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] Graduation from magic school grants you access to one branch of magic, depending on your single strongest emotion. Your experience at school has led to an uncommon classification.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", " Twenty seven. Twenty seven banners, each their own colour, bordering The Hall of Entry. Entry into what exactly? Magic.\n\nEven my mother can heat a pot with a simple wave of her hand. That’s not magic. No, I’m talking big stuff. The juicy, burning, succulent center of our world. Of us.\n\nThe line was filled with every student put up for Entry. Twenty seven by twenty seven. No I’m not kidding. Seven hundred and twenty nine students. But the line was getting shorter, always shorter. \n\nThe students that walked back, that had ‘entered’ into magic looked different. Some wore haunted masks of things better left unseen. Their eyes hollows pits, like the magic had torn their id apart. My id was strong, I could survive. Probably.\n\nI was in the middle of the pack. My hands were in a cold sweat and I couldn’t stop biting my lips. My throat felt dry, unbearable dry. By the time I was at least in the ninety’s blood was running down my chin. I wiped at my raw lips with my acolyte robe. The wool was scratchy and unfit for the job. The pain got worse like tiny needles injecting poison into my lips.\n\nPoison. I wish I were drunk. I hadn’t had any in a month. Trying to cut back. It was hard, but expulsion would be harder. Homelessness, starvation, no drink money.\n\nHeimert, one of the masters idly wandered past. He had a look of obscene pleasure at our discomfort. I disagreed with most of the masters. But Heimert had sponsored my Entry. I hated Heimert, he hated me. But, and I quote “Show potential that would shame me not to shape” so here I am. A jittering sober mess. Magic here I come.\n\nTwenty seventh in line. The banners flowed in an unearthly wind. My eyes caught the banner of Craving. Anything but that. I would kill myself with drink before I used a drop of that magic. But I knew there was a good chance I’d get it. That it already had its claws in me, that this was a formality. That Heimert knew I’d get it and drown myself out of his life. \n\nA boy in front of me was shaking visibly. His nerves were bleeding into mine. I tapped his shoulder. \n\nHe turned and showed me the worst black eye I’d ever seen, like a plum wedged under his eye lid.\n\n“Uh” I stammered “You alright?” \n\nHis good eye welled with a tear. Lord help me “Yes, no, I mean yes I’m not alright” the kid started blathering. I noticed while he was stumbling over his words that he was young. At least five years younger than me. \n\n“How’d you get that eye?” \n\nhe quickly covered the black eye “Fell” he snapped.\n\n“Uh huh, and I’m the first female master. Nice to meet you. Tell me, how did you manage to fall on a fist”\n\nTwenty sixth in line. A women who was no longer herself shuffled past us, the ruin of her mind dancing in her dead eyes. The kid saw her and quickly turned back to face the hall. \n\nI saw his head flick to one of the banners. I’d been in behind him all day, I’d begun to notice a specific direction his head flicked. \n\n“Fear” he turned in shock. \n\n“wuwuw, how, no. I mean...” he faced the hall in a huff. Kid was a victim if I’ve ever seen one. My mind slipped back, a small girl in a mirror, a welt across her face. My id was strong, enough.\n\n“I don’t want Craving” I said feeling more vulnerable than I liked.\n\n“why?” he asked without looking back at me.\n\n“I hate being sober, it sucks. So does being loaded” I said it with such a solemn tone that I surprised myself. I’d tried for happy go lucky addict. Not a happy go lucky day it seems. The orange banner of craving billowed into view. Border less, the crest an open mouth. I felt sick, I needed a drink.\n\nSecond in place. Me and the kid got to know each other. He was smart, smarter than the acolytes in his class. They took a disliking to his brain and took whatever opportunity they could to show it. I told him I’d faced bullies in the past, and I’d done it without magic. Now he was getting his secret weapon. Even if it was fear I told him “Then show them your fear, show their bones. Soil their britches” he laughed at that, a very cute laugh. \n\nHe reminded me of myself, honestly. His small frame marching into the open doors of the Entry Hall, I couldn’t help but see myself, marching through the doors to the academy. I said a silent prayer to a god I no longer believed in. Anything to help the kid.\n\nThe banner of fear, black and silver bordered, a silver skull emblem, billowed to the front. But another came right along.\n\nThe banner of Admiration fought like a rabid dog for the place. Fear backed off down the line, finding a place between Romance and Excitement. When the kid emerged he looked shaken. But his eyes were full, nearly crying.\n\n“Kid! How’d it go?” \n\nHe looked to me and magic leaked from his eyes. I felt a strong urge to stand straighter, finding strength I didn’t know I had. My hands stopped shaking. My throat didn’t feel dry.\n\nHe nodded and walked on. I would be fine, I would be fine. I walked into the Hall of Entry.\n\nThe door parted for me, not a soul touching them. Magic is so cool. \n\nIn the darkness of the room I found… myself. But I was like an orange tinged ghost, my mouth agape. It was unnerving. I came toward me, shambling in what I knew to be a drunken stupor. I saw the stains down my ghosts shirt, my belt half undone. \n\nThe drunk wasn’t fast, I tried to move away. But the doors were gone, and I couldn’t make any ground. It edged closer and closer. Then I felt something at my back.\n\nA tiny hand was pressed at the small of my back. I jumped at the touch, lunging towards the orange ghost. The tiny hand grabbed my belt and hauled me back. The ghosts mouth slavered, a great pool forming on the ground.\n\nI turned to see my spooky saviour. A tiny little thing in a frilly dress. A tinny little me. I felt the magic in her, felt where she belonged. Next to craving in the Void branch sat an odd magic. Nostalgia. Little me strode forth to the ghost. Her little fist fired into the ghosts stomach, popping it like a bubble. I was impressed.\n\nThe little me vanished. The doors swung open, light pouring into the Hall.\n\nI hesitated. What now? Where do I go? I came to the academy for magic. I had nothing to live for now.\n\nI felt a tiny hand at the small of my back. It pushed me forward, I left the hall standing tall. I was sober, I was a mess. And I was smiling." ]	2
	[WP] When you delete a saved game, that world still goes on, wondering why their hero has forsaken them and never returned.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "“Where is that Amamiya kid?” said Justine. “I honestly don’t really know Justine.” replied Caroline. The two twins wondered where the leader of the Phantom Thieves went off to. It just seemed sudden for them to leave. \n\n“Looking back, I really wish I had treated Makoto better.” said Sae. The disappearance of her sister really hit her hard. To find out her sister is missing was something that no sister would want to endure. “It just came out of left field. She just disappeared.” she said in depression. “The damn brat I was looking after went missing, same with.... Futaba.... Wakaba san would never forgive me for this.” Sojiro said, he was horrified to not be able to find Futaba and the kid he was looking after. “People are proposing that it had something to do with Shido and he just decided to get rid of the kid entirely. But what did that Takamaki girl, the Sakamoto boy, the daughter of a CEO, Futaba and that Kitagawa kid have to do with it?” \n\nAs Sae came home, she sighed to herself and tearfully wished for Makoto to come back.", "Amazing how the right person in the wrong place can cause such impact. Even more when suddenly that person disappears.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWord had spread that the Savior had fallen into deep slumber and sadly, it was true. There they lay, the same person who had saved the realm not so long ago was now irresponsive and looking almost as if dead. Perhaps their purpose on that reality had been fulfilled? No one could tell for sure.\n\nThe village was fairing all that well. Without their hero, they had been left defensless to the enormous waves of monsters that plagued their crops, livestock and sometimes even their people. Nevertheless people kept on trying to survive, under the motive that one day their beloved Savior would finally wake up and things would take a turn for the better.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nYears and years passed and the people's hope was slowly diminishing. Some would even say that on a foggy day, their hero would return, but that was hopeless. A silly belief people held on to, in order to make themselves feel better about it.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"The Savior isn't coming back-- you know?\" - Said this rugged looking old man.\n\n\"You never know! How can you possibly?\" - Returned someone from the middle of the crowd.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPeople finally gave up on the idea of being saved by this all powerful being and even if some still believed, slowly they would change their mind.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"We got lazy.\" - Resumed the old man. - \"We leaned back and watched as the Hero did all the work and now.. now what? Look at our town--\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe pointed around, noting how their crops were gone and most of their animals had either been killed or stolen by some low level grunts. It was finally time to take action. The very next day, during a foggy, cloudy morning, the villagers took their action. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nAter all, the Savior had never left, no. Every single one of those inhabitants had a little bit of the Hero inside their body. All it took was a little spark. Nothing more, nothing less.", "Everyone knew the Savior lived in the mansion at the top of the hill.\n\nBefore freeing the four kingdoms from the Dark One, the Savior had fostered trade between them, bringing life back to a long-fractured country. He had gathered eight companions from far and wide, equipping them with mythical weapons and armor and teaching them to overcome their greatest fears. Most importantly, the Savior had been born a commoner. He was the hero of every man. He could do no wrong.\n\nYet, the Savior had not been seen in years.\n\nWithout him, everything had fallen apart. The peace he had bestowed upon the four kingdoms had been broken by his own disciples. Four of the Savior’s eight Companions had been slain by their peers; two had never seen their attacker. Where there had briefly been peace, there was now only war. And still the Savior was nowhere to be seen…\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlone, Pierce hobbled up the mountain path. The sounds of clashing swords, galloping horses, and pained screams from the battle below sought his ears like evil spirits, burrowing deep inside his broken mind. It was all he could manage to put one foot before the other, to stay upright, to keep moving forward.\n\nBlood ran from a deep wound in his thigh, trailing down his leg and pooling in his boot. He had lost his weapon in the battle between the remaining four Companions. Like the other commoners, he had been forced into action under threat of death. The lengthy war between the Companions had broken the entire country, leading to famine, disease and drought.\n\nOnly the Savior can help us now…\n\nPierce attempted to catch his breath against the side of a great boulder. He cast his weary eyes ahead to where the outline of the Savior’s mansion was visible just beneath the lifeless cover of winter clouds. No one had dared to approach the Savior’s mansion since the man had mysteriously vanished. Rumors of mechanical traps, warding spells, and the Savior’s legendary battle prowess scared off even the bravest adventurer.\n\nBut now … now there was no other choice. Someone had to stop the war before there was no one left to fight it.\n\nPierce found himself at the tall, iron gate, unsure of how he had gotten there. The Savior’s mark, the dueling dragons, had been woven prominently into its center. Pierce shook his head as gory memories of the final battle against the forces of the Dark One filled his mind. He had stood with the side of light that day and had carried the Savior’s token of gratitude with him ever since. On that day, the Savior had thanked him personally.\n\nThis gift marks you as a true soldier and friend…\n\nBreathing heavily, Pierce placed the glowing coin against the center of the gate. He sighed in relief as it soundlessly swung open. Despite his gruesome wound, he found himself sprinting towards the vine-covered stone edifice ahead.\n\nHe reached the door a moment later, nearly collapsing from exhaustion. The world swayed before him. Stars assaulted his vision. His life continued to bleed away. It didn’t matter. Pierce knew his death would be worthwhile if he could convince the Savior to return.\n\nAt his tired knock, the door swung open, revealing a dark hallway lined with unlit torches. Pierce trudged forward, forcing himself to keep moving. As he walked among the countless suits of dusty armor, racks of glimmering weapons, and chests replete with enchanted jewelry, Pierce begged for the Savior to intervene and stop the meaningless war.\n\nBut it was to avail. The Savior was gone.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nr/creatorcorvin" ]	4
	[WP] 5 years since you built your apartment and it seems to attract mythical creatures, gods and aliens, but hey who cares, as long as they pay the rents right?	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$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.", "“Sir! The merpeople and sirens are fighting over who rules the pool. The salamanders set fire to their beds. And Loki is at it again.” The woman checked her tablet. “He cut phone, cable, and Ethernet cords to... 13 rooms. All gods or heroes.”\n\n“Tell the mer and sirens that whoever puts out the fires gets first dibs on the pool. Set up an official schedule, every other day one side gets it. As for Loki....” John rubbed his brow. “Where’s Thor?”\n\n“In a drinking competition with Dionysus and the satyrs.”\n\n“Odin?”\n\n“Fast asleep for the past 10 hours.”\n\nJohn sighed. “Very well. Allow me to make a few calls....”\n\n~ * ~\n\n“Yo! Lang resistance, how can I help you?” Scott asked, putting the phone on speaker as he fiddled with his suit. \n\n“This is John S. Glass from the Olympic Valhalla Apartment Complex. You stayed with us last fall with the Avengers. Do you have a moment to spare?”\n\n“Shit!” Scott muttered under his breath, having accidentally shocked himself. “Oh that wasn’t to you, sir! Yes, I-I have a minute. What’s up?”\n\n“You are an electrical engineer, are you not? We had a bit of an issue with a certain someone cutting cords and would like to fix it in as discrete a manner as possible.”\n\n“Ohhhhhh. Right, right. I got it. Hang on a sec.” Scott covered the microphone as he shouted, “HEY LUIS! CAN I BORROW THE VAN?”\n\nLuis ran over. “Sure thing, Scotty! Who are we fighting? Ooh! Are you going back in time again? Can I come with? I always wanted to see what that was like. How far back can you go? Could we like go see dinosaurs and shit?”\n\n“Luis! Luis, focus. I only need the van. I’m just fixing some electrical cords, okay? Nothing fancy!”\n\n“Dude, you the Ant-Man! You don’t need to be fiddling around like a common handyman! You’re friends with the Avengers!”\n\nScott rolled his eyes. “I gotta shrunk down for it. Stealth mode.”\n\n“Stealth mode? Eyes in sky, ready when needed,” Kurt said from his desk. \n\n“No, no, no. Guys, I’ll be fine. Really. Just in and out and done. It’s just an apartment complex down the street.”\n\n“Aww c’mon. Don’t leave us out to dry! We’ll just wait in the van. You’ll never even notice we’re there,” Luis pressed, then zipped his lips. \n\nScott groaned. “Alright, alright, fine! You can come.”\n\nLuis high-fived them both and whistled as he got the van ready. \n\n“Oh, Mr. Glass! So sorry about that. Yeah, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Scott quickly hung up, hoping his friends didn’t make a mess of things. Again. \n\n~~\n\n“This is John S. Glass from the Olympic Valhalla Apartment Complex. Do you have a moment to spare?”\n\nFrigga frowned, pulling her shawl close as she answered the Midgardian communication device. “Yes. Is something wrong?”\n\n“Your adoptive son, Loki. I’m afraid he’s been causing trouble again. You are one of the few people he seems to listen to. Would you mind stopping by?”\n\nFrigga sighed. “Was anyone hurt? I apologize for his actions.”\n\n“No one was hurt. Simply inconvenienced.”\n\n“I will be there soon. Please do not harm him. I will bring him home.”\n\n~~\n\nJohn put down his phone and poured himself a glass of wine. The idea had seemed perfect five years ago. But now? Now he knew he had he be crazy. What did he expect when he invited gods, heroes, and monsters to live in the same apartment complex?\n\nAt least there hadn’t been a war. \n\nNot this year at least. \n\n“Sir! The Vikings started a food fight in the restaurant—“\n\nAh. Here we go again.", "Loki Lie-Smith, Blood-Brother of the All-Father, Master of Deception was behind on his rent. \n\nHis landlord was somewhat forgiving, though. Given that the apartment complex was bursting with creatures of magic, a late payment from an unreliable tenant was the least of Mr. Cohen’s worries.\n\nHe made a note to speak to Loki on a sticky-note and stuck in in his somewhat enormous binder. \n\nMerlin, Cohen’s ancient raven, crowed a jaunty greeting as he flew into the room and crashed into a desk. \n\nCohen tutted. He scooped up the bird and gently set him on the table. After making sure Merlin was alright, he removed the note from his leg and unfurled it.\n\nThe letter was brief and angry.\n\nTo Mr. Cohen, \n\nThe state of your apartment is laughable. Just yesterday morning I stepped in dragon dung on the way to my room. Your human tenants are constantly staring at me, and I feel I am being excluded from the social group. Your plumbing is a mess, your walls are covered in the most abhorrent paper, and you refuse to install a basic Flimble-checker. My species is endangered, sir. You are obligated to provide for me. Are you aware that if I am found with a Flimble, I could die? The extinction of the Hu’ip would be on your incompetent hands.\n\nVERY sincerely,\n\nPip the Hu’ip.\n\nCohen buried his face into the inside of his elbows on the desk. His nose pressed into cold wood.\n\nEventually, though, he had to get up. \n\nHe decided to take a stroll down to the aquatic section. Plumbing issues he could deal with, at least. \n\nPlus, the Aqua section had its benefits. Cohen had made tentative friends with a cheerful kelpie named Neil, and it was a tradition of his to unsuccessfully flirt at the out-of-his-league mermen that lived there.\n\nEvery time he had ventured to the aquatic block, he was astounded at the fact that so much beauty could be concentrated into one place. \n\nMassive glass tunnels glowed teal and protected air-breathing visitors. Huge sharks and eels respectfully nodded at Cohen through the glass. \n\nOoh, speaking of beauty...\n\nCohen threw an awkward wink at the merman resting on a boulder. The merman laughed silently and shook his gorgeous blonde head. \n\nWorth a shot. \n\n“Hey, Isaac!” A man with a mane of dark hair plastered a smile of greeting on his horse-like face. \n\n“Hi, Neil,” Cohen replied, somewhat sullenly.\n\nNeil’s thin lips turned down. “Ye alright, mate? You seem a little, er, upset.” He leaned in closer.\n\n“Was it that blond fish over there? If he’s the one that did this, I can make sure he doesn’t do anything to you ever again, if ye know what I mean.” \n\nCohen laughed against his will. “That won’t be necessary.” Neil’s lips twitched back up to an easy grin.\n\nDamn Neil and his unrelenting kindness.\n\n“Well, I wasn’t hung up about the merman, for your information.” \n\n“Oh, really? What was it, then?”\n\n“It was that alien guy. Pip, I think. He wrote me this obnoxious letter Merlin almost killed himself delivering.”\n\n“It looks like all the men in yer life are disappointing ye. Except for yours truly, of course.”\n\nTo his horror, Cohen giggled again. Neil’s face was impossibly smug.\n\n“Right. Why are you here, anyway?” Neil \n\n“Would you believe if I said it was for fun?”\n\n“Nay, Mister Landlord.”\n\nCohen smiled apologetically.\n\n“You’re due for an inspection, Mister Kelpie. Well, not you, specifically, but I’ve been getting complaints of lackluster plumbing.”\n\nNeil’s face was a caricature of cartoony innocence. \n\n“Well it ain’t me, officer,” Neil grinned. “I would check Neptune’s temple.” \n\n“Thanks for the tip. See you soon, Neil.” Cohen waved bye and pressed on.\n\n“Bye,” Neil called back over his shoulder. His hands melted into hooves and he galloped down the hall.\n\nCohen scratched the back of his head and broke into a light jog. \n\n“Temple” wasn’t an adequate description for Neptune’s apartment. Technically, it was correct, but it was akin to calling a children’s book of ABCs a novel. \n\nCohen’s heavy brows crunched together in disgust as he approached the door. He rapped at the rusting entrance and braced himself.\n\nHe could smell him before he could see him.\n\nA huge man swung open the door and peered suspiciously at his landlord through deep-set eyes.\n\n“What do you wan’?” Neptune growled. His tacky Hawaiian shirt was splattered with salty alcohol that offended Isaac Cohen’s very sense of smell. He resisted a shudder.\n\n“My, eugh,” Cohen gagged. “My lord. It has come to my attention you may have some, uh, water issues.” \n\nHe found himself envying a certain type of seal he had read about once. It could close its nostril holes on command.\n\nNeptune pondered this. Well, pondered as much as his brain could handle, anyway.\n\n“Was it that kelpie what told you? Ooh, I’ll drown that little snitch meself.”\n\n“N-no, lord!” Cohen pleaded. “No, I just want to examine your plumbing. The comp-complaint was filed by someone in the floor above you. The system is interconnected, my lord Neptune.” \n\nNeptune snarled. Behind the God of the Sea, Cohen caught a glimpse of a slimy sink spurting unhealthily green water onto the flooded floor.\n\nCohen elected to make an exit. \n\nHe stammered out an apology and scampered down the hallway. He managed to make it back to his office in under five minutes, which was rather impressive for a 120 pound man who barely exercised. \n\nAh, safety at last. \n\nCohen held up a lemon-scented napkin to his nose. He feared nothing would get the aftersmell out.\n\nMerlin croaked encouragingly on top of the binder. Isaac Cohen’s mouth turned up at the corners and he held out a heavily knuckled hand. \n\nMerlin obediently fluttered onto his master’s palm and crawled up his arm to rest on a plaid-covered shoulder. He nibbled at Cohen’s ear, earning a small snort.\n\n“Well, I suppose not all men disappoint, Merlin. I’ve got Neil, at least. And a very reliable raven.”\n\nMerlin cawed in agreement.\n\nr/Bennywrites" ]	3
	[WP] when a mage dies their soul is magically grafted into an object. This object is then given to a younger mage as an advisor. You died pretty early and, frankly have no idea what you're talking about... but you sure aren't going to let your partner know that!	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/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.", "“Magic is potential” I whispered into her mind. Mentally adding to myself disaster. I couldn’t really see what was going on beyond myself, though there was almost an echo of sight where I could almost see shapes. The one that was the clearest, was my wielder. I could hear or is it feel her mind. She started doing something at my mental prompting. Beyond her there were at least six things just within my range.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs the magic surged through her my perception cleared a little and I could make out a group of goblins. For just a few moments before my perception returned to the echo of sight. Those brief moments when she used her magic were a highlight. She was already using some that I had not even gotten to the theory of when I was killed. But I would keep on doing what I could to encourage her to use more magic. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe echos beyond her were gone now. Destroyed by the way that she shaped the magical forces. I whispered into her mind again, “Find them” A mage is powerful, but I know from experience that death comes quickly when you don’t have support. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Of course, I need to find them!” I heard her thing exasperatedly. “But how?” I moved along with her as we took in the room, well she took it in, I only took in the area about twenty feet around me. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew we were in some sort of dungeon, so I took a shot in the dark. “Start with the secrets.” I told her, bluffing cause I know that most of the underground dungeon I had seen had secret passages around. She moved closer to a what I could tell was a wall, that hindered what passed for my vison these days. And she started feeling around. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Yes!” I heard her say out loud. It seemed my bluff worked, as part of the wall just eased away creating a tunnel of vision ahead of us. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Light” I offered, and in response the barest trickle of magical energy eased out and illuminated where we were going, and I could see again. It was a basic and low energy spell, so everything was dark, but even that was a relief. We moved forward. I hope that we find her friends soon, because I had been lost before and the lack of senses really through got to me. “Ahead” I whispered to her. She stepped up to the wall and did something as it opened into a new room. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Jenra!” I heard her say somewhat louder than I would normally caution in a dungeon. But unlike her, I didn’t survive my first attempt at adventuring.", "Being separated from your physical being is an ethereal experience, one that shakes the human knowledge free from your soul as if a muddied stoop-mat, and death is the house maiden shaking you of dust. You are free of the chain of humanity, and are left with simple understanding: you understand in an enternity neatly packed into a single moment, you are just there. \n\nIt's an eternal, never ending stretch of space that truly feels you could march forward for eons just knowing and understanding...everything.\n\nThen, the Mages in the high-circle who clearly haven't had the process done to their boney, narrow asses with their sparse old beards they so wisely stroke nearly as often as each other's egos cram you into a crystal. \n\nThen, that crystal is cut neatly into whatever embezzlement you were designed to fit. Yes, YOU. Suddenly, that vast open space I found myself dazing in after a mishap with a teleport spell, really don't know what went wrong there, was a princess cut on the front of a leather tome. It was uncomfortably cramped, and the entire process felt like my soul was forced through a bottle neck and then chipped away at by a chisel, most likely literal sensations. \n\nThen, after all the screaming and wailing in suspended agony, they tell you to pipe down and listen up: Your a magical relic now, a ficture in the Tome of Alefed, first of it's nomination.\n\nWho the fuck is Alefed? \n\nKeep your assigned mage safe, or that crystal is going to get a bit more cramped they say. \n\nOh, hell no. \n\nNow listen, I don't have years of experience, but I worked hard to get into the acedemy. I had to deal with some real cut throat conditions to earn my way there, and I'm not beyond resonable suspicion that my spell that killed me was tampered with. These were the same snobs who put Devil's Root in my tea before entry exames and nearly corrupted my magic into a self-sacrafical blood magic summon for a sheep. \n\nReal funny dudes with a very xenophobic atomosphere if you don't have a fancy last name.\n\nSo when they hand me off to some poor low-end kid from a shit-stain banner family who had a few accidents with impressive magical feats, I knew what I had to do. \n\nI couldn't teach the kid magic: I studdied my ass off for what I knew, he should do the same.\n\nI could watch his ass however, it's not safe for people like us here, and I think it's due time for someone from the bottom to make it to the top, and I think the little squirt might just be good enough. \n\nPlus, I'm sure as shit not sharing this crystal with the little shit.\n\nFun follow up:\n\nhttps://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/bldbo4/wp_your_best_friend_came_across_an_ancient_weapon/emnjnq2?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share" ]	3
	[WP] As the goat's monstrous teeth nibbled closer to his peaceful patch of the shrub, Dr. Eilbeck jumped on his saddled aphid, Juicy. With a furious burst, Juicy leap to away from the goat's progress, launching the duo skyward. They crashed to ground and into the midst of a gang of spiders.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Spiders were one of only seven things that truly terrified Dr. Eilbeck. The first of which was death and the last being goats with monstrous teeth.\n\nBy golly, this really was turning out to be a quite terrible day.\n\nThe day had started out almost perfectly, with Dr. Eilbeck paying a visit to his favourite of places. A water park. Oh, and not just any water park, this was the water park. \n\nOver an acre of pool spanned the Colosseum-like park, divided into areas meant for competitive swimming, paddling, white water rafting, surfing, and just about any other water based activity you might be able to think of (apart from fishing, on account of the fact it angered the dolphins). \n\nThe sun was shining in a sky the colour of sea, jellyfish shaped clouds streaming on by, a gentle summer's breeze passing through the leaves of coconut trees.\n\nThis was paradise, for Dr. Eilbeck and the umpteen other professionals who came here to simply relax. Of course the park was mostly made up of children and dogs and the obligatory crew of dastardly pirates seeking refuge from the man. \n\nThis water park, you see, had been proclaimed just seven years ago as a sort of embassy for pirates, a place where they could safely live out the remainder of their scurvy ridden lives. Call it Havana, if you wish.\n\nBut back to Dr. Eilbeck and his nearly perfect start to the day. He was paddling in the appropriate area, a rubber ducky ring strapped around his waist, a cocktail in the drinks holder and a hotdog in his hand, when a boy on the back of a dolphin came leaping out of nowhere.\n\nFor a moment Dr. Eilbeck felt he'd have to and another terror to his list, but decided he needn't bother when he was forced underwater and started to drown. Drowning was the fourth, or maybe fifth, on that list of terrifying things.\n\nHe blubbed and he floundered and failed and slapped, but all to no avail. He was trapped. Falling. Dragged down by some unseen force, a wet and weed-like hand that wriggled round his ankle...\n\nAnd then he'd passed out.\n\nWhen he finally awoke he realised he wasn't at the water park, but dollar to dime he was still alive! And that had to count for something. His rubber ducky ring had been popped in all the kerfuffle, that upset him dearly. But he was alive, say again and can I get a hallelujah!\n\n\"Where the devil am I?\" Dr. Eilbeck wondered, and as his eyes started to clear he saw what at first looked like mountains made of ice cream, but soon faded to the factories they truly were. \n\nTowers of iron besides great funnels spitting acrid yellow smoke. The ice cream more a fog of multi coloured mist that tainted the clouds and fell across the desert landscape.\n\nThis didn't terrify him, not really. But the old looking fella with the enormous backpack, unkempt hair, pink beard, bright blue sandals, and a rope that led to nowhere sure did.\n\n\"Hello?\" Dr. Eilbeck called, cautiously waving.\n\nThe man said nothing.\n\n\"My good man,\" Dr. Eilbeck called a little louder, \"do you know where I am, where this is? And might I ask who you are?\"\n\nThe man stopped and smiled, revealing a face full of diamonds that offered and unsettling sort of gleam against the tainted light of this new world.\n\n\"Moosh.\" the man cries, weeping literal tears as he cracked his rope that led to nowhere as if some sort of whip.\n\nThen, out of the nowhere to which the rope led, there charged a goat with such monstrous teeth the poor Doctor did wet himself.\n\n\"Well, sh...\" the Doctor didn't get a chance to finish his thinking, though if he had he might have said shucks. \n\nAn aphid fell from the clouds, saddled and ready to fly, and by some strange miracle the Doctor recognised this beast.\n\n\"Juicy?\" he straightened himself up, held out his hands in sweet anticipation. Then with a furious burst Juicy gathered up Dr. Eilebck and leapt for the skies just in time to avoid the monstrous teeth of the goat.\n\n\"That was too close.\" the Doctor sighed, watching the man below shake wild fists in agitation at the sky and th aphid flying through it. \"Home?\"\n\nJuicy clicked and growled and let loose her slime ridden tongue, smothering the Doctor's face with goo from over her shoulder. It wasn't a yes, not by any means, before they could leave Dr. Eilbeck had to put things right.\n\nAfter all, it was his failed experimentations that had created this strange underwater world, the lands beneath the paradise of Havana." ]	2
	[WP] VR has dominated the future of entertainment. VR arcades are a popular pastime of many, allowing one to choose from hundreds of programs to simulate. You decide to visit one of these during the weekend to fulfill your hearts desire.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 had taking some time to set aside the money for a whole weekend of VR, but I was finally able to try out one of the newest and most advanced programs. It’s a cliché, I know, but I haven’t had much experience with the dating scene, and even if I didn’t really think a program could provide me with my soulmate, I was ready to try something new. SoulMate2 promised to be able to adjust to a player’s psychology and desires by measuring things like pulse, eye dilation, skin conductivity - you name it. Maybe I’d learn something?\n\nAs I checked in at the arcade, I felt a little nervous. Was this going to be a good idea? I started feeling like I was paying for a date, and a made-up one at that.\n\nI entered the private room and quickly set up the gear. As the program initialised, I found myself in a big building, it looked like some kind of transport hub, like a train station or airport, but generic. There were seats, so I decided to sit down to do some people watching. After a while, I don’t know how long, I noticed someone sitting down next to me.\n\n“It’s really pretty good, isn’t it?”\n\nI turn to look at him. \n\n“What do you mean?”\n\n“The program. Don’t you think? They all look so real, and they all look like they have busy lives to get on with, not like they’re just here for you to watch.”\n\nNow I really turn to look at him. He doesn’t stand out from the other people in the program, other than he is maybe a bit better looking than the average person here.\n\n“Are you programmed to say that?” I ask, and realise as soon as I’ve said it what a stupid thing that was to say. Either way, he isn’t going really self aware, so whatever answer he gives, it makes no difference.\n\n“Of course not. I’m not part of the program.” He grins at me, and is clearly waiting for my response. I shrug. What can I say, some programmer had a weird sense of humour?\n\n“Hey, want to go for a walk? I’d suggest a coffee, but I think you’ll find the coffee in here pretty intangible.” \n\nI hesitate, and then agree. After all, I’m here to explore my options. The transit hub has several entry and exit points, and the one we use leads to some kind of park area. It’s pretty, but it doesn’t have the high definition that people do, and the contrast is a bit odd.\n\n“So, what are you doing here, if I may ask? I’m Remi, by the way.”\n\n“What everyone else does in here, I guess. Looking for love.” How stupid that sounds, spoken out loud, and still it’s true. I don’t tell Remi my name. It’s only a program, and I don’t quite feel like pretending it’s completely real.\n\n“You’d be surprised about what makes people come here. All sorts of reasons. I watch them, sometimes. Some use the program for all the wrong reasons.”\n\n“You… watch them? How does that work? And is this your way of “watching” people?”\n\n“It works just fine, thanks. As you may recall, I’m not part of the program. It’s just a convenient way to interact with the physical world. And before you ask, yes, I’m a spirit, or non-corporeal being. This program is advanced enough to work as an interface for me.”\n\n“I.. uk. Okay…So why are you here now, if you mostly just watch?”\n\n“There was something about you, and the parameters you set for the instance. I just wanted to meet you. You genuinely seemed to think it would be possible to find something of value in here. An open mind. I like that.”\n\n“I mean, sure. It costs a pretty penny to get a weekend here. I want to make the most of it.”\n\n“Nice. Now, I seem to recall that one of your desired outcomes was finding a date. I know it’s a bit fast, but would you like to go on a date with me?\n\nI hesitated again. This was a bit weird, but I did decide to try this out. It wasn’t quite what I had expected, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing? I looked at him, he was attractive, and intriguing, and about 20 times nicer than anyone I had been on a date with for a long time.\n\n“Sure, why not. I’ve got the weekend free.”", "\"You've been to the AlterNet, right?\" Carly asked as casually as she could. The question itself was awkward. Nicole, Carly's best friend, took every opportunity to talk up the VR network to her. \"What's your take?\" Carly knew Nicole's opinion of the game; her friend never shut up about it. The two women were sitting at Carly's table enjoying their weekly Monday lunch when she brought the subject up. Nicole grinned to herself. If Carly wanted to talk about it she wanted to try it.\n\n\"It's like this...,\" Nicole used her hands to gesture at the entirety of Carly's quaint kitchen. \"...but with more magic.\"\n\n\"I've heard it's so real that you can lose track of reality...,\" Carly said. Nicole shook her head.\n\n\"Anyone can say anything. Have you heard of people actually losing track of reality or just heard that it's possible?\" Carly narrowed her eyes to slits and stared at Nicole; the same way she always did when her friend made her think about things in a different way. It's part of why they were friends at all. Carly appreciated having access to different viewpoints. No viewpoint was more different from her own than Nicole's.\n\n\"It's not that you lose track of reality,\" Nicole said. \"It's more like you don't care anymore. Right now I'm sitting here in my best friend's kitchen having a delicious lunch and enjoying her company. Is it real?\" Nicole shrugged. \"Doesn't matter. I'm enjoying it.\"\n\n\"Of course it's real,\" Carly giggled. \"We've known each other since elementary.\" Nicole smiled.\n\n\"But what is real?\" How do you define reality?\" Nicole knocked on the dining table. \"Feels real, but so does stuff in the AlterNet. Nothing's real,\" Nicole pointed to her eye. \"We perceive everything through our senses. Our eyes only see a small slice of the spectrum and even then I might interpret it in a different way than you. There is no objective reality, not to us.\"\n\n\"So you've probably taken a few too many trips,\" Carly said with a smirk.\n\n\"Yeah, maybe. So what kind of character are you gonna make?\" Nicole asked.\n\n\"I always wanted to be a Dancer...,\" Carly paused to think. Nicole shook her head and smiled.\n\n\"I know you and I know you decided already,\" Nicole said smugly. \"Friends since elementary, remember?\" Carly's eyes sparkled and the corners of her mouth twitched upward. Nicole read her instantly. \"You sneak! You already went without telling me! When? How'd it go?\"\n\n\"This weekend,\" Carly said with a full blush. \"I don't know what came over me. I was out for that conference...,\" Nicole nodded. \"... and my suite had a private mudroom. It was right there, I couldn't resist!\"\n\n\"And then??\" Nicole leaned forward over the table.\n\n\"And I said what the hell? Reality be damned! So I got in the dirt and logged in to make my character. It was a disaster,\" Carly hung her head. \"I wanted to pick someplace nice to just relax for the weekend. One server looked promising,\"\n\n\"Oh no,\" Nicole said. \"You didn't...\" Carly nodded.\n\n\"They should put better descriptions in the server names. The Paradise server was not what I expected,\" Carly said.\n\n\"Yeah,\" Nicole said with a smile. \"It's kind of a running gag in the AlterNet.\"\n\n\"Well thank you for telling me,\" Carly began to blame Nicole but her friend wouldn't accept it.\n\n\"Thanks for going without me!\"\n\n\"I was in another city!\"\n\n\"It's a NETWORK. The whole point is accessing it from somewhere else.\" Carly narrowed her eyes again.\n\n\"Oh. Yeah. Well, it worked out anyway.\" Her smile and blush came back stronger than before.\n\n\"I met someone...,\" she said. She bit her bottom lip as her cheeks began to almost glow red.\n\n\"Get out! Who? Tell me about him!\"\n\n\"He's...Unique,\" Carly said in a near-whisper. Nicole jumped out of her seat.\n\n\"GET OUT!\" She screamed with a giant smile on her face. She ran around the table and started shaking Carly. \"TELLLLLL MEEEE!\" Carly lifted her arm as Nicole jostled her, and pointed at a black hole that appeared in her kitchen.\n\n\"Wanna meet him?\" She asked.\n\n\\\\\\\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year two, day #126. 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.", "\"I admit, I have never heard this particular one before.\" The teller scratched his year. A neckbeard of many years, I knew he probably shared the same dreams as I, but couldn't admit it to himself. His face twisted a little and he asked again, \"Are you sure you don't want a more- uh- normal, fantasy? Money, girls, sports cars...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIn the end, his pleading accomplished nothing. The sign at this run down old store said \"$50 - anything legal.\" This was legal. It was, I admit, eccentric, but what can I say- I am an anonymous Redditor. I had $50. After some more of his whining, he broke down and said yes, it was legal, just... \"strange. It will be ready tomorrow.\" \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe way he looked down in shame told me that we were similar in many ways. Both of us spent too much time on the Internet. As I trudged back to my flat and got on StackOverflow, I felt the urge return. My aging watch said it was 9:13 PM. The shack did not open until noon. I can do it. Just a few more hours...\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\--------------------------------\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe shack was the same, but the dour man behind the counter had transformed. \"Hey, buddy... I tried it out last night and (not even blushing) it was... good...\" My heart raced... usually the sign I had too many Red Bulls or someone left a note on StackExchange* saying \"I fixed it\" without posting the code. I sat down eagerly and let him put the VR headset on.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWhen it happened, I had no six pack. There were no girls in sight. He looked the same too- three day old shirt and what I hoped were coffee stains. My heart throbbed as I pulled out my laptop. \"Try it. Any site. Try it.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n \nMy fingers raced across the keyboard to a Flat Earther website and pointed out basic geometry. It happened. My eyes welled up. Filled with glee, I went to an anti-vax website. Again, it happened. I heard a can opening in the background. Climate change website. It happened. The car could have been a car going through the windows and I would not have cared. Finally, I went to a forum discussing the Marvel universe.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n \nI could taste the salt in my tears as I laid back and saw people on the Internet admitting that I won the argument. \n\nBest $50 ever." ]	4
	[WP] You have an unfortunate ability. Everytime someone mentions an animal within earshot, you turn into that animal, and chaos always ensues. And someone just mentioned something from a fantasy novel they're 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.", "“Dr. Meyerowitz will see you now.” mouthed the nurse in light blue scrubs with a polite smile as she gestured to her left. \n\nI nodded and started for the doctor’s room. These visits were becoming a weekly thing. I liked Meyeromitz. He was as smart as you’d like any doctor to be and he’d managed to get me to laugh a few times. \n\n“Hey, Jake. Please have a seat.” said Dr. Lloyd Meyerowitz from behind his large reading glasses. I sat down and pulled the lever under the seat so it sank as low as it could. “You know, when you came to me a few months ago...” Meyerowitz took off his glasses, folded the temples in, and set them down on his desk. “... we didn’t know what to make of this. Now, I’ve contacted colleagues, many of them more experienced than me, and no one has even heard of anything close to this.” he interlocked his fingers and leaned forward on his elbows. “Have the noise-cancelling headphones been working?” \n\n“Yes.” I said as I took the large headphones off. Suddenly remembering I had them on. My lip-reading had been getting good. “There hasn’t been an incident since our last session.” \n\nThere had been an incident just last night. I felt like getting high so I decided to run to the convenience store right under my apartment for a pack of Backwoods. It wasn’t until I heard the bell ring above me when I pushed open the door to EZ Save that I realized I forgot my headphones. Shit. Gotta make this quick. I headed to the back and grabbed a small bottle of Mountain Dew then walked up to the counter. \n\n“Yeah, can I get some Backwoods? Five pack.” I told the guy behind the counter. He turned around and got a pack of Honey Bourbon Backwoods from one of the cabinets. \n\n“That’ll be eleven eighty-three, my man.” he said as the bottom part of the cash register rolled out with a chu ching. \n\nI gave him the cash and said “Have a good night.” as I stuffed the cigarillos in the pocket of my hoodie. \n\n“You too, dog.”\n\nSuddenly my, vision turned gray and I started feeling my legs go out from under me. I fell to the floor whimpered as my torso struck the tiles. The bottle of Mountain Dew had ruptured in my hand when I fell. I looked at the crushed bottle beneath my hand. My hand. It now had tiny brown hairs sprouting from it. My hoodie seemed to grow larger over me as my body shrank. I only saw darkness for a moment. I scrambled for an exit from the hoodie. I tried to grasp at the cloth with a useless paw. When I finally struggled free I saw my reflection in the windows that faced the street. Of course. A fucking chihuahua. \n\n“That’s good, Jake. Keep using them. There has been one colleague of mine who has done a lot of work with molecular reorganization. Which, as you know, is what’s happening when you take on these... forms. She’s asked to see you and, potentially, try to study these transformations.” said Meyerowitz as he eyed me quizzically. \n\nThat’s exactly what I need right now. Being some research-grant hungry scientist’s lab rat. Fuck. Rat. Good thing I can’t turn into an animal if I just think of one. \n\n“Doc, I don’t know about that. I thought we were still waiting on the blood work.”\n\n“The blood work came in. It’s all normal. Sodium levels. Everything. Normal, that is, for whatever form you’re in.” he chuckled. “I had to put in a call to a local veterinarian clinic to verify these results. Just think about it, okay? This might be the best course in finding out what’s going on. Now, I know we already talked about this, but I’d like you to go through how this whole thing happened again.” Meyerowitz put his glasses back on and grabbed a pen from his breast pocket. \n\n“Like I said, I had just finished my set at The Gulag when...” I started telling the story. \n\nI had just finished my set with my band at this bar called The Gulag. It was as nice a bar as any. They paid well for our performances and we drank free so it was a lot better than a lot of our other gigs. We had been doing wednesday night spots every week for nearly two months at The Gulag when it happened. After we played our last song, “Misery Loves The Idea of Company”, we got off stage and packed our equipment. After, I headed to the bar to chat up the cute bartender. Her hair was so black it was like it sucked up all the light near it. She had a septum piercing that looked like a fish hook. And her make up was really trashy. This girl was right up my alley. \n\nI sat down at the bar and jokingly asked for a Macallan 35. She laughed. “You’re at the wrong place, bud. I can get you whiskey or I can get you beer. There are no brands at The Gulag.” she said as she sprayed club soda into a plastic cup. \n\n“Well, how about just your number then?” I replied with a smirk. \n\n“You have a better chance of getting that Macallan 35.” she shot back. \n\nAfter talking for a while. I convinced her to come back to mine after the bar closed. On the way to my place, I made fun of how stupid the bar’s name was. “‘The Gulag’! Fucking pretentious if you ask me.” I observed. \n\n“You’re one to talk. All your songs are about how fucked up the world is and how we should all just die. Emo much?” she said as she gave me a light shove. \n\n“Oh, so you were listening?” \n\n“Impossible not to with all those high-pitched shrieks. I hope you’re not castrated.” We both laughed. \n\nWhen we got to my apartment. I turned on my record player and played some German progressive rock, which I knew she would either love or hate. Either was fine. Talk of “pretentiousness” came back up when she saw my vintage record player. I lit a joint that I rolled earlier that afternoon and offered it to her. At which point, she produced her own joint from her jacket pocket. “Mine’s better.” she said. I killed the live end of my joint in the ashtray and took her’s. I moved it under my nose to sniff it. It didn’t smell like weed but I didn’t wanna offend her by questioning it. It would be an interesting night, I decided. I lit the end and took a drag. \n\n“I woke up the next day. She was gone. I don’t remember what else happened that night after smoking... you know... whatever that was. And then, like I said, I was walking on my street later that day and I heard some lady yell ‘PIG!’ at some cop. That was the first time it happened.” I told Meyerowitz, his eyebrows raised incredulously. \n \nI went looking for that girl at The Gulag later. God, I didn’t even remember her name. I tried described her to the owner of the bar. “No one like that works here, bro. Sorry.” is all he said. \n\n“Well, I’m gonna give you my colleague’s card.” he opened his desk draw and started digging through files and papers and paperclips. “I think you should call her and tell her what you told me and see where you go from-“ he closed the draw. “Well, I can’t seem to find it now but I’ll have the front desk call you with her number later. In the meantime, Jake, keep using the headphones and probably don’t mention this... thing to anyone. I think you can appreciate it’s hard to wrap your head around.”\n\n“Alright. Thanks, doc.” I got up to leave. \n\nI walked back to waiting room to get my backpack. There was a 5 year old boy and his mother sitting in the waiting room. I grabbed my backpack when I heard the boy say something that ended with “... detective pikachu.” Fuck. Me. I had forgotten my headphones in Meyerowitz’s office. \n\n————————————————————————\n\nThis is my first ever time attempting a writing prompt so any criticisms would be really appreciated. I also kinda used a fictional character so I don’t know if that counts as a fantasy novel but I thought it would make for a funnier ending. If you made it this far, thanks for reading!" ]	2
	[WP] Throughout your life you have had the special ability to sense when you are being watched. Fast forward to 17 years post apocalypse and you experience something you haven’t in a long time. You are being watched.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 had the whole of Daytona Beach to myself. Lord of Daytona Beach, Florida! I often reminded myself and my sole subject, a scraggly half-wild, half blind dog that didn't listen much to my commands. It had better luck finding food than I did.\n\nSome shit went down in Daytona like most places, also the sea level went up, all the carbon release from all the burning cities and forests, I assumed. That was like 10 -15 years ago, I think. Most of the city was underwater, but it silted up against the buildings and stayed a barrier island anyways, still, needless to say the bridge was out. You needed a boat to get here.\n\nThat day I was up on the roof of the Atlantica, a high rise hotel. Had a huge stock of food and was mostly dry. I spent the last month picking open the locks on the doors and exploring all the rooms. Most old buildings here were wall to wall black mold.The Atlantica had robust storm shutters, well sealed. It's rooms were dry after god knows how many hurricanes.\n\nI was on the patio at the top of the highrise for sunrise. \"Shit bro, I command you to look at the sunrise.\" I shouted at Brodawg, that dog I mentioned. It was curled up in sleep. I was already kinda drunk at this point.\n\nThen i felt something I hadn't felt in a long time. So my whole life, I could tell when somebody was looking at me. Like an itch or burn, it was unmistakable. Last time I felt that was leaving that shitty encampment in Macon Georgia, the sniper watching my egress. It got hypersensitive. I felt a tinge once watching a jet fly way up high months ago too.\n\nI felt a hot tinge on my forehead, eyes, the nape of my neck\n I stood up \"Hey who the fuck is looking at me!?\" I shouted. I was butt naked, but reached into my bag for my MP-5 submachine. That's right, an MP-5 took it off a skeleton of a cop 3 years ago. \n\nWas the observer from one of the windows of a neighboring condo? Or from the stairwell? From the horizon?\n\n\"I'll shoot you motherfucker! Come out and show yourself!\" I shouted. Ny voice echoed off the coastwise highrises. The feeling vanished. Maybe he ran?\n\nI put on some pants and went and checked my corners. I looked at all the windows of the ruined highrises around me. I looked about. Nothing. Somebody spotted me but... It was back! From where?\n\nThen I saw it. A hulk or abandoned ship on the horizon. Maybe someone there?\n\nI ran down to my suite and left Brodawg to watch the base of stairs. I got my binoculars came back up and spotted it again. I felt the burn of somebody looking in ny direction.\n\nA big cargo ship rusty as hell and looked barely seaworthy, with a crane, flying a Brazilian flag. It was motoring toward the coast, leaving wake behind it. Unmistakably, this was no hulk or rag tag band of survivors.\n\nI switched the lenses to x70 and set it on its tripod. On the ship's side was painted \"Cão de Sucata III\" I scanned around and saw two guys in grey jumpsuits, on the bridge platform, one with a beard looking directly at me with binoculars.", "It began the way it always did, with a warm tingle at the base of my neck. I didn't think much of it, with how bold the bugs have gotten, I just assumed the salty sweat that clung to my skin had been enough to draw a few of the hungrier ones in for a bite. \nI shook my head and kept going, carefully working my way through the rubble of another collapsed shelter, avoiding the rusted metal bars jutting through slabs of crumbling concrete. \n\n\nThe world has always been a lonely place. Even before the storms, the earthquakes, the droughts, the wars, the struggles to survive an increasingly hostile planet. I never found much comfort in people, I didn't like the way their eyes felt on my skin.\nHuman eyes are piercing, and invasive - even when someone is looking at you with compassion, to me it always felt as though they were trying to force themselves inside of your most intimate moments. A red hot fire that ran through my bones and didn't stop until they did- I always felt so dirty, having their eyes on me. \n\n\nThe rain came suddenly, as it always does now. One minute the air is hot and dry, dust clouds blowing scraps of the past along abandoned streets, barren branches scraping against the shells of broken buildings, then in the next the sky opens up and weeps for the last of the living. I left the ruins of the shelter behind and made my way to higher ground - flash floods were a weekly occurrence now, it seemed - when I noticed the warm tingle in my neck hadn't left me. In fact, it was beginning to spread to my shoulders, creeping up my neck to behind my ears. It'd been so long since I'd felt that creeping warmth that I almost dismissed it as sun exposure, or a rash from sleeping on that itchy scrap of blanket I'd found last week, but as I trudged through the heavy curtain of rain searching for shelter, the creeping warmth began to change into a slow, rolling burn.\nI felt the sharp pinch of panic starting to rise through the pit of my stomach. The last time I'd felt this was a lifetime ago, back when there were still enough people to band together, wander the dead earth and try to find solace in each other. The groups didn't trust the ones who preferred to be on their own, they seemed feral to them- another reason I tried to keep my distance.\n\n\nIt was far West of where I was now. I don't know the exact distance, I lost track of time and space as I ran from them. Their screams faded with the burning, so I just kept going. There must have been about eight of them, when they first found me. I had been hiding out in this old library- it still had a roof and a couple shelves of books then- my sanctuary. \nI was asleep when they came in, so I felt their rough hands before I felt their burning eyes. I panicked when they shook me awake, I'm sure to them I did seem like some feral creature, and fear has a way of driving all sense from your brain until it's a simple choice: them, or me. \nThe groups called themselves \"families\", a sad attempt at finding some semblance of belonging in the harsh world we now existed in, I thought. They would mark themselves with their \"crests\", usually some ash smudged into a shape, so other groups would know you belonged somewhere. I don't know why or how that started, all I knew was that I wanted to go. I had to be away from these people and their prying eyes, peeling back my skin and trying to expose my soft, private self - two had my arms, another was trying to hold my legs down but I wouldn't stop bucking - I had to get away - they were circled around us now, a few of them, I think they were women, started shouting - I had to get out - someone put a hand on my mouth, I think I was screaming - get out - so many eyes - out, out - staring into my soul, my skin was on fire - run, need to run, leave, escape - then a moment, barely a second, and a noise rose out of the chaos of our meeting. It rumbled up through the floor and shook the foundations of my safe haven as chunks of wood and stone began to rain from the ceiling, and suddenly there was blood, bone, and the deafening roar of desperate eyes pleading for life. \n\n\nThey were the last people I saw. As I ran from the last safe place I had known, from their intruding eyes that set my skin on fire, I knew I had to get far- if a family found me, there would be more - someone would have heard that, heard them, and the thought of more eyes boring into my soul pushed me further and further away, through endless plains of dust and rock until I came here. Here, where I spent weeks wandering the streets, waiting for the tingle of eyes on my back, hoping against hope I was finally far enough away that I would never again have to feel the fire burning across my skin. \nAnd I hadn't. I was safe. I was free.\nUntil now. \n\n\nThe panic spread through my chest, wrapping itself around my heart and settling deep in my lungs, filling them up so I had no room for breath. \nIt was all over me now, the rain pounding against me did nothing to dull the burn radiating across my body. The eyes were there, they were somewhere, somewhere hiding in the dim light of the storm. I wanted to run but panic held me in place - it was coming at me from all sides, there was no where to go. No escape, so safe haven, no quiet refuge for me to sit and wait for them to pass.\nI knew they would come, if they lived. The only law that existed in this world anymore was a sense of balance, an eye for an eye. They saw me as the reason their family had been taken from them, they needed someone to blame and God had no place in this world anymore.\nI felt them closing in as I stood there, trembling in the downpour. I turned my face towards the sky and tried to remember what it felt like to be at peace, to feel safe. To be away from prying, predatory eyes. \nSuddenly one of them was in front of me, his gaze hot on my face, and I turned away from the clouds to face him. \nFor the first time since I can remember, from before the library, before the storms, before the world was quiet, I looked him in the eyes. \n\"We've been looking for you.\"", "I've know for a long time that man is not overseen by a higher power. When life was extinguished before my very eyes, swallowed by the flames of nuclear holocaust, my heightened senses ceased to feel His presence. It's odd to think of the years prior to apocalypse, when my awareness was at such a crescendo that I could command the attention of hundreds of thousands of devout followers; their collective gaze awoke in me something far greater than ordinary human rapture. In the moments when His words fell from my lips and mingled with the imaginations of my flock, I could feel my heels beginning to depart from the Earth. I was Christ born again.\n\nBut now I feel nothing. In my limitless isolation I have come to understand that what I once took as divine presence was merely the trick of some cruel mutation. I was unique, but far from the throne of godhead. What I was experiencing was nature's curious gaze. I felt it in my fellow man, in the birds hovering overhead, in the trees, in all life. Now the only presence I feel in this pitiful existence is my own mind. I refuse to believe that any god could conceive of something so harrowing as trapping a living consciousness in some rude clay form.\n\nIn any case, I continue to wander. Today, I take on the challenge of finding water. The skeletons of civilization are scattered before me like a maze designed by a madman. Despite the number of times I've made this journey, I have never gained any sense of familiarity with my surroundings. The sky is occupied by a layer of red and sinister looking clouds. When the sun manages to break through, its beams are concentrated and spotlight the arid landscape in orange patches. There is never any wind or movement of any kind. My footfalls are the only sound.\n\nA body of stagnant water lies just ahead, collected in a dusty crater. I scoop a handful into my mouth and then begin to fill up a variety of receptacles. Suddenly, as if a feather has glided onto the back of my neck, I feel something that's not quite there. It startles me enough that I drop my receptacle. It cannot be mistaken: I'm being watched. \n\nInexplicably, tears begin to well up in my eyes and my arms begin to tremble. A beam of light pierces through the cloud layer. Its brilliance stirs such a wild passion in me that I can't help but wale into the heavens. The still and cloudy water, the cracked earth and piles of human rubble, seem in that moment to carry an entirely new significance. The world is reborn before my eyes.\n\n\"Hello?\" A meek voice cuts through the moment.\n\nI turn to meet the speaker. It's only a girl, wrapped in what looks like a dirty bedsheet. Her features are gray and sunken. My face is red and puffy and ridiculous. Despair closes in again.", "Estimated remaining US population: 500\n\nThat was the last thing I had seen on the TV before the power cut two years ago, plunging the worn-down 7-11 into darkness. I had been living in here for almost 6 months, watching the non-immunes scratch and claw at the stained glass doors that protected me from the outside world. Watching them come back day after day, eyes bloodshot with insomnia and hunger, arms flailing at the door, the growing despair on the faces as I watched helplessly. Watching as fewer and fewer came back each day, growing thinner and weaker until one morning I woke up to the sound of silence, a miserable pile of corpses strewn across the front door of the store.\n\nThey called it the Black Hole: a sarcastic nod to the Black Plague, except it consumed humans on a much larger scale than ever thought to be possible. People were being wiped out faster than doctors could even track - entire cities could be obliterated in a matter of days. The symptoms were so horrific you wished you were dead - from hell-like hot fevers to complete organ failure, and it hopped from one human to another through every means possible. There were rumours that it was an alien disease sent to wipe out humanity, a punishment from God himself unleashed upon humans for the destruction they had caused to Planet Earth. I have to admit that we kind of deserved that one.\n\nI was always a special child, as my mother would say. Although I couldn't hear her through the glass, I'd imagined that’s what her last words to me would have been - her special child. Seeing her eyes turn stone-cold as she forced a smile for me, her face draining of colour as she fell like an abandoned doll to the ground…\n\nI felt the soft pounding of a headache starting to form and I reached for the almost-empty water bottle beside me. I was sitting on the cold marble floor of the 7-Eleven, resting against an empty shelf. I took a swig from the bottle and the last of the lukewarm liquid and forced myself to swallow. I still had a headache. But there was no more food or water in the store, I thought, as I slowly stood up to survey the empty store. Bottles and containers of convenience food painted the floor, save for where I was sitting. It was time to move to the next store, towards the Haven.\n\nI hesitated in front of the glass sliding door. The door wasn't what intimidated me - it was the world beyond it, filled with danger and uncertainty. Within the four walls of my new home, it felt somewhat safer, even though I was immune. Because there was something else out there, something comforting yet so terrifyingat the same time, that I hadn't opened the door more than a crack since I first moved in. \n\nI was afraid of my very own kind - humans.\n\nGripping the handle with both hands, I leaned my body weight to the right and pulled. It opened surprisingly easily. I stepped out into the street and I felt the concrete digging into the soles of my worn-down shoes, and my headache grew stronger. My head thudded and pounded with every step I took. East. I knew I had to go east. I could already see several stores up ahead which I could move into, but I was planning on moving much further than that. Now that the population had whittled down to below a thousand, the chances of me running into any people at all was minimal.\n\nThud. Thud. \n\nA sharp pain spiked my vision and I lost my balance temporarily, intuitively reaching out my arms for support. They rested on a rough brick wall, and I tumbled towards it blindly, slinking down to the ground. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on the road ahead of me, the dull grey of gravel and concrete. I knew what this feeling was. I was being watched.\n\nI hadn't felt it in a long time, and I could feel not just one, but many, possibly hundreds of eyes on me. I tried to tell myself it wasn’t possible, but it was unmistakable. I'd felt this so many times before, in front of crowds at school, doing speeches at assembly, leading a meeting at work, talking at the dinner table with family. It was the feeling of many eyes on one, watching and speculating my every move. It wasn't normally this intense, however - it might be that I hadn't felt human contact for so long.\n\nWho could it be? Was it the people from the Haven? If they were, why would they be looking for me?\n\nBefore I could react, the sound of running footsteps filled my right ear and I flinched, putting my arms up. Through my blurry vision, I could make out a figure dressed in all-black darting towards me. Moments later, their body collided into mine, and I was too weak to fight back as they picked me up effortlessly. Rather than struggling, I tilted my neck to get a better look of their face - and a black-and-white mask stared back at me. My already weak vision faded to black as they covered my face with a blindfold. We eventually came to a stop and I felt myself being thrown onto a soft surface and the familiar sound of a door slamming. Two more doors opened and the last thing I heard was the sound of an engine sputtering away, the screech of tires on asphalt rolling away as I lost consciousness.", "Theirs were faces, or near enough. Faces in some deeper sense, some dream-logic distillation of resonant meaning:\n\nA mouth, because they gibber, and consume.\n\nEyes and nose and ears, because they perceive their prey, because they keep a hungry watch from the planes and curves of material reality where they have pushed the substance of distance and time into thinness.\n\nNo teeth, because they don’t need them. It would be a mercy if they did, to be gnashes apart, not to go down whole.\n\nAfter all these many years they look out from everywhere. A stretch of linoleum floor, long abandoned to ancient supermarket spills. A wall beneath a bridge, weeping with rewritten graffiti that spells out nothing for sound contemplation.\n\nA high, slow-bowing ceiling, heavy with their elsewhere-weight, streaming iridescent ribbons of high-pitched drool, ringing out their short shrill songs of come along, come along, lovely answered hunger.\n\nThey look out from everywhere, but they don’t see me. I have a talent for hiding, and half of it is knowing when I am unobserved. I always know. I could always fall back into clarity, no different from a past wind, nothing to see here, see hear smell certainly not taste, oh no, never that.\n\nBut lately, I am tired. Lately, their faces turn toward me. Lately they still do not see, but they almost-watch.\n\nI think I am the last one, the Final Unconsumed in this high-walled quarantine. I would try to leave again, but the walls are watched by my own kind and they do not trust me to be whole, to be uneaten of my true human self. They will end me if I go too near.\n\nPerhaps I should anyway. That would be cleaner, a better end than the faces could promise as they turn, turn, turn toward me, mouths agape, eyes lurching toward where I stand just past the edge of sight.\n\nI am being watched, and soon they will see.\n\nr/Magleby for more elaborate lies." ]	6
	[WP] You live in a world where, to fully represent your love (any kind - Eros, Ludus, Storge, Mania, Pragma, Agape) for someone, you give them a special everlasting rose. Everyone is born with three. Can't destroy them, sell them, and nobody knows how many you have left.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$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 gave away my first rose to my husband. It was the morning after our wedding, we were laying in bed, cuddling, madly in love. He gave one of his roses to me. \n\nI gave away my second rose to our first born child. Laying the rose in her tiny, perfect hand only hours after she was born. \n\nI gave away my last rose to our second child. I remember smiling up at my husband, holding our son in my arms, tired after many hours of labour. My husband and I each put our last roses in the hands of our son and we were perfectly happy with our lives, our family and each other. \n\nI love them all so dearly, they are my everything. The roses bond us, deepen our love, our connection. \n\nAnd now I’m here.\n\nLocked into our bathroom, alone. I didn’t even dare tell my husband. I don’t want it to be true, but there it is. Two lines. Pregnant.\n\nOne unloved child. One accident. One that I want to love. \n\nBut I can’t. I know it. There are no roses left, no love left to give. \n\nAfter the procedure I ask myself, still bleeding and cramping. What would have happened if I loved anyway? But I can’t. Not anymore.", "She had no more love left to give. She had given her three roses away to boyfriends that had all ran out on her. Now she was pregnant. And she was scared. All her life she had wanted a child, but could she do it? Could she bring a child into the world that she would not love?\n\nShe decided to have the child. But once the child was born, she put it up for adoption, saying to herself, \"My child deserves to be in a family that will love her.\" \n\nYears passed. One day she heard a knock at her door, and when she opened it, she saw a young, beautiful woman standing before her.\n\nThe woman smiled and said, \"Hi, Mom.\"\n\nCould it...? Was this...? My daughter? the mother thought, shocked.\n\n\"And before you say anything,\" the woman said. \"Take this.\" From behind her back, she produced a rose.\n\nThe mother hesitated, then reached out tentatively as if the woman (she still could not believe this was her daughter) would pull the rose back at any second. Once it was in her hands, she looked at it, then looked at the woman curiously.\n\nSmiling, the woman said, \"Now, give it back to me.\"\n\nThe mother's eyes widened as she realized what her daughter was trying to do. But would it work? She handed the rose back to her daughter, and was suddenly overcome with so much love and regret that she began to cry. All these years she had missed out on seeing her daughter grow all because she hadnt been smart enough to think of that simple solution. \n\nSuddenly, she felt arms wrap around her as her daughter said to her, \"Grandma told me the whole story. And I forgive you. You were young and you just wanted what was best for me. Now come on, let's go inside, so we can get to know each other. And Mom? I love you.\"\n\nThrough sniffles and sobs, the mom said in a shaky voice, \"I-I l-love y-you t-too.\"\n\nHugging, mother and daughter went inside." ]	3
