughts we have, the subconsciousness and the consciousness which is an innate part of us, is all represented in this realm. All aspects of our personality, our musical taste, and our memories lie here. \n\n\"Why did you come to my world?\" she asked. It was a genuine query.\n\n\"Because I wanted to meet the Beatles\", I said. She was the biggest fan.\n\n\"They would be in your world too. I've seen the records in your bedroom\". She eyed me suspiciously, but I did not respond. She had realised trusting a person with the Vision would be the hardest thing, yet she had trusted me. And I was grateful. The Beatles would have been in my world too, but what I wasn't ready to tell her was that a lot else would be present in my world too. The scars of being bullied, of being looked at differently by my relatives, of being secluded from my parents when I came out as someone with the Vision. I wasn't ready, and for that I was ashamed.\n\"I've got a lot of scars too,\" she said as we adjusted our clothes now that we found ourselves standing on a solid surface - the atmosphere was slowly becoming brighter, and her world visible. \"Maybe it's too soon for you, but if your World exists too, I won't judge you for it.\"\n\nI smiled at her. She knew me too well for a person whom I hadn't ever taken to my Town of Thoughts. She was the one, and this was something I simply knew. She was someone special, unlike the others. Unlike them she was the first one who didn't have a Vision, yet she did when it came to me.\n\nRealising that continuing with the discussion would be futile, she took the first steps. It was her world after all.\n\nI looked around. After a few moments, I realised it was the most beautiful Town of Thoughts I had ever seen. The tall skyscrapers were somewhere in the background, receding. It was where the Subconsciousness City would begin. We would go there soon. But in front of me were small houses, ones which told me from experience was a rarity - no Ego Station no Baggage Bar, and even no Judgemental Hotel could be seen on the main road of the Consciousness Platform which led the way to the City.\n\nWe had walked a few more steps when I stopped in my tracks. So this was why this place looked familiar. On one corner of the street the address was clearly stated - \"Abbey Road\". \n\nI looked at the crossing across the street. Four distinguished men were walking on it, in their distinguished clothes.\n\nThen, I looked at the love of my life. \n\n\"The very first road of your world is Abbey Road? Help me Lord, but I love you so much\".\n\nShe smiled, and oblivious to the most influential musical quartet which had ever lived, we laughed to our hearts' content.\n\n\"Love Me Do\", she finally said.", "Together, we gazed at the towering construct that rose up from the ground before us, stretching high up into the skies of my innermost thoughts and dreams. It was all precise, hard edges -- a riot of metal struts, springs, and gears hanging in space like the results of an exploded clock projected upwards and frozen in time. It was a mess. And it was me.\n\nAnd to a large extent, it was what I had made it. In my turbulent adolescence the machinery of my psyche had been rough and unpolished, but I had refined it, making it better by bettering myself. Where it had once been like a burst steam engine, all rough cogs and bolts, it was now more like a painstakingly disassembled clock, with gleaming gears and springs laid out in an orderly, vertical array of components. \n\nI could, I hoped, be proud of the finer bits of myself, the bright flywheels graven with complex filigree, the precisely coiled springs wound tight with untapped strength. I hoped she would see these, and be pleased, perhaps even impressed. But in my heart of hearts, I wondered. \n\nWould she not see what I saw? Would she not wonder I had often wondered: why do the gears not turn? What is the use of this strength, this precision? What focus does it have? I could not ask her -- that was not the way it was done. To truly show your inner self to the one you love, you must bear their scrutiny in silence. And so I bore her eyes on my naked soul, and I was afraid.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nI did not understand what his mind showed me. It was strange, and it was wondrous...but what did it tell me about him? I could not say. But it made me want to draw closer, to know more, to experience this strange beauty together with him. And it made me afraid.\n\nBecause when he stood beside me, in the deepest, most sheltered valley of my soul, all that was there for him to see in return for the dazzling puzzle he'd revealed to me, was the tangle of creeping vines that made up my identity. I was not a forest, nor was I a garden. I was just...a riot of knotted greenery. \n\nAll my life I had dug around it, pruned it, tried to guide it. It was more than it had been. My leaves were a vibrant green, with some long stems twining to form spiraling, verdant arches that dove playfully in and out of the thick carpet of vegetation below. It was kind of pretty, in places...but who was I kidding?\n\nAt best, it was verdant chaos. A stately ivy-covered mansion without the mansion. An endless vine that bore promise but no fruit. I feared the valley of my heart was nowhere anyone would care to stay for long.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nShe gazed into him, and he gazed into her. And then, both saw something that neither had expected. \n\nThere is a part of the Joining that is never spoken of to those who have not experienced it for themselves. It is, the wise agree, a thing not to be spoiled. \n\nWhen each had looked into the other's heart and seen the truth of what lay behind the eyes of their beloved, the core of their being denuded of all pretense, a new vision began to unfold before them.\n\nThe two watched in wonder, as creeping vines embraced the tower of unfinished clockwork, and spiraled up into the sky, a playful chaos anchored and upheld by precise and resolute order. In and out of the gears the vines wove, forming spindles and axles for the gears, and anchoring the great springs that now channeled strength into the rising tower. Settling on their new centers, the scattered gears finally meshed, and slowly began to turn, while the rioting ivy, held fast upon the upright edifice, flourished above the clouds in the full light of the sun.\n\nTheir hands clasped tight together, they watched in awe as flowers began blooming to the rhythm of a ticking clock. \n\n&#x200B;", "\"I don't think we should do this,\" Maya said weakly, eyes downcast. \"We should go to your Eden first.\"\n\n\"Let me see what you're so scared of, so we can face it together.\" I entangled my hand into hers. \n\n\"It's not a pretty place, hun. It's... dark. Desolate, even. There's nothing for us there. Just take me to your castles and banners, I love it there so much.\"\n\n\"If we don't do this, our love will always be missing something. For me and for you.\"\n\nShe inhaled sharply, burying her head into my chest, and without a word, I felt the Pull, a vacuum sucking in my soul. There was no moment of realization, only unsureness of its completion as we stood somewhere. \n\nAnd then they eyes opened.\n\nNot mine, or hers, but a thousand all around us, piercing the blackness without shining light on anything else. Their pupils were equally black as the surrounding, and of all different shapes and sizes. There was no sound, and they did not blink as scores of stares pierced through my unseen soul. A chill ran through me as I stared back.