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] You've hidden the fact you can blow air out of your mouth anywhere from 30 to 80mph depending on how hard you blow, until now...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"I blew his dick off by accident.\"\n\nI never thought I'd utter those words again. It was late May, and the flowers were blooming. Honeysuckle filled the air as Toby and I strolled through the park to our favorite spot by the water.\n\nThe wind was blowing hard, so hard he couldn't even light the candle. Toby stood and turned his back to the wind, hunching over to better cover the newly ignited flame. Looking back, it must have looked very odd, a man hunched over, hands cupped around his crotch, telling me to \"Hurry up and blow it already.\" But I just couldn't, my fear was too great. \n\nJust then a mosquito flew into my nose and made me sneeze. Immediately my heart sank as a stared straight ahead, through the blown out jeans to the dancing sparkling water behind him. \n\n\"Babe, call the cops.\"\n\nI dialed.\n\n\"This is 911. What is your emergency?\"", "The Vanishing of Henry Frederickson\n\nHenry Frederickson had only sneezed three times in his life. The first was when he was five years old. His sister had knocked over the pepper shaker at dinner, sending a huge cloud of fine dust billowing into the air. Henry had chanced a deep breath as soon as the shaker had hit the cheap tablecloth and before he knew it he sneezed so hard he cleared all the dishes off of the table, and most of people sitting at it as well.\n\nThe second was when he was fourteen. Henry was a small kid, but despite him being several inches shorter and quite a few pounds lighter than most of the boys his age he always loved playing soccer after school. That sunny spring afternoon was no different. He had gone for the ball against a boy twice his size and to no one’s surprise he had gone down hard. He plowed face-first into a pile of pollen, rolled onto his back, and sent the boy flying across the field and into the goal. His family moved out of that town a few weeks later.\n\nBut the third sneeze, well, that one was the most fantastic of them all.\n\nHenry had learned quickly to suppress every urge to sneeze as forcefully as possible, no matter how strong it was. He spent so much time and energy doing it that the facial muscles around his nose had grown permanently tense, giving him a perpetually stressed-out face. He avoided old, dusty buildings like the plague and claimed any allergy he needed to in order to protect him from potentially dangerous foods. When spring rolled around, bringing with it swaths of pollen, he stayed indoors as much as he could and covered his nose every time he had to venture into the outside world. He took every precaution imaginable to avoid another sneeze. But alas, he could not avoid it forever. And his third sneeze could not have come at a more inopportune time.\n\nGary’s General Store was a bit of a hot spot for Massachusa, Henry’s new home after the soccer incident, and the owner of the store, Gary Anderson, was as close as one can get to a celebrity in a town like this. People could get virtually anything they ever needed from his store. It had begun its life as a gas station downtown but once Mr Anderson had purchased the buildings next to it it became a full-on general store, selling groceries, toiletries, toys, housing appliances, books, technology, and it even had a famous bakery inside. There was never a day when Gary’s General Store wasn’t a bustling hubbub in Massachusa. Especially today.\n\nGary’s wife Eleanor ran the bakery, and she ran it spectacularly. Everyone with a fifty mile radius new about her baked goods and everyone loved them. Henry was no exception. On this particular day, right in the thick of summer, she was unveiling a new dessert of hers and damn near the whole town was gathering to try it. Henry didn’t even know what it was but he was there nonetheless. And as the crowd piled into the store, the chaos began. \n\nA farmer had pulled his truck up to the side entrance, near where Henry was standing. He was unloading huge bags of flour and hauling them into Gary’s General Store. \n\nA bag slipped out of his hand.\n\nIt hit the ground hard and promptly exploded, hurling flour into the faces of all the people standing nearby. Including Henry’s face. The flour whooshed up into his nose and he immediately screwed up his face tight, squeezing his eyes shut and concentrating as hard as he could. But it was no use. It was as though the last ten years of suppressed sneezes finally boiled over, flooding through his body and rushing to his nose. He tried his best. He failed.\n\nIt became a story that the people of Massachusa talked about for years, and Henry Frederickson became a local bogeyman used to terrorize the children. Some say he had built a bomb. Others say he had some evil magic powers granted to him by the Devil. A few claimed the flour had caused him to sneeze which had, purely accidentally, caused the beloved store to explode. Those few were generally ridiculed for their opinion. Not because the idea of the sneeze was ridiculous, but because an act this evil had to have been intentional. Whatever version of the story, they all agreed that whatever Henry had done had caused the gas station to go up in flames, blown the kitchen of the bakery to bits, and had also ripped through the wall of Gary’s General Store and destroyed the toy section, much to the dismay of the children. Miraculously no one had been injured besides some ringing in their ears and a few stubbed toes and bruised ribs as people elbowed each other in a panic to escape the explosion. Sheriff Dempsey, who had also been in line to get his hands on Eleanor’s dessert, had arrested Henry on the spot and hauled him off to the county jail. And then, to everyone’s surprise, Henry vanished that night without a trace. No one knew what happened except Henry himself.