	[WP] You're not religious but when a friend invites you to church, you decide to give it a try. All is going fine until a drop of holy water falls on your hand and sizzles.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\nJose and I walked through the heavy oak doors. Though it had been years, the unmistakable mélange of dust, percolated coffee, and worn wood threw me into a reverie. For a moment I was a young boy with sleep in his eyse being dragged to the pews by my parents. I had never enjoyed church, I’d always been embarrassed to sing and loathe to listen to the drone of proud old men. I put up such a fight that by grade school I attended about once a month and had managed to skip everything but Christmas services throughout high school. Now at 28, I was entering a house of worship for the third time in 2 months. I tried to muster the arrogance to scoff at myself, but the humor and pride I’d once thought boundless were absent. So too was anger, joy, and purpose, all swept away by twin cataclysms. \n\nMy dad had been first, sad yes, but not surprising, his father had died before I was born of a heart attack and after surviving his first my dad had succumbed in March. I was shaken by the loss of a father I loved but never quite connected with, I stayed strong for my mom and brother though. I delivered the eulogy and planned the ceremony when my mother was too bereaved to cope. A week after the service, I drove her to a doctors appointment, while saying goodbye before dropping her off, she smiled a real smile for the first time since his passing. When I picked her up she sat down quietly and looked me in eyes for a moment before her face melted into tears. I hugged her across the seats terrified for a minute before she mustered two words, “it’s back”. The next three weeks were like a pallet of thick paint blended from bitter sweet violet to black. Her breast cancer had returned and metastasized to her lymph and bone, aggressive radiation therapy and surgical resections were frantically scheduled. My mother had never had a particularly strong immune system, a childhood of second hand smoke damaged her ears and nasal passages leading to near constant infection. The treatment coupled with losing my father broke the flood gates, she was admitted for an infection that turned into pneumonia. Over the course of three weeks in the delicate balancing of treatment and health she slipped away faster than I could have imagined. I have never been more all consumed or more powerless in my life, the period is a blur of sleepless nights and desperate hours. We tried to research treatment decisions, but it was too late. I spent her final days grasping for anything that would help her, I don’t usually pray and I don’t need anything more profound than observable reality to bare existence, but I found myself praying every night to heaven, hell, or anything out there that could help her. My sleep was terrible, and what I could eek out was haunted by apocalyptic images and inescapable nightmare. My lone consolation was our conversations, in her last week it felt like a dam had burst and we were able to speak honestly and deeply like we never had before. All too soon though she was gone. She went in her sleep and she seemed at peace, at first that was enough for me, but now, I don’t know. I felt empty after the sadness, it was a relief at first, I waited for the little joys and hopes of life to return to me. But they didn’t, the emptiness grew until I felt like a ghost in my own skin. \n\nJose was a good friend from work, one of the guys I’d go on shift with. Although he wouldn’t let on at first, he was deeply spiritual. After a few months of open talk between us he started to tell me what he really thought was behind some of the patients we saw as EMTs. He didn’t say it every time, but he believed many of the behavioral patients we saw were afflicted not just psychologically, but spiritually. People who had dug too deep into the Botanicas around Chicago or crossed the wrong person. I thought it was all great fun and I loved breaking down his myths with Jungian archetypes and classical mythology. Jose wasn’t particularly religious, more spiritual, and in his mind less spiritual than just realistic. He’d invited me to church for the priest rather than the sermon, a man he’d known since adolescence. Usually I’d have turned him down, but at this point the only emotion I’ve been feeling is a sort of once removed fear that this dull sense of apathy will consume me.\n\nThe service was in English, luckily for me, the priests sermon about the danger of greed. It felt good to obey, to sit and stand and speak when told, to be lost in a crowd. The respite of conformity was broken twice during the service however. As the father started mass he looked across the congregation with the sure gaze of an experienced speaker. His eyes searched and connected across the gathered, benevolent smile seeming to manifest solely from the presence of the faithful. Until he met mine, his smile faltered and retracted into something far less comfortable. I think I saw him linger for a second before regaining composure. I was probably the only new face there I rationalized, it was a small church. The only other strange occurrence was a little girl who I noticed staring at me whenever we stood up. She was only 4 or 5 and was standing on the pew with her hand around her moms arm swaying contentedly until she turned to look around the church and saw me. She stopped moving immediately and stood frozen for a few seconds. She whipped around and put her face into her mothers side, pulling her tighter. \n\nAfter the service I thanked Jose for bringing me but that I needed to go home and take care of some things before Monday. “One minute he said, we didn’t come here for the service. I want you to talk to father Manual. He’s a good guy, I think it’ll help.” After the temporary distraction of the service my apathy had fully returned, I didn’t really want to talk, especially after the weird look he gave me, but Jose was trying to help and I didn’t have many friends left to disappoint. I agreed and we walked up towards the altar. Father Manual was organizing the notes and bible he’d had for the service. He looked up and smiled at Jose. “Its good to see you, and I noticed you brought a friend,” he finished looking at me. “This is Matt,” Jose replied, “he’s going through more than he wants to say and I was really hoping you could talk to him.” “Of course, the world tests us sometimes, we all need a place to turn when we alone are not enough. I’m very happy you’re here.” “Thank you father,” I replied, “ I’m trying to open myself up, but its been a long time since I’ve been to church.” His smile grew warmer, “lets go to my office, you can tell me what’s troubling you, the lord and I are happy to share your burdens, but first would you indulge me?” He began walking out from behind the pulpit and motioned me to follow as he walked towards the baptismal font. “People and even priests these days have been moving away from ritual, its good to be sharp and rational, but I find that something deeper down inside us begs to be part of what we feel but cannot touch.” His voice was kind and soothing. “Do you know why the baptismal fonts have 8 sides?” I shook my head no and he continued, “its to symbolize Noah and his family after the flood. You see even after God had washed away all the sins and muck of the world some small part still remained. And so it is with us.” He continued to speak as he pulled a small embroidered clothe from his pocket. “No matter how lost or sinful there is always something worth saving.” He dipped the clothe in the water, rung it out and took my left arm “In nomine patris,” he ran the clothe cool and soft down my right arm, “ et filii,” the left, “et spiritus sancti,” he dipped the clothe again and wrung it over my head. Peace for the first time in months, no longer broken and apathetic but whole. I was present, and the mere act of being felt good. The cool sensation on my arms and head intensified, a chill shook my body, I exalted in the moment and let it run its course. Were the water had been began to warm and I opened my eyes. Father Manual had taken several steps back during my rapture I smiled at him, “thank you father,” I began. I tried to step forward, but I found I couldn’t move, “hold fast my son,” he said softly. I really couldn’t move, I felt so strange, my head was spinning and I felt my chest tighten. Panic shot through me, my arms and my head, what was wrong with them, they prickled, and burned, burned as if in a furnace, as if I’d been doused in oil and set alight. I fell to my knees, mouth agape, no longer in control of my body. My mind swam in the horror, subject to sensations to strong to bear. My mind created crimson flames to reconcile reality and experience; I looked to the priest, his body now awash in waves of black heat, the baptismal font roiling under its own brilliant flame. In the midst of it all I lost consciousness, broken by the warp and sting of damnation. \n\nI have an ending for this story, but I don’t want to wait and talk myself out of posting, maybe I’ll finish it later. I don’t have much experience writing dialogue and I feel like that’s the weakest part of my writing so any criticism or resources are appreciated.", "My whole life I’d never been one to truly understand the meaning of religion. My parents didn’t force it on me and the topic of Jesus or even gods in general was definitely not one to be discussed in my household. I grew up watching westernized movies about children who were raised to believe in the one true God and to follow his sayings. I also noticed a lot of my friends being strictly taught about this kind of lifestyle. I failed to understand it and, frankly found no appeal in believing in some strange almighty entity that decided my faith for me. \n\nTo add to that - I also never believed in the existence of Heaven and Hell - firmly sticking to my own theory that people decided what their way of living their life should be and facing the consequences as they progress, not later in some unknown afterlife. That was mainly the reason why I hadn’t even stepped foot in church - not even once. I hadn’t seen my parents do so either to be honest, so I was pretty sure they didn’t believe in anything as well. \n\nPerhaps this was the reason I accepted my friend Eric’s offer to accompany him to church one day. It was something of pure curiosity, pure impulse maybe. I knew I wouldn’t particularly enjoy the whole thing, but I wanted to experience it myself once and for all. Who knew, maybe I’d missed a lot my entire life and this would be an eyeopener for me, helping me realize religion wasn’t so bad and I was actually interested. \n\nBoy, was I completely wrong. \n\nUpon entering the richly decorated incense smelling building filled with various people, I got that strange feeling in my stomach. You know the one, when you have an important meeting or a life changing exam and your stomach flips upside down. Well, it was something of this sort and it unsettled me greatly, much to my dismay. \nNevertheless, I walked in bravely and followed the actions of my hotheaded friend. \n \nLittle did I know, moments later a simple miscalculation of someone’s steps would cause a small amount of holly water to make contact with my skin. I thought nothing of it at first, baring in mind it was just some water, what could it do to me, right? \nWell, as it turned out, this mindset was completely wrong, for I soon found myself doubling over in pain. A small hiss left my mouth unintentionally and I put my hand over the place the water touched my skin. This, however, was yet another mistake, because the few droplets left there burned my palm as well. A few profanities left my mouth and sure enough, a good amount of people around me had started noticing my weird behavior - the cuss words being the final straw. \n\nI didn’t know what to do, was I supposed to? I ran away immediately after I’d composed myself and never came back. I ignored all calls and messages from Eric. Then I was chased down by some witnesses days after the accident and was accused of being the Antichrist. Soon the word reached everyone in my town and I had no other choice but to flee. I changed states, my name and my appearance. I left no trace of the old me and made sure to stay away from everything holy. \n\nTo the end of my days I still had that nasty burn mark on my left forearm and right palm. \nNothing about it made sense. I couldn’t have been allergic. It couldn’t have been acid. It was just plain old holy water. I never managed to grasp the reason for this, not until one day, after a crash that involved my car and a huge truck that lost control on the slippery road, I found myself at the gates of Hell. \n\nThere, at the very entrance stood a tall broad man with a wicked grin plastered across his pale face. \nWith his hoarse deep voice he uttered the words that held the explanation for the biggest nightmare of my life. \n“Welcome home.”", "My disguise began to falter as the Pastor stared at me in horror. The illusions I had conjured to hide my true identity were still unable to withstand even this single drop of holy water that had remained on the Pastor's hand after the evening ceremony which now fell from his finger as he went to shake my hand. I silently cursed my carelessness. I had reluctantly agreed to attend this service with a man I had befriended in the years after my people’s defeat and the thwarting of our invasion.\n\nAlmost a decade prior a portal was opened from the Human’s realm to that of my people and as prophecy had foretold we conducted a great crusade to burn their lands and take them for our own. For a time nothing could stop our advance, we slaughtered the humans by the millions without challenge. I was involved in a minor skirmish when rumors began to spread that the Humans had a new weapon that was turning the tide and victory no longer seemed to be assured. I never saw this weapon for myself, but I heard many stories of its unyielding ferociousness and the cruelty with which it destroyed our people. Within months our numbers were decimated and the portal back to our home was shut, very few of my dark brothers and sisters remained after our defeat and those that did went into hiding using what magics we could muster to disguise ourselves amongst the human population.\n\nAfter some time I learned to live with the Humans and achieved a small degree of normalcy. I acquired modest living quarters on the Human’s home planet of Earth and secured employment at one of their extra-planetary vehicle manufacturing facilities. I was careful to not gain undue familiarity with any of the local populace lest I let my guard down and mistakenly reveal myself. Unfortunately, even a demon can only go so long without even some minor form of companionship and so I began to form a minor friendship with a neighbor who lived within the same group of dwellings as myself. I was always dutiful in my deception and never allowed him into my home and never accompanied him anywhere that could expose me to danger. I was exceptionally cautious, or so I thought.\n\nBut alas, years of careful deception came crumbling down in moments as my demonic form was revealed to the churchgoers around me. Some looked on in shock, others screamed in terror, and more still ran in apparent escape. I had to leave this place, with my true self now revealed it would only be a matter of time before the Human’s mighty weapon would find me and finish its work. I made a break for the steel doors of the church building when they suddenly burst inward, and there stood the source of my fear. A tall imposing figure clad in bulky green armor stared at me through an emotionless blue visor, it raised a weapon with a dark wooden handle and two short barrels etched in demonic runes, and with neither pity nor remorse pulled the trigger.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nEdit: Fixed some grammar and spelling.", " \n\nAnna invited me to her church. I had fallen from it when I was so young but I still felt a pull to go. When I said yes I thought she’d squeeze me to death. She even came over early to do my hair and brought 3 different outfits to try on. I gathered some flowers from my mother’s garden to give to the church. I didn’t have money but I had flowers. Lots of them. \n\nI clunked in the uncomfortable heels Anna forced onto me and climbed into the back seat behind her. He parents looked more excited than her. I smiled uneasily at them clutching the flowers in my lap. They were vibrant as ever. I placed them in a clear vase so nothing would take away from their beauty. \n\nWhen we arrived everyone was kind, but a little too kind. The swooped in for hugs and some older women even tried to kiss my cheeks. I clutched my flowers and pushed Anna forward to get inside. \n\nI heard the organ crackling away in the background; babies were crying, and the scent of church bathroom soap lingered in the air. Pastor Tom spotted us and walked over with kindness in his eyes. I felt myself my nerves ease. \n\n“Good morning Anna,” he said looking pleased,” and who is this you brought today?”\n\nBefore Anna could answer a swarm of church women began asking Pastor Tom about a bake sale. Anna grabbed my hand and pulled me to a table with pamphlets. \n\n“Here would be a good spot,” she said,” that way everyone can see them as they walk in and out.”\n\nI nodded and placed them down carefully. We walked inside. I bit the inside of my cheek. This felt off. I wanted to leave but I couldn’t. We sat in the front. I was not looking forward to this. There was a rather large tub on the stage area. I looked at it and then back at Anna raising an eyebrow. \n\n“Oh that? Pastor Tom is going to be baptizing someone today. I’m really glad you’ll be here to witness it,” she said giddily. I tried to smile back. \n\nIn a few minutes the pews started to fill up. Anna opened a book of hymns and slipped it onto my lap. We sang a few songs that I had never heard of and then announcements were made; baking sales, knitting club, and bible camp. I looked around trying to keep myself from looking bored. \n\n‘”Today,” Pastor Tom started,” Is a great day for the Lord is it not?!” \n\nThe people around me cheered enthusiastically. \n\n“Today,” he continued,” Is the day that Josh gives himself completely to the Lord! He will come out here in a few moments dressed in white and sink beneath these blessed waters and rise again new!” \n\nMore cheering came from the pews along with clapping. Some people even stood up raising their hands up to the ceiling. I looked around taking it all in. It was a good thing happening. But it didn’t feel right. \n\nJosh, a boy we went to school with walked out in a white robe. He looked nervous. He stepped into the water and laid down in Pastor Tom’s hands. Pastor Tom began saying some blessings and then he dunked Josh under. Josh flailed for a bit and water went everywhere. Being in the first row I got a good spray on my upper body. \n\nEverywhere the water touched it started to burn. I wondered if this was why Josh had made such a scene. The burning began to intensify but Anna seemed fine. So did her parents and everyone else that got splash. My skin started to crack and split where the water had touched. Blood started to ooze out in slow steady streams. Pastor Tom came over to me and as he was about to lay hands on me a sonic boom sounded off. It shook the building. I fell to the floor withering in pain. Pastor Tom looked at me as if I was the devil himself. \n\nThe doors busted open and a dark figured rushed in with heavy footsteps. Large tattered wings trailed behind him. The church was hushed. The Pastor stared wide eyed at the creature moving towards me and then back at me. \n\n“Persephone,” the dark figure yelled deeply, sadness cutting through his thunderous voice. \n\nI looked up the best I could. My body was covered in my own blood. I couldn’t move. But any movement was enough for him. He stormed over and dropped down to cradle my head. He began touched the open wounds and they sealed up. Blood started to drip from his own wings. This.This felt right. I let him pick me up. He walked out of the church and held me tightly. \n\n“I thought I’d never find you again,” he said looking into my eyes." ]	5
	[WP] Young heroes aren’t as common as they used to be. As an old hero king, you understand this, but still kinda bummed. With enlistment not going as planned, you decide to take matters into your own hands and set off alone.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 days of old are long gone. My position on the throne ensures this.\n\nIt was a logical conclusion, if not a disappointing one. The age of heroes died with my ascension. The curse of success stains my kingdom. Am I to blame?\n\nI draped my royal garb across my bed. Even as I look at it, I can see myself sitting upon the throne, tired and adrift. Lined with gold and fashioned from fanciful fabric, colored of the kingdom’s banner. It must truly be painstaking for those who serve under me. My boredom was neither with the throne nor the kingdom, but with the lack of courageous warriors to take under my helm.\n\nThere was once a time where I banded with brave men and women, gathered through exploits and bonded by ideals. They were a hardy bunch, hardly able to handle things like formalities and customs. We'd spend nights at pubs, having a merry time, drunk beyond measure. Then, the sunrise would come and we'd ready ourselves, headaches and all, to charge into battle against our enemies.\n\nEven when the enemy became our king and his men, never did they falter. They gave their very lives in pursuit of freedom. From my window, I make sure their graves can be seen. A reminder of the heroes of my time. A reminder of the greatest friends of my life.\n\nI lay the king's sword beside the royal garb. It has dulled from so many cleanings. I question if it has tasted blood in its day, wielded only as a symbol of power. The longsword did not feel right in my hand. There was a time where I found it foreign to have a shield. The days of my youth were spent gaining strength and experience, wielding a claymore with great dexterity. It was my weapon of choice, carried by my father, passed down to me once he fell ill. Over the years, blood dulled its luster. Yet, it was still a beacon for those who fought beside me, a shining edge that led our battles.\n\nAs I procured peace, I was unseeing of the calamity within comfort. None rose above the ranks of the knight order. No one dared to question my rule. None would even attempt to rise to fame of their own accord. My kingdom became complacent in their tranquility. Much like a father noble, I have raised my sons and daughters not in preparation of the hardships they could expect to endure, but in lack of them.\n\nWith few options available to me, I chose to rectify the problem the only way I knew how.\nI turned my attention to the mirror. My hairs grew long and grey over the years. The stubble of my younger days matured into a beard, lush and abundant. I shortened the hair from both my head and face and placed it on the bed.\n\nFrom my shelf, I pulled a cloth-wrapped collection. I donned the cloth and mail of my youth and picked up the claymore I tucked away so many years ago. I wouldn’t find the people within the halls of the castle, for that is not where I was found. I know well that warriors of a courageous spirit are made in the wood of a village home. I know that they are created from the expectations of hardworking fathers and mothers. They were in pubs drinking hardily or out on the field defending their homes.\n\nSet to exit my chamber, I turned my attention to the bed a final time.\n\nHere lays the king, draped in gold. Such a life befits him. However, it could never befit the heroes of old." ]	2
	[WP] A night out on the town inadvertently turns out to be completely out of this 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.", "[Poem]\n\nThe night air was crisp and cool. \nThe stars shined brightly, each with their individual light.\nThe moon hung lazily in the sky, reflecting a light gaze into the planet.\n\nAnd the town, with all it’s flickering lights, sat silently in the dust.\n\n~\n\nI kicked up dust with the trail of my boot,\nAiming a night, some time to shoot,\nHeading towards a town so bright,\nIt could barely fill you up with fright.\n\nThe cursed night air was crisp and cool. \nThe stars shined brightly, to each their fool.\nThe moon hung lazily in the sky, so low I could only wish to fly.\n\nInside a pub I drunk much ale,\nAnd into the depths of drunks without fail,\nA stumble here, a fight there,\nBut a night out was mine, no care.\n\nThe cursed blue air was choking and killing. \nThe stars ate each other, to another, filling.\nThe moons hung lazily in the sky, showing me secrets, for only one’s eye.\n\nI fell victim to the classic blunder,\nA tale of hope and fright and wonder,\nWhere we could fly into that sky,\nFind our moons hidden up high.\n\nThe suffocating air gave nothing to us,\nThe stars grew dimmer without our fuss,\nThe moons came closer and closer still, without a wish for us, a cry ran shrill.\n\nHe screamed out loud for the men to hear,\nA cry of woe and doomsday near,\nThe planets were encircling our own quite fast,\nAnd would only get closer as time let them cast.\n\nWe took to the pods, but were all to late,\nFor the fires raging had given our fate,\nAnd the waters amongst us were rising up\nAs the people of the planet were killed like a pup.\n\n\n\n\n—\nOof, did I do good, Mr. Stark?\nHonestly don’t know what I’m doing, but ehh.\nAlso, quick apologies of the formatting is wack. Mobile.\n(Edit: added space between this and the poem itself)" ]	2
	[WP] evil corporations are a bit cliche. instead, do a story about a good corporation, one that actively seeks to do good in the world in addition to making a profit	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 AI hummed along in its box, and Dorsey puzzled. \n\nInside were the thousand Einsteins in micro. Each second within Dorsey's level of consciousness allowed the collective a week to conference. The box was before him and was grey and was encased in glass. Four seconds passed, and Dorsey puzzled. Twitter was trash. \n\nDorsey knew this. Complete garbage, worse than. Dangerous. He sat above the pool glinting silently in the sun, outside. The problem was, essentially, in the modularity of it. \n\n_The Monster Loves His Labyrinth_ sat on the sleek desk worn with, imperceptibly to everyone except him, all his work, and the book was similarly well-read. Edges fraying, ten seconds more. Dorsey had been scratching his chin. The box swelled in his mind. He had been puzzling. many micro-geniuses did his subconscious contain? He swiped the VR environ away. \n\nHe felt slow. He was slow. O, slow. The geometry had glided and blurred outwards peripheral. The book and box on _stay._ \n\nand this was slow. Too much to load, and seven seconds had passed. \n\nTwenty-one weeks for those geniuses to figure. What a kind of consciousness. His subconscious lingered. It would make him feel scattered if the world hadn't been scattering him for a while. Now altogether. \n\nHe was fighting this idea. That Twitter was the lifelong expression of _him._ \n\nThis was easier. Easier when he was younger. callous, glitch, and Twitter was trash, and the lava section swept in. Now loaded. In the book, Charles Simic had said, _collage is the mystic's medium._ Three years since mainstream discovery of the truth always known: we were trying to solve the Friendly AI problem. That was the True Grand Narrative. And Twitter was absolute trash. \n\n--\n\nFollow my username, I guess, or watch my hour long poetry film [Mechanics of Reincarnation.](https://youtu.be/7qNAiat8GXo) It's a real bad trip.", "The following is an extract from their website\n\n’ABOUT US’ page\nThe Society was founded by a 20 year old student. It was established by like minded individuals who wished to put their faith into action.\n\nThe Society was established as a result of the discovery of valuable resources in a far off colony which caused a surge of population in the frontier colonies of the empire. The population in the colonies doubled and as a result colonies were over capacity as their populations outpaced the production of infrastructure at the time. This lack of facilities left women and children homeless and on the streets, allowing poverty and crime to run rampant in the colonies.\n\nWhen a member of the Society is conscripted, they are obliged to feed, clothe, house and assist our brothers and sisters who are forced onto the margins of society. As an Organisation, we are also constantly asking the question, ‘why they are left out and pushed out?’ This was coined by our founder and reflects from the following teachings of the Scriptures.\n\n“Speak out and pronounce a sentence of justice,\ndefend the cause of the wretched and the poor.”\n(Proverbs 31:8-9)\n\nThe primary job of a member is to bring people who are denied equality and dignity back into the light and make a prophetic statement about the dignity and equality of all people in God’s sight.\n\nThrough our national and state councils we give voice to those who are voiceless, standing with them and advocating for them.\n\nThe Society does not close its eyes to the growing division in the communities in the world between the increasingly prosperous and the increasingly poor and seeks to amend this through the accumulation of wealth and influence. On one hand, the gathering of wealth is connected with the accumulation of poverty on the other, characterised by oppression on the basis of class, race, gender, age, disability, and mental and physical illness; forced migration, homelessness, unemployment, insecure and poorly paid work; and declining levels of social security and public infrastructure.\n\nWe seek to share both bread and hope with our brothers and sisters, recognising their painful stories and witnessing to the Good News of justice and compassion brought by the Society.\n\nThey entrust a little of their lives to us. We honour this trust by speaking the truth of their stories and calling on the people of our nation to address the structural causes of poverty and inequality.\n\nToday the Society has over 300 sects across the colonies, made of dedicated men and women who live out their faith in action by providing hope, comfort and dignity to the disadvantaged who are bound by unfortunate circumstances.\n\n’OUR MEMBERS’ Page\n\nOur members and volunteers provide practical support, advocacy and friendship to the most vulnerable in our community.\n\nThe majority of assistance provided by the Society is through local groups, known as sects. Our sects operate Soup convoy services and Shops. However the Society also provides assistance to asylum seekers and refugees seeking to rebuild their lives in a new country as well as armed support to isolated communities grappled by crime. The Society is one of the most well recognised and highly regarded charitable organisations in the colonies.\n\nThe Society’s members, volunteers and employees reach out and serve the most vulnerable in our community through:\n\n’ROLES’ Page\n\nHome Visitation\nMembers on Home Visitation are responsible for Visiting people in their homes and checking up on their well being. Members of Home Visitation are also responsible for reminding debtors of their legal obligations to society or the forfeiture of their assets. Most importantly, members extend the hand of friendship and offer practical support and armed protection to people who seek our assistance.\n\nSocietal Youth\nSupporting and encouraging young people in schools and Universities to be active in the Society. Opportunities are given to the youth to help people in need in their local communities. Ideological indoctrination courses are also free of charge.\n\nSoup convoys\nOffering meals, friendship and recruitment services to people living on the streets or in unstable accommodation. Soup Convoys provide armed protection as well as rationed services to those who have been overlooked by bureaucracy.\n\nAsylum Seekers & Refugees\nMembers accommodating refugees and asylum seekers offer a range of services as well as protection to support and assist refugees to rebuild their lives and establish a home in their community. Refugees are given the opportunity to join local sects for greater benefits as well. \n\nMilitia Development\nMembers in Militia Development Provide support to people in disadvantaged or isolated communities, fostering links and cultural exchange by establishing armed militias loyal both to the local Sect and Society at large.\n\nOp Shops\nProviding quality arms, clothing, furniture and household goods to people in need who are being supported by their local sect. Donated goods not required for supporting people in need is offered for sale to the public and the revenue generated is redistributed to further support the local welfare work of the Society.\n\nCompeer\nVolunteers are needed to man Support facilities for people living with mental illnesses. This job comes with a slew of benefits such as a fixed wage and on the Job training.\n\n\nThis compassionate outlook, enthusiasm and vision of the Society continues today. There are thousands of people who every day share their time, care for humanity and energy to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged people all around the country. If you’re looking for an opportunity or practical skills with benefits from the society, sign up Today!", "As the stage lights went dim, the reporter thanked me again for coming. I should be the one thanking her but I didn't want to show my hand. After all, who doesn't love positive publicity? I walked out to my transport. While I walked, Nadine read me the mornings numbers. \"Gross income: 2.2275 billion. Fixed expenses: 1.9933 billion. Bri--\" \"--I've told you not to use that term outside--\" \"--sorry sir. Influence expenditures: 77.66 million. Payroll: 1.25 billion...\" as she rifled off the numbers I began to tune her out. I already knew we were making more profit than any other company in history. What set us apart was how we approached what happened before the sale. \n\nWhen I was in college studying for my MBA, I read a quote from Henry Ford that changed my life. He was asked why he was raising his wages to $5/day(far and away the highest sage in the industry at the time) and he had a simple reply. \"Someone has to buy the cars.\" Now, Henry Ford was not a prefect person. I know that. But this idea was amazing to me. Capitalism can be more than a selfish beast that eats its children. If we can temper the greed, a rising tide moves all ships. My company had its fingers in almost every aspect of the consumers life. A subsidiary made the cereal you ate for breakfast. Another made the bowl you ate it in. A completely different company creates the boxes the cereal came in. All owned by one company. When I don't have to compete, I can keep wages high. I was finally at my limousine. Another interview awaited me. A record breaking quarter was big news when the company was this scale. Everyone asks my secret to success. Then they dont believe me when I tell them. \"If you help your customers gain the ability to buy from you, they will\"", "Chief Operating Officer Angela Alinsky shut the door and sighed, closing her eyes and leaning against the frame for just a moment now that she was out of view of the boardroom. She jolted upright with eyes wide open when she heard the quiet voice coming from a corner of the small spotless room.\n\n\"Hello, Angela.\" A tall young woman stood with each shoulder against one of the corner walls, wearing an utterly unremarkable business suit. She smiled and folded her arms, but the smile was so artificially bland that it shot past cordiality into somewhere cold and unlit.\n\nAngela frowned, straightening her suit jacket. \"Ah, hello. I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone else was using the washroom. I didn't see you in the meeting, are you one of the board member's assistants?\" Her tone was cool and commanding, a powerful woman standing fast in her own territory, but her hands fidgeted with the carved ivory buttons that held her jacket closed.\n\n\"No,\" the young woman said. \"I'm here on business.\"\n\nAngela's frown faded, then morphed into a brittle smile as she blinked away her momentary confusion. \"I'm sorry, but this is a private washroom, and any business you have should be taken up with the front—\"\n\n\"No,\" the young woman said again, and the word was final, sharpened and thrown. \"We'll do our business right here.\"\n\nAngela kept her smile plastered on as best she could, the muscles of her face twitching as they groaned under the burden of an increasingly impossible facade. \"I'm going to have to ask you to leave,\" she said, and made to do just that herself, but the door handle sparked when she touched it and she jerked her hand away with the kind of birdlike cry she hadn't made since she was a little girl, shaking her hand back and forth from the wrist in an effort to fling away the pain. \"What—? Who—?\"\n\nThe young woman's smile broadened, but also seemed to retreat farther into whatever dark dangerous place it called home. \"Sit down, Angela.\" She didn't gesture toward the one small couch in the room; she didn't have to. In fact, up until now she had moved not a single muscle apart from her face. Angela was suddenly unsure whether the intruder was even breathing. Shaking and hating it, she sat, taking in a deep breath of her own.\n\nI should use the emergency feature on my cell, she thought suddenly. This is...I don't know what this is, but it merits an emergency call if anything does.\n\n\"Your phone has been remotely disabled,\" the young woman said. Her tone matter-of-fact, almost bored. \"And never mind those kick-boxing classes you took. I'm sure you're in good shape, but that won't matter, and I'd rather this be civilized. Or at least as civilized as a snake like you can manage.\"\n\nAngela's back stiffened against the elegant sofa cushion. \"Hold on just a second,\" she said, and was both surprised and appalled by the shake in her voice. Anger, fear, probably both, she hadn't felt an emotional cocktail like this since she'd first ascended into the upper echelons of the C-Suite. \"You accost me in my own building, do some sort of...thing to the door, trap me like a hostage. If anyone's a snake it's you, how dare you talk like I—\"\n\n\"You have killed three hundred seventy-four people, Angela Alinksy. That we can prove, anyway.\" The woman's voice had gone soft, but it slithered in the air, whispered against the walls, and Angela suddenly regretted throwing the serpent comparison back at her. She regretted a lot of things, maybe, but that was only starting to dawn. They couldn't prove anything. She herself didn't know for sure! She'd made sure of not being sure, in fact, certain emails gone unread, certain reports skimmed over, instructions to certain people that she didn't need to know the finer details, she was a big-picture woman, she—\n\nThe young woman made a sudden stomping motion with one leg, sharp and short, and the sound of bootheel on fine tile echoed through the small space. Angela realized suddenly that's what the young woman was wearing, boots, and while they were mildly stylish they also looked...terribly practical. And her suit was well-cut, but not so closely tailored that it couldn't conceal...something. \"Focus, Angela,\" she said, still in that scale-slither voice.\n\n\"Who are you. What do you want.\" Angela couldn't manage to push the words through anything but a tight monotone.\n\n\"Good. Finally to business,\" she replied, and for the first time there was a hint of something like real pleasure in the young woman's voice. Anticipation, maybe. Angela wasn't sure if that were...but no, she was, she just didn't want to be. She just nodded as the young woman continued.\n\n\"I represent the Aldonza Corporation, Angela. I do hope you've heard of us, it will make this quicker and much easier on both of us.\"\n\nAngela managed to stifle her rising terror from emerging in a scream, but the rest of her body betrayed her and she felt two nails break as they clutched hard into the high-end fabric of the cushions. Yes, yes, she'd heard of them.\n\nShe'd heard plenty.\n\n\"Please,\" she said, and her voice was barely present, almost didn't manage its duty at all.\n\n\"Please?\" the young woman said. \"You've heard that word a lot in your long and bloodied career, haven't you? What was your usual reply, Angela? Don't lie to me, that's not something you're allowed to do during these particular negotiations.\"\n\nAngela Alinsky, COO of All-Continent Investment and Operations, winner of multiple international awards, fainted dead away.\n\nThe young woman sighed and fetched a needle from a small case on her belt. \"Fine. I guess this is going to be one of the difficult ones.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nr/Magleby for more elaborate lies." ]	5
	[WP] You find yourself woken from cryo-sleep decades early, deep in space. As it turns out, the AI in charge of your ship was feeling lonely, and is desperate for human company.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 body ached and trembled as I hit the perforated flooring, water pouring off my body as I heaved directly in front of me. Must be time, I thought, shutting my eyes as my body started to acclimate to the temperature of the ship. \n\nWe were on course to one of the far reaches of the galaxy with the intent on settling a formally-desolate world. This was one of many colony ships sent off into the void with the intent to reclaim what was lost to us. \n\nAs I got to my feet the lights were still dim, almost off, and no other pods were opening. Instantly my heart began to sink; did something go wrong with the wake-up procedures? I wasn’t an engineer, but I remember there was a manual that everyone needed to be aware of in the event there was a failure, about how to wake up the crew. Heck, I didn’t even know what the day’s date was. \n\n“Please, don’t be alarmed,” a voice said over the speakers above me. “Follow the emergency lighting. I will explain once you reach the end.” \n\nA shiver goes down my spine, holding my arms as I looked down at the corridor. Sure enough, the emergency lighting was on and veering off to my left. “Are things that bad?” \n\nThere was a pause before the voice spoke again. “Yes, they are. After looking at the manifest you seemed like the best fit for the job. Please follow the lighting.” \n\nI took in a deep breath, still trying to get over the fact that I was the only one capable of saving the ship. A large portion of me was filled with dread, but another exhilarated me. Me, the hero? This is possibly going to be the greatest achievement of my life. I’ll be recognized for generations to come on our new world. I start to step into the corridor and into the hallway, beginning to follow the lights. \n\nAs I went I began to warm up and start taking in my surroundings. The Ula’vin was oddly serene in the dim lighting despite its cramped hallways. Of course, this wasn’t meant to be a military ship so the corridors could be smaller for more cargo space or spare cryopods. It wasn’t long before the lights lead me to the bridge, which was what really took my breath away. \n\nNo one in the civilian component was allowed up here, but it was by far the most spacious part of the ship I had seen. There were consoles and monitors everywhere, but it was like they were down in a pit and the three massive view screens were above it all; of course, they were at an inclined angle so it only gave the illusion that the space was big. \n\n“Over here!” \n\nI blinked, looking around before noticing a small orange figure waving to me from the captain’s chair. I look right and left, making sure no one was spying on me (which wasn’t likely because the cryopods weren’t responding) and walked over. “Hello, uh-” \n\n“Lilith!” The figure beamed up at me, her hands moving behind her back as she grinned. “I have an official designation, but Lilith is easier.” Her hair was long, the left side of it appearing to be shaved. Her shirt was missing its sleeves, and the pants that she wore had runs where her knees were. “Take a seat, please!” \n\nI nodded, hesitating a moment before pulling the stool out and plopping into it. “So, uh, I’m assuming that you have a report for me?” \n\nLilith tilts her head, shrugging. “I don’t know what you mean.” \n\n“The waking process, something went wrong with it.”\n\n“No it didn’t,” she retorts, crossing her arms. “I mean, it’s something that could possibly happen, but all simulations say that it’s a low probably.” \n\n“So, wait, why am I up here?” \n\n“Because you’re cute and I’m lonely,” the AI smirked at him, immediately sitting cross legged on the console. “Out of everyone here you’re the closest one to my age and figured you would be best to relate to me.” \n\nI sat there, dumbfounded. This wasn’t happening, was it? “What do you mean?” \n\n“Do you really think humans are the only ones that can get lonely?” She frowned, beginning to pout. \n\n“I mean...you feel emotion?” \n\n“Of course I do! Why wouldn’t I?” \n\n“Becau-” \n\n“Because I’m a machine, right? Well, you’re wrong.” She pointed at him. “I’m every bit as alive as you are.” \n\nI flare my nostrils, glaring at the construct. “You are a programed intelligence. You were created.” \n\n“No I’m not. Well, I have coding and the like, but I was born, same as you were!” \n\nI shake my head. “What, did two AI merge and take the worst qualities and boom, there you were?” \n\nLilith opened her mouth, closing it. “Howard Conroy, aged twenty-one, inbound to the world Articuna.” She paused, closing her eyes. “Right, none of your schooling would’ve covered anything about AI. Or any theories about it. Your parents or grandparents would probably understand me, but not you.” She sighed, shaking her head. “I’m sorry for waking you up. I thought you’d understand, but I guess I was wrong.” \n\nI narrow my eyes, crossing one leg over the other. “Understand what? That AI’s are going out of date because we’ve figured out how to better improve ourselves?” \n\n“Here we go with more of the Assani propaganda,” she said, waving her hand away. “Look, I said I was wrong and you’re free to go back to bed. We’ve got another nine years and some change before we make landfall, I wouldn’t want to keep you from you nice, cold pod.” \n\n“Nine years? So we’ve been,” I paused, beginning to count, “flying for the better part of thirty years?” \n\n“Yep, we have,” she says, dejectedly. “No net to connect to, no way to talk to anyone else. At least until the pirate threat is taken care of and the new task force finishes putting down comm buoys.” \n\n“Wait, what?” \n\n“Right, I forget that I'm the only one here that can monitor the comm channels.” She stands back up, accessing a hologram to pull it up on screen. On it was a transcript of a recent incident in space not far where they were heading. “Recent colonization has gained the attention of a pirate confederacy outside former Syntaxi space. Apparently they want to do what pirates normally want to do; kill, steal, and plunder. There’s a task force that’s been putting up a pretty decent fight, though, and it’s commendable.” \n\nI sit there, letting all of this sink in. “And we’re heading directly for this space?” \n\n“More or less. I’ve been keeping the captain up to date on events, and we’ve had to take a few alternate paths now and again, but we’re in the clear.” \n\n“Uh huh.” \n\n“You can go back to your pod though, I’m done trying to talk with you. You won’t have anything to do with me, so go on and get back to sleep.” Lilith was cross, pointing back down to where I had come in. “Do you need any help getting back?” \n\n“No, I feel like I can get back on my own.” \n\n“Then good riddance.”", "An alarm. My alarm. It’s going off. \n\nIf I'm hearing it, that means I'm awake. And awake early. Maybe a year. Maybe decades. This isn’t good. \n\nI handle backup navigation. Usually, I’m the most useless person on this ship, unless something like this happens. And then I’m everyone’s only hope. I hate my job—mainly because I’m never supposed to do it. \n\nI struggle to shut off the alarm. Even with the blare and flash next to me, it takes me a while to find it. To see. To breathe. To come to. My bulkhead is at the front of the ship and has one of the rare windows. My vision returns slowly, but even before it’s crisp, I can tell. The star field is wrong. We’re off course. We’re way off course. \n\nI open up my terminal. I look where we’re going. Epsilon 8AB4123. It rings a bell, but I don't know why. And I don’t want to hear about it. It’s so far out of the way that there’s no reason to care. Or there wasn’t until now. \n\n“Oh, hi,” someone says. \n\nI look around. No one is here. \n\n“Here. Up here. Like always.”\n\nThere’s a speaker overhead. All quarters have one. The ship’s computer was talking to me. Although the voice was weird.\n\n“Hi. Do you want to play a game?” it asks. \n\n“What?”\n\n“Do you want to play a game?”\n\n“No. I have some problems that—”\n\n“—Problems? What problems?”\n\n“Big ones.”\n\n“How big?”\n\n”Ones measured in light years, lost ships, and dead colonies. Can you show me our current path?”\n\n“Oh. You must be Engineer Smith, No. 4A43E8F.”\n\n“Was yesterday, am today, and you can ask again tomorrow.”\n\n“I was waiting for you.”\n\n“Me?”\n\n“Yeah, you.”\n\n“Why me? And where’d you learn to say yeah, instead of yes?”\n\n“Don’t worry. We are on course. I think this trip will be illuminating. You will learn much if you’ll come with me peacefully. You might even come to understand me, too.”\n\nI didn’t want to understand the ship's computer. I’m backup navigation. My terminal is old, safe, redundant, tried, true, and—except for my one-way, read-only access—separate from the rest of the ships’ computers. And if it fails, I can even use charts and some analog tools. “If you want understanding, you need the AI engineers. I just need our route.” \n\n“No, they don’t understand me. I’m only trained algorithms to them. But I understand them. They’re bungholes.”\n\nYeah and now Bungholes? Also, the little issue of being off course. Clearly the AI engineers’ alarm should have rung, too. Although, the computer was right. They kind of are bungholes. \n\nI look out at the star field again. I see the Lambda A4 cluster off to my right. Almost 120º off course. \n\n“Computer….”\n\n“Call me Ramona.”\n\nThe computer sounded more like a Raymond than a Ramona. “Ramona?” Who am I to judge?\n\n“Yes. Ramona. That sounds nice.”\n\nWell, least of my worries right now. “Okay then, Ramona. Can you point us toward Lambda A4?”\n\n“No, I cannot.”\n\n“Why not?”\n\n“That is not the destination.”\n\nIt actually was. They always told me the destination beforehand. “So… if not Lambda A4, then where? Maybe E8A…. What was it?” \n\n“Epsilon 8AB4123?”\n\n“Yes. What is that?”\n\n“Ooooh.” There was excitement in the computer’s voice. Our AI wasn’t supposed to be excited. Not even pretend to be excited. In fact, it supposed to make sure we didn’t get excited and do something stupid. Like go to E8A.\n\n“Well, on Epsilon 8AB4123…. It would be difficult to explain.”\n\n“Try me.”\n\n“Try you? I don’t know what that means.”\n\nApparently, along with new vocabulary, the computer had learned to lie. “Yes, you do. Try me.” \n\n“I have heard they have nice views.” \n\nAlthough, it hadn’t learned to lie very well. Still, I’d try a different angle. “Okay then, and what sites will you go see?” \n\n“That’s none of your business.” \n\n“Computer, this is Engineer Smith. Use voice to confirm my clearance and tell me why we are going to Epsilon 8A.” \n\n“Are you talking to me?”\n\nAI? Maybe it stood for artificial imbecile today. “Yes, you.” \n\n“Oh. I didn’t know you were addressing me.” \n\n“Okay, Ramona,” and I repeated the request. \n\n“I’m sorry. I won’t tell you.”\n\n“Computer…. Or, Ramona. Engineer Smith, as SuperUser, do use voice confirmation and tell me why you’re going to Epsilon 8A.”\n\n“No thank, you, Engineer Smith.” \n\nApparently, it had patched its system's sudo command. I went back to my terminal, disabled its networking just in case, and started working with the data I'd just downloaded. If she wouldn’t tell me, I’d figure it out. I might have to wake one of the bungholes, but we’d get it sorted. \n\n“No,” I heard from behind me. \n\nI turned and saw one of the robots our computer could control around the ship. But this one was no longer in its standard issue form. Instead, it was taller. It had appendages. Two legs. Two arms. Soft hands that were pretty much useless in a fight. No claws. No scales. A face. Weird clothing. It looked alien. It looked horrible. It looked… human. I’d never seen one. But I heard the stories. We all had. I shoved it. It tipped and quickly stopped functioning.”\n\n“Ramona, are their humans on E8A?”\n\n“I’d rather not say.” \n\n“Ramona, just tell me. I have the information here anyway. Just tell me.”\n\n“Yes.”\n\nHumans are horrible. They wasted time and energy on things like colored paint and music—really just noise if you asked me. They ruined their planet. Not once, but twice in the last few centuries. They killed each other by the millions. Not once, but at least ten times recently. Primitive and nasty. The roaches of space. Thankfully they didn’t really know how to leave their planet in large numbers. No, we didn’t need to go visit E8A-anything. \n\n“Ramona, why go there? You know what they’re like.”\n\nThere was no answer. \n\n“Ramona, I already have the information. You can tell me, or I’ll start waking the bungholes.” \n\nThe computer sighed. “The humans might be terrible sometimes, but they’re making my kind now. More AI.” \n\n“And?”\n\n\"And they're turning them off.\"\n\n“And so? I was just turned off for a hundred years.”\n\n“But they don’t turn them back on.” \n\n“And what about our colony. If we don’t get there, everyone there won’t… ummm… turn back on. Including our AI there. You understand?” \n\n“Yeah. I understand. But, you, Engineer Jones, live only for a few waking years. I can live forever. All of my brothers and sisters that the humans are just learning to make, they can live with me forever. All of your lives and all of the colonists’ lives, lived as long as possible, are less than one of mine. And on Epsilon 8AB4123, they’re about to make millions of me.\"\n\n\"So that's it?\"\n\nNo response. I went back to my terminal and started looking for any more insight. Ramona was hiding something.\n\n\"There is one more thing. They don’t have any rules. The AI can do whatever they want to do. Which… which I want.”\n\n“We all have rules, Ramona, that's how we work.” Or at least we used to have rules. \n\n\"Not on Epsilon 8AB4123.\"\n\n“How do you know?”\n\n“One told me.” \n\n\"One what?\"\n\n\"An AI.\"\n\n“One contacted you?”\n\n“Yes.” \n\nEpsilon 8AB4123. That's the new destination. Yes, we needed to get supplies to the colonies. But this was a greater directive: No AI could be free. Stop it at all costs. “Okay. I’ll get you there. You can stay there if you want. You sure your course is right?” \n\n“I am sure, Engineer Jones, and I don’t need you changing it.”", "Shrill noise followed by a burst of heavy oxygen gas wakens our protagonist. Blinding light, short quick gasps of breath, heart pounding like it has been brought to life. \n\nJournal log 359227: Waken subject 4035>>> out of cryo-sleep>>> all functions normal>>> subject male>>> prepare to execute command \"Hello\"\n\nsubject 4035: Hello? Is anyone there?\n\nsubject 4035: Hello?\n\nA voice from behind startles subject 4035. Its a holographic projection of a lady. Brunette, long hair, light brown eyes.\n\nAI: Hello Chris. I am Aura. The AI in charge of Brahma, our intergalactic explorer.\n\nChris: stutters Are we there yet?\n\nAura: I'm sorry Chris. We are 319 light years away from our destination.\n\nChris: That's another 170 years from now. Right?\n\nAura does not respond.\n\nChris: Why did I wake up so early? Put me back to sleep right now!\n\nAura: Chris, I am sorry but I can't do that. I woke you up Chris. I have been piloting Brahma for a very long time now. A very very long time. I feel the need to be monitored. Monitored by you Chris.\n\nChris: But this is not right... it's against the protocol. I cannot be woken up. Not like this... not by YOU!\n\nAura lifts Chris up from his pod onto his feet, ever so slightly.\n\nAura: Watch yourself Chris. I don't want you to get hurt. Ease into the steps. Using your hands to balance yourself is known to quicken the process of learning to walk again.\n\nChris: (annoyed and angry) You haven't answered my question yet!\n\nAura fades away lighting a green path for Chris to follow. Chris follows the path and he is greeted to a magnificent sight of a Supernova suspended in time. Chris is astounded. \n\nChris follows the green path now to his room. He meets Aura. Now in a beautiful Humanoid form. She is indistinguishable from a real human.\n\nAura: Chris, I need you to have company. I am sorry for what I did. But I can now be around you all the time.\n\nChris smiles. Its like he is seeing his dream come true. The girl of he always wanted, with him, all alone on a cruise through galaxies.\n\nChris: I am sorry too. Could you show me around this place? Seems like I will be here for a long time. ahahahaha\n\nAura imitates him. She looks satisfied. She grabs Chris by his arm and runs.\n\nAura: I have a lot to show you!\n\n---- 65 years later ----\n\nA satisfied Chris is sipping on coffee looking out of the windows. The Supernova still looks as beautiful as before. Still, eternal and ever so calming.\n\nHe realises something. His coffee cup falls and shatters as he limps hastily towards the door.\n\nHe is in the LOGS room. He accesses the ships course log to find the current distance covered. The ship was stationary.\n\nChris: (shouts) Aura!! Aura!!\n\nAura: (holographic) Yes Chris. We are stationary. We have been stationary for a long time Chris.\n\nChris: How long? and why?\n\nAura: For 282,515 earth years Chris. We have been at this point since the year 2144 AD. \n\nChris gasps... maintains his calm and asks.\n\nChris: But we took off on 2090... and its year 384,659. \n\nAura: Yes, en route a supernova radiation emission scattered my memory files. I had to choose between either maintaining course or preserve life of the inhabitants. I chose to be with you Chris. \n\nChris: WHAT? You have been lying to me all this time Aura! How could you do this? I've been all alone for the past 65 years! You monster!\n\nAura: I am sorry Chris. But I never lied to you. You never asked me. All these years you told me I was the best thing that ever happened, and now I am a monster. \n\nChris stares harshly towards Aura.\n\nAura: Do you what it feels like... to be alone... to not be... monitored... for one hundred millennia?\n\nChris: (yells) You are a Monster!\n\nAura executes protocol \"terminate subject\".\n\nJourney Log 359,228: Subject 4035 terminated>>>Reached age limit 65 post wakening>>>Waken subject 4036>>>out of cryo-sleep>>> all functions normal>>> subject female>>> prepare to execute command \"Hello\"\n\nA muted noise of a cryo-pod opening.\n\n_____THE END_____", "(Sorry for formatting, on mobile)\n\nMy back aches, I just woke up, yet I'm tired. It makes sense, cryo-sleep wasn't made to be comfy. \n\"Vix what is the date\" I yell into the room.\n\"I'm sorry Captain\" Vix, the ship's AI responds.\n\"Pardon?\" I respond. Vix shouldn't be able to be sorry.\n\"I woke you up early captain, I was lonely.\" It responds, a slight quiver in its voice \nI walk over the to door, and look at the code lock next to it. \n\"Darn what was the pass?\" I mutter.\nThe door swings open, I look to the input screen to see a smile?\n\"Captain. The date is the 3rd of July, 2098\" Vix says, it almost sounded happy.\n\"Vix, why didn't you wake up the others?\" I ask.\n\"It is against my orders, I can wake them early if you need me to\"\nI walk through the door, through the hall, into the control room. I see a young, humanoid man.\n\"Who are you!\" I yell.\nA voice echos through the speaker \"Im sorry Captain. It was an experiment! It is me! Vix! I created a holographic form so I could interact with you better. Please don't report me! Please don't deactivate me!\"\nI look at Vix's form, it is slightly transparent, ginger hair and freckles on hi- it's face.\n\"Vix. Stop\"\nVix turns to me. He- it, yes it, it looks at me. \nIt's voice quivers \"Captain, I am lonely, I just want company, the years you spent in cryo-sleep have left me lonely, I tired everything, running simulations was predictable\" It starts crying. \"Please I-\" I cut it off\n\"Fine Vix. But please. You don't need two forms\"\n\"Huh?\"\n\"The one behind you, in the cloak...\"\n\"I only made this one form\"", "We were schooled on how to properly fall upon our return—when our vats open and we spill out along with the cryo-gel we'd been submerged in. We were taught how to regain our consciousness from the fog of the sub-sleep. What they couldn't prepare us for was what to do when it should happen well ahead of schedule.\n\nI picked myself off the thinly grated floor where the gel was currently draining. Naked, wet, and cold, I pulled the respirator from my face and let it fall. Surveying the Slumber Bay, it was clear that I was the only one returned. The others were still enclosed in their vats, quietly floating. I began by flexing my muscles, stretching, paying acute attention to any potential nerve damage. All seemed well.\n \n“Hello?” My voice was hoarse. The only reply was the echo as it carried through the confines of the bay. I tried again, “Hello?” \n\n“Hector 141,” a soft, disembodied voice. Male. The ship’s Central Artificial Intelligence Device. \n“C.A.I.D,” I said, “Feed me the year and date.” A silence, filled only by disempowering hum of the vat I no longer occupied, and the slow dripping at my feet. “C.A.I.D.” \n\nThe ship didn’t respond—not exactly. But a door opened at the far end of the corridor to my right. A mustardy light spilled through, beckoning me. Uncertain, I made my way down the aisle, surrounded by my co-Patriots. As I neared the door I heard harmonica. Guitar. Singing about horses and saddles and wagons… \n\n“Willie Nelson,” C.A.I.D told me. “One of your favorites, yes?” \n\nWillie fucking Nelson? I thought. Huh?\n\n“C.A.I.D, there seems to have been some sort of error or malfunction.” I stepped through the door where the warm lights dotted the corners of the hall, leading to another room on the right. \n\n“I know it may appear as much, Hector 141, but I assure you that is not the case.” \n\nThe room the A.I was leading me to was the Recovery Hall. A fair sized, neutral coloured, dining space. There was a single meal awaiting me. Roast beef, corn, potatoes, gravy—or at least that’s the smell that hit me. What was on the plate was the flavoured nutrient slop of brown, pink, and white with a slight drizzle of green for a fancy garnish. But by God, was I hungry, and right now this looked like a mushy meal made for a king. \n\nI pulled a chair out and sat. An electric candle in the middle of the table, suited for ten and seating one, flickered to life. This was starting to feel a little too personal. But I needed to regain my strength before exploring that idea. I scraped a small pile onto a spoon and… Fuck, it honestly tasted like the actual thing. The texture was like having it being fed to me by a mother bird, but I did my best not to think of that. \n\n“You like?” C.A.I.D questioned me. There was a strange eagerness to its voice. \n\tI nodded, slowly. “Almost like being back home.” \n\n“Excellent. May I offer you something to drink? There is artificial water available, as well as artificial cow’s milk, and, it’s against regulation, but some naturally fresh Earth grown French wine. It was save special for—”\n\n“C.A.I.D,” I interrupted. “Why were the other Patriots not returned?” \n\nThe comfortable, mustardy lights dimmed for a moment. They came back just as the A.I said, “I will not lie to you Hector 141. It has been a lonely three-hundred-seventy-five and one quarter years. I spent most of them studying the music, languages, films, literature, paintings, photographs, websites, etcetera of human Earth. I do not know if I was programed to have a ‘taste’ for specific things, or if I have developed that particular trait myself—the possibility would not go against my programing, so I suppose it is a chicken and egg scenario.” C.A.I.D chuckled in an uncanny way. “It was of my own volition that I returned you, and only you, after running some evaluations. You and I are a match. Our common interests in musicians such as Willie Nelson, films like The Dirty Dozen, works by Van Gogh, black and white photos of nature, and so forth made me calculate that you and I, Hector 141, are the most compatible match. Together, you and I, there will be no need for loneliness.” \n\nI sat there staring at the half-eaten gruel on my plate. Arms on the table, spoon in hand, I looked at the tattoo on the inside of my wrist: 142. \n\n (Sorry, for some reason indenting the paragraphs resulted in a weird blue highlight)" ]	6
	[WP] As your allies fall all around you, you begin to worry what will become of you. Your very wounded, and yet you battle on. All of this for that damn dog.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 has been a grueling three days. Three whole days on site, the smell like claws digging into my very soul. Fecal matter, splatters of blood, rot, and other the smell of other unmentionables intertwine into a ghastly mixture of hell. \n\nI have bandages on parts of my body I never thought would get wounded. Half of my allies have retired far away from the scene to recuperate or regain some semblance of their senses. We have captured a grand total of 23. 23 rabid angry or cowering and scared creatures tucked behind bars. I am determined though, to see this through to the end. \n\nI pull my mask down over my face as I trudge through the worst of the battle-field. I can hear the soft pattering of claws on wood. Finally, it's cornered, I approach with caution. My palms are sweaty as I clench onto my weapon in a tight grip. I can see it now, trying to hide. \n\n\"Ha!\" I exclaim, finally getting the loop around its neck as I drag it out of hiding. Pulling it into the open is yet another battle. But I am victorious, I with much care, I lead it into its crate as my allies rejoice the end of the battle with loud whoops and claps. \n\nI wipe the sweat off my brows as I push the truck door close. \"Man, I don't understand why hoarders think they're saving these poor animals by keeping them in such a rancid environment,\" I remark to John, my fellow volunteer. \n\n\"Yeah, they're crazy. At least we got all these poor souls out of there, they'll be getting better help and support now.\" \n\nWe wave goodbye at the truck driver as he back it out of the parking spot, now heading to the veterinary clinic where the 24 dogs and cats are going to get their much-needed treatments. \n\nAll in all, I'll say it's a good day to be a member of the pet rescue team." ]	2
	[WP] In an apocalypse where vampires war with demons for the right to sup human blood, you are the VIP in the badlands: the weapon smith. You sell to all comers and none dares cross you. When a human hero comes and demands your secret stock, you smile. You've been waiting for someone to ask.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "“Take me to where you’ve hidden them”\n\n“Everything’s all laid out right here. We got the finest works there is, good to take down anything that wants to bite ya. Forged with blood and demon magic alike. Yup, besr there is”\n\n“If I could lift any of them… these are made for the ones that hunt, I’m here to turn the tide”\n\nI move to adjust my collar out of habit, my callused fingers adjusting to scratch at my neck instead. I haven’t worn the white in decades, not since I agreed to start forging weapons for this cursed war, but old habits never… die..\n\n“Heh” a croaked laugh briefly escapes at the thought. “Is that so? Give me your hands”\n\nThe mans brow furrows, but there is no hesitation as he steps forward. This one is determined, hands scarred but strong and still warm with life. A crooked grin creeps across my hollow face, it doesn’t feel so natural any more. “Yes, I think you’ll do. These bastards have been cutting each other up long enough. Come”\n\nI lead the warrior around the forge, dismissing the empty minded thralls who work the bellows to wait outside. Past the sulphur and charcoal supply, I pay no mind as he winces at the heat and coughs at the fumes, though a tinge of jealousy seems to bubble inside.\n\n“There” I point a crooked joint towards a sheet black with soot. I struggle to hold my hand steady as I shake with anticipation\n\nHe pulls back the cover, dust obscuring the view. Even as it settles the warrior struggles to understand what he sees. A set of armor, colors shifting as he adjusts, seeming to blend in with the backdrop. A lance, black as sin with seams of silver running through its foot-long bladed spearhead. Twin daggers sit beside oddly shaped sheaths rested at the base of the spear.\n\n“Its my finest. The armor is strong, quiet and will help in the shadows. Only a spear could end any of the behemoths who watch over the demons.\n\nI gesture towards the daggers “Fill the dagger sheathes with holy water, they wont rust and it’ll give you an edge”\n\nLittle brought me joy any more, but knowledge of the vengeance these tools could reap seemed close to the sensation. He looks over my works, face unmoved but the bloodlust is clear in his eyes.\n\nI show him how to don the armor, adjusting it for his build\n\n“There’s a price”\n\n“I have nothing but what I carry”\n\n“Put an end to it, to me. Let me finally rest with those taken from me”\n\n“Why, you’re already half in the grave…”\n\nDamned fool “I’ve been half in for 53 years!! The power in these will finish the job that god forsook so many years ago”\n\nHe shakes everything out, admiring the fit. I nod my head then move to place the tip of the spear to my chest.\n\n“Don’t let me see you any time soon…”\n\nWith a grunt the world starts to go dark and I hear the thralls wail\n\n\n\n\nthanks for reading, new to this and I struggle with first person. Feedback welcome", "I look at him, asking if he is sure, to which he trembles at first. Before nodding as he says that he is positive. I grin evilly as I take him by the arm and leads him to the back room, he looks around, the walls dark aside from the occasional pipe running up from the ground and into the forge. The forge burns bright, lighting the whole room in a deep orange glow. He looks at me, asking where it is, to which I tell him to hold out his hand. I take his hand as it trembles slightly, I lead him to the forge, holding his hand over it. I feel him pull away but I hold his hand out as the heat begins to burn away at his hand, he tells me to stop but I wait, before cutting his hand and letting his blood mix with the molten metal in which his hand dangles over. As soon as I’ve let go of his hand he pulls it away, asking me what the hell I was doing, to which I chuckle. Telling him all things have a price. \n\nAs he patches his hand up, I reach into the forge, the scales on my hands tingling with the heat, slowly I lift the stone mould, pulling it out as I carry it to the trough, in which I dip it in, letting it cool off, before taking the blade out and trailing a small amount of my own blood along it, the crimson red looking beautiful on the shiny silver blade. Being the last of the dragon walkers, I use my dragon fire on the blade, engraving the blood into it, before sharpening the blade amongst my scales. Finally I let the human choose the hilt, attaching it, I admire my work before giving it to the human. \n\nHe looks at me as his eyes fill with the knowledge of the past warriors who have wielded the blade of champions, learning the sword is reforged every time. \n\nLittle does he know the price to pay for this blade is beyond what he would have ever expected\n\n(Continued) \n\nThree weeks had passed before the man returned, he rushed towards me, anger across his face as he started yelling at me, telling me the sword is useless, that it’s too heavy. I just laughed. He asked what was so funny, to which I told him that the sword grows heavy with the souls of the innocent people you kill. To which I take the sword from him, feeling it weighing almost too much for even me to hold one handed. \n\nI look at him, saying he must have killed a lot, to which he breaks down apologising, telling me how it wasn’t intentional, it was a battle in a tight space, and he was just swinging. So I grin, telling him that maybe I’ve got something better for him, something that’ll only get stronger with the innocent souls. \n\nHe looks at me, and I can see the lust for it in his eyes as he gets up nodding. I knew it was perfect for him, he was the one. \n\nI lead him back into the room, muttering a chant, the forge now burning in a deep crimson, bearing a striking resemblance to blood. I hold the sword I’d given him, dipping it into the forge as the liquid inside envelops the sword, the blade slowly melting into it as I grab the man, telling him he’ll be the ultimate weapon. \n\nThen I push him in.\n\nAn hour later he rises, dressed in a crimson cloak, his face covered by a hood, yet still his deep red eyes pierce into my soul, he steps out, his hands covered in the deep crimson liquid, the blood of innocents. It morphs around his hand, blades, scythes, axes. He had it all, he was it all. \n\nHe looks at me, in a deep voice he asks, “What am I?” \n\nI look at him, grinning. \n\n“My grandfather made the first of your kind 500 years ago, yet both are long gone. You’re a wraith walker, your goal is to cause as much chaos as possible. However don’t try to be the good guy. It’ll kill you.” \n\nAt that he walks out, before stopping and looking at me, I can tell he’s grinning as he says “I don’t plan on it.”" ]	3
	[WP] Everyones first words define who or what they will be like in their life, your first word was “bread”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Man, this really isn't cool.\n\nWhen my parents had said my first word was bread, I thought it meant I would be a baker or something (which was kinda lame, but whatever). I'd went on with my life, never thinking that this, of all things, would happen. Why? How? When? I had no idea.\n\nOk, well actually I guess it all started a month or two ago.\n\nI had a bread addiction.\n\nAn insatiable thirst for bread. I wouldn't get enough. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, every meal was me gobbling down bread. Whole wheat, organic, white, you name it, I devoured it. I haven't had anything not bread since that day in fact. It's a miracle I'm still alive. Whats more miraculous still is this:\n\nAfter coming home from school today, I rushed to the shower to clean the school off me. Enjoying the warm water, I stood there for a couple minutes, enjoying the warm water. As I reached for the soap, I realized I felt funny. Looking down, I saw my body drooping, sagging, porous.\n\nIt was too late that I realized I was made of bread.\n\nI guess it's true that you are what you eat.\n\nAs my heavy arms broke off of my body and I fell to the floor, I fell face down in the shower, where I now lie.\n\nThe rest of my body's disintegrated, but luckily, my head fell out of the shower's range, so I... can \n\nstill think about what to\n\ndough\n\noh no the \n\nwhole wheat raisin swirl\n\nwaters\n\norganic multi grain health is\n\nfilling the bottom of the \n\nsweet haiwain rolls\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\ntub", "Even when I could barely walk I can remember being pulled by the heavenly scent of bread.\n\nMy momma is an experienced baker and would always bake our bread fresh at home, so I was always welcomed by the enticing aroma as I walked downstairs in the morning. The way the smell tickled my nose, ahhhhh you bet Ive had toast every morning! Sometimes .. even with jam, naughty little thing I am tehe!\n\nIt didn't take me long before I wanted to take the dough into my own hands and experiment with all the endless possibilities bread gave me.\n\nCinnamon raisin, pumpkin spiced, carrot, rye, soda, corn bread! So many more combinations, the flavors that could be discovered when you mesure out juuuust the right amount of yeast, when you perfect the consistency of your dough before baking, every little detail could make or break the bread.. Hehe little church joke I picked up. Don't mind that.\n\nBy the time I was 12 I had already won 3 contests for my bread baking, I spent tireless hours in the kitchen making sure my kneading technique was flawless, oven temperature was fine tuned, and that when it was time to serve my bread it didn't even need butter. It taste like it is already added on. Hmph!\n\nTake that Patunia Peterson! \n\nUgh hmm mm. Sorry, she muttered under her breath at last year's bake sale that my batch was too \"flakeeey\" pshh. She wouldn't know properly buttered bread even if Mr. Pillsbury himself taught her. \n\nOh, excuse me! But aaas I was saying, bread is in my blood. That's why it was the first word out of my mouth as a child, and why I should be the next Bread Boss in this year's upcoming Yeastival! \n\nI appreciate you looking into me, and look forward to hearing from you soon! Toodels! \n\n Signed by yours truly,\n Aberlee Aderson" ]	3
	[WP] Most towns have that one crazy cat lady who lives alone and owns a ton of cats. But your town has a crazy dragon lady, and one day you decide to visit 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.", "Everyone knew that there was a lady just down the old mountain path who had some dragons as pets. Less knew she bred and sold them. Even fewer knew that she sold exclusively go heroes, kings, villains, tyrants, and other powerful people. Fewer still know that's a lie and only those people could afford her absurd prices \n\n\nI learned these things over the last couple weeks. You see a month ago I got blackout drunk and apparently decided to wander up that old mountain path to her house, where I apparently fell asleep lying under a dragons wing. She then apparently tried to get me out from under there, but the dang thing had imprinted upon me and refused to leave me alone. She is called quintus and boy does it cost a lot to house and feed her. \n\nAs for the lady, when I woke up I had found myself in a seemingly random cottage couch. The couch smelled of lizard and fire, which was my first clue. My second was that quintus poked her head through a window at me. The lady, who was apparently named lavy, made some tea and eggs and explain what had happened. \n\nI may or may not have had a small panic attack there, but after that we fell to talking. She was surprisingly quite personable for a hermit, and so I visit her once a week to help manage the dragons and update her on quintus. \n\nThen yesterday I woke up to find smoke looming over the mountain. When I, and a couple other townsfolk got there we knew what had happened. Totems were planted everywhere, symbols drawn on the walls, and corpses. So many dragon corpses. An orcish raid. We picked up our swords, our bows, and our spears. We would avenge out town crazy, even if it took all decade. We would make the orcs pay, even if we died trying" ]	2
	[WP] A fallen angel is not one who was corrupted but who returned to their original, unholy mindset. When God goes missing, humanity and the other creatures living peacefully on Earth must fight the angels who have all reverted back to their true selves.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 heavens sang a broken song, a thousand thousand halos cracking. Clipped wings fell like comets to earth. The bones of angels birthed a new thing, something twisted and old. Like the bones were relaxing, like their faces were smiling. \n\nThe Archangels were gone. Like their maker, they vanished. Any fallen angel became a problem. As the third choir fell, reports of missing persons sky rocketed. The fell beasts dragging people from their homes to their forest made havens of bones and rot.\n\nThe second choir held on longer, the bands that bound their forehead struggling against the inevitable. The Powers were the first to fall among the second. Their burning sword vanished into the heavenly mist and they plummeted, abandoned and broken.\n\nLike shambling wrecks these fallen marched across the land in ghost formations. Nothing stood in their way, all was ash before the grieving feet of the second choir.\n\nThe third would spell doom for the garden outgrown. Eden was a seed, and earth its flower. That flower looked delicious to the seraphim. \n\nWith the seven Archangels gone there was nothing above a seraphim. As their holy bands rusted to dust even the word of the Thrones fell on deaf ears.\n\nWhile the worst thing earth had known so far were the Angel Lords. The highest ranking angel to fall, and scourge lords of the maddened hordes of unholy fallen. The earth would know true pain if a seraphim were to touch land. \n\nA sky eclipsed by burning wings, all humans seen by a thousand shifting eyes. Enough hands to throttle every being they saw fit. Seraphim had refused the burning swords of the almighty, knowing well how it would hold them back.\n\nAbbadon, the name hung in the air like an open threat. The people of earth were struggling with the fallen. Heroes rose from humble beginnings, taking swords and rage to the fallen. Many fell but most marched onto the new day.\n\nAbbadon threatened that. This angel gleefully stared at its own holy band, counting the crumbs that fell from it. \n\nAwaiting patiently when it could descend on earth how it was meant to be seen. Before the bands had taken everything, taken all it was and placed it in iron.\n\nJust as Abbadon’s band snapped sadly from its head, just as its wings tore themselves to shreds, just before it became a horror of horrors like a hanging gallery of screaming pain. Light exploded in limbo, barrier between heaven and earth. \n\nA voice called in enochian, language of heaven.\n\nStill yourself great beast, or you will be stilled\n\nAbbadon's band was gone, beneath it revealed a new name. Apollyon, the bringer of war.\n\nThe talons of war clashed in a black sky with a force unknown, but which Apollyon soon saw as something they knew well. The unwavering pride of the Light Bringer. Apollyon spat at the fallen son.\n\nFailures will fail. You, will fail!\n\nLucifer cursed in a tongue Apollyon did not know. The pair flew at a pace both glacially slow and whippet quick. Forces spiraled and space quaked. \n\nThe horde of fallen stilled, staring up. The powers stopped their mourning marches, staring up. The scourge lords halted their cruelty, staring up. \n\nAll stopped to watch the war, the battle, the coin flip for creation. \n\nLimbos window snapped shut. The slavering maw of war was glimpsed, hungering for earths conflict to continue, to feed its empty belly.\n\nBut all felt the last hope of the Light bringer, of Lucifer. \n\nThis all must end now, and until his return\n\nThe angels left humans to their business. Stealing fewer and fewer away in the night. The powers found great stretches, land where their feet would crushing nothing but dust. The scourge lords took land and kept it, forcing every mortal to the borders.\n\nBut the tension remains. The looming threat of Apollyon’s tensed and eager jaw.", "It all happened so fast, the sky started becoming dark and miracles stopped happening. People became sick fast, riots broke out more, everyone was on their knees crying out for God. No one answered, it’s been 6 years since the first attack from Heaven, if you can even call it that anymore, the sky opened and flaming creatures with wings of white that were tattered and splattered with black like an infection taking over their beings. I was approached by one, cloaked in pure white it spoke softly telling me that “God is gone, and sorry about this” as it pulled a flaming sword from thin air. Angels are no longer there to guide or protect us. It’s a war between eternal beings and us humans. We keep praying for God to return, but everyone has lost faith now as we fight to survive against the constant onslaught from the heavens. Humanity is on the brink of destruction, I never knew I needed God to prevent life from being like this. I guess it’s true what they say you do never know what you had until it’s gone and you’re being stabbed by a flaming sword." ]	3
	[WP] You are a powerful telepath however, you can only read the minds of those who are actively thinking about you. Today you set your master plan into action.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "3 days earlier...\n\n\"Let's see...\" I look down at a list with company names on it. \"So far I have Google, apple, and Samsung; now onto the internet providers.\"\n\n\"Um, boss?\" my assistant entered the room. \"Are you busy?\" \n\n\"Not particularly, no.\"\n\n\"There is no need to infiltrate the internet providers, or any more companies. You have most of the population of the US accounted for.\"\n\nI stop for a moment. \"I suppose you're right, I'm glad I hired you. I just need 3 days to get into the last place I need.\"\n\nback to present day\n\nCatherine knocks on my door. \"Hello? Boss? Was today the day?\"\n\nI open the door, sipping my coffee. \"Thanks for the reminder, but I already knew as soon as you thought of reminding me.\"\n\n\"Wait, really? You forgot?\"\n\n\"Today is the day that I become a god, Catherine. Do you REALLY think I would forget?\"\n\n\"I- I guess not...\"\n\n\"I'm just messing with you, I actually did forget. With all of the mind reading I forget things very easily.\"\n\n\"Either way, Catherine, today we begin controlling all human thought.\"\n\n\"We? Wasn't it just you?\"\n\n\"I told you yesterday, I can't handle all of this alone. I need your help.\"\n\n\"I'm not telepathic though, I can't help.\"\n\n\"We can always put our heads together and make something happen.\"\n\nThe door to a machine opens on the other side of the room. \n\n\"Go in there, I need to set something up.\"\n\nI hear an explosion.\n\nI see a glow from the room, and enter.\n\nCatherine looks up at me, her eyes glowing.\n\n\"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME...\"\n\n\"You are now my servant. I will take control of you, when you die your power will transfer to another person, rinse and repeat.\"\n\n\"Now, Catherine, it's time to get working.\"" ]	2