\n\n\"I told you,\" she croaked. \"I hate this place. It's everything terrible about me and what I feel.\"\n\nA gentle floral scent wafted, lightly mixed with pine. We were not floating in nothingness, for I felt heavy, real, and there was soft earth beneath bare toes.\n\n\"Maya?\" I pulled her closer still.\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I love even this. It's not horrible if it's you.\"\n\nShe gently gasped, trembling slightly in my arms. Like stars dying in the distance, the floating eyes around us shut. One at a time, until we were left standing in an abyss, nothing but a faintly sweet smell and our clammy hands gripped to remind us that we still existed.\n\n\"See?\" she whispered, the air of her words gently brushing my cheeks. \"Even with you here, this place is hell, not Eden. You deserve so much more.\"\n\n\"I'll float forever through darkness in your arms.\"\n\nIt was faint, like a waning moon behind thick clouds, but soft light crept over us and the immediate surrounding area. It wasn't much, but enough to see what felt soft beneath our feet. Luscious grass, vibrant with life, and flowers of every color you could imagine and more. I wrapped my arms around her, enveloping, pulling at the void within.\n\n\"There's a meadow in here, Maya, as beautiful as you. We just needed a little light.\"\n\n-----\n\n/r/resonatingfury" ]	6
	[WP] You were always able to hear the melody of the world, a certain rythm that lies within everything, adding up to a distinct, harmonic melody. One day you notice that the melody became disruptive and dissonant.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Spring was Aester’s favourite time of year in the forest.\n\nThe effervescent melody of new life bursting out from behind the pale veil of winter. Snowdrops budding with the sonorous hum of a harp's string being plucked, the soft cracking of creeks and springs trickling into being. The tenor of oaks chorused out as new leaves unfolded and squirrels chittered their tune from their perches, seamlessly intertwining with one another.\n\nThe Great Tree towered over the forest, a great booming symphony that wrapped all the other melodies within itself. The beating heart of the forest rang out like a drum, setting a gentle rhythm to the cacophony.\n\nBut this year felt somehow different. The tulips sounded less triumphant and the thumping chords of the deer felt refrained. Sharp notes of fear interlaced the Forest’s score, like an echo just barely heard behind a brisk wind.\n\nIt was this sense of unease that stirred Aester and took her from tending the forest as she had always done since the Great Tree first pulsed with life, expanding their borders and caring for their kin. For Aester was the mother of the forest as the Great Tree was its father. She was drawn to the Great Tree, her heart echoed his rhythm, she had never felt so distant from him. So she began to meander through clearings, under boughs, across becks, always toward him. The sounds of the forest shifting discordantly from jubilant to sorrowful to something less than once was. As Aester drew closer to the heart of the forest, unfamiliar sounds blended with foreign sights. She did not know these parts of the forest as she did its outer edges, her care had never been needed here.\n\nHer disquiet grew as the melody of Spring became dissonant and unpleasant. A mewling sound that curled her toes, she pressed on. She heard the sound of the Great Tree growing more distant even as she drew closer, panic flared in her, with the sense of impending loss. Darting through groves and over the underbrush. She flew like an arrow towards the centre of the forest. Spiny limbs whipped at her face and thick brush clawed at her ankles as she stumbled upon the massive clearing surrounding the Great Tree.\n\nShe dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face. The black earth of the clearing was dry and lifeless. The Great Tree once so proud and regal resonated with emptiness, a grasping silence that filled the world around her. He stood there, silent. Sobs racked Aester’s body and she convulsed with the pain of loss.\n\nNot bothering to dry her eyes, Aester faltered to her feet and began to stagger towards the Great Tree, trudging over cracked soil, past lifeless trees and thick brown bracken. She lay down at the base of his huge trunk and nestled herself against his bulging roots. She closed her eyes with grim determination and reached out with her spirit towards the Great Tree. Passing through his thick bark into overwhelming darkness and silence, her heart broke for her once magnificent other half. She left her body entirely and delved deeper, casting around, searching for anything that could be found.\n\nShe felt a faint drumbeat of life from those deep recesses, like the echo of an echo. She reached out to it, desperately seeking something to hold on to. A distant sound. Weak, so weak that it broke her heart again to hear it. She embraced the sound wrapping herself around it like swaddling clothes. And felt the sound growing, seething like a tumultuous roar and she released her own jubilant cry. Twisting the sounds together, wrapping them within one another, intertwining in perfect harmony. She felt a tremble beginning within her, a fantastic growing of energy as she mixed her spirit into a flawless duet. And then pure silence.\n\nThey felt soil beneath their roots, soft and earthy. Felt the wind rustling through the leaves on their boughs and the soft swaying of their branches. Felt the soft hum of life resounding within them. The vibration of thousands of chords of life grew and shuddered through them, pulsing into the soft earth. They began to feel the life around them, the plants and critters singing out with loss. They gathered the vibrations within them and boomed them out in a thunderous wave of energy. Passing through the ground to the borders of the forest and the sound of the forest grew, exuberance echoing like a forgotten hope. They threw life into the ground again and again, crashing like symbols, building and reverberating into a cavernous crescendo. And the forest leapt back into being, life buzzed into being and joined the vast chorus, settling into place with natural harmony.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPlease help me to improve my writing by giving some feedback :)", "It was a fine morning, the day that the world was going to end.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThere was nothing special, about it, really. I kissed my wife goodbye, dropped off our toddler at kindergarten and went to work. All the while humming in tune to the sweet, sweet melody that played in my head. It was a good day, and it was the day that the world was going to end.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was sometime in the afternoon of the day that the world was going to end that I first became aware of something being wrong. I didn’t realize what it was at first, couldn’t place that itchy feeling of something being out of place. It was in the car, on my way home, that I realized that what had previously been the sweetest of harmonies had become all dissonant and distorted. The melody has always been there for me, a security and a comfort. It’s always playing in the back of my head and I have grown accustomed to it over the years. Things may change to it, but there is always a sort of jubilation to it; I would almost describe it as a joy of being alive.