\n\nHe had been sitting in the jail cell alone, miserably contemplating his fate. How could he explain that blowing up the store was a complete accident? He doubted the Sheriff would believe his story about his explosive sneezes, and even if he was able to demonstrate it that would hardly help. Gary’s General was the most prized possession of Massachusa and Henry had ruined it. There was no fixing the situation. In the eyes of the townsfolk he was a monster.\n\nHenry sat for hours into the night, desperately trying to think. It was only when the predawn light began to slip through the barred window that an idea occurred to him. An idea which would cement him in Massachusan legend for decades.\n\nHe found some extra flour that had made its way into his pocket when the bag had dropped. One quick sniff was all it took.\n\nWhen the Sheriff returned to the jail later that morning he found the officer on duty passed out drunk at the desk and a hole where the wall of the cell had been. Henry Frederickson had escaped.\n\nThey looked for him for days to no avail and eventually the search parties were called off. Gary’s General Store was quickly rebuilt, and thanks to generous donations from the entire town it was bigger and better than ever. The people moved on with their lives but they never forgot about Henry. He lived on in the minds of the townsfolk for a long time, haunting the dreams of the naughty children whenever they caused trouble. Sheriff Dempsey vowed to put that miscreant behind bars for life if he ever set foot in Massachusa again. But he never got the chance. Henry Frederickson had vanished, and he never came back." ]	3
	[WP] After an incredibly stressful shift, a Waitress thinks her last customer stiffed her on the bill, writing only "Worthy" in the tip-line, and leaving her what turns out to be a magical dagger, disguised as a ballpoint pen.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Hi,\" Claire said. The mid-20s waitress recognized the obnoxious guest that considered her worthy of a tip but failed to leave her one. She had no choice but to serve the table; her only hope was that this time the suited man wasn't alone. She hoped the friend would tip. Claire did not feel the need to give them the full introduction that listed the specials for the day. \"Ready to order?\" she asked and smiled at the new face. The one that didn't stiff her last week.\n\nThe two men in dark suits glanced awkwardly at each other for a moment, then, the new one coughed.\n\n\"Chicken fried steak,\" he offered, then the poor tipper spoke up.\n\n\"Two, please,\" he said.\n\n\"Great! It'll be right out,\" Claire smiled at the new guy, then walked away.\n\n\"You gave her the dagger, right?\" The suited man whispered the question to his colleague. The other one nodded vigorously.\n\n\"Yes!\" he whispered.\n\n\"So then,\" he glanced around at the packed restaurant. \"Why is she still working here and not out there fighting the underworld?\"\n\n\"I don't know!\"\n\n\"Well, ask her!\" As he said this, Claire returned to the table.\n\n\"Hey, sorry,\" she kept her attention on the new face. \"I didn't get your drink orders.\"\n\n\"Hi, I don't know if you remember me, I was here last week?\" Claire turned and finally acknowledged him with a curt nod.\n\n\"Grant, right?\" she asked without a smile. He nodded.\n\n\"Yes! That's me. Uh, I left you a pen last time, I just wanted to make sure you got it?\" Claire stared at him blankly for a moment. In her mind, she re-evaluated her impression. He went down a few rungs; leaving a cheap, used ballpoint pen was somehow worse than no tip.\n\n\"That pen was my tip, huh?\" she asked aloud hoping to embarrass him in front of his co-worker. \"It didn't work, so I threw it away.\" She turned to the other man and smiled. \"What can I get you to drink?\"\n\n\"Two sweet teas,\" he said while Grant sputtered. Claire nodded and disappeared.\n\n\"You found the new guardian; a worthy successor to defend the Earth. And your grand plan was to leave them a magical pen? Without explaining anything?\"\n\n\"The dagger was supposed to explain it!\" Grant defended his decision.\n\n\"You didn't even give her the dagger!\" his voice rose a bit before he caught himself and lowered his tone to a whisper again. Grant hung his head and stared at the wooden table.\n\n\"Sorry,\" he apologized.\n\n\"Congratulations. Your first mission is a failure; I hope you've learned something,\" he shrugged. \"But, there's nothing else we can do. Let's just enjoy lunch and get off this Earth before the Fae realize there's no one to stop them. They won't waste any time taking over.\"\n\n \n\n\\\\\\\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year three, story #044 You can find all my stories collected on my subreddit ([r/hugoverse](https://www.reddit.com/r/hugoverse/)) or my blog. If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the Guidebook to see what's what and who's who, or the Timeline to find the stories in order.", "“Worthy.” Luanne sighed down at the tip line on the receipt, empty but for that one word. “Got another one, Lou,” she called back to the kitchen. She crammed the receipt into her pocket and swiped a grimy orange and white rag over the table-top, glaring down at the lonely ball-point pen that the customer had left. Could this day get any worse?\n\nFrom the kitchen came “God-dammit,” then: “What is it this time?”\n\n“Pen.” She sauntered slowly back towards the kitchen, turning off the shivering neon “OPEN” signs as she passed by the front door of the dine, and casually rolling the pen in her hand. She was too old to be putting up with this shit.\n\n“God-dammit.” Lou poked his wrinkled head over the counter between the kitchen and the diner’s bar. “A fucking pen.”