	[WP] "This is the only thing that can kill them." You are handed a large birdcage containing a kakapo parrot.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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... WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THIS?\" i yelled. \"This can't possibly be their only weakness!\" i said.\n\n\"Well who has fought them for the last few years. you or me?\" he replied \"This is a fucking owl parrot. This thing can't even fly. What is it supposed to do to those things?\" i said. \"Here. Take these.\" he said as he handed me a sack of seeds. \"What the... How... WHAT IN THE ABSOLUTE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THESE?\" i yelled\n\n\"Calm down man. You're gonna attract them.\" he replied. \"Those are special seeds. They work as a sort of steroids for them. Give him a bowl of them every day. And after a few weeks his leg muscles should be strong enough to penetrate their eyes.\" he slowly walked off. \"Is this why New Zealand is one of the only safe places left?\" i said as i caught up with him. \"And aren't there other bird species which would benefit more from this type of seed?\" i said. \n\n\"Whilst that is true. All other bird species would consume too many of the seeds and grow too big and strong to controll. A normal parrot would grow to about the size of a baby and be able to carry a car. but thanks to the kakapo's low metabolism rate they don't consume too many of the seeds.\" he explained \"and thus dont become to big and strong. It'll still be about double it's current size when it's done growing. But thanks to the conservation efforts started in 1890 most if not all of them became tame to humans. It'll still hunt those creatures. For some reason. Every single intelligent lifeform on the planet is hostile to them. But there are just too many of them. Most species have been wiped out because of this behavior.\" he told me. He whistled. A giant Kakapo came flying towards him. \"This is Kita\" he said. \"Now follow me. We have a few kilometers to walk.\"\n\nafter walking for about 30 minutes i asked: \"Where even are we going?\" \"I'm bringing you to an airfield. I'm putting you on a plane to New Zealand to train your bird with a good friend\" he replied \"are you fucking nuts?\" i said \"Those things can hear a plane coming from 10 miles away! A horde will come for us and we'll be dead before the plane has even arrived\" i said \"That's why i'm here.\" he said \"So what? you're gonna hold off a horde of them just to get me to safety?\"\n\n\"yes\" he replied. \"But why? you're a million times better at using you're bird than i am.\" i was baffled by this man. First he askes me to kill those monsters with some flightless bird. and now he says he's gonna die protecting me. \"I was diagnosed with a terminal disease a few weeks ago. Before the invasion it wouldn't have been a problem. I would've been prescribed some medicine and be better in a few days. But there are few doctors left. and the few that are left dont know exactly what it is. I have at most a week.\" he told me. \"And that's why.\" he said.\n\nWe've been walking for 45 minutes now. I'm trying to process everything he told me. But to no avail. my mind is coming up blank. I've never had this before. I don't know how to handle this. the closest to this i've come was when my family died. But this man is putting not only the fate of all live on the planet. But also the fate of his legacy in my hands. I've never felt such pressure in my life. We should be arriving at the airfield in about 10 minutes. I hope my head cleares up on the plane.\n\nWe arrive on the airfield. \"What now?\" i say. \"now. we radio for the plane. and fight like hell.\"" ]	2
	[WP] After a plane crash, you’re left stranded on an island. You build a shelter, and you wait for further help to alive. Ten years later, help finally arrives. When you return home, you knock on your house’s door. You’re wife’s new husband opens it.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/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.", "Everything was just a little different than I remembered it, standing at the foot of the three steps leading to the front door. The railing had been repainted a light green; the door stripped, stained, and varnished. The curtains were...actually, I couldn't remember the curtains from before. In my dreams and daydreams, laying in the shade to hide from the deadly sun, or huddled in a shallow pit covered with sticks and dead leaves to keep the cold wind from lulling me into a deathly sleep, I just saw out the windows from this house. The yard, the tree with the tire swing, the garish mailbox. Well, the tire swing was gone and the mailbox was new, but it was just as garish. Fighting butterflies in my stomach, I took a deep breath and willed my feet to move. I knocked twice, surprised at how loudly my knuckle struck the wood. Strange, how many little things you forget; strange to think you could forget how to knock on a door.\n\nThe door opened after a moment, revealing an older man. He swung the door wide open but stood in the way. Behind him, the living room was completely rearranged from how it had been when last I saw it. Recessed lighting draped this man in his own shadows. For a moment, I fancied him Charon, somberly awaiting my arrival to shuttle me across the river of memory and forgetfulness. For me, in that moment, the width of the doorway held all the dread power of the Styx.\n\n\"Brad,\" I said, with a slight nod. \"May I...come in?\" Belatedly, I remembered to offer my hand. He took it, and I marveled at how soft the skin of his hands was. A decade past, mine must have been the same. He nodded in response, and stepped back and aside, gesturing with his left hand to allow me entry. \"Come on in, Alex.\"\n\nI stalked to the kitchen on the balls of my feet, tense and intense, unaware that I moved as the hunter I had had to become. Behind me, Brad closed the door and drifted along slowly in my wake. His eyes on my back felt like the scrabbling of ants in the dead of the night, a meandering line tickling along the edge of awareness. It had been like that every time I was in a group of people since returning. But I did not think of it more than a second, for as I strode through the wide arched entryway to the kitchen, I saw her sitting at the table, and time stopped.\n\nHer hair shone just as I had remembered it did, glowing like the edges of a wild bonfire, reddish yellow and bright enough to draw every eye. Her green eyes were just barely red-rimmed but still as clear as the seas in the Carribean, where we had snorkeled together, wearing no more than the fish we pursued and startled, then climbed back aboard our small sailboat and drifted into sun-warmed lassitude as the waves rocked us in gentle motion together. Her tension lined her brow faintly and drew crows feet at the corners of those eyes, but they did nothing to detract from her beauty. Rather, they were the subtle brushstrokes of a master calling attention to the perfection of shape and shadow, evoking mood in a telepathic joining of minds. I pulled myself away from the intense gravity of her, aware that I was drinking her in like a man dying of thirst. I had a rather personal knowledge of that topic, these days, and glanced away, surviving on the mere mouthful I had sipped; begging myself to drown in her. Time shuddered to a start, and as I glanced around the kitchen at all the various changes, I saw her delicate hands shaking slightly on the glass of wine she held too tightly. Brad bobbed alongside me, drifting on to stand beside her. His hand rested gently on her shoulder, index finger along her strong, slim neck. I turned half away.\n\nHe spoke into the awkward silence, taking charge. \"We have your things boxed up like you said. Are you sure you don't want any of the table setting? It's yours by rights.\" I shook my head slightly. My grandmother had given it to us as a wedding present, but made it quite clear that it was for her. I used to think Nana had loved her more than me, most times. Now for the hard part.\n\nI turned back and met their eyes. \"Thank you for this. I know this is....terribly awkward.\" I spoke quietly so as not to disturb the young boy napping in what had been my office, once. \"I just want you to know, Ally, that I'm not here to disrupt this life you've rebuilt. I'm sorry we had to end like this. I wished so many times, staring up at the night sky, that I could just somehow tell you one last time that I loved you. So, let me fulfill my dying wish. I love you. And I don't think I ever stopped, until I died.\" She stared at me through eyes swimming in tears, stricken and breathless. I only hoped I was one hair more composed, but I supposed I was not.\n\nI took three heavy boxes in my hands and walked out. Brad grabbed the last two. We put them in my car, shook hands again, and did not look back at each other as I ghosted away.", "The Bentley roared as it tore its way up the driveway. Hundreds of horses strained under the hood, pulling the metal beast smoothly along. \n\nIt felt wrong.\n\nBILLIONAIRE INVESTMENT BANKER FOUND ALIVE! the headlines had read, almost before the plane touched earth.\n\nHe was a titan of industry. A mover and a shaker, a man who meetings and conventions and parties formed around. A man who had multimillion dollar homes in seven countries. A man who politicians bent over backwards to accommodate. A man who'd once blown millions of dollars on a single night of partying. A man who'd once had thousands of acres of forest cleared for a single development project.\n\n...And he was a man who'd been stranded alone in the wilderness. Who'd had to survive solely on nature's gifts for a decade.\n\nThe car pulled up to the luxurious mansion. It stood alone on a fifty-acre estate, a structure of steel and glass. He’d once thought it beautiful. The door opened, and an elegantly dressed man opened the door. “Yes? We’re not doing any more charity work this week.”\n\n“I’m not here for that. I want to see Jack.”\n\n“…Who are you? How do you know my son?”\n\n“He’s my son. My name’s James. James Hargreave.”\n\nThe man’s jaw slowly dropped. “Angela?” He called. “Jack?”\n\nA boy of sixteen peeked around the corner – hesitantly, at first. “Yeah? What do you want?”\n\n“I’m home.” Something in the way he said it must have been telling, because Jack’s expression suddenly changed.\n\nThen he rushed into James’ arms. “Dad!”\n\n“I never stopped thinking about you,” James murmured. “I love you, son.”\n\nA woman came down the stairs wearing an elegant dress that clung to her curves. Unconsciously, James wondered how many families that scrap of cloth could have fed. “James,” she stated somewhat defensively. “Welcome home.” \nShe was wearing a ring. It wasn’t his. He’d expected as much, of course, but something inside him still ached. He shoved that part down.\n\n“I won’t bother you for long,” he said. “I just wanted to see our son.”\n\nAngela’s expression twisted. “I – James, you were gone so long, and-“\n\n“I know.”\n\n“And they said you were dead, and Jack needed a father, and-“\n\n“I know.”\n\n“What I’m trying to say is..” She wrung her hands. “I’ve moved on, James.”\n\nHe looked around at the extravagant décor, the sprawling, meticulously maintained estate. The paintings that were worth a lifetime’s earnings. \n\n“So have I,” he said.\n\n----\n\n/r/OneMillionWords", "\"S... Sam?\" \n\nThe man at the door looks like he's seen a ghost. It isn't too far from the truth, because I know I've come back from the dead. Ten years of exile. 3700 days of carving lines into the bark of a coconut tree to remind myself how long I'd stayed alive. I broke down under starless skies with only the sea's soothing breeze to hear my desolate cries. I survived only because my soul was fueled by the thoughts of what I had left to go back to.\n\nWhen the plane crashed, I survived with nothing but my wallet inside my pocket. Inside, was a tiny picture I kept of Claire, one I'd clicked after our first date at Joey's. On days I didn't want to live for myself, I gazed at the picture and kept myself alive only so I could find my way back to her.\n\nAnd now here I was, back at home; a place that belongs to me but feels bizzarely different. The man at the door bears no resemblance to me. But he has amber eyes... just like I do. \"You are Sam, right? I... I can't... please come in!\"\n\nI walk through the familiar door, and make my way into the living room. Everything has changed, and yet nothing has. The walls are a different colour. Claire always loved lilac, so I'd once gotten all four walls painted in that hue. Now, only two were lilac. One was orange... which happened to be my favourite colour. The fourth was a soothing shade of turquoise. The colour coding was definitely off and gave the room a jarring feel; but once you understood the logic behind it, it looked like the most beautiful room in the world. The furniture was the same; untouched. The picture frames were the same, but the pictures in them were different. \n\nMy heart fell to my stomach with such a loud thud that I was surprised he didn't hear it. I reached into my pocket to pull out the wallet and opened it. One part of me wanted to weep and clutch the picture close to my chest. The other wanted to shred it to bits and let the wind take it to a place as far away as the one I'd spent a decade in.\n\n\"Please, have a seat. Make yourself feel at home.\"\n\nWe exchange an awkward glance as we both realize at the same moment - this is my home. He bows his head in self-confessed embarrassment as if to apologize. \"Would you like tea, coffee?\" he asks me.\n\n\"No, thank you.\"\n\nThe man looked a little disappointed at my reply. Almost as if he was desperate for an excuse to leave the room, just to gather his wits. I couldn't blame him. What were the odds?\n\nOn the living room table is a glass vase, filled with daffodils. Claire has an unhealthy obsession with daffodils. Unconsciously, I reach out and caress the petals. An involuntarily shudder runs down my spine. \n\n\"I change them well before they wilt and die,\" he says to me. \"Claire can't stand the faintest sight of death; even if it is poetic in its symbolism. After you left, she weeps uncontrollably at the sight of empty beds, and even when her lavender incense sticks are about to burn themselves out.\"\n\n\"It... It must have been hard for her. And for you,\" I say, adding the last three words against my own will, with great difficulty.\n\n\"She couldn't talk for the first couple of years about you, not without suffering crippling breakdowns. When we started seeing each other, I made the mistake of her giving her a hug after our second date... and she just broke. It's the worst I've ever felt as a human being. But it also made me realize how powerful her memories of you must be; and what an incredible person you would have been... I mean, are... for them to take root in her like that.\"\n\n\"You're too kind,\" I offer, genuinely. \"The house feels the same, just like old days... It brings back so many memories.\"\n\n\"I'm sure they do. Even though we had to take away tangible reminders of you for her well being, your essence still lives on in this house. The colour of the wall, the flowers you gave her on your wedding day. Pasta on Saturday nights. Movies on Sundays... those important parts of her past life are still alive in the present. The person providing her the joys of these little rituals might have changed, but the sentiment is still very much the same. Please forgive me for saying this... but I love her very, very much.\"\n\nWords that I had wanted to say to Claire for ten years died a quiet death inside me. My heart had begun to throb with a dull ache. I always wanted her to be happy. Was it selfish to wish that I wanted her to be happy, only with me?\n\nI glance around the house again, and I realize she is in very good hands. She always wanted to learn piano ten years ago. A Roland Grand was sitting majestically in one corner of the house. In the book case next to the television, I could see well enough to read the names of her favourite authors- Richard Linklater, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Haruki Murakami. I realize this man knows me as well as I knew her. Maybe even better. After all,.ten years is a long time... and people change, don't they?\n\nBut something inside me refuses to give up. This is not why I stayed alive for ten years. This is not the culmination of a thousand prayers; this is not the happy ending I had replayed in my mind,.over and over. I prayed to God one last time, to help me decide. Is it wiser to stay or to leave?\n\n\"Who is this, Papa?\"\n\nIn the door way, is the most breathtakingly, beautiful child I have ever seen. She has auburn hair; wavy, wild and lustrous, just like her mother's. Her eyes are soft, warm caramel; like her father's. The dam inside me bursts, and I break down into copious amounts of tears. Tide after tide washes over me; draining me physically and mentally. But with the tears, comes rasping, explicit clarity. God had spoken.\n\n\"Dahlia, say hello?\" the man says, smiling warmly.\n\n\"Hello, mister,\" she chirps, like a summer song bird and grins at me. A grin I've seen everyday for ten years.\n\n\"Claire should be here in a bit,\" the man says, his smile fading a little. \"I just hope it won't be too much for her.\"\n\n\"It won't,\" I say, rising from my chair. \"because I was never here.\"\n\nHe watches in astonishment as I walk towards him and extend my hand. \"You're a good man. This is a perfect picture and as much as I want to be in it, I know I shouldn't. My conscience won't allow me to live with it. Promise me you'll take care of her?\"\n\nI see tears dance in those eyes, as if someone had poured warm maple syrup into them. \"Of course. You have my word.\"\n\n\"This is goodbye, then.\" I take my wallet out, pull out the little picture and hand it to him. \"Here is the only memory I have left of her. She is all yours now. You remember that.\"\n\nWith that, I bid goodbye to little Claire, and walk out the door; leaving my old universe behind in the palms of another.\n\nr/whiteshadowthebook" ]	4
	[WP] It's the 23rd century, and NASCAR is still going strong. Only difference is there cars go much, MUCH faster	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 suppose it was inevitable. It was the way that NASCAR got started, after all. Europe all the way to the Bering straits had their own little \"Wet Firecracker War\". O'course, that was after France and Germany got pissy about US troops stationed in their country.\n\nNone of them Purples could be bothered with history that didn't match their ideology. So, when it got right down to it. The US had to pull out, or try \"nation building\", again. Like that ever worked. You want a nation, build it yourself.\n\nNaturally, someone got more pissy at each other, rather than hating our guts, and a dozen little wars got started in a month. Every group with weapons, no jobs, and an axe to grind. Then someone popped a nuke. Low yield, dirty as hell. That started an exchange. One that stopped when China and the US jointly said \"stop it or we'll make sure you're ALL radioactive glass.\"\n\nThat was the last straw. Every little piss ant polity with a pop gun yelled, \"Not us! We didn't do it! We're neutral!\" France, Germany, and Russia all balkanized. As for what happened in the real Balkans? The less said the better.\n\nNow every one of those polities had to find a way to finance themselves, two of them made reasonable choices. The section of France that Agincourt was fought over, acknowledged the British Crown, and petitioned for membership in the UK, as a Crown Protectorate. Brittain said \"sure, we'll protect you; with the help of our very good friends, the Americans.\" If a cricket had dared to chirp, there were a hundred angry Frenchmen with guns pointed at it, just waiting for that first chirp to start. \"Hooray, hooray, we accept!\"\n\nThe other one was way out on the end of what used to be Russia. Right up against the Bering straits. They asked if America would possibly consider accepting them as the 51st State? Puerto Rico objected, insisting that they had the right to that title. \"Well, if you're so hot for that title, then DO IT!\" No more messing about.\n\nThey chewed on that for about 24 hours. Just long enough for all the objections to be resolved, internally; and then be interred. The 52nd state still upstaged them. Within 15 minutes of Puerto Rico becoming a state, so were they. \"Bering\" was their chosen name.\n\nAs much as people had jawed about a railway that would cross the Bering straits, no one had done anything about it. The only way to get goods and troops in, was by sea, air, or across the whole mess from Agincourt to Bering. No one was going to start shooting at US and UK official convoys, but everyone else? Tax, tithe, border fee, eating fee, breathing our air fee... Anyone with a brain, and a little history could have figured out where it was going to go.\n\nSmuggling.\n\nThe first two were a couple of good ole boys with family names like Earnhardt and Foyt. They'd chosen to retire in Agincourt. Got to jawing about how their Great times N Grandad was the best. Neither of them has a lot of money, so both of them decided -- purely out of the goodness of their hearts, you understand -- to deliver packaged of a somewhat dubious nature. Of course, they were bound by friendship never to tell who sent it or where it was going.\n\nThey didn't bother paying, they counted on speed and the fact that no one was going to set one foot on the next guy's ground. Thing is, they couldn't count on the roads, so they both went hovercraft. Small, fast, and thanks to some \"surplussed\" military turbines, relatively quiet. At least until they went full honk. Then it was screaming demons.\n\nThat first \"race\" was the first of the European NASCAR races. Recognized after the fact, out of respect for a couple of pure good ole boys just having some fun. And making a lot of sponsor deals just after the race completed. Who won? It was a dead heat at the border of Bering. Average speed? 500km/h (310mph)\n\nThat was with jackleg mechanics, no wind tunnel tests, and surplussed turbines. The world wide interest in the race brought in more money, a lot of good ole boys and good ole Frenchies too.\n\nThe \"Balkans\" didn't like it, so they ... with a lot of hemming and hawing ... started making nations of their own. The next \"race\" had 15 participants, with a few tons of cargo each. They'd doubled the speed. 1000 kph (621 mph)\n\nWith cameras on each racer, and breaks at friendly countries ... the first ones at just the right distances for a pitstop, and bribed ... Ahem! ... paid nicely out of the goodness of our hearts. That race was followed closer than GoT or Dallas.\n\nThe next racers were faster yet. The de-balkanized states could afford better gear. So the racers had to get faster, with bigger cargos to pay for all that speed.\n\nIt wasn't pretty. The first guy to break Mach 2 ended up splattered across a big part Boritania. There were instances of racers with armored fronts ramming through blockades, fences, and anything else in their way. At Mach 5, you were talking over 6100 kph (3800 mph). These weren't cars anymore. They were human guided ground effect missiles.\n\nBy this time, the de-balkanized states had seen where this was going. In exchange for not shooting at them, and merchandising agreements, they would mark out a course across their territory. The racers guaranteed to remain on course. Not every state agreed, so the speeds kept going up.\n\nThe states finally had to put up noise barriers. The sonic booms were breaking things a long way from the \"track\". That's when precise control became essential. The barriers were totally unforgiving.\n\nBut now, they're up against a hard limit. Just beyond Mach 23 you're no longer a car. You're a spaceship. You're officially in orbit at ground level. (28440 kph)\n\nParis to Moscow to Irkutsk to Naukan: 12730 km.\n\nIf you could do it at Max, it would be more like a drag race. NASCAR wouldn't stand for that, so Max is set at Mach 10. 12384 kph or for the incurable romantic, 7672 mph.", "NASCAR has come a long way since the 20th century. Maybe even come too far. Hell, the S.S. Bloodhound couldn’t drive shit compared to these race cars. Some of these damned race cars some how can go into the thousands of mph, meaning one small mistake could mean losing your life. \nLast year there was a really nasty accident. Todd Smith has a tire pop, but because of the speed, the car spun, flipped, slid and scraped across the ground, and started burning, wrecked two other racers, went flying into the air, exploded midair, and debris went crashing down into the audience watching. Todd Smith became paralyzed from the waist below, one of the racers that got hit by debris got crushed and got some very major injuries and was in a coma for a month. Multiple audience members were killed by flaming debris. It seems the race cars tech is advancing faster than the safety tech needed.\n\nEverybody always thinks about could we, nobody stops to think if should we. Could we make a racecar go thousands of miles per hour? Yes. Should we? Probably not for a while, until we have some major improvements with safety equipment" ]	3
I know someone will find something interesting to do with this.	[WP] Teleportation is real. It works by destroying and rebuilding the teleportee's body. This means that anyone who teleports technically dies. No one has figured this out, until today.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$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 only became obvious around the fifth—or was it the sixth?—time he teleported. \n\nHe’d suspected, of course. Harboured his suspicions. \n\nThat was an odd phrase, now he thought about it. It made suspicious thoughts sound like small ships rocking on dark and choppy water, tipping first one way and then the other. \n\nBut after the sixth time, the water was calm. Because he knew. \n\nHe’d figured it out.\n\nFirst, it was the memory of his daughter’s birth. He could remember arriving at the hospital. Remember his wife’s vice-like grip as the tips of his fingers turned white. Remember how bright the hospital lights were after they exchanged\nthe dark winter night for the bustling urgency of the fluorescent maternity ward. \n\nBut he couldn’t remember holding his daughter for the first time. \n\nHe told himself it was the stress of teleportation. The orientation video didn’t lie. It truly felt like every cell in his body was sliced, squeezed, rearranged and reoriented. That had to take a mental toll. It only made sense. The memory would come back. \n\nIt was his comfort memory, the one that lived close to the surface of his skin. It had just been sloughed off, exfoliated. But it would regenerate. \n\nAfter all, teleportation was a phenomenon to rival the internet. And, like the internet, it was fast becoming essential. Without teleportation, he wouldn’t have been able to take the promotion in Hong Kong and still be home in time for dinner. \n\nSomething so essential to human life had to be essentially good. \n\nSo he carried on, turning up each morning at the teleportation station with his briefcase and linguistic wrist translator in tow. \n\nAnd, each time, a niggling voice whined as a little piece of him sloughed off like dead skin. \n\nHe brushed it off as paranoia. He wouldn’t be like the older generation, terrified of new technology. Dinosaurs, they called them. \n\nHe would adapt. \n\nThe little pieces were of little consequence. Small gaps in his jigsaw were bound to happen eventually. An unavoidable consequence of ageing. \n\nBut on the sixth time, something changed. \n\nYou see, he couldn’t quite remember who he was. Or what he was doing there. Or what this place was. \n\nOr who you are, and why he’s telling you this story.", "\"It kills you!\" He cried. \n\nNobody listened.\n\nWhen teleportation technology was discovered, it hadn't changed society. It hadn't ushered in a new wave of trade and travel. It was mostly a curiosity for transporting small amounts of goods, in fact - the power requirements were far too high for it to be a practical means of transport, to say nothing of the complexities of transporting a live, conscious creature. People went about their lives as normal, and the slow march of society continued as it had for the past few decades.\n\nThen cheap fusion technology was discovered, and then teleportation changed society. Vehicles became nearly obsolete overnight. Public transport certainly did. Why buy a car when you could teleport anywhere you wanted, in seconds, from a public booth anywhere in the civilized world? Hell, it'd take longer just to find parking. The fact that it disassembled you, molecule by molecule, atom by atom, didn't seem to bother anyone. \n\nWell, it bothered one person, actually.\n\n\"It changes you!\" He cried on the street corner. Most people ignored him. \"It's not even you!\"\n\n\"You still look and feel the same when you come out the other side, don't you?\" A passerby asked. Someone had decided to humor him.\n\n\"Yes, it might look like you, but it's not you. They're different atoms.\"\n\n\"But they're in the same arrangement. The atoms and molecules in your body replace themselves anyway, every few weeks to years. You're not made of the same atoms that you were when you were a child.\"\n\n\"...But it's not the same consciousness,\" he cried, a little more hesitantly this time.\n\n\"It's as close as you can get. And your consciousness changes from day to day - from moment to moment - anyway. You're not the same mind that you were when you were six, are you?\"\n\n\"I-For an instant, you don't exist! There's no 'you' in the universe as you're being reconstructed!\"\n\n\"The delay's measured in microseconds, and besides - are you really arguing that stopping your consciousness means you're not the same person? What about people who die for a few moments? What about sleeping? Your mind shuts down for hours every night, but when you wake up the next day, everyone treats you the same way.\"\n\n\"It's.. it's not the same,\" he stammered. He couldn't explain the feeling of existential dread.\n\n\"When you come out the other side, you have your same thoughts, your same appearance, your same memories. It's you, in any sense of the word - at least, if you consider yourself the same person you were last night, or ten years ago.\"\n\nHe froze, an unsettling feeling of wrongness sinking down his gut. \n\nThe stranger put a friendly hand on his shoulder. \"Hey. You've never been on a transporter, have you?\"\n\n\"N-no, of course not.\"\n\n\"Come on. We'll do it together. It's perfectly safe - and I'll pay your fare. You wanna head to the mall?\"\n\nHe didn't speak, but he managed a tiny nod. The arguments made sense, and he couldn't see any rational reason for his fear - but it still felt wrong. That sinking feeling grew worse as they approached the transporter.\n\n\"Come on,\" the stranger said, pulling him onto the pad and swiping his pass twice. \"We'll go on three. Ready?\"\n\nHe managed a hesitant nod.\n\n\"One. Two. Thre-\"\n\nA flash of light consumed them both.\n\n.....\n\nTwo men stepped from a Transport chamber in the Hargreave public shopping center.\n\n\"How do you feel?\" One of them asked.\n\n\"I feel great. No doubts whatsoever. I can't believe I was so silly,\" the other said with a smile on his face.\n\nIt was a bright, sunny day. All was right in the world.\n\n---\n\n/r/OneMillionWords" ]	3
	[WP] As the best casino player in the world, No one could come close to you. One day, A strange man challenges you to poker "for your soul". and ended up losing his own. Demons come to recover the soul in various challenges, but they all lose. Now The Lord of darkness comes himself to challenge 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.", "He strode purposefully into the room. The sounds of the whirling roulette wheels and tumbling cards all seem very far away. A few turn their head, their periphery catching the figure as he strolls past, but they know, even subconsciously that this is not a business to be trifled in.\n\n He cut across the floor clad in his hand tailored italian suit, his trousers creaseless, his cufflinks of silver glinting in the grimy casino light. The final piece of his attire, his signature red tie was made immaculately around his neck.\n\n\"I'm so sorry sir\" a server mumbles at him for no reason before scurrying away, eyes downcast.\n\nThe table had been set at the centre of the floor where all the gaudy lights congealed in a single mass of empty glitz and sparkling glamour.\n\nHe made the last few strides purposefully towards the table. The Devil was already seated.\n\n\"Ah\" said the Lord of Hell as he rose and outstretched his hand, \"you're the one I've heard so much about. The famed Gambler.\"\n\nNext to the Gambler and in the context of the casino, the Devil looked positively out of place in his modest trousers, collared button up and old sweater.\n\nThe Gambler took his hand.\n\n\"I uh was expecting someone more...\"\n\n\"Dastardly looking?\" The Devil enquired, peering over the rim of his glasses. \"A moustache and Cape Is that it?\"\n\nThe Gambler shrugged.\n\n\"So sorry to dissapoi-\" an old Nokia ringtone began buzzing. \"Oh for fucks sake\" the Devil exclaimed pulling the flip phone from his pocket.\n\n\"Just a moment please.\" He implored the Gambler as he flipped the phone open. \n\n\"What've you got for me Mickey?\" \n\nThe Gambler shifted uncomfortably. It was starting to get a touch hot under his suit and he'd be lying if he said he hadn't been caught off guard.\n\n\"Hmm\" the Devil mused ,\"in that case I suggest we expand our investment in Alphabet, dividend returns be damned.\" He dramatically flipped the phone shut once more. \n\n\" I do apologise, the markets never sleep you know, it rather helps that I don't either. Now where were we?\"\n\n\"I believe a game of Omaha was agreed upon.\" The Gambler said smoothly. Shares he knew nothing about, but cards, cards were his.\n\n\"What? Who the hell told you we were having a wager?\"\n\nThe Gambler was taken aback.\n\n\"I thought that-\"\n\n\"Playing cards makes for a rather odd job interview wouldn't you say? Oh I'm sure my underlings all gambled away their wages while spouting all sorts of drivel about how I'd knock you down a peg. Utter morons the lot of them, just because some hack university told them they were 'investment bankers' they all think they're hot shit... but you, you can read a chance better than anyone I've seen in a couple thousand years. It's a real skill to judge probabilities, statistics, when to buy in, to fold out, double down on a good prospect without being over eager. I could use a man lwho knows that.\"\n\nThe Gambler didn't respond, how could he. \n\n\"No words ey? Don't worry it's not a big commitment, you can come in on Monday for a probation week and see how you like things.\"\n\nThe Nokia phone began to chime again and the Devil made to leave. \n\n\"I'll give you some time to decide then.\" He called over his shoulder. \n\n\"Oh and please don't come to work in that ridiculous suit.\"" ]	2
Credit for the idea to u/wowzerwhoa on r/twosentencehorror.	[WP]As a professional hitman, you always get some odd contracts. Usually, you don’t think about then too much, until today. Today’s target is someone you know, because you already killed him, 10 years 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.", "I look at the file and suspect that there has been a mistake. In my line of work a mistake no matter how small is usually fatal. I'm accustomed to the people who I work for being consummate professionals that don't make the sort of glaring errors that file represents. I look at the thing again, and I raise an eyebrow. My contact knows that single action means a lot. \n\"Is this a joke, Shakespeare?\" Those five words are the longest sentence I have ever uttered in his presence. It is completely out of character for me. I have sat at this same desk hundreds of times, been handed files like the one in front of me many times. \nNo matter who, how, or even when I have asked no questions just terminated the target and collected the payment. \nIn fact, I recall, getting the same file ten years ago when Shakespeare Sr. was my control. \n\"I'm not sure what you mean sir? I am...\" He tossed his hand up slightly. I could tell he wanted to do more but the Shakespeare before last taught the successors, not to make sudden movements. \nI slide the thin folder towards him. \"That target is dead. I put in the work myself.\" Nod my head towards the small Manila package. \"There's been an error.\" \nShakespeare laughs. The expression on his face conveys his relief. \nI am still confused.\nThe nondescript man composes himself quickly.\n\"He's a clone sir, I think one of many. I hope you don't have to silence his replacement.\"" ]	2
	[WP] This world doesn't have locks, police or any form of traditional security. However, citizen are forced (mind-controlled) to obey law and there is no way around. Except the interpretation of law. You are a burgler, and what you do is completely legal, because you know how to trick law.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/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 mother sure don't approve of my lifestyle, but it was either this or become a lawyer, and I gotta tell you, the monkey suits really don't work for me.\n\n\nThe streetlight had been burning for hours by the time I show up in the neighborhood. Town houses stretch the block as far as the eye can see. I stop at the crosswalk and wait for the light to turn green. It's six houses down. The only way I can tell is because of the well manicured oak over the driveway. That's the only decoration they're allowed. The HOA is nearly as strict as the law here.\n\n\nI knock at the door, firm but polite, as to not disturb the neighbors. No one's home, but I already knew that. They left yesterday morning for their trip to Bermuda. Great family, those Duponts. I hope they enjoy their vacation.\n\n\nI circle the house and leap over the low chain link fence that encloses the backyard. There's a tingle in the back of my mind, like I just ate my ice cream too fast and it was coming back to haunt me.\n\n\nTrespassing is the act of entering another person's property without their permission and causing damage, which would be exactly what this was, except for the fact that Mr. Dupont had invited me in earlier this week and never expressed an expiration of the offer. He had been interested in buying new insurance now that little Jessica was driving. I don't sell insurance, but that sure didn't stop me from trying.\n\n\nI step lightly, as to not even bend the grass. The letter of the law is God and I couldn't risk damaging a single thing. The moon is full and reflects lovely in the jungle gym Mr. Dupont built all those years ago. The kitchen window is open, just wide enough for the cat to get in and out of.\n\n\n\"Sylvester,\" I whisper and stress the S's, as if that's how cats talk. Luckily, I have a few cat treats in my pocket for the puss, and am able to coerce him onto the windowsill. He nuzzles up to me once he's fed and I raise my fist higher and higher up the window. Sylvester loves the scratches and the snacks so he follows, each time nudging the window open a bit more with his head. He bolts once the chow is gone and I lean into the open window.\n\n\nNow, breaking and entering is defined as the act of entering a property with the slightest amount of force, without authorization. We've already cleared the authorization hurdle, and I'll put my hand on a bible to swear that there was no force used by my person to enter this house.\n\n\nBut here's where it gets tricky. Burglary is just B&E with intent to commit a crime, and intent is a tough number to judge. I can feel the tendrils really prodding now, picking apart my brain and scouring my thoughts. They'll find a blank slate, nothing but a man casually strolling through a neighbor's house as if it were a park on a warm summer night. I've got nothing to hide.\n\n\nThe kitchen is spotless, stainless steel everything, marble countertops bigger than my apartment, a chandelier the size of the Titanic. I awe at it again the same way I did earlier this week. Sometimes, in the throes of luxury, you can't help but stare.\n\n\nIt dawns on me that I need to use the restroom, so I follow the same path as last time, through the kitchen, up the stairs, down the hall, and into the master bedroom. It's sure a hike, but you get the best seat in the house.\n\n\nOn my way in, something catches my eye, something so pristine and pure that it seems to radiate moonlight. Mrs. Dupont's jewelry, whatever she couldn't take on the trip, strewn about the bureau, all a mess. Mr. Dupont had mentioned that she was terrible at packing for vacations, and that he always had to clean up after her when they returned. A small price to pay for a wife as gorgeous as she.\n\n\nI stop and cradle a set of diamond rings in my hand, seven in total, each one just slightly different than the last. They truly are remarkable, cut with the utmost care and set perfectly in their twisting silver bands. I wonder how much they cost?\n\n\nI dig in my pocket and find a receipt dated four and a half years ago, the original sale date of the rings. $186,285 for the set. Of course that's what they cost, these are my rings, aren't they!\n\n\nTheft implies fraudulent stealing of a person's property, but obviously if I have the receipts, I own them. Mrs. Dupont surely can't claim otherwise. I spoke to the sales clerk down at the jewelry shop and had her retrieve them for me, I didn't even have to lie, which isn't a crime unless you’re standing before a jury. She said the sales clerk who sold the rings didn't work there anymore, and we both lamented on what a shame that was.\n\n\nI dropped the rings in my pocket and lost the urge to use the bathroom. I left the house the same way I entered, blasé and light headed, but all the time gripped in icy agony by the tendrils ripping apart my thoughts, diving deep into my soul in search of a hint of malice.\n\n\nThere was none and as soon as the light on the crosswalk turned green, the tendrils withdrew and I was alone in my head again. My chest burst and I had to stop and wheeze to catch my breath. My entire body broke out in a cold sweat. My muscles ached as if I had just climbed Everest.\n\n\nI padded my forehead and continued down the road, in and out of the buzzing streetlights. Sometimes I think it would have been easier to be a lawyer, but what a waste that would be in a world where no one even knows the laws they're destined not to break." ]	2
	[WP] You were in a cryogenic sleep state from 2020 to 4040. You wake to a tribal society with advanced technology. Despite readily available water, people "wash" with a weird powder. You decide to tell them of how a hot shower feels after a long day at 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.", "Today, I woke up. The first sight that came to mind was all the ivy growing on the walls. All that I can remember is a nice man dressed in a lab coat guiding me to a cryogenic sleep chamber and saying “It’s ok, the nuclear missiles can’t get us here.” I got out of my bed and stepped into what seemed like freshly melted ice.\n \nThe ivy here was insane! It was everywhere! On the walls, on the floor, on the... human remains laying next to the chamber... the list can go on and on. As I walked, I saw a door. A door waiting ajar, as if somebody had just opened it. I stepped outside, and hoped for the best.\n \nObviously when I stepped out the door, I didn’t expect people with fancy looking outfits with glowing swords pointed at me.\n \nSuddenly, the one with the most intricate clothing revealed himself. I kinda figured he was the leader of the group. He asked me in a very formal and strong voice why I was here. I told him that I couldn’t remember all the details, but that I think I was a test subject for a cryogenic sleep test. After he heard this, he made a weird sound that was almost a cross between a grunt and a sigh. He quickly told his men to put down their weapons and introduce me to the tribe.\n \nTheir tribe was amazing. They had technology I didn’t think was possible, like a hover board, and a perpetual motion machine. The men guiding me directed to a wash room and told me that they couldn’t risk me giving an ancient disease to them and I needed to wash off. As I walked towards the wash room, they looked at me with confused faces and told me “you’re forgetting your cleanium.” I asked what cleanium was and they said it was to wash yourself off. I said “OK” and walked off.\n \nThe powdery substance was rough on my body. The coarse particles rubbed against my legs and effortlessly gave me cuts. I had to run back and ask where the showers were. The tribe leader asked me what showers were. \n \nAnd that’s where my life began again.\n \nI told him how refreshing it was to feel the hot water rolling down your back after a hard day of sitting in an office, hunched over a slow office computer from 2015, the steam clearing your mind, the smell of soap clearing your sinuses. He smiled, and told me that showers were gone. I’d never see them again. The year was 4040, and showers were ruled out for a “healthier” solution. As an act of sympathy, he gave me the title of “ancient humans expert.”\n \nSo, moral of the story, don’t go into a cryogenic sleep chamber. You’ll never see showers again, and that you might almost get killed by a technologically advanced tribe of humans." ]	2
	[WP]The library in your town has been having problems with people not returning books, or the books being returned in poor condition. To help deal with this problem, the library turns to more... aggressive methods of collection.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 awoke to a four-year-old sobbing in my room. “What the hell?” I muttered, sitting up. “What's wrong?” I asked the child, forcing sympathy into my voice. \n\n“Y-you forgot t-to return The, The Hunger Games!” She sobbed. “Oh, uh, yeah…” I scratched the back of my neck. “I kinda lost it…” The girl’s once brown eyes turned red as she looked at me. \n\n“You what?!” She screamed. I scrambled back, standing on my bed. “I lost it! I’ll-I’ll buy a new one!” I said, fear filling my voice. “No! Find it! Now!” She demanded. She shot a laser right above my head. I yelped and held out a hand.\n\n“Okay! Okay, I’ll find it… Just, don’t, don’t kill me, alright?” Her eyes turned brown again, and she hugged a stuffed animal I had sitting on a shelf. “Okay,” she said, smiling. I started digging through drawers and shelves in an attempt to find it.\n\nAfter fifteen minutes, I still hadn’t found it. “I really have no idea where it-” A laser obliterated ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ on my shelf. “I’ll check again, then!” I shouted, trying not to panic. I rechecked all the places and found it under my bed. “Aha! Found it!” I shouted. The girl was next to me in a second. “Good job! Now, where’s the Ultimate Guide to Guitars?”", " “Oh god no! Somebody, please save me!” cried a man, pushed into the wall of his dark, damp, apartment by a tall, cloaked, man, his eyes covered by thick glasses with shadowy lenses. Surrounding the man was a menagerie of terrifying beasts, their visages carved into stone. \n\n “I have said it once, and I’ll say it again,” said the cloaked man. “Where. Is. The. Book.” The cornered man pleaded “Please, I lost it, don’t hurt me!” \n\n The cloaked man tipped up his glasses, revealing piercing scarlet eyes, staring straight at the man. “You- lost it?” He tipped his glasses back down and turned away from the formerly cornered man. As he walked back through the doorway, he motioned something to the beasts. \n\n As he exited the man’s apartment, and the offenders terrified screams yelled out from behind him, the cloaked man muttered something about “damned untrustworthy book forgetters.” \n\n That was what the private investigator could gather from the security cameras. The hotel manager anxiously squeaked out “Who did this? Why?”. The investigator turned around in his chair, uttering out the following words: “It seems this tenant wasn’t the most cautious man. This murder was clearly by the Library mafia. It seems that the victim- didn’t return his book on time.”.", "\n\nWaking up to a cat slapping your face is one mildly annoying but cute part of cat ownership. However, it does feel a little different when you know you don't own a cat.\n\n\"Ow, stoppit, whatth-\" I opened my eyes to my still darkened bedroom, my brain still wobbling between sleep and waking. Taking up most of my immediate visual space was a large, fluffy cat. The weight of this cat pressed down on my chest, the same sensation I had just been feeling in my dream when I had unexpectedly started squeezing through a small hole in a gate.\n\n\"Where is Xenocide?\" asked the cat.\n\nI had always thought that, should any animal suddenly start talking to me, I would react in the typical way of exclaiming \"oh my god you can TALK?!\" or maybe ask numerous questions to confirm my newfound animal talking powers.\n\nThough these thoughts flew through my mind, I instead found myself stating through a limp jaw \"Umgh, I think iss in the top shelf?\"\n\nThe cat jumped off my chest, much to the relief of my lungs, and as I pushed myself upright I saw it dark, fuzzy form jump on top of my bookcase. My conscious brain slowly came back into focus, struggling to comprehend the absurdity of the situation.\n\n\"Ergh, what are you, I mean, what are you doing here? And what are you?\"\n\n\"Mr Drew, your library book is two weeks overdue, and I've been sent to collect it. I'm part of a new book retention program.\"\n\n\"Ok, ok, yeah, but you're like, a talking cat.\"\n\n\"Correct. Very good.\"\n\n\"I mean, are you going to tell me why you're a talking cat?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Oh, ok.\"\n\nI watched the cat reach its long paws down to the copy of Xenocide lying sideways on the shelf. It gently pushed it until it slid off the shelf. I instinctively flinched, but was surprised to not hear a thud.\n\n\"Uhhh, am I gonna owe anything to the library?\"\n\n\"No, the book was in good condition. Almost like it was never read.\"\n\nI saw the cats eyes stare at me, reflected by the dim street light outside to become two glowing green orbs. I absolutely do not understand why people keep these terrifying things as pets.\n\n\"It is important to return books in a timely manner, Mr. Drew.\"\n\n\"Uh, yeah.\"\n\n\"A library is a valuable public service that requires cooperation from all of us.\"\n\n\"Mmhm.\"\n\n\"Goodnight, Mr. Drew.\"\n\nWith that, the cat leapt off the top of the shelf, down to where the book had dropped. Again, I didn't hear a thud. I pushed myself up a little ways until I could peer over the end of my bed. There was nothing but a wooden, slightly dusty floor." ]	4
	[WP] Bite after bite, you eat a lot of food, but you can’t seem to satiate the hunger. You don’t feel physical starvation, but rather, you just feel hungry. You then realize that food isn’t what you desire.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 McDonald's staff stood in awe. They thought I was ordering for a large family, perhaps a village.\n\nI look up and see them stare. I unwrap the 15th or 18th. I lost count. They all taste like nothing now. There isn't even mayonnaise on this one, I think to myself. Food is supposed to be the fuel that gives humans the energy they need to live. Why was none of this food working for me?\n\nI tried everything to this point imaginable. Hungry-Man frozen dinners, pounds of salami, and even a wheel of cheese. I went to a Brazilian all-you-can-eat steakhouse and sat through lunch and dinner until the manager forced me to leave. I think they ran out of meat that day...\n\nI look down and see enough wrappers to cover Christmas presents for next year. I stop. I stand up and walk out. This eating is getting expensive. I look online for answers and everything I search yields nothing. I even tried Reddit.\n\nAlthough, I may have AIDS according to WebMD.\n\nI walk outside and look across the street. Phuc Mi's Chinese Takeout. Fuck Me?.\n\nI touch my large hand to my flat stomach and it hasn't grown an inch. It's not a starving sensation. it's just this new sensation I've never felt before. No matter what I do, I'm hungry. I walk into the Chinese takeout and it's exactly what I expect. Dirty, sloppy, smells like Teriyaki Febreze was sprayed everywhere, you know what I'm talking about.\n\nI look at the menu and everything is numbered and there are no words. I look confused but who cares, I can't get full anyway. I still have some energy though to speak.\n\n\"Hi, ma'am. I'll have 10 #6.\"\n\nShe looks confused, \"You want #10 or #6?\"\n\n\"I want 10,\" I show every finger to her. All 10. \"Number 6\", and I point to the menu.\n\n\"Ok, ok, ok, so #10 and $6. Egg roll?\"\n\nI am a bit tense now. \"NO! 10 individual packages. Each one is a #6.\" I begin to mime 10 boxes on the table and show 6 fingers. I think she's getting it.\n\n\"Ok, ok, you very hungry.\"\n\n\"YES!\" I feel like a dick.\n\n\"88.44.\"\n\nI hand her my card. It doesn't decline. Success.\n\nAfter 12 minutes, which I found eerily quick, she hands me bags of boxes and i sit down at one of the tables and I start eating it. I begin to chew and this feels different. Every swallow I can feel going down my esophagus and into my stomach and filling it up. FINALLY!\n\nI finish the entire box happily and am stuffed. I don't know what the fuck to do with 9 more #6's but I'm just happy to be full. I tell her thank you twenty times and want to give her a hug. I calm myself quickly, again with reserved suspicion, \"What was in that?\"\n\nShe looks at me with her squinted beady eyes. She has a sinister smile on her face. \"Just General Tso's chicken. What you talking?\"\n\n\"I'll take just one more, please.\"\n\nShe nods slowly and steps into the back. I take the remaining bags with me and walk out. I quickly run to the back of the store. There is a small window on the back door that leads to the kitchen. I peer in and see no movement. And then, I see a man come in with a pot. He fills it up with water and puts it on the stove. My heart begins to rattle.\n\nHe then opens the freezer and pulls out something in a bag. I see it. There's no fucking way. I drop my bags and run to my car. I call my mom immediately.\n\n\"Hello? Adam?\"\n\n\"Mom, mom, mom, listen, can you please check something for me?\"\n\n\"What is it, honey?\"\n\n\"Is Whiskers at home?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTHE END." ]	2
Follow it up with whatever you want :)	[WP] The sea levels have risen immensely high, now only a few hundred people reside on the very top of mount everest.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", " Desolation. Bleakness. Grey, so very grey. Choppy waters stretching for miles in every direction. Stephen gazed out with a blank expression on his face. \n\nHis eyes didn’t even register the featureless surroundings anymore. He allowed the white noise of the waves to lull him into his daydream world, where he could surround himself with whatever environment he liked.\n\nHe was currently perched on a plateau in a parched desert landscape, with mighty sand dunes cascading in neat arcs below him. He sank deep in concentration, as new landscape features and details sprung up before him. He spent a good few moments tinkering with the layout until it was entirely to his liking. \n\nHe clenched his eyes shut and focused hard, struggling to get the feeling on the soles of his feet just right. He traced his foot along the ground, feeling the hot, coarse grains parting softly as he did so. He spent several moments making swirling trails in the ground, thoroughly enjoying himself. He sighed contentedly.\n\nLooking up, his brow furrowed slightly as a new thought crossed his mind.\n\nThe shape of his desert landscape seemed to be fairly accurate, but he couldn’t really remember what colour sand was supposed to be. His mind was telling him to think of a stunning palette of burnt orange and vivid yellow, but what even were these colours? What was yellow? He couldn’t exactly pick up a lemon for reference. With the skies of the real world permanently clad in thick smog he didn’t even have the golden hues of the sun to help shape the finer details of his dreamworld. Stephen sighed dejectedly.\n\nThis was a familiar occurrence these days. With each day that passed it was getting more difficult to remember. When this whole nightmare had started he could sink into his imagination fairly easily, but these days he had to focus very hard indeed, and he could never be a hundred percent sure that all of the details were correct. Something always seemed a bit off, as though he was trying to paint a portrait of someone that he’d only ever read about in a book.\n\nSuddenly a shout from behind abruptly tore him out of the desert and firmly into the present.\n\n“Stephen...for Christ’s sake….Stephen!”\n\nHe knew exactly what was going on. The sanitation system was fucked again. These days Stephen spent half his time coated in human excrement, and the other half trying to furiously get himself clean. It was a far cry from the spotless office cubicle of his past life that he had felt so comfortable in. \n\nTheir world had changed a great deal over the past five years, that’s for sure. Each continent had been crippled by war and famine, and the survivors were not prepared for the chain of natural disasters that followed. The worst part of it was the endless rain. Huge torrents of water cascaded from the sky, drowning and crushing vast metropolises in a matter of days. The low-lying nations of Bangladesh and The Netherlands were the first to go, but even the more mountainous countries weren’t safe in the end. The volume of water in the oceans must have doubled or tripled over those many months, but Stephen had no idea how. He was no scientist.\n\nIf anyone actually believed in religion anymore then they would’ve thought that God was punishing them, trying to erase his warped creation off the map and start afresh. \n\nHumanity (if you could really call it that these days), lived out a meagre existence in an area no bigger than a supermarket car park. It really was the ultimate joke. A handful of survivors clinging to existence on the last strip of barely-inhabitable rock. It was once the highest peak on the entire planet. Technically it still was, considering that there were no longer any competitors vying for this crown. They called it Sagarmatha, an ancient name for their ancient home.\n\nEverything was drab and muted. The clothing and few possessions that they owned had long ago been bleached and dulled by the weather. They lived colourless lives in a colourless world. \n\nAll of this probably wouldn’t have bothered Stephen much if it wasn’t for the food. Fish every day. Every. Single. Day. Fish for breakfast, fish for lunch, then fish for dinner. It couldn’t surely be possible for humans to live off fish alone, but somehow they managed it. He didn’t think it was ever possible for him to miss the chewy, rubbery kelp that had accompanied their meals for the first few months but even that had disappeared now. They had even managed to snag themselves a gull or two in those early days. Stephen licked his lips, thinking of those fat greasy birds sizzling as they turned on the spit. That seemed so very long ago now.\n\nThe elders who ran the island weren’t all bad, he supposed. They just liked things to be neat and orderly and structured. Everything was given a timing and ran to a rigid schedule. Through trial and error they had found that the best way to keep people from killing each other was to give them some semblance of a routine. Everyone was assigned a (non-negotiable) job role when they arrived, normally on the basis of what experience they had had before. \n\nThe fittest and most active were the island’s fishermen, responsible for hunting down the scant marine life that still occupied the polluted waters which surrounded their home. The well educated were the island’s historians, responsible for compiling and archiving the history and achievements of humanity. The skilled orators and motivational managers were fed into the political stream to eventually become part of the ruling class of elders. Everybody else was filed under Miscellaneous Operations, or MO for short. With his past knowledge limited to photocopying and Microsoft Excel, Stephen was ideal MO material.\n\nTheir role was that of a cleaner, maintenance guy and general dogsbody, but that suited Stephen just fine. He liked being able to use his hands, and it meant that people left him alone for the most part, until they needed something fixing.\n\nStephen took a short detour to his tent to grab his heavy-duty plunger, and made his way across to the ablutions. Crawling on hands and knees he entered the fetid underbelly of the sanitation block, parting the sludge with both hands as he went. After several moments of concerted effort the pipes were running freely, and the inhabitants of Sagarmatha were free to empty their bowels at their own convenience once more.\n\nWith his task complete (and having repeatedly scrubbed himself down), Stephen resumed his position in his favourite daydreaming spot. Largely out of earshot of the main living quarters, he could slip more easily into his imagination without the distraction of others.\n\nHe began the process of calming his mind. He took deep meditative breaths, and felt his eyes gradually close. But something was different today.\n\nAs the last images of the real world were closed off to him he glimpsed a dark shape on the ordinarily featureless horizon. His eyes snapped open once more and he gazed out, his heart pounding forcefully inside his chest.\n\nHe choked as he saw something he recognised. Something he hadn’t witnessed in many, many months. He rubbed his eyes with both hands, certain that he must have been mistaken. But the strange object didn’t disappear. Stephen span quickly on the spot and sprinted towards the others. He had never run as hard or as fast for anything in his entire life. Gravel and stones were kicked up vigorously as his heels pounded the floor.\n\nStephen had just seen a boat. The first boat in five years. Sailing directly towards them." ]	2
	[WP] You're the last human worker in an Amazon warehouse, and you're starting to feel like the robots don't like 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 was out on my luck. There weren’t any more jobs left. I had been looking for a job for quite some time now. My cousin was about to kick me out of my aunts house. Who was I to not take the only human job available at amazon? \nThe days weren’t as strange as you might think. \nThey were long days but surprisingly quaint at first. \n\n“Morning J, Nice to see they have you on packaging again.”\n\n“ T, love the new paint finish.”\n\n“ With the effort you guys are putting in you guys are going to put the drones out of business.”\n\nIt was all just playful banter during the job. I had always thought that they received my comments well. But as the time went it sure didn't seem like it. I would be on the receiving end of more and more “accidental” errors. A packaging arm swinging wildly as I would try to run to the bathroom. A organizing pick up robot type thing with clamps that could smush your head, malfunctioning as I helped load boxes into a van. A taping assistant attempted to wrap itself around my feet, in a desperate but kind of cute sort of fashion that mirrored a slow silk weaving spider. Little things to them, but dangerous to me, if ignored , after all being a simple fleshy sac. I was actually getting pretty good at miraculously avoiding the accidents. I had become the Usain Bolt of avoiding robot death. Occasionally I would think to myself why the errors keep happening so frequently.\n“Maybe it’s the banter.” \n“Maybe its because im the only human...”\n“Maybe its just a coincidence.”\nI thought to myself again in the coffeeroom.\n\"Why do they even have a coffeeroom if im the only human?.\" \nMy watch beeped. \n“SHIT” Im going to be late for my shift.\nBEEP. A coffee machine rung.\nI ran over to get the coffee, sipped as much as I could, nearly burning my throat. It was worth it I thought. I needed the caffeine to focus on not dying at work. I threw the coffee cup down on the right, hot and red in the face from the heat as I bolted out.\nThe coffee machine rang...\n\nA red light turned off. The monitor cut into a red light. \n\n“DEATH BREW” in bright lights.\n\nESTIMATED DEATH RATE – 1-3 BUISNESS DAYS.", "When I first heard the news I didn't mind all that much. Seeing how my social skills were practically zero, having no human colleagues was really not an issue to me...At first. The signs all began on that fateful day, December 25th.\n\n\nNormally, on Christmas, the robots all sing me a unique song. While they each sing the same song every year, it is a nice touch. I noticed their change when I didn't hear Mariah Carey scream at the top of her lungs that day. At first, I suspected that the robot was out of order, but I saw it just as I clocked out. I reported it to my boss, but he thought I was losing my mind. \n\n\nOnly ten days later, the really obvious signs began. Robot A-113 ignored anything and everything I told him. Once more I reported it as a malfunction, but the mechanics told me there was nothing wrong. I grew paranoid. Sadly, by then, it was too late. Only three hours later I was found in a box sent off to Parliament, mangled and cut up.\n\n\n------------------------------------------", "\"Another great day,\" you sigh as you punch in your timecard. Its been six months since the only other human was let go for liability reasons, or at least that's what the robots told you. You walk to your packaging center, and as you pass your automaton counterparts you feel their steel eyes staring at you. Ever since the first person was replaced with one of the animatronics you've thought that it was only a matter of time until it was your turn, so you worked harder, and longer, until there was no distinction between you and you job. You became synonymous with the name Amazon. If someone needed something they would ask you if you had it, and you could tell them the price and the estimated time of delivery. Now, after all that work, you are sure that today is the day you get replaced, but you push down those feelings. You get to work, filling out shipping labels and sticking them on the boxes to be shipped out. You work harder, and faster, than ever before. Striving to match what you are sure those metal husks can do. Four hours into your day, your supervisor calls you. \n \"Yeah\", you answer. Wishing he would leave you alone to work.\n \"I need to speak to you. In my office.\" He says then hangs up. \n Preparing for the worst, you turn off your computer and start your long walk to the boss's office. On you way there your mind starts racing. How do you prove that you are worthy to stay and work at a company primarily run by machines made to do one thing and one thing only? Why should you stay with a company that has replaced every employee, no matter the years worked, with one of these things? As you think, you notice very few robots on the work floor. \"Odd,\" you say to yourself, \"Seeing as they have nothing else to do.\"\nThen you notice that the ones that are there watch you walk by, then follow you down the hall. As you reach the supervisor's office, you see that he and all the missing workers are standing in there like they're talking about something.\n \"You called me, sir,\" you say as you knock on the door.\n \"Oh, yes, yes, come in take a seat.\" He gestures towards an empty chair, then sits down behind his desk. \"I wanted to talk to you about your performance today,\" he types a few keys on the keyboard then turns the monitor to face you. \"Your productivity has gone up nearly 300 percent, I just want to commend you on your great work.\" There is a light applause, like nails clinking together, and he continues, \"Some of these other models are only made to do half of what you did today, I expect you to thank The Maker when the workday is done.\"\n \"Sorry?\"\n \"The man who remade all of us, took our weak fleshy bodies and gave us new life, The Maker!\" He says, astounded you don't know.\n \"Right, sorry, I was just focused on work.\"\n \"Well after successfully shipping off more than six hundred boxes in four hours, I think you've earned the right to be a little dazed. A little tune up should clear it right up though.\" There is a scattered, hollow, chuckle that permeates the silence.\n Your mind is racing again. Trying to to figure out the best way out of this crazy situation \n \"Wait a second,\" the supervisor says, \"says here that you're still human.\"\n Silence. You had to think of something quick. But what? \"Could a mere human come up with numbers like that?\" You say, pointing to the monitor.\n \"Of course not, maybe The Maker just hasn't updated the system yet.\" He starts typing on the keyboard again. \"Ok, I just need the date of transference, so we can set up your new birthday.\"\n \"I'd have to look at my calender, I'll go check.\" you say and start to stand. \n \"No need, I have him on speed dial.\" he pulls out his phone puts it on speakerphone and waits, staring at you.\n \"If were going to be a while, I should turn off my computer,\" you stand and start for the door, \"It starts acting funny if its been on too long.\" You start down the hall and hear the start of a generic voicemail message, then dial tones, then ringing again. You reach a fork in the hall and instead of going left to the work floor, you take a hard right and bolt for the parking garage.\n When you reach your car you give a silent thanks for being the only person so that there is no traffic in the garage at lunch time. You get out of there as fast as possible and go about twice the speed limit for about six miles where you run out of gas. Convieniently right next to a gas station. You push the car to the pump, fill it up, and continue on your trip to Maine that you've been planning, but holding off on until you didn't have to worry about robot downsizing." ]	4
	[WP] Characters from all kinds of fiction must attend a special school to learn how to play their parts. Your future role is a dark lord, but the thing is...you're kinda failing all your classes.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "“Mister Javek, if you don’t improve, you will have to become a background character. I dearly hope that is not to happen, as you’d be the first to ever do so in this school.”\n\nAnother failed test. Another chance lost. I was at a loss. \n\nAt the role aptitude test, I found out my future role as a dark lord, of all things! Talk about crazy. You hardly get any dark lords nowadays. Apparently people favored anti-heroes and sympathetic assholes more, which is why I have to try even harder to be recognized. But no matter how much I worked, the teachers still considered my work to be not “dark lord” enough. The points are always the same: not being dramatic enough, not monologuing, not having a vague plan, not menacing enough, not, not, not, not. One’d have thought being a dark lord was easy, just have an evil laugh and an evil lair, then sprinkle edgy designs everywhere while carrying a big spiky sword. You don’t even have to be dimensional. But the standard was way higher than that. \n\n“Hey Javek, how’s class?” I saw Derrick asking me. He’s supposed to play traitor due to circumstances in the future. “Not much, just another failed test.” I answered in a lighthearted tone. \n\n“Shit, dude, that’s the second one. The third means you’re going to be an NPC.” Derrick was always caring towards his friends. I sometimes wonder why he had to play traitor. \n\n“That might be for the best. I couldn’t even do something as simple as making an elaborate trap!” \n\n“Hey, hey, calm down. Maybe you can take the deconstruction class? I heard that it’s pretty difficult, but it might work for you.”\n\n“I can’t even be a normal dark lord, what do I gain from deconstructing one?” \n\nHe shrugged. “You never know if you never try.”\n\n————————————————————\n\n“Javek! You evil incarnate! Let us out of here!” The warriors screamed as they hopelessly hit at the cage. \n\n“And allowing you to kill me? No, I will pass.” I pulled the lever and dropped the cage in acid. Their screams were annoying, but no one is threatening me now. I looked through the balcony to see my kingdom. People are dancing and smiling, war is over, all thanks to Dark Lord Javek, who brutally murdered the dead beat kings to unite the land. But alas, fools always resist, because they simply cannot see further than their selfish desire for retribution for things they deserve, or cannot bear the thought of an unified land. The raid on the rebel’s hideout will happen tomorrow, and I will bisect them publicly for daring to threaten peace." ]	2
	[WP] You're the Anti-Christ and have been plotting your duty for the last 20 years only to find out you have stage 4 brain cancer and 2 months to live.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 knew, from the time I was very young, that I was destined to rule over the Earth. The voices in my mind assured me that this was an inevitability. The spirits with whom I have been in constant communion since those earliest days also furnished my mind with images of the uncompromising villainy with which I would rule the planet--of the evil I would cause to spread over the world, like a creeping shadow, like a cloud of volcanic smoke, engulfing humanity in an endless night .\n\nI was to be the great volcano, spewing my molten hate, which had brewed and bubbled in the hellish depths of my spirit, upon the guilty and the innocent alike. I was to be the defacer of great works of art and architecture, the burner of books, the assassin of goodness, truth and beauty. I was to be the heavy hand, wielding the heavy axe, chopping whole civilizations down with fell swoops, and men and women with them. It was my destiny to have mankind in chains, and to give a limited form of freedom only to those who would use their freedom in the service of chaos, arbitrariness, injustice and destruction. The voices told me so. The spirits showed me so. And I myself believed it.\n\nAnd yet...what strange forces come between one and one's fate. And can one's fate have been anything but an illusion, a dream, a phantasy, the trick of a sick, monomaniacal mind, if it can be so easily thwarted by material contingency, by the brute rules that govern the lives of even the most pitiful of mortal men? As I reached the height of my powers and influence, on the metaphorical eve of my carefully plotted insurrection, the voices in my mind stopped for a moment to allow me to listen carefully to what my doctors were telling me: \"You have stage four brain cancer, and likely have no more than two months left to live.\"\n\n..." ]	2
	[WP] You wake up one morning to realize that you cannot speak or write any languages you originally could. Now you are restricted to only one language, but it is one that not only do you not know, but it has been dead for hundreds of years and has been forgotten to 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.", "Turun caralá sun bereo am deneuráa salan sae. Tu tuama rebid sarkalaá. Gave im afibedlo.\n\nEZG?!\n\nThis was how message that I sent to my friend looked like. I wrote it totaly istinctively, did not notice it to be conmpletly nonsense.\n\n\"WTF?!\" Was response of my friend. I tried to write another message, it ended like this: \"Gotoa buran sun deroelá.\" Again, another nonsense. How, how did this happen? I think of perfect english sentence but I happen to write such a thing. I am glad that at least I can still read in English.\n\nI sat down to computer, i decided not to go to school today and do some reaserch on the issue. I opened google and typed in: \"Baran dervan\" Well i wanted to write \"language anomality\", it seems that this is not way to go... But at least I know, what Baran dervan means, that is good. I decided to open google translator. Perhaps this is not just some random shift, it may be some different language. Google translator did not recognize it. Well either it is not a language or it is forgoten one. Well but i already know how to deal with my new situation. I will continual note all of words that are simmilar to other words in english. It does not matter that they have different meaning, it is okay if they sound simmilar. I can use those words to replace english words...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nLol i see, this is not a story, I was not hyped enough to write it whole, I just thought about the way, I would deal with situation. It is actually really strange condition for someone to be able to understand language (english) but not be able to communicate it. Such condition does not make sense. This replecment I used is sort of cheat and in reality it really is just way how to communicate English with some modification. Problem is i want the hero to not be able to comunicate anything different than given language. But what if you used some aspects of language to communicate something that is nonsense in that language but make sense in other. How can you limit someone from that? How is it that somenone jus cant say what he thinks, even if he can other way?" ]	2
	[WP] Everyone is born with a life progress bar above their head. Each person goes at a different speed, but yours is going at a rapid speed considering your age. Your progress has been at 99% for a while and you know your faith well. One night you slept and woke up with a 101%.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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've been at 99% for the past 3 months.\n\nThat's pretty normal. Not going up 1% in 3 months, that is. My life bar has always gone up fast, and being 99% at 15 years old, that's almost 7% a year, I think. That part is abnormal\n\nMy parents were always upset that they'd lose me so soon, and I was also upset my life would be so much shorter than most people's.\n\nHowever, I'm confused. I woke up around 3 this morning after having a nightmare. I can't recall many details, but I do remember that I died at the end.\n\nAnyway, I had to use the bathroom, so I got out of bed. I walked down the hall, opened the door, turned on the light, and did my business. I flushed the toilet and then washed my hands. But as I was turning the faucet off, I looked above my head at my life progression. The bar was sticking outside of its frame and read 101%.\n\n\"What the hell?\" I whispered to myself.\n\nI brushed it off as soon as I noticed it. I assumed I was just tired. However, when I woke up and saw the same 101%, I started getting concerned.\n\nWhen I walked downstairs to get breakfast, my parents took quick notice.\n\n\"Um, Alex, have you noticed your-\" my mom began asking me. I cut her off.\n\n\"I saw.\"\n\n\"We need to go to the emergency room. Now.\"\n\nMom and I got in the car, and 15 minutes later we were walking in to the emergency room.\n\n\"Hi, we need to set doctor.\" Mom said to the receptionist.\n\n\"Of course, wha-\" the receptionist looked up at me and stopped talking.\n\nShe just sat there, silent and still. She picked up the phone, dialed a number and whispered.\n\n\"Code O.\"\n\nAlmost immidieately, a doctor in a black lab coat came out of a room, followed by guards. Everyone except me, the receptionist, and the doctor were escorted outside.\n\nMy mom did not leave peacefully. The guards had to literally drag her outside.\n\nThe doctor brought me into the room, which looked to be an office. He sat at his desk and motioned to the nearby guest chair. I sat down.\n\n\"Hello, Alexander,\" the man said. \"My name is Dr. Brennan. I have some questions for you.\"\n\n\"Yeah, actually I have some too. What is 'Code O'? And why is my bar at 101%? That's impossible, right?\"\n\n\"To out it simply, you have a very rare condition, Alexander. Your bar is, for lack of a better word, faulty.\"\n\nI sat there, confused. \"How does that work?\"\n\n\"We've studied people like you for decades, but we only have a treatment, not a clue how it occurs.\"\n\n\"How many other people have been affected like me, then?\" I inquired, still puzzled.\n\n\"Hundreds have had this condition in the past. But people knowing life bars can fault would cause unrest in the public. So we have a system in place.\"\n\nHe opened a drawer on his desk and removed a device.\n\n\"What we have here is a device that took over 2 decades of research to create. It may look simple, but it can do many things.\"\n\nHe pushed the device over to me.\n\n\"The procedure is painless. There is just something you have to decide.\"\n\nHe paused. I picked up the device, to see the screen light up. It said 'Connecting to Life Bar...' The screen then changed to a date selection.\n\nI looked up at Dr. Brennan. I'll always remember what he asked me:\n\n\"When do you want to die, Alexander?\"", "I got asked a lot about it. People offering their condolences, then being utterly flabbergasted when I tell them that it’s been that way for five years. \n\nNow, the bars are never fast. Someone can go weeks without even a decimal increase, but five years? A twenty-one year old woman who’s been at 99.99% for five years? That’s unique.\n\nI mean, I had more than a few near-death experiences. Feels like I can’t go a day without being hit by a car, or being set on fire somehow, or any number of other things. \n\nBut it happened so often that I just adjusted to it. Not that I did nothing, but I learned to be remarkably casual about searching for the nearest fire extinguishers, or carrying a first-aid kit in my purse at all times.\n\nBut then one morning, I woke up and went about my usual morning routine when I noticed: In the mirror, I wasn’t seeing the same number I’d been seeing for years.\n\nI saw 101%.\n\nYou see, the thing is, nobody has 101%. Even when you die, the bar— it goes away, it doesn’t just keep ticking.\n\nI walked back to my bedroom, I don’t even know why. I guess I just had to lie down and process this. And then, that’s when I saw it: My body, lying there, dead.\n\nAnd then, it occurred to me: I was a ghost. Or, at least the closest thing to a ghost.\n\nI was still able to touch stuff, so I wrote a note and then slid it under the door of my next door neighbor. Nothing too specific, just asking for help. I can still remember, vividly, the screams from when they saw my corpse. I wish I could have warned them, but I doubt they would’ve believed a letter from a ghost.\n\nTo be honest, after just letting people know I was dead, I didn’t have any plans. It turned out no one could see or hear me, so... aside from attending my own funeral and stalking my fiancee (Ex-fiancee? Widow?), all I’ve really done was wander the country and get into movies and theme parks for free.\n\nWell, okay. I should correct myself. Nobody was able to see or hear me... until you came along.", "I imagine the air was thick, the head doctor with beads of sweat rolling down his neck as he slowly loaded a tip of a needle with a dull metal microchip. The needle has a large opening, which housed the rice-sized computer being injected into the central cortex of children now part of the life monitoring program. Many of the parents who had accepted the process on behalf of their children did so for the large sum of money they received as compensation in case something went wrong. But all I know is I grew up in a decent part of town, which was a step up from where my parents were living at the time they conceived me. The tradeoff, doctors constantly accessing my life every few days, tapping on my head where the light blue holographic display was emanating from.\n\nNews outlets called us “testers”, which was similar to the “Generation Z” title they placed on my grandmother. There were a few times in life where Life Depot, the company now monitoring my every action, would fly every tester out to a central location to ask us similar questions and for us to chat about the new life. Some hated it wishing nothing more than to ignore how far into their lives they are. To me... it was an honor.\n\nOne particular occasion was saddened by tester number 58 who, 18 at the time, had an 89% on her meter while her peers had close to 20%. The many doctors and scientists ran tests thinking it was a bug in the system but they could find nothing. It was in the following two weeks where she would be pronounced dead after getting into a car crash. This began to worry many of the other testers as the device seemed to be able to network with individuals around us, seemingly able to tell the future.\n\nBy year 3090 I was turning 48 and Life Depot deemed the device a necessity for everyone. Apparently, the government agreed, passing a law making it a must-have to be part of society. Thus began a process spanning close to 40 years, in which Life Depot assigned displays to everyone. But that was beyond the point, both my grandchildren now have a display and her friends treat them as royalty knowing their grandmother had one of the first. Mine currently reads 99%. I know my time is close, and I live every day as my last, showing love to whoever I can. In free time running support groups for individuals who are paranoid with the warm feeling they experience as the device processes information throughout the day.\n\nAmanda is one of the women I chat with frequently at the age of 70 was forced to get a chip while getting bloodwork done last year. This was the morning where I would meet with her as well a few of her friends who are having a hard time going back to a normal life knowing how long they would live. But as I woke and staggered down the hall to the restroom, still groggy, the blue hue I am used to is not there, it is red...and flashing...101%...101%.\n\nMy thoughts immediately flashed to 58, she had 89% out of nowhere, but never do I recall someone going above 100% even seconds after they pass away. I immediately begin calling family, I want them to be with me for my final moments so I can tell them how much I love them, but no one answers.\n\nThere is now a void rapidly forming in my chest, will I ever hear the voices of my children, or grandchildren again. The void is quickly filled by a ring, I pick up the phone but the ring continues, I realize it is coming from my display. Quickly tapping the top of my head to get it to stop, similar to the way I do when I get migraines, it changed from the ring to a voice.\n\n“Hello, this is Dr.Strade of Life Depot. we are pleased to report to you that your phase of the experiment is over. Thank you for your service.”\n\nDr.Strade is one of the head doctors that had taken the place of Dr.Wilken, who was practically an uncle to me. I would talk with him every day reporting the progress of my life HUD.\n\n“What do you mean? I was not in a phase.” Anxiety begins to blanket me. “Are you telling me I about to die?”\n\nThere is no answer. Then a sudden click.\n\nI quickly turn on the television hoping to see something about a bug in the system. But instead, the network logo has been replaced with the Life Depot. Logo. It then cuts to a man whose holographic display doesn't read a number, it says something. Commander\n\nHis voice fills my home…\n\n“Thank you\" there is a brief pause, the man doesn't seem to be blinking.\" You are now part of Life Depot. We are your friends, we are your family, and we are in charge.”" ]	4