\n\nToday, there was a new element to it. The slow beat of a drum, like thousands of soldiers marching in perfect synchronization. As I became aware of it, more elements were added whilst others disappeared. The rhythm of it was unnerving, and I found myself looking over my shoulder every now and then, my eyes surveying the environment, waiting something to happen. I did not yet know that this was the day that the world was going to end.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAs I made a right to turn onto our street, I was met with a slowly trailing line of green tanks heading in the opposite direction. A whizzing of hundreds of engines was added to my head, as I nervously made a sharp turn, parking the car on a neighbor’s lawn. It was still green and lush, not a single grass had yet been blackened or scarred. It was still a beautiful day, and it was the day that the world was going to end.\n\nI ran the last few hundred meters home, ran to the beat of hundreds of thousands marching feet in my head. As I neared our home, the sun was suddenly blocked, innumerable jets flying across the sky, their motors adding another thread to the dissonant beating in my head.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPanting hard, I closed the front door behind me. Laughter trailed out from the living room, and I entered it to see my daughter excitedly pointing at the neverending line of tanks, calling out “Car! Car!” and giggling with joy. My wife shot me a worried look but we said nothing, just exchanged nervous glances. Nothing could have prepared us for this being the evening that the world would end.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWe acted as natural as we could that night for our daughter’s sake, all the while anxiously listening to the news on the TV, until the connection was broken, and then the radio, until the presenter fell mute. We spoke then, in hushed voices that were edged with fear. And as the evening progressed into dusk, the bombs started to fall in the distant, and our voices fell silent as we listened and waited.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe bombs are falling closer now. The sky is an inferno of orange-red blasts and the sound from the explosions is deafening. It almost drowns out the jarring tune that is vibrating in the back of my head. I cradle my little one. I hold her close, so close to me and whisper in the softest of voices that everything is fine, and she can sleep without a worry in the world. It takes every lullaby I know to make her finally fall into a troubled sleep.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI close my eyes and wait. And just for a moment, like the calm before the storm, everything is silent. \n\nIt is the day that the world is going to end.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . .\n\n&#x200B;\n\nr/SleepyMacaroni for more.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nEdit: formatting." ]	3
	[WP] You find out that the aliens chose you as a human to spy on and study in order to understand our species. Instead of fighting back, though, you decide to mess with them and give a totally distorted vision 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\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 were many things that Tatiana was expecting to learn today....\n\nDiscovering that she is the human chosen to be the model human for aliens to study WAS NOT in her list. (And it was all due to her overhearing their chatter while noticing their cameras.)\n\nIn fact, she was very very pissed off by this. Why her? There were many other humans to pick from, and what if the aliens decide to invade-\n\nWait.\n\nShe was the human they chose to understand humans. Whatever she did... It would be written down as a note as to what all humans did. In other words... She could troll the aliens, and they could very well back off!\n\nTime to start planning then.\n\n\\-\n\nA week into this, Tatiana was pretty sure the aliens that humans were absolutely nuts and would most likely not invade.\n\nEveryday, Tatiana would wake up and go to the bathroom, where she promptly brushed her teeth with frosting (her teeth would kill her later). After doing so, she would go to her kitchen, and her breakfast consisted of cereal with Orange juice, with a glass of Lemonade to wash it down. Disgusting honestly, but that would be something weird to note down.\n\nAnd then, the cherry on top.\n\nTatiana would play the Sims while making it sound like she was investigating ANOTHER race of aliens - ones that she could very well manipulate. And to help this ruse, she kept a notebook about what the Sims did. She would then mention that she would send it to her boss to review. (The aliens had set their cameras up so that they couldn't see her computer, which is how she got away with booting up the SIMS)\n\nTatiana was thankfully that was she was on break from work right now (she couldn't work during the holidays) because there was no other way she could pull this off.\n\nAnd it paid off, because she overhead the aliens mention that they SHOULDN'T invade Earth and that they had enough of studying her.\n\nNow, she could return to her normal life.", "Cresta glanced up from her phone and popped a bubble. \"Can I help you?\" she asked the figure in her room. The figure started a little and gaped at her.\n\n\"I...uh...\" it said, and she figured it was a dude. More shredded than average, but otherwise.\n\n\"Just don't use all the hot water, OK. Dylan's still gotta get it from last week.\" Cresta returned her attention to her messaging app.\n\n\"I am here on a scientific mission to understand your species,\" the figure continued.\n\n\"So you're what, like an alien?\"\n\n\"Um...in your terms, yes.\"\n\n\"Statement still stands.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\\\\\*\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt took Cresta three days to work out what the alien was trying to do by stalking her everywhere, and when it hit, a devilish grin spread across her face. Careful not to let him see, she considered her options, recalled all her knowledge of Tumblr posts, and then veered into the park. The alien followed her, though she could tell he was a little bit surprised. Cresta turned to face him, looking around with dramatic prying facial expressions and invading the creature's personal space. He took the slightest step back. \"Here's the thing,\" she said in hushed tones. \"I'm a black ops spy. They have me find aliens who want to learn about us and protect them.\"\n\n\"Protect them from what?\" the alien asked.\n\n\"From the other humans.\" She glanced at a guy in the park. \"He has like three knives and a gun, and his dog will bite your hand off and piss on it.\" She gestured to a woman on the jogging path. \"I saw her kick a guy's teeth out once, and that's the least of it. Then there's the things we do for fun. Toast ourselves with UV light, go on tours in really thick jungles where carnivorous fish live. And don't get me started on Australia.\"\n\n\"Australia?\"\n\n\"Yeah. The people that live there are super tough. They wrestle crocodiles like Russians wrestle bears.\" The alien swallowed, and Cresta had to hide her smirk as though she had dark secrets yet to reveal. \"Then, there's war. Real, proper war. You learn about it in school, how way back when they dug trenches, and you had to gain ground, but dig more trenches. And you got sick sometimes. Then we figured out the atomic bomb...\"\n\n\"A-atomic bomb?\"\n\n\"Yeah. That was a hard decade for us. You don't mess with the human race. Understand?\" The alien nodded vigorously, and Cresta stepped back. \"Good. Report that back to your planet, OK?\" He nodded again, and like that, she fished out her phone." ]	3