\n\nThe pantheon of gods had fallen only recently, and already business was suffering because of it.\n\n“They’re really scraping their pockets these days, eh?” She sat down on one of the bar stools.\n\n“Hell with them and their damn pockets.” Lou shook his head behind the counter. “Can’t they learn to tip?”\n\nLuanne toyed with the ballpoint, leaning her elbows on the bar. “Whatsa matter, Lou, don’t you like being ‘worthy’?”\n\n“Ah hell Luanne, we’re all worthy these days!”\n\nLuanne snorted. “And a fat lot of good it does us.” She waved the pen in the air. “Look at me, I’m worthy!\n\n“Well they’ve really lowered the bar.” Lou ducked the orange-striped rag that Luanne threw at him.\n\n\\cling-cling\\* -- The front door jangled open. Luanne looked up from the bar. “Hey, sorry hun, we’re closed.”\n\nA trench-coated man stood in the door way, not entering further than the bristly welcome mat. A brimmed-hat sat low on his brow, and steam rose around him. “After decades of imprisonment, I come searching for the god who banished me--”\n\n“And we’re closed, so come searching tomorrow.” \n\n“And when I find him, I shall engage him in a mortal combat that will leave him beyond the gates of death, beyond resurrection, beyond all help of his loved ones.”\n\nLuanne stood up. “Right, and like I said, we’re closed. Your friend ain’t here.”\n\n“I know him to be here. I can sense his weapon. I remember it well – its scent, its touch.” The man hadn’t moved at all, except for his eyes – glowing pinpoints of light beneath the wide brim of his hat, roving the diner’s empty booths. “It is my destiny to destroy both it and the hero who wields it.” \n\nFrom the kitchen, Lou called, “All those weapons are chump change these days. Now get outa here before we call the cops.”\n\nThe man’s eyes flicked to Lou, then to Luanne, where they stayed. “I see. He…’ain’t here.’ “\n\n“That’s right, hun.” Luanne brandished the ballpoint pen toward the door. “Now you keep searching and maybe you’ll find him.”\n\nThe pinpoints of light suddenly grew wide as they moved to look at the pen, growing brighter and brighter. Luanne followed the man’s gaze to the pen – but it was not a pen anymore. A dagger had erupted out of its writing end, brilliant steel with a river of blue running down its middle.\n\nThe man’s form began to shift – “True words, my old foe. I should have known you’d try to hide in plain sight.”\n\nLuanne looked at the dagger, then back at the kitchen. “Ah shit, Lou.”" ]	3
	[WP] In an act of desperation, you sold your soul to a demon to find love. But you didn't read the fine print saying you need your soul to find true love. Now, you're looking for the demon and you'll do anything to get your soul back.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Being born as a witch was not my choice. I had not chosen my mother, she chose me. She was a very wrong person to fall in love with. There was nothing to like about her, However my father had a heart of gold and my mother wanted the gold. My father was just happy to know somebody as powerful as him was marrying him. My parents used each other's powers to get better at what they were. My mother kept selling her magic to make my father win wars and my father was cutting off a peace of his heart to enable my mother youth. Until one fine day, my mother ran out of magic and my father ran out of heart to cut off. They grew apart and left me behind.\n\nI was born with immanence magical powers. To be frank, I was not born, I was designed to be the perfect child, a perfect witch and a perfect princess. But it was like tow children bought a toy and threw it away when they were bored of it. I was only 10 when my mother finished training me. She said she envied my magic and I should live with my father if I did not want her to kill me, it's not like I could not protect myself from my mother but I did not want to live with her in fear of heating her. My father reminded me because he knew I would chew up all the wealth he had. So I kept roaming on streets and hoping to find a family on my own. But who would prefer a child like me? A human adopted me and made me kill for money, being used was not new to be but being beaten up was. But I stayed with that man for 2 reasons. One he introduced me to people as his child. Two, Malcum.\n\nMalcum was also enslaved by my adopted father. Unlike me, he was treated as a slave boy as he was human, one born with no powers. Me and Mal as I called him, were like one soul in two bodies. When he would get beaten up, I would cure him and when I would be starved, he would let me drink his blood. \"Some day, I will escape this man! I will go to a far off land and make money. Then I'll come back and buy you from this monster. We can start a family of our own he would say.\" I was fascinated by the Idea of making my own family. When we were 15, my adopted father joined us in a circus. I was the enchantress, I was asked to hypnotist people and Mal would walk on ropes and fight lions. I had by then mastered the art of hypnosis. I used it against my adopted father and let Mal run away. \"Wait for me! I'll come back in a few months and take you with me!\" He said. It had been 9 years and 8 months, Mal did not write to me, he was not even thinking about me because I could not read his mind. This meant only one thing, Mal was in trouble. He did not listen when I said he needed me, I could use my magic and do wonders. Now he was all alone in the world, I don't know where.\n\nMy adopted father was an alcoholic. Few months after Mal ran away, he grew tired of hitting me, without Mal's blood my magic grew weaker and began to run out of money to by drinks. He would get his belt to hit me but would puke out blood himself. Soon he grew so weak that he could not move a mussel without my help. I stuck to him like glue. \"You are a witch but a better child than the slave boy. You did not run even when you had the choice. I could have treated you well, I'm sorry. But I leave you with an advice, stay away from people like me.