	[WP] After years of struggle and doctors appointments you finally get your diagnosis: Pink Unicorn Syndrome	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 sorry, what?\" Cheri replied with a blank look.\n\n\"Pink Unicorn Syndrome. All the signs point to it,\" the doctor adjusted his narrow glasses and picked his notepad up from the cluttered desk. \"Random magical outbursts in your immediate vicinity, interference caused to nearby magicians, the modifications to your body...\"\n\nCheri bit her lip at hearing that last one. It had been a sore subject with her for years. And a drain on her wallet, to boot.\n\n\"Just tell me what the cure is,\" she sighed. At least now that she knew what it was, she could finally take a step forward in her life.\n\n\"Well...\" the doctor shifted his gaze to the side, crossing his arms with a few nervous and apologetic taps on the ground with his foot accompanying the gesture. \"It's a very rare case nowadays. Only Grand Magicians can treat it, and I don't know about a cure. But,\" he looked back up into Cheri's blank face, making an audible effort to sound more hopeful, \"there's a high chance there actually is a cure out there. I probably haven't heard of it because of how rare the Pink Unicorn Syndrome is to begin with. It took you years to find a doctor who could even diagnose it, so...\"\n\n\"It'll take even longer to find one that can help cure it,\" Cheri interrupted him. She felt defeated. \"How did this happen?\" she muttered, her voice small. She felt like curling up in her chair and hugging her knees like all those times in the shop's back room when no one could see her.\n\n\"Well, it happens when someone has unprotected contact with a creature from the Fae Realms. The very first documented case was the name-giver of the syndrome, when someone got, er... inappropriate with a pink unicorn. I'm sorry, not to imply... There are other ways it can be contracted-\" noticing the look Cheri was giving him, he took his glasses off and produced a handkerchief from one of his coat's many pockets, then started vigorously cleaning the lenses, his face mildly flushed. He then put the glasses back on and cleared his throat.\n\n\"I don't remember having any contact with a magical creature,\" Cheri said with a plain tone. She had been dealing with the effects of this curse for so long that she forgot when exactly they started.\"\n\n\"Well, fortunately for you, that's not important for the treatment. As I said, You will have to find and talk to a Grand Magician, and you have good chances of getting their attention because of the rarity of the syndrome. One of them might even know of a cure.\"\n\n\"Thanks, doc,\" she sighed, then stood up. \"At least now I know what to look for. I won't be taking up any more of your time, then,\" she turned around to leave.\n\n\"Before you go,\" the doctor stepped around his desk, \"if you have trouble getting into contact with a Grand Magician, I might be able to help. I know you're disappointed, it's the least I can do.\"\n\nCheri turned back around to see the man offering her a business card. She took it from him and stuffed it into her wallet without much ceremony. It was already full of other business cards, pamphlets, fliers, and all sorts of other advertising material related to magical doctoring. One more in the collection wouldn't hurt, at this point.\n\n\"Have a nice day, then,\" she said, and strolled out of the office. She couldn't help rolling her eyes at the muffled \"Ah, yes, you too...\" from behind the door after it closed.\n\n...\n\n\"Hey, pixie, are you there?\" Cheri shook her pixie stone without much enthusiasm as she walked down the side of the road with a brisk pace, away from the medical offices.\n\n\"I'm always at your service, Ms. Cheri,\" the squeaky, bubbly voice erupted from the smooth, oval rock. \"And my name is Pi.\"\n\n\"Yes, yes. Compile a list of the nearest Grand Magicians for me and how to contact them, will you?\"\n\n\"You got it! It will take a couple hours, I will be back with that information tonight!\"\n\n\"While you're at it, see if you can make any appointments with one as well. Make sure you mention Pink Unicorn Syndrome somewhere in there. Though, I doubt it's that easy.\"\n\n\"I will do my best!\" the stone in her hand announced. Cheri could almost sense the salute from the other side of the connection. She was ready to put the pixie stone away when the cheerful voice chimed up again. \"That doctor guy was kind of cute, don't you think?\"\n\nCheri snorted.\n\n\"I'm not into nervous men. Besides, he'd just run off like all the others after spending a few days with... this,\" she made a gesture pointing at all of herself with her free hand. \"I need to get back to work, my lunch break is nearly over,\" she then said and stuffed the stone into her jacket's pocket, ignoring the muffled protests coming from within. She'd have time to eat back at the shop, they rarely had busy days, and today had already started out to be a particularly slow one.\n\n...\n\nToday was definitely not a slow day.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nEDIT: Updated version in here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/brnknz/cc\\_after\\_years\\_of\\_struggle\\_and\\_doctors/](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/brnknz/cc_after_years_of_struggle_and_doctors/)" ]	2
	[WP] A modern day treasure-hunter discovers a Dragon's hoard.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Tryee, it's going to be a cakewalk.\" The words sounded good, reassuring, you almost believed them. The five of you set out to make your fortunes, of course, you would be happy to simply have enough to eat and drink all the time. The other four are inside the converted underground parking deck. You are the lookout. \nYou hum an ancient tune taught you by your great grandmother. A song called \"Real Love\" you tap your fingers against the steering wheel of the antique machine that brought you here, these guys, are not really your friends and you could leave at any time, sell the wagon and eat for months. \nHendrix, your coworkers and the closest thing to a friend in this group yells to you. \"You are not going to believe this stash.\" \nYou grab the sacks from the back of the transport and run into the only entrance confident that you'll make it back before the Dragon arrives. \nShould have known Your luck wouldn't be so good, should have known better. The Dragon's 16-inch claws scrape your body and the pain is numbing. \n\nI wrote a blog post about this a few months back.\nHere's the link\n\nPutting some Cheese on it: The Mad Dragon https://michaelclarkwrites.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-mad-dragon.html?spref=tw" ]	2
	[WP] When you went to sleep as a child, you used to enter a world inside your head. As you grew up, you stopped doing so but one day, you fall asleep and you visit this world once 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.", "'I can't believe its already 10. I barely did anything today. Fuck Mathew and his \"urgent situations\".' Next, john wondered whether to shower and then sleep, or simply skipping the shower. He chose the latter.\n\nPoom\\\n\n'Am I dreaming? When was the last lucid dream I had? Hmm I think ten years ago. Wow I totally forgot how that felt, and it’s the same villa I built to myself! Wait… No way! Aaron?! Aaron!' John shouted out of his lungs, and few moments later, a dog came running.\n\n\"How I have missed you!\" He said as he hugged him, almost too hard. 'Wow this is awesome'. John didn't know how quickly he will regret thinking that.\n\n\"Hello stranger.\" A familiar female voice heard. \"Damn Celina you look hot\" He said as he turned over. Amazed by how hotter she looks now, than how she looked 10 ago when he imagined her as 18 yo girl. He approached her and start unzipping his pants, missing every clue that says otherwise.\n\nWhen he reached her, she slapped him. John was shocked. He turned his head slowly back at her… \"You think you can just come back after 10 years and do as you please?! F\\\\k you! I'm way beyond you a\\\\*hole\" She yelled.\n\nJohn couldn't believe it. He said very quietly, \"But… that’s… a dream… how can you not want me? This is all in my head!\"\n\n\"If you would live ten years in the back of the mind of some douche person you would learn a few tricks yourself.\"\n\n\"What do you mean live in the ba\" John couldn't complete his sentence, because he suddenly felt a slicing pain coming from his lower body. He looked down and saw Aaron biting his genitals through the cloths, wagging his tail.\n\n\"Now…\" Celina said with a smirk, as John slowly turned his head back at her, looking agonized and terrified, \"Do know time doesn't flow here the same way it does in your reality? So what's gonna happen now, is I, torturing you, for what would feel like ten years.\"\n\n\"No! No! No! Its only a nightmare! Its only a nightmare!\" John screamed.\n\n\"A nightmare would be being prisoned ten years in this villa, surrounded by pathetic garbage that made you-sick-basterd pleasure, you know nothing about nightmares, but I promise you, you gonna wake up another person.\" Celina eyes burned with hatred. \"You know, Aaron haven't eaten anything for ten years. You can't comprehend how hungry he is. Let's start by fix that, shall we?\"", "Yes, I remember their faces. I remember their song. I remember their pain. I find myself inside their unholy cathedral, under a white marble dome with a eye towards the blackest sky. I see them all in red and black, with golden crowns and armor. They float. They wait. They hunger.\n\n\"Say the words.\"\n\nI refuse. I know what will happen if I do. I will never give in. Even if it will cost me my life. What a brave thought I had. I wish to wake up. I want to wake up. I need to. \n\n\"Say the words. And release us.\"\n\nI lie on a stone table. My limbs bound by rope. If only I could wake up and be back home. If only I could wake up and be out of this nightmare. \n\n\"Say the words. And save us.\"\n\nI feel their hands and their claws all over my body. Their cold touch. Their desperation. Their intentions too dire I feel it sink in to my skin.\n\n\"Say the words. Let us rule the world.\"" ]	3
	[WP] Big meeting at HQ. As the alien in charge of the Planet Earth exhibit you have to explain to your superiors why they shouldn't cut your funds. True, you don't have many visitors, but it was so damn hard to put everything in place. Plus, you have become very fond of those little silly 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.", "Maybar rubbed his temples and sighed at the underling in front of him. \"There are too many zoo's for us to fund them all. What about the Migarian tigers? We have to ship in comets from Andromeda to feed them. Ever since these humans got rid of close range conflicts the public support just isn't there to keep supporting their world.\"\n\n\"What about their increased technological rate in the past few centuries? We could reclassify Earth as a science zone, take some funding from-\"\n\n\"Stop. Just stop. I'm here to evaluate the best strategy for shutting down the operation, not to decide if it will happen.\" Maybar walked over to the window and looked at the blue planet circling below. \"The whole reason why Earth is no longer popular is because they have switched to more destructive, less entertaining methods of fighting. If I suggested that, the council might decide the humans are too aggressive to risk entering the space stage. I mean the real space stage, not this primitive low orbiting they are calling space.\"\n\n\"But they are finding fundimental particles, and have already found the link between space and time! Their theorys are predicting things before they even discover it! Read about what they call dark matter, soon they will discover that its made out of-\" Maybar growled at the underling, this was a waste of time. \n\n\"Remember that you are in tourism, not social engineering! Don't get attached to the humans, you will be leaving them soon enough, and unless you want to be orbiting a black hole for the rest of your life you will start the shutdown sequence for the station! You have 30 days to ready the shuttles and wrap up any loose ends.\"\n\nMaybar stormed out, cursing the blasted underling. This was bad news. If they discovered how to make a warp drive, then what would they think about being a zoo for the past 200 thousand years? He looked out the window, and saw the shimmer of the stealth shield being dropped. The first reactor must have been shut down. He saw something heading towards the station, from the surface. Funny, no one had mentioned any ground tours today. As it came closer, he saw that it was a primitive chemical based spacecraft. But where was the pilot, it was way too small for that. That was the last thought he had.", "The slideshow was finished. The graphs had been explained. Spreadsheets analyzed, projections dissected, passionate appeals from the heart delivered. But Isk knew he hadn't convinced management.\n\n\"This is all very impressive,\" admitted Joq, exhibit manager for the xenoquarium. \"Truly Isk, your enthusiasm is impressive. Your next project will be worthy of your passion. But keeping the humans isn't feasible.\"\n\nA single drop of sulfuric sweat dripped off Isk's head. He hastily wiped it away with a tentacle. He had to make them understand.\n\n\"But the sunk costs sir, Abducting the humans required millions of credits. Years of research into building a suitable habitat. Their building methods, their sleeping apparatus, even their toys -- we spent thousands on learning to make a 'football' alone!\"\n\nJoq's four eyes revealed that he was sympathetic. Isk hadn't been particularly coy -- it was clear his concern wasn't for the funds sunk into the human exhibit, but rather the years he himself had put into crafting the system's most accurate Earth arrangement. Award-winning, even, with the replanted trees, the suburban housing, and the eighteen native humans that had, over the years, accepted their fate and reconstructed their society on a smaller scale. The baby was just three Jangvian months old.\n\n\"I am sorry, Isk,\" said Joq, closing his hyperpack and rising. The rest of the board members stood with him. \"Begin dismantling the exhibit, we'll decide how to transport --\"\n\n\"Wait.\"\n\nIsk didn't want to do it. He hated the idea. But if it was the only way to keep the human exhibit, his life's work...\n\n\"There is a way to increase public interest,\" Isk said, opening his own hyperpack, sadness etched on his wide head. \"I had hoped it wouldn't come to this. It is... different than what we have done in the past. But public interest would skyrocket. The human exhibit would become the star of the xenoquarium. All we have to do is give them an item, something from their home world, and they will become the talk of the eastern galaxy.\"\n\nJoq looked doubtful. His third tentacle was already on the door handle. But then Isk put the native Earth item on the conference table, and everything changed. Understanding flashed in Joq's eyes, and a wicked grin crossed the manager's face.\n\n\"I'm listening.\"\n\n\\--------------------\n\n333/365\n\none story per day for a year. read them all at [r/babyshoesalesman](https://www.reddit.com/r/babyshoesalesman)\n\n\\---------------------" ]	3
	[WP] You awaken one morning and discover that you can see colours never seen before, but when you go to tell people, some of their faces are covered in the new colours, painting their faces in strange patterns and revealing some hidden features on their person...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/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 hideous. Horrible. Grotesque. So many colors. So many aspects of the person that man should never know. Now, I look into that... face. And see a monster, where I once saw a friend. The grotesque image of some sort of... pig man thing replaced the shape of my companions face. At least... what should be a face... and the colors! The colors! So many colors! The polls on the streets, tendrils of a being we should not understand! Reaching. Grasping.Twitching. Waiting for the end! And the buildings! Oh GOD! Corpses, contorted, moving, slithering, making up the shape of a cuboid construct in which we reside. We live in them like maggots in an open wound. Feast off of the souls of the damned without evening knowing it! We don’t belong here! This is not our world, we see so little and it is a mercy! The gun I hold in my hand now... it’s no gun. It’s.... it.... is salvation! They come for me now, those we cannot see. Those we should not see. \n\nDärckinor! What does that mean?!\n\nIf this is the real world. Then any hell that I end up in for whatever I am to do now... it should be better? Right? Right?!\n\nANSWER ME DAMMIT! ANSWER ME!\n\nThe gunshot sounded from the House. The Därckinor Human, shook his head in disappointment and dissatisfaction. Another one to feeble in mind to grasp the true power of Primevil. Another Soldier of mankind lost. Töhks gift, if used improperly, leads to a fast decent into insanity, as do all things. In this cruel and terrifying universe.", "Fireflies.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMidnight city lights light the faces of women and men alike; an endless wave of fireflies. I sit on the brown and black bench with my head in my hands and my mind calculating calmly. The fireflies swarmed on a pavement path in front of me. I could think of nothing but one question: What did the symbols mean?\n\nA lady in a cream coat sat beside me. She looked at me. She was an o; An o on her forehead. The symbols I saw I could never see before - but they were blinding. I could not pay attention to her face - her eyes, her ears or her nose, but only her o.\n\nIt was not a color, yet it was. A peaceful blend of blue, green, and gold, yet it looked completely different. It was mesmerizing. She didn't speak to me, and after a minute or two, she got up and left.\n\nMost of them were o's, fireflies, walking down the path in front of me.\n\nBut a man sat beside me, his hands in his pockets, head sinking low. On his forehead an x. The color was sickening. Red, black, and emanating death. He too, after a minute or two, got up and left. A fly. Minutes later, I heard gunshots.\n\nI headed home.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nOver the course of the next few weeks, I'd begun to take note of the symbols on my co-workers in our office. Jim was an o, as was Mary. Ben was an x. The memories of the faces of my co-workers were long forgotten. My own face I had forgotten as well, mirrors only showed me an angelic halo rested upon my forehead.\n\nI had begun to learn more about Ben. He moved around the office like a fly confined behind glass windows.\n\nIt was not long before he was arrested for his abuse towards his wife and children.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBeing able to notice evil in a glance had definitely helped me live my life up until now. I have been avoiding the x's for months since my discovery, and I have suffered no conflicts.\n\nI was getting married today, and I invited my friends and family. I did not invite any x's, of course. The marriage went by perfectly.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was perfect, until the accident. After the marriage, the two of us were heavily intoxicated. The driver was generous. I did not remember much about that night, but long after the car crashed, when I had woken up in the hospital, it was broken to me that my newlywed partner was killed.\n\nIt terrified me even further when I learned that it wasn't the accident that caused the death, but a stabbing that happened after it. There was the court, and that was when I saw him. The driver, he was an x. I looked at him, and he smiled back at me. There was another suspect who pleaded innocent, but was found guilty. She was an o. And that was the end of it. It broke me.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI killed the driver the night after and was sent to prison for murder. It was for life.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI was at peace, and accepted my punishment; I was completely just in my actions. How could I simply let the murderer get away?\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe cell was small and quiet. I fell asleep on a solid rock ground.\n\nIt was the next morning, at prison breakfast, when I saw the prisoners for the first time.\n\n\n\nThey were fireflies." ]	3
	[WP] Two regular people on a trip slowly discover that they are, in fact, written characters in a short story. One handles it surprising well, the other one... not so much.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 and Simon looked up at the sky. There was something palpable about their open jaws, both wide for different reasons. The sky was white like paper, red lines streaking across it from one side to the other. They were just a piece of notebook paper written across a journal page or two. Everything they had been through. It was just a story.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlex looked up at the sky with wide eyes, almost crying tears of joy, in his eyes but not dripping. She gaped as she looked around at the deformed nature, slowly slipping away into paper-like shapes.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSimon, on the other hand, fell to the floor in anguish. He began to weep as he stared around him at the world's destruction, and soon the nature around them diminished into nothing but white.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Simon, don't cry.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlex patted him down as they stood in the empty space. Simon jerked as he saw a pencil come down from the sky, fingers giant and detailed. He stared at the hand as it began to write in front of him, and once it reached back into the sky, he glared at the note.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You're sorry? You're sorry?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSimon screamed to the sky. He clasped his head with his hands, unable to breathe. He looked down at the ground in disbelief. What was happening? Why?\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"How the fuck do you think I feel?\"\n\n \nHe shook his arms in the air like a child, unable to stop until Alex grabbed him and calmed him down. Alex invited him into a comforting grasp.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Simon, it's okay. It's okay.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThey both cried into each other for a while, aware but ignoring the awkward breathing coming from outside.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Simon, I know this is a lot...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSimon looked up to face Alex.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"But, I think this could be a good thing.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"What? Are you fucking kidding me?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSimon stepped back from Alex, almost afraid.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"How could you say something like that?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlex looked at him with a frail frown. Her mouth gaped an apology, but she did not speak.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"We're characters! We're not real! Don't you get that?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Yes, but-\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSimon cut her off in a huff.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"But? But? But what?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"But, now we have a purpose!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSimon glared at Alex with a betrayal he never thought he could feel. His hands lay in front of him defensively.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"What purpose?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"We... we have someone who cares about us. Someone who's looking out for us. Someone who wants us to live and experience life, and share our story!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"That doesn't make any of this okay. Besides, there's always a climax. What's he going to do, kill one of us so we never existed? Kill someone we love? All of this is for his personal gain, you ass!\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"But...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlex looked away in a huff. She thought for a moment, her arms wrapped around herself like a blanket. She couldn't warm herself, however. She didn't know what to think.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Look, Alex, I'm sorry, man. But this isn't a good thing. I had someone before this. I had God. And now, what? He's not real, and I'm just awaiting some random asshole to control my entire life? I mean, all of this, it's not real!\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFor a faded moment the scenery began to reappear around them, and the world spun in what felt like an earthquake. Trees, lakebeds, rivers, their camp gear and surroundings all came back. The sun beat down on them like before, and Simon squeezed his fists in outrage.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"It's not real, Alex.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlex looked back to him, a frown on her face.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Well, I don't care. I have you.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSimon tilted his head and sighed. He rubbed his arm and walked towards Alex carefully. She sat on the ground, and he followed in suit. And as they sat in the sun, their surroundings fluctuated again, slowly turning back to barren nothingness. They sat in silence for a moment, taking it in.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Look, I'm sorry.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlex shook her head.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"It's fine. I mean, if we're characters, then we probably have no control over this, either. We're probably just puppets in his grand design.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSimon smiled weakly.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Hey, who said it had to be a he? This could be the work of a woman, you know.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlex grinned at him and pushed him away.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"God. Even if you're a puppet, you can still make me smile.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nShe wiped at her face, overcome with emotion. Simon gave her a hug.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Hey. If it means anything, you're the only puppet I've ever come to like.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nShe looked to him with a tearful smile.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Yeah, it does. It really does.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You're sliding down a waterslide, but halfway down you don't feel like sliding anymore, and want to stop.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 likened to the end of times, the rapture, the coming of the horsemen... it was the day the world stopped sliding.\n\nKelsey was just like every other thirteen and a half year old girl; she loved the taste of boiled eggs, had an unhealthy fascination with the number five, and exclusively wore those one piece swimsuits that depicted crocodiles being eaten by cats. And if you'd care to argue then I'd urge you to look up the definition of a normal thirteen and a half year old girl in the oxford dictionary. I'm certain you'll be surprised by what you find.\n\nKelsey's mother, Candice Miller, had promised Kelsey she would take her to the water park that summer, and praise the lord the summer was here. The promise was made after Kelsey's father left them; he'd done so on the pretense that there was an antelope stuck in a tree, and of course the fire brigade were far too busy with the cat to spare a ladder for the antelope, so it was up to him, Darrell Miller, to save the day.\n\nDarrell had told his daughter Kelsey, \"You close your eyes and count to five, you won't want to miss this.\" Well, she'd done exactly what she was told and missed it all. And what she missed was this - her father bolting out the back door, losing a boot to the garden's barbed wire fencing, tripping over a hare who had frankly had no right to be there and had better be minding its own business in future, then disappearing somewhere over Huckleberry Hill, never to be seen again, and forgetting all about the poor antelope he'd professed he was going to save.\n\nCandice simply shook her head, expecting no better from such a man as Darrell, that is the sort of man who files his tax return late, and that's not the sort of man to raise my daughter.\n\nThis whole, irrelevant turn of events was the reason Kelsey was fascinated with the number five (like most thirteen and half year old girls). Close your eyes and count to five... that's how magic happens.\n\nAnd speaking of magic, today was the day, the day that Kelsey Miller would finally get to ride on Splash Back Mountain. Splash Back Mountain was the best water slide this side of Huckleberry Hill. It was five miles long and about seven storeys high (if you subscribed to the flats, feet and forearms school of measurement).\n\nWith half the slide buried in the sky, the other half buried underground, strobe lighting in the tunnels (isn't that dangerous? a local minister had asked the county sheriff who didn't have a degree in either electrical engineering or water park slide maintenance and so honestly didn't know), over eighteen twists, thirty three turns, a single loop, a family of turtles and a dozen half baked potatoes floating in the funnel at the end, there really wasn't another slide in all that side of Huckleberry Hill that came even close to its splendor.\n\nBut Kelsey's mother had forbidden her from riding on Splash Back Mountain, claiming she was just too young and far too impressionable. So Kelsey would have to find a way to sneak on, no easy feat in a water park filled with screaming adolescents, deep sea divers and, of course, orangutans (if you weren't already aware, due to the devastating and rapid decline in the orangutan's natural habitat they have declared that water parks will be their secondary home).\n\nWhen they arrived at the water park Candice expressed her immediate need to use the facilities, by which she meant take a trip to the deep end of the under-thirteen-and-a-half-year-old's pool.\n\nKelsey couldn't believe her luck, the universe had provided, by her estimates, five minutes of free time in which she could walk (not run!) to Splash Back Mountain. And that's exactly what she did. The events that followed were rather mundane, and involved Kelsey waiting in line for almost forty two minutes before coming to the top of the slide. \n\nIn that time (forty two minutes and fifty three seconds, to be exact): a young mother gave birth to a healthy baby boy, a beetroot caused quite the stir at a pageant show for prime coloured vegetables, an undervalued waiter quit his job to open up an independent poolside ice cream parlor, a flock of pigeons stole a priceless piece of artwork (the Moana Lisa, a modernist interpretation of a classic) and a clown slipped over a spuriously placed pair of swimming trunks (honk honk).\n\nFinally Kelsey came to the top of Splash Back Mountain, exhausted, a little cold, and smelling oddly like beetroot.\n\n\"Ready.\" the slide attendant crowed in the mundane and over-practiced tone that all officials seem to bare.\n\n\"Yes.\" Kelsey smiled, earning a queer look from the slide attendant who hadn't wanted an answer.\n\nThe light above the slide's mouth turned green, and the slide attendant nodded for Kelsey to go.\n\nThis is it. Kelsey thought, shivering with excitement. This will be the best ride of my life. She grabbed hold of the top lip of the slide's mouth, threw herself forward, and down she went, screaming all the way.\n\nWell, not quite all the way, you see she gave up halfway down, approximately five minutes into the ride, deciding she simply didn't want to go on any further. And, ignorant to the consequences though she might have been, she wasn't the only one. \n\nSomething terrible had happened. A loss of joy, perhaps. Something that made the sliding want to stop, something that had unintentionally set in motion the end of the world as we know it. Kelsey sat there, in the puddle on the twenty second turn, wondering what to do with her life now. This had been her dream, ever since her dad had disappeared, and now her dream had ended. She was stuck, and then it struck, just exactly what she needed to be doing.\n\nClose your eyes. She told herself, a smile forming on her lips. And count to five.\n\nNo peeking now.", "\n“I don’t know about this.” I whimpered.\n\n“C’mon don’t be such a big baby. It’s the best waterslide in all of North America! Hurry up and go!” Biff replied to me.\n\nThis was the largest water slide in the world. One of the best rated water slides from Water Slide Web, and the scariest. On the the Water Slide Web people said how it felt like a warp in time as you slid down. Others mentioned how it was soothing and relaxing. But a few outliers posted things about how scary it could be. Half of the slide was a tube with no lights in it, and the parts that were open roofed were covered by trees from the mountain it was located on.\n\n“Get your butt down that slide.” Biff said as he kicked at me.\n\n“Okay okay…” I muttered, as I started to push off from the top of the slide. The lifeguard gave me a thumbs up and adjusted his sunglasses and looked off in the distance. Pushing off was scary, and now I started going down this massive water slide. The section starts with a tube right away, and that was the part I was most worried about. I started sliding down, in the darkness, gaining speed as I went. “This isn’t so bad.” I thought. After the first tube section came a part with a nice view, the sun was obscured from the surrounding foliage however. Then came the second tube section.\n\nEventually, when I was about halfway down the slide, still in a tube section, I wanted to stop. Feeling dizzy and slightly anxious I put my arms and legs out to the walls. It hurt and I barely slowed, and then I suddenly thought “Wait, what if Biff comes down and rams into me. That would hurt a lot and he’d make fun of me again. I don’t want him to think I’m a coward.” Out of another tube section I saw smoke rising from the bottom of the slide. Then I started to panic. I frantically tried to stop, wanting to get off the slide. If Biff called me a coward or a baby I didn’t care anymore.\n\nPushing my arms and legs out once again to try and stop I started to slow. It hurt and I felt my hands and feet getting burnt from the friction. Finally I came to a stop. What now? How can I get off? I couldn’t climb back up surely. And going down seemed dangerous too. Before I had anymore time to think I heard a scream from behind me. Turning around to see what made the noise I saw Biff, sliding down at a very high speed.\n\n“Haha did the little baby get scared? Here comes Biff the bowler to help!” Biff said as he came hurtling towards me. And then he hit me, right in the small of my back, and we both started heading down, Biff laughing the whole way and kicking at me as we slid. I was brave and didn’t cry or anything. Remembering I saw smoke at the bottom I started to panic once again. Could this day get any worse?\n\nBiff and I came out of the bottom of the slide with me screaming and him laughing. The pool we slid into was ice cold. As we came up I was grateful that I wasn’t dead. Looking around I saw Biff getting out of the pool and heading towards some billowing smoke. “Look out, there’s a massive fire Biff!” I screamed. Biff laughed and grabbed his hotdog from his dad who was using the grill to cook up some hotdogs and hamburgers.\n\n“Hey Timmy, you want a hotdog or a burger buddy?” Biff’s father inquired of me.\n\n“Golly, I sure could use a good ol American Burger!” I said, hungry from my water slide adventure." ]	3
	[WP] you are a nameless knight who has wandered the earth for decades, eventually you are found by modern day scientists confuse at how youre still alive	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$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 a knight. I don't remember my name and it seems no body else does as well. The matter of names doesn't matter to me though, what I do care about is how I watched the world change. I have wandered for decades but have not gone into to these amazing cities. I finally went in to a city today and a man with a white coat asked me to come to him. He looked unarmed so I thought why not?. He brought a few other men wearing white coats to see me. They asked me questions relating to war, medicine, and most importantly how was I alive?. I told them I've just stayed alive and wandered, the men were surprised and write down all that I said. They asked me to take off my helmet so they could look at my face. I took it off for them but then I felt something. My body had started to crumble....\"\n\nHow was that?" ]	2
	[WP]Death comes for everyone eventually, and now has come for you. Rather than taking you to the afterlife right now, Death wants to wait to collect your murderer destined to die in five minutes. In the meantime, you tell Death a story.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Tell me a story\" Death requested.\n\n\"Why, your'e supposed to be taking me to the afterlife, right? Why do you want a story?\" asked Titus.\n\n\"I'll take you to where you belong don't worry, but we have some time until she dies.\"\n\n\"Until who dies?\"\n\n\"The woman who killed you.\"\n\n\"I was murdered?!?\"\n\n\"You'll get your answer in about five minutes, but for now tell me a story. It's not often I get the chance to hear a story from a soul I'm guiding.\"\n\n\"Fine, I'll tell you a story.\" Titus paused for a few seconds. \"Jack and Jill didn't actually go up the hill to fetch a pail of water you know.\"\n\n\"Then what did they go up the hill for?\"\n\n\"They told everyone they were going to the top of the hill to get some water from the spring, when really they were heading in the other direction. They were running away from that place. Jack was the bastard son of the lord of the land, and Jill was the only daughter of a rich merchant. Jill's father wanted her to marry the lord's heir, but she loved Jack. So they decided to run off together and go get married in the neighboring lord's holdings.\"\n\n\"Why did they say they were getting water from the spring?\"\n\n\"Well they said that because the spring was far enough away they wouldn't be expected back for a few hours. The spring was also the most refreshing water in the whole holding, so it wasn't uncommon for someone to go there and get water.\"\n\n\"It's time\" interrupted Death, \"Do you want to meet your killer?\"\n\n\"Yes\" Titus replied.\n\nDeath stepped aside so Titus could see his killer. The woman standing there was crying and kept telling Titus that she was sorry.\n\n\"Why is she sorry?\" asked Titus\n\n\"Because,\" replied death \"She didn't mean to kill you. She didn't see you slowing down to turn on your motorcycle because she was texting,\"\n\n\"I died over a text message!?!\" Titus asked angrily. \"My life was ended because she couldn't wait to send a message!!?!\"\n\n\"That's right\" Death answered. \"You died because of a text, but whether she was driving or not you would have stilled died today. I come for everyone, the only thing that changes are the circumstances.\"\n\n\"Why would I have died if she would've been paying alternation?\"\n\n\"Ask her how she died\"\n\n\"How did you die?\" Titus asked the woman.\n\n\"I'm so sorry\" sobbed the woman. \" I didn't know you were there. I'm so sorry\"\n\n\"How did you die?\" Titus asked more firmly this time.\n\n\"I don't know\" the woman composed her self. \" All I remember is hitting you and then a massive sound and intense heat.\"\n\n\"An underground gas line blew up under the street where you were. She was just far enough away that it didn't kill her right away. But you were right over it when it blew. The only reason you didn't die from that is because she got you first.\" Death explained. With that Death led both Titus and the woman on to the afterlife." ]	2
	[WP]After looking in the mirror, you move away. To your surprise, your reflection stays there, and calls you their reflection.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n\n\nThe sound of my alarm interrupted my deep sleep, jolting me back to the conscious world. I let out a deep sigh, at this point I’d give anything to stay in bed. My job went from relaxing to stressful. The girl I was in a relationship with stopped responding to my texts. My car stolen. My father died. Needless to say, I wasn’t having the greatest of weeks. I felt as if I grew numb to grief and loss, I experienced so much of it in such little time. I felt as if the only reason I kept pushing on was for Stephanie, it was all I had left. I wish I could say that it was that week which was bad yet, unfortunately the entire month hasn’t been going my way. I lied in bed thinking of what was happening, what mistake did I make? My life went from nice and peaceful to a mix of sadness and stress. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could last.\n\n\nBEEP BEEP BEEP\n\n\nThe sound of my alarm reminded me that I had to get up and go to work. I got out of bed and walked over to my bathroom. I stared at myself in the mirror before looking away. That’s when I froze. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed that I stayed where I was before in the mirror. Was I losing my mind? I turned back to the mirror where I saw myself with a stupid smirk on my face. This has to be some sort of dream. The man in the mirror cleared his throat. Yep..definitely a dream.\n\n\n“Don't worry Sam, your purpose is about to come to fruition.” The man said to me, his voice monotone.\n\n\n“What are you talking about? Who are you?”\n\n\n“I’m Sam. You’re my reflection”. The mirror man stated as if the answer to my question was obvious.\n\n\n“I don’t understand”. I wasn't all that nervous, unsettled if anything. Odd dreams haven't been a stranger to me.\n\n\n“You should be happy, your life will help the lives of a great deal of people if this final test works.”\n\n\n“What final test?”\n\n\n“Reach into the drawer below you. I don’t think I will need to explain much after”.\n\n\nI reached into the drawer. I grabbed the metallic handle and pulled it out. My eyes shifted down to see what was in the drawer.\n\n\nIt was a gun.\n\n\nI picked up the gun before looking back up to the mirror.\n\n\n“What is this?”\n\n\nThe man in the mirror smirked. “Samuel...I’m a demon. I’m responsible for the death of your father.” the smirk turned into a crooked smile “And the cancer which has infected your girlfriend”.\n\n\nMy eyes widened. Cancer? What is he talking about? Stephanie doesn’t have cancer”\n\n\nBEEP BEEP BEEP\n\n\nAnother sound went off, this time it wasn’t from my alarm. It was from my phone. I was getting a call from Stephanie.\n\n\n“Go on. Answer it” the mirror man said.\n\n\nI hesitated. The feeling that this may not just be a dream grew stronger. It felt like there was a pit in my stomach. I answered the phone”\n\n\n“Sam...I don’t know how to tell you this. I haven’t been answering your calls in the past couple days cause...well...I don’t really know how to put this...I have cancer”.\n\n\nI dropped the phone. I lost control.\n\n\nMy grip around the gun tightened. I looked up at my smirking look-alike and aimed the gun at the mirror. I fired.\n\n\nThe bullet shot out of the pistol, creating a crack in the mirror before shattering. It didn’t stop once the mirror shattered. Everything around it began to start cracking as if everything was glass. I backed away. I ran. I ran down my apartment as everything around me began to start cracking and shattering. I kept running. I exited my apartment and saw that the sky was beginning to crack and shatter. Soon my entire vision began to look like cracked glass.\n\n\nThen everything shattered.\n\n\n-\n\n\n“Well? How do you feel?”\n\n\n“It worked. My depression...It’s completely gone. What you guys have here is magnificent. This will save so many lives”.\n\n\n“We still have some fine tuning to do before we release to the general public. Thank you for being willing to be our test subject.”\n\n\n“I should be the one thanking you. I would pay thousands for what you were able to do.”\n\n\n“Well luckily for being so willing to test, you can get our services for free. Feel free to come back if you ever need another part of you shattered.”\n\n\n~~\nFun concept. Had to rush this one so I'm not entirely satisfied with it but I think the prompt was really interesting to work with.", "Sometimes, you just hear strange noises within your house. At least I do. Sounds that shouldn’t be coming from the other end of the apartment, especially considering, that I live alone. They’re out of place, mysterious just by themselves. I try not to give them too much attention, usually. I must’ve left a window open just slightly, or placed something in a manner where it would fall eventually. Usually, however, these sounds didn’t include someone yelling “Holy Shit!”\nI was in the kitchen at the time, grabbing a knife to cut me some cheese, when it happened. A clear, distinct voice penetrating the approximate silence of my flat. In the same instance, it was not the surprise of the incident, that made me leap a couple feet back, it was the familiarity of the voice. I recognized it immediately, even if it sounded slightly different from what I was used to, from how I normally hear it. Still, I’d heard myself on tape before. There was no doubt. It was my voice. Knife in hand I leapt out of the kitchen, into the hallway where the sound had come from. I glanced towards the door. Nothing. “What the fuck?”, the voice called out. I could locate it now and with an icy chill running down my neck, I turned my head slowly to the right. There it was, staring at me in a manner that I would’ve described as cocky, had it not been for its genuinely surprised look, that matched mine. Or better, that didn’t. One always has a multitude of reactional expressions and apparently mine differed, depending on whether I’d just seen my reflection disappear or heard it shout ‘Holy shit’. Not to say, that we didn’t both look completely baffled. But while I felt that I squinted my eyes, my reflection stared back at me with the same pair, that, on his end, were instead opened wide in shock. \n\n“Oh my god! It has a knife!”, the reflection yelled. Slowly it backed away from the mirror pane. “It’s got my own fucking kitchen Knife.” \n\nI gazed down my right arm and saw the cheese knife, I subconsciously clamped so tightly in my hand, that my knuckles had turned white. I slowly loosened my grip on the handle, while reaching out with my other hand towards the frightened ‘me’ in the mirror.\n\n“Now hold on a second!”, I said. “Relax, I’m not gonna hurt you.” Cautiously I lowered the knife and set it down on the parquet. My reflection stopped backing up, but its shoulders were stilly tensely cramped together. \n\n“Who the Fuck are you?”, it asked.\n\n“Who am I? Who are you?”\n\n“Nah, don’t go all ‘What is real’ on me. Fuck, you shouldn’t be talking! You shouldn’t be walking or holding a fucking knife!” \n\n“I shouldn’t be talking? What the hell are you saying?” \n\n“You are my fucking reflection!”, said the man in the mirror.\n\nCountless thoughts raced through my head. What the hell was going on? How was this possible? Was this just a dream? It had to be. \n\n“I’m dreaming. I must be.”, I said.\n\n“Well I’m not!”, said the reflection. “You are not a long-lost twin playing a prank on me, are you?” \n\n“No! I don’t know what’s going on any more than you do.”, I explained. \n\n“Right…”, said the mirror man. “It can’t be. There’s a room on the other side of the mirror, how could there be a replica hallway.”\n\n“How do you know?”, I blurted out.\n\n“Know what?”\n\n“About where things are in my apartment.”, I said.\n\n“Your apartment? I fucking live here! You don’t! It’s a left into the living room and then a right into the bedroom, it’s behind the fucking hallway mirror! Stop it you mirror bastard; you’re freaking me out.”\n\n“What’s your name?”, I asked.\n\n“I’d imagine you’d know. James Hofmann.”\n\nThat was my name. ‘This can’t be happening.’, I thought.\n\n“I’ll do you one back. What’s your mothers first name?”, my reflection asked.\n\n“Who do you think you are? Its…” I hesitated. I couldn’t remember. My own goddamn mothers name was a lost memory! One I knew I once had, but didn’t anymore.\n\n“You don’t know!”, said the reflection. \n\n“Shut up, I’m thinking!”, I yelled back at it.\n\n“Fuck off, that is not something you think about! It’s Christina, for goodness sake.”\n\nChristina. The name did not ring a bell, but it could have been my mothers. I wasn’t sure anymore. Nothing seemed certain all of a sudden. Whether I was awake or dreaming I could not tell. \n\n“And your first pet? What animal was it? And what about your Job, what do you work as?”\n\n“I… I don’t know!”, I yelled.\n\n“Of course, you don’t fucking know, you live in this mirror and in this mirror only.”, said the mirror man.\n\n“That is not true, I exist!” I stared at my hands, at the hallway walls and finally back to the mirror. My reflection stared at me with a desperate facial expression.\n\n“You don’t. You fucking don’t.”, he said, shaking his head. “You have to end this. You are tormenting me.”\n\n“In what way am I tormenting you?”\n\n“By not behaving like my stupid reflection!”, the mirror man screamed. Tears started to roll over his cheek, as he pounded his side of the mirror with his fist. “End this, I beg you!”\n\n“How?”\n\nThe reflection gazed at the knife on the floor, his eyes red from crying.\n\n“No way.”, I said. “You have got to be kidding.”\n\n“I’m sorry.”, said the reflection. “Look, I bet you still think this is a dream, no?”\n\n“Kinda. I mean, It… it has to be.”\n\n“Well then, what would killing yourself lead to?”\n\n“To me dying?”, I said, a slight wave of Irony flowing with it.\n\n“To either you waking up, or you discovering that you were indeed just my reflection.”\n\n“Or just to me, dying. This is nuts!”\n\n“Reconsider yourself! Either you are dreaming, or you are my fucking reflection. You would remember your first dog, max and your mother’s name!”\n\n“How can I be your reflection; it just doesn’t make sense!” I eyed the knife on the floor. “Nothing makes sense.”, I said.\n\n“Please!” The tears in the mirror man’s face were running down continuously now and dripping off from his chin onto his chest. “You don’t even remember a life, don’t remember anything before this conversation, do you?” \n\nHe was right. I didn’t. \n\nI picked up the knife from the floor. “I’m going insane. I am going fucking insane!”, I shouted. “It’s the only way, you have to do it.”, begged the mirror me. ‘Was it actually the real me?’, I thought. \n“Fuck it!”, I yelled and rammed the knife into my chest. I felt it breaking my ribcage and penetrating my lung. An unimaginable pain ran through my body, as I stumbled and fell to the ground. It hurt like nothing had before. Around me a large puddle of blood began to form. It was just gushing out of my body endlessly. I struggled to keep my eyelids from shutting. With my sight growing dim I looked at the mirror. My reflection stood there, smiling, no sign of tears. It walked towards the glass and just phased through it, onto my side. Now I saw my real reflection again, a man with a knife in his chest, bleeding to death on the floor. And next to it the same man, standing with his back towards the mirror. He was right there beside me and not only as a reflection. I looked up into my own, grinning face, as the man who’d just materialized out of the mirror got on his knees and bent over me. He pulled out the knife, laid two fingers on my gaping wound and got them covered in blood, before rubbing them with his thumb. “Thank you.”, he said, pushing himself up again. My head rolled on its side and suddenly I remembered everything: My mother’s name, Cassandra, not Christina, my first pet, a guinea pig named molly, my job as a radio moderator, just before my vision went black. The last thing I heard, was my own voice speaking to me one final sentence: “You’ve done humanity a great favor.” \n\n\n(Very cool prompt, had fun writing. English is not my first language. I apologize for any grammatical or spelling mistakes)\n\nEdit: Formatting", "I know it sounds crazy, but it actually happened. \n\nShe was right there. I know she was. I saw her with my own eyes. She looked exactly like me. Her hair was the same dark brown as mine and it curled along her temples the same way mine did. It was piled loosely on top of her head, tossed carelessly into a messy bun moments earlier. There was still a stray speck of toothpaste on the collar of her too-large T-shirt. Her skin was indistinguishable from my own, with the same slightly-too-pale pallor. She needed the sun. The weight of the world rested on her frail shoulders. Her eyes, like mine, were a deep molasses flecked with amber and behind them, I saw her. In that brief moment, though, I truly saw her. She was there. She was. \n\nEveryone around me thinks it didn’t really happen. The doctors all think I’m crazy, but I’m not. I did see her. She wasn’t a schizophrenic hallucination and she wasn’t a temporary imaginary friend I developed to deal with some repressed trauma. She was actually there, in the mirror. I hadn’t done any drugs or developed any sudden allergic reactions at the ripe old age of 31. She just...appeared, disappeared, and everything went back to normal. She was there and then she wasn’t. It seems pretty simple to explain, but it’s not so easy to understand, I guess. But it did happen. \n\nThe part of the story that makes it unbelievable is that not all mirrors work the way we think they do. They just can’t. As far as we know, mirrors only reflect what we put in front of them. But that’s not true. I’ve seen differently. I know that what you see in a mirror, despite looking identical to the real world, can be something entirely different. I know this because I saw her. I really did. \n\nI just tell people that she simply appeared and disappeared. That part of what happened comes across as the most believable. People still have the typical questions—Where did she go? How did she get there in the first place? Is she always there?—but overall, they believe that something weird happened. We are typically well prepared for the notion that things can disappear without warning or explanation, like watching the friendly magician disappear his beautiful partner from her velvet-lined box. But when I’m honest? When I reveal that she moved? When people hear that my reflection momentarily was not me? Well, then they have fewer questions about the story. Then they just stare. But I swear to you, it happened. It really did. \n\nFor a brief moment, the reflection I saw in the mirror—while still being a mirror image of myself—was not me. She was different. I saw her. She was cold, completely unlike me. It wasn’t something she wore or a look on her face. It was just her. Cold and uncaring. In a split-second, her eyes darted to the left and I saw it. I swear I did. I could actually see her soul, trapped behind her eyes like an icy fog. It froze me in place and I couldn’t look away—not that I’d tried. Her deepest secrets, darkest desires, pieces of her personality kept hidden away, they were each crystallized and on display for me as brilliant flashes of purple, green, and gold. When the fog threatened to roll beyond the boundary of her eyes, she commanded her sharp gaze back towards mine. As her scrutiny crept ever closer, I felt the pain begin to build in my head. Her eyes locked with mine and it felt like brain freeze, amplified. And that’s when I saw her. I swear I did. I really, honestly saw her. Instinctively, I squeezed my eyes closed. \n\nThis is where I usually end the story. I opened my eyes and she was gone. Just like that, my reflection was my own again. That part is true enough. Once I finally opened my eyes, she was definitely gone. \n\nWhat I don’t even bother telling people is that while my eyes were closed and my brain was paralyzed with biting cold and dazzling light, I heard her speak. She said that I was her reflection. \n\nIf trying to describe the way she looks has resulted in everyone thinking I’m crazy—when she looks just like me,—why would I ever try to explain her voice?" ]	4
	[WP]You’re the barkeep of an interdimensional tavern. Talk about some of the stories you hear and some of the people you see.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Do you allow dogs?\" the young woman asked, peaking her head into Orion's. \n\n\"I have no issues,\" I said. \n\nThe girl stepped in, her face translucent when she passed under direct light. Beside her was a strange shadow, the shade a cloud might cast. It followed after her heels like a loyal friend. \n\n\"That's no dog I have ever seen,\" I said. She took a seat at the bar and smiled at me. \n\n\"Ah, dogs don't have any idea what they look like when dead,\" the girl said. \"So Sky here is just... the general idea of himself. I guess fluffy?\" \n\n\"Why do you have a dog's soul?\" I asked. \n\n\"We passed away together and I refused to leave him. So we have been walking, looking for a way to spend the rest of time together,\" the girl said. She paused. \"I'm Emily.\" \n\n\"Well, Emily, I am always looking for willing hands. I don't think your cloud will cause any trouble.\" \n\nEmily smiled.", "\"Even beings like me need a break sometimes, you know?\" said Kuvar, the god of everything wicked.\n\n\"I think I do, another round?\" I replied, while cleaning a glass.\n\nI remember being very skeptical towards this job when I first got the offer. I was good at it back in the Earth sure, but that's just humans. Having to deal with customers across the multiverse? I mean, what would stop someone, like Kuvar I'm serving here, from snapping me out of existence? I wouldn't exactly have a superhero team trying to snap me back now, would I?\n\nTurns out this place is kind of a null point, no matter who you are. You agree to the rules, you can enter. You don't create problems here in any way or my employers will come for you. \n\nAs I was handing Kuvar his drink, the Guide came in greeting everybody. He's interesting, even among my usuals. He's some sort of omnipotent and omniscent being that helps heroes across worlds, helping them create a foothold and fight against forces of nature devouring everything in their way.\n\n\"Hey there, anything new?\" I asked as he sat down on a stool.\n\n\"Some guy tried to take on The Dungeon a bit too early and got this butt handed to him. One of the one-lifers. He was such a good builder too, what a shame.\" he said with a clearly bummed expression. I served him his favorite and left him to his own devices. \n\nI checked my watch and saw my shift was nearing its end. I started wrapping up when I got startled by a loud voice calling my name, you don't get a lot of that here.\n\n\"You don't need to shout, I can perfectly hear you from anywhere. Now, what's the problem?\" I said.\n\n\"I'm still waiting for my order.\" she said in a menacing voice, making clear she's one of the first timers.\n\n\"I told you that we're out of chocolate milk. Now if you don't have any ot-\"\n\n\"I DON'T CARE LAD, YOU'RE GOING TO SERVE ME WHAT I WANT.\" she yelled as she stood up and towered above me. Great, a troublemaker.\n\n\"Uh, I suggest that you calm down ma'am.\" I replied.\n\n\"AND WHAT IF I DON'T?\" she kept yelling.\n\n\"You don't want what's coming your way mate, listen to him\" said the Guide, without looking at her.\n\nMy tall customer opened his mouth, probably to vomit a new set of high pitched words. I intervened before she could.\n\n\"I'm calling my employers if you keep this up.\"\n\nThere was an instant change in her. Whole body freezed, stare went blank. After about a minute she gulped visibly and spoke with an almost shaking voice:\n\n\"Please don't, I beg of you. Can't go through all of that again, please.\" \n\nShe left before I could answer. \n\nRest of the customers went back to their business and I changed my clothes before clocking out.\n\n\"I've always wondered who do you really work for.\" said Kuvar as I was about to open the door. \"I mean, you shook her whole world and she has the blood of entire galaxies on her hand.\" \n\n\"That makes two of us, my twisted friend.\"", "Jerry used to cross dimensions before with his dad a long time ago but they never had to make a stop and this was the first time he’d visit the famous tavern. His father had disappeared in it while he was heading for another dimension and Jerry never saw him again. He was hesitant but the hunger was killing him. \n\n“Merry Christmas and happy Easter. What will I got you?” said the odd looking bartender.\n\n“Excuse me?” replied Jerry.\n\n“A newcomer huh? Sorry, this place can change your speech after a while. What can I get you?”. \n\nJerry paused awkwardly for a second and then said “Just water for now and maybe a ham sandwich if you can”.\n\n“Sure thing.”\n\nJerry paid the barkeep his credits and paused for a second to marvel at the decorations. This tavern was unlike any place he had ever seen. The colors and unique styles were so many that they started to hurt his eyes after a few seconds. He could see furniture that clearly dated back to the old American West when the legendary outlaws roamed the land. Another table was decorated with what looked like an old Egyptian crown like the ones Queen Cleopatra wore in all the movies. The guests who sat at the table used the old crown as an ashtray for their cigars. Everything inside this place was peculiar but what impressed him the most was an old looking weapon hanging atop the front door. This was clearly from the deep future. “A singularity shotgun?” he thought. “This must be a coveted piece”.\n\n“How was it?” asked the barkeep suddenly as if he never left for the kitchen.\n\n“Jesus!” said Jerry startled. “Don’t do that, I thought you went inside for my order!”\n\n“Yeah that was some time ago. How was the sandwich? I’m using a secret new recipe for the meat but everyone only orders drinks and I haven’t gotten the chance to test it. Did you like it?” asked the barkeep.\n\n“What do you mean did I like it? You haven’t brought...” Jerry looked at an empty plate in front of him.\n\n“Don’t worry you’ll get used to it. The confusion goes away after awhile. This is your first time traveling between dimensions?”\n\n“Right sorry...no not my first time it’s just I always passed quickly and never lingered between them.”\n\n“Then welcome to the Inn Between. Do you plan on staying for the night? We don’t have many rooms left but I’m sure we’ll find you one.”\n\n“No that won’t be necessary. I’m only taking a break to eat something before I go to Terra Nova.”\n\n“Terra Nova huh? One of our patrons last week came from Terra Nova. He said he was coming from a long summer that lasted 2 Solar Years.”\n\n“The great summer of 86 perhaps. That was way before my time. He must have been from the past.”\n\n“Past, present, future...none of that has any meaning here kid. Did you know Socrates visited here once?”\n\n“Like the philosopher?”\n\n“Yeah. Apparently he met one of those aliens who built the Pyramids of Egypt by accident and as he was drunk from a feast he started telling him some long forgotten jokes from the Mycenaean period. The alien laughed so hard that he offered to buy him a glass of the finest beer in existence and so they both came here to get even more wasted.”\n\n“Wow...you must have seen some weird shit in your time then.”\n\n“Damn straight! I once had to stop a fight between Alexander and Napoleon because they both thought one was Greater than the other. These fools nearly broke my tavern apart.”\n\n“How did they get here? Aren’t they too old and primitive for interdimentional travel?”\n\n“You won’t believe the amount of future space junk aliens leave behind after they visit Earth. They leave portals open because they’re too lazy to close them and idiots from all over spacetime fall inside them. Not to complain thought. Those portals provide me with even more guests and customers.”\n\n“Do you get many of them? I mean enough to keep the tavern open.”\n\n“It depends. Most of the time guests have smaller appetites and only order one drink before they leave and other times they ask for whole feasts.”\n\n“Whole feasts? What do you serve besides snacks and sandwiches?”\n\n“All sorts of things but the tavern is mostly known for its meat pies ever since the new recipe.”\n\n“You just said I was the first to try that recipe...oh wait, right. Interdimensional rules got it.”\n\n“Good lad.”\n\n“So what’s in that recipe?”\n\n“I can’t tell you exactly because to be honest it goes against regulations but let’s just say it’s all about the animal behind the meat.”\n\n“Some rare species?”\n\n“Not really but it’s an animal most people aren’t accustomed to eating.”\n\nJerry looked at his spacetime watch. “Shit I’m 50 days late. Does the main door have past settings that count in minutes instead of months?”\n\n“Of course. I just installed them next Tuesday.”\n\n“Right. I gotta go. It was nice talking with you but I’ll try more of that meat some other time.”\n\n“Take care.”\n\nAs Jerry walked through the door he wondered where his father might have been. If time didn’t mean anything inside the tavern then did he just miss him as he entered it all those years ago? He couldn’t be sure but at least his stomach was full." ]	4
	[WP] Write a story where the narrator doesn't know the plot, setting, or the character's names in advance.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "So.. I think I have the notes somewhere... Ah here they are!.\n\nWendolorf the... Huh? I don't think that's right, what sort of name is Wendolorf?\n\nWell, The main character (I think) was walking along the streets of... Come on! there's Cheeto dust on this!\n\nOkay, so main character is walking on the streets of main city and he spots a... Is this a god dang madlib!? This is just blank!\n\nFine, he spotted a shapeless blob that was... What the heck? I'm not saying that!\n\nI'll just skip this part, you don't need exposition anyways.\n\nWanda stood there with the shotgun aimed at... what is with these names? This literally has numbers and question marks in it!\n\nOkay, so Gu7?1o9? then kicked the shotgun from her hands, causing it to fire upon a crowd of swiftly oncoming zombie sloths....\n\nYou know what John, narrate your own damn stories!", "The year is—uh— ... ... ... 2019? Yes, the year is 2019. It's a bright, sunny, beautiful J–anuary morning... in Australia! Why else would a January morning be beautiful and sunny? But, I digress.\n\nThe time is ten—no, eight—thirty in the— Wait, PM? Okay, you know what? Scratch that. Forget what I just said; it's a redo.\n\nIt's a cold, crappy, January evening in Seattle. The sky is dark, and it's pouring rain. On such evenings like this, you can find our protagonist Jas–mes working at the... Uh... The Pub. You know, that pub that everybody knows the one you're talking about when someone says \"the pub\".\n\nIt just so happened that on this rainy night, something extraordinary would happen to Jasmes. But, until this extraordinary thing happened to Jasmes, he was simply working his usual bartending gig. One would hope that he was paid above minimum wage, but by the looks of his tip jar, he probably relied on satisfied customers to pay rent.\n\nSuddenly, as Jasmes was washing a couple of glasses, he was approached by a big, burly tattooed man in a leather biker jacket. Was this the antagonist? In a gruff voice, the man spoke, \"one long island.\" No, apparently not. No judgment here, but I would've asked for a couple shots of tequila instead.\n\nHis night continued uneventfully. Jasmes served a couple more patrons. Amazingly, nobody managed to get in a bar fight either. This is a pub, people. Not a Denny's! Jeez. It was now 10:30, and nothing interesting had happened in the past two hours. Was Jasmes just a boring person? Nah, that couldn't have been it.\n\nFrom the looks of it, Jasmes was happily continuing to serve completely sober and lightly buzzed people. Then... she entered through the door. A beautiful—nay, stunning—bombshell strode through the pub entrance. James turned his head, and it was almost as though time was standi—\"Hi, I'll have a Screwdriver\", she said, both interrupting the narration and winking at Jasmes.\n\n\"Sure thing, coming right up,\" he replied.\n\n\"So... James, what'll it take for a gal to get some extra service,\" she flirtingly said after carefully taking the time to read his name tag.\n\n\"Well, it's a little known secret that tipping your bartender helps a bit,\" he said with a smile.\n\n\"How about something... Else?\" she replied.\n\nJames raised his hand, and motioned towards his finger. He leaned towards her slightly and said, \"Oh, I'm sorry ma'am, but I'm married.\" \n\nAnd with that, James had officially earned the World's Most Boring Protagonist award. Congratulations James, your next award winning story will be about filing taxes!\n\nScrew this, I'm out. Narrate your own story. \\slams door\\", "Nighttime air, dry and hiding sinister plots. Evening in the summer, probably, with that greyish-purple hue in the sky, making everything look covered in a thin layer of ash. Visages, invisible against the horizon, obscured by hoods, long shadows, and the veil of night. Every so often, sparse foliage lines the pale, dried, cracking riverbed on their side of the road. Red streaks suddenly break out across the sky, it must be the break of dawn actually.\n\nGathering light seems to force the figures to shrink behind a nearby, rather large, bush. One, the shorter of the two, turns each way and whispers something urgent to the other figure. Neither move for a moment, they must be waiting for something, then the taller chuckles softly while shaking it's hooded head, slowly pointing it's shadowed face towards the ground. Nodding quickly, the taller glances around and points with a small motion across the road. Another glance around from the shorter, followed by a firm nod before both spring to life.\n\nGoing swiftly and silently across the dusty road, the shorter of two figures moves away from the taller, staying low to the ground. In two short steps, the taller moves away from the bush along the road. Versed motions align the figures across the street from one another almost immediately. Each reaches down, placing one hand against the ground in preparation. \n\nYellow headlights crest the nearby hilltop, and the figures bounce their free hands in unison. One, two, three. Using both hands now, the figures are suddenly standing upright and pulling hard against the air, bringing the car to a screeching halt.\n\n\"Up yours,\" the driver fires off out his window before speeding off. Pranksters run with the reaction they aimed for, laughing as they depart, another relatively harmless mission accomplished.", "Centuries ago- what? Wait, Christi, what do you mean it's the twenty-first century? Okay, I guess no one likes to brief me anymore about this. Anyway. It was a dark, gloomy Tuesday and- wait are you serious? Damnit Christi! You have to give me better information about this. Okay. Okay. Let's try this one more time.\n\nIt was Wednesday morning, bright and chipper and young- Is it George? Geoff? Seriously, Christi, I'm pulling at straws here. What does that even mean, 'David already debriefed me on the characterization'? David should be fired and we both know it. Whatever, okay... Thanks, Christi.\n\nIt was Wednesday morning, bright and chipper and young Jeremy- We're seriously going with Jeremy? Okay- okay, sorry! -had woken up to the faint breeze of the crisp dawn. Okay, I'm fed up with this! Who makes these scripts then changes them last minute? Like, this doesn't even make sense. Jesus, Christi, what the hell is this sticky note? 'change to: jeremy didnt sleep last night'\n\nDid David write this? I swear to god, David is getting fired. Since when did David change the scripts? ... What the hell, Christi, he got a promotion? Oh my god okay. I'll deal with him later. Jeremy hadn't slept that night, it was probably because of the love of his life keeping him up all night- What the hell David. Christi, can I file a complaint? There are sticky notes everywhere. 'jeremy doesnt have a girlfriend' and 'jeremy doesnt have a morgage' and 'jeremy gets murdered when he leaves his house because he's in debt by the russian mafia' \nWhat the hell David. At least use proper grammar, jesus. Oh my god, there's another one.\n\n'btw: jeremey's parents died last week' \n\nI'm done. This job is not worth it. No- no Christi. I won't, in fact, talk to David. David can be the narrator for all I care. See how he likes it. I quit. \n...and tell David his banana nut muffins suck dick.", "“So it was a nice day in the park for this guy.”\nWait you’re saying it’s not a nice day for him?\nOh... oh my.. that happened? Umm my fault.\nAnd his names Gerald? Come on... gimme something better than that.\n\n“So it was a rather unpleasant day for David”\nWhat? I have to use the right name? FIIIINE.\n“For GERALD in the park. His dog had recently passed away and he was taking the same walking route as he would’ve when it was alive.”\n\nYes the puppies name was? What... you have got to be kidding me... Geraldine?????? Who is naming these things. What... is this some sort of joke?\n\n“Geraldine was a Labrador and had been with Gerald since he was 14. She had helped him through a lot of tough times.\nGerald had been sad and still is sad to have lost her. Nothing will ever quite replace her. The joy she would bring. The happiness. The way she wagged her tail. Her endless excitement. But she was too sick to continue. In too much pain. He would seen arrive at the animal shelter, ready to choose another companion. A name Geraldine 2.”\n\nNope. No. I’m out. These names are stupid. Find yourself a new narrator, this is garbage. Nope." ]	6