	[WP] a lonesome child keeps a special bug in a jar, not knowing that it is an insect drone that a surveillance agent was supposed to decommission long ago.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Gerald hated his job, spying seems glamorous in the movies but real political struggles are slow and there simply aren't too many gorgeous women with sex puns for names. No, Gerald just used his network of small robotic insect-appearing drones to be the literal 'fly on the wall' for people who talk about international politics the way an accountant might discuss different tax laws. \n\nThat is, until Gerald accidently spied on someone who mattered, a boy of six years who had no friends and emotionally distant parents.\n\nTimmy had long ago caught the drone as it skittered about, solar powered and on autopilot so as to appear inconspicuous. \n\nTimmy was the son of a diplomat at the UN (where the drone had been), little Timmy had been moved far away from anyone he knew when his father took the assignment. The icing on the cake was that his father was from one of those countries that has enemies everywhere, so Timmy was kept under close watch and could not play with other kids security had not first screened. Timmy the lonely boy collected bugs instead of friends and he kept this one in a jar in his room. \n\nGerald got to know the boy and began to remember his own days spent alone. But he had a job to do, and from the boy's room he heard information that could force the diplomat's family to return home. \n\n'Maybe' Gerald thought to himself 'Timmy will make some friends there...'" ]	2
	[WP] You one day get the ability to stop time. You start using it for everything, from getting extra time for tests to thinking over tough decisions. For you time passes as normally, but for everyone else they don't notice, until one day you get stuck in frozen time and can't seem to get out...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Daniel started time again as he stepped out of the public restroom and back into the crowded mall.\n\n\"Hey, you're right! I did feel it!\" He heard someone say. The voice sounded so enthused that it piqued his curiosity. He searched for the voice's owner and found a young man talking to an older woman. The stranger in a navy-blue pinstripe suit appeared to be around 18 or so; a couple of years younger than Daniel. He was smiling at a white-haired woman wearing a flowing orange dress.\n\nDaniel did not see anything worth getting excited about and guessed he'd never learn what they were discussing. He shrugged and continued on his way. After several steps, he realized no one else was moving. He stopped in his tracks and whirled in place looking at everyone. Time was still frozen. He closed his eyes and concentrated on starting its flow again but nothing happened. He tried stopping it again but there was no change.\n\n'Uh oh,\" he felt panic start to rise in his stomach until he heard footsteps. The hollow click of heels accompanied a set of heavier footsteps. He looked up and noticed the pair walking away while giggles passed between them. \"HEY!\" he shouted at them and jogged to catch up. The pair stopped and turned to face him wearing broad smiles.\n\n\"Yes?\" the woman asked. Daniel was surprised to see she had bright, crystal-orange eyes. He shook off the momentary distraction with a visible shake of his head.\n\n\"Uh.. how are you guys moving?\" Daniel pointed at a nearby toddler floating in mid-air. The red-faced child's eyes were forced shut and her mouth was wide open. \"Everyone's frozen.\"\n\n\"Are they?\" She asked with a raised white eye-brow. \"You don't seem to be.\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" Daniel shrugged. \"I'm the one that did it.\" The odd woman reached up and patted Daniel's shoulder.\n\n\"Do you have a tattoo with the number 14 on it?\" She asked.\n\n\"H-how'd you know?\" Only a select few knew about the grim reaper tattooed on his butt-cheek. Daniel chose his favorite number, 14, to put on Death's scythe. The woman turned to her friend.\n\n\"See? Even low-rank Muertes can do it properly once they're awakened.\" She turned her attention back to Daniel, her hand still rested on his shoulder.\n\n\"Can you fast-forward or rewind time? \" She asked him. Daniel shook his head.\n\n\"No. Can you?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she replied curtly, then turned her attention back to the man in the suit. \"What does that make him?\" She asked in a tone that made Daniel feel like he was being used as an example for something.\n\n\"D-rank.\" The woman nodded.\n\n\"And if he could rewind?\" she asked.\n\n\"C-rank. B-rank if he could fast forward and so on. S-rank means...,\" he paused and pointed at the woman. \"You,\" then he touched his own chest. \"...and I can control time loops.\"\n\n\"Good, you got it.\" The woman raised her hand chest-high and wiggled her fingers at the air. A tall black portal opened next to the suited man. \"Let's find a higher ranked one so you can see what that feels like.\" They stepped toward the hole that hung in the air and Daniel realized they were about to leave.\n\n\"HEY!\" he shouted.\n\n\"Oh right, sorry,\" the woman apologized insincerely. \"Let him have it back, Billy.\" She continued walking into the black hole and disappeared. Billy nodded at Daniel.\n\n\"Sorry,\" he said. \"She's showing me how to over-ride other Muertes. You can start time again,\" he nodded. \"Give it a try.\" Daniel concentrated and the world roared back to life as the flow of time started again.\n\n\"Hey, \" he turned toward the man. \"What's a Mu-\" Daniel blinked. When he opened his eyes the man and the portal were gone.\n\n\\\\\\*\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year two, day #80. You can find all my stories collected on my subreddit ([r/hugoverse](https://www.reddit.com/r/hugoverse)) or my [blog](https://hugoverse.info/). If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the [Guidebook](https://hugoverse.info/2017/11/25/hugoverse-guidebook/) to see what's what and who's who, or the [Timeline](https://hugoverse.info/2017/10/23/hugoverse-timeline/) to find the stories in order. " ]	2