\" said he while breathing his last. Then my quest for Mal began. I did not have much money, I did not have the energy to work as a slave. When people heard my name they would faint or puke. They were all afraid to employ me as a maid. I kept sleeping on the street and eating dirt until one day, am fine young man from the town walked towards me.\n\n\"A princess, the last living witch of her clan eating dust! a sight leading to agony!\" he said. I hadn't bathed in ages. I was feasting on thrown away human food. I looked at him and said, \"Food!\" he piked me up and took me to his mansion. He gave me food clothing and shelter. After what seemed like ever I drank blood. \"My dearest princess, what worries you?\" he asked. I was busy gobbling flesh. But I took time to tell him about Mal. \"Ah young love! I was in your place once. But you do know that humans don't live as long as us other earthly beings, don't you?\" He asked. I nodded. \"I can not stand to see you in pain little one! let me help you.\" I was blessed, nobody ever had offered me help before, here he was, feeding me and offering me help. I smiled and spoke my first word in years, \"Would you? would you help me good sir?\" he kept his hand on my forehead and said \"Of course I will, If not me then who knows you better! but what will I get in return?\" He asked. \"I will be your slave for ever, I will use my magic as you please sir.\" I replied. Like I told you, being used was not something new. \"But I already have magic, good enough to get me what ever I want, what I don't have is a witch's soul, could you give me yours? I promise to keep it safe, but let me worn you, once you give me your soul, I will become your master and you will do as I say. I will not stop you from living your life but if I ever take a decision, you will obey.\" I could only hear the parts where he said he will help and he needs my soul in return. It seemed to me like a good bargain and I signed the Blood treaty. It's a kind of contracts used by magical beings such as me.\n\nAs soon as that was done, he set me free. I was given money and cloths and jewelry etc. I could only tell people hat I was a princess before. Now I could show them. I used all the money to buy me a house in the city Mal told me he would go. I payed people to look for him and in a few months, they did. Mal was finally found. I went by a different name in the city, I sent words to Mal that I had business propositions and he welcomed me to his home. On seeing me, he did not react at the gate of his house. \"Mal, it's me! don't you recognize me?\" He smiled and said \"How are you? How long has it been? like 8 years?\" he asked. I was taken aback by his reactions, he who had promised me a better life, he who fed me his blood, he who stuck by my side! was acting like he had seen a long lost friend.\n\nI did not make much of it, I acted along. \"Won't you call me inside?\" I asked. \"You see, I thought you were somebody else, so I called you here. If you had told me that you were coming, I would have made better arraignments. Why did you not write to me?\" He probed. Somehow, I did not feel happy. \"You promised me that you would come to pick me and take me with you, why did you not write?\" I questioned. He waved it off in thin air. He wanted to know if I was still a witch and could do magic. I said yes. He asked me to make gold coins I did. Then he took the gold inside the house and said, \"Let's leave the past behind and start over.\" I should be on top of the world right? But I was not. My adopted father's words kept ringing in my head. I went back home making dinner plans with Mal.\n\nI did not know why but I did not feel what I used to feel for him before. I went home and kept looking at the mirror, that beaten up child who was drinking human blood in hiding was happier than me. She also had Mal by her side, so did I. Then why was I not happy? Only one person could answer me. The man who bought my soul.\n\nI used my magic to virtually appear before him. He was sitting on his golden chair, petting his pet panther. \"Well, well, well. If it isn't my loyal slave!\" He said. I was furious. \"I was supposed to be happy seeing Mal! this was supposed to be a happy ending for my story. I have given you my sole so I get the resources to meet Mal, now that I have met him, I was supposed to be happy. Why am I not Happy?\"\n\n\"Is it not true that you wanted money to find him?\"\n\n\"Yes!\"\n\n\"Did you ever tell me that you wanted to fall in love?\"\n\n\"No! but why else do you think I would want to look for him?\"\n\n\"I don't know! I took your soul for a bargain that you get money to find your childhood friend! You stupid stupid girl! Don't you know that you can not fall in love without a soul?\"\n\n\"What? How would you think I knew that?\"\n\n\"Aren't you the last of your kind? Didn't you receive primary education from your mother?\"\n\n\"Yah, Primary education, I know how to make potions and cast spells that's all.\"\n\n\"How is that my problem now?\"\n\n\"Look, I have a golden heart and you can keep that instead of my soul, just give my soul back and I'll cut my heart out right now.\"\n\n\"No, No My dear, that is not possible. I have lot of golden hearts already. Moreover, a bargain is a bargain. You can not just sell your soul to the devil and have it back!\"\n\n\"Wait, what did you say? the DEVIL?\"\n\n\"Don't act like you did not know I was the ruler of the underworld!\"\n\n\"Of course not! How would you think I knew? Did you tell me that?\"\n\n\"I don't need an Introduction! I'm everywhere.\"" ]	2