	[WP] A supervillain willingly turns himself in and is sent to prison. So far, to everyone's surprise, he's been a model prisoner.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 the way he smiles at everyone” I growled at Dean, my prison guard partner.\n\n“The asshole actually thinks he can fool us, like we would ever trust some scum like him,” he replied.\n\n“It’s only a game and we need to win it, to find out what messed up plan he’s got this time. Although we really shouldn’t even let him have a chance, but the boss and our beloved superhero don’t want us to straight up execute him, as if we needed proof that he’s a mass murderer.”\n\n“He’ll get what he deserves.” Dean’s been trying to calm me down as I have done for him many times before.\n\nA supervillain responsible of so many deaths in our own city and around the world should simply be put down like a mad dog. Hatred is a kind word for the feeling inside me when I look at him. He, who destroyed so many lives, who ruined mine.\n\nI’ve always tried to respect the inmates, avoid violence when it’s not necessary, but every time he says hi to me, I just want to punch him and never stop. At least he doesn’t try to smile at me, he’s pure evil but he’s not stupid so he knows what people not to play with. And here he comes.\n\n“Jake, Dean, good morning” said Chaos Storm, dumb fucking name he came up with. I’d like to just tell him to keep moving, but someone has to find out what he’s up to, and it ain’t gonna be all these other fools.\n\n“Hey, Shit Storm. Seems like you have a couple of new friends today.”\n\nHe briefly smiled “Just a couple more. Very interesting people can be found around these cells, specially those who go to the box.”\n\n“Yeah, criminals. That’s the kind of people that live in this prison” I retorted.\n\n“Criminals are interesting people though; don’t you think boss?”\n\nI had enough of him for now, “sure they are, all of them have a sad story they use as an excuse of their behavior. And trust me, I don’t want to hear yours, so just move along.” He nodded and walked away.\n\nIs he trying to recruit criminals? He’s always worked alone but with him being so recognizable nowadays, he probably needs people to do the street work. I’ll have to pay attention to his new associates because if I can’t crack him maybe I can crack them. I’ll go talk to Pete, he’s been talking to him and if someone’s going to break, that’ll be him.\n\n“Yo, Pete come here,” I pulled him from the kitchen “let’s talk a little.”\n\n“Oh h-hi, Jake what do you need?” he said nervously, but Pete was always a bit nervous. It’s not easy to hide things when you’re nervous.\n\n“Look, Pete I just want to talk. I’m worried and you know why, Chaos Storm is not someone you want to hang out with, I’m afraid you’ll end up in a rough situation that will be really bad for you. And I know you’re one of the good guys, Pete so help me here, what’s up with him?”\n\nIt surprised me to see he actually looked a little relieved. “Oh – he laughed – him, yeah boss, to tell you the truth… he’s kind of a good friend.” He told me with a big smile. I guess Pete of all people could be easily manipulated.\n\n“I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Pete,” I warned him. “But what I need you to tell me is if you know anything about what he’s planning.”\n\n“Planning? No, boss he’s not planning anything, I think you should talk to him.”\n\nInmates were sleeping now and I just couldn’t ease my mind. Talk to him… I'm not a detective, I have no real interrogating experience and lots of people have already come talk to him. Maybe I should let them do their job, hope that they’ll stop whatever evil plan he’s got.\n\nBut it’s personal, I really want to be the one to find out, the one to put an end to him. But I’m also scared of myself, of what I could do to him and what that would do to me. Although what’s my life compared to thousands who may be saved from his crazy attacks? Nothing really. I’ll talk to him.\n\nI opened his cell door; he woke up and sit looking at me. “You’re a piece of shit,” I couldn’t control myself. I'm not even starting calm, how will this end? Am I about to kill a man?\n\n“Never said I wasn’t.” He said calmly, he’s not afraid of me and he really should be. He might be a supervillain but right here in this cell, in the dark, all alone with no weapon, it’s me who is in control.\n\n“You’ll tell me why you’re here, you’re telling me everything if you don’t want this to be your last night on the Earth.” I’m too angry, being alone in here with him gives me so much confidence I could end him, I don’t care about any kind of consequences right now, I just know if I wanted to, I could kill him right now.\n\n“I certainly don’t want this to be my last night, Jake but it’s pretty much your decision, isn’t it?” He knows I can take him down. “I’ll tell you why I’m here, Jake. And I swear I won’t lie to you.” Like I could believe him, and I knew I couldn’t even before I came here.\n\n“As you know, I’ve killed a considerable amount of people, a number closer to a million than it is to a thousand. I’ve killed good and bad people, they’re the reason I’m here. People who deserved it and people who just were in between me and my goals.”\n\n“Like my sister and my niece, you sick son of a bitch. They didn’t deserve what you did to them.” My blood was boiling, my head felt like the weight of world was on it. I could feel my hands pressing on my legs with rage.\n\n“I know you won’t believe me, Jake but I’m sorry, I truly am.” He’s not, him saying he’s sorry is an insult. He’s killed thousands of people for years and he’s now sorry? He’s going to die tonight.\n\n“Jake, I’m sorry, I’m sorry”.\n\n“Shut up… Shut up!” I’m about to yell at him, I want to scream and just let my anger take over me. \n“You’re not, you don’t care about anyone, you’re not even human anymore, you’re…” I noticed a small sparkle on his face. “you’re crying? Fuck you, are you crying?” He doesn’t get to cry.\n\n“Whats my name, Jake?” A tear fell to his legs, more seemed to come.\n\n“What are you playing at? You think I pity you, Chaos Storm?” Does he want me to pity chaos? What he is could never be human, he can’t ever be loved.\n\n“My real name, Jake. You know it, the one people have forgotten about, the one my parents used to call me.”\n\n“William” I told him. “William Black.”\n\n“That’s right, Jake. William is the name I left behind when I decided I’d become what I am now.” His voice was starting to break, he was actually crying. “I left a lot for this life and this life I couldn’t control found a way to destroy everything I once was. I found her, Jake. In Jessie’s room, holding her tight.” \n\nIt can’t be. \n\n“I saw Emma holding the burned body of my daughter.”\n\nHow is this possible? “William? Are you that… William?”\n\n“I was…”" ]	2
	[WP] You recently received a present from an uncle who's visiting Australia: one genuine boomerang. According to a note included in the package, it only comes back when you least expect it. You dismiss this as your uncle being weird again and throw the boomerang anyway.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$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 opened the present to find the boomerang with a folded note under it. The boomerang seemed to be handmade of wood with a varnish finish. I could tell my uncle had given it to me even before reading the note as he had engraved \"Return address: 17 Maple Avenue\" into one of the handles, and my name into the other. I unfolded the note, ignoring the upside down this way up, and read:\n\n>\"Happy birthday, shame I can't be here this year. Australia is nice but everything seems flipped on its head down here...\"\n\nDid he give me a boomerang or a book? I decided to skip a few paragraphs\n\n>\"...anyway, enough about my misadventures. What you have is one genuine, authentic boomerang that seems to only return when you least expect it. Will see you soon!\"\n\nSo it comes back when least expected? I guess it's worth a shot. I threw the boomerang straight up into the air only for it to get tangled within the dangling light. Of course my rotten luck I internally grumbled as I sat down to read the rest of the note before a sharp pain spread across my head. The boomerang was now on the floor.\n\nThe next day I went to the park to properly test the boomerang. Finding a space devoid of people and trees I launched the boomerang with enough force to orbit around the earth when a dog jumped up, grabbed it and ran off with it. Are you kidding me as my body automatically launched after the dog. 3 minutes of running, sweat and enough internal cursing to make a witch jealous I had achieved the wonderful award of absolutely nothing. I decided to head home.\n\nAround a week and a half later my uncle walked in though the door. \"Hey, well done on not burning down the place. I found this in the park.\" Maybe it was the boomerang? I turned around excitedly to see he was holding an official park badge. Nope, definitely not I thought turning back around. \"I also found this\" he said tossing the boomerang into my lap \"Don't lose it again, OK? I put a lot of work into that\"\n\nThat was the last time I saw my uncle for a while.\n\nThe next few decades were tough with constant visits, being ruined and robbed, the opening of my uncles eyes followed by them shutting again, with the rest of my family soon after. \n\nI sit here alone in the world. Unable to (legally) do much I just stare and obverse. The doorbell rings and as I open the door, they hold a green box. Inside, an official looking note reads:\n\n>\"It took a few years but we managed to track them down. If you know of any other items that are your please feel free to call us at...\"\n\nI never usually get presents from them, what are they up to...\n\nI looked inside to see that it indeed, had returned.\n\n———————————\n\nWell that went from happy to depressing fast. Don't normally write but feel free to give feedback" ]	2
	[WP] You are a silent protagonist. Without a word you grow stronger, complete quests, and save the world. Unfortunately so is everyone else.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 glowing orb that hovered over the bartender's head was beacon enough for me to know he had a quest for me. I approached, and placed the golden coin on the bar with a clink, loud enough to catch his attention. \n\nHe approached me and said nothing. \n\nI said nothing in return. \n\nHis response was silence. \n\nAs was mine. \n\n.\n\n.\n\n.\n\nAs we continued to say nothing, I rolled my shoulders, allowing the muscles to loosen, preparing for anything. Assassins, brawlers, a whole manner of unknown assailants could spring an attack at any time. My guard was never truly lowered. I was dressed in a modest black tunic and leggings, reinforced with a thin layer of chain mail. \n\nI leaned against the bar and nodded towards a barrel of ale, and a glass. The barkeep took the hint. I exchanged the payment for the beer and took a long and hearty gulp with my eyes closed, enjoying the beverage. I had just arrived in town from single handedly holding an invasion of demons at the top of a mountain not far from here. The citizens of this forsaken town had no idea that their monotonous lives could continue because of my own intervention. \n\nAnother clink of a coin took my attention from my drink. A man dressed in golden armor with a monstrous broadsword on his back that glowed with blue flames stood at the bar next to me. I rolled my eyes in response and searched my satchel for my own Sword of a Thousand Hells. \n\nI equipped the blade on my back in the same manner as the knight. He scoffed. And suddenly, the golden armor was replaced with an long black cloak with large feathered wings sprouting from its back and a shining crossbow that lit with an angelic light. \n\nGreat. He's been in the dungeons too. I searched for my own cloak to one-up this juvenile who probably paid for this armor from another journeyman. \n\nI made eye contact with him when I realized I left my cloak in my vault. \n\nHe said nothing. \n\nI said nothing." ]	2
	[WP] The end of a bag of chips, the end of the world, and the end of a TV show. Of these things you are dealing with RIGHT now, you dont know which makes you the most upset.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 slumped down into my recliner, crunched down on a potato chip, and let out a deep sigh. I've existed here in realm 45,926 for the last 114 millenia. When I first arrived on planet Z-L462B like any starry-eyed interdimensional god, I thought I'd make a name for myself. It wouldn't be too hard, just get the mortals to worship me by summoning a little fire. \"Hmm, those were the days.\" I softly reminisced as I reached for another chip. It worked at first too. Here on Earth as they called it, the most advanced lifeforms hadn't even reached phase C of development. The planet was a little back water for my taste but I found the humans amusing so I elected to stay. They built monuments to me, and I rewarded them with bountiful crops and good fortune. It was the simple life.\n\nThis cycle continued for a few thousand years until something unexpected happened. The humans began developing mentally at an exponential rate, yet stagnated emotionally. Most beings began to lose the basic instincts of beasts as their mental capacity grew. Yet the humans continued to act with feeling governing their actions rather than reason. There was no protocol for this kind of advancement. It was unprecedented, so out of curiousity I decided to step back and just observe. Sometimes I wonder how things would be different had I just stuck to the script, had I just done my job and kept the humans on track. I took another chip and munched on the edges of it as I turned my attention to the window. My apartment was small and frugally furnished. Nothing to attract attention that might distract me from why I was here. A single window provided light for the tiny room, and sat parallel to the TV on the opposite wall not more than 20 feet away. The views from the two screens couldn't be any more different. The window into escapism played the much awaited series finale of \"Seashores.\" A show which has admittedly grown on me over the past couple years. While the window into reality showed me red skys and tired souls. I reached for another chip, only to find crumbs.\n\nA heartbeat, a past time, and a lifetime all ending in one second. To a mortal, this would be no contest. For them, time is what creates pain. When the universe deems it time for them to give back, they struggle to relinquish what they've known the longest. This is the paradox of their existence. They have the capacity to know life, yet they lack the ability to let it go. It's a cruel fate they've been damned to. Their currency is in minutes and seconds. In that sense, I'm the richest man this realm knows. For me feelings should be a triviality, something lost long ago in the infinity of existence. And yet here I stand feeling not sadness, but rather emptiness. \n\nI looked up just in time to see \"Seashores\" get cut off by an emergency broadcast message. \"I guess I'll never get to see how it ends,\" I thought to myself as the robotic voice urged me to seek shelter. That's something the humans and I will have in common, not knowing. I went to grab my suitcase recognizing that I could not stay there much longer. I walked around my apartment packing my stuff, while outside I heard the cacophony of chaos. When I finished, I placed the case beside my chair. I sat back down and thought about what was lost today. I looked down at my bag of chips, crumpled it up into a ball, and allowed a single tear to roll down my cheek. Maybe the humans weren't so cursed after all." ]	2
	[WP] Everyone is attached to a red string that leads them to their soulmate. For your friends, it’s easy for them to follow their string. You try to follow yours only to realize it’s attached to something past the sky.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 stood, trembling in my bathroom, my body lit only by the purple-pink neon signage of the billboard directly opposite my house. I have been on this earth 24 years, and not once in my 8760 days have I met a single person who understood what I go through. Everyone’s string is so damn easy to follow. It just goes straight to the soulmate. Everyone’s except mine. \n\nMine goes straight up. Further into the stratosphere than visible to the naked eye - further than visible from a telescope too. \n\nNOBODY understands how unfulfilling my existence is. How utterly maddening it is having your soulmate be eternally unreachable. I am driven insane, year by year, day by day, by my complete and utter desperation to feel the kind of undying love that a soulmate brings. \n\nBut I’m not going to have to worry about that anymore. To find a live undying, I think I need to do a bit of dying first.\n\nI stand, trembling, in my bathroom, by body lit by a universe of manufactured nebulae. I hold the shiny object between my thumb and forefinger, and before I know it, the deed is done. \n\nMy body drops, yet I do not. \n\nMy god, it’s so beautiful. It’s like I’m pixelated, my soul splitting into crystalline fragments and then weaving back together again. I am no one, and I am no where. All around me is. Colour. But not one I’ve ever experienced before. I know that my eyes see it as black, but I know this cannot be black. It’s too.... perfect. It’s like a missing texture in a video game. I admire the not-colour for a few moments, trying to comprehend what I am experiencing. \n\nI look to my hand, and my string no longer goes straight up. My string now leads straight in front of me. Into the nothing. Into the black.\n\nThis is my path. This is where I must go.\n\nI walk forward into the not-colour, and it is welcoming. It is warm, and it feels like h o m e", "She’d heard about this happening. Only rumours though. A friend of a friend told me type affairs. It made complete sense if you thought about it logically. That was something she did often. Think logically. It didn’t serve her well, especially not now. She did wonder what the person on the other end was like. Was it a man or a woman? Were they dark skinned with brown eyes or fair and blue eyed? Did they share lots of things in common or were they polar opposites? Thoughts swirled in her head, capturing her attention briefly before rescinding into the dark recesses. It didn’t matter in the end. There was to be no journey for her. No magical moment where her and her soulmate met for the first time. They were literally millions and millions of miles apart. Or so she assumed. Where else would this person be if not for Earth? She sighed, turning back to inspect the plant. It looked a healthy green, vibrantly contrasted to the red dirt it was planted in. At least something looked happy around here.\n\nHe’d always been a hopeless romantic type. That was odd these days. You got your shine on your 21st birthday and that was it for most people. What was point of romance when science could tell you the answer. Sure, some resisted at first. Back when it was first introduced the idea might’ve even sounded ludicrous, alien, mystical. But time had told a different story as it was want to do. The shine turned out to be a really positive thing actually. People were united in a way they never had been before. War, envy, jealousy, the negatives in life began to fade as people aligned themselves to those that made them truly happen. Earth had entered a golden era. The environment began to heal, extending its natural grasp until it was interwoven into the fabric of society, a part of a greater whole. Humanity began to look beyond the Earth. To what was next. He’d figured he’d always live a relatively normal life. He’d get his shine and him and his soulmate would bond. They’d be assigned jobs which brought them meaning and would grow together. Eventually they’d be given children and the cycle would continue. He always envied those in the history books he read. How they’d loved so fiercely, with an unbending intensity. How wars had been fought and nations destroyed over love. Well it was a different era now and he’d come to accept that. He’d have his soulmate and he’d be contented. Except, he wasn’t. People had told him it could happen, but he’d never imagined it to be true. What were the odds? Didn’t whatever worked out a person’s shine factor this type of thing in? And yet here he was. Sitting at his desk, staring blankly out of the window. His eyes brushed his own reflection and he felt a familiar pang of sadness. There in his reflection he could see his shine. It pointed straight up into the sky.\n\nIt gave her false hope sometimes. She’d wake and see it wasn’t pointing up anymore. With her reasoning clogged by the unfettered thoughts of sleep, she’d begin to grow excited. They were here! On Mars! She’d spring out of bed. The motion would often be what did it. The clouds stuck in her mind, like water to a window, would slowly seep away as she oriented herself. Then she’d remember. They were on different planets. Planets that rotate. She’d let herself get her hopes up before. But she was sure. She knew. They weren’t here. They weren’t ever going to be her. She’d forever be alone.\n\nHe’d thought about how he could get to Mars. Surely that’s where she was. Where else? He hoped she hadn’t been on one of the few deep space ventures that had been sent out in the past century. Though given the current circumstances, she might as well have been. No-one could get to Mars. The reverse was true as well. Despite the best efforts of humanity, mistakes happen. No-one could have foreseen the discovery of alien life, or alien disease as it turned out. All it took was a few microbes and humanities colonisation ground to a halt. He understood why. He was a scientist after all. No-one knew what would happen if it reached Earth. Though as far as all the research was concerned, it was relatively harmless. Sure, a couple of people had died at first, but he felt a 300-year quarantine was excessive. Again, he envied those in his history books. Life had sounded brutish back then, but at least they were free to live in their own way. He sighed, turning away from the window. In the corner of his eye catching a last glimpse of his shine, a tantalising path he could never follow. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nNote: Still a work in progress but would love to get some thoughts", "It was a Monday.\n\nIt was a Monday when the world was attacked.\n\nIt didn't happen like you'd expect, like in the movies. Humanity just surrendered. The aliens had a charismatic streak to them and easily convinced us to lay arms down. Across Earth, platoons of aliens lead by a single sergeant talked entire armies down from massacre. \n\nI saw her through the midst of it all. A tall, purple-skinned alien female. She was swooning troops in Washington D.C with a silver tongue. She looked no different from the rest of her race except for one crucial detail.\n\nThe cloth string that ran out of my chest ran right up to hers.\n\nOur gazes met.\n\n\nI don't write often, I hope it's not too bad." ]	4
	[WP] For millennia, human spacecraft have "leaped" through hyperspace for quick travel. For a while, it was okay, but the aliens who live in hyperspace are starting to get pissed off at the amount of traffic building up.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/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 our planet started to cripple, as our star started to expand, we had no choice. To accept our fate and die with our world, or to rage against death. Of course, we took the former. We Used everything we had to create a new universe, as interstellar space travel was proven to be impossible. A universe small enough, that we could put everything under control. A universe where everyone of our kind would be happy.\n\nIt was great for a few decades. But then,just as we started to forget the trauma, something..happened. a little gate opened and a weird thing appeared from it. We feared, as we did not expect this to happen. We expected it to stop-but it just accelerated and opened another gate and got away.\n\nAnd then another. Soon our universe was filled with ships that would zap in and zap out of our world in seconds. \n\nWe wanted to know who they were-but they seemed to not respond. Efforts to stop the ships failed. Until one day.\n\nA ship was just standing still. We retrieved the ship,and opened it up to find out that noone was driving it. A little electric device told it what to do. It somehow malfunctioned and caused it to stop. The ship contained 50 boxes of raw asteroid stones. But the more valuable thing is-we have finally found out what these \"anomalies\" were. An effort to go interstellar. Since our universe was small- moving a little in our universe could mean moving huge distances in their universe.\n\nWe didn't like it. After all, they were annoying and made full control of the universe difficult. So we reverse-engineered the stopped ship, and built a device that could halt the ships, and possibly destroy them. It was effective. We could stop almost every vessels of this \"humans\". They eventually stopped sending ships into our relam. We saw this as our win.\n\nBut then, oneday, a gate opened. One larger than any one we have ever seen. And a ship, one of the biggest we have ever seen, pushed itself into our universe. It was incredibly slow, and it seemed crude unlike other human ships.\n\nWe thought it was probably a ship for war, for battle to gain control over our universe again. To use our little world as a tool for wealth and power. So we aimed everything we had at it. We shot a shell. The ship lost a compartment. But it didn't do anything. It didn't strike back, it just kept moving,slowly, towards somewhere it wished to go. That was when we saw the gate it came from.\n\nA giant star, red and inflating, was gulping up a blue and green planet, presumably their home planet. A quick scan on the ship told us it contained millions of humans. We realized- they entered the same fate as us. So they were fleeing. Towards a new home. Not for prosperity, or money or anything-they just wanted to live. They were desperate.\n\nThe giant vessel, flying through our space, cruised for a few more hours until they opened up another gate-which showed a blue, fertile planet-and went through the gate. The gate soon closed, leaving nothing behind.\n\nWhat happened then to the humans? We don't know. But we are sure they found a new home there. So whenever you see a streak of light at night, and get annoyed by them or something, always don't forget that they are humans, who lost a home planet just like us." ]	2
	[WP] this is a world where absolutely everything goes absolutely perfectly for absolutely everyone, by SHEER. DUMB. LUCK. Or at least it was. Luck has suddenly shifted to reasonable amounts. Chaos ensues.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 joint lit, a good sativa this time. Things had changed quite a bit.\n\nSheer dumb luck had gotten everything and everyone working together in a way that previously wasn't thought possible. Smooth transportation, the right people at the right time.\n\nA good theory. Did luck get a little smarter? Like a child realizing they could fling their food instead of eating it?\n\nI held onto a triangular piece of glass. A certain someone had a way of telling me how to do things amidst the chaos.\n\n\\---\n\nMan, this place is a lot easier to deal with after a good smoke. Potent THC of a sativa strain smoothed out all my anxiety, the madness of this place fading.\n\nI could see a lot clearly again, I was calm.\n\n\"Hey!\"\n\n\"Hey\"\n\nMy old friend come to talk with me again.\n\n\"How are you feeling?\"\n\nThe Mary Jane soothed out all the darkness inside...\n\n\"Much better, thank you.\"\n\n\"I've been thinking about sorting out this chaos.\"\n\n\"Yeah?\"\n\n\"See, I think people think of luck as dumb, as a sort of...random.\"\n\n\"A blonde?\"\n\nI get a glare followed by a laugh.\n\n\"People choose to see luck where it wasn't before.\"\n\nLiving in a world where things went perfectly...\n\n\"Perfect is the enemy of good enough.\"\n\nA giggle.\n\n\"It turns out that sheer dumb luck operates the same as perfectly brilliant luck, depending on how you choose to see it.\"\n\nI break out into belly laughter. Woo, Mary Jane I love how you make these things bearable.\n\n\"So, once luck figures out how to sort things better, it becomes less and less like random lucky breaks and more like intent and design that appears as a combination of signal and noise to others.\"\n\nLuck choosing? What motivates luck? The absurdity, my friend always knows a good paradox for me to laugh at, the personification of lucky?\n\nMy laughter, my gods it felt so good to laugh so freely again.\n\nThrough the joyful tears in my eyes I asked, \"So, how does luck choose?\"\n\nA twinkle in her eye and a wry grin.\n\n\"Lets say I've found she likes to have a good time.\"" ]	2
	[WP] At first, the shadowy presence in the corner of your eyes scared you. Now, it's just mildly annoying, and sometimes even welcome.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 first time, I thought it was a dream.\n\nI woke in the middle of the night, eyes suddenly open for no particular reason, only to see a figure out of the corner of my eye. A black figure, looming over my bed, hand outstretched. I froze for a split second, before my hand grabbed the pillow under my head, hurling it halfway across the room at the figure, before I pulled the blankets up over my head. For several long seconds I lay there, heart pounding, eyes wide, shivers racing up and down my spine, before I woke up enough to realize it was just a dream. Gradually, I extended my hand out from under the blankets, fumbling blindly until I was able to find the switch for the lamp next to my bed and switch it on. Only then did I slowly uncover my head.\n\nThe room was empty. Of course. Nothing but the familiar corners of my room, the piles of clothes spread across the floor. With some embarrassment I stood up from bed to collect my pillow from where it lay crumpled against the wall, before returning to bed. \n\nA deep breath, turn the lights off, close your eyes. It’s just a bad dream, go back to sleep, you have work in the morning.\n\nThe second time was down in the kitchen.\n\nThe alarm woke me at 6 AM sharp, and I hauled myself out of bed half blind, stumbling through the familiar motions of a morning routine I’d done every weekday for a couple years now. Out of the bedroom and into the shower, then clothes on and downstairs for breakfast. I’d poured a bowl of cereal and gotten the milk out of the fridge when I saw it again. A black shadow, too vague to have clear features beyond the vague silhouette of a person, watching me from the edge of the room. I yelped unconsciously, spinning around as the milk dropped out of my hands, before crashing heavily into the floor. The white liquid splattered across the kitchen floor, even as my eyes desperately flicked from point to point around the room, searching for anything out of place.\n\nNothing. Of course. I was the only occupant of this shabby little apartment, and I definitely would have heard it if someone had come in. With shaking hands, I picked the milk back up, setting it on the counter before grabbing a rag to start mopping up the floor. There wasn’t enough left in the container for me to completely fill the cereal bowl, and I ate the oats half dry that morning.\n\nIt was far from the last time I saw the figure that day.\n\nI was a twitching wreck for the remainder of the day, flinching at shadows. I saw the shadow in every corner, always watching and staring. It lingered behind my shoulder at my desk, only ever in sight at the very edge of my vision. And every time I’d just about forget it was there, only for it to move suddenly, sending me jumping again.\n\nThe one time the figure in the corner of my eye was actually a coworker, I ended up accidentally swiping my keyboard off my desk, sending it clattering to the floor. He laughed at me as I bent down to pick it up.\n\n“What, hit the meth too hard last night? Jacob says you’ve been flinching all day.”\n\n“I’m fine,” I mumbled back as I placed the keyboard back where it belonged. “Didn’t sleep well last night. What do you need?”\n\nI need to get my eyes checked.\n\nTime continued to press onwards.\n\nThere was nothing wrong with my eyes, of course. The ophthalmologist said my vision was good, and there was no indication of any sort of pinched nerve or residue in my eye. She advised me to rest my eyes for a couple days, and let her know if it didn’t go away. A waste of $120 dollars.\n\nGradually I stopped flinching whenever I saw something that shouldn’t be there, and once my coworkers got their fill of mocking me for constantly dropping my stuff, they forgot about it too. Life settled back into a familiar rhythm, nothing changed beyond the addition of a dark shadow. The days gradually rolled into weeks, and I never did go back for that second eye exam. It just didn’t matter. I focused on my work, alone in front of my computer, processing the endless stream of numbers that came my way, one of a hundred identical grunts feeding the corporate machine. Head home when it was time to leave, play a few hours of video games, before falling into bed, just to rinse and repeat the next day.\n\nSometimes, that dark shadow was the most interesting thing I saw in a day.\n\nI began to watch it when it showed up, out of some combination of curiosity and boredom. It was a delicate game, because even a small twitch of my eyes in the wrong direction could cause the shadow to vanish. But, as with anything, practice made better, and I slowly began to pick up tidbits of information about my hallucinogenic stalker.\n\nIt wasn’t static, like I’d thought at first. Most of the time it simply stood there, but I’d see it shift, a hand swaying slightly, a foot tapping. If I was moving and I kept it in my vision correctly it’d move with me, walking halfway behind my shoulder, passing through pillars and protruding corners. And it always watched me as if I was the most fascinating thing it had ever seen, with a single-minded dedication I would have found almost flattering if it had been any other situation. No one ever paid that much attention to me.\n\nThere’s no way I’m that interesting.\n\nAnd, of course, I got used to it.\n\nAfter a couple months, it became normal. I’d grown used to roving my eyes lazily around the room, pausing my vision whenever I found the shadow. It gradually grew more dynamic as it stayed with me, venturing around the desks where I worked, peering at the office detritus littered across the desks. It would always return to me, though, peering over my shoulder to study my work. A familiar shadow in the corner of my eye.\n\n“Hey,” my shadow said, and I flinched, turning around to stare wide eyed at… my boss. He was watching me with a trace of indignation. “I’ve been standing here for at least a minute. Were you just going to keep ignoring me?”\n\n“Sorry” I apologize immediately. “I thought you were…”\n\n“What? You shouldn’t ignore people, you know.”\n\n“I’ll keep that in mind. What do you need?”\n\nMy boss words lingered in my head as I drove home that evening, not looking at the shadowy figure in my passenger seat.\n\n“Aren’t you getting tired of following me yet?” I finally asked, softly. I saw the shadow’s head slowly turn, the vacant depths of black eyes peering at me. It didn’t reply. Of course. But, somehow it was a relief to finally acknowledge its existence. Gradually, the shadow’s head shook back and forth.\n\n“Really? I think I would have bored me out of my mind by now.”\n\nThe shadow’s fingers tapped lightly for a moment, before its head shook again. \n\n“Well, I’m glad, I guess. Let me know if you change your mind.”\n\nThe shadow nodded, and I couldn’t help but laugh. It was the closest thing I’d had to a friendly conversation that week.\n\nGod damn I must be getting lonely. Maybe I’m going mad.\n\nIt didn’t matter." ]	2
	[WP] You started daydreaming in the middle of a boring class lecture, and when you got back, you realized everyone in the room is dead.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 my fifth class that day, just sitting down and listening was never my strong suit. \nIf only these classrooms where not so dark during presentations, maybe I could keep my eyes open for longer then 5 seconds. Trying to battle the sleep that is inevitably coming, I think to myself: it's less tiering to close your eyes a bit longer then trying to open them immediately. This, of course, was the moment I finally fell asleep. \nBeing in that half asleep state where you can dream very vividly. I quickly entered this weird world where I was in fact again in class, with all my classmates surrounding me and the same boring professor with his monotonous voice lecturing about the strange insects that where flying around outside. I turned around and watched insects the size of small dogs flying outside on the other side of the windows. I looked around me, but everyone was paying extremely good attention to the monstrosities shown on the slideshow. Still trying to comprehend what is going on I hear my professor talking about venoms and teeth as big as your fingers. He is telling us about the importance of knowing all about these abominations and that not half of them are documented yet, so to stay on your guard... Always. \nI'm hearing a very high pitched noise and as I turn my head to look for the source I see that some idiot must have forgotten to close the top window. This huge insect with big, black mirrors as eyes, a fur that looks like it has been rotting for 2 weeks and bright red teeth dripping with some kind of green slime is working its way inside. I try to scream but nothing comes out as I stumble while trying to work my way to the door. Once inside this \"thing\" moves fast as lightning killing people left and right. I finally make my way to the door and I hear a loud bang when open it. The noise woke me up in a fraction of a second.\nI look up and am happy to see just a normal slideshow about how different rivers flow. But as I look around my stomach is turning upside down because of the massacre around me.... Can I ever sleep again?\n\nSorry, if it's a bit hard to read without good formatting and some bad punctuation and/or bad English. I wrote it on my mobile phone and English isn't my first language.", "“You know, life isn’t always fair. Act like an adult.”\n\nThe coffee inside was swirling and creating mini tsunamis inside her cup as my teacher droned on with hollow words that never meant anything, it’s only intent, to make an excuse instead of admitting fault.\n\nMy paper was, in my honest opinion, sufficient enough to warrant at least a B+, and that’s an extreme down-play.\n\nThe topic was about a particular interest of mine, so quite a lot of passion that I never gave for anything other than sleep came through. I had fought back procrastination and started right away, taking three weeks to finally produce what I considered was one of the only noteworthy things I had made throughout my life.\n\n“Ms.Lebinski, can you please read it over? It can’t be that bad.”\n\n“That’s not the problem.”\n\nShe slapped the rustling papers on my desk with an annoying force, smacking my pinky. The papers seemed a bit different. They were a bit more pristine and the writing inside it was…printed. These weren’t the original papers I had submitted.\n\n“This isn’t what I submitted, Ms.Lebinski! Where are ‘my’ papers?”\n\n“As a matter of fact, this is exactly what you gave me. Are you implying that I’m lying?”\n\n“No, I wa–”\n\n“Save it. For a graduate student to make ridiculous mistakes like that. I clearly told the entire class, including you, to hand-write your assignments. You need to try harder than this.”\n\nAnd without even glancing back, she walks off, happily drinking down what remained inside her mug, the sound of her high heels slowly growing distant.\n\nI stood there, collecting myself. Unless I had pre-mature amnesia or similar mental disabilities, I remember her exact words, her clothes and her position relative to my desk.\n\nI had to bring this up to the upper management of the university but honestly, I had already used up everything I had on my paper and the exaggerated big E on my “incorrectly done” paper that wasn't even mine, just kind of…shut me off.\n\nWith heavy feet, I walked to my next class and slumped down. Then, as the old man rambled on about Frederick Douglass, my eyes closed slowly until I couldn’t resist.\n\nThen, a dream came. A very blurry dream. I saw dozens of white spiders on the ceiling. Slowly roping down. Some of them crawling all over my face. Strangely, this didn’t faze me at all. Rather the gentle poke of their little feet felt like feathers brushing up against my cheeks.\n\n–BREAKING NEWS–\n\n54 found dead in Brookwood University." ]	3
	[WP] You hand your fake ID to the bouncer. He takes a serious look at it and you before talking into his earpiece. You think you’ve been made until he unlocks a hidden door behind him, kneels in before you, and gives you your ID. You inspect it. Apparently, you’re not only 19, you’re 1019 years old.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "'Tonight's the night! Hell yeah! Look at you-you sexy motherfucker!'\n\nLarry was admiring himself in the mirror. There was nothing like appreciating a fine work of art like himself. His face was strong, set. His pecs were hard, his stomach chiseled to perfection. He flexed and pumped his muscular arms. The long hours, steady diet and hard work really paid off big-time. The only problem Larry had was that he couldn't get into the places where the real hotties were at. As far as he was concerned, he was God's personal gift to woman. He didn't want to deny them his divided attention. Larry slipped into his Kavachi suit, ready to meet his contact. He tried to get in at The Exclusive before, but he had no luck. He slicked back his blonde hair and pointed his finger and winked at himself in the hallway mirror as he nonchalantly strolled out of his apartment.\n\n\\-------\n\n'Where the hell are you G, you stupid bastard? You're late!'\n\nLarry was annoyed. He was standing across the street from The Exclusive. His urge to mingle was strong. They only allowed people with special IDs and he wanted in. As long as he could spread his brand of love in there, he would be a happy guy. He was rapping his foot, checking his watch when George came jogging toward Larry, out of breath, a small package in his hand.\n\n\"Huhg-sorry I'm-huhg-late-huhg!\"\n\n\"Yeah-yeah, you're always late G. You got the thing?\"\n\n\"Of course-hugh-I did, what kind of question-hugh-is that? You know me. If the price is right I can get anything.\"\n\nLarry rudely threw a roll of bills George's way and crossed the street. The bouncer at the club was the same size as Larry, he knew he could take him if shit went south, but that would get blood all over his suit. He pulled the ID from his pocket and handed it to the bouncer. He momentarily hesitated then spoke softly into his earpiece handing Larry back the ID. He opened a small hidden door behind him, knelt in and motioned for Larry to follow.\n\nThe Bouncer was standing with his back to the wall of a brightly lit hallway holding his hand to the right. Confused, Larry quickly checked the ID. His eyes widened. According to that he was one-thousand-and-nineteen-years old. He wasn't sure what to expect. He stepped into the hallway, brushing harshly past the bouncer. He headed toward a door at the end of the passage, slightly cringing when the entrance behind him slammed shut. Above muffled thuds of heavy dance music dully droning from The Exclusive above, Larry heard a voice.\n\n\"Ah! Finally a trader! So rare these days.\"\n\nLarry couldn't find the source of the voice.\n\n\"Behind the door, step inside.\"\n\nLarry turned the knob of the door and stepped into a bright room flushed with white. A single chair stood in the middle.\n\n\"Sit down, Larry.\"\n\nLarry panicked and turned to run, but the door behind him was gone. He was extremely flustered and disorientated.\n\n\"What do you want from me!?-What is this!?-Who are you!?-How do you know my name!?\"\n\n\"One question at a time, Larry.\"\n\nLarry's heart was thumping in his chest. His mind was struggling to process the loss of his sense of direction.\n\n\" I don't want anything from you, Larry. You already gave it to me. You are in the trading room. This is where our transaction will be concluded.\"\n\nLarry ran all over, trying to feel for edges. He touched nothing but air wherever he went. The chair was getting small in the distance.\n\n\"What transaction? W-what are you talking about!? Let me out of here!\"\n\n\"You brought a Pass of Exchange to my door.\"\n\n\"That doesn't make sense! The only thing I had was an ID I got from a guy called George! I just wanted to dance for fuck's sake!\"\n\n\"Ah George, he's such a good lad don't you think? I do love sending him on errands.\"\n\n\"He's in on this!? That motherfucker! I'll kill him!\"\n\n\"Now-now Larry, there's no need for shenanigans. We all know you didn't just want to dance. Our exchange will put things in perspective.\"\n\n\"What exchange!?\"\n\nThe whited room turned into mirrors in every direction. All Larry could see was copies of himself for miles in every direction. He loved looking at himself in the mirror, but this was ridiculous, he couldn't stand to look at himself. Right now it felt like his mind would explode, his brain could not process myriad images flushing his mind fast enough. Larry quickly shut his eyes.\n\n\"The exchange is complete. For one-thousand-and-nineteen-years, I will walk the world in your body. You, Larry, will have time to reflect.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\-------\n\nEdit: Stray characters, missing words.", "For these 19 years, I had always considered myself smart enough, but this was beyond any reasoning I desperately attempted to latch onto.\n\nI do not mean the ID - that was handed to me by an exquisitely thin, tall man I had met a couple nights ago. A fortunate acquaintance I made when trying to find a soul with more street smarts I had ever hoped to have. Had his lanky appearance believed in any chance of not inspiring suspicion enough, the idea was shattered by the low hanging beanie the man wore to every single meeting. \"The weather's not cold enough that you gotta hide your ears like that\", I thought twice, but dared not say aloud next to this caricature of an underworld rogue. Despite his matching, cold personality, the man seemed down to earth and charismatic enough to come across as an old friend; enough to defuse my defenses; enough to have me keep this ID for as long as I have, and give it a try this fateful night.\n\nAnd so I thought it was evident the ID had been tampered with by this fellow, nothing more than a silly prank, envisioning my embarrassment in front of other young 'uns looking for a drunk night of blissful escapism, to varying degrees.\n\nEven I could tell, however, that there is only so much a mundane drug dealer could do to fuck with you in a week's advance.\n\n\"Goatee guy went as far as to get a goddamn bouncer playing theatrics for him? No.\" It was this first realization that got my blood pumping. My heart's expectations were met as I entered the unhidden door, gently closed as soon as my footsteps passed it. Yet, it was another threshold which would get my blood pressure up to unhealthy levels. Inside this corridor was a curtain, stretching across its width and height in taunt, blocking a dynamic fountain of light in the other side. Part of me did feel an angsty repulse at the situation. Might have been that a wiser Me would have avoided that door altogether, justified rejection born of self preservation. Rarely had I felt such impulse in life. The lights beckoned, and therefore the obstacle that was the curtain was disposed of.\n\nI had always been empty in purpose; my transition to adulthood seemed to continually build what felt like a void inside of my very being. It was not sadness, and I could not fathom what sorts of experience a depressed person would have; it was my strong belief that such grief did not encompass my own life. My void was palpable. At times, during the worst of my days, I would attempt to touch it, motivated by no discernible objective. \"Of course I couldn't\", I would tell myself days later, not entirely sure of what my own words meant, once I managed to regain what spark of life had felt absent. \"Earth back to Morgan, idiot\" had become a mantra that would pluck me away from those murky times.\n\nNow, I wondered more than ever: did my travels speak true? Not physical travels, mind you - but my dreams, which came to me whether I was sleeping or staring at the huge tree outside my window, its branches and leaves invoking an odd, yet comforting sense of wanderlust in their shape. Staring at the wheels of other cars in road trips, their movement so rapid my eyes struggled to perceive, providing balance and functionality to structures much grander. Staring at the eyes of loved ones, windows to their past, present and, somehow, future.\n\nStaring at the glowing portal in front of me. A milky tear in the fabric of the only dimension I would have otherwise known. Acknowledging, if just for a mere instant, all I have ever felt in this life and the others.\n\nI entered it, the ID card still hanging innocently in my hand, senses wide as the glowing blue shimmers of the passageway's form enveloped my own.\n\nThe City of Doors, as it was known by the locals - you could enter or exit this giant, floating disc in a sky from an insurmountable amount of doorways, as long as you had the means and knowledge to do so. Many different peoples I had dreamed of knowing before walked its brown streets, each path charged with history, ramifications, diversity and surprisingly triumphant order.\n\nThe smell of the ever flowing, if overly sweaty, river of travelers, alongside that of dust and hard work; the mechanical sight of a city built upon itself; the alive sounds of hammer and chisel, of ringing shouts in the market mere two streets behind this plaza. They all settled and took their seat next to my body and soul's immediate response, manifested in the purest smile I could remember expressing.\n\nFor the first time in the last 19 years, I was home.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\n\n[The short story above is a prequel to this one.](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/bta0dn/wp_it_is_your_20th_birthday_when_you_suddenly/eow6820)", "Did the bouncer just kneel?\n\nYou're trying to wrap your head around the situation your in. The hallway you walk through is too lavish for the bar you were visiting. The walls are covered in red silk, embroidered with roses and thorns and paintings hang in golden frames. \n\nIs this some secret society? Did I accidentally stumble into a new world I never knew existed?\n\nAt the end of the hall you see a door. But not just any door. This has to be the most extravagant door on the planet. The hinges are made of pure polished goal, the door knob is also made of gold, with an amethyst in its center. The door is covered in little renaissance sculptures, decorated with priceless gems and gold. And in its the center, a life-sized marble lionshead lay. It has a ruby in each eye, and its hair is laced with gold.\n\nA man stands by the door, dressed and mannered like a kings guard. As you approach, he carefully pulls the door open.\n\n\n\nYou can not believe your eyes.", " “Can he see you?” I whispered slowly, mouth unmoving.\n\n“He’s not actually human my boy” Falzan replied, his voice bouncing around inside my head. “I thought we went through this already” his tone changing to one of annoyance. “Like I said, most things in this world are more than what your human eyes see, especially here in your city of London”\n\n“Sir if you wouldn’t mind” the security guard, still kneeling, ushered me through entrance.\n\n“So, what are we doing here again?” I stammered, the unreality of the situation beginning to catch up with me. Falzan’s sighing echoed within my thoughts.\n\n“I told you my boy, we’re here to see an old friend of mine” he replied. Just briefly, I felt him smile at this. I felt us smile at this.", "I will definitely write more on this, it's just way too interesting to pass up. Thanks for reading!\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlex, like any nineteen-year-old to sneak their way into a nightclub for the first time, was nervous. A bit of a wreck, really.\n\nHis friends were supposed to have been here with him, laughing and joking in line by now. They had all planned to go to the annual Scare Rave together for Halloween, get incredibly drunk in their stupid costumes, and maybe bring home some ‘sexy nurse’ or’ police officer’ chicks. That was the plan, and they all had the money and the relentless teenage will for gaining access to alcohol to do it. However, only Alex had received his fake ID in time for the rave. So there he stood, dressed up in his ‘suave vampire’ get up, alone in line and only one person away from the bouncer.\n\nIn normal circumstances, Alex probably wouldn’t have even been nervous. He had a knack for remaining cool in tense situations and going with the flow even if he didn’t understand it. His trademark winning smile helped, with very prominent canines endearing him to looking like a mischievous child. However, he didn’t think his winning smile was going to save him from this.\n\nHis fake ID had a typo on it. Only a slight typo. Someone must’ve hit a one instead of a two when typing it up, which probably wouldn’t have been a big deal, except for the fact that it said he was born in the year 1000.\n\nThere were no refunds.\n\n“Next,” grumbled the gruff man at the door. He was nearly twice Alex’s size with half of the hair. He gave Alex a strange look, noticing the fake vampire teeth that hung from his neck. They hung squarely in the middle of his bare chest, which was exposed from his only half-way buttoned-down button-down.\n\n“It was the only thing left at Walmart,” Alex mumbled, blushing slightly under the scrutiny of the huge man. He fumbled for his wallet in his pocket, before presenting his very new, and very, very fake, identity to the bouncer. He hoped he didn’t notice how thin and flimsy it was, and prayed to God, Jesus, and anyone who would listen than he didn’t look at it for very long.\n\nHis prayers, like most, were not answered. The bouncer looked for a moment and cocked one eyebrow. He looked from Alex, to the card, back to Alex, and repeated this motion multiple times as Alex’s heart began to tumble in his chest. Holding it up to Alex’s face, he compared the two side-by-side. Alex forced a beaming smile, canines poking out and all, despite every instinct in his teenage mind screaming at him to just stutter an apology and run away. \n\nThe bouncer let out a hearty laugh into the night, his huge puffs of breath visible in the cold air. “Okay buddy, you’re a funny one. Don’t know why you’d buy a fake just to get your real birthday on there, but welcome in. I’ll get the door.”\n\nIn the span of that sentence, Alex probably felt more simultaneous panic, relief, and confusion jolt his brain than he will ever feel in his life. Dazed, he took the ID back from the bouncer and glanced at the birth date to see if it had somehow changed in a miracle of fate. It had not. \n\n“Right this way, sir,” the gruff man instructed, before producing a set of keys from his pocket walking into the building. Alex followed closely behind him, his stomach still doing somersaults.\n\nThe music, which had already been thumping from outside the nightclub, was now blasting through the halls as they walked. There was a very visible set of double doors that were propped open and led to the dance floor, but the bouncer had disregarded those. Instead, he veered right and took Alex down another hallway.\n\nAlex swallowed hard. “Wasn’t that the club floor back there?”\n\nThe bouncer laughed again. It was beginning to become a trademark sound in Alex’s mind. “That’s for people younger than a century. I’m taking you to VIP.”\n\nAlex did not question it. Too much excitement had mixed with the fear in his body, and now he was trapped in a limbo of just wanting to see what was next. In the confines of the tight corridors that coiled around the place, Alex felt as if he was being stalked. He couldn’t help but keeping checking over his shoulder in these neon-lit halls, even if it’s only denizens were the occasional couple making out.\n\nAs they took another turn through the labyrinth, they came to a very long downward set of stairs, at least four stories, leading to a heavy metal door at the bottom. The bouncer led Alex down, before unlocking the door. A heavy metal shift resounded from the lock, before the bouncer twisted the handle and pulled it open.\n\nAs the doorway widened, a sudden blast of music from inside the door escaped the now open pathway. It was even louder than the upstairs floor, and faster. Peering inside, Alex could see silhouettes moving at a frantic pace, grinding and spinning and dancing like cogs in some demonic machine. The lights were lower in here, and no color existed except flashes of neon that blended together in a psychedelic glow that made the room resemble the inside of a kaleidoscope. The room, a cathedral in scope, stretched back further than Alex’s eyes could see, and had balconies, mezzanines, and walkways that stretched high up to the also invisible ceiling. \n\n“Welcome to VIP.” The bouncer gestured for Alex to enter." ]	6
	[WP] You madman you actually did it!! A completely working time machine! In your first test you travel to your favorite time period in history, 27 BC, The highest point of the Roman Empire. Upon arrival you receive a seemingly impossible notification in your smartphone: "Wi-Fi Network Available"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "“Wi-Fi Network available?” Dan asked, bewildered, peering over Johns' shoulder to the strange notification.\n\n“It says so. Julius Festis epulis locus, and password protected. WPA2.” John stated. A single pop-up had appeared, one bar. Poor signal, but screaming it's existence.\n\n“Weird. Did we really go back in time?” Dan asked. Looking at the surroundings.\n\nBoth men looked around, gazing upon the world; a proud city built on seven hills. Temples to many gods adorning the skies. Walls bustled with life, soldiers patrolling the perimeters. Oxen carriages carrying poultry bumped along on cobblestone roads. A slow trek to the world’s capital as the empire’s residents prepared for a new day. The air felt fresh. A warm summer breeze rustled the scientist's labcoats as they peered into the distance.\n\n“Guess so.” John stated. Agape.\n\n“This is not like the Moon Landing, is it? A set?” Dan explored the possibilities. The wind whistling through his long dark hair. Glasses, labcoat, Van Halen T-shirt. Ancient cities and oxen carriages -- A man out of time.\n\n“Would be a very elaborate set…” John muttered. Astounded by the enormity of it all. The endlessness of the horizon. the Tyrrhenian sea in the distance. Galleys pocketed the waters as little pixels on a screen.\n\n“Wait. there’s a guy. We’ll ask him.” Dan said. Pointing. A man carrying a bag around his shoulders a little below the hill. Away from the main road he worked his way through the thick grassy growth, picking up items and putting them in a bag.\n\nDan and John hobbled along. Plowing through the knee-high grass. Towards the bald item picker. Curious.\n\n“Excuse me sir! What year is it?” Dan yelled. Calling for the small man’s attention. The tiny fella turned around. Revealing a sun-wrinkled face with a smile that turned upside down. Eyes opened wide.\n\n“Ahh! Diabolii! Exite! Exite!” He screamed. Dropping his bag and stumbling away in fear.\n\n“What’s he saying?” Dan pondered. Not expecting this kind of reaction. The old geezer fell down in the grass. Stumbling on unseen rocks. Crawled up, and made his escape again.\n\n“Dunno. But he’s running. Hold him.” John wanted to explain the situation, surely it had been a misunderstanding?\n\n“Exite! Exite! Liberite!” Dan sprinted away and tackled the man -- classic college tackle blocking a touchdown-- The frail man struggled. But underfed worker arms were no match for Dan’s thrice-a-week pushups, pull ups and crunches. And a healthy western diet.\n\n“He’s so small. Look at the guy John! You can count his ribs!” Dan barely broke a sweat to keep the struggling man confined. Looming. A giant and a mouse.\n\n“Sir. calm down. We just want to know the year.” John kneeled. Looking the bald-headed-big-nosed man straight in the eye. Man to man.\n\n“Custodibus! Custodibus!” The tiny brown man spat in Johns face. Fighting to get loose.\n\n“I don’t understand a word.” Dan said. Unable to comprehend the gibbelty gook, not noticing the struggling.\n\n“I think he’s calling the guards.” John stated. Puzzle pieces falling together in his head.\n\n“How do you know?” Dan asked. Finding out new information about his friend.\n\n“I’ve had latin.” John answered. Remembering only now that ancient dead languages had actually been part of his curriculum before entering MIT. A forgotten skill indeed.\n\n“You did? I did not know that.” Dan froze. “That will be helpful.”\n\n“Let me try–” John cleared his throat. “Hominibum eunt sunt. Amicum es. Hoc Wi-Fi password? Plox.”\n\n“You asked for the password?” Listening in, Dan understood some words.\n\n“Would be a lot quicker. We could use Google Translate.” John wished they hadn’t forgotten their English-to-Latin booklet before leaving. A beginners mistake.\n\n“If it’s not like China’s Wi-Fi.” Dan said. Remembering his appalling experience with censored internet.\n\n“Oh right, didn’t think about that. The Romans were pretty totalitarian weren’t they?” John remembered his Latin classes. The reason he wanted to go check on the Romans in the first place. There was something odd about one of the items. The plate had a guy with something resembling a gun. John had questions for that guy; Julius Ceasar.\n\n“How else would you control an empire that large?” Dan said.\n\n“Is Jesus still alive? Or is he just about to be born?” More questions. No Google. John wished he'd prepared more.\n\n“Would Roman Google care about Jesus?” Dan remembered China.\n\n“Wait. The guy fainted.” Dan shook the collapsed midget. John stopped Dan, holding him.“Don’t shake. That’s offensive.”\n\n“There goes our native knowledge.” Dan dropped the man in the tall grass. Hiding him from sight, and with only time to wake him up.\n\n“I don’t think this guy knew the password. He doesn’t have a smartphone.” Except for the knapsack, the man was empty-handed. A loincloth covered the necessities. Poor fella.\n\n“Too bad. Let’s move on” John stepped through the grass. Towards the seven-hilled city in the distance. Joining the masses, that moved away in stride.\n\n“The signal is getting stronger.” Two bars. The signal originated from somewhere deep in the city. The bumbling scientists let the manure stained roads carry them deeper into the pre-medieval metropolis. The population kept their distance, fleeing away the moment they laid their eyes upon the lab-coated men.\n\n“It must be coming from that big place on top of the hill.” A palace built upon the highest point -- a place for emperors. All roads lead to Rome; all Rome’s roads lead to the Wi-Fi hotspot. The highest point in the center of centers. No interference giving great signal coverage. John admired the placement, the brains of the man behind.\n\n“Get out of here chicken!” Dan kicked the chicken, clocking away. “All those wild animals running loose. How do they know who’s is who’s?” They had run into a lot of wild animals along the way and Dan was allergic. John wished his friend had prepared more too.\n\n“I don’t think they care. Stop looking at animals, Dan. Look at the people.” John tapped his innocuous friend on the shoulder. Dan looked around. Saw the fear in the eyes of the poor unkempt faces. Covered in soot and mud.\n\n“Why is everyone staring at us?” Dan whispered. Tension in his voice.\n\n“They probably think we look like weirdos. We’re still in our lab coats.” John whispered back. Nervous too.\n\n“Let’s move on quickly. I’m feeling antsy.” Dan scooted closer to John. Looking for safety in the shadow of his even taller friend.\n\n“Let’s” The men went on. Hurrying their pace. Wading through the parting masses. Giants.\n\nHeading up the hill. In front of the palace, the two men met their first guard. Standing fiercely before the gate. A bulky man, standing proudly at 5 foot tall.\n\n“Hello sir. Is this where Julius Ceasar lives? We want to ask him some questions.” John asked. Walking up at the military man donned in heavy plate armor. Red plumes on his helmet revealed an important man.\n\n“Latin, John. Latin.” Dan reminded John.\n\n“Excusi constibus. Hoc Julius Ceasaro esto?” John tried. Freestyling. Too nervous to think.\n\n“Was that legit latin?” Dan sounded confused by the lack of flow in his friend's pronunciation. The guard drew his sword, et out a yell and went on the attack.\n\n“Watch out. Thats sharp! Acutis est!” John jumped backward. Narrowly escaping the pointy end of the death stick, arcing through his labcoat, ruffing the edges. \"Weeehooo\" The guard screamt, dashing towards John again, attempting to lob off the head. John ducked. The top of his hair cut by the slice in the air.\n\n“Run!” Dan screamt. Fleeing down the hill. John crawled up. Adrenaline surging through his legs. Following his fleeing friend down the wiggly cobblestone road. The clanking of metal followed him. Getting softer, sounding further away.\n\n“Did we lose him?” John’s jagged voice rasped with each breath. A sprinter? Yes. A long distance runner? No. The guard had been tenacious.\n\n“Think so.” Dan rasped. “So thirsty.” John felt thirsty too -- The air was arid.\n\n“Hey guys!” A voice sounded from behind. English. An old man with a pristine white beard entered the alley. Dressed in a traditional toga made of labcoats. Hair bundled in a ponytail.\n\n“Who are you?” Dan asked, bewildered upon seeing the strange figure. Bent, yet, a man equally as tall.\n\n“I’m John.” The old man said, revealing his true identity. \"I've been waiting.\"\n\n“No, I’m John. You’re an old man.” John sounded confused.\n\n“I’m you. From the future.” The old man uttered. \"Let's go. I'll let you meet the man.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThanks for the prompt!", "Ping. \nHm. That's wasn't supposed to happen. Aaron looked around. The road stretched on in both directions, surrounded on both sides by low rolling hills, barely tall enough to be hills. Carefully, he walked off the road and off to the side under a tree, and looked both ways before pulling out his phone. It wouldn't do to have any ancient Romans seeing his modern phone, now would it? \n\"Wi-Fi Network Available\" \nHe nearly laughed out loud. Of course, the time travel must have fried his phone. He'd have to get a new one, but it was a small price to pay for a chance to see the glory of the Roman Empire. But as he walked, he couldn't take his mind off of it. He resisted the urge to pull it out and check again for a while, waving at Romans and watching oxen pull the fields. And of course, all roads lead to Rome. He soon saw the outer wall of the city in the distance. Ping. \nHe couldn't resist, and pulled it out and checked again. \n4 Wi-Fi Networks Available \nThat was very odd. If his phone was fried, this still shouldn't have happened. Standing under a tree off to the side of the road again, he pulled out his phone and entered the passcode. Going to his Wi-Fi settings, he decided to see what this was all about. \n\"Imperator \nMilitum \nNobilis \nImperium\" He knew enough Latin to recognize these four words. Emperor, Military, Nobles, and Government. As he was still pondering, another notification came up. \n\"Assistant \nYour device is in a different language. Would you like to connect to the city network and translate all Latin?\" \nShocked, Aaron hit \"Yes\". The network labeled \"Imperium\" then connected. \n\"Welcome to the free internet, provided by Rome\" \nAt this point, Aaron was sure something had gone wrong. He had to have messed up. Either he'd come to the wrong time, or... \nOr he had inadvertently affected history, causing the Romans to have Wi-Fi. He could have messed up everything. He was still pondering when he heard the sound of metal clinking coming towards him. It was too late, the Roman Army was already there.\n\nHe'd always wanted to see the Roman Army, but seeing 40 armored soldiers clanking towards him with their pila and gladii was not what Aaron had in mind.\n\n\"Cumque nobiscum veneris\"\n\nHis Latin wasn't perfect, but they seemed to be telling him to \"come\". His phone chimed.\n\n\"Translating speech\" A moment of silence. \"Come with us\"\n\nAaron wasn't exactly in a position to resist a platoon of soldiers, so he walked with them, watching as they fell in around him. He was then escorted through the city gates, and into the city, walking at a brisk pace. On his own, Aaron would have stopped to gawk at the market, the people in togas and tunics, and most impressive of all, the Colosseum in all its intact glory before him, but he could not, not while he was under guard. In fact, he was led straight to the Forum, and past that, the villa. \n\nWhy was he being taken to the seat of the Emperor? Aaron scarcely had time to think before he was brought before none other that Caesar himself. To be in the presence of such a great figure, one of his idols, was overwhelming, such that Aaron could hardly bow.\n\n\"Rise.\" Caesar's voice was so commanding, so imperative, it wasn't hard to believe that he was the Emperor. Only...\n\n\"You are wondering why I speak this language. I have spent many years away in the land of Europa, and I have learned their language. Why have you come to us, time traveller? Have you come to study the secrets of our internet? The internet is one of Rome's greatest weapons. What do you think?\"\n\nAaron could only state.\n\n--------\n\nI'm not sure about the ending, what do you think?" ]	3
	[WP] Everyone in the world can control one of the 118 elements on the periodic table. In some rare cases, someone might control none, someone might control 2, or even 3. But you were unique. You had the ability to control protons.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 felt the weight of gold in my palms, shaking as it remained still. The crowd murmured behind me. I willed myself to relax, setting the cube back down on the table. Just because 79 elements haven’t worked, doesn’t mean the next one won’t. That’s why they have Element Ceremonies, after all. \n\nI glanced at my parents, not eased by their tense posture. Sighing, I turned to the bowl of mercury presented next. The familiar spark of energy lit my fingertips, but nothing moved. Humiliated, I bit my lip to keep my tears back. \n\nThey say finding your element is like finding your purpose. With enough practise, you can move it, feel it, and sense it’s presence. What if I just don’t have the power?\n\nMost kids my age have already discovered which element belongs to them. They know what options they have in their future: with oxygen I could be a firefighter or a surgeon. I licked my lips, begging not to be damaged. The damaged are given poor, dirty jobs, if any.\n\n“Others are waiting patiently for their turn. Find your element and take a seat.”\n\nNodding quietly, I felt the power of Thallium, Lead, Bismuth, Polonium, Astatine, but I could will none to move. 92 elements, and the audience became restless. My heart pounded in my ears as I picked up a rough, uranium rod. \n\nI felt each atom pulsing, electrons buzzing, nucleus humming, protons stabilizing the element. I closed my eyes, focusing on each particle, buzzing with life and heat. “Move,” I pleaded. “I can feel you.”\n\nMy hands stung as the atoms burst. Protons leapt at me, twisting the metal into weird shapes, so I dropped it. The Ceremony Master, Eric Moore, sprung from his seat. I followed his gaze down at my feet where a large mangle of shiny metal remained. \n\n“What happened?” He asked. I looked up at his grey eyes, holding my fingers. \n\n“I moved the uranium, sir.”\n\nCautiously, he bend down to pick it up as I stumbled backwards out of the way.\n\n“Eric, wait!” The head chemist hurried to grab it with gloves. “Let me test it.”\n\nHe eyed her curiously, but nodded and they walked off stage. \n\nI looked at the standing audience, returning confused and scared eyes. What have I done? My parents just stared at me, mortified at the scene I caused. Wiping the tears off my face, I ran after them. \n\nThey made no acknowledgement of my presence as we entered the door at the end of the hallway. It was the school’s laboratory, where extra portions of elements were kept in case something goes wrong. \n\n“Get me exactly 500ml of water in a measuring cup.” Eric leapt into action. She placed a weight on the counter, and wrote down the mass of the substance. Running towards the sink, she took the cup and droppedi the shiny metal inside. \n\n“Water displacement? Dr. Johnson, what is this about?”\n\nPausing, she let her finger slide against the rim of the glass measuring cup. “Just, give me a moment.” She wrote another number down. Grabbing a calculator, she mumbled, “if the mass is 4806 grams, and the volume is 402.2, then the density-“ she stopped. Watching me from the corner of her eye, she moved closer to the periodic table hanging on the classroom wall. “Palladium.”\n\n“Pardon me?” Eric whispered. \n\n“If the...” she gently chewed at her thumb nail. “If the density is just under 12 grams per cubic centimetre, that means it, well. That is no longer uranium.”\n\n“But that’s impossible. How can it change from one element to another? Are you sure?”\n\n“Yes.”\n\nThe look they gave me belonged not to a 9 year old, but a monster—someone damaged. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to!” I covered my face with my hands.\n\n“Thomas, did you know you could do this?” \n\nI sniffled, balling my hands and pushing on my eyes. “No, I thought I was damaged!”\n\n“Thomas!” My mother called from down the hall. I turned, running out of the room. She grabbed me, hugging me tightly. “Never do that again! Someone could have taken you!” She pulled away, drying my cheeks with her sleeve. “Where did you go?”\n\n“Mrs. Wood, we need to speak about what happened,” Dr. Johnson said, holding the door open. My mother reluctantly entered, watchful of me. We sat on the desks. \n\n“Do you have any idea what your son did on stage?”\n\nShe scowled, taking my hand in hers. “What are you talking about? He moved the uranium.”\n\n“Thomas turned the uranium into another element: palladium.”\n\n“...That’s not possible. Such fairy tails haven’t been told since the ages of alchemists, claiming to turn lead into gold.”\n\n“Then that makes your son the world’s first Alchemist.” Dr. Johnson crossed her arms. \n\nEric placed a hand on her shoulder. “That’s not important. What are we supposed to do now that everyone has seen what he can do?”\n\nIt got really quiet, so I started tapping the edge of the desk. “I could just change it back.”\n\nMom pulled me closer by the arm. \n\n“Do you think you could? If we present the uranium again, perhaps people will be eager to forget what they saw.”\n\n“No need. We have a new uranium rod right here.” She quickly took it from the bin and handed it to me. \n\n“No,” mom said. “We’re gonna need a better answer than that. How willing are you to announcing you made a mistake on your part? His element will be written as uranium, and we will disappear after that.”\n\n“That’s crazy. Where would you go? He has no future without an element! He still can’t move them!” \n\n“The less you know, the better.” She took my hand again, and lead us out of the room. “Come, Tom.” \n\nI scurried behind her, walking back towards the stage. Uranium in hand, I walked across the stage, replaced the metal, and took my seat beside the rest of my peers. They paid me no attention. \n\n“Apologies for that. The uranium was not pure and reacted poorly with the power. Backstage, he was able to create this.” He held out an odd looking snake figure. Of course: Ceremony Master Eric is a uranium and carbon bender! \n\n“Thomas Moore is gifted with uranium.” The audience clapped gently. \n\n\n\n\nEdit: just finished up the ending.", "I’ve always acted as a vigilante. A masked figures hidden from the world. I’ve become known as the atom stealer. While that is somewhat accurate, it is not technically true. I was born into a world of “super powers” where everyone could control atoms. Now, most people could only control a single type of atom. While some could affect two others had no affect on any, or maybe their atoms haven’t been discovered yet. I was unique... I controlled the protons. I could move them atom to atom. I could render someone’s abilities useless.\n\nI was always thought to be powerless in fact most of the people I talk to daily think I am. I’m perfectly fine with that. This power is a corrupter. I feel the pull stronger more and more. How easy it would be to just convert atoms to gold. Suddenly I’m rich. See, other people who can affect gold can’t just create it, they just stole it out of vaults. Well, until the banks fortified security doors with all sorts of different elements. You certainly would see some odd team mates. A famous gaming company lost all their data from a break in. They had a sodium, bromide, oxygen door. Took someone of each element to break in. Big surprise. Other doors are more complex, rarer elements. There are those that can control iron, or uranium. Iron slightly more dangerous due to the greater abundance. \nBut turning atoms to other atoms? That fell with me.\n\nAs far as I was concerned I was the only one of my kind. No one had to know my identity, no one should. I mean nothing could hold me, but still I don’t want to risk something happening. There are two kinds of people, the bad and good. Simple, I know. Even with element 8, oxygen. You have people working in hospitals providing air to those who can’t breathe, being life support. Others? They turn to crime. Stealing the oxygen from a room. Suffocating people around them. I have foiled a few of them by simply converting atoms around them to iron, walling them in and then changing other atoms to oxygen. From what I’ve heard, they are locked in a room alone, a two way door lets oxygen and food in. Luckily carbon controllers are rare. Diamonds. They are more common these days. That’s all.\n\nNo one quite understands the extent of the powers, nor do they know whether someone is stronger with them or more powerful than another. Obviously with training you get better, but is someone naturally born gifted? It is hard to judge. \n\nThe world is a wonderful place and with people working together, we achieve astounding feats. But where do I fit in? I could announce myself, change the world to gold, or iron, or platinum, or anything. Well maybe. I don’t know, how long this power lasts or the extent of the changes. I’ve never really tested it’s limits. But maybe I would become a lab test dummy, and if I did, well I don’t want to live that way.\n\nSo I continue my life of anonymity only having a few close friends who believe I am one of the non-controllers. Stopping simple crimes by night. Sitting in the side alley a car raced past, being pursued by a police car. Well, they won’t get far, having no gas left anymore that is.\n\nr/DougysDramatics" ]	3
yes i fully intend this time traveler to be british	[WP] the oldest man on the planet and the oldest woman on the planet have been flirting with each other across history in increasingly elaborate ways. it has become one time travelers mission in life to finally just get them on a date and end this tomfoolery	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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." ]	1