	[WP] you’re part of a group that works for the government hunting down failed experiments or failed test subjects. One morning you get a knock on your door, it’s your best friend! The only problem is that they’ve got a gun in their hand and a solemn look in their eyes.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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 sound of a car coming to a screeching hault peaks Winston's interest; he doesn't normally poke his nose in his neighbor's business, but today he felt a strange urge to take a look at potential drama. He gets up off the couch and proceeds to walk towards his front door; suddenly he hears the slamming of a car door that sounds rather close to his window, he had drawn the curtains earlier as to fully immerse himself in the television show that he was watching. He slowly approaches the window; the clinking of 5 inch heels gets louder as they approach from the drive way, he immediately recognizes the rhythm and depth of the footsteps and unhinges the chain from the door. \n\n\nHe finds it strange that he is getting a visitor on his first day off in months, but he is relieved that agent zero is still alive after her last mission. The footsteps stop at the door; but to his surprise there's no knock, what he hears instead is the faint scrunch of leather then a pause. His instincts and gut sends signals blaring throughout his body to take caution; that's what he is trained to do after all, assess the situation, pay attention to the smallest and most intricate details then act accordingly. \n\n\nHe surmises that she knows that he is aware of her presence at the door, so she is waiting for him to open and welcome her in. He can't shake the feeling that something is off; Jessica is a professional like him, in some regards she is slightly more adept. Every move she makes is calculated; every action has a purpose, by all accounts this is just a random visit from his best friend, yet his body is screaming run. \n\n\nHe shakes his head, “I must still be in hunter mode, I guess I needed this day off more than I realized ” he says to himself. He opens the door and looks straight into the barrel of a Smith and westen handgun equipt with a silencer. “Sarah” he says calmly, “Winston” she responds. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” he asks sarcastically now looking her in the eye. “You never change; even with a loaded gun in your face, you're still a cocky little”, “Hey now, it's unlike you to be this flirtatious before noon” he jokes. \n\n\nShe tilts her head to the side looking past him; still keeping her finger poised on the trigger. “Did you get the full box set?” she asks intrigued turning back to him. “Of course, you did recommend it to me after all” he replies , “Is that why you ignored all of my attempts to scare you into running?” she asks mildy annoyed. “Who knows, maybe I just wanted to see you” he replies with a grin\n\n\n“Do you want spoilers for the final episode?” she asks in a sincere tone. He glances at the trigger then back at her; he comprehends the resolve in her eyes, he sighs “I suppose, it might be a while until I can watch it” he replies. \n\nShe's gives him a smug smile and begins to speak. \n\n\n“Charlie gets betrays by his partner; but neither of them ever had a choice, they were always fated to part, the only difference would be who had the gun to their head. \n\n\nI think deep down both of them knew that they were hunters hunting their own kind; and that all it would take was the for the master to give the order, and they would hunt each other even if they didn't want to. \n\n\nJacobs last words to Charlie were “Why didn't you run you cocky asshole”. He said it with tears in his eyes, and then…” Sarah says and her voice cracks. “That's a really crappy ending…,” Winston exclaims, then a shell casing pings on the concrete floor. \n\n\n\n", " \n\n\"I'm sorry Ethan, but you know the drill. Hands behind your head and back up slowly.\" Ethan took a few steps back. Marc entered the house after him, gun raised and aimed straight at him. Marc closed the door behind him with his foot, not averting his gaze for one second, his whole focus on Ethan.\n\n\"What's going on man?\" Ethan asked, trying to sound casual but failed miserably. With the solemn look in Marc's eyes and his finger already on the trigger, not beside it, this didn't look like a stupid prank to Ethan. \n\nThey had been best friends since as long as they remembered. Having hit it off on the first day of school they stuck together ever since. After finishing high school they went on to the same university. Marc chose to study engineering, Ethan biology. Both graduated top of their class and were recruited by the same three-letter government organization soon after.\n\nThe DUH, Department of Unorthodox Hunting. A ridiculous name, which, at first, led them to believe someone was trying to play them for a fool. The recruiter didn't find that funny at all. He explained it was an off the books organization with a particular goal. If something went completely wrong in one of the secret research facilities, which, of course, didn't exist, someone had to go and sort the mess out. The DUHs missions included everything from elaborate cover-up to hunting down failed experiments and test subjects. Marc and Ethan had quickly become the organizations' top hunters. \n\n\"Seriously, what's going on Marc, this isn't funny,\" Ethan asked again, the struggle on Marc's face was clear as day to him. \n\nMarc took one hand off the gun and grabbed a small folder from his back pocket. He tossed it towards Ethan, its contents spilling out over the floor between them. The cover of the folder came to rest in front of his best friend. \n\n'Experimental Test Human with Advanced Nanotech - Project ETHAN' \n\nEthan picked up the scattered pieces of paper and quickly scanned them. They contained a detailed description of his life, from birth to now. But they also contained more. Details about supposed nanotech enhancements that had been done to his body. Disbelieving he looked up, \"Is this real?\"\n\n\"All of it. I'm sorry Ethan, I just found out myself.\" Marc was clearly struggling with himself. The higher ups had just told him everything. The whole messy truth. Ethan wasn't a 'normal' human, but some kind of advanced test subject. He was injected with nanotech at birth to increase a multitude of attributes. His 'parents' steered him towards becoming an operative. The fact that the had picked up Marc along the way had been a lucky coincidence for the organization. Even though he wasn't enhanced he proofed to be one of their best operatives.\n\n\"How many Ethan, how many did you let go?\" When they told Marc they just found out that Ethan had secretly been hiding away their targets instead of killing them, Marc had been relieved. He had always struggled with that part of their job, especially when it wasn't completely obvious why someone had to be eliminated. So whenever Ethan volunteered to 'take care of it' he had happily handed over the responsibility. Of course, there were the really bad cases, where they didn't have a choice. If one of the test subjects threatened to level whole cities there was only one option. In those cases, Marc walked away with a clean conscience. \n\n\"Enough,\" Ethan admitted, still coming to terms with the fact he was one of the test subjects they usually hunted. \"Marc, I had to. I saw how you questioned yourself over some of our missions. I just went a step further.\"\n\nMarc sighed. \"To hell with it,\" he uncocked the gun and lowered his arm, \"we've got maybe 5 minutes before they start questioning what's taking so long. Go, grab that emergency bag I know you keep packed and let's go.\"\n\n\n******\n\nr/John_writes" ]	3