	[WP] One day, every human, animal, and plant on Earth lost the ability to die. You are investigating the cause.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The sun has been covered by a black orb, bathing the world in what seemed like a perpetual eclipse. In the night, the moon never rises. It is only the stars that were in the sky, and yet it is shrouded by fog.\n\nEverywhere around me, decay. No death. Just decay. Even I am one of these mutilated, deprived souls. The plants kept releasing oxygen, yet they are grey as ash, wilted like a dessicated limb. The animals still hunt and follow the patterns of nature, but their ferocity and primal nature has, admittingly, been slowly adapted by even us, humans.\n\nIt has been like this for a thousand years. I have lived that long, all of us had.\nI am afraid all of us are mad.\n\nRight now, I walk betwixt the a realm of bleeding colors and convoluted space and space, the palace of the first of this curse, and my old workplace.\n\n I still feel the scraping of flesh lagging at my rotting boots as I walk towards the sullied stone. More of the tortured souls are laid in the stonework, unmoving. \nPerhaps they thought that by pretending to be dead, they would soon believe to be dead.\nFools.\nAll of them.\n\nGuards. Still strong and hardy and armored.\nI sensed the hesitation in their eyes. They know who I am despite \n\n\"Jora. Why has't thou returned?\" One said, his throat mangled and barren, like a desert.\n\n\"The King. He's the behind this curse. You all lied to me.\"\n\n\"Prithee, turn back, and complete thy quest. The King has ordered thee to return with the cure for our Queen, and you must do so posthaste!\"\n\n\"Stop talking like that. It has been a thousand years. I have been to realms where the bows are obsolete, replaced by sticks that fire shrapnel. I have seen a land that knows only peace, a land that has evolved past this limbo, but now, the Queen's affliction has spread. I will end this myself.\"\n\n\"You shall betray our order?!\"\n\n\"If it means finally knowing rest for all of us, yes.\"\n\nTheir angered, hollow cries echo in the air as they ran at me with primitive weapons. Swords, spears. And the like.\nAnd I had no time to dance with lackeys.\n\nI grabbed an exploder, a grenade, if I remember correctly, and removed the pin, lobbing it beneath their feet, rolling behind them.\n\nBoom.\n\nThey all fell.\nThe metals bent, and their limbs and bones torn, and shattered. Their screams would scratch at my mind and torture me, but I have seen and heard too much.\nAfter I'm finished here, their suffering will die, and so will we, finally...\n\n\nI opened the courtroom's door, and what laid beyond was a foul stench my decayed nose still found repulsive.\n\nThere no one at the throne, except a skeleton.\nA skeleton?\nA skeleton whose tiara and dress remained...mostly intact. Its eyeless sockets turned to me quite eerily.\n\n\"You lied to me, King Retur.\"\n\n\"Sir Jora?\" Boomed a voice.\nBehind the throne was a mangled corpse. The Ruined King in all of his grotesque form. His eyes wild, but his joints still looked like he could move fast.\n\n\"Has't thou found a cure for my Queen's affliction?\"\n\n\"The queen is trouble. I've conversed with professionals from all over the world. You are the cause of this, aren't you? You hid our realm from the others through temporal magic so you would have time to find a cure for her, but instead, her sickness has spread throughout all the timelines.\"\n\n\"Jora, as the Alchemist, thy duty is to scour the four corners to cure my Queen. What has't thou reported to me now, a thousand eternities later but blasphemy and an insult?\"\n\n\"I came here to kill you. If she's dead, then everyone will be.\"\n\n\"Jora!\" The King snapped. \"I ask thee once more, what has't thou discovered?!\"\n\nMy bony fingers held firm around the gun's barrel. \"A cure, my King.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You’re in your regular Tuesday yoga class when a SWAT team comes rolling in and they are ruining your good vibes.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I was in the middle of balancing my chakras at “Tami’s Twisty Tuesday Training” when shit really hit the fan. It turns out that downward dog is nothing compared to the absolutely enlightening effects of a military-grade taser to the spine. Not to mention the flexibility you can achieve after having your wrists zip-tied behind your back then dislocating your shoulders in order to break out of the afore-mentioned zip ties. \n\nAnyway, there I was, attempting to push my inner energy down through my hips and into the ground, thus connecting myself with both my ego and my id, when a SWAT team breach and cleared right into the yoga studio. Now, I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that Tami “Namaste” Johnson was connected to a state-wide drug smuggling ring but was a little surprised to learn that her drug of choice was PCP. \n\nAt that point, the buffoons had managed to knock over not one, but three of the essential oil diffusers and the whole room smelled like a wet dryer sheet having sex with cheap potpourri that’s been sitting in a chain-smoker's apartment. Half of us started to wheeze uncontrollably and Tami wouldn’t stop monologuing like a villain caught by Scooby-Doo and the gang. Clearly, the SWAT team was in over their heads because on top of all of that, they couldn’t even stop the soothing but slightly unsettling recording of whispered death-bed confessions that Tami liked to play over the loudspeakers during our sessions.\n\nIn the end we, the twelve suckers who had paid Tami $90 to tell us that we were bad people and that only cracking every single one of our joints in a precise order would make us feel better about ourselves, were all lying on the ground in agony as the scent of a thousand grandma’s bathrooms filled our lungs and police batons battered our gorgeous, toned muscles. And while the good vibes certainly weren’t as strong in the dark, cramped interrogation rooms we were forced into after that, I will admit that my skin never looked better after the three months on the inside that I can’t really remember.