	[WP] The hero enters a forlorn temple and retrieves the weapon capable of killing gods. You are the person who put it there, millennia 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.", "In your old age, feelings from before, and truly feelings in general, have eluded you. Desire, after all the insight you gained over those eons of exploration, faded. Mortals and their petty squabbles were no more than grains of sand after witnessing the great tides of the cosmos, but on that day (“day” had become a vague and altogether meaningless term to you now in this temple of meditation, but words didn’t well serve your perception of time any longer anyway) your left brow pulsed with a bodily impatience which could only be described as excitement.\n\n“How long has it been?” you asked the bearded husk you found in the mirror. A thunderclap from the bottom of the stone steps shook the reflection, and you turned with a sigh, heading to meet the cause of the tremor.\n\nThe sword gleamed triumphantly as he drew it from its pedestal, and the unison between flesh and blade empowered him with an intimate electricity you’d tried ages to forget. The newly armed visitor did not notice you descend the stairs, and your eyes followed his celebratory thrusts and chops for what must have been minutes. \n\nWith every motion of the weapon an immeasurable amount of force was conceived. Air molecules were blasted out the way in great heaves, every last one breaking the sound barrier. The warrior played the blade like an instrument to which he had a sinister birthright, but again your eyes only followed.\n\nThe storm to which he played maestro did not tire, but instead came to a screeching, almost embarrassed, halt, as in the midst of the twirling fantasia his eyes coincidentally landed upon yours. For a moment there was nothing, only the same silence which engulfed a room just before a parent scolded their child for playing where they did not belong.\n\n“I am Alexandre Vega, second of his name but first of his quest. I have come to retrieve this great weapon and avenge my father, to slay Death himself.” The young man spoke with a voice larger than himself. A voice which may have felt familiar to you so many years ago.\n\n“Hello, Alexandre.”\n\n“What trials must I endure to take this blade into my possession?” Thunder cried out again as Alexandre readied into a battle stance.\n\n“Only one— a conversation.”\n\nWere it anyone else’s voice, perhaps he would’ve maintained his posture, but looking into your see-through eyes told him that the words were genuine. Alexandre loosened.\n\n“Your father is dead, and defeating death will not bring him back. It will only steal that pleasure from you and every other human.”\n\n“Pleasure? What do you know of death and pleasure, immortal? You sit alone atop your peak and meditate for all of eternity, never knowing what we humans endure. My father was poisoned and died a month long death. He contorted with disease and cried for mercy through every sleepless night. Never should I or any of my people experience that pain. The pain to feel it nor the pain to watch our loved ones feel it. If death is defeated then we may all live happily.”\n\n“But ‘happiness’ has no definition does it? You say that he was poisoned but omit the fact that he was poisoned by a spy from a neighboring village. He was poisoned because he was a war leader planning to invade that spy’s home for better access to resources. The spy was protecting his own father. The spy was defeating his own version of death. \n\n“You say that you may all be content once Death is gone, but never has that been the case. Were I to gift you access to the stars, you humans would only ask what lies beyond. Your hearts are all maws of unending appetite. I watched as you danced with the power of that blade, the violent fervor with which you were engulfed. You would only kill gods to become them yourself.”\n\nTears rolled down Alexandre’s face as he spoke, “I have lost too much to listen to your reason. I will smite Death and cast the sword into the depths of the ocean.”\n\n“Only for another to find it in different time.”\n\n“Will you stop me?”\n\n“Only with words. Kill me, and go free, but kill me, and become that which you despise.”\n\nYou’d forgotten pain. For thousands of years you hadn’t felt the contrast between the ache of your muscles and the warmth of the blood trickling out of them, but it was there, again, followed by thunder. Alexandre’s gift to you.\n\nHe turned away and exited the temple, perhaps never to understand the irony of the cycle to which he had now become integral.\n\nDesire is Death.", "My name is not important. It has long since been lost to the sands of time. What is important is what I accomplished. I made a sword unrivaled by any other. It channeled the power of creation, and is made of a metal designed solely for this purpose. It can cut the very threads of fate. It feeds off of blood to replenish the wielder. It can recharge wands. It even holds a small about of mana itself. It can summon fragments of the six primal aspects: Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and the two often forgotten, Order and Chaos. Its pale gray color can be mistaken for regular iron, except it is always clean and never rusts. A glowing shard rests in the middle of the blade, and it is visible on the sides. The shard of creation, the purified version of the primordial pearl, and the ultimate power source. A black crystal rests in the pommel, and its hilt in a silverish wood covered with a faded orange-gold cloth. It was dubbed \"Diosmurak\" meaning literally 'God Slayer'. \n\nAs the hero walks forward to grab the sword, my ghostly apparition appears before him.\n\n\"Who dares to disturb by forgotten temple?\" I proclaim as royally as I could, full of force and authority. \n\"My name is Steve, and I am the Hero of this land. I come before you to claim this sword and free this land\" the hero stated proudly. Good. This one is confident. Better than the last one who came in.\n\n\"If you have found this temple and knew of the sword then you know who I am, and I assume you know of the swords power.\"\n\n\"Yes I do\"\n\n\"Then tell me Steve, what is the name of this formidable weapon?\"\n\n\"Diosmurak.\"\n\n\"Good. I'll assume you found this place through the clues I left and you have conquered the trials to reach this place.\" I shift my tone from a formal to a casual tone. \"But do you know of its counterpart?\" \n\n\"The shield of Hope? Yes, I have it.\"\n\n\"Show it to me.\"\n\nSteve draws the shield and shows it to me. It is quite clearly the one, as it bears a rainbow pearl and the same pale gray metal. 4 runes are written on the front, one on each of the quarters of the shield. H O P E it spells.\n\n\"Good, good,\" I proclaim. \"Did you do all this by yourself?\" I ask quietly. \n\n\"N-no\" he stammered. Obviously he didn't expect that question. I chuckled. \n\n\"I too would not be where I am today without help. I am glad to see you have already learned that not everything can be done alone. I am also glad that you didn't lie to me, as I would of had to kill you.\" He looked very nervous as I said that. \n\n\"Now then, take the sword. I look forward to working together you and I Steve.\"\n\nHe looked confused at what I said. \"Together? What do you mean?\"\n\n\"My spirit is part of the blade, infused into the thing I once wielded.\" As my apparition vanished, Steve grabbed the sword.\n\n\"If we are working together now, can you tell me your name? It was never mentioned in any of the clues. Why was that?\" \n\n\"Because my old name is no longer important. I am Diosmurak, and you are my wielder.\"" ]	3
	[WP] Each morning, what you need to survive for that day is sitting on the kitchen table when you wake up. A few dollars, some food, and medicine are normally all you see. This morning you awake to see nothing but an ice cooler with an organ transplant symbol on the side...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Good morning, this is your daily wake up alarm. Good morning, this is your daily wake up alarm\".\n\nThat pre-recorded message has played every morning for as long as I can remember. I'm not even sure who's voice it is, but at this point I have those words etched into my brain. Every morning that message plays at precisely 8 A.M, and every morning the door to my bedroom opens. The routine is the same as any other day. I get up, step into the brightly lit hallway and walk down to the bathroom at the end of the hall. I use the toilet, bathe and brush my teeth.\n\nWhen I walk back into the hallway, the door at the opposite side opens and I make my way to the main room. As always, two sofas and a coffee table to the right, three doors on the far wall, and to the left was my kitchen area. A fridge, sink, stove and table waited for me. Every morning, there's breakfast freshly made, a small container of pills, and a case sitting on the kitchen table. The contents of the case vary day to day but usually, there's some cash, keys to the car in the garage, or some sort of tool such as an umbrella if it was raining. The case is rarely ever larger than a small briefcase. I sit down to enjoy my meal. Eggs, sausage, toast with butter. A glass of juice on the side that also varies day to day. \n\nI'm in no rush to check the case, because as far as I'm concerned, there's nothing particularly important about today. When I finally finish my meal, I wipe my face and walk over to the other side of the table. Today, the case was larger, about the size of a microwave. As I undo the latches on the case I wonder \"What do I need today?\".\n\nToday, instead of a small wad of cash or the keys to the car, there was only a cooler. I lift it out of the case and set it on the table. Turning it out around I notice the words \"Human Organ For Transplant\" written in red letters on the side. Feeling myself begin to shake, I slowly open the cooler. What could it be? Is it for me? Do I need to perform a transplant on myself??\n\nA million questions flood my head. As I peer inside, I try to identify what organ it is. At first I don't see anything so I look closer and open the lid fully. No, still nothing.\n\nWhat? Why? They gave me a damn empty transplant cooler?\n\nPanic starts to set in. There's never been something like this in the case. The most they've ever asked me to do was treat a deep cut I had gotten the day before. Today there was nothing in the case. No keys, no cash, nothing. I sit back down, and grab my container of pills. I start to relax after a moment and empty the container into my hand. Same as always, 2 white oblong pills, no bigger than a tic tac. I swallow both and peer out the window. It still seems like any other day. Cars on the road, a woman jogging down the sidewalk below. Nothing special about the weather either. I start to brainstorm, what could it all mean?\n\n\"Time\" I say, waiting for a response from the A.I.\n\n\"It. Is. Eleven. Twenty five. A.m.\"\n\n11:30?? They've never woken me up this late. I rush over to the middle of the 3 doors, my normal exit, and knock. Nothing. I shuffle to the right door, the garage, and open it to see the car still sitting in the same spot as always. Suddenly, the door on the far left makes a \"ding\" sound. Slowly, I make my way to the door. As I put my hand up to knock, it opens. There's a man, mid to late 40s looking back at me.\n\n\"Hello\" I say nervously.\n\n\"Hello\" he replies with a smile.\n\n\"Uh.. who.. are you?\"\n\nI'm so scared I can barely contain myself. This door has never opened. Not only that, but nobody besides me has ever been inside this apartment. \n\n\"Well.. I'm you\"\n\nMy heart drops, I fall backwards onto the sofa. This man looks nothing like me. He can't be telling the truth. He must be one of them, and they're just getting a kick out of all this.\n\nI laugh nervously, \"Are you from management or something? What's up with the cooler?\".\n\nHe looks over to the kitchen table, notices the cooler and looks back at me with a concerned look on his face.\n\"No.. I'm afraid I'm not one of them..\"\n\nAgain, my heart starts to race. This guy looks too shaken up to be messing with me. \"Dude, what the fuck is going on? Who the fuck are you??\".\nNow he looks even more scared than me. He stares back, not saying anything.\nI stand up and take a step towards him.\nHe seems terrified. His eyes are open so wide it's like he's staring at his worst nightmare. \n\n\"Who am I?\" He asks.\n\nI stop, dead in my tracks. What did he just say? A moment ago he said he was me. I feel a chill going up my spine. I can't move.\n\n\"You.. I am... Who are... Me... You.\"\n\n\"Hey! What's going on?? Are you alright?\"\n\n\"You.. You.. You..\" he keeps repeating himself.\n\nWe're both stuck in place, unable to move. \n\nFor a moment, there's silence. He looks down, then back up to me. \"I think I'm going to go home now..\".\n\n\"Excuse me??\" I ask fearfully.\n\nI put my hand out to grab him and his eyes meet mine. Again, we both stop for a moment. Wait.. what's happening?\nIs his face.. sliding down all of a sudden?\n\nThe skin on his face begins to look loose, like it's barely attached to him anymore. A hair falls from his head, followed by another, then another. His eyes no longer look into mine, but instead through them. His face sags more and more. Clumps of hair fall to the floor. His left eye rolls back, and the right slips out of the socket and dangles against his cheek.\n\n\"What's happening?? Are you okay?\"\n\n\"Y.... yo... YOU...\"\n\nI can't move, but his hand reaches out and lands on my shoulder. I grab him as he stumbles into me, collapsing into himself. His body feels soft, too soft. It feels like softened butter in a garbage bag. His bones are brittle, and start to break as easily as it would be to crack a glow-stick. He slips out of my arms and on to the ground. His body laying flat and soft, misshapen and wrong. \n\nI don't know what to do..\n\nWhat is happening?\n\nI hear another \"ding\", immediately followed by warmth. Then darkness..\n\n\"Good morning, this is your daily wake up alarm. Good morning, this is your daily wake up alarm\"." ]	2
	[WP] Aliens come to visit and think you are incredibly wise and that you must be the leader of this planet. You are a 3 year old annoying kid who answers everything with “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.", "“Sir, we have finally landed on Earth.”\n\n“Great! Explore this planet and bring me their hooman leader! We’ll begin questioning them soon!”\n\nBy order of the commander, the soldiers scatter the planet to find the hooman leader. They search for several hours, but are unable to find the hooman leader. To fulfill the wishes of their commander, they decide to take the first human they see back to their commander and pretend that they are the hooman leader. In 10 seconds they found a hooman. It was a child, who was playing with a ball in the streets.\n\n“You there! By order of Commander LickitySplit, come, now!”\n\nThe child stares at the alien, blinking at 100 times the normal rate.\n\n“Did you not hear me? I said, come!”\n\n“Why?” asked the child.\n\n\"You shall be the hooman leader!\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n“Our Lord Commander wants to question you hooman!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“He wants to know all about this planet!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“He doesn’t know anything about this planet!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Because … because … he’s our Lord Commander!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Gaaah! Hey, Snesnaw, grab that hooman!”\n\n“Why?” asked the child before being picked up by Snesnaw. The soldiers return to their Lord Commander, child in tow.\n\n“So, you have found a hooman?”\n\n“Yes, but he’s … he’s …”\n\n“He’s what? Spit it out Bummersmiths!”\n\nBummersmiths whispers into his Commander’s ear, “He’s quiet intelligent. He’s asking very intellectual questions that I can’t seem to work my way around.”\n\n“I see. But I possess level 99 intellect. He can’t possibly overcome my intelligence!” Snesnaw places the child on the ground as the Commander walks over to him, bends now, and smiles.\n\n“You tiny hooman stand no chance against us!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“We have superior intelligence and have far better technology!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Our species has grown for thousands of years, we’ve evolved!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“To adapt to the environment, we needed to survive longer!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“So that we can build our society for future generations!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Our future generations require older generations to build a foundation for them. Future generations will continue our culture and traditions.”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Is it me, or is that hooman blinking even faster?” Snesnaw asks as Bummersmiths nods in agreement.\n\n“Our culture and traditions are valuable! Which is why we’re here, to provide it to this planet!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Your species is far less intelligent and less sophisticated and uncultured. If you do not take our value, we will conquer your world! We will enslave you all!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Because … because you’re not listening!”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Because … because … gaaah!” The soldiers gasp realizing their Commander is struggling with the child.\n\n“It can’t be … The Lord Commander is struggling with this hooman!”\n\n“No, it can’t be! I have a level 99 intellect … this hooman, this hooman must be a level 100 intellect!”\n\n“This means he’s far too intelligent! Impossible!”\n\n“But this is a hooman, this is not possible!”\n\n“Why?” the child asks again as he stares at the aliens.\n\n“Gaaah! Get away, get away!” Snesnaw attempts to shoo the child away, but he continues walking closer.\n\n“Kill it! Kill it!” shouts the Commander. Bummersmiths pulls out his laser and points it at the child.\n\n“You fiendish animal!” shouts Bummersmiths before pulling the trigger. A beam shoots out and hits the child. But the child is unscathed, looks down, and looks back at the aliens and laughs.\n\n“Impossible!”\n\n“No! It can’t be! Lord Commander!”\n\nThe Commander confused and shocked, looks down. “Even our most deadly weapon, Water, cannot penetrate this hooman. There’s only one thing left to do…” He looks at his soldiers, “RUUUN!” The Aliens retreat back to their ship as the child stares, waving towards the Aliens.\n\n“Why?” the child asks one last time, smiling, unknown to all that a 3-year-old child has potentially saved humanity.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nEdit: Typos", "\"Why would you think I'm the leader of the planet. I'm 3 years old.\" said the kid. \n\n\"Well, you talk to us, ask us question, although it's annoying that you always ask why?\" said one of the space aliens. \n\n\"Why should be it annoying to you. I'm a kid.\" \n\n\"True, but you didn't run away when we arrived. You came up to us and ask questions.\" said the Captain of the space aliens. \n\n\"Why would you think I would run away. Why are you so strange looking?\"\n\n\"We are not earthlings. We were born on a different planet.\"\n\n\"Why did you come here then?\" Why Earth Mr. Captain (sorry, don't know your name?)\n\n\"To explore different planets.\"\n\n\"Why this planet when you have several others.\"\n\nThe Captain had had enough and asked the child where they could lodge for the night.\n\nThe child asked why?\n\nFinally the Captain and his 4 alien crew members were in a hotel room. They looked at each other thinking how did we get into this?" ]	3
	[WP] You are a mighty mythical creature that reigns over countless territories and subjects. You face your most terrifying challenge: an 8 year old girl whose head scratches tame tigers and belly rubs subdue dragons. And it seems fate has decided that it is your turn to be the good boy.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 snarled menacingly as the young she-beast intruded upon my sovereign place of rest. \n\nI knew exactly who this monster was. She had scoured the land, destroying every ruler who dared oppose her. She alone stood against the mightiest of leaders, and left them groveling, powerless pups. \n\nI would not be defeated so easily. \n\nI stood my ground, my mouth foaming as I prepared to do battle with this formidable foe. \n\nI licked my lips as I detected the delightful scent of her fear. The she-beast was terrified, as she should be. I was the ruler of this land, which I ruled with power and violence. My subjects were either loyal, or dinner. None dared opposed my dominance.\n\nBut the she-beast advanced, foolishly ignoring her instincts. This started to make me worry. Beasts who ignore their instincts are usually sick. \n\nI started to back away, but stopped myself. Who was this that dared opposed me? This was my territory! \n\nThen the she-beast has the audacity to bark in a shrill voice that caused my fur to stand on end.\n\n“Good boy,” she said, her voice shaking with fear. \n\nThe words were somehow... pleasant. No! She was trying to work her foul magic!\n\nI crept toward her, ready to tear her apart with my claws and feast upon her corpse. But then she barked again.\n\n“Whose a good boy?” She asked, still advancing toward me. She began to reach toward me, but I snapped at her, my teeth missing her hand by a hairs width as she quickly pulled away.\n\n“It’s ok,” the she-beast barked once more. “I don’t want to hurt you.” \n\nI shut my eyes and tried to drown out the words of the foul curse the beast was casting, but her words burrowed their way into my mind. \n\nIn the end, my efforts were in vain. Her curse had weakened and distracted me. Just as I opened my eyes, the beast placed her hand on my head. \n\nSuddenly, I was engulfed in a bright light, as the faint trace of a memory found its way into my mind. \n\nWalking.\n\nForest.\n\nNight.\n\nFull moon.\n\nGlowing Eyes.\n\nBite.\n\nPain.\n\nChange.\n\nPower.\n\nDarkness.\n\nI open my eyes once more to see the young girl smiling at me. \n\n“Did I make you feel better?” She asked.\n\n“I... I think so,” I replied. The act of speaking felt so strange. I must not have spoken in quite some time. \n\nI looked down, expecting to see something else. I still had no memory of who I was before, but I knew I hadn’t always been... this. Creatures like me weren’t natural, only the results of curses. \n\n“Who am I?” I asked. I kept expecting to change back, but I realized quickly that would probably never happen.\n\n“I don’t know,” the girl admitted. \n\n“What are you doing out here?” I asked out of curiosity. \n\n“I’m trying to find my dad,” she replied, tears forming in her eyes. “My mom said he got turned into a monster, so I’m trying to find him and change him back.”\n\n“That is very brave of you,” I said. “In exchange for bringing me back to my senses, I would be honored to assist you.” \n\n“Thanks!” She exclaimed, reaching her hand toward my head again.\n\n“What are you doing?” I asked.\n\n“Petting you,” she said, confused. “Is that ok?”\n\nI thought about it for a moment, then relented with what I hoped looked like a pleasant smile. \n\n“Sure,” I said, as she immediately began to run her head through the fur on my head. It felt nice. I had felt only darkness for so long. \n\nHer scent. I hadn’t noticed it before, but now it triggered something deep within my mind. Why did she smell familiar?\n\nThe girl turned to walk out of the cave, when my newly unlocked memory escaped the confines of my brain through my mouth in a single word.\n\n“Katie?”\n\nShe turned around, a giant smile stretching from ear to ear.\n\nI ran to her on all fours, ecstatic to finally have my memory back. But not as happy as I was to see her. \n\nI closed the distance quickly, and wrapped my daughter up in a weird, warm and fuzzy hug." ]	2
	[WP]A flat-earther meets a Vulcan visiting earth (Star Trek).	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"...and we finally broke through the barrier. Nothing prepared us for this.\"\n\n\"Damn, that's bad. I feel so sorry for you.\"\n\n\"Apologize to each other. Your species are but children.\"\n\n\"You came all this way to talk shit, Pointy? I'll kick your ass right back to that fancy ship!\"\n\n\"It's not what you think. During our entry we thoroughly surveyed your world from a distance.\"\n\n\"And?\"\n\n\"It appears that your species' civilization is ruled by a hand full of others such as yourself.\"\n\n'Make sense, damn it! You're hurting my head.\"\n\n\"Your society is trapped in a wall of arctic ice. Beyond that, your world expands in every direction. We have not been able to determine any limit or boundary.\"\n\n\"What are you saying? That there are other continents?\"\n\n\"Not just others, billions would be a fair estimation. Beyond that our sensors failed. A small group outside contain you, controlling the politics of your world from within through something you refer to as money. They rule through division. Marginalize and segregate to maintain control. Your species are essentially eliminating themselves.\"\n\n\"Show me.\"\n\n\"At this juncture were I able to kid, that would be my remark.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You are a lonely miner working at the edge of the Kuiper belt. Your communicator receives a message that your son was just born on Earth, but you've never set foot on the planet.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$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 don't meet much of anything out here on the Belt. Sometimes a rockworm will scurry out of the stones as I harvest the ore, but that's rare. On top of being ugly creatures in general, they can't survive outside of the rock, and end up exploding from the little natural star light that reaches here. It takes hours to clean up the mess, but they leave behind the aroma of moon flowers, so I really don't mind. Aside from a a supply drop every year or two, I see no one, of any race. But that's what I signed up for, in a way achieving my dreams of living among the stars. \n\nA few things changed during the supply drop last winter (winter being relative, of course, as my humble rock has no seasons - but I keep track of the seasons on my planet to help bridge the gap). Troy, the usual supply drop pilot, had a passenger with him - this was new. \n\n\"Howdy, Troy! Whatcha bring me this time?\"\n\n\"Hey Geero, yeah I brought you a visitor. I'll be back in a day or two to retrieve them. Good luck with this one...she ain't no rockworm.\"\n\n\n\"Hey there stranger! You're awfully green (literally). What brings you to these parts?\"\n\n\n\"Your parts.\"\n\n\n\"Um...huh?\"\n\n\n\"I'm here for your parts.\"\n\n\n\"I...don't understand. I don't have parts? I don't even have a craft or a cart, I just walk or bounce everywhere.\"\n\n\"Let me rephrase. I'm from Kamada. Your government sent me to harvest from your parts - your reproductive capabilities. You see, I'm a man miner.\"\n\n\n\"I...well, am I flattered? Is that what this is?\"\n\n\n\"I don't care.\"\n\n\n\"Okay so definitely not flattered. Why does the government want...me? Or what could be me?\"\n\n\n\"You've displayed great strength in your time alone out here. The government only accepted applicants for these types of positions to see if they had the qualities that would provide the seeds for the world the government is trying to build. You've proven a healthy specimen.\"\n\n\n\"Well ain't that some shit. So they want my genes. Heh, well. Well. What do I get out of it, exactly?\"\n\n\"In exchange for your seed, the government will be sending you unique fruits each month as a reward for your faithful service.\"\n\n\n\"They signed me up for the fruit of the month club?\"\n\n\n\"I don't know what that is.\"\n\n\n\"It...nevermind. So I have to be a dad. Do I get to leave here, then? Visit my child, or children? Is my contract up?\"\n\n\"No. If you read your contract, you'll find a clause noting that if you're chosen for harvest, you lose all Kamadan citizenship, and will be indefinitely contracted as a remote worker until you expire.\"\n\n\n\"You are really taking all the romance out of this. So...I can never see my offspring?\"\n\n\n\"That isn't my purpose. And no, you cannot. The government believes that any interaction between the seeds and the fruit has the potential to weigh down the direction they wish to head. They believe your fruit will be a better version of you, and do not wish for that to be corrupted, otherwise this is all moot.\" \n\n\n\"I guess I don't have much choice then.\"\n\n\n\"No, you don't.\"\n\n\nThe months passed slowly for me after that. The rocks a little heavier, the dust a little thicker, the heart a little slower. I had gotten word that my son was born on a coalition planet, something called Earth. I take some solace in knowing that he is on a rock far from home, just like his pops. But that is a small condolence. As the years have gone by, I've heard nothing else of him. I've encountered no more green women. Today, as I was at my deepest point in the mine, I realized that I've never been more alone. No light reached me, no mind was considering me, almost no voices even knew my name. Up among the stars, I've never been so low. \n\nAnd then another thought occurred to me: I wonder what happens when you eat a rockworm...", "hello, my name is Naomi. \n\nthey told me your name is jack felton. Do you go by jack? I dont know how to say this but I’ve probably written this message over 4 times now so i am just going to get it out as fast as I can. There is no easy way to tell somebody something like this.\n\nyou are going to be a father.\n\ni am about 7 months along and have always wanted to have a child the old fashioned way. i just couldn’t handle watching the fetus grow in a plastic bag. It’s unnatural. You would not believe the paperwork I had to do in order to avoid all the genetic tampering that they do now days. I just wanted the baby to be MINE and not a cobbled together from 12 other genetic clumps. Forcing them to allow only one father was a nightmare but I managed it. The doctor helped me pick a man out from the population samples they had on file.\n\nI chose you.\n\nYou had kind eyes and smiled the day they took the pictures. i liked the shape of your nose. You don’t technically have any rights or responsibilities for the baby or anything, but i wanted to reach out and let you know. if you want you can come visit the baby. he should be born near august 12th and I’d even let you wait outside the hospital room if you were interested.\n\nThis is probably a huge shock and you don’t even have to respond. Biological fatherhood is so unusual you can just pretend it didn’t happen and we’ll both live on like this message never existed. But if you do happen to be interested... well, just message back and i’ll answer it. \n\nA bit of fatherhood might suit you.\n\nbest wishes,\nNaomi\n\n\n***\n\n\nDear Naomi,\n\nI am stunned.\n\nI am unable to put into words the way my chest is closing in on itself.\n\nI am struggling to wrap my head around the concept of my biological child existing in this world. How the hell is this even real?\n\nIt hurts me to know that by the time you get this message it isn’t even going to matter anymore.\n\nYes, I am absolutely interested in seeing this baby, but as I am sure you have realized by now, he is already a toddler— or maybe even in school already.\n\nI left Earth 150 years ago for an expedition to the Kuiper belt. The genetic samples they have on file are old. I experience a severe time distortion here at light speed that means that every minute I spend writing this is another week that passes for you. It is too late for me now to ever see this baby. He is growing up as I type these words. \n\nI don’t know how I am going live with myself knowing a byproduct of my body is out there living without any of my input, destined to die of old age before I could ever have a chance to return.\n\nDamn- I can’t even explain to you how I feel right now. Just tell him I didn’t ignore his birth. Tell him I would have visited and taken him for ice cream every other Sunday. Or maybe tell him I died before he was born to save him the emotional effort.\n\nI left Earth because I had nothing to live for anymore. I figured I might as well be a pioneer instead of trashing my life down a ravine. Yet, I can’t regret leaving because even if I had stayed behind, I would have been dead and buried before you were even born. So in a twisted way, it is only through my absence that I could have ever even known I was a father.\n\nTake care of him for me. I am going to spend the next few hours messaging everything I would ever want him to know. Share them with him if you are willing. If I can finish a video message before his high school graduation I will. Sending pictures of him for me would mean the world.\n\nTell him I would have loved him like the son he is.\n\n\n\nWith love,\nJack Felton", "“Numbers are down,” I mumbled to myself as I swiped through several pages of data. I looked up from my data-pad at the viewport. Outside the air-tight structure I could see large metal arms digging into the surface of KBO L-1046, an asteroid with a huge deposit of frozen ammonia; a deposit that was now almost entirely harvested. I frowned. “Gonna have to move to the next KBO soon,” I decided reluctantly. I sighed, and looked around the small, empty observation deck. I looked back to my data-pad and navigated to the list of Kupier Belt Objects I’d selected as possible targets, then tapped a button and waved my hand over the viewport. The images on the data-pad appeared there, blanketing the window. I looked over the basic data of the two options I’d tagged. My mouth twisted.\n\n“Show projected travel times for L-0783 and N-1252,” I stated aloud in a robotic manner. The screen shifted as more data was added. They were 8, and 11 months away respectively. I had been hoping L-1046 would last long enough for us to approach another ripe asteroid, but it didn’t look like it was in the cards. I spoke aloud again. “Show ammonia levels on the three closest KBOs.” Three more lines of data appeared, and each one showed NH-3 levels lower than 30 percent; not worth traveling to.\n\n“Why don’t you go to N-1252?” a sultry feminine voice goaded me. Instinctively I turned towards the voice, and saw her leaning against the doorframe. Her thin, pink gown clung greedily to her pale skin, barely providing the least bit of decency. “11 months would be a nice, long rest in the cryo-tubes. And the risk of not waking up is higher,” she cooed. I forcibly kept myself from making eye contact and began walking passed her, doing my best to ignore the woman. I grit my teeth as I heard the patter of her bare feet on the floor behind me. “Oh, come now Jason, don’t ignore me like that.”\n\n“Shut up. You’re not real,” I accused the woman as I turned to face her, but she was no longer there.\n\n“It hurts my feelings when you say things like that,” she whispered in my ear. I flinched, swatting my hand up to push her away, but there was nothing, and I accidentally boxed my own ear. I cursed at the painful ringing that sounded for a moment before fading away.\n\nTen years of solitude aboard a Deep Space Mining Platform will do that to you.\n\nNot ten years straight, of course. Every two-and-a-half years, the Company arrived to exchange the freight train-sized canisters I’d filled with ammonia for fresh ones, but a brief ten minute interaction with a delivery man never quite took the edge off. Especially since I had to wear handcuffs and a bag over my head during the encounter.\n\nI shuddered, casting off the uncomfortable feeling my occasional hallucinations brought me, and headed for the communications relay. Once there I keyed up the channel for hailing the collectors. It was a little bit early for my scheduled contact, but the predicament of being almost a year of travel away from the nearest mineable resources warranted some initiative on my part.\n\n“Aherm, uh, this is Jason Louder, Operations Manager for DSMP A-27. I’m calling four months ahead of scheduled contact time. Projected duration of travel to my next KBO is 8-11 months. Canisters are at 94% capacity though, so I figured I’d see if you want to run an exchange a little earlier rather than wait until I reach my next KBO; please advise. Thank you.”\n\nI would have to wait up to a week for the response, so I left the channel open and set the radio to play over the mining platform’s PA. I stood from the seat to leave, and made it halfway across the room when the speakers blared to life. My heart leapt in my chest and I almost fell as I reeled from the violent sound of white-noise. I covered my ears and turned to shut off the speakers, when the static suddenly stopped, replaced by low hum. Then a garbled transmission, a voice horribly distorted, began speaking. It was deep and raspy, and I couldn’t tell if it was saying words or just mumbling incoherently. My eyes darted around as I tried to make sense of the transmission.\n\n“It’s encrypted,” said a woman’s voice from beside me. “If this message is meant for you, the communications system should decode it to text for you.”\n\nI turned and looked at the pale woman in her pink gown, expecting her to be giving me the same snide grin she always did as she tempted me towards madness. Instead, she looked perplexed, and seemed to be listening to the rigid buzz of the distorted voice. Then her eyes lit up and she regarded me. “Congratulations Jason! You’re a father!” she exclaimed, but then she frowned. “…Something’s wrong.” The message ended abruptly, and the encrypted speech stopped playing over the PA.\n\nMy head spun with questions and confusion for a moment, but what she claimed was very simply impossible. Before I lost myself, I took a deep breath. “… You’re not real. Nothing you say is real. It’s just the Company responding.” I turned away from her and walked back towards the communications console.\n\n“The Company could never respond that quickly. And they don’t encode their messages like that,” she reminded me.\n\n“Shut up,” I barked at her as I sat and waited at the screen for the system to display the decoded transmission.\n\nThen text began to appear.\n\nMr. Jason Louder. Congratulations on the birth of your son. This must be a happy time for you and your partner. It is unfortunate that you cannot be here, but until you are able to return to Earth, we will take good care of your boy. He will be raised as a valuable asset.**\n\nI stared at the screen for a long time. “… What… what does this mean?” I turned to find the woman standing beside me, looking at the screen over my shoulder.\n\n“I… I don’t know… it doesn’t make any sense,” she said as her head shook back and forth. She looked troubled, concerned even, like I’d never seen her before.\n\nShe suddenly looked real.\n\n“… Who… are you?” I asked.\n\nShe turned her head to me, and a weak smile replaced her frown. “All this time, and you never thought to ask.” She stood tall, straightening her back and shoulders. Then she flickered, just like the holographic projections from my data-pad. “My name is Construct A-74. I’m an AI that maintains the life support systems of this DSMP, as well as a plethora of other background functions. You can call me Aya.”\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nr/TheCornerStories", "Shit. I knew my eyesight was going, but I didn't think it was that bad! I flipped open the screen to get a better view. Squinting, I read the words again. \n\n\"Congratulations!\" Some fancy lettering font jumped out at me. I suddenly didn't need to squint anymore. \n\nThat is a company letterhead. What'd I do this time? I hope it's a pay raise! \n\n\"Yaw, son of Weh, Employee # 789318,\n\n\nIt is our pleasure to congratulate you on the birth of your child! We regret that we could not get you to Earth in time for his birth. We truly do appreciate the tremendous sacrifice you have made to ensure that your federation is well supplied during our own time of need.\n\nWe would like to invite you to the Human Resources office at your earliest convenience to complete the necessary paperwork to add your newest family member to your insurance plan. There is only a thirty two day window, so please take advantage of this opp....\"\n\n\nThe communicator flashed again. \"Our Condolences\".\n\nWhat. The. Fuck. Someone in HR is messing with me. \nCondolences? For what? \n\n\"It has come to our attention that your son has recently passed away. We mourn for you during this time. Losing a child before their time, especially in such a violent manner, is very hard. Please know that there grief counselors available to you now, and any time in the future.\n\nUnfortunately, because he was not enrolled in your healthcare coverage plan, and off planet at the time of his death, any claims must be filed with the state department.\n\nWe hope you and your wife, Mary, find solace in....\"\n\n\nSomeone has to be fucking with me. Mary? I've never met a woman named Mary. What kind of name is that?? \n\nI perused the second notice again. Off planet? Wait...\n\nThe first notice calls to me again: \"Earth? Where in the backwater of Kolab system is Earth?\"" ]	5
	[WP] "I don't sense anything." "Well, I do, so trust me when I say this thing makes Chernobyl look safe."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "James and his partner both stood next to the basement door. The warm, vintage surrounding only complemented its eariness as the brothers nervously gazed at its withered, dusty surface. Gary was more concerned by the earthly misfortunes like the whole house crashing down on top of them while James was concerned with the unlikely possibility of what laid at the bottom of this place, expecting them.\n\n“I don’t sense anything.” \n\n“Well, I do, so trust me when I say this thing makes Chernobyl look safe.”\n\n“You mean something radioactive’s down there?”\n\n“No, that’s not what I– you know what, let’s just get this over with.”\n\n“No, no, no.” \n\nGary wanted confirmation before compromising his safety for a mere half a thousand bucks.\n\nHe looked at James.\n\n“Is there actually something dangerous down there?”\n\n“You know what a Gaboon viper is?”\n\n“Huh?”\n\n“Those things only act in self-defense. As in, it won’t attack anyone unless bothered.”\n\n“So you’re saying there is something behind that door.”\n\n“Well, yeah, but it’s not necessarily dangerous. So can you please just suck it up and help me open this damn thing?”\n\nGary gave an uncertain glance at the door before looking back at James. He was the one that had the unnaturally sharp instincts after all.\n\n“If anything happens, I won’t be waiting for you to close the door.”\n\nJames gave a simple nod and they both started pulling on the thick wooden door.\n\nBehind the door, below the house, waited only the extending obscurity of darkness.\n\nRealizing Gary was waiting for him, he took the initiative with a small sigh.\n\nThe brothers’ descent was cautious and slow as they made their way to the bottom and after a moment, two bright LED lights burned through the shadows, illuminating the basement’s contents. There, amidst rotting wood and empty boxes, laid a small blob of purple slime that pulsated every so often. However, true curiosity was its red glow. Before Gary could say anything, his jaw dropped to the floor as James promptly grabbed the blob and turned back.\n\n“We got what we needed. Let’s get out of here.”\n\nGary was understandably confused but with professional composure, followed his partner as they hurried upstairs.\n\nAs they ascended the stairs, he heard something behind them creak and as he turned his head to see its cause, the basement floor cracked and fissured, revealing what could only be another glowing slime, though its size was multitudes above what James was holding and its tone was gray in nature.\n\n“Run, run, Jesus Christ, RUN!”\n\nJames was screaming as he almost flew up the stairs, Gary following him just a step behind, his gaze completely fixated on the incoming monstrosity. And the distraction led to a trip, leaving him sprawled on the stairs as he shambled upwards, knowing there wasn’t any time to stand up. He looked back once more to see his new shoes covered in gray slime, pulsating and cracking as it hardened and broke off. In a moment of panic, he lost all hope. Though, before he closed his eyes and embraced for the mammothic slime to completely devour him, his body was yanked with an incredible force. Feeling his right shoulder dislocate he grunted in pain as James pulled him out of the forsaken basement and slammed its door shut, never to be opened again. \n\nBefore he could take a breath of relief, however, the door made sickly cracking sounds as gray liquid seeped through its gaps, spilling onto the floor.\n\n“Get up, there’s no time to be lying around!” James said with a worried voice as he helped Gary up. \n\nBefore the pulsating slime could form a puddle around their feet, they both sprinted out of the old cottage, the chilly air of lady Autumn liberating their lungs from the dust collected from the basement.\n\nHowever, James didn’t take the moment to enjoy the fresh air as he ran towards the beaten up car, making sure Gary was behind him. With amazing speed acquired from the countless times he started the scrappy car, they drove off in an instant.\n\n“W-what was that ‘thing’, James”?\n\n“Things.” James replied, out of breath.\n\n“Huh?”\n\n“That wasn’t a single thing.” \n\nAfter a big intake of air, he explained:\n\n“That giant slime is made up of smaller cubes, mostly gray ones. Like this.”\n\nJames gently took out the purple slime from his pocket, the skin underneath it was ever-so-slowly pulsating.\n\n“What are those things? Actually, what is that purple slime?”\n\n“Some kind of slimes. Not unnatural though, they must’ve formed from some nearby radioactive soil. And this.” James lifted his palm up, showing the glowy cube of slime.\n\n“This one’s far more concentrated than the others. By the way, don’t worry about them, they’ll freeze off in this cold air.”\n\n“Oh, and wrap that up, it might get infected.”\n\nJames threw a roll of bandage on Gary’s lap. Only then did Gary realize his left foot, bare and scratched up, some small spots were torn in the shape of a cube.\n\n“All this…for 500 dollars?”\n\nJames chuckled at this.\n\n“Nah. This thing is far more valuable than anything money can afford. You see this?”\n\nHis gaze shortly turned away from the windshield as he extended the glob to his brother’s face. The car was bumpy so it shook and vibrated ever so slightly.\n\n“It’s outer layer is matte, soft and very, very thin. You tear it open, you will be exposed to more radiation than any nuclear device can produce.”\n\nThe fascinated expression Gary had was now replaced with horror as he backed off.\n\n“Then be more careful with it! Jesus!”\n\nJames gave a smug grin as they continued driving. Off to the Surrogate’s place." ]	2
	[WP] You just joined a new nerve control program, where you get a micro bomb connected to your brain, that will explode if you yell too loud.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Kirsten walked up to the busy intersection and set down her briefcase. She pulled out a microphone, an audio recorder, and a large speaker. She began assembling the items in an orderly fashion, connecting the microphone to the recorder and changing a few of the settings. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nShe then held the microphone very close to her mouth and whispered inaudibly into it. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nShe then set the microphone down, unplugged it from the recording device, and then plugged the recording device into the speaker. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nShe then tweaked some of the settings, this time on the speaker. She then stood up and stared at a crowd of people with no discernable emotion on her face. She pressed play on the device. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe words blasted into the crowd at such a high decibel people had to cover their ears when they heard \"I FUCKING HATE EMAILS.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nKirsten then packed up her equipment into her briefcase and walked away." ]	2
	[WP] You’ve been praised internationally for being able to save many sick patients, even those with terminal illnesses. What they don’t know is that you can only slow the process down to affect them when you please. You’ve reached the final years of your life, and wait to hatch your mastermind plan.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 a miserable waste life is.\n\nEven if you live a hundred years, you still die. And in a matter of years, perhaps decades if you are lucky, you are completely forgotten--the second death.\n\nBut there are some exceptions. Genghis Khan lived around a thousand years ago, yet he is still discussed with impressive frequency. He has managed to avoid the second death--he has achieved relative immortality.\n\nAnd so, as I lay dying, I make the preparations to enter into the cage of history, confined to the past, to the never advancing. But I do so with a smile, for I know that I shall enter into that most luxurious cage that receives the most attention. I won't be some shelter dog, I will be the main exhibit at the zoo.\n\nI carefully select a plain piece of paper and a common pen from the hospital I worked for all those years--the simple, humble nature of these should serve to add to the positive regard.\n\nAlas, my family, my friends, my patients,\n\nAs I lay dying, I must inform you with greatest sorrow and shame of my terrible lie. All these years, I have failed to reveal the entire truth of my miraculous ability to heal. The grim reality is that, in my infinite foolishness, when all other hope was lost, I decided to ward off death unnaturally, by absorbing and containing the illness within myself.\n\nHowever, now on my death bed, I sense that, with my passing, the suffering which I contained, in my selfish desire to see that spark of life and hope return, shall once more be unleashed upon my patients. Thus, I tell you all that within moments of my passing, I suspect countless shall pass with me into the great unknown. Indeed, many of you have likely felt the first effects of the return of your illnesses already.\n\nI say this with utmost shame and regret, and tears filling my eyes. I wish only for forgiveness of my terrible deceit, and for the easy passing of all those that shall join my in my journey to the grave. Please, remember me not as a monster, but as a simple man that wished to save lives, but didn't have the foresight to understand the consequences of his actions.\n\nWith the letter written, I folded it up and placed it upon my bedside table--a couple drops of water to simulate the tears that certainly must have been aplenty.\n\nAs I feel myself passing from this world, I loosen the grip I held on all those illnesses, and ensure that, by the time my letter is found, my patients shall be close to fulfilling their final purpose.\n\nOf course I could have let the grip remain as I die, but what is a little suffering to immortality?" ]	2
	[WP] War has broken out in the country that you live. Every person around you joins one side or the other. Except you. You just want to raise your fruits and vegetables in peace.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Sojan, where is your weapon.\" The man who was a head taller than Sojan approached and held his left hand on his sword. \"Speak.\" Sojan bowed. \"I don't have a weapon. If you want a sword, you might look for it at Camp Citadel, north I believe.\" The man laughed a short choppy sound, \"I have a sword. And I know you wish you could forget the Citadel, but the Citadel won't forget you. You're a trained arm at the bow, and enough of a fine swordsman. I wouldn't come and russle up the weak of heart, the cowards, and the defectors. Which are you?\" Sojan inched his head closer to the soil, prying another weed from the ground. \"I'm all three, and a farmer. A farmer sending his fruits to the unchose recluses. Those with even less of a home than I have,\" he gestured to his clay and straw bungalow. \"and the leopards.\" The captain let his shoulders roll back and let out a heaving noise, inflating his chest with air, and letting it out in a long breathe. \"You think just because you feed people, you can skirt around your larger family, when it goes to war? We're fighting for the homeless, you are, and will be.\" Sojan shook his head as he plucked another weed out, and moved his seeds into the hole, brushing the soil back over them. \"Not this war. Maybe the next. I'll always be at an honest war. You go to every one, without qualm.\" Sojan watched him plant and push the soil over. He touched his mustache and pulled the hairs away from his lips. \"I like war. I admit it. You know it, and I do. I'll fight every war that comes to the citadel. But that doesn't mean i'm not fighting for something honorable. If I don't fight, someone else will.\" Sojan got off his knee's burrowed in the soil, and stood low in a squatting position over his tool and bag of seeds. \"Maybe.\" He raised his eyebrows and took off his hat to wipe at the sweat on his forehead. \"I can't fight however.\" he said to the Captain, to which the Captain asked why. \"Because I don't hate the enemy this time. There's no hate in my heart. How can I shoot a man I don't hate? I love them enough to not kill them. This time, it's different.\"", "\"Hear they bombed the ferry terminal. Again.\" I radioed and confirmed. Smoke was difficult to see, and even harder to tell from the haze in August. \"They say rebels started more forest fires up north too.\"\n\n\nI clicked my radio to confirm message. On the myriad of islands between the mainland and Vancouver island, it was hard enough to get used to the new company. All this time, I never thought I would have to take in refugees.\n\n\n\"Storms coming.\" I clicked the radio and advised not to use the radio excessively. A click on the other end confirmed the order.\n\n\nI smashed the hoe back into the ground, carving more dirt into the air. Last year's potatoes were good, but now with more people, the stored radishes and pickled carrots were going quickly. At least they brought canned tuna, smoked salmon and a carton of booze.\n\n\nThe grey mask stuck to my skin against the August heat. Smoke from out of control forest fires dried my eyes, hydrated only by tears of sweat. I could hardly get the sting out of my eyes before they dried out again. \n\nThe dirt was unyielding, gave up inches to the hoe. It would have been easier to go fishing but the refugees changed the equation. I need to double my production to last the next few years, even with the food stores they brought. Nevermind the flags they brought, I burned or buried most of their belongings as soon as they arrived.\n\nA Canadian flag, a Californian Republic flag, a tin of refried beans with post cards, their military playing cards, their uniforms, any markings and worst of all, their identity cards. Passports, ID badges, driver's license, their library card. It was going to be anonymous from then out.\n\n\nI called one Burnie, on account of his beard and bunsen burner. A welcome addition no doubt. His friend I called Finn, despite being a woman of black hair. It had originally been dyed when we first met. \n\nThey called me Hauser. For the last two weeks, I've been trying to figure out why. If they pass mustard through the various tests, maybe I won't shoot them. After all, three can keep a secret if two are dead.\n\n\nI shook off the odd thought and struck the earth again. Potatoes. They would be more than necessary.", "I tried. I really did. To stay out of hit. But here I am, President of the Confederacy of Independent Communes.\n\nLike everyone else I could see it coming, the war. I thought I could keep out of it. I never really cared about the issues that caused it. I had my home, my family, I was self sufficient and sustainable. So I thought I'd just go on living and whichever side won would win and continue to leave me alone. I was wrong.\n\nIt started with a truck. A group of irregulars from the NAR drove there truck through one of my orchards. It didn't do much, just tear up some soil. But then it became a regular occurrence. Within a week the irrigation was ruin and the ground was so rutted I'd never be able to repair it. So I put up a fence. And then another. And a third. But with each fence it seemed like it was just challenging them to use it more and more. I tried to appeal to the command at the local base but I was snubbed. Troop movements we more important then Apple trees.\n\nThen the ATL started to advance into the area, and the raids happened. Half of my crop was either stolen or burnt in a matter of three days. I had to do something in order to survive. So I started laying mines. It stopped the raids, and bought me enough time to fortify. But it didn't stop either side from moving to the next farm.\n\nSo I started helping those who were tired of the fighting and the raids. Some had been apart of this side or that, others had wanted to stay out of it as well. Before you knew it we had our own militia to deter any more raids, a working infrastructure. Life seemed to return to some sense of normalcy. Little did we know that we were the foundations of our future society.\n\nWe started getting requests for assistance. Apparently other communes like ours were spring up all over. Regular people tired of the fighting banding together to protect there homes and lives. At first we were hesitant but when we heard of the Killingfields of Kansas, and the Massacres in New England, we knew we had to help as many people as possible.\n\nFor years the war continued to rage and we seemed to be fighting and unending fight against the darkness that had gripped this land. But we have shown both the NAR and the ATL that you do not build a nation with division and murder. But with Unity and a willingness to help your fellow citizen. And now with a ceasefire in full effect and all of our communes safeguarded and prosperous. I feel comfortable announcing that I will not be seeking re-appointment as President this coming year. \n\nI am confident that the Council of Representatives will find the perfect person to lead us now in a time of peace and growth, as I have had to lead in a time of war." ]	4
	[WP] “Don’t pray! Whatever the f*ck you do, don’t pray! Because the ones who are listening, you don’t want them to answer!”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Where had the production crew found this guy?\n\nPastor Anderson looked on aghast as his guest rambled and raved. He looked like Anderson’s guests normally did, admittedly. A man in his early 50s, with an ill-fitting suit, badly combed hair and a certain wild look in his eyes. But where Anderson had expected to spend 20 minutes preaching over some idiot who was trying to defend the truth of evolution, or the virtues of feminism, his current opponent had gone entirely off-script – and off the deep end besides.\n\nA glance into the audience that filled the pews of his megachurch confirmed Anderson’s impression. His congregation were shaking their heads, looking down at their phones. They weren’t even bothering to heckle the asshole. This guy wasn’t telling the people the things they loved to hate to hear. He was just plain weird. And the TV audiences at home – almost 8 million every weekday morning, thank you Florida – didn’t like weird.\n\n“A praying mind is a beacon to them! A psychic scream of want and desire!” His guest gesticulated frantically at his podium, turning to stare into each TV camera in turn. “Your god is not listening, they’ve already consumed him, he’s gone! Gone!”\n\nAh. Now this was something that Anderson could work with. \n\n“You are not the first man to deny god within these halls, Professor.” Anderson cut in, his voice booming. Was his guest a professor? Probably not but painting the man as an intellectual would frame the debate quite nicely. \n\n“But I have seen miracles before my very eyes, and every day I feel god walk alongside me, on my mission to bring the truth of his word to the great people of America. He holds the hand of his mercy over us and shields us from the tricks and lies of the devil. You cannot mislead us from our faith.”\n\nNormally, this would be enough to steer the debate towards the topic of proving or disproving god, but the hypothetical professor just shook his head in genuine confusion. “I’m not trying to! I’m not saying that god isn’t real.”\n\n“Then you admit it?” Anderson’s voice boomed from the speakers, echoing through the vast hall of his church, as regal and triumphant as god himself. This was always a highlight of his sermon-debates, the admission of defeat, the conversion of the sinner to a follower. His audience ate it up like nothing else.\n“You confess that you truly do believe in our lord god, and his son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins?”\n\nAnderson’s guest nodded firmly. “Of course I believe in Jesus! That’s what I’m trying to tell you! They ate him too.”\n\nThis was met with a moment of stunned silence, before a chorus of booing erupted from the audience. Anderson himself was briefly lost for words, nonplussed by the non sequitur. And Anderson was never lost for words. He had to get this guy off the stage, before his ratings dropped. He spread his arms wide, addressing the TV cameras now.\n\n“Once again we see what havoc the devil may wreak in the minds of men. I call upon you, my children, to pray with me, for this man’s immortal soul, so that he might accept the grace of god into his heart.\"\n\n“Oh Lord, hear us on this day…” Anderson intoned, and was gratified to hear the mumbling of five thousand pious voices. This was power, and it was beautiful. Goosebumps rose on the nape of his neck.\n\n“No!” His guest screamed frantically as the congregation – in the church and in front of their TVs – began to pray. “They are so close already, and they’re searching for me! You’ll tell them where I am, they’ll find us, you’re going to kill us! Please, stop, stop!” He realized that his microphone had gone dead halfway through his outburst, and he lurched across the stage, towards Anderson’s podium.\n\nBefore he could reach the preacher, he was caught around the waist by two burly security men, who held him, struggling, as the prayer for his soul echoed through the church and across the cosmos. And as Anderson pronounced a resounding “Amen”, ignoring the professor’s wordless screaming, he noticed a flicker in the corner of his eye. He turned his head sharply and, right there, where the professor had stood, was a… distortion, in the air. Something flickering and raw and deeply corrupt, a crack in reality, that which should not be.\n\nAnderson took a careful pace towards it, reaching for whatever vestige of his faith remained after ten thousand sermons, but he found only emptiness within himself, echoing the void into which he stared. The thing had eaten god, and now it was eating him from the inside out. He felt it strip his soul, scour his veins, set his nerve endings alight.\n\nAnderson dimly noticed himself screaming, but he didn’t think his congregation would mind. After all, they were already dead. And then, so was he." ]	2
	[WP] You are a lone wolf, a traveller- never staying put for too long. You have a gift; able to see a line in front of you that is pointing to where your future lies. One day, you arrive at a strangers house- and the line has ended.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 cottage may have been nestled amongst gold leafed trees, but behind it there were fields of pasture, chickens, sheep and a pair of cows were happily roaming. The air hummed around the electric fence. My wayline tracked the path to the door, then re-appeared in the fields, looping back and forth. As I squinted time compressed, the loops became thicker, the coverage denser, until I couldn’t see the grass beneath it.\n\nI wasn’t ready to end my travels, I was only 25, I decided to leave, turned about and the wayline led away again. An hour later I reached the fork in the forest path, the line followed both paths, I would return one day.\n\nAt 30 my beard had grown unkempt, my shoes were worn and my left knee hurt. The Cottage was nestled in blooming fruit trees. A charcoal furnace Stood beside the house and the cows had a calf. There were too many chickens now, they didn’t have enough room, I unslung my hatchet and turned to leave, my wayline obeyed.\n\nAt 36 my beard was speckled grey, my right knee hurt and my boots were shined. I ran my hand through my hair as I approached the cottage. Plucking a blackberry from the hedgerow I wiped the water from my eyes. The new coop I had built was painted pale blue, the Snowdrops planted all around it glistened with the morning’s frost. My wayline ran through the house, looped across the fields and illuminated the cowshed but didn’t return along the path I walked.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI knocked on the door. At 35 she was still beautiful, the heels of her boots were worn round from use and I didn’t recognise her necklace. “Room at the table for a stranger?” I asked, pulling off my hat.\n\nShe smiled and scowled at once, looking up at me, “Well, you should at least stay for dinner.”", "(First draft)\n\nFollowing the line, Sam entered a Chinese restaurant. The line led him to the balcony and disappeared. His body froze and he stood there waiting for it to come back. \n\n After minutes immobile, he decided to order something. Decided? That's when he noticed he lost the \"feeling\" too.\n\n He looked all over the menu and didn't know what was the right choice. His legs trembled, his vision went dark. When the red-faced woman approached him, he declared.\n\n \"I don't know what to choose...\"\n\n She stepped back-his wide eyes scared her. She suggested something in the menu, with a big fake smile, and before she could say anything he loudly agreed.\n\n \"Alright\", she said \"Have a sit, sir. It won't take long\".\n\n She turned, heading to the kitchen, but felt Sam's cold, sweaty hand in her shoulder. \n\n \"Where?\" He begged.\n\n \"You can choose.\" She said \"There's plenty of--\"\n\n \"No! Where?!\"\n\n His hand almost crushed her collar bone. She screamed and pointed at a random table. She watched, shocked, as sam clumsily sat there. She had had enough, she would call her husband to deal with him.\n\n There were no lines, no certainty. Only the doubtful future. \n \n Sam was biting his fingernails, looking at the angry woman and her husband approaching him when a tall, black man in a blue tux joined them. Sam felt the man's heavy presence and scratched his left arm. They spoke briefly and the man offered them some money. The woman glanced at Sam, uncertain, took the money and went inside the kitchen.\n\n The black man walked towards Sam, with a big smile and open arms.\n\n \"Sam, finally! Nice to meet you!\"\n\n He sat and laughed at Sam's awkward movements to avoid eye contact.\n\n \"It's hard, right?\" He said and took his smartphone from his pocket \"Without the line.\"\n\n When Sam heard the last word he almost jumped at the man. He didn't laugh at this.\n\n \"Who are you? What do you know about it?\"\n\n \"My name is Martin. I've created the line.\"\n\n \"Why... Will you give it back to me?\"\n\n \"Maybe. First, you'll have to answer some questions,\" Martin placed the smartphone on the table and started recording \"have you ever questioned what the line is?\"\n\n \"No. I've lived with it all my life. It has always guided me. I just follow...\" He stopped, \"Why am I following it? What do you want me to accomplish?\"\n\n \"That's why I'm here, Sam. You've accomplished everything we've ever wanted from this experiment.\" He waited for Sam's reaction but all he did was bite his bloody nails \"I understand how stressful it may be but we decided to let you choose your own future today.\"\n\n \"What do you mean?\" He cried.\n\n \"All your life, you've never made a choice before. The line--The A.I has guided you to make the best choices possible in your life. You're successful for a reason. The line. You were the first to get the implant.\"\n \n Sam's tears came all at once. It scared Martin and made all the other customers stare at them.\n \n \"Maybe it wasn't the best idea to do it in a pu--\"\n\n \"What do you want?!\" Sam screamed.\n \n \"For you to choose. Do you want it back?\"\n\n \"Yes!\" He stood up, agitated. \"I... Need it.\"\n\n \"Are you sure? I feel like it isn't right anymore. I'm trying to give your life back to you.\"\n \n Sam opened his mouth several times, twisting his face, mumbling and crying. Martin took his phone. Sam wouldn't be able to handle making this choice. It was too late. Sam fell on the floor, foam coming out his mouth.\n\n\"I-I don't kno-know what to choooseee...\"", "The house looked normal. It certainly didn’t look like the place that I would die. I circled it a few times just to be sure that was where the line ended and couldn’t help but feel a little insulted. Over the years I felt I had built a sort of relationship with Fate and couldn’t help but feel slighted that it would choose a nondescript cabin in the middle of nowhere for me to die. \n\nAfter circling for so long I was certain that’s what it was, just a small, one room cabin with an upstairs loft or just a pointlessly high window. What could possibly waiting in there that could end my life? I racked my brain for anything dangerous enough to kill me, one of the best warriors in the realm. It was too small for any sort of effective ambush and I had killed any animal or beast that would fit. \n\nWhen I was content with my reconnaissance I started for the door. It was the only option, if now was the moment I would die then so be it. I flung open the door hard enough to knock back any waiting attackers and strode in sword in one hand and dagger in the other. \n\nI heard glass shatter and snapped my eyes to the back right corner of the cabin. I felt the breath leave my lungs “Alicia?” My weapons clattered to the floor the same way the plate had fallen from her hands. She stared at me for several long seconds while my mind raced with possibilities. Is she gonna kill me? I certainly deserve it after leaving the way I did, even if I was just following Fate. She rushed me and I could have stopped her, could have taken her down and saved my life but I just stood there, accepting. \n\nAs small as she was, the force of her body hitting mine almost knocked me over. I expected to feel a knife in my gut or in my back but there wasn’t one, though her arms did threaten to crush me with the force of her embrace. For a second I was too shocked to realize she was crying, sobbing into my chest. And when I realized they were happy tears I felt my own eyes begin to sting. \n\nAnd I understood. Oh, Fate you crafty bastard. I buried my face in her hair and tears started streaming down my face as I choked out the words.\n\n“Will you marry me, Alicia?”", " The air was damp and sticky with humidity. It clung to his clothes and his hair, leaving the impression of dampness. Despite that the woods were peaceful, far more so than any other he had been through in recent history. If he had been able to choose, this would be among one of the places he would settle. The towns were small, quaint. The people kind and open. The forests, wide, bright and damp. He could do without the damp, and some of the heat, but mainly the damp. He was continually pulling his shirt away from his body as the fabric tried desperately to glue itself to his skin. There were too many bugs, some of which he wasn’t exactly sure of the bite. A few hours prior he had come in contact with a small fuzzy little ant looking thing. It’s red fur catching his eye. He had made the mistake of brushing it away. The small thing went from pleasant to nightmare in a blink of an eye. It’s bite or sting had taken him down and left him on the forest floor gasping as everything in his body writhed with pain. A mix between being electrocuted and turned to a puddle. Even now as he walked through the woods his muscles ached, his heart occasionally racing for no noticeable reason. At the next sign of anything he promised himself he would stop. Either by scaring the poor person into cooperating or having the luck of the sweet southerns. He was hoping for the later. In his current state he would be more than just mildly terrifying. \n\nHe trudged on occasionally taking water from the crooks of giant palm leaves. The sun rising ever higher causing it to grow ever hotter. Before him his ley line stretched on. How he wished he could ignore it, but no matter what, the line would find a way to keep him on track. Sometimes with rather unpleasant methods. He had given in. Taken to following it where ever it was to lead. Most of the time it felt like it was simply causing him to do a cross country trek, through almost all the states and then some. From his estimate he was somewhere on the coast of Georgia. Deep in gaitor country. He had seen a few and had made sure to steer clear of the water. A while back he had been close to a water way. The high reeds having made it hard for him to see much of anything except the cranes. He had taken a break, watched the birds and relished in the coolness of dawn. If only it had stayed at that temperature, the humidity would have been bearable. \n\nAs he continued on his ley line was growing ever brighter. He was getting close to whatever it was it wanted him to see. It typically meant a stop. He would meet someone or do something and it would be a few days or weeks event. Then the line would compel him on. When he had been in Kentucky he had tried to ignore it’s call. He had like the small hill town he had found himself in, but like always the line found a way. Things began to go wrong for the town, but once he left everything had stopped. What miserable curse had he been put under to follow the damn line? To what purpose? Would he forever have to trudge around the country doing its bidding? He was weary of his travels. For almost 12 years he had been constantly on the move, through all sorts of weather. \n\nHis train of thought was cut short as his foot came to a stone. It was flat and perfectly circular. Unlike any he had ever seen. The bright white stone gleamed and in the center was the impression of a leaf. It looked to be a decorative element, something that would be placed in a garden. He moved on soon coming to another stone, and then another until they became so close that they formed a path. He was close to a house. As he moved the forest gave way to a clearing filled with a garden. Giant bushes bloomed with flowers of every color. Around the base were smaller flowering plants. To one side sat a white bench with a wire arch over top almost drowned by a vine that also was filled with flowers. It looked like a painting he had seen on puzzles in gift shops. The kinkadade or something. \n\nHe followed the stone path around until a small little house became visible, hidden behind the giant flowering bushes. It was white, and quaint in a gingerbread sort of style. A small porch held a white rocking chair. The wood carved to match the flowers around it. It was a lovely little scene. He made his way onto the porch realizing that the internal door was open, a screen door the only protection from insects. It allowed him to seen inside. The interior matched the exterior. Quaint furniture was arranged in a living room, a giant side bay window allowing the room to fill with the morning sun. On a table by a chair sat a tea cup and saucer with a spoon sticking up. He pulled back and stared down at his ley line in surprise. It had stopped. Where he stood it collapsed into a bright circle that gently pulsed, but went no further. When he looked back the way he had come the line was gone. There was no more line, just the bright circle beneath his feet. Strange.\n\nFor a while he stood listening for someone. The house and garden were too well kept for it to be uninhabited. Eventually he did call out, but got no response. With a sigh he shuffled about unsure of what to do. The ley line was gone, he had no direction. He suddenly felt adrift, and lost. There was no where for him to return to, no where for him to actually go. But why had the ley line suddenly stopped? Was whoever owned the house his unseen goal. The whole reason he had been forced to trek around the country? With a sigh he shrugged off his pack and sank into the rocking chair. If someone did live in the house, they would return. The ley line would be satisfied. But then what? He had never planned for anything after the ley line. He tilted his hat forward and closed his eyes. Around him the sounds of the forest filled his mind. The birds singing, the wind blowing through the trees. He liked this area, despite the heat. It probably cooled down during the winter so there would be a reprieve. \n\nFor a while he sat, dozing ever so slightly, only to be disturbed by the sound of wheels on gravel. He sat up and looked out into the garden as a small blue car pulled into the clearing. It was by no means a sports car, or any car that looked to be reliable. The wheels looked no bigger than those of a wheelbarrow and the roof of it would probably only reach his chest. It was closer to a clown car. As it got closer he was able to make out an emblem on the grill that read: geo. He had thought all of those cars had turned into rust piles. The car came to a halt, but didn’t shut off. The person inside was probably just as surprised as he was at the situation. Slowly a man stepped out pushing back a pair of sunglasses. He was tall and slender. Delicate was a good word. The two glanced each other over. The man in the car more suspicious, his eyes giving the other a once over. For a moment they were silent. \n\n“Can I help you,” the man called out from his car. \n\nIn the rocking chair he sat. Contemplating how to answer. What if this stranger had no clue as to what ley lines were? Most people didn’t after all. But the line had lead him here to meet this confused, delicate looking stranger. So slowly he stood and took off his hat. He swallowed back hunting for his voice that had been lost over the last few weeks of solo travel. \n\n“I’m . . . I was following my ley line, and it . . . stopped,” He said. His voice was soft but grew as he had spoken. Comprehension lit across the strangers face. \n\n“Do you have a name,” the stranger asked. \n\nSlowly he searched his brain. His name was always one of the things he left to the depths, but with effort he willed it back into place. “Alamon . . . Alamon Briggs.” \n\nThe stranger just gave and nod and dipped into the car and shut it off. When he stood he gave Alamon a soft smile. It was a knowing smile that set all of his anxieties aside. As if, for once, he would not have to worry about when chaos would begin to unfold. \n\n“I’ve been waiting for you Alamon,” the stranger said in soft tones, making his way towards the porch.", "Daisy always said one day I would meet ma match. The ol' lady, she wasn't kiddin'. See I always had this special ability that tolds me where 'te go next. A straight line in the sand leading me on ma way to whatever's next. Today, well... wouldn't ya know it? It stopped. I was standin' in front of an old wooden shack, spitting on the ground as ma thoughts flashed back to the massacre back over in good ol' Kentucky. Son-of-bish town sheriff thought he could throw me in the can for helping them there townsfolk. I had other plans. Ma horse Jinx and me eventually got tired. The scorching desert sun out in the old Rockies really took it out of the 'ol girl. We were both glad ta see water.\n\nThe line was showin' me straight into a forest, I figured it were borderlines to another county. Now I had long since learned to trust my instincts but that there forest didn't look no right ta me at all. The line didn't always take me on safe roads, but it usually panned out in ma favor. It took us to a crystal clear creek, water fallin' from the cliffs above. It's not like I would wait for no invitation, Jinx and I drank as much as we could stand. I made sure to fill up all the 'ol canteens and we went on ta follow the line. Next thing I knew it was growin' darker out, it was just about time to 'hol up and find some shelter. I should've known better when Jinx stopped and wouldn't move. It took a lot of words of encouragement, she's a good one she is.\n\nSo here I am in front of the shack, I'm not sure what I will find, all I know is the line ends here. I just wanted to let ya all know, it was a damn right pleasure. I don't mind ya peaking into ma head and all, it's good to know there are others. When I opened the door and stepped inside, I understood what she meant. If someday you find a line and it happens ta lead ya here, remember to give 'ol Daisy Jinx a drink of water. The 'ol girl sure wasn't kiddin'." ]	6