	[WP] You're the Demigood of pain and suffering. In the old days this meant war, today it means slow internet. You're on your quest to prevent the introduction of 5G.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \n\nThe older gods had managed to stake out most of the obvious domains, War and Life and Love and all the other things the humans tended to screech about in their songs. The rest of us had to dance for our bread. So that’s where I enter the picture, a God of petty annoyance and minor suffering. Strictly, petty and minor respectively, as Soneillon and Verrine so often remind me. And even then I have to fight over the scraps with 20 or 30 other scrubs who also showed up late to the party. I admit it’s not exactly the life I imagined, springing forth from the endless void, but I think I’ve had a pretty solid run of it lately. You see for some strange reason, humans always get the impression that technological advancement is equivalent to societal advancement. Consider the cotton gin though. Making cotton profitable again managed to prolong slavery for another 50 years in the American South. Plus we got a pretty rad war out of it too. Refrigerators destroyed the ozone layer. Work email destroyed the vacation. Magnificent. But break enough eggs and eventually some tryhard wants to make an omelet. Eventually the humans start to use poorly paid immigrants to pick their cotton rather than unpaid ones, and marginally less corrosive gases to store their festering diabetogenic crap, instead of the straight up apocalyptic ones. So it goes. Circle of life and all that.\n\nFunny thing about the internet though. No matter how much efficiency one idealistic dreamer managed to squeeze out of the hardware and the software, I had no fewer than a dozen college dropouts with 75 open tabs of Stack Overflow on one monitor and a total lack of critical thinking skills on the other. Together our crew had managed to load up most websites with so many trackers, scripts, and useless, endlessly scrolling graphics that they were actually less usable than they were 10 years before. The internet was a beautiful thing. A technology that got worse with each subsequent advancement. The faster it got the faster it spat bile in your face. An endless, ceaseless parade of annoyances. Each one pettier than the last. A perfect, self-sustaining cycle. JavaScript. PHP. Perl for God’s sake. Perl. Berith could keep his nukes. He barely got to use them anyway. I had millions upon millions of lines of evil continuously vomited out into the Aether every year. An ever growing tree of madness strangling the entire globe in its diseased branches.\n\nI admit I was a little worried this time. 10 Gigabits per second. 20 if I was particularly unlucky. It would take time for the web designers and marketing goons to adapt to that additional bandwidth. And I was stressed enough as it was. As the internet spread, the cruel jokes became organized campaigns of hate. The trolls became political operatives. The racist GIFs began to swing elections. As a god of strictly minor grievances, I was losing territory fast. The steady stream of minor frustration that had put my daughters through divinity school was already starting to dry up. I decided to make my stand in the country once known as the United States. It was the perfect battlefield. Big, capitalist, and most importantly, almost completely unwilling to enforce its antitrust laws. \n\nFor years I had my people infiltrate the big Telecom companies. We had them spend money on stock buybacks, dividends, and executive bonuses rather than infrastructure development. The shareholders didn’t complain, and the proletariat didn’t read enough or travel enough to know how badly they were getting shafted. Next I had them start with the data caps. After all, speed’s not helpful when you’re drunk and barreling towards a cement median. This was immediately effective in most rural areas, where they had no infrastructure (see above) and my people were the only game in town. It was a bit harder in the cities, where a generation of humans had spawned for whom AOL was a distant nightmare. We started out slowly on the mobile networks, where the regulators were slow and mostly worked for us. Like lobsters boiling in a pot. By the time we phased it in everywhere, there was surprisingly little complaint. Next I targeted net neutrality. All that speed’s worse than useless when Time Warner and Comcast are throttling your Netflix… \n\nYou get the point right? I’m thorough. By the time I’m done I’ll have you people longing for the glory days of 2005. I’m talking Katrina and Limp Bizkit ‘05. You’re wondering why I’m telling you this now? \n\nWell that should be obvious. It annoys you doesn’t it? But not so much that you’re willing to do anything about it. \n\nSeems petty right?\n\nGo Patriots.\n\nAh. I feel like a new man already.", " \n\nBrunhilda smiled gleefully as another Riven main smashed their keyboards into pieces out of rage at his slow internet connection and high ping. With a snap of her finger she could increase his ping from a respectable 40ms to 100ms or, god forbid, even 400. She even cackled as her victim slumped in his chair in defeat and pulled out his phone to launch candy crush.\n\nIn times gone by Brunhilda would not have troubled herself with such little pleasures. Pain and suffering is what she thrived on after all and throughout history there had been plenty of it to go around and more. She had personally intervened to make sure the Crusades happened, the opium war? Her doing. Yet she was most proud of her beloved Genghis Khan, who she had groomed into the most ruthless conqueror known to history.\n\nThese days the world knew less war, as technology started to take over Brunhilda’s playing field shrunk and shrunk. Yes, there was still conflict, and yes wars still occurred. But the grand scale of it was over, the pain and suffering of men diminished. Instead, she had focused her endeavours on other playing fields. The world was ruled by technology and so she had adapted her methods. A sprinkle of terrible service here, a dash of DDOS there. Small interventions to be sure, but often with large consequences. \n\nNow however she had started her grandest project yet. Like in the old days, she had gathered a large hunk of clay and painstakingly shaped it into human form. A puppet, to install in the governments of men where she could sow most chaos with minimal effort. 7 days she laboured on this clay until finally it began to take the proper shape. Last, but not least was its face, with rough kneading she formed the perfect corporate image suited to her goal. Finally, after 7 days she was finished and she looked upon the fruits of her labour with pride. It was not her finest work to be sure, the face was lumpy and unlikable but it would do. She gathered her power and for the first time in thousands of years she breathed life into her creation. As his spirit became animated she named him.\n\nAjit Pai.", "Terry sat back in his blue and black memory foam computer chair, happily, looking at the code he had just created. The council of the demigods would be so pleased, but more importantly that paycheck was going to be so fat for this new discovery. See gods are powered by each successful division, if a division isn’t able to carry out its objective successfully, than that division was worthless to the gods, who’s powers were already scarce. Back in the old days, Gods didn’t need the Σειρά, as people were naturally powering the gods. However, as the humans got more intelligent and eliminated many of their practices the gods needed a new way to intervene, while still following the old laws. Luckily, being an immortal allowed the gods to acquire financial wealth that the mortals wouldn’t even be able to comprehend, thus the Σειρά was born.The Σειρά consisted of the gods offspring and descendants, who helped manipulate the mortal realm in exchange for fortune, power and an overall luxurious life. \n\nTerry was a demigod mutt, he had some hades, oizys and penthos in him, naturally making him well suited for the pain and suffering division. The council had always been impressed with Terry, ever since he joined the Σειρά back in 1988 and figured out the internet was a goldmine for his division. It took a bit of meddling but dial-up almost made it too easy. Terry was able to connect his powers directly to the internet, as long as he was by a computer. From there he would input a series of code that would impact the computers of all people in the world. Every time Terry would connect his power to the web he’d feel his powers getting stronger with each person getting frustrated with how long it was taking to get online or that they got kicked off. Nowadays it was much harder the humans had really improved the internet. Of course Terry improved his methods as well, he loved engineering viruses for computers. He even added little touches like ads before CPR and first aides videos and freezing screens. The council was happy and more importantly terry’s bank account was happy. That was until the humans started using the web on their phones. At first it was crude, so it helped Terry at first. Unfortunately, the humans improved as they always did and created an LTE network. This almost destroyed the pain and suffering division, until today. Terry had finally made a master code to slow down the current networks.