\n\nSo all in all, I would definitely recommend There’s No Place like Om Yoga Studio and while Tami is no longer an instructor, her replacement, Meghyn is just as amazing. 9/10 (would’ve done the full 10 if I didn’t have permanent physical and emotional scars left by weeks of rigorous torture! Namaste everyone!)", "*Loud fart sounds\n\n“Wow this goat yoga really is a lot grosser than I thought it would be” I looked over at my sister, a 5’10, 220lbs monster of a women. \n“Girl, chill” her eyebrows had started to run with the sweat dripping from her hair “after this, we getting some tacos!”\nMy sister was going through some sort of “chola” phase ever since she made friends with the new girl in town, Guadalupe. Me and my sister had always been close, but lately I have been seeing less and less of her. I admit I was a little worried about what she might be getting into so I decided to look for activities we could enjoy together. Which brings us here, goat yoga.\n\nI had practiced yoga a couple of times and I’m pretty flexible because, let’s just say I get around, but my sister was definitely struggling. “What you lookin’ at chismoso” she said to the instructor who clearly did not hear or care to listen to as he was occupied by something outside. He had been staring out the window for about 6 farts now and I was getting a little tired of holding the downward dog pose so I got up and walked over to the window to see what he was stuck on. All of a sudden I hear my sisters deep, manly voice “aw shit!” She yelled “it’s the popo”\n\nSure enough, I look out the window to see at least 15 heavily armed men walking towards the building. I look back toward my sister, she’s eating an 8ball of coke we just picked up for a party we were attending that night “who the fuck snitched” she yelled, clouds of cocaine residue flying from her mouth “Sarah, let’s go!”\n“Calm down Rachel, they are not coming for us. The yoga studio is right above a Swat meet up location” I said as I walked over toward my bag. “Now let’s go get some more coke for the party tonight.”", "\"good morning\" i welcomed the day by heading straight to my yoga class, a group of old ladies go here everyday and are delighted whenever i come, being one of the few young people in here\n\n\"oh dear, you came early, the class isn't starting until half an hour later\" they gave me their gentle smiles and extended a bag of cookies, the best part about my Tuesday is these legendary cookies\n\n\"i can't stop myself from wanting to eat the cookies after the yoga class, don't blame me for the fact your cookies are that good\" i was genuine, my sweet tooth jumps every time i come here, the ladies laugh among themselves\n\n\"i wish our grandchildren spend more time with us like you, we always test our cooking to feed their bellies but they don't visit us often\" they were saddened but i quickly objected\n\n\"then i can just visit you three every Tuesday, it's my free day every weekend, since i never had grandparents i would like to know what it's like to eat grandma's cooking, my coworkers always go on and on about how much they used to enjoy going to their grandma's cooking or bringing a cake that their grandma made\" they could hear the jealousy within my voice and my annoyance with them, their faces brightened and nodded in agreement, great, i have something to do today after class\n\nTime flew by as we engaged in conversations, we share a lot in common, knitting, taking care of children, reading literature, it was fun but sadly it was cut short by the class starting\n\nThe majority of the regulars know me as \"Tuesday guy\" because i look the youngest and one of the few guys in this class as it's either old ladies or married wives, they all view me as a child who's busy with a part time job but it doesn't bother me, in fact, it's better that they don't think much of me \n\nIt was a peaceful day full of warmth and calm energy, at least it should've been\n\nA team of heavily armored men with guns broke the door to enter and told everyone to get down and place their hands behind their back\n\nEveryone panicked but did as told, except for me, i followed with getting down but i was trying to keep my good mood going, it's my only day in the week that i get to myself, i'm worked half to death with no vacation time except Tuesday, i want to be in a good mood and not ruin it\n\n\"there's a terrorist in this building and we have locked everything down, we will begin searching for any suspects\" everyone was shocked about who this could be, until they suddenly pointed at me, now i'm the one who's shocked \"you, get over here\" \n\nI stood up and looked at them, i was starting to get seriously annoyed \n\n\"pull down your hoodie\" he sounded either angry or very authoritative, i did as i was told\n\n\"you're a likely suspect, come with us, you have the right to be silent\" i sighed deeply and loudly, i pulled down my sleeve which prompted them to point their guns at me\n\nThe sound of sparks can be heard, sparks of lighting, my arm was fully covered in electricity\n\n\"shoot him! he's the terrorist!\" \n\nYou ruined my good vibes now let me ruin yours." ]	4