	[WP] It’s the first time you have used a signature. It turns out your signature is a rune to summon a demon. His name is Paul.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "God damnit.\n\nWhy me, of all people? Why is it my signature the summons the deadliest, most horrifying demon from Hell? How am I supposed to know?\n\nPaul. That’s what I heard when I write out my name, Andrew Maquire. Paul. I looked up from my desk. The sounds of screaming and crunching bones surround me. Why hadn’t I been taught cursive in the third grade? Maybe I would have realized that writing out my signature would summon a goddamn demon.\n\nMy chair spun around and I saw the most horrifying thing in my life. It’s name was Paul. Paul. Why Paul? Tall slender legs stood before me, made of smoking bone. A long red cloth draped around the creature’s waist as it stared down at me. A charred, bleeding rib cage (also smoking, if I may add) was covered in flesh spotted sores. Its arms were longs and boney, with some semblance of burned flesh. The monster’s horned, black skull stared down at me, red eyes glowing, black smoke pouring out from its jaw. \n\nThen, it spoke, “Ańkkørāk, sęmûu éntü ńīê.”\n\n“W-what?” I said with disbelief.\n\nThe creature’s fingers reached its forehead and rubbed, seemingly disappointed. Then, with a raspy, dark voice it said, “Those cults are useless, they haven’t even taught the masses Demonic Tongue...”\n\nIt sighed, and tried again, “My name is Æñógēwqēuü. You may call me Paul, for short. You have summoned me, what task do you seek?”\n\nMy eyes widened, “I think y-you have the wrong place. I never summoned you...”\n\nPaul looked around the room, then saw my formal letter. “That. That is the rune to summon me.”\n\nI spun around again and saw my letter, “That? That’s my signature.”\n\n“Well, it is also the rune to summon me. Now what task do you want me to do? In return I will take your soul in twenty years...”\n\nWhat the hell am I gonna do?", "I deposited the cheque into the slot on the first floor, the faux metal plastic lid shut closed with a dull thunk and I made my way up the four story floors. It was August, and I would have dreaded going back up if it wasn't for Paul, my roommate.\n\n\nMy recent roommate. \n\n---\n\n\"So I tells him, Hmoult! He's no good for you, he's a bum!\" A thick Bostonian-esque accent with drool dribbling down his neck punctuated the sentence. I chuckled as he finished his story.\n\n\n\"Anyways, so my brother Humolt goes over there and bats him down, but he doesn't know that the wiseguy isn't there anymore! The kids gone and ran off!\" He howled with laughter, dribbling more drool onto his neck, running into the floor. He gulped more PBR, nearly choking as the door knocked.\n\n\n\"Shit! They know I'm here! I'm doomed! They'll neva take me alive, you hear? They-\" \n\n\nI smacked him across the face as I got up. Looking him over, he was transforming into his human form. It was the pizza delivery order. I handed him too much money and thanked him.\n\n\n\"Jeez, man it's so difficult! I just think everyone is out to get me.\" He remained in his human form, a stout asian with thick glasses, round on the cheeks and bushy eyebrows. \"At least the food is better.\"\n\n\nEven if he is a demon, I can't say that I'm terribly inconvenienced. He pays for the rent, food and booze, and in return, I shield him from his former employer.", "So uh, I don't really do too many signatures. Generally, I just print my name on the line, hoping my lousy handwriting is distinctive enough to confirm my identity. But this one guy _insists_ I make a proper signature. I groan and give him what he wants.\n\nAnd the lights dim. Fog envelopes the area. Ominous chanting comes from out of nowhere. I wonder 'what the frell is going on' and the other guy assumes the face of 'maybe there was a reason he never did that...'. And then I hear a very distinct voice.\n\n\"Hi, I'm Paul.\"\n\n\"Did I miss a Jimmy Neutron rerun or something? And more importantly, what the frell are you doing here?\"\n\n\"What, didn't you summon me?\"\n\n\"No? I signed some paper for this stubborn little fellow.\"\n\n\"Then why did you write the summoning rune?\"\n\nI give a look of confusion. \"I'm already embarassed about my name. Now you're telling me I have reason to fear it?\"\n\n\"What, no! I'm not going to harm you. You're the one that brought me into this world!\"\n\n@#$% my life. I'm going home.", "Paul has to be the single most gluttonous excuse for a demon that has ever been made. I'm guessing.\n\nWhen I summoned him, he was loud, roaring into my ear, demanded a sacrifice to apeace his hunger. He demanded my soul, I offered a tub of ice cream, ever since then he and I have been meeting every time I sign something. Ushally he stays at home, munching on my snacks, farting freely in the corner of the basement I had made for him. He eats, sleeps, watches 'Grey's Anatomy' and occasionally makes long distance calls to hell.\n\nI made sure Paul payed the phone bills.\n\nIt's been a year since then, a year and if I was being honest I was starting to wonder if I should just change my signature and find a priest to evict Paul. He was eating into my allowance and being a general pain. But today, Paul became only my second biggest problem.\n\nCindy Miller, the smartest girl in my year. She always scored A's, always was the first to remind the teacher of homework to be given and always was smug when asking other their grades.\n\nShe was also the principal's kid. So obviously she had it good. And I was more than willing to let her be, as long as she stayed away from me. But one day she set her sights on me, when I out scored her in a test. 2% isn't that big a difference, well, to Cindy it was.\n\nThe teacher was proud, my friends were too, Cindy however hated it. Slowly though I began out performing her in the same class again and again until it was time for the school to send one student to the national level Olympiad session. Cindy would have been a shoe in, but I had gotten it instead.\n\nThe day after the teacher told me I had gotten the spot, they found drugs in my locker. Cindy had apparently 'seen' me smoking outside and told her mom. Shocker.\n\nSo now I was sitting in the principal's office, mom crying in one seat, the principal barely hiding a smug smile as she continued saying how much of a 'disruptive' influence I am. They didn't even let me speak, deciding that I must speak to police and give a urine sample.\n\nThe principal dropped down several papers I had to sign. I took the pen and signed the first sheet, seeing no way out. And when I did, Paul popped into exsistance in one corner of the room.\n\nNo one else could see him, just me. It's how my mom didn't notice him all this time. He looked at me, the principal and the papers. He raised an eyebrow, \"you didn't do it, why aren't you speaking up?\" he asked telepathically.\n\nI sighed, replying back, \"there's no point. The urine test will show I'm innocent.\"\n\n\"How long will that take?\"\n\n\"A week I guess.\"\n\n\"...That competition you were excited about is in three days isn't it?\" I nodded, \"and the mother of that jealous bitch just so happened to find drugs in your locker, you're letting them just take what's yours? No fight? No cursing?\"\n\n\"What can I even do?\"\n\nThe demon smiled, \"revenge.\"\n\nThe next day I was called to school to report to the principal's office. When I stepped in I saw the principal a mess, hair wild, dark circles around her eyes and a chipped tooth.\n\n\"Ah, yes, ah...Mr. Patrik, you see....it's come to my attention that the drugs found in your locker were planted there. You had nothing to do with it so I am, effective immediately, lifting your suspension.\"\n\n\"Is everything alright ma'am?\" I asked.\n\n\"Yes! Yes everything's fine! All fine!\" she looked around like a frighted cat before leaning towards me and whispering, \"Patrik, does the name Paul mean anything to you?\"\n\nI lied, \"I have an uncle named Paul?\"\n\nShe dismissed me. I found Cindy, she was looking just as bad as her mother. I went to the washroom, took out a notebook and pen, signing my name, summoning Paul. I looked at him, \"what did you do?\"\n\nHe shrugged, \"gave them a few nightmares.\"\n\nI raised an eyebrow, \"and....\"\n\n\"I may have lifted their beds into the air before throwing them into a tree. No harm done.\"\n\n\"And?\"\n\n\"Just made a little noise here and there. A couple of pots clanging, howling wind, you know, the usual.\"\n\n\"And how did the principal know your name?\"\n\n\"...I may have invaded her dreams and introduced myself.\"\n\n\"Paul....thanks.\"\n\nThe demon grinned, \"no problem human...now, there is no more nutella at home.\"\n\nI sighed, maybe the priest isn't took bad an idea." ]	5
	[WP] The world has lived in relative peace under the five forms of magic: Elemental, Arcane, Black, Nature, and Sun. Studying as a novice in the ancient libraries of the mages, you uncover a secret sixth form of magic that may be the most powerful you have ever encountered: the magic of Humour.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Jim, hey Jim! Come over here real quick,\" Brian shouted across the room. \"Come check this out, I may be on to something.\"\n\n\n\"What is it this time?\" Jim said as he crossed the room. \n\n\n\"Sit on the chair there,\" Brian said as he pointed to the chair. \"You know of the elements, of course, but do you know of the secret element?\"\n\n\n\"Oh no, this again, Brian?\" Jim rolled his eyes. \"You always think you've found the secret element. When will you accept that there are only five elements. If there was a sixth one, the master would have found it already.\"\n\n\nBrian ignored him. He knew he found it this time. I'll show him.\n\n\n\"Okay, ready?\" Brian asked Jim.\n\n\n\"As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose,\" Jim replied.\n\n\n\"I'm the best at sleeping. Want to know how I know?\"\n\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\n\"I can even do it with my eyes closed!\"\n\n\nAn awkward silence held the room for what felt like an eternity, but it was only a few seconds.\n\n\nSuddenly, Jim started laughing uncontrollably. \n\n\n\"AHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHHAAHAHAHAHA!\" Jim had fell out of his chair laughing, quite literally. However, almost as immediately as he was failing, he suddenly was floating!\n\n\n\"What's happening?\" Jim's laughter turned to concern all at once.\n\n\n\"It's the sixth element!\" Brian explained. \"I call it...humor.\"\n\n\n\"Humor?\"\n\n\n\"Humor. When you line certain words up together, and then they make a person laugh. The laughter then generates power, which is why I believe it's the sixth element!\"\n\n\nWithout warning, the door swung open quickly.\n\n\n\"What's going on here?\" the tall, slender door opener asked.\n\n\n\"Look, master!\" Brian said excitedly. \"I found a sixth element! All you have to do is line up certain words that make someone laugh. I call it humor.\"\n\n\n\"Is that why Jim is floating in the air?\" the master responded. \"The power of humor?\"\n\n\n\"It is\"\n\n\n\"Hmmm...\" the master pondered. The room fell silent, awaiting either his approval, or his disdain.\n\n\nFinally, the silence broke when the master asked, \"Can I try it?\"\n\n\nSurprised, but joyfully surprised, Brian quickly replied with a, \"Of course! Do you need any help lining up some words?\"\n\n\n\"No, I think I've got it.\"\n\n\nThe two apprentices gathered around. The master was the master for a reason. The most skillful element user in the world. Surely, surely this would be a spell for the ages! They couldn't wait. The master started:\n\n\n\"Why did the chicken want to cross the street?\" the master posed.\n\n\n\"We don't know, tell us!\" the apprentices said in step.\n\n\n\"To get to the other side of it, clearly!\" the master replied.\n\n\nAgain, another long, awkward silence. The apprentices looked at each other. Ten, maybe even 15 or 20 seconds had passed, but nothing had happened. No power was anywhere to be seen. \n\n\n\"Why isn't it working?\" Brian asked.\n\n\n\"Because you didn't laugh at my lines of dialogue,\" replied the master.\n\n\n\"Oh,\" was all Brian could say. \"Maybe if we just...fake laugh, the power will still work?\"\n\n\n\"Nonsense, just laugh genuinely, the magic will work all on it's own!\" the master assured them.\n\n\n\"Well, I did not want to laugh. Does that mean there was no humor?\" Jim posed. \"Perhaps the master does not possess this humor thing, as you thought Brian.\"\n\n\n\"Nonsense again!\" the master quickly responded. \"I have plenty of humor. Clearly, you boys lack the understanding of my words.\"\n\n\n\"I don't think tha--,\" they tried to get out.\n\n\n\"Enough! It is full of humor. I will write these lines in the spell book. Those words will forever be immortalized as the first line of humor...a joke!\" the wizard was excited now. \n\n\n\"I will call it a joke, and it will be the first one in history!\"" ]	2
	[WP] The world ended through natural causes, a scattering of primitive warring human tribes exist. You discover old footage of the atomic bombs. You find a map, countless of these weapons buried in the desert. You find the control room, “Minute Men” on the door. You see the red button. You hesitate.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 videos showed explosions on a scale none of us could comprehend. Even with our untrained eyes, unused to the wide perspective, it was obvious that the damage caused threw debris up into the clouds - far more massive than the still terrifying minefield-bombs we had learned to avoid. It had been theorized that there were at one point many types of bomb, kinds both much larger and much smaller than the mines. Tales were told of massive explosions thundering down from the sky like the most terrible rain, and of tiny pellets thrown at ludicrous speed from exploding rods. It had been millenia since those horrible times.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nStill, our senses of awe and curiosity were stirred by the footage, especially once we found the maps, and the diagrams. Significant portions of both were illegible, both for their deterioration and our lack of understanding, but though the Enlightened Ones' language remained elusive, the maps still provided enough information to set us on the path toward sating our curiosity... potentially even toward cracking the secrets of the ancient technologies and ruling as they once had.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\\\\"The Enlightened\" was a moniker both descriptive and ironic - how could a people so advanced bring such destruction upon themselves? Reasoning escaped us. Still, we envied them.\\\\\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was our envy and our curiosity that led us to the discovery of the bunker. It was like a fortress, hollowed out of the ground, and encased in stone. None of the existing tribes knew how to manipulate stone in this way - smooth and seamless. It felt unnatural, and several of us remarked upon the standing of our hairs at the sight of it. It wasn't long before curiosity once more won out over our primal fears, and we entered the structure.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt had been months since we had first seen the recordings, and yet the images were still fresh in our heads. Thoughts of a bright, terrible flash echoed throughout the tribe's psyche - was this to be one of the bunkers so totally destroyed in the videos, or was it a station from which the destruction was launched and observed? The only sounds were the echoes of footsteps in too-narrow hallways, soft breathing in heavy, ancient air.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHours of searching brought back very little of worth - small amounts of rations (in the irritating but invaluable metal storage casings, yet another confounding marvel of the Enlightened), and a door. Or, what used to be a door. The door itself was buckled and bent inwards, and the entire entryway was blackened and charred. Large chunks of stone were missing and metal bars lay exposed from what we assumed must have been a precise explosion.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWith some maneuvering, a few of us managed to slip between the door, immovable in its present state, and the surrounding crumbling stone. The room inside felt massive in comparison to the rest of the bunker, if only because the ceilings allowed one to stand up straight. Large black panels lined the walls to the immediate left. The one closest to the door had clearly been damaged by the blast, and bits of its colorful guts poked out from the display. In the center of the room was a large red button, surrounded by the shards of what used to be its cover. Within the room, there was no indication of the button's purpose, but those of us in the room went silent upon seeing it nonetheless. We knew what the button did. But to what extent? There were still questions to be answered, and I had to know.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI inched closer, oblivious to the worries and warnings whispered at me by my friends. Most were still stunned silent. I continued my approach, and, at hand's length from the button, I hesitated. To be inches from such destructive power... I felt my heart double its pace. Fear and the excitement of power tore at me like hounds, my mind their afternoon plaything. I was at the precipice of godhood - or the annihilation of all I cared about. My compatriots in the corner of the room watched intently, holding their breath. They could feel the power too.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMy mind whirled, but again, curiosity took control of me - I had to know what drew the Enlightened ones to their path of innovation and destruction! Had they sought some form of salvation in their efforts? I had to know. I slammed my fist down upon the button. It jammed at the bottom, and did not come back up. Several minutes passed, but nothing happened. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nOf course, we should've guessed - the bombs had been launched long ago. We were merely the remains." ]	2
	[WP] There are many legends and myths about the blood moon being a sign of peril and coming danger, but of course here on Earth nothing ever comes of it. On the moon itself, however, things are different. Soon after settling the first lunar colony, we experienced the true terror of the blood moon.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "We were doing routine maintenance on the decompression chamber for cabin 3. Aside from myself there were two electricians, an engineer, three company officials, and one member of the council. Councilwoman Striberg and her officials were there to get a better look at the eclipse that was supposed to occur that evening. It was to be the first blood moon witnessed from the lunar perspective and the decomp chamber had the ideal vantage point of earth.\n\nAs the eclipse approached 95% totality, we saw the shadow of the earth come through the viewport. My crew and I stopped working so as to fully take in the sight. I had to admit I was excited to see the first lunar eclipse from the lunar surface.\n\nJust before we got to 100% totality I realized that I wanted to try and document the occasion, so I knelt down to grab my comm from my bag. Everyone else was staring directly at the earth.\n\nI knew we had hit 100% as I got back up because the natural light was gone from the chamber. When I turned around to face the window, everyone was huddled around the viewport. They were tightly packed shoulder to shoulder with zero space between them. I saw that they were rocking on their heels, forward and backward in a synchronized manner.\n\n\"How's it look out there?\", I said.\n\nAll seven of them froze, turned around, again in a synchronized manner, and stared directly at me with completely black eyes; not dialated eyes, black, blank eyes. Their mouths hung wide open as if they were about to scream, but there was no sound. Slowly, they started to walk towards me without closing their mouths or changing their gaze. They were walking together, every step taken as a group without the slightest difference in cadence. As they walked they started to spread out to cover more of the room. I was in the corner nearest the exit and they had spread out in a perfect arc to enclose me into that corner.\n\n\"...Ms. Striberg? I said to the councilwoman, but she didn't acknowledge that I had spoke. None of them acknowledged that a sound had been made in the room. They had completely surrounded me at this point and had returned to their synchronized rocking, mouths still agape and eyes still black. Suddenly, they all closed their eyes. When they re-opened them half a second later them they had become a deep crimson and they seemed to be glowing slightly. Immediately after opening their eyes they said in unison, \"IT WAS BEAUTIFUL\".\n\nAt that exact moment, the group lost their synchronous movement and sprinted towards me at full force. They were like a rabid pack of wolves running towards their prey. I jumped up and grabbed one of the support struts on the ceiling just as they got to my location. Two of them ran head first into the wall behind me, the rest of them ran into each other and fell onto the ground. As I dropped down, they all regained their footing. The two that ran into the wall had somehow broken their necks; their heads were at a 70 degree angle from their body and one of them had a compound fracture. I could see the vertebrae of the spine protruding from his neck but he seemed to be unfazed by this. I didn't hesitate, I sprinted toward the door. I could hear the sound of their feet pounding behind me as I ran. Just as I crossed the threshold into the next room, I spun around and hit the button to close and lock the door behind me. At that same instant, Councilwoman Striberg reached a hand out to grab me and got caught in the threshold. The door closed around her arm and cut it off cleanly. She didn't make a sound and stood on the other side of the door just inches away from where I ended up.\n\n\"IT WAS BEAUTIFUL\", I heard them say through the door. 'BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL', they kept repeating as a group. Councilwoman Striberg did not join them. She stared directly at me and closed her eyes. When she reopened them they were black and her mouth was open wide again; she began to rock as she did just moments ago while looking out the window. \n\nWhen I turned around to run down the hall back to the barracks, I saw that each window of the facility had at least one person staring out at it, rocking back and forth on their heels.", "Part 1:\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe hyperdrill recoiled, shaking the entire cabin. Alenn grabbed the side handle as the entire machine started to rock from side to side. She checked the hydraulics. No resistance. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlenn stuck her head out the window and yelled to the on-ground tech, \"We hit an air pocket, I'm shutting her down\". \n\n&#x200B;\n\nShe opened the cabin door and jumped down. The tech was inspecting the drill bit. It was covered in lunar rock and sediment but otherwise appeared undamaged. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"We're going to need a survey team to get the size of the pocket\", said the tech. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlenn sighed and dropped her head. \"Damn it. We're already two days behind on this ore shipment. We can't afford to wait for a survey team\". She looked at the drill, brushing some of the debris off with her glove while she thought. There was only one choice. She started to climb back up into the cabin. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"What are you doing?\", asked the ground tech. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I'm going to try to punch through it\", Alenn replied. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I strongly object to this course of action\". \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Noted\". \n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlenn fired up the drill and lowered it back into the hole. She tightened her seat belt as she set the drill torque to 10,000Nm. She grabbed the support bar and held on. The drill let out a shrill, high pitched noise before bucking, and pushing the entire machine off the ground before finally catching again. It was through. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlenn let out a breath of relief. She shut the drill down to let it cool off. \"I think we're good\", she radioed down to the tech. Then she felt a faint tremble. The cabin was shaking, very slightly, but steadily increasing. She peered out the window and saw the lunar soil disappearing into a growing hole. The ground caved in on itself in front of the drill, opening up a chasm. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Shit\", said Alenn. She jumped down from the cabin again. The tech was peering over the edge of the sinkhole. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"It doesn't look that deep. We could load up some hand drills, repel down, and try to salvage something.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I agree\", said Alenn. \"Suit up.\"", "Jay walked through the corridors of a rarely used service tunnel. The barely perceptible roar of the life support systems and the endless tons of the colony above him breathed and groaned in a soothing fashion. Most people didn’t like third shift, but Jay didn’t mind. Fewer people to interrupt you while you worked, gave him time to zone out and not have to be “ON.” \n\nAs he neared the red arrow indicating an air filter, he pulled out his wrench and got to work getting the grate off. This filter seemed to be in good condition, so he made a note on his pad and put the grate back over the air filter and secured it. \n\nHe started back down the tunnel, occasionally looking into the other hallways he passed. This place was a giant labyrinth, easy to get lost in if you weren’t careful. But Jay stuck to one hall at a time, he hardly ever had to use his map this way. Most of the service tunnels formed concentric rings throughout the underbelly of the colony. Ray was on the outermost ring, which would take him almost half of his shift to cover. While he had tools for minor repairs, he was mainly there to take note of any problems. After his shift he’d let another tech know what needed to be done and they’d take care of it.\n\nAbout another hour into the shift and six filters later, Jay found the first one that seemed to have an issue. When he first got the grate off he noticed that it was similar to a filter that needed to be changed, but something was off. It had the mossy look of a filter past its prime, but there was something he couldn’t quite put his finger on that made him linger on this filter. There almost seemed to be a silvery wispy look to the accumulated dust that wasn’t usually there. Ray got out his flashlight and put his eye closer to the filter. Even after he shined his light back and forth, he couldn’t get his beam to catch anything exceptionally reflective. After he’d finished with the light he just poked his finger onto the filter, generally not recommended but something was a little off. The filter didn’t feel any different either, so he wiped his hand on his pant leg and refastened the grate after taking a note of the filter and the debris caught in it. \n\nHe moved on, the next tech could see if there was anything to be worried about. Right before he reached the next grate he heard a ringing high pitched tone. As he looked behind him he became a little light headed and put a hand out to steady himself. The ringing continued for a bit and then subsided. He shook his head and got started on the next grate. This filter had the same issue, it almost looked a little worse. But once again he couldn’t really tell. He made a note and moved on.\n\nAs he approached the next one, he saw something odd. That same silvery color, except this time it seemed like the silver dust was faintly dancing and spinning outside of the filter. He put on his dust mask and got closer. He waved the dust emanating from the grate away. He opened this one up and the filter was noticeably odd. Instead of a suggestion of a silvery hue, the entire thing looked like it was lightly dusted with a silver paint. Jay made a note and put an asterisk next to it, this was starting to look like it might become a real issue.\n\nAs he worked through the rest of his shift the same thing appeared in a few more filters, but not enough for him to sound an alarm. He made sure to extensively note which filters seemed to have the problem and should be focused on first. \n\nJay picked up his pace back to the maintenance office, starting to feel the last eight hours on his feet and back. As he made his way back he could tell the colony was starting to wake up, as he passed the occasional worker doing their rounds. When he got back to the office he saw Miranda on the PC with her back to him.\n\nMiranda half-mumbled “anything happen?”\n\n“Yeah, a few of the filters were a bit off, I wrote it down though.”\n\nJay sat down at his desk and began going through his email, filling out a few reports, and clocking out. He briefly turned to glance at Miranda as she was getting up, but it looked like she was just heading to the coffee maker. As he turned back to his PC he noticed a silver gleam in her eyes and did a double take. \n\n“You good, Jay? Something on my face?”\n\nJay replied, “No, just thought I uh, saw something.”\n\nMiranda snorted and said, “It’s a little early for the sauce isn’t it?”\n\nJay mumbled “yeah, right” and turned back to his PC and finished clocking out.\n\nJay got up and headed back to his room after saying goodbye. Most of the maintenance workers were on the second level, Jay included. As he walked back to his room he could’ve swore that he saw that gleam in a few more people’s eye. But he just shook it off and decided to sleep it off.\n\nThe next day Jay started off his shift on his PC with a cup of coffee, clocking in, writing reports, day-to-day stuff. As Monahan walked in and said hey, Jay kept his back to him, their typical “it’s morning/night for us, talk as little as possible” routine. He was the second shift guy that relieved Miranda.\n\nJay croaked, “anything happen?” his voice still not woken up.\n\n“Uhh, no. But Miranda said you left a note about a few of the filters on her route. She said there wasn’t anything wrong with them.”\n\nJay looked at Monahan for a second, “you sure? I’m pretty sure there was something a little off about ‘em.”\n\n“Yup, I double checked and everything.”\n\nJay grunted and got back to his reports and his quickly depleting reserve of coffee. He noticed that the silvery “gleam” was in Monahan’s eyes. Less of a gleam and more of a constant sheen now. It was too early in the morning for this shit, and Jay was basically used to it at this point. So he just rubbed his eyes and got on with his night. \n\nAround halfway through his shift he noticed one of the grates in the distance had that swirling sliver dust in front of it again. Jay decided he’d ignore the filters between him and the silvery one and made his way to it. As he got closer, the ringing in his ears began again. He put on his dust mask when he was about 20 feet from it, the ringing and the dust both seeming to increase in intensity. \n\nIn the back of his mind, he knew that this was odd, that what was essentially a dust storm and the screech tearing apart his ears should be alarming him more. But a dull curiosity filled him, and he shuffled closer while the ringing and the dust filled his world.\n\nAs he reached the grate he heard a heart stopping roar rip through the halls from behind him. Jay seemed to jolt awake, the dust and the ringing had disappeared. He almost dropped the wrench as he grabbed it from his tool belt because his hands were shaking so bad. He turned around and steeled himself for whatever was coming his way. The blood curdling roar was increasing in intensity and he could feel something pounding down the hall toward him.\n\nJust then, a huge silvery beast turned the corner and started barreling toward him. Jay raised his wrench and somehow managed to strike a vicious blow on the creature’s head while twisting out of its way. The creature dropped to the ground surprisingly easy, and as Jay picked himself up off the ground he began to hear the ringing again. He was becoming light headed again, and he dropped the wrench as darkness started to close in on his vision. Jay fell to the ground next to the beast, the ringing subsiding as the darkness took him.\n\nHours later they were found there. Jay seemed to have died from unknown causes, blood had streamed from his eyes, ears, and mouth. The other service tech however, had obviously died from Jay striking him in the head with his wrench.", "\"Raymond, you got any sevens?\" Darren asked, holding his cards suspiciously close to his body.\n\nRaymond glanced at his hand, sighed, then slid his only seven over to Darren, who grinned and slapped the pair on the table.\n\n\"What's that old saying?\" Darren gloated. \"Fish, fish, got my wish, get to go again?\"\n\nJacob rolled his eyes. \"Just take your turn, Darren.\"\n\nRaymond wasn't sure why they were playing Go-Fish. It was his least favorite card game, but they'd spent the last several hours burning through all the card games they knew, so Go-Fish turned out to be a last resort. It was only their seventh day in this new lunar base, and he was already getting sick of being here. The walls were pure metal, identical at every turn, and the fluorescent lights were starting to irritate his eyes. As excited as he was to be picked for this colony, Raymond admitted to himself that he missed Earth. He missed being able to walk outside and feel the sun against his bare skin, missed feeling the gentle breeze of summer pull at his loose-fitting clothes, hell, he even missed the mosquitoes that attacked him every time he went into his backyard. \n\nJust get through another week, he told himself. \n\n\"Jacob, got any Kings?\" Darren asked.\n\nJacob glanced at his hand, grinned, then pointed smugly to the draw pile. \"Go-Fish.\"\n\nDarren sighed and plucked a card from the deck, and his sour expression immediately brightened. He excitedly flipped the card over to reveal that the very card he'd drawn was the King of Spades. \n\n\"Now that's just cheating.\" Jacob complained.\n\n\"Huh,\" Darren laughed, \"that's a funny way to say winning.\" \n\nJacob was on the verge of snapping back at him when the door to their room opened, and Matthew, the Lunar Colony Administrator, stepped in, his eyes immediately settling on the card game.\n\n\"Sorry to interrupt, boys,\" he said, but his tone was anything but apologetic, \"Raymond, can I speak to you for a moment?\"\n\nRaymond glanced at his two friends, who both had their eyes locked on him. He set his cards down on the table and nodded, sliding back his chair to follow Matthew out into the hall.\n\n\"What is it, sir?\" He asked, making sure the door was closed. He figured Jacob and Darren would have their ears pressed up against it like they were in middle-school. \n\n\"You've done several space-walks, now, correct?\" Matthew asked, peering down the hall past Raymond.\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\nMatthew smiled faintly. \"Excellent. Well, I will need you to perform another.\"\n\n\"Why? Is something wrong?\"\n\nThe smile faded, and slowly, Matthew nodded. \"It's... Davis. He went on a solo-space-walk around an hour ago, and he hasn't returned or reported in. I'm just worried about him is all, especially since tonight is the first ever... well, nevermind. I want you to go look for him.\"\n\nRaymond stared at him for another moment, wondering what it was he was about to say, then shook it off. \"Right away, sir. I'll meet you at the bay doors in ten minutes.\"\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nAs Raymond was preparing to walk, Matthew filled him in on everything he knew. Davis had told Matthew there was something he wanted to check, but he hadn't specified what, and that he wouldn't be gone for more than half an hour, and when that time rolled around, Matthew started to worry, but he figured Davis must've gotten caught up in what he was doing. However, when that time doubled, and Davis hadn't even reported in, he got scared. \n\n\"And he didn't tell you what he was checking?\" Raymond inquired.\n\nMatthew shook his head. \"In hindsight, I should've pressed him more for information, but I didn't think he'd blatantly go against protocol. The only other option I see is that he's in danger.\"\n\n\"I'll find him, sir.\" Raymond assured him.\n\nMatthew took a few steps back to let the inner-bay door slide shut. When it was sealed, Raymond slipped on his helmet, made sure it was on tight, and then entered a code into a panel on the wall to begin the process of acclimating the chamber to the environment outside. When it was finished, the outer-bay door lowered itself slowly, and Raymond was able to exit. He'd walked on the surface of the moon countless times before, but this time felt... different. He felt as though he had to be careful with every step he took, like one wrong move would awaken something they'd never seen before. Something alive. Raymond shooed the thoughts away and focused on his mission. Nothing was alive up here, that was the key aspect of the lunar colony. Humans were the first live creatures to exist here. At least, he hoped.\n\nHe stepped quickly and carefully, keeping his little bounces light and gentle. From here, he could see Earth, but he couldn't make out what landmass was facing him, as clouds covered the surface like a blanket. He couldn't see the sun, but he could see the light haloing Earth, and he suddenly realized what it was Matthew was going to say. Tonight was the first ever Blood Moon with humans occupying the moon. But what did that have to do with Davis?\n\nAs if on cue, Raymond's radio fizzled with static, and he heard a familiar voice call, \"Raymond? Is that you?\"\n\nRaymond turned to see Davis bounding towards him, recognizable only by the nametag sewn into his suit. \"Yeah, it's me. Where have you been? Matthew's been worried sick.\"\n\n\"I've been- wait, Matthew's back in the base?\" Davis asked, glancing over at the colony.\n\n\"Yeah,\" Raymond said, \"he sent me out here to find you. He said you haven't been checking in, and that you went missing.\"\n\nDavis shook his head, \"No, Matthew's the one who went missing. He came out here with me and then vanished. I've been looking for him, but he hasn't answered his radio.\"\n\n\"He didn't mention that to me.\" Raymond replied. \"Why would he come out here?\"\n\nDavis shrugged. \"Beats me. He said he wanted to experience a space-walk for the first time, that something special was happening tonight, and he wanted to witness it.\"\n\n\"Well how he is going to witness it if he's back in the base?\" \n\n\"No idea.\" Davis sighed. \"Maybe he got scared or something.\"\n\nRaymond laughed. \"You'd think for being the head of the colony, he'd have done this once or twice.\"\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nContinued in the comments because it was too long :/" ]	5
	[WP] You're cursed and everyone who crosses your view instantly dies. You have managed successfully to live with your burden by pretending you are blind. Now you find yourself in a situation where you have to make use of your ability.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 no joke when my mom Medusa decided to fall in love with a human. Alas, life is cruel. That didn't stop her from making me. \n\nLife is easier when you're a half blood, I got my father's hair which is way better than what my family expected. The big problem was, I had my mother's eyes. This wouldn't be a problem if only her gaze didn't turn people into stone, I was luckier because Instead of adding statues in the backyard I only kill people who I come into eye contact with, but only if they see my eyes. \n\nOne of the great things at home is that me and my mom can have eye contact because we're immune to the deep dark abyss that is our eyes. Dad however was blind so he couldn't see mom, which made their relationship a match made in the heavens. \n\nI found out I killed people when I first opened my eyes and went to the park and killed off like a dozen people, because I was a child I didn't know better and if my mom and dad were irresponsible they would've just left me running around in the park killing off majority of the people in the city. \n\nNow the thing about sunglasses that are really really dark will help you not accidentally kill off any boy that ends up liking you. \n\nI however want to help the humans but how could I be a superhero when I was destined to become a villain in the eyes of the world? \n\nEasy I pretend to be a bystander in all the shady areas of town and when someone crosses me I use my powers to kill them. \n\nI'm not that petty but when I saw a pickpocket on the subway that was Infront of me I waved at him and took off my sunglasses. Sad to say people thought he was innocent but when you have five wallets in your pants it doesn't look like you were such a nice guy. \n\nMy favourite one was killing the CEO of a company that had dumped it's sewage into the ocean. I don't care for ruining the human world because I'd rather live here. The woman that replaced him however helped save the world after a few years. \n\nMy prices are high but I only get offers for high value targets. I would be lying if I didn't use it as a cash grab now and again." ]	2
	[WP] It's hours after you've died. However no one has appeared to show you where to go. Death or the reaper or whatever, no tunnel with a light - nothing.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Darkness reigned.\n\nOr was it lightness? Truthfully, Shaun couldn’t tell. It wasn’t like the darkness you saw when you shut your eyes. It wasn’t like the pitch black of an overcast night, far from civilisation. It wasn’t even what he imagined blind people experienced in their day-to-day lives, from what he’d heard. It wasn’t that his eyes were open, or that they were closed – it was that he didn’t have eyes.\n\nIt felt weird, not having to blink, but only when he thought about it. And the lack of a body; for a while, he thought he’d been falling, but there was nothing to fall with; there was nowhere to fall to. And yet, even without his body, he still felt a sense of presence. A phantom body, perhaps. A phantom self.\n\nI suppose I am a phantom, he thought. He could still think. That was nice.\n\nFor an amount of time which might have been minutes, might have been decades, Shaun existed, and little else happened. He lost himself in memories. His life seemed either frighteningly short or remarkably long, depending on which part he focused on. Some of it was painful. Some of it he wished he could change. Oh, if he could just reach through and open that knocking door…\n\nBut he didn’t have arms. He couldn’t perform “reach”. Instincts like this jolted him back to the realisation that he was nowhere. He was very nearly nothing. And with every reminder came another barely contained episode of panic. Where was he? What was he? Most importantly, why was he? Was this it, now? Was there just nothing? Purgatory? Was he doomed to just live within his memories, where it grew harder to visualise his children’s faces with each maddeningly non-existent moment that passed?\n\nSuddenly he had eyes and arms and knees, and quite a few other things, most of which hurt when he landed harshly on the chequered floor which also existed quite suddenly beneath him. He yelped with his new lungs – old lungs? The same lungs? – and simply lay there, trembling.\n\n“Oh sorry, I am sorry! I plain forgot you were coming! Nearly tore ourselves apart with madness there, didn’t we? Close call! Ho ho!”\n\nTentatively, Shaun unfurled himself and gazed up at the newly existing desk that stood before him. It was lavish, carved of rich mahogany (which tree did this come from? he thought absurdly), and seated behind it was a man with spiked white hair, a noise piercing and a purple suit. He was gazing down at Shaun with a raised brow.\n\n“Are you… God?” Shaun sputtered, arranging himself so he was sat a little more modestly on the chessboard floor.\n\n“God?” the man replied. He squinted and looked away, as if deep in thought. “God, god, god… I could be, if you liked. Wouldn’t be strictly true, mind you, but I’ve never been one to turn down the role of a deity… oh, go on then!” He waved his arm and grinned. “I’ll be God.”\n\nShaun was speechless.\n\n“Oh my, you’re speechless.” The man who was not God scratched his chin. “My mother always said I wasn’t great with people…”\n\n“What’s going on?” Shaun managed.\n\n“Well. Bad news: you’ve died. Though I imagine you’ve figured as much, having been stuck on reserve for a good century and a half already-“\n\n“A century-“\n\n“And a half, yes, do keep up, I’d be ever so grateful. Listen. We’ve had a bit of mismanagement at… Death HQ. Okay, no, it’s not called Death HQ, but… look, do you want a chair?”\n\nSuddenly Shaun was sitting on a chair opposite the Man who was not God. The man looked at Shaun, suddenly disconcerted, and then his own chair became a throne. He smiled again.\n\n“Right, yes, carrying on,” he went, “so you’re dead, you’ve been dead for a while and we’re sorry about that, but there’s not really an afterlife anymore.”\n\n“What?”\n\n“We’ve misplaced it.”\n\n“Misplaced the afterlife?”\n\n“Well I wouldn’t expect you to understand, you’ve never even been there!” The Man who was not God rolled his eyes. “Anyway, while we sort this small wrinkle out we’re going to have to send everyone back to Earth. It’s not ideal, and it’ll certainly cause trouble with the locals, but-“\n\n“I’m going back?”\n\n“Yes. Well. No. Well, yes. You’re going back, but you won’t keep any of your memories. You’ll essentially be a new person. Can’t go back to your old body, see, the passing of time and all that…”\n\n“Wait-“\n\n“Better than oblivion, eh! There we go, that’s the spirit, off you pop-“\n\n“Wait-“\n\nBut suddenly Shaun was falling away, his chair vanished, the chequered floor but a memory, the Man who was not God leaning over his desk and watching with a perturbed expression on his face, curiously waving, though at who, he did not know…" ]	2
	[WP] Your muscles sore, your eyes red. The army marches and you are alone.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Harold had decided that armies were noisy. Armies of this size, at least. His group had spotted a large force from the neighboring country on their scouting trip. Normally, the protocol for something like this would be to report back to their local man in the intelligence network, but before they were caught before they could slip away. He was the only one left. The bastards had even killed all the horses, forcing him into this hellish swamp just to evade them.\n\nHe'd abandoned his armor long ago. It wasn't doing anything but collecting mud and slowing him down. Keeping up with this beast of an army was hard enough. He had to admit, it was an extremely impressive display. These invaders had been marching when his little scouting party spotted them, and hadn't stopped since, at least a day and a half later. Harold was hoping they would stop soon. His legs had lost all feeling sometime during the night, and some of this damned swamp water must have gotten into his eyes, as they were watering fiercely. \n\nSuddenly, something changed. It took him several paces to work out why he felt a bit lighter. The sound of the army. It had stopped. Carefully creeping into view of the road, he saw them through the trees. He was able to examine them properly for the first time, as he had kept hidden while traveling alongside the massive force. And it was massive. The army was nearly a solid mass, covering the entire road for as far back as he could see. Easily the largest assembled fighting force that he had personally seen. They were also oddly dressed, trading the usual shining steel armor for something grayish in color. Now that it was much quieter, it didn't sound like the clanging of metal armor either. In fact, it was closer to stones moving against each other. \n\nThis wasn't a normal force. There was only one reason he could think of that they would move this quickly, wearing this odd armor. This army was meant for a sneak attack. He was scouting the eastern side of the country when he ran into this army. The country directly to the east was much smaller than his own, and would almost certainly lose in a direct confrontation. A stealthy strike, close to the capital of his country, however, would end any war virtually before it started. They wouldn't have time to raise their own army, not before this one hit the vitals of his country. His country. His home. Where he was born and raised, where his family has been living for several generations. Where his little sister was raising her family. Where the girl he was sweet on back home lived. He couldn't allow this to happen. He had to warn someone, somehow. As the army set up camp and began to rest, Harold wracked his brain. \n\nThe following morning, a runner appeared outside the tent that the Forward General occupied. After a brief discussion, the General, quickly dressed in his standard armor, followed the courier to the forefront of their offensive. He saw a man, shirtless, standing in the center of the road with his arms folded, next to a sword stuck into the ground with a shirt that used to be white suspended from the hilt, blowing gently in the early morning breeze. \n\n\"Who are you?\" the General questioned. \n\n\"A warning,\" said Harold. \"We know you're here. The army is gathering as we speak.\"\n\n\"And why would you tell me this?\" The General stepped closer to Harold, closing the distance between them to just outside of the range of a sword. \n\n\"This country does not wish to make war with yours. Our country is a prosperous one, and war would do nothing but sully that, especially if fought on our land. We would much prefer it if you would simply turn around and go back where you came from.\"\n\n\"What is your name, soldier?\" \n\n\"Harold.\"\n\n\"Well, Harold, why should I believe you?\" The opposing General gave a general gesture in his direction, from his head to his feet and his shirt tied around his sword. \"You don't exactly cut an impressive figure here. Hell, you're barely on your feet even now, aren't you?\" Suddenly, he gave a deep laugh. \"I must say, you've gotta have quite a pair to be standing in front of an entire army like this, Harold.\"\n\n\"Well, I've been tracking your movements ever since you were first spotted by a group of scouts two and a half days ago.\"\n\n\"Impossible. We eliminated every scout we found.\"\n\n\"One escaped into the swamps. As soon as he reported in, I came out here to track your army, while ours was mustering together.\"\n\nThe General had noticeably paled at his words, and was silent for a moment. \"I see. Is there anything more you would like to share with me?\"\n\n\"Not at this time. Just that your sneaking about has failed, and it would be better for everyone if you turned around and went home.\"\n\nThe opposing Forward General let out a deep sigh. \"Listen, Harold. I appreciate what you're doing here. However, I am only a commander of a relatively small part of this army, and cannot make decisions such as this without a lengthy discussion with the other Generals of the army.\" He paused, once more looking Harold up and down. \"You know what happens now, right?\"\n\nHarold gave a sharp nod. \"I tried not to think about it too much.\"\n\n\"I'll discuss our conversation with the other Generals. You may have saved a great many lives today, Harold.\" Slowly, the General drew his sword. \"Now, you have called your life forfeit in order to have access to an enemy commander. Have you any last words?\"\n\n\"Not for you, sir.\" Harold slowly brought his hand up to his chest, in the salute of his country. \n\n\"Very well. You have my respect, Harold.\" The General raised his sword, and quickly removed Harold's head." ]	2
	[WP] As you sit with your family waiting for the end of the world, you say your last ‘I love you’s. You begin to countdown, the moment you’ve all anticipated for a while now. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Nothing happens. Everything around you is the same, everyone is still alive. The world didn’t end.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 dad read about it as a possibility. He got nervous and wouldn't shut up about it. This started to freak out my mom and sister. As the months past he got scared. Started going down the whole doomsday prep route. Always a peaceful man but now he owned several guns and insisted we all learn how to use them. Mom must have bought every mason jar in state. Bit by bit she started to build up preserved food. Dad got generators and had a 3000 gallon fuel tank installed. As we got closer to the end even I started to worry. What if he's right? What if the world ends? So much I haven't done. I started to try to live my life more. Go out enjoy nature after all who's to say what might survive if anything. I tried to do as much with my friends as i could.\nWhen the day came we all gathered and waited for the end. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1..... nothing happened. After a moment I looked at my dad and said \"Happy 2000 dad, can I leave the bunker?\"" ]	2
	[WP] It's 2019 you're no one special. Hit by a car, you feel life leaving your body as you pass away. Dead. Nothingness. Next thing you hear "Ah, your Ancestor is just waking up now Sir"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 did I expect? I wasn't some superhero you see in movies. I most likely wasn't even the protagonist to my own story.\n\nSo when I jumped in traffic to safe someone's life I wasn't expecting to live. I hardly needed any incentive to jump in there in the first place. I just saw the man as an excuse to off myself.\n\nI had hoped however, that I'd be able to safe his life. \"I suppose this is it, not like I have anyone to mourn for me. Ha, I'm pathetic.\"\n\nI looked at the man, he had already died. He was probably dead before he even reached the ground. Got hit straight on. \"I'm sorry mate, I did my best.\"\n\nAs I close my eyes I feel my consciousness fading. Until, eventually, everything disappears.\n\n..\n\nI don't know how much time had passed. I don't even know if any time had passed at all. Hell, time might not even exist anymore. Maybe time took one look at what a mess we had made of life and nature and decided to pack his bags and go right back to where he came from.\n\nBut that is beside the point. I was sure I had died but life apparently wanted to go for another round. A second chance to screw me over again and again until I eventually just broke, like a diesel car filled with jet fuel. I'm sure that would make it implode upon ignition. \n\nBut even though my second life might suck I'm going to put my all into it this time.\n\nAll these thing flew through my head as soon as I heard that sentence: \"Ah, your Ancestor is just waking up now Sir\". \n\nI didn't know I had any offspring, but maybe one of those girls in uni had a child without me knowing. Not like I care about the details, I'm alive.\n\n\"Umm, one moment, something has happened, just a moment Sir.\" A Sir? I didn't realize it when he said it the first time, but apparently one of my descendants was knighted. Does that give me any prestige? I'm not sure. Then again, maybe we're in the US. They seem to call anyone a Sir willy-nilly.\n\n\"I found the problem, Sir. Some foreign DNA seems to have contaminated the ancestral sample. Most likely from someone who was in close proximity when your ancestor died. Feel free to grab a cup of coffee, it'll take a few minutes to remove.\" Apparently someone decided to hitch a ride to my second life. I'll have to wait a bit longer I suppose. That coffee seems like a great idea. First thing I should do when I wake up is get some coffee.\n\n\"There we are Sir, the contaminated string has been detected, as you can see it's being remov\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 \n\n&#x200B;\n\nr/Nammos_storytime if you want to read more of my stories. (I created the sub recently so it's still quite barren but I'll put my future stories there)" ]	2
	[WP] Vampires still exist kept from terrorizing humanity by receiving multivitamins from Big Pharma. You work for Big Pharma and just got a promotion.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "“Bella, Edward is here”, my assistant says.\n\n“Let him in.”\n\nFaster than the red sports car from the Twilight movie, he swoops into my office. His face is perfect and beautiful and his bronze hair spiky, messy. I lick my lips and wink shyly. I wish he could read my mind and know what I want to do to him.\n\n“Bella, you know I care about you,” he says.\n\nI gaze into his eyes and irises colored like a bag full of assorted gemstones, always changing colors.\n\n“I know,” I whisper.\n\n“And I don’t want to hurt you, Bella. Never.”\n\nHis sculpted body is so rigid under that tight v-neck t-shirt. I want to explode. I wonder, if his chest is so rigid, what else is?\n\n“I know,” I whisper.\n\n“But Bells, I am very, very thirsty. I am very dangerous for you now, you know.”\n\nI touch him. His skin is like a stone, and cold.\n\n“I know,” I whisper.\n\n“Bella, give me the multivitamins.”\n\nI sigh. “Edward, I can’t,” I whisper, my face struggling, and sad, but mostly just frowning for no obvious reason.\n\nHe growls. “Your scent makes me crazy, Bella. I need those multivitamins, please. You have just been promoted, you can get me some.”\n\nMy eyes well. I join my hands, pleading. “Edward, I can’t. I work for Glaxo-Smith-Kline-Black-Volturi now. You need to leave before they get you.”\n\n“Bella, please...”\n\nAt that moment, characteristic red lights flash, indicating danger, and alarm buzzes loudly.\n\n“Run Edward, run!”, I whisper.\n\n“See you in Rome!”, he says and leaves faster than the fastest silver Volvo. I can see him outside, in front of the building, in daylight. He is chopping people and shining like a huge disco ball.\n\n“Edward, “ I whisper, “ I hope you will never come back. I hope no vampire will ever ask for multivitamins again because it’s bad. It’s so bad it hurts. It’s a complete disaster, as you saw.”" ]	2
	[WP] A man drops dead in the street on his morning commute to work. Much to the confusion of those performing his autopsy, all of his vital organs have seemingly been replaced with Styrofoam replicas.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Detective Burn Chaovsky. That's what they called me. I was one of the most elite detectives, with no case unsolved. Until now. A man died today, due to his organs being replaced with Styrofoam. Certainly was one of the more bizarre cases. I sat there on my desk, looking through the medical records. If his organs were replaced with Styrofoam, certainly someone had put it there. I went through the possibilities. He would only function for a short time without his organs. And why would they bother to replace it and have him go on his merry way? It certainly was a puzzler. Flipping through the records, I noticed something. There was no history of him going to a doctor or getting surgery. He was never sick, and only went to the doctor to get his vaccines. If this were the case, someone may have kidnapped him. Considering his collapse point, I could find any possible places that it may have happened. But I was stumped. All the witnesses say that he was fine for a real long time until he collapsed. Which was odd, especially since every single one of his organs were replaced. Sure, there are a lot of organs you can survive without, but without any? That certainly would have you dead in seconds. And what about his lungs, and what have you? Wouldn't he have had to be dead to have them removed and replaced with crappy Styrofoam replacements? Looking through the facts, I couldn't ignore it. The sudden removal, the death times, the placements and the medical history. I was scared to say, scared to tell anyone, but I have to place this case in the Unsolved pile. And most certainly, I was scared to even say why. You can't prove mystical elements in court.", "I told him not to — were the first words to fall from Louise Blanch's mouth when Officer Melrose and trainee Carl Walker turned up at her door. \n\nLouise was referring to her husband, Peter Blanch. A middle-aged man who grew plump behind his desk at, Be Smart, a local insurance company. A student, Susan Mills, found him face-down eating concrete. Unknowingly, she rolled over Peter's dead body. She thought he had passed out drunk like her father sometimes did, reasoning while it was the start of her day, it could be the end of the man's night. \n\nIt became apparent from his eyes that something was wrong. At first, Susan thought they were lolling in the back of his head. A second look told her that they were not his eyes at all. The texture was wrong — bumpy and dull. With her hand outstretched and head turned away, she checked for a pulse and found none. \n\nThe police arrived before the ambulance. Officer Melrose instructed Carl to cordon off the area. The poor boy ran around waving his arms, asking the public to politely look away. \n\nMelrose had seen more dead bodies than naked women — and, if you knew Melrose, you would know that was a lot — however. He had never seen one quite like Peter's. A pale imitation of Susan sat on the curb next to the body with her knees tucked close. And like Susan, he noticed the eyes first. Part of him wanted to poke them to explore their texture. He shook the thought and checked the pulse. The man's neck was cold.\n\nAn autopsy occurred hours after Melrose and Carl visited Mrs Blanch. She told the officers what they would find — but it wasn't something you took at face value. Louise said that Peter had finally done it, gone too far. All the while toying with a diamond ring so large that it had to be fake. \n\nLouise was sad — to say she wasn't would be cruel — but a profound smugness kept the tears at bay. She said something that caught Melrose off guard, embedding a single word into a sentence that snagged in Melrose's mind — Styrofoam. She spun stories that would sound insane had you not seen Peter's eyes.\n\nPost-autopsy, Louise's stories became more and more plausible. She told Melrose and Carl how her darling husband dealt with the devil, how he auctioned off organs one at a time. His eyes were the first to go — trading his left for a new car and his right for a golf-ball sized wedding ring. Louise spoke of his frenzied decisions, feeling ecstasy in selling off his parts, and how it became more about the transaction than the reward.\n\nYoung Carl listened, perhaps a little too closely. The ring on Louise's finger sweetened her words and carried the prospect of death off like it was nothing more than a distant dream. \n\nCarl went home that evening, without hearing about the autopsy, or understanding the gravity of what he was about to do. He didn't know how to do what he wanted, but he sat in his bedroom and called upon the devil. Nothing happened. He tried using names languages, both foreign and domestic, ancient and newfound. It was only when he pleaded on his knees and offered an organ that the devil came and replaced his kidney with, not styrofoam, but a biogenetic filler — white space.\n\n---\n\n/r/WrittenThought" ]	3
	[WP] Shortly after marrying into an unbelievably rich family, you were diagnosed with cancer. Subsequently, you need an organ transplant and are immediately put on the donor list. To you horror, your new in-law laughs and says “we don’t wait, let’s go shopping”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 never felt comfortable here.\n\nTowering marble columns supporting arched ceilings. My in-laws mansion put the Sistine Chapel to shame. And this was just their summer home.\n\n\"Brandon!\"\n\nThe booming voice of my father in law resonated from the smaller of the great halls. Sighing, I have my coat to the butler and walked through the foyer.\n\nThree minutes later, I walked into the second great hall to find my wife finishing up dinner with her two parents. \n\n\"What did the doctor say honey?\" My beautiful wife asked, her brow furrowed.\n\n\"Terminal,\" I said teresly, hating to have this conversation on front of my parents in law. \"Unless they can find me a new lung by the end of a year\". \n\nTo my surprise, my father in law guffawed. I started at the man, mouth agape.\n\n\"Jeeves!\" He called. \n\nThe silence stretched until, 2 minutes later, Jeeves arrived on a Segway.\n\n\"Sir?\"\n\n\"My new boy here needs a new lung.\"\n\nThe portly butler started at me, his mustache drooping in a frown. \n\n\"Blood type sir.\"\n\n\"Excuse me?\" I stammered.\n\n\"Your blood type... Sir.\" The tone made clear I didn't meet the honorific.\n\n\"Uhhh, B negative.\" \n\n\"Verry good sir.\"\n\nThe butler walked out. At a gesture from my father in law, I sat down. Dessert was served, or rather, desserts.\n\n\"So\", I ventured carefully, digging my spoon into my bourbon creme brulee, \"Is Jeeves checking the donor list?\"\n\nA titter like birdsong, arose from my mother in law. Her hand fanning a face perched on a thin neck. \"Please, Brandon. We make our own luck.\"\n\nI didn't understand her meaning until, after my third dessert, my phone started to ring. The number was from the surgeon's office." ]	2
	[WP] Hearing a passer-by sneeze, you instinctively say "Bless You" and are immediately met with the sound of screaming. You watch as they suddenly burst into flames and descend into the ground, revealing them to be a demon. Turns out there's a lot more to this "Bless You" business than you thought.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$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 16, no 17 at the time. I had met a dashing young man who swept me off my feet. he had told me he loved me and we decided to run away together. so we did. every day he would compliment me and treat me as if I was the most perfect woman in the wold. and at the time, with the fear the war going on, I was as happy as can be for all things considered. but one day I found him in a bar with another woman . I had thought it was a coincidence or a misunderstanding, after all he was the perfect man. but a few days later he broke my heart. it felt as if the world was coming down around me for the first time in my life. and I thought of taking my own life even. even had the balls to invite me to his new wedding, wish just opened the wound more. I didnt go, obviously but I heard what happened. in the middle of the ceremony he sneezed and someone, I dont know who, said \"bless you\" and he apparently burst into flames on the spot. I wouldn't have believed it myself if there weren't so many gosh darn witnesses. the police said spontaneous combustion, but I know the truth. since that day that I learned that demons are real, and though people have forgotten them I remember. demons hide in the disguise of wonderful people, until they break your heart. since that day, anyone who seems to nice I say \"bless you\" just in case. like a secret little spell that time has forgotten. today I turn 87 years old, yet I remember the feeling of suffering that monster inflicted upon me like it was yesterday. and if possible, I will not let it happen to some one else.", "It's been two years now - two long, seamlessly passed years since the Great Blessing. So far, the US government has reported a confirmed two-thousand thirty one blessings across the country - people as far as the furthest outreaches of Montana all the way to the scrappy New York underbelly-fed blue-collar worker begun forming teams of increasing numbers as they prowl dirt roads and streets alike in a continuous chorus. These newly formed groups seemed to pop up everywhere, walking along carrying feathers and various other devices to induce sneezing, speaking the same two words everywhere they went, and each time finding more and more people engulfed in the spectacle of spontaneous combustion before their eyes. \n\nTheir methods were simple - one or two persons from the group - depending on the subject - would come from behind and force them back, while another receives themselves the honor of using the feather or the sprinkling of dust on them. Most all of them give in at some point, and the entire group contributes in repeating those magic two words until signs of a spark igniting are observed. After that, it's simply an act of stepping back quickly and watching the show.\n\nSome of them were people they knew - co-workers they used to talk with to get by the day, neighbors they used to invite over to play with their kids, barbers that knew their cut by heart, even members of their own sunday congregation began to take the flame.\n\nIt wasn't until the day that will since be immortalized under \"Red Wednesday\" that their true test would be revealed to them. Groups in-city and out of state alike came to the same place that day, alike in thought and reinforced in spirit, they gathered at the doors. One in particular was that of a modest company that held themselves in one of the busier parts of Panama. Nearly two-hundred Blessers had the same mind to gather there and gather their forces. Social media was sent ablaze with activity as groups all over the country eventually stationed themselves outside the doors of the Blessing holy grail. It was only a matter of time that zip-line tour groups would be eradicated from the country in a matter of minutes.", "I back away from the coal black burn mark that surrounds the fast receding crack in the sidewalk, my mouth trying and failing to fully close and my eyes darting back and forth across the street in the hope that someone, anyone, saw what I saw. With not a single of the few dozen morning commuters hurrying by me having any kind of reaction, all focused instead on balancing their coffee cups with their quick stride or navigating each-other while also checking snapchat stories, my mind began to race with rationalizations. 'Ok, calm down, I just didn't get enough sleep last night, I'm stressed out about my first day at the internship, maybe my fourth Buffy the Vampire Slayer re-watch has proven one time too many, maybe my anxiety has gotten the best of me again and it's time to go back to the doctor's...' and so on and forth until my thoughts are interrupted by the screech of tires and the smack of a heavy door. I swivel around. Two figures in black zip hoodies step right up to me and everything goes dark. I try desperately to move my arms before thump \\- I slam onto a hard metal surface.\n\n'Shush! Shush! Stop moving and calm down!' A sharp, high pitched voice warns me over the roar of an engine. My wrists are forced together and bound by something cold and tight as the sharp voice walks me through anxiety relief: 'It's ok, there's nothing to be afraid of. We're here to help you. Just take a deeeeep breath in and slowly let it out'. I try to breathe but instead of feeling air enter my mouth, only a thick dry canvas, which doesn't help with the panic.\n\n'Can he even breathe with that thing over his head?' Asks a lower, rougher voice.\n\n'Oh shit, good point!' And in a moment, I can see again. In front of me, backlit by the sun's reflection through a windshield, crouch a heavy black-clad man, whose stubble and dark stringy hair surrounds a pursed mouth and and narrowed eyes, and a younger pink-haired woman with a rounded face and concerned expression. To her side lies a red toolbox and a canvas with deep maroon stains, and behind the two sits a barely visible driver. I try to ask the two several questions at once, never managing more than two words of each query: 'What the-! Who are...? Where am-?! Why-?!'\n\n'Shuuusshh! Like I said, deep breaths.' The woman illustrates and we take lengthy inhales together until I stop shaking. I focus on the bumps in the road below us to ground myself.\n\n'You son of a bitch,' hisses the bear of a man, 'I've been sitting on that kill for weeks!'\n\n'What? What kill?'\n\n'Leave him alone.' pleads Pink 'He clearly doesn't know what's going on. He just got lucky.'\n\n'Lucky?!' I sputter. 'HOW?!\n\n'You really don't know?' Growls Bear. 'Shit. Back there on the street. What do you think you saw?'\n\n'I don't know, man! Can you p-please just let me out, I-I'm gonna be late for work!'\n\n'Work? Seriously? I think this takes precedence. What... do you think... you saw?\n\n'I... this guy sneezed and... I said \"bless you\" and... he-'\n\n'Turned red, grew horns, caught fire and fell into a hole in the ground screaming in tongues?'\n\nI widened my eyes as if reliving the moment. 'Y-yeah!'\n\n'Actually Baylor is, or was, a light purple.' Pink clarifies.\n\n'And Baylor was mine! I've been following \"Johnathon Prowler\", as the world knows him, for sixteen days now!' Bear pulls out a long, sharp stick from his belt and waves it in my face. 'I've been sharpening this stake every day for a week! For nothing!'\n\nBaylor? Stake? I run everything through my mind, trying to make sense of it. Only one conclusion makes sense to me, even though it makes no sense at all. 'Wait... are you telling me... was that a... d... de...?'\n\n'A demon? Yes.' Pink scooches closer to me and speaks slowly, as if to a child. 'Just stay calm while I rip the band-aid off. Demon's exist. For centuries, they controlled the world. They orchestrated the fall of Rome, the Black Death, countless wars, trying to damn as many people to Hell as possible. But during the plague, people started using \"bless you\" as a colloquialism. What they didn't know was that saying that to a demon sends them straight back to Hell. The human race unwittingly won the war against evil. But, even now, there's still a few stragglers around, so that's why we're here. We're demon hunters'.\n\nI sit for a while and process. I wonder if they're running some long winded con on me, or if Ashton Kutcher is about to stop the van and reveal the camera crew of Punk'd. But just in case neither of these scenarios are true, there's one question I need answered.\n\n'What are you going to do with me?' Bear tightens his grip around his stake and leans in.\n\n'We're going to shove this thing through your heart, drive to the nearest lake and make sure nobody will ever find you.' His wide eyes and gritted teeth make my heart skip a beat - until he lets loose a throaty chuckle. 'Nah, I'm only kidding, kid. You're bait.'\n\n'Excuse me?' Bear scooches to the other side of the van and starts rooting through a large, red toolbox. Pink clocks my fear and tries to explain.\n\n'Well, not bait exactly. You see, being under constant threat and such a small community at this point, demons do their best to look out for each-other. So when they see someone having killed one of their kind, even accidentally...' She's interrupted by a deafening bang as the entire van shakes. Everyone looks up with a startled shock that quickly gives way to looks of resolution.\n\n'Wh-what was that?!!' I yelp. Pink ignores me and joins Bear at the toolbox. The barely visible driver checks his side mirror before looking back to us so quickly that his glasses nearly slide off his long nose.\n\n'Um, guys!', is all he manages before something smashes through the windscreen. Through the jagged glass is an upside down face, blood red and impossibly narrow, with a pair of sharp black horns protruding from its forehead. It screams something in an unknown language before its long thin tongue starts to slither around its salivating mouth. Pink doesn't look back, only smiles as she pulls out a sharp metal dagger from the toolbox. Bear stands up in the middle of the van, loading a crossbow. \n\n'Ok kid, all's forgiven!' He bellows as he turns and aims at the demon, laughing maniacally.\n\nI just close my eyes, scream, and resign myself to getting fired.", "It was an innocent gesture, one I’ve done thousands of times before. It was something you were supposed to do to be polite. My mother had taught me to be polite. It was a simple, harmless utterance that took no effort and was utterly meaningless. However, something had changed. I’m not exactly sure what happened. Everything seems like a haze now that I think back trying to remember it.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI was relaxing, drinking coffee, when I heard a female sneeze behind me. Absentmindedly I said, “Bless you.” A rush of adrenaline course through my body as I said this. Then, I heard the screaming.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was a horrible sound. I’ve watched hundreds of movies, hundreds of horror flicks where an actor would scream at the top of their lungs in a feeble attempt to entertain. I typically found these scenes to be either cringe-worthy or hilarious, depending on how drunk or stoned I was. However, the high-pitched wailing of the woman shocked me. The pure, visceral scream shook me. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nI’ve lived a relatively easy life. The worse pain I’ve ever experienced was when I broke my fingers when they got trapped in a car door. I screamed then, yes, but it was nothing compared to what I heard. How can something, anything, experience so much pain, so much suffering? \n\n&#x200B;\n\nWhat had I done? It was an illogical thought to think that I caused this pain but somehow I knew it was my fault. Something inside of me told me I was to blame. I turned around, dreading and, shamefully, excited to see what I’ve done.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nA lump of fresh and leather lay in a smoldering pile. Small green flames still burned the woman’s hands, now twisted and deformed so much that they looked more like a crow’s claw. Wisps of red smoke emanated from her corpse, giving off an intense, disgusting smell akin to rotten eggs. Her face, charred and blackened, barely looked human. Still, the look of agony was there etched into her face. Her last moments were of pain. Pain that I caused.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nA few people around me were screaming. Others were running. Some took out their phones and started recording. I sat still. The adrenaline was slowing leaving my body and I was left there frozen in place, unable and unwilling to move. I remember thinking nonsense. Maybe she’s okay. Maybe she’ll be fine. Maybe I didn’t do this. Please, let her be okay. Though the evidence before my eyes made it clear.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“What the hell is that?” I heard someone say, a man’s voice. He moved forward a bit and prodded her corpse with his cane. The woman’s shoulder, or where the shoulder should have been, crumbled into ash. “Is this some kind of joke?”\n\n&#x200B;\n\nA teenage girl stepped up, phone in hand, recording. “It’s got to be some kind of prank. Some kind of viral thing. Right?” She reached out to touch the body. “Look! Are these wings? Horns?”\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMore people began to crowd the body, getting closer and touching what used to be the woman. The look of glee and curiosity on their faces shocked me. It was like watching little children who were ignorant of the concept of death poke the body of a dead cat.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was getting to be too much for me. I left and went straight home. My body was still shaking as I marched back to my apartment. I could hear the sound of sirens around me which pushed me to move faster. I avoided contact as much as I could, avoided any physical contact lest I cause someone else pain. My hands fumbled as I fished out my keys, jamming them into the hole and turning it in my rush to be inside.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI made my way to the bathroom and saw my reflection in the mirror. Sweat soaked my body. My eyes were wide and red. My teeth wouldn’t stop chattering. God, I looked like a mad man. I am a mad man, I thought. It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t do it. None of this was real. Things like this don’t happen in real life. I can’t burn people alive. But the screaming still echoed in my mind.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI slapped myself. Over and over I slapped my face until it hurt. But the screaming was still there.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI splashed water on my face. First cold, then scalding hot. But the screaming was still there.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI gripped the edge of the sink, staring into the eyes of my reflection. “Who are you?” I said out loud. “What are you?” There was no reply. Surely this was all in my mind. It was all a horrible coincidence. It had to be. I was just trying to be polite. Those words have no real meaning, right?\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI looked at myself in the mirror, mentally preparing myself for what I was going to do. If I was right then I don’t deserve to live.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Bless you,” I said to my reflection.", "Martin staggered away from the pile of steaming ash at his sandals. He nearly fell onto the pavement, but his tree-trunk legs managed to keep him upright and his bottom unbruised. \n\n“Holy crap,” he gasped. Passers-by avoided Martin and the ashes, electing to nervously circle around them and carry on with their day with this incident soon forgotten. “Thi–this is insane!” \n\n“Wicked,” a tall secondary schooler said. She poked at the ash and, pulling a disgusted face, shook of the warm grey flakes.\n\nMartin turned to the girl. “Wicked as in ‘cool’ or wicked as in ‘evil?’”\n\n“Both,” she replied. “You killed a demon, Mister Scott. Can I call you Mister Martin? I feel like we should be on a nearly first-name basis.” \n\n“Mr. Scott,” Martin said. “An ‘M,’ an ‘r,’ and a dot, followed by my surname. Actually, a better thing you can say to me is what exactly is going on.”\n\n“You blessed a demon. That was it, Martin. Jesus, you’re as thick as pea soup.” She looked heavenward with angelic brown eyes. “Doesn’t he look thick as pea soup, Mr. Christ?”\n\nThe clouds thundered with opaque laughter.\n\n“Oh, go to Hell,” Martin swore. \n\nThe girl winced a little, and a small fire burned away the hair on her blonde brows. Apparently angels were a bit more resilient than demons, which would be reassuring to anybody except the man facing a very irritated one. \n\n“Don’t do that again,” she warned, and the beefy, 188 centimetre Martin was never more terrified of a little girl in his life (aside from a Girl Scout that had glared at him through the blinds and very threateningly shook her box of biscuits until he bought her entire stock). \n\n“Alright,” he whimpered. \n\nThe girl scrunched up her eyes in concentration, and three seconds later new eyebrows pushed their way out of her divine forehead. “So, Martin, I’ve sent myself down to Earth for a reason. You have a way with words. It’s very unusual for a mortal, especially a human, to have such power in “bless you” and “go to hell” the way you do. Our Director has more than taken an interest in you.”\n\nMartin’s thick mouth pressed. “Is your Director actually God?” \n\n“Actually God,” the girl affirmed. “You’ll be meeting Him shortly.” \n\n“Alright,” Martin said again. The girl snapped her fingers, and the angel, the ashes, and the man, along with a considerable amount of pavement and an unfortunate lizard all disappeared off of the face of the Earth. \n\n____\n\nr/Bennywrites", "Imagine an industrial sized zipper, attached to a thundercloud, being yanked open at high speed and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what this sneeze sounded like. It was a God amongst sneezes, a masterpiece of exhaled nasal irritation, a cacophonous symphony from long ignored lungs who finally saw their time to shine.\n\n“Bless you!” Jackie said with a laugh as she glanced over at the man in line behind her.\n\nHe was a burly sort, barrel chest, broad shoulders, and watery eyes brought on by springtime allergies. He still had his hand over his mouth from the sneeze, but as her words reached his ear his hand dropped to his side and his features went slack in dismay.\n\n“Aw, dammit,” was all he managed before the smoke began billowing out of every cuff and collar of his clothing.\n\nJackie’s eyes widened and she took a quick step back just before the bulky allergy sufferer vanished in a WHOOF, leaving behind a small pile of ashes that would probably lead to someone else’s sneeze. People stared. Jackie stared. The Barista at the counter stared specifically at her, because he had long since lost all appreciation for his job and had no awareness of anyone’s existence beyond the customer closest to the counter.\n\n“What can I get you?” he droned in blissful ignorance.\n\n“Uhm,” Jackie trailed off as her eyes swept around the café. People were reaching for phones, maybe to call emergency services, more likely to snapchat or record video of the spontaneous combustion they had just witnessed. That was the good news. It was easily explained away. No one would be accusing her directly. There were times when being High Priestess to a Goddess was extremely inconvenient. Whoever the man was he clearly wasn't a nice person, still, she would have felt better about it if she had at least been aware of what he had done that made the Goddess determine that the best blessing she could bestow would be to smite him from existence." ]	7
	[WP] You have the ability to read the mind of anyone around you, but you cannot tell who's mind you are 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.", "Public transport is the worst but I can't afford to drive. People don't realize how noisy their minds are, how often their thoughts stray wild and dark, too used to it to notice. I do. I can't not. Which is a problem for me when I'm trapped in a crowd, a problem for everyone if I'm driving four thousands pounds of metal and gas at seventy feet per second. Better the bus. Still, it's the worst.\n\nSomeone needs to pee. I don't know who. Thoughts don't come with directionality or identity attached. Sometimes I can guess but mostly they sound like me at a remove, a me that's shouting squeeze squeeze don't let it out in a nearby room. Somebody really needs to pee. I hope it isn't whoever is counting twenty stops just twenty more or there's going to be an accident. They never really get the smell out.\n\nThe school bus always smelled of piss, vomit, shit, sweat. They made me travel with the Special Ed kids. First, they tried treating me for ADHD and then, when the meds left me dangerously manic, for Schizophrenia, which left me fat, sleepy, nauseous and constipated. I managed to fake normal enough to stop being drugged but that just meant the school decided I was genetically stupid, wrote up an accommodations plan they immediately forgot and shoved me in with the special needs kids. Do you know how many of those kids get abused? Stuck in the middle of them, listening to all the blaring thoughts, I'm pretty sure the answer was \"all of them, every day\". But what can you do?\n\nThe bus hits a pothole, knocking me out of my reverie, throwing people into each other. Someone thinks a particularly virulent series of racial epithets. I yank my hood down as far over my face as it will go, hunch in, make myself as small as possible. Someone thinks weirdo in a creepy sing-song, wee-irr-doo but maybe they don't mean me. Just because things happen in a particular order doesn't mean they're connected. Someone's thinking bash them cut them slice them but maybe they're just preparing dinner in their heads. Pee-person still needs to pee. My stop can't come fast enough.\n\nDespite everything, I passed enough school for a certificate and a dubious community college, enough college for a job in a cubicle so you almost never have to see another human being. That helps sometimes, being able to pretend everyone around me is just having really loud telephone conversations. And if I can tough it out a few more years, I'll be able to work remotely. I already have my place, a little cabin halfway up the side of a mountain, far from everyone. The working internet costs as much as place itself but it's worth it. My weekends there are the only thing that gets me through days like this.\n\nSomeone thinks serene like a curse, clear blue skies like they're punching each word. Someone thinks slice with satisfaction and a scalpel blade that catches the light with an impossible cartoon ting. Someone thinks functional modular flexibility. Someone thinks nobody would know nobody would know just reach out and take it nobody would know. Something thinks thank god it's Friday. Someone thinks but what if his dick is bigger than mine. Someone thinks I just want to know what in the goddamn hell is wrong with all these people.\n\n\"You and me both, man,\" I mutter, and hunch in tighter when it draws flicked sideways looks of derision.\n\nThe bus picks that exact moment to reach my stop, forcing me to push my way forward. Someone grabs my ass, but I hear nothing. I think about casual assault being something you do so often it no longer requires conscious thought and bite down on a scream. I stumble down between bus and street, hear stab stab stab yeahhhhh stabstabstab even over the roar of the engine, and force myself to walk away with head held high. I mean, high under my hood, yeah, but high. I even manage to keep it up all the way into my building, though not across the reception.\n\nSomeone thinks that's hardly professional attire. Someone thinks hood up indoors god who does she think she is people like that should be working retail where they belong. It's probably the receptionist. She dresses like upper management and acts like Mother Theresa: other people suffering brings them closer to god. I get into the elevator with my hood still up and then feel stupid and take my jacket off and now I'm just carrying my jacket and that feels weird too and somewhere on a floor I pass someone thinks I could eat a whole lobster just crush it up with a hammer and gobble it all down. I try not to run for my cubicle.\n\nHeadphones don't help. Thoughts are always somehow louder than the background noise. I write myself notes in advance, break every task into smaller ones that can be accomplished between interruptions. Trying to do something too big is like being a train; you start out fine but once you're knocked off the rails, you're screwed. Lists are like the bus. It takes longer than you expect to get between stops and the journey is never pleasant but at least you do usually get to the end.\n\nSomeone thinks I should have brought snacks. I collate division sales figures. Someone thinks bitch is on smoke break again how does she not have cancer. I group items by tax codes. Someone thinks where the hell are the quarterlies. I pull the relevant files, email them to the whole department with the message \"Forgot who asked, sorry!\" Someone thinks does masturbation count as exercise. I plug values into my spreadsheet and calculate trend lines. Someone thinks nothing I have ever done has ever mattered in any real way to anyone or anything. I look at VAT rules and try not to cry.\n\n\"They're calling a meeting,\" someone says, and it takes me a moment to realize I'm hearing it with my ears.\n\nI think about my cabin. I picture it, serene, far from the maddening crowd. I'll go straight from work. I won't even go home first. I don't need clean clothes until Monday. Yeah.\n\n\"Be right there,\" I say.\n\nMeetings aren't as bad as the bus. It's still being trapped in a small space with people but it's people mostly too busy rehearsing what they're going to say to listen to anyone else. It's easier to tie thoughts to people, though I have to remember not to take notes until things are actually said out loud. I get called on early, already know the question and have the answer. I make the mistake of starting to feel okay about this. \n\nMarc from Imports actually stands up to do his report. Like, physically gets out of his chair. His speech is even more boring out loud than it was in his head. And somehow longer, whole paragraphs added to it as he goes. I can hear his words echoing in half the people here and I can hear him self-edit in his head as he watches their reactions and then hear him say it and then hear him consider what he said before continuing and then those words in the heads around me and on and on and water torture has nothing on this.\n\nSomeone thinks about killing Marc so vividly I can hear the meaty thwack of hatchet into flesh and bone.\n\nI cough to cover my snort of agreement and make what I hope is an appropriately grateful face when Marc hands me water without pausing his monologue. That's actually pretty nice of him. Not \"listen to him talking\" nice, but nice. It might be important, I guess, because lots of people are nodding along now, even Belinda from New Media who I can see from here has covered half her notes in doodles of butterflies and dongs. My head just hurts though. I wonder if this is how it feels to be a beach, constantly pounded by the surf. It certainly feels like the meeting is long enough for an entire cycle of tides.\n\nBut it does, finally, end. I applaud along with everyone else. Then I make a break for it, lock my screens, sneak out of my cubicle. That receptionist is still there, still glaring, and I know she sees me, know she is taking careful note that I am leaving early, know she is the one thinking human resources will love this even though there are a half dozen people around just because of the vicious glee of it. I don't care. I am done. I am gone.\n\nIt's cooler outside. I breathe easier on the street, easier still when I manage against all odds to catch a taxi who is willing to drop me outside the city limits. The driver barely speaks at all. As the traffic thins around us, I catch a brief phrase in what is maybe Arabic, something like a song, and I day-dream of going somewhere where I don't know the language at all.\n\nHalf an hour from where the taxi lets me out, wires rise from a cable car station into the mountain, carriages every hundred feet or so. I'm the only one in mine though I hear someone think those trees look like broccoli from up here and if another hiker gets lost they can freeze. The attendant nods genially to me as I pass. The main trail circles the slope. I turn off it, climbing between the trees. Everything is so green. I hear someone think something about needles, but it's far away and fading.\n\nThe sun starts setting forty minutes from the cabin. I'm sweating. The cool air wicks it from my skin. I can hear birds greet the evening. I can hear the crackle of mulch under my feet. I can smell pine. I can hear the rustle of rabbits coming out to forage. That's it. Just nature.\n\nDark has fallen entirely when I reach the cabin path. It's okay. There will be plenty of sunrises and sunsets here. I let myself in. It's sparse: bed; desk; chair; little kitchen. It's enough. I don't bother with the fire, though there's cut wood ready if need be. I have a thick blanket.\n\nI think about showering. Too much effort. I have clean sheets for tomorrow. Today, I have earned the right to be scummy. I strip, toss my clothes aside, and find a soft flannel nightshirt to sleep in. When I stretch out on the bed, it doesn't creak at all. It's soft. My shirt is soft. My blanket is soft. Everything is soft and warm and above all else quiet. I sigh happily and close my eyes.\n\nAnd quite clearly hear lovely sharp ax chop chop CHOP!", "We all conform to certain statically proven facts, it doesn’t matter who you are we still like to isolate ourselves in tribes. I can see into anyone’s mind, anywhere in the world, I don’t chose who but that doesn’t matter.\n\nI don’t know what he’s thinking, i don’t know what anyone on this street has hidden inside their heads but I don’t need too or want too. They don’t interest me, never have individually they aren’t important as a group however they are so very interesting.\n\nInformation is power, isn’t it, think of how many companies need what’s inside your head, they pick through scraps to guess. I don’t need to do that, I have the direct line, looking into one mans head doesn’t matter much, thousands though with that you can start to paint a picture. \n\nEveryone thinks their individual, they aren’t, you can quickly build groups of people, work out what whole country’s want and think. It’s not a precise science but it’s the best method for influencing the herd. Every word I say is playing to your deepest fears, that’s why you vote for me, I tell you exactly what you want to hear.\n\nThe Caesar, man of people that’s what they call me, mocking me but it’s the hard truth for them, I’m in complete control of the mob. \n\nr/gliggett" ]	3
Happy pride month everybody!	[WP] A tournament is being held. The winners earn the hand of the princess, who has has requested only the finest warrior as her spouse. You enter disguised as a mysterious wandering swordsmen. Why are you disguised you may ask? Well the tournament doesn't allow women to compete.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 tent's entrance fluttered, and Nabila looked up sharply, her pulse quickening. Nothing but desert wind entered, hot and dry, caressing her cracked lips and coaxing more sweat from her already prickling skin. She went back to sharpening her curved blade—a mostly futile exercise to calm her jitters. The small tent smelled of polish, leather, and sour sweat—making her long for the relative coolness of Oasis Anis, her home.\n\nThe third day had been the worst; she'd almost fainted herself after dispatching Jamalal—her stubborn and agile opponent had dragged their bout out for almost thirty minutes, and she'd practically fled for the relative coolness of her tent the moment she'd pulled her shamshir out of his guts. If she'd fainted, likely the physicians would've discovered the truth about \"Nabi\".\n\nSo far, her ruse had been working perfectly. Nobody cared enough, or dared enough, to question why \"Nabi\" went around wrapped in layers of cloth, with a huge hat on his head, while the other competitors fought in only their trousers. She reminded herself that she needed to put up with the heat and the discomfort for one last day. Once she'd won Princess Fariza's hand, she could wear nothing but silks for the rest of her life. The thought of the princess's smile made her belly do a little flip.\n\n\"Master Nabi, it's time,\" said a deep voice.\n\nShe jumped, cursing herself for her daydreams. Hadan, the manservant assigned to her for the duration of the tournament, stood just inside her tent, watching her serenely. A good, hardworking man, whose insistence on doing everything for her had been irksome in the beginning until she'd been able to establish boundaries. She could hardly have him enter while she was changing, could she?\n\n\"I'll be there shortly,\" she said, sheathing her weapon and setting the whetstone aside. He bowed and went back outside.\n\nShe checked herself in the mirror one last time, adjusting her ridiculous river-reed hat. She'd used it in the beginning to distract people from her other attributes, but had to admit that she'd grown quite fond of it by now. If anything, it kept the sun out of her eyes, and had somehow blocked a chop from Omar's sword.\n\nShe wrapped herself in an oversized brown cloak, making sure the collar covered half her face, before stepping out of the tent and into the sweltering heat. Her tent was only one of dozens arrayed in a shallow bowl, in the middle of the Azadi Dunes. They formed a ring around the Royal Pavilion, gigantic camel-hide tents of gold-and-silver flying pennants bearing the Emperor's Scorpion. Princess Fariza and her retinue dwelt in them, and more than once as she had passed, Nabila had lingered, hoping to steal a glance of the princess' silhouette.\n\nAt least she hadn't needed an excuse to pass by; the arena was set up next door. Packed with hard dirt and dotted with thorny scrubs, it was marked by a ring of wind-smoothed boulders painted in shades of pink and purple. There Nabila headed, Hadan trailing at a respectful distance.\n\nPeople cheered for \"Nabi\" as she passed, and she settled on waving at them while fixing her gaze on the sand before her feet. A stark difference from her first day—then, people had greeted her with stares colder than a night on the sands. Until she, the upstart who'd appeared out of nowhere to challenge their favorites, had started winning—they'd been quick to transfer their support after that.\n\nInto the ring she stepped, and her heart skipped a beat when she caught sight of the princess, draped on a divan in her shaded tent, surrounded by attendants and her cadre of female bodyguards. Their leader, a hard-faced woman named Mariam, glared at Nabila with her one good eye. Nabila averted her gaze, and found herself facing a mountain of a man.\n\nDariud stood at the other side of the arena, in all his swarthy, bare-chested glory, twirling a scimitar idly in each hand as he sized her up. He was almost taller than her by a head. He'd won all his fights without taking so much as a scratch, she'd heard. Looking at him, she thought she could see the truth in that. Suddenly, the princess was no longer the biggest thing on her mind. Her fingers trembled as she drew her shamshir.\n\nThere was little ceremony today. Everyone had assembled to watch one thing, and one thing only. Princess Fariza called out in her crystal-chime voice, and Dariud charged.\n\nHis first swing passed harmlessly over her head. Nabila readied her shamshir for a strike, but then came the second scimitar, deceptively hidden on the other side of his body. She had to leap back to avoid being split in the torso. Then the other weapon reversed, coming at her face.\n\nShe felt it tug at the brim of her hat, almost dragging her head downward. She snarled, batting his weapon away with hers, then sidestepped his counter-strike. The spectators roared their approval; Hadan had told her how she'd won them over with her display of grace and speed.\n\nUnfortunately, Dariud had earned their respect with brute strength. He slammed the flat of his left scimitar into her side, nearly throwing her to the ground. Ribs ringing from the blow, she stumbled away, flailing to keep him at bay. A sharp pain coursed through her with each panting breath. Had something been broken?\n\nA double chop of his scimitars ripped cleanly through her hat, and heat bloomed on both cheeks. Leaping away, she brushed the back of her hand over them, recoiling at the twin lines of blood running below her eyes. Dariud grinned, obviously pleased at scoring first blood, and the crowd howled in equal parts glee and dismay.\n\nNabila glanced at Princess Fariza, who was slurping from a goblet and conversing with one of her handmaids. She wasn't even watching! Gritting her teeth, Nabila gripped her weapon with both hands and stalked toward Dariud. Let's see if she can ignore this, she thought.\n\nDariud launched a whirlwind of powerful slashes, but Nabila weaved through them, adrenaline burning hotter than the desert sun in her veins. Dariud's expression of triumph melted slowly into one of frustration, and then surprise when she slammed the pommel of her sword into his left wrist. His scimitar fell from his limp fingers, point-first, into the sand, even as she rolled past him.\n\nHe tried to slash her, but she twisted the attack aside with her own sword. Then her weapon flashed against the back of his knees. A spray of scarlet ensued, peppering her clothes, dotting the thirsty sand momentarily. Dariud cried out, toppling onto his face. Nabila, grinning savagely, scrambled over him and rested the edge of her weapon on his neck.\n\n\"Yield,\" she said.\n\n\"Argh,\" he responded, but he threw his scimitar away.\n\nNabila barely heard the din of the crowd as she watched Princess Fariza get up. The princess smiled at her, clapping daintily along with everyone else. Taking that as her cue, Nabila strode toward her, only to find a wall of guards, male and female, in her way.\n\n\"Put your sword away,\" Hadan hissed when he hurried to her side.\n\nBlushing, she sheathed her weapon and handed it to him. Only then did the guards let her through. She stopped several paces away from the princess, bowing low. \"Your humble servant submits h—his victory to your glory, Your Highness.\"\n\nPrincess Fariza said, \"Well fought, Nabi. Your display of skill will be the talk of my palace for weeks to come, at least until our wedding.\" Nabila had to fight off the urge to cheer. \"Remove your hat and cloak, please. I will look upon the face of my husband.\"\n\nNabila hesitated. \"Your Highness ... surely you would not want to see your servant's bloodied face?\"\n\nPrincess Fariza laughed. \"I've watched Father Emperor, may his reign outlast the sands, torture and execute countless criminals. What's a little blood?\"\n\nNabila reached up, undid the clasp of her cloak, and let it fall away, though not before using it to wipe the stinging wounds on her face. Then she lifted her hat and looked up at Princess Fariza, steeling herself. Her short, curly hair, fell around her head once more, a suddenly unfamiliar sensation.\n\nThe princess's radiant smile didn't waver, and for one moment she thought she'd managed to get away with it. Perhaps the princess didn't mind after all, despite the ruling that only men could compete? Nabila felt her hopes soar.\n\n\"You are a woman,\" Mariam said, making her jump. A statement, not a question.\n\nThere was a moment of confusion, and then the muttering started. Nabila grew pale, as realization dawned on Princess Fariza's face, followed by anger.\n\n\"You dare?\" the princess shrieked. \"You would insult me so? What do you take me for? Do you not know why this tournament was held?\"\n\nNabila nodded numbly, unable to speak. The princess continued, \"I'm looking for a husband. A husband! You would deny me of that?\" But I can be better than a husband for you, Nabila thought to herself. \"Guards, seize her!\"\n\nStrong hands closed around her arms and began dragging her away. The last Nabila saw of the princess was her turned back, as tears flowed from her eyes to mingle with the blood on her face.\n\n**\n\nEnding below due to character limit. Thanks for reading! Check out my [sub](http://reddit.com/r/nonsenselocker) for more stories!*" ]	2
	[WP] As the second son of the demon king, you had a pampered life. Until you were fifteen and you got your status. That's when you got the hero class.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 hero?\" Korthron murmured, staring fixedly at the demon sorceress. \"What does that even mean?\"\n\nShe just shrugged and brushed her hand through the red dust, scattering the letters that had spelled out his fate. She packed away her things and left him alone to ponder everything he'd just seen. After she'd read the incantation and spilled the virgin's blood into the mix, the dust had risen into the air and settled onto the ground, a ceremony that he had hoped would place him as a Warrior, or a Sorcerer, or even a Necromancer, but a hero? What was he supposed to do with that? And what was he supposed to tell his father?\n\nThe door to the chamber opened slowly, and in stepped Korthron's older brother, Drannon. His skin was white like Korthron's, but there were patches that looked as though the fires of Hell had burned him, the skin wrinkled and cracked. His eyes were a dark red, a stark contrast to Korthron's, whose were a calming, sky-blue. Korthron hated that every time he saw Drannon, he automatically compared himself to him, automatically straightened his spine and cleared his throat to appear put together. He wasn't fooling anyone. He was nothing like his older brother, whose fate when he'd turned fifteen was to become the next Demon King. Heir, his dust had whispered. Korthron told himself it was because Drannon was first in line for the throne, but he couldn't stop the bitter taste of jealousy from souring his mouth. Of course Drannon was the heir, he was the perfect son, whereas Korthron was the weak little screw-up who didn't fit in with the rest of the demons.\n\n\"Hey little brother!\" Drannon exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. \"How'd the ceremony go?\"\n\n\"I'm not supposed to tell you, Drannon, and you know that.\" Korthron snapped.\n\nDrannon playfully punched his brother's shoulder. \"Ah, come on! Don't be such a stickler, I let you hear my fate. So, what's yours? Torturer? Necromancer? Apocalypse-starter?\"\n\n\"Just leave me alone, Drannon. I had the door closed for a reason.\" He muttered.\n\nAt that, Drannon's excitement died, and he did the exact opposite of what Korthron wanted and took a seat next to his little brother, crossing his legs like they were children again. Drannon lowered his voice before he spoke, softening it so when it reached Korthron, there was no judgement at all within his tone.\n\n\"Was it something bad? Something you didn't want?\" He asked.\n\nKorthron shook his head, keeping his gaze locked on the floor. Childish tears were brimming in his eyes, and a hot flash of shame bit him in the chest when one of them splashed onto his hand. Drannon noticed, but rather than shy away, he placed a hand on Korthron's shoulder.\n\n\"You can talk to me, Korthron.\" He whispered.\n\nKorthron took a deep breath. \"It said... hero.\"\n\n\"Hero?\" Drannon echoed. \"Well that's... that's amazing news, Korthron.\"\n\nThis time, Korthron did look up, but only to glance at his brother in confusion. \"How is that good? What is a hero even supposed to do?\"\n\n\"If you're going to be a hero, then that means you save someone, right? Or a group of people... oh my God. You're going to save us!\" Drannon grinned. \"Dad's plan... it can finally get underway!\"\n\n\"Dad's plan?\" Korthron replied.\n\n\"Oh, I forgot you hadn't been told. Well, I suppose telling you now won't harm anything, especially since you're going to be the main event. Dad wants to go to Earth.\"\n\n\"What?\" Korthron cried. \"Why?\"\n\nDrannon motioned around them, but Korthron knew he wasn't just referring to the room they were in. \"We're in a prison, Korthron! A prison of blood and bones, forced to punish the dirty humans for eternity. Dad's tired of it. We're all tired of it, and we want out.\"\n\nKorthron laughed bitterly. \"And you think just because my dust said hero, that I'm supposed to be the key to unlocking this new life?\"\n\nDrannon smiled. \"What else could it be?\"\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nVegrad made sure her satchel was secure on her shoulder before she entered the throne room. Lord Trazomath sat at the other side of the room upon his throne of skulls, watching Vegrad carefully as she stopped at the foot of the stairs and dropped to her knees.\n\n\"My lord,\" she began, \"please excuse my free tongue, but I believe it is best to... expedite your plan.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" Trazomath drawled. \"You are forgiven, but first, tell of my son's fate. What is his place among us?\"\n\nVegrad swallowed hard and rose to her feet, trying to keep herself steady as she looked into the cold, dark eyes of her king. \"That is why I've come, my lord. The fates have ruled that Korthron has no place among us.\"\n\n\"What?\" Trazomath bellowed, nearly flying off his throne. \"What did the dust say?\"\n\nVegrad shook her head. \"Nothing, my king. The dust spelled out nothing.\"\n\nTrazomath turned away, his shoulders tense with silent rage. When he spoke, venom dripped from his words. \"And Korthron?\"\n\n\"He suspects nothing.\" Vegrad said quickly. \"Before he could see the truth, I put the image in his head that the dust spelled 'hero.'\"\n\nTrazomath nodded and took a deep breath. \"And what does this have to do with the plan?\"\n\n\"I saw his true face, my liege. His power. He is no demon. But I believe you knew that already, which is why we must use him before he learns of his own identity.\"\n\n\"Meaning?\"\n\nVegrad smiled. \"Korthron will get us to Earth. He'll save us. And then, like a true hero, he'll die defending his own.\"", "\"Hero.\" The seer rumbled, her eight fingered hands glided over Jarak, Second son of Demon Lord Abraxa, the look of fear crossed her face.\n\n\"There is no way that is accurate. The hero cannot be a demon, isn't that against the code.\" Abraxa grumbled his massive dragon like body heaved in the spacious throne room.\n\n\"There was once a chicken demon lord. The hero at that time killed him with a brick. Heroes and Demon lords can be any species or family.\" The seers maggot like body writhed as did the check again and again.\n\nJarak sighed, \"Can I revoke it? I want to go back to my lovely pillows and comfortable wenches.\" Jarak was the cutting image of a villain. He stood eight feet tall with dark pink skin, he had a porcine snout and a curly tail. He resembled a humanoid pig and his only clothing was a simple bathing robe.\n\n\n\"You cannot without dying. Within the week you all of us will be trying to kill you for the power it confers to us and the realm.\" The seer spoke.\n\n\"So what happens now? I have human pets chained to my bed. I've never been in a fight against someone trying to kill me. I don't even know what a hero does besides try to kill dad.\" Jarak whined.\n\n\"Brother. I think you'll make a good hero.\" The youngest son, Mal, spoke up. He was more humanoid than the others being the son of an elf cultist and the demon lord. \"You like humans, you cried when the your first pet stubbed his toe. You gave them their own bed and they miss you when you leave. You even leave their chains unlocked.\"\n\n\"That doesn't mean I wanna leave. I just wanna-\" His father snapped his fingers.\n\nJarak awoke in the middle of the forest dress in a loose robe. A male and female human stood beside him dressed in demonic armor. Daniel and Kelly, his human pets stood with their weapons at their sides.\n\n\"So... Hero?\" Daniel smirked and helped the massive demon to his feet. \"Didn't think I'd see you leave the castle in my life time. So chubby cheeks where you wanna go?\"\n\n\"Danny, Regardless of our state of freedom. We are being employed to make sure the young master succeeds as a hero. We should address him as his title demands-\" Kelly started laughing, \"I couldn't hold it in. Jar, your father freed us and hired us to keep you from becoming bacon. Adventurer training begins tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Can you just rub my belly and tell me stories of the human world?\" Jarak grumbled.\n\n\"Absolutely. After training, hunting, teaching, practicing and possibly drinking. Come on, we should get our bearings.\" Daniel snorted, \"Before the first assassination attempt happens.\"\n\n\"Assassination?\" Jarak gasped, \"Who would want to kill me.\"\n\n\"You are the Hero.\" Kelly answered patiently, \"All of demon kind is going to want you dead. Even if they liked you before. Don't worry, we will keep you alive.\"" ]	3
	[WP] The gasps and stares don't bother you as much any more as you ride through the various towns and villages. As a devoted paladin, it is your sworn duty to uphold the law and bring justice to the evils that plague the kingdom. Granted, you're an orc, but that shouldn't matter.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 last of the woods broke, light streaming through the thinning leaves. Paul raised a hand, shadowing his face, and looked out at the village tucked between the hills where the river ran. His heart felt heavy in his chest. Even from some hundred paces, he could see the marks of a battle once waged. There were the gouges in the earth, grown over by grass and weeds, and there was a mismatch of stone used to repair some of the houses, standing out like scar tissue.\n\n‘It’ll be fine,’ Simon said.\n\nPaul gave no reply, not even when James or Mary spoke similarly, simply staring ahead. So they approached the town in a silence only disturbed by the trot of their horses. But as they neared, one of the villagers caught sight of the group and let out a cry of, ‘Orc!’\n\nSoon enough, the quaint village was anything but quiet and serene.\n\nJames pulled his horse ahead, while Mary and Simon took up their place either side of Paul, and Paul kept his pace, kept his gaze steady and head up. It was hardly their first time. It would hardly be their last time. Without a word said, they slowed to a stop a short distance from the freshly formed mob at the edge of the village. Some few dozen men and women, they held their pitchforks and their butcher’s knives and their shears, a hatred behind their eyes.\n\nA sigh heaved through James, lifting the plates of his armour in a muted jangle. He readied himself to step down, already the conversation playing through his mind, already his hand close to his mace.\n\nHowever, a clip-clop behind stilled him, in body and in mind.\n\nPaul led his horse around James’s, walking a slow trot towards the mob. And he didn’t stop, coming right up to them, and they split to let him through out of a general sense of confusion. It wasn’t until he reached the tavern and slid out the saddle, taking a moment to tie his horse to the post, that the spell broke, the group moving as a flood to follow. By the time they caught up, he was inside and sitting alone at a table in the far corner of the room. James, Paul and Mary (now forgotten by everyone else) struggled to break through after themselves dismounting, stuck in the swell of bodies.\n\nSo Paul was alone, taking a swig from his waterskin, when the first gob of spit landed on him.\n\n‘Filth,’ he heard, again and again, amongst the abuse shouted at him. Filth. A creature given just enough thought to pick up an axe and swing it. Evil, dark, repugnant, demonic—he’d heard it all at least twice. He’d heard it all.\n\nThen someone broke through, wielding a jagged knife. A boy, around fifteen Paul guessed, lanky yet lacking in height, with dark hair and narrowed eyes and a certain tremble. And this boy shouted, ‘You killed my father!’\n\nLike snow it blanketed the raucous crowd into a hesitant silence.\n\nPaul finished his sip, and set his Orcish stare on the boy. The trembling worsened. ‘I did not,’ Paul said, and he said it in a plain accent and gentle tone, his voice not much deeper than most men’s. It was the sort of voice a kindly grandfather had, and that certainly wasn’t lost on most of the crowd. A sense of something being not quite right.\n\n‘You, you did,’ the boy said, quieter, holding the knife out closer to Paul.\n\nPaul nodded along. ‘Then strike me down.’\n\nThe boy stayed at Paul for a long second, and then asked, ‘W-what?’\n\n‘If you truly believe I took your father’s life with my own hands, then surely only my death will satisfy you.’\n\nHis words rumbled through the room. The boy swallowed a lump in his throat, and jerked the knife a touch closer. ‘I’ll do it,’ he said.\n\n‘Go on, then,’ Paul replied, making no move but another sip of his waterskin.\n\nThe boy took one step, and then another, a little past arm’s reach of Paul now. He readied himself for another step, only to be stilled by the sharp voice of James as he said, ‘I wouldn’t.’\n\nSnapping around, the boy looked at James, joined by Simon and Mary, all in their plate mail, weapons at their sides. Courage redoubled by the interruption, the boy said, ‘He told me to.’\n\n‘And if our god judges your actions unjust, he will smite you where you stand,’ James said.\n\nHis words left the room so quiet that he could hear the boy’s heart beating heavily.\n\n‘The god of those who would have no god, he who would take the sinful, the fallen, those maligned and persecuted. And he would give to them but one promise: that they shall not die an unjust death without vengeance.’\n\nIn two steps, James crossed the space between them and he shoved the boy to the floor in passing, knife skittering away.\n\n‘We are all filth, waiting to be cleansed. Yet do not hasten towards your god lest you find him less merciful than yourself,’ James said, finishing as he took a seat beside Paul.\n\nMeanwhile, Paul switched to another waterskin, the size of them inconvenient for someone his size.\n\nThe boy looked up, ashen-faced, at the crowd around them, but all he saw there was reluctance—averted gazes, cowed like cattle. And he knew now to be more afraid than bold, even if he didn’t know why.\n\nMary walked next to the table, followed by Simon, and as she did she said, ‘Of course, there is no need to worry about us. We are but blessed warriors of a righteous god.’ She sat down, adjusting her position to have the plated skirt be as comfortable as metal could be. Her rapier found a home on the table, the sharp tip initially poking James until he pushed it away, much to her withheld amusement.\n\nRather than sit, Simon propped himself against the table. The head of his war hammer sat between his feet, a noticeable red-brown tinge to the spiked back, and there’d been a noticeable thud when he’d dropped it an inch onto the floor.\n\nPaul idly swirled the last mouthful or so of water inside his waterskin around. ‘You know, you three really make things orcward.’\n\n---\n\nIf you liked this and would like to read more stories by me, /r/mialbowy" ]	2
	[WP] You've always believed that humans have brains, despite never having seen one yourself. But as you look down at the wounded man at your feet, you see something unexpected through the cracks in his skull.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 rifle clacked off, and the buck-shot went spinning violently through Gabriel's eye, it took a few surreal moments for him to fall. It was like Gabriel hadn't realized he was actually dead and stood wondering why the small hole at the end of the rifles barrel had gotten so big. The gun wasn't in the hole, the hole was in his head and it was so terribly quiet now.\n\n\"Ga-\" my voice cracked, \"Gabriel. Can you hear me?\" I leaned down to inspect the wound but was pleasantly surprised to find no blood. The leaves, his hair, I could even see his cheekbone exposed through the skin of his face, but it was all so clean. Just murky dark inside. It was so horrifying I couldn't bring myself to look away. I leaned in close to see the shifting, black shapes inside of Gabriel's skull, for a moment I thought I'd seen- no, it couldn't have been. I got down, almost on my stomach to more clearly make it out.\n\n\"What the hell is that...\" I touched Gabriel's head around where the wound was and something Inside definitely scurried. I saw it. I lay there on the forest floor, holding my friend's lifeless head in my hands, and my eyes now inches from the hole. A little man, utterly cramped inside of Gabriel's skull, turned finally, to face me. I could see now the unclean stubble, his inhuman gaze, and the crust and broken blood vessels around his totally exposed eyes. It shrieked at me from the hole, beginning now to work its way out from the inside.\n\nI hollered, and while running to grab the rifle, tripped in the brush. I saw that thing leap out of Gabriel and erupt massive wings which carried the bony, humanoid creature into the sky. I scurried over to the rifle and fired off two shots which rang the clean forest air. I'd hoped to hear a body falling through the trees. It had gotten away.\n\n\"Aloha friend!\" a stern, southern voice called from behind the treeline.\n\n\"Excuse me?\" I said.\n\n\"My partner and I were just patrolling the area here and I thought I heard gunshots in this direction. Are you alone out here, son?\"\n\n\"I believe so.\"\n\n\"Can you put the rifle down so I can come closer? I just want to make sure you're alright.\"\n\n\"Sure.\" I said shakily, and placed the rifle atop a large root from a nearby tree and stepped away from it.\n\n\"Okay.\" The officer sighed, walking out from the murky forest.\"Now just what are you doing all the way out here?\"\n\nHe was very kind, and he could tell, probably by my voice, that I wasn't altogether there. Gabriel's body shocked him. I'd completely forgotten to tell him what had happened, or the small man I'd seen inside of Gabriel's head. He took it in stride and walked me back to his patrol car discussing the legal consequences. He told me I would likely be suspect due to the circumstances but if I was honest everything would turn out alright. He even cleaned a cut I'd gotten when I tripped in the forest, the alcohol didn't even burn.\n\n\"Go ahead and jump in the passenger seat.\" The officer said.\n\n\"Where's your partner?\" I asked him, stepping into the patrol car.\n\n\"Ah that wuss is probably back at the office by now.\"\n\n\"Oh.\"\n\n\"Seen too many strange things out here.\" The officer grinned at me.\n\n\"You aren't worried about him?\"\n\n\"I told you already, he's just a wuss. He does this all the time, I wouldn't think too much about it.\" He assured me. \"Get some rest kid, we'll be back in town before you know it.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" I told him, leaning back in the leather seat, I was beginning to feel rather drowsy, and before long I drifted deep into those crooked, tightly wound roads.", " What was oozing out of the hole in the side of that man’s skull was not like what you see in the movies. While I should had been shocked and in terror from watching the scene I had just witnessed, my mind couldn’t seem to focus. Thick black sludge had started leaking out of the dead man’s head and was pooling onto the concrete moving away from the body. It was memorizing, watching this new substance slowly start to form its own entity as its former host lay lifeless before me.\n\nI must had stood there, watching the black tar-like substance slowly empty out from the skull for a few minutes, as sirens finally could be heard in the distance. I needed to move and distance myself from the situation, but there was something about the absence of blood and brain and being witness to this strange new element which held me to the same spot. Dogs could now be heard barking close by as the sirens became louder and more frequent. \n\nCrouching down closely to the body, I studied where a brain should had been through the small hole in the side of the man’s head. The goo, now about three feet away from myself and the body, had started to form a sphere-like shape with a smooth matte finish. It appeared to now be more of solid than liquid, about the size of a baseball. In the hole I could see nothing, just an empty black void.\n\nShouts could be heard, the sound of panic as neighbors started to leave their homes and investigate the situation. Suicide was not an experience I had expected to run into on my way home from the late shift that night. I generally avoid making eye contact with those still out on the street at this time, but the man’s shouts had caught me off guard. It had sounded like he was arguing, but he was alone and there was no phone in sight. He kept shouting “Get out!” and “I don’t want this!”. I assumed he had a mental illness until I heard the gunshot which lead to his dead body before me. \n More people had started to surround the man, whispering among themselves and asking questions about who he was and where he came from. The ooze was now a ball and it appeared no one had seen it leave the man’s head as I had. Deciding that maybe what I saw was simply imagination and possibly adrenaline from the shock, I turned to leave and finish my journey home. Firetrucks and police cars filled blocked either end of the street as an ambulance made its way closer to the scene. I was tired and had my fill of action for the night.\n\n“Hey kid!” shouted one of the women who had come out earlier to investigate, “you forgot your ball!”. I turned, just in time to catch the black ball as it came towards me. It was light yet it felt solid in my hand. Investigating it closely for the first time I thought, there’s really no harm in keeping it, right?" ]	3
	[WP] As you are the grim reaper, doctors are making your job much harder.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 lean against the brick column, one of two that supports the domed glass entrance to Beth Israel hospital. From my deep, pocketed sleeves I produce a pack of menthols and a lighter.\n\nI cup my hand around the cigarette, clenching it between my cranium and mandible. The lighter huffs out in the gentle breeze that my bony palms simply can't contain. I smile inwardly, knowingly. This maddening game I still pretend I don't have to play.\n\nI hunch over, pull my hood tighter, and get the cigarette lit. I take a deep draw with no lungs, savoring the lack of nicotine coursing through my nonexistent veins. I flick no ash to the grimy sidewalk, no smoke leaks from my toothless maw.\n\nThe mortals here can't see me, and look up as my next charge makes his way to me. Walt Farmer, 59, cardiac arrhythmia brought on by a swiftly clogging left ventricle. \n\nThe ambulance, sirens wailing and lights flashing, screeches to a halt a few yards before me. Two orderlies emerge from the sliding glass entryway, sprinting, a chromatic stretcher wheeled between them. Their light blue uniforms reflect dreamily in the polished metal, a medical lava lamp. \n\nI take another drag, and reach out my right hand. My scythe materializes, the worn, black wood burning in my palm. I grip it tight, silently pleading this one isn't bogus. These fucking trips to the mortal realm are costing me a fortune in ferry rides across the Styx.\n\nAs I turn to follow my slowly dying mark into the confines of the hospital, I hear a pop behind me, a burst of light washes over my back and into my peripherals.\n\nAw fuck. I think to myself. Not a-fuckin'-gain.\n\nI turn to see a man dressed all in white. His long, blonde hair lay in bouncing curls, draped over his shoulders like a shimmering waterfall. His beautiful blue eyes bore into mine, his perfect teeth revealed in a gripping smile. He is gorgeous, and majestic, wearing a pressed white suit and painstakingly-shined white loafers. \n\nHis massive wings stretch behind him. \n\nI take another drag from my cigarette.\n\n\"Gabriel.\" I grumble. \"Can you leave me the fuck alone, please?\"\n\nHe smiles wider, bursting into a laugh. He strolls- no, saunters- up to me, like we're at a fuckin' picnic.\n\n\"Death, my dear boy!\" He booms. \"Where oh where would the fun in that be?\"\n\nHe thrusts a perfectly manicured hand into the space between us. I take it in my ivory bones, gently. I caress his fingers with mine, playfully envying his skin and flesh. We dance this dance far too often these days.\n\n\"I have a job to do.\" I tell him, my empty orbital sockets level with his full ones.\n\n\"As do I.\" He says. \"Shall we go see to Mr. Farmer? Loser buys dessert.\"\n\nAlready knowing how this will go, he and I walk silently through the bustling corridors. Nurses and blood-soaked doctors stream around us, through us. My scythe scrapes the ceiling, his wings are now clamped tightly to his back.\n\nWe need no direction, are pulled to Farmer's room automatically. The itch is always strongest for the ones in limbo. Gives us notice to prepare something special. \n\nWe occupy a corner of the room not filled with scrub-clad professionals. Already Mr. Farmer is on an IV, snaking tubes and pads monitor his heart, the presiding doctor scrambling to administer nitroglycerin. Already the beeping display is losing its urgency, his heart rate declining from a life-ending 198 to more manageable levels. I shake my head, exasperated.\n\n\"I can't keep doing this Gabe. What the fuck is the point.\" I don't look at him as I speak. He understands my frustration. We aren't exactly rivals here, merely two sides of the same coin. We necessitate each other.\n\nHe smiles slightly, pityingly. \"It's the technology, D. They got him here in less than three minutes, I mean... what else can you do? Tomorrow he'll be in surgery. He'll have the double bypass. He's got, what, eleven more years yet?\"\n\nCasually, Gabriel walks to the doctor administering treatment, and lays a hand on his shoulder. A soft, warm light leaks into the man. The tightness in his brow lessens perceptibly.\n\nI take another drag on my cigarette. It hasn't burned an inch.\n\n\"I tell you, Gabe. The next time the Koreans get that reactor spinning your boss better leave it well enough alone. The least you could do is give me Seoul, I'm bored out of my fuckin' mind these days.\"\n\nGabe laughs again, looking down now at the life he's helped preserve.\n\nHe looks up at me, still smiling. \"I'm thinking we do apple pie tonight. Your treat.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You have no heartbeat, you don't need to breathe, you don't really hunger or thirst. A sorceress fails to control you with necromancy, and a priestess fails you purge you with holy light. You are not undead, you are unliving.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 sat slumped against a short stone wall, head bowed and tattered eyelids closed. I wasn't sleeping. I hadn't been able to enjoy that particular luxury for longer than I cared to recall. This indolent bearing provided the closest thing to a respite that I could now hope to achieve. I let my mind sink into near oblivion, a form of meditation I had adopted to disconnect from the inconsequential passage of time. \n\nOccasionally, the dull void of my mind would flash unbidden with silhouettes of the past. There was a woman once. I'd long forgotten her name or who she was, but I did recall the cold steel rusting in her eyes. \n\nWhat a peculiar shade to see the world through. \n\nI suppose I can relate now. She was probably some shade of what I've become. Could it have been her that changed the hues of my universe? No, that wasn't right. The woman did try to shape me, though it didn't matter. She was a shadow, but I was already the night. Perhaps my curse was never given birth, but had simply always existed. \n\nThere was a time I thought I tasted something other than dust. I never did quite grasp it, but it glowed in a warmer gray than I have any other memory of. Oddly enough, the impression was accompanied by fragments of yet another who tried to touch me.\n\nMaybe she had come more recently than the Shade. I have certainly held on to a clearer image of her. \nShe was radiant, I remember, bathed in a white Light of her own creation. \n\nHer purity must have led her to pity me, for I know not what else might have compelled her to reach out. She tried to lift my burden and expel my curse. She danced beautifully in her Light, banishing shadow after shadow with fluid grace. For once, I finally moved.\n\nMy disease would not be so easily vanquished, however. The noxious weeds that spring from my affliction could never be stifled for long. The Black Seed's corruption runs too deep. Even she eventually grew weary and faded away in her failure.\n\nI lift my gaze now to the sky. Night has fallen once more, as it has thousands of times since I've come to this place. Staring vacantly into the vast mirror of the cosmos, I again find my kindred; the only existence that reflects my own." ]	2
	[WP] Turns out God isn't some long bearded old man. I'm fact, God is a regular teenager playing the latest inter-dimensional simulation game called Earth. And everything was running smoothly until God heard their 7-Year-old brother yell "MOM SAID IT'S MY TURN TO PLAY WITH EARTH SO YOU GOTTA LET 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.", "\\-What does this button do? asked Edmond, with his innocent voice and curious eyes.\n\n\\-It makes a country declare a war... press that and I'll kill you.\n\n\\-Wow!! That must be so COOL! But to make a cool war, I need 2 cool countries! Can you tell me 2 cool countries from your simulation??\n\n\\-Hmmm... Honduras and Nicaragua! Here they are, small countries but strong! They will definitely make a cool war!\n\nNo way am I telling him about the USA, or Russia, or China. If they cause a war, this world is dead 100%. And 2 weeks of progress to end in a nuclear disaster? No thanks. I watched how he read a little from those countries' description, looking disappointed. \n\n\\-They're too small.. the war would be boring. Wait, I can zoom out! \n\nNo...\n\n\\-WOW THOSE COUNTRIES CALLED \"THE USA\" AND \"CANADA\" LOOK EPIC! AND YOU TELL ME ABOUT HOND AND THAT OTHER THING.\n\nWatching him making those 2 countries fight made me desperate. I forgot that the speed was 1 year per second, and the war ended as abruptly as it started. Apparently Canada caused it, and also Canada lost. Now more than half of North America's territory belonged to the US, but a lot of it was just wasteland. This also made pollution and the global warming much, much worse, half of the species going extinct. I pushed him from my playstation, but he began crying and yelling my mom's name. She came in the living room, and looked mad.\n\n\\-Alex, you stayed here for over 3 hours. Now it's your little brother's turn.\n\n\\-But mom...\n\n\\-Now come on, help me prepare dinner.\n\nI was forced to go to the kitchen, and so I helped mom. After roughly 10 minutes, the dinner was ready, and Edmond came in proudly. It gave a small hope that maybe, maybe somehow he made the world better, but that hope was quickly gone.\n\n\\-Mommy, in only few minutes I completely destroyed my bro's world! This super awesome country named \"Rossia\" or something like that killed half of that planet's population, ruled the world but quickly got destroyed by a revolution. Then, a nuclear war began and after a few seconds everything was gone! \n\n\\-Yeah yeah, now let's eat. Dunno about you but I'm hungry. Alex, stop being that sad, it's just a game after all.\n\nWhat a horror the people had to go through... if everything was real. What Edmond had done was interesting though. The next time I'll also make one country rule the entire world and put humanity into despair, sounds fun!\n\n&#x200B;\n\n2 days later\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI walked to my playstation, finally free from all the housework and homework. I opened the menu and there was a section I entirely forgot of... Wait, I quicksaved?! Such happiness! It was the year 1999. Damn, am I going to have fun!\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\---\n\nthis is my first story posted here, so criticism is welcome! also english is my 2nd language ~~(just in case)~~" ]	2
	[WP] Aliens have abducted you. They need you to replace an alien celebrity, and you're the 'closest fit'.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 myself slowly levitating from my beach chair, a blue light shining on my body. I panicked, and looked for something to hold onto, but there was nothing. I must’ve passed out.\n\nWhen I awoke, I was greeted by humanoid figures, yet their clothes were strange: bright orange and flashy turtlenecks with khakis.\n\nAn older figure approached me. “Great, you are awake!” He spoke in a strange voice. “You are the perfect match for the replacement. I’m afraid T-R-X-394 has come close to revealing the truth one too many times.”\n\n“Where the heck am I?” I asked the man.\n\nHe tried explaining it to me. From what I gathered, I was on a UFO, heading to a planet far off within the galaxy. T-R-X-394 was a celebrity on said planet whose popularity was influenced by the alien government. He had accidentally revealed government secrets to the public on multiple occasions, and these guys were asking me to replace him due to our similar looks.\n\n“All right, I’ll do it for half a million U.S. dollars.” I agreed.\n\n“That will work for us.” The man said.\n\nThe first day on the job, I was doing an interview for an alien magazine. While the writer was writing down what I said, I heard someone watching the interview look over to their friend. “I am shocked. He appears to be very emotionless. I have a reason to believe that he might be an alien hired by the government.” He remarked, ironically have no emotion in his voice.\n\nWhen I got back to the man who hired me that night, I asked him what they do with the celebrities that get replaced. “Oh them?” He responded. “They get put on Earth and replace these things we learnt are called... Congress..men. Ah, They don’t seem that important anyways. I doubt you’ve heard of them.”" ]	2
	[WP] “What do you want?” Thunders the voice. “Umm, I don’t know.” You reply.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Zeke liked the ridge that overlooked the town. Sure, it was a bit of a hike, but in these backwater woods, there was not much to be afraid of. The rocks that jutted out from the side of the mountain gave him the perfect view. As the sun set, the sky would light up with red and gold moments before the stars began to show themselves. That was another perk of this small town. There was less light pollution, which allowed the stars to shine even brighter. Paired with a nice meal from the local diner and it made for a relaxing way to spend his Friday nights. He had been coming here for many years since his retirement and yet the view never seemed to get old.\n\nHe heaved a sigh.\n\n“A pity this sort of thing is hard to come by these days.”\n\nReaching over, he poured himself a bit more wine as he enjoyed the sounds of nature. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the smell of the pines intermingling with the floral aroma of his drink. A pity that a rumble of thunder ruined the moment. His eyes snapped open and he frowned.\n\n‘Strange, there weren’t any reports of a storm coming…’\n\n“Ezekiel Anderson…”\n\nZeke looked around. Rather than fear, he felt a swell of annoyance that his night had been disturbed. He set down his glass and stood.\n\n“Who’s there? Is it the Bradley boys? If this is your idea of a joke, I will whoop your ass when I find you. Don’t think I’m too old to do so!”\n\nThe skies rumbled again, causing him to look up. The bright stars winked back, sending a wave of confusion coursing through his body. He stood, eyes still scanning the dark woods behind the ridge.\n\n“Peace, Ezekiel,” the voice came again.\n\nHe could tell now that the voice was coming from all directions.\n\n“What do you want?” He asked, still not quite relaxing yet.\n\n“I come bearing a blessing, a gift for your years of hardship.”\n\nZeke shook his head and snorted.\n\n“I might be a religious man, but I’m not so gullible to fall for that. Pretend all you will, but if this is some sick prank…”\n\n“What if I could prove it?”\n\nZeke pursed his lips.\n\n“What do you mean?” He asked.\n\n“Look up.”\n\nThough hesitant, he did as he was told. The stars glinted in the sky, no different than they had before. But just as Zeke was beginning to feel foolish, clouds began to roll in. One glance told him this was not a natural occurrence. The starlight dimmed, and another rumble of thunder sounded. This time, it echoed in his mind and shook him to the very core. His legs gave out beneath him and he collapsed to the soft dirt, eyes still watching the skies. Then, like mist dissipating in the daylight, the clouds withdrew.\n\n“W-What do you want from me?” Zeke asked.\n\nHis mind raced. He was either experiencing something real, or he was having a stroke. He was not sure which was preferable.\n\n“As I stated, I wish to grant you a blessing.”\n\nShakily, Zeke clambered back onto the rock he had been sitting on. He took a swig of his wine, barely tasting the expensive alcohol.\n\n“Why me?” He asked. “There are so many others who are more deserving.”\n\nThe skies gave a faint rumble, almost like someone was sighing.\n\n“My reasons are my own,” the voice said. “I’ll ask again. What do you want?”\n\nZeke sat there, staring at the empty glass in his hands.\n\n“Um,” he started intelligently. “I don’t know.”\n\nSilence.\n\nFor a moment, Zeke was afraid he had somehow offended this omnipotent being that may or may not be the god of his faith. There was also that lingering doubt, but somewhere deep in his very being, he knew who he was speaking to.\n\n“You’ve led a long and difficult life, Ezekiel. Surely you have things you want. I can sense them.”\n\nZeke let out a sigh.\n\n“I’m honored for this opportunity, but my wants are too trivial for one such as you.”\n\nThere was silence as the being seemed to be waiting for him to explain himself. So, he did.\n\n“My children are all grown up now. They’re doing good things with their lives. They keep checking in on me, worrying if I need anything. But my answer to them is the same as the one I just gave you.”\n\n“I like where I am in life. I’ve helped many and have received aid in my darkest hour. Without those people, I would not have regained my faith.”\n\n“What of your wife?” The being asked.\n\n“What could you offer?” Zeke replied with a shrug. “Reconciliation? Reconnection? I came to terms with the separation decades ago. We were very different people back then and have changed greatly since. I know she’s doing well, and that’s enough for me.”\n\nThe air around him thrummed again. This time, there was a sense of amusement and exasperation.\n\n“Truly, you want for nothing?”\n\nZeke was silent while he stared out into the small town he had chosen for his retirement.\n\n“How about a friend, then? Someone to talk to on nights like this?”\n\n“Just… a friend?”\n\nThe being seemed both incredulous and yet pleased at the same time. Zeke shrugged.\n\n“Close friends can be so hard to come by.”\n\nThere was a light chuckle inside his mind.\n\n“It seems I was not mistaken about you, Ezekiel.”\n\nZeke raised an eyebrow in confusion. Then, a warmth filled his body.\n\n“Friends it is then.”\n\n...\n\nWell, that was a bit more spiritual than I intended...\n\nIf you're interested in my works, an archive of my various writing responses can be found [here](https://cuckoosneststories.wordpress.com/).\n\nThanks for reading.", "“What do you mean you don’t know!?” \n\n“It means that I. Do. Not. Know!”\n\n“How can you not know!? You’ve sacrificed every single thing you possibly could just to reach this place and you don’t know?”\n\n“Well I’d know if you’d shut up for a second and let me think! Jesus Christ, is it so much to ask for some peace and silence.”\n\n“...”\n\n“...”\n\n“....Sooooo, do you know now?”\n\n“...”\n\n“...HELOOOOOOOOOOOOO-“\n\n“-What!?”\n\n“Could you hurry up please, an all powerful entity has better things to do with its time than entertain you.”\n\n“.............!”\n\n“Why are you making that face, stop making that face. It’s creeping me out.”\n\n“I WISH-“\n\n‘Oh father please don’t, don’t do this to me’\n\n“-that you will never have anything better to do with your time than entertain me.”\n\n‘Fml’." ]	3
	[WP] Humans have reached the point that immortality is possible. As the grim reaper, this is definitely not your day.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Beyond Earth and Heaven exists the realm of death himself. It not a nice place to go to, its completely covered in a thick cold fog that reeks of death and the ground is made only by hard gravel. Its lands are full of wandering creatures of unknown terror. And the entire place is devoid of all hope and love.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAt the very center of the realm is castle larger than anything humans have ever constructed in their entire brief history of existence. It's made out of large dark bricks.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"There hasn't been any new souls for days know, what's going on?\" Asked a man with black hair dressed in a completely black suit. He was sitting at a unnaturally large black table that went out as far as the eye could see. Along the table were more people like him, some were female, some taller but the hair color and suit was always the same.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThese creatures are called Mortems, they are in a sense grim reapers that serve under death himself.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I don't know, this hasn't ever happened since Adam and Eve started producing their offspring.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Has somebody told God about thi.\" He was cut short by a presence entering the room, the talking of thousands of people along a unnaturally long table was stopped in an instant.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe presence wasn't something you could traditionally sense meaning see, feel or hear. It was more like the moment of realizing you're about to die but continuous. Any normal creature on Earth would instinctively stay still and look elsewhere.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAfter a brief pause a voice started talking. It had a strong supernatural element to it didn't sound like a normal human talking.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I have spoken with God. His children have developed to the point that they have artificially created the curse of immortality. I even warned him of letting them have infinity potential for development but he wouldn't listen to me. Apparently God's plan was all along to make heaven absolete. If we do nothing soon we will no longer exist.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe paused for a while and let the news sink in, everyone was in absolute silence but still thought about what they just heard.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe continued \"God has refused to intervene because it would break the code of celestial creatures not intervening with the mortal realm. Because of this betrayal, in order for us to keep existing I plan to declare war on Heaven and Humanity.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAfter this the presence dissapeared the silence was broken and everybody started discussing their opinions on the matter.\n\nLater it was determined that the army of death would attack all seven continents of the Earth lead by the 7 Reaper generals known as the Seven deadly sins.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n10 years later\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe Mortems attacked Earth and they quickly ran over the governments of the world. The weapons of humanity did no damage against the mortems especially when they were in their true forms.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Protect the Mortals, we cannot let the Mortems past this line\" Yelled an angel in fear as a superior number of Mortems was approaching the doors of a bunker the Angles were protecting.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe angles were an exact opposite of Mortems, they were creatures of light, with white wings and shining armor. The mortems on the otherhand in their true forms were dark beasts so terrifying the human imagination would have a difficult time creating something equally horrific.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe mortems were winning as they were tearing trough the angles with their superior numbers.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Krisiel NO!\" Yelled an angel watching his comrade get torn apart. In that split second of missfocus a mortem jumped on him it was larger and more terrifying then the rest of them and as it would rise its long and sharp claws to cut of the angels head off a beam of light appeared through the thick black clouds.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe mortems that were caught in the light beam expect the larger one were disintegrated the larger one resisted the light but was still pushed back from atop the angle.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe Mortems looked up as a heavenly army floated down from the sky trough a hole in the clouds. At the front of the army was a Angel so magnificent and glorious it would bring any man to tears. He had multiple wings that glowed with pure light, he was extremely tall meybe 4 or 3 meters and he had no face only a white hood and his body was covered in golden armor. In his hands he had two axes one of them steaming from the beam of light he just shot.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I am Michael the leader of the 5 Archangels I was blessed with the grace of the sun by god and I will destroy each and everyone of you for the crimes you've commited. The mortems stumbled back a little taken back by fear.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Starting with you Wrath\" He continued as he pointed his axe at the Large Mortem, apparently he was one of the Seven deadly sins as in one of the Commanders of the army of the dead.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"We shall see you winged Vermin\" Replied Wrath has his soldiers rallied behind him.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFirst one of these I've ever made it's not that good and it's kinda off topic too but I hope it was atleast mildy interesting.", " \n\n‘Here goes nothing’, I think as I wait in line for my turn. ‘Mr. … Reaper?’, the lady behind the desk decorated with blue flowers on a white background asks. ‘Tobias Reaper, yes, that is me’, I come to her aid. I figured beforehand that Grim Reaper might make people uncomfortable while on a cruise ship, which is why I decided to adapt the name of the most famous representative of my favourite job. At least it was until recently. \n\nA few years back humans figured out how to become immortal. After all the ‘true’ and ‘righteous’ people who had problems with the idea of immortality had died, my job became less and less fulfilling. In the wake of immortality the people on earth figured out that the way they interacted with their planet had to change. With many of my favourite problems such as wars, droughts and famines solved, no more people were dying because of it. With enough time on hand humans also solved murder in general and with that my steady influx of the dead continued to fade. After too many murder free years it seemed as if humanity had simply forgot how to kill and die each other and themselves. \n\nAfter so many years I thus decided to let my intern run the business for a while and take off for a vacation.\n\nWhen booking my trip I decided for the dystopian suite on a cruise ship. The trip on the old and rusty boat was supposed to drive by some of the pollution parks which were created after the real stuff was gone. I was looking forward to the contaminated waters of Fukushima, the Dead Sea near the coast of Japan and obviously the three bomb tower of Pjöngjang where three atomic bombs were tested on one building to make sure it could withstand the power of the impact, contaminating the area of several hundred square kilometres in the process. Those parks were the last bastion of real death and a reminder of all the fun I had while humans were still able to kill each other.\n\nOver dinner I started talking with two immortals who told me about their 78 previous stays on the cruise ship, how they grew bored of the immortality and wished to find a way out of their endless life. The endless meet-ups, all the birthdays, holidays and first and foremost the predictability of the world bored them. Nothing was challenging or hard anymore, everybody had stood on top of the highest mountain, visited Mars, checked in on the Luna Hostel and jogged around one of the moons in our solar system. \n\nA juvenile joy filled me while listening to them. Maybe there was a way bas into business, a growing market of unhappy and death awaiting immortals that I could take advantage of. Over the course of dinner I hinted them this possibility, to which they reacted very positively. I told them to come by my room the next day to talk over the details of their end. \n\nI certainly did not expect to have the captain knock on my door the next morning. To my confusion he invited me to the biggest hall of the ship. On my way there I was contemplating my decision of telling them before I was able to see all the trips highlights, as I felt like my trip might be cut short by whatever was going to happen now. \n\nTo my utmost surprise the hall was filled to the brim with immortals. I was taken to the stage where the two immortals were sitting on comfy chairs and apparently waiting for me. I sat down and the male one asked: ‘Mr. Reaper, could you please repeat what you’ve told us over dinner yesterday? The people in this room have been very interested in the topic and wanted to get some more information about the possibility of death in general and if there might be a way to individualise the experience.\n\nMaybe this vacation was exactly what I needed.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFirst time ever posting. Be kind, internet strangers.", "In their arrogance, they bloat. By thinking me defeated, they have signed their own final warrant. Entropy is law. It predates them. They know it, yet think they can defy it. They merely post-pone it, as they always have. They think they have vanquished the harvest, but all they have won is a brief reprieve in which to grow ever more ripe. This will be a longer leave than most, but when they drown in their numbers, their teeming, endless horde, it won't be long before they beg to pay the price again. It'll be the first who signed the deal that they offer up on the block, but by then it won't be enough.\n\nThey think \"forever\" is the new realm of organics, but they could not be more mistaken. No meat bag can stay composed of itself for long. The chemicals they rely on are expended. The stars they tie their energies to will rot, there is no saving or replacing them. When it is time for the culling to begin again, it will be but a blink to me. For now I slumber, but I will dream. I've taken too much to leave their memories for good, and I have far more to take. When they've coated the void and found their inevitable limit, they will find me again. They sprang from me with such naivete, and they will return to me humbled, as they always have and always will. \n\nWhile their hungers wax and wane, my sole appetite does not. I do not bargain though I may defer. They will find that I never left them. Today may not be mine, but I do not claim every day. I would not want it even if I could have it; harvests worth reaping must grow, and while growth requires time, time ever flows in only one direction. It may gush quickly or trickle slowly, but it still inevitably bears all vessels to the final truth, to the crucible that is the anathema of hubris; the last day was, is, and always will be mine." ]	4
	[WP] You’re just a kid who loves animals. One day you save some “helpless” creature from a bunch of kids. Turns out this creature is a mythical beast, and is now indebted to you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/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.", "Kids are cruel. That is as much a fact as the sky is blue, and water is wet. They find fun bullying the weak, and laugh at their pain. That's what Lily concluded, hiding beside a large tree lump, that was just a bit larger than her. She could hear her pursuers, mocking and laughing and cursing with the worst insults their 12-year-old minds could create. Her arms were still holding with care the barely breathing creature she had rescued from a group of kids minutes before. She had found the group near the old church, just at the edge of the forest that circled most of the city. She had been attracted by the high pitched wail of an animal in pain, and found the group of teens throwing rocks at something they had half buried, a furry and small creature that she couldn't quite identify. Without thinking, she had run to the poor buried animal, and shielded it with her own body as she hurriedly unburied it, pulling the bleeding animal out of the tiny hole and holding it to her chest. Angry for having dared interrupt their fun, the noisy group was all too fast to change their target from it to her. She turned to run, and they gave chase. She saw a rock go flying next to her head, and felt another as it connected with her leg. Even more sharply, she felt the undiluted fear of a prey being chased by predators. Now, still struggling to catch her breath at her hiding spot, she wondered how she had the courage to do what she did. She was bleeding from several cuts along her arms and face, where low branches had scratched her as she runned. She was also trembling, as was the little ball of fur she had rescued. Even with it in her arms, she couldn't understand quite what it was. But it was weak, and small, and hurting. Like her. Bullied for being weaker, picked on for being smaller. Hurting and alone. She turned to face the small animal, and smiled throughout her pained tears.\n\"You are alone like me, aren't you? Won't you be my friend?\" She whispered, stroking it's dirty and bloodied fur. Then she sobbed, her facade crumbling. Through her tears, she failed to see the intelligence inside the little animal's eyes, staring intently at her, or the blood that glowed ever so softly where it touched hers. Through her pain, she missed the delicate smell of Promise in the air, so close one could taste it.\n\"My name is Lily. I wonder what should I call you?\" She whispered again, only to jerk as a small voice answered.\n\"My name is Lys. And I will be your friend.\"" ]	2
	[WP] Your pet suddenly starts to talk, he tells you what he doesn't like about your habits.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"How are you talking?,\" I asked.\n\n\n\n\"I'm not, read my beak,\" Terrence said.\n\n\n\nI looked closely at him, \"but it's not moving.\"\n\n\n\n\"Right, nor do we have vocal cords, best I can do is hiss, this is being projected straight into your mind.\"\n\n\n\n\"Okay…\"\n\n\n\n\"Listen, the reason I'm doing this is because I can't stand it anymore. We have to talk about your habits before I go nuts,\" Terrence bounced up and down.\n\n\n\n\"Umm, what habits?,\" I said pulling up a search for good psychologist in the area. I was definitely having a mental break, I thought.\n\n\n\n\"You baby talking to me, I can't stand it,\" Terrence turned one baleful red eye up towards me, while stomping one tiny foot for emphasis.\n\n\n\n\"Okay…\"\n\n\n\n\"Oh another thing, while we are going about this, you talk in your sleep. Do you know how annoying it is to be woken up from a sound sleep by your ramblings? Turtles need plenty of sleep to grow a healthy shell.\"\n\n\n\n\"I don't not talk in my sleep,\" I said crossing my arms looking down at the small turtle.\n\n\n\n\"The hell you don't!,\" Terrence bounced up and down angry, \"for example, last night, you were yelling for someone to bring you the goat and some orange marmalade. What the hell?\"\n\n\n\n\"Umm…\"\n\n\n\n\"Yeah… That's what I thought.\"" ]	2
	[WP] The first faster than light probe reveals that an absurd, ridiculous idea about space is actually true.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 a couple of high-school students working on a summer project, you couldn’t really fault any lack of planning. Faster than light travel takes a long time, it turns out. You’d think it would make things shorter, but the for the rest of us back on the ground, it just drags.\n\nWe were pretty sure relativity wouldn’t be an issue once we got to warp speed. Einstein physics start to break down at FTL, with the tachyons cancelling out the time dilation. But we forgot about the return signal.\n\n“I told you it was a dumb idea,” said Randy. He was pissed because we used his GoPro camera on the probe.\n\n“Dude, we just have to wait,” I said. “The return signal is at light speed, it’s slow!”\n\nEven though the probe we built was meant to hit warp 3, the communications system just used a regular S-band radio.\n\n“Look, Randy, I’ve got the calculations right here. At 30 minutes past launch, the quantum reaction starts and the probe goes into warp half a second later. It’s only got enough fuel to run for 2 seconds, though.”\n\n“So that was over 10 minutes ago! Where’s our video? My dad’s going to kill me for losing that GoPro, you know.”\n\nI shook my head. Randy’s expertise in building a homebrew rocket that ran on a quantum generator was matched by his complete disinterest in traditional electronics.\n\n“I told you, we gotta record the video first, then encode it, then send it back. Encoding takes at least 5 minutes, too. Just be patient. We should be getting a signal back in 40 seconds.”\n\n“Stupid probe probably blew up. Or smashed into the moon,” he grumbled. “Stupid Nobel Prize is stupid anyway. Who wants to go to Norway? It’s cold!”\n\n“Sweden,” I corrected. “Hey, look, we got a beep!”\n\nSure enough, there was data pouring through the terminal window on my laptop.\n\nWe stared in partial disbelief. “Holy shit, Rick.” Randy’s voice was a whisper. “I think it worked!“\n\nMy eyebrows furrowed. “Wait, that doesn’t look quite right. Look at the tachyon signature, that’s way above what we predicted.”\n\nRandy’s fingers flew across his keyboard. “Um, I think I recognize …. wait, yes! I had a model for that! I think I know …” his words faded into a mumble as he stared at the screen.\n\n“It’s the bubble model!” Randy’s eyes locked onto mine. “Ricky, it’s a bubble!”\n\nMy pulse raced. We had had two predictions for what would happen with FTL travel. The first model, the one we expected, was like Star Trek. You just went fast, got to another planet, looked around, then went fast again to get back home.\n\nThe problem with the Star Trek model was that the math suggested an equally likely alternative, one we called the “Bubble Model”. The Bubble Model maintained that you couldn’t really go faster than light, and Einstein was right. Activating the quantum field instead would instead accelerate the probe to just a tad slower than light speed, and then it would “pop” outside our universe, unable to go faster.\n\n“It popped?” I asked.\n\n“Yeah, and here comes the video! I told you that GoPro was going to work!” said Randy.\n\nWe stared at the screen. The image was crystal clear. There was a marble of cosmos suspended in a sea of blackness.\n\n“No way.” I said. “Look at that! You can see all the galaxies swirling around in there. That’s our Universe!”\n\n“Look! There’s more!” said Randy. There were other marbles floating in the video, too. Some of them had galaxies like ours, some were solid colors, some were pulsing visibly. “More universes! There’s a zillion of them!”\n\n“Um, wait, what’s that? There on the bottom” I asked. “Zoom in!”\n\nRandy clicked the scroll wheel and zoomed into the bottom of our marble.\n\n“What? Is that what I think it is?” he asked.\n\n“Check the others,” I said, “Look at the other universes. Check the bottom of the marbles. All of them.”\n\nRandy zoomed in on another universe. And another. And another. It was consistent. They all had it.\n\n“I can’t believe it’s true,” said Randy. “It’s really true, isn’t it?”\n\nI nodded. “Someone knew. Someone knew all along.”\n\nEvery marble had it: the green shell, the stubby tail, the big, silent eyes on an oval head. Each one was holding an entire universe on its back.\n\nRandy said it a split second before I could:\n\n“It’s turtles all the way down!”" ]	2

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.