\n\nNo more than 10 minutes after Terry was done testing his code completely, the council summoned him to their complex. “Figures”, terry thought, the council always had impeccable timing. They probably already knew what Terry had done and wanted to reward him. Terry got in his viper and drove to the worst part of town and parked at the dingy vine covered brick complex. Terry walked down the old brick corridor to the councils door. Terry never understood why the council would use such a beat up place, but he didn’t really care as long as he was taken care of. He bursted through the door, only to see the council looking extremely defeated. Terry’s eyes widen, was something wrong with his code? Did the council not want his help anymore? Terry’s head spun with the possibilities of why the council looked so distraught. Finally, the head council member broke the silence and spoke somberly. He told Terry that a new cellphone network was in the works. It was more reliable and faster than any before it. Terry just stood there dumbfounded with his slightly crumpled papers that held his master code, not quite knowing how to respond. The head council continued and stated that they needed him to stop its development. Terry immediately said, “ no problem, I’m sure i can figure out a code.....” “NO!” The head council interrupted him and screamed, “you took too long with LTE, we need you to be more direct this time.” Terry thought back to his life before the Σειρά, when he was called the executioner of his gang, a life he thought he was done with. There’s no way they are going to ask me to do field work, terry thought to himself. The head members words felt like daggers as he spoke, “ we have the inventors name who will be sharing the invention. We want you to go through our catalog of divisions and gather a team to kill her and steal the work so we are a step ahead of the humans this time.” Terry couldn’t believe what he was hearing, and said,” wouldn’t a descendent of Athena or ares be more suited for this job? After all I haven’t been a field operative in years! How do I fit into this?” The 4th member of the council spoke this time and said, “ you have been working the longest with this technology and know it best. Additionally, we both know with your colorful past that you are more than suited for the job. We will hear no other excuses create a team, you leave for south Korea in two days. Oh and you can just throw that code in the trash on your way out. Do not disappoint us Mr. πόνος.” ", "Rowena stood on the sidewalk and stared at the double doors to the skyscraper. A pulse of people moved around her, parting in order to avoid hitting her. She could hear the grumbles and the curses being spat her way, but no one had the guts to run right into her. \n\nIt brought a smile to her face. None of them knew who she was, or what she was; she looked just like them. Deep down they all knew though. They knew enough to avoid touching her and avoid making eye contact with her. They muttered to themselves but they never yelled at her. Sometimes being a demigod got lonely, stuck in between Mount Olympus and the mortal realm. \n\nOther days it brought her great satisfaction. \n\nHer red stilettos tapped against the cracked cement as she moved across the sidewalk towards the building. A well-manicured hand reached out and grabbed the silver handle of the door. She pulled it open, frowning for just a second at the rush of cold air that hit her face. She had been more comfortable in the heat of the sun. Besides, it was a sudden reminder of why she had to be there, to begin with. \n\nStupid men and their technology. Their need to meddle in everything. The lady at the front desk set her phone down and looked up just as the door closed behind Rowena. \n\n“Can I help you?” the small blond lady called out across the lobby. \n\nShe knew that she didn’t belong, but it didn’t matter. Rowena gestured toward the tanned frame at the desk and smiled as the lady squirmed and shifted her weight. “You okay?” she asked as she drew near. \n\n“I’m fine,” the lady at the desk asked, and shifted her weight again. “If you could wait here for a moment, I’ll be right back.” \n\nRowena smiled again as she watched the gray suit disappear into the bathroom. Sometimes her fellow immortals gave her a hard time about such things. They told her she was petty and spent too much time among the humans that she tormented, they were probably right. But the way was clear for her to move down the hallway. \n\nThe carpeted building swallowed the sound of her heels. The echo was nice sometimes, but she knew it didn’t matter here. She walked into an elevator and hit the top floor. \n\nExecutives loved the top floor. They all looked out over the city from their glass corner offices, scowling at all the little people who had to roam around on the surface of the earth. They counted money, made plans, and generally made her life more difficult. She really didn’t like men today. \n\nA beep, following by the pneumatic sound of the doors opening brought her back to reality. Pushing herself off the elevator wall, she began to walk once more. She moved down one more carpeted hallway and all the way down to the end. A desk sat outside a large wooden door, and at the desk sat another thin and well-dressed women. The secretary of the big boss, of course. \n\n“May I help you?” she asked. \n\nRowena smiled brightly. “Yes, I am from the law offices of Christenson and Rhodes. I believe your boss is expecting me.” \n\n/r/beezus_writes" ]	5
	[WP] The Big Damned Hero is down. Your comrades need time to patch him up. You pick up his impossibly oversized weapon and prepare to buy time with your life. To your surprise, you lift it easily. Really easily.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\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.", "Present time is frozen and I am transported into my mind. I watch, amazed as my late mother and father form in front me. They inform me that I am a child of prophecy. Someone who wields the power to determine the fate of the world. Many of their comrades and my friends had sacrificed their lives to protect me. My parents urge me to fight and do what is right. They inform me that my biggest decision awaits me. After saying my final goodbye, I am returned to the present. I swing the oversized weapon with ease, testing it. It does not suit me, so I will the weapon to morph into a Katana. In a few seconds, I have developed the confidence to take control of the situation. I order my comrades to lend me their support, leaving being the injured one and a medic. I start pacing myself forward, with two comrades on either side. On my command, they take the left flank and right flank respectively, leaving me the hardest path. My job is to attack the giant humanoid, but only after they serve as a distraction. The humanoid takes the bait, and we defeat him within a couple of minutes. The sound of war drums pierce the sky, and as we peer into the dark we see the elven army marching toward us: a small group of five people. And so we retreat into caves strategically located in a mountain.", "The Magician stumbles at the unexpected lightness of the weapon, almost losing her balance. She stares at the weapon in confusion. Her head whips around to the Hero, who's lying on the ground, struggling to continue breathing. The Old Man, Little Boy, and Nurse Mom are on their knees around him, scrambling to keep the Hero's guts from falling out.\n\n\"What?...\" says Magician, staring up at the weapon. This is impossible. She's seen the hero smash mountains with this bludgeon. \"How...\"\n\nThe Old Man turns to the Magician, eyes widening slightly at the sight of the teen holding the Mega Sword effortlessly over her head. His eyes then narrow. \"That,\" he says, \"is not a good sign.\"\n\nShe tilts her head in confusion.\n\n\"That weapon,\" says the Old Man, \"is an ethereal weapon tied to the Hero's life force. For you to be able to pick it up with such ease... It must have already started disintegrating.\"\n\n\"But,\" says the Magician, glancing nervously back at the hordes and hordes of enormous dark creepy crawlies quickly closing in through this narrow crevice (by her quick estimate, they only have about 60 seconds before the front liners arrive), \"this is the only weapon we have that can damage those beasts!\"\n\nConventional weapons just slip through, as if intangible. The creatures remain untouchable until the moment of attack, where they then strike with vicious force. She's seen hundreds of fighters watch in horror as the sharp jaws pass right through their shields, a moment before being gored to death.\n\n\"He's in cardiac arrest!\" shouts the Nurse. \"I need 20 Joules!\"\n\nThe Boy murmurs a spell and his hands slowly light up with electricity.\n\n\"Th...they're closing in!\" says the Magician, turning around. \"I'm going to do something!\"\n\nThe Old Man casts an eye towards the Hero's weapon, which has already started to look a bit fainter around the edges. \"You might have less than four minutes with that weapon.\" The Magician nods and then runs ahead. She tries not to think about how the end to the mass of creatures is nowhere in sight. She tries not to think about she might never end up seeing the next sunrise, only about half an hour away now. She just tries to completely blank out her thoughts.\n\nShe lets out a shout and then swings the Hero's weapon into the creature at the front as hard as she can. The blade, even light as it is, cleaves a large chunk right out of the creature's head. It stumbles, and falls to the ground. Six more jump in from behind, immediately replacing it.\n\n\"Ugh... Urk... GAH!\" She slowly backs up as she frantically swings the weapon, trying to ensure that none of the creatures get past her. The crevice here is narrow enough that she can cover the width of the path, but the flood of creatures is like trying to stop an avalanche. Two of their sharp stingers have already gotten way too close to head for comfort, and her heart feels like it's about to jump out of her chest. She's just not used to this level of physical exertion.\n\nMeanwhile, back with the huddled group of people, the Hero's hand claws into the dirt. \"I...\" he starts, and then starts coughing violently.\n\n\"You can't even move,\" the Nurse says sternly. She's in the middle of a rush job of sewing up the Hero's liver, and the Boy is maintaining a blue aura to minimize bleeding and numb the area.\n\nThe Magician has neutralized at least thirty creatures already, but she can't even see the dead bodies anymore because new ones keep swarming forward. She glances back at her small huddled group near the back of the crevice, only 30 metres away now. How are they going to—\n\nA sharp narrow stinger stabs her right through her cheek.\n\nWith a panicked cry, she swings the weapon and bashes away the creature, head, body, and all, leaving behind only a few spindly legs and the front part of the stinger on her cheek. Shouldn't have looked away, she thinks, gritting her teeth, pulling the sharp barb out of her cheek. Some blood splatters on the ground.\n\nThe creatures advance, and about five more jump and dive down at her from above.\n\nWith another choked breath, she smashes four of them away. The sword shatters into pieces on the fifth one. In front of her, the creatures dive towards her and stab her in her thigh, her waist, and her chest.\n\n\"Magician!\" shouts the Old Man. The Nurse and the Boy continue working with laser focus, not even looking up. \n\nThe Magician clenches her teeth, and then her body lights up like a lightning rod, hundreds of milliamperes of current coursing through her body, frying the creatures that had stabbed into her. They collapse onto the ground, smoking.\n\nThey materialize at the moment of attack, she thinks, wheezing as she tries to catch her breath. With a snap, she breaks the stinger tips off of the dead creatures and takes a few more steps backwards. (She leaves stingers in her body because they're stopping her from bleeding out for the time being.) So I just need to let them attack me!\n\nMore creatures surge forward, crawling right over the dead bodies that she had electrocuted.\n\nShe spreads her arms wide to try and catch as many of them as possible.\n\nOne sharp claw cleaves her hand right off her right arm. (It goes flying and lands on the ground behind her.) More stab into into her body. One squeezes past her and then jumps right at the huddled group of people behind her. She turns back. No!\n\nThe Old Man runs forward and flings several volleys of senbon needles at the flying creature. They fly right through it. Two of the projectiles accidentally stab into the Magician's back. He winces. \"This is... not good.\"\n\nThe Old Man defensively holds up his arm and the creature bites right into it.\n\nThe Magician closes her eyes.\n\nIt's... over.", " I scramble around, searching. My comrade, my friend, has been bitten, and it’s up to me to hold off the oncoming hoarde of zombie-snake-robots so the others can administer the antivenom. We’re cornered in west wing of the Museum of Medieval Weaponry and Armour; however, it’s Mostly Armour in this room. As hear the groaning hiss of the Departed Danger Noodles come into earshot, my eyes fall upon an overcompensating axe being clutched by one of the armour suits across the room. I desperately lunge forward, scuffling on the wooden floor as I see the lazer lights shining through the air- the Jetson Nope Ropes have rounded the corner, and their well-oiled fangs are poised to strike.\n\nMy outstretched palms close on the ludicrously oversized weapon, but as I lift it, my hands suddenly jerk back and the axe hits my head in a weak, impotent “tthmp.” It’s as light as a non-robot-zombified Brahminy Blind Snake- who typically only grow up to 15cm.\n\nAs the Deadly Spaghetti engage their jetpacks, I see the sign next to the armour- recreation." ]	4

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