	[WP] Your Sibling is always dousing off, sleeps half the day away and stares at nothing until dark. They are up all hours of of the night but no one knows for what purpose. You ask them about it only for them to say “You wouldn’t understand.” Then their eyes widen in shock and they lunge at you...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "There she was, sitting on the roof again. Simon stepped to the window and stuck his head out.\n\n\"Hey, you remember what mom said? You're going to get hurt.\"\n\nNina turned to the one who intruded on her silence. \"Ya, well mom can suck it.\" She huffed. A small amount of vapor left her mouth.\n\n\"No need to by my head off. What ya doing out here anyways?\"\n\nShe ignored his question, staring into the night sky. Ever since their father died, it had been like this. She'd sit out all night, staring into the distance. During the day she would sleep, oblivious to the world. Attempts to wake her were met with anger. Eventually, they gave up trying. Despite her rage during the day, she was relatively calm at night.\n\nSimon stepped onto the roof, joining his sister.\n\n\"So... what's out there?\"\n\n\"Hm?\" She turned to Simon, once again aware of his presence. \"Oh... you wouldn't understand.\"\n\n\"Right... cause I'm the younge-ACK!\" Nina suddenly leapt at him, knocking him to the edge off the roof. \"Hey! Watch it!\" Her eyes were wide, staring just to the left of his. \"Hey! Nina!\"\n\nShe breathed, more vapor leaving, before her eyes readjusted, and she stumbled back. \"Oh god! I'm sorry! I... I have to go.\" With that, she jumped off the roof opposite him.\n\n\"Nina!\"\n\nSimon raced to the edge, only to see her land safely, a plume of dust rising around her. She turned to him, said \"Don't follow me. Please.\" and took off into the forest.\n\n\"But... What?\" He stood there, trying to comprehend what just happened. \"Did she-? Um.\" Several thoughts went through Simon's head. Angry as she was during the day, she'd never attacked anyone, let alone tried to kill them. When she did, why didn't she look AT him? Was she distracted? And now that he thought about it, he couldn't see his own breath. Sure it was cold, but not quite cold enough for that. How did she manage it? And how did she land safely? That was a two story drop. \n\nHe didn't have the pieces, but he knew something was wrong. The only way he'd get answers was to chase after her. Climbing back inside, he grabbed a coat and headed downstairs.\n\nThe forest itself was dense, but not very large. He set off in the direction she was headed. He hoped she wouldn't make this hard, and a few minutes in, he had his answer. Her coat hung on a low branch. She had been thru.\n\n\"Why? What's out here?\"\n\nAs if to answer him, a low growl emanated from ahead. Simon took off, tearing through the trees.\n\n\"Get away from her!\"\n\nBreaking through the tree line, his eyes went wide. Nina stood alone. Her arms covered in jewel like scales, shimmering in every color. From her back sprung two wings, covered in the glimmering scales. Her eyes formed black voids.\n\n\"I told you to not follow!\"\n\nSimon gasped for air, the scene leaving him breathless. Stumbling back, he reached to the air, fumbling for something that wasn't there.\n\n\"What?! Who?\"\n\n\"I told you not to follow. Why don't you ever listen?\"\n\nHe froze, staring at the monster that was once his sister.\n\n\"Who are you?\"\n\nHer head lifted, offended by the question.\n\n\"I'm still your sister.\"\n\n\"But... your a... a monster!\"\n\nThe words cut her.\n\n\"Maybe. Doesn't change who I am.\"\n\nA thought occurred to Simon.\n\n\"Did... you kill him?\"\n\n\"What?\" She stepped back. \"I... NO! I didn't!\" She began to blink, rapidly. \"I didn't! I...\" Sniffling, she sat down on a nearby log. \"You shouldn't have come here.\"\n\n\"Are... are you going to kill me?\"\n\n\"No. Just leave me alone. I'll be home soon.\"\n\n\"Where are you going?\" Simon had built the courage to approach her.\n\n\"Just away. For now. I'll be back in the morning.\"\n\nHe sat next to her. \"When did this happen?\"\n\nShe looked to him. The void in her eyes caused him to look away.\n\n\"It's always been there. Something always there.\"\n\n\"Why didn't you tell us.\"\n\nMore tears. \"I didn't know. Not... not till I...\"\n\nShe burst into hysterics. Simon leaned away, avoiding the sharp claws on her hands. When she settled a bit, he put an arm around her, embracing her. \"It's ok. We'll be ok. We'll find a way to fix this.\"\n\n\"Simon! Nina!\" A voice called in the distance.\n\n\"Mom's calling. Let's go home.\"\n\nNina shook her head. \"No. She can't see me like this! She'll know.\"\n\n\"You think you can keep hiding it?\"\n\nThe trees rustled, a breeze blew through.\n\n\"Nina! Simon! Where are you!\"\n\n\"Come on. You know she won't take no for an answer.\"\n\nNina began to stand, \"I don't want to worry her.\"\n\n\"So come home. How do you think she'd react if I told her I left you out here?\"\n\n\"Simon! Come home!\" Her voice was getting closer.\n\nFinally, she relented, following Simon home.\n\n\"Just... be careful. Ok?\"\n\n\"Funny, coming from you.\"\n\n---\n\nFor more of my writings, go check out r/SocietyofMythicPeople.\n\nYou can also find me on r/redditserials:\n\n* [Phoenix of the Forest](https://www.reddit.com/r/redditserials/comments/eb78u4/phoenix_of_the_forest_chapter_1/)\n* [Reborn](https://www.reddit.com/r/redditserials/comments/e1kn9x/reborn_part_1/)\n* [Society of Mythic People](https://www.reddit.com/r/redditserials/comments/ejks96/society_of_mythic_people_chapter_1/)\n\n---\n\nNOTICE: This prompt response is unedited. This means there may be errors, including, but not limited to:\n\n* incorrect grammar\n* missing punctuation\n* spelling errors\n* incorrect word choice\n* incorrect usage of your vs you're\n* incorrect usage of to and too\n\nOnce moved to a full series, or published to another writing subreddit, I try and do a better first pass edit. If any of the above mistakes offend you, kindly go shove it. Most prompts get written at 2 in the morning. I'll probably make mistakes. I do my best to clear up spelling, but that's about it.", "I hit the floor as my brother slams his full weight into my chest, hitting my head on the wooden floor tiles as something shatters the window of the room we shared.\n\nHe grabs my head, fingers going throw my hair as his cold palm slams into my forehead with a Smack. He speaks a unrecognizable sentence as a white light glows from his hand. He lets me go as he gets up and grabs a tall bottle of cologne and the lid to his laundry basket. \n\n“MOVE IT!” He screams at me as he hold the bottle and lid as a sword and shield.\n\nBlack smoke momentarily covers him as he turns into a hulking man made of obsidian molten ash and smoking shadows. My brother steps back out of the newcomer as if he wasn’t there and was no longer holding the cologne or the lid. “Hold the Line.” He commanded the black armored warrior as it raised it’s shield and bashed it’s sword against. The being was covered in scorched plate armor that looked to be made from molten lava that burned a blood red glow from bents and slashes where it wasn’t pitched black. A pointed helmet with dark grey smoke rising from it along the top had the effect of a Mohawk, the faceplate had two spades for eye slots with a “nose” in the middle. \n\n\n“Για τη Σπάρτη” It hissed in the most hunting voice I ever heard, snapping me out of my shock. \n\nThe being step over me with heavy footsteps and jumped out the window feet first followed by a heavy thud. A hand grabbed my shirt and pulled me to my feet. \n\n“I said move!” My brother shouted and shoved me to the hallway as he ran past. He ran down the hallway and down the steps as I tried to follow. By the time I caught up I see my brother hugging my father and chanting the same phrase again.\n\n“...omnia nunc pellibus” He finished as the while light faded.\n\n“Marcus!” I shouted. Confused and scared half to death as to what’s happening around me. My brother looks at me and grabs the broom that was leaning off the wall. “We can’t talk, we gotta go! Dad where mom?” He ask calmly.\n\n“Out shopping with your sister. What going o-“ He stops short as something crashes through the back door. The warrior that Marcus made was wrestling with what could only be described as a lion sized monkey dog. The warrior was on his back as the slimy beast had its claws deep into his shoulders while snapping its jaw at his face.\n\n“RUN” Father screamed as he grabbed my shirt with one hand while pointing the shotgun I failed to notice he had with the other towards the battle taking place in our living room. We bolted out the front door towards the Ford pick up. Marcus breaks the lower half off the aluminum broom nearly effortlessly, making it a pointy stick. He stops and turns in front of the truck when me and Dad get in to start the engine and takes a stand with the stick. Another warrior takes his exact position as he turns around empty handed. “Purge the Fort.” He says to the now wolf skin wearing warrior as he hops into the flatbed. \n\n“We are gonna have a serious talk when this is over!” Father shouted out the open rear window as he reversed out onto the street.\n\n“I’ll explain later. Where our Air Soft gear?!” Marcus shouted over the noise of the wind.\n\n\n“Why?!”I shouted back." ]	3
	[WP] A ghost tried to scare you in your basement. Instead, when it saw what you had down there, it decided to get the hell away from you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I'd felt someone watching me for awhile now. It was only when I was at home or in my yard. I never felt it anywhere else. At first, I'd dismissed it as a case of paranoia as a result of my current... project in my basement. But when things started appearing out of place: a cup of water I'd not filled, mail on my bed, and my dining room table bumped to the side. That's when I knew I wasn't being paranoid. Someone was watching me.\n\nAll of this attention on me had, of course, resulted in my inability to go into my basement. Because if I went in, whoever was watching me could follow me and see something I'd rather they not. Then there would be two bodies rotting down there. Not a good thing for my sensitive nose, I'm sure.\n\nBut if I didn't go down there soon, it'd expire and I would have to find another vict- I mean, particapant and that'd just be trouble. So one night, when I didn't feel the watchful eyes I'd become so accustomed to, I made my way down the stairs and through the hall, ending up infront of the rickity old door leading to the basement. As quietly, and quickly, as I could, I unlocked it and swung it open, revealing a set of worn down stairs. I closed the door behind me, making sure to lock it again --and yes, it was a two way lock-- and headed into the darkness, eager to once again get to work. \n\nAbigial Hawthorn, dead and deseased, had been watching the strangest man for two weeks now. She didn't know why she'd taken such an interest in him, but she had. All he did when he got home was cook dinner, clean a bit, and go to bed. She'd never known anyone so absolutley boring. That's why she decided she needed to add some spice to his life. You know, a misplaced shoe there, a bump in the table here: the usual.\n\nBut as the days wore on, he was still doing the same old thing. Abigial decided to take it up a notch. She would surprise him with her ghostly precense. And the perfect moment presented itself when he got out of bed one night and walked to the one room she'd not been in, by choice of course. Something about it had always just creeped her out. \n\nWhen he opened the door, a sense of giddiness overcame her. He was going to get a real kick when I showed myself to him! So caught up in her plan, she barely paid attention to the contents of the basement. Until a foul stentch hit her. Take the most awful horrible thing you've ever smelled, and imagine something ten times worse. That's what it smelled like. It was death. \n\nAbigial gagged as she looked around the sparsely furnished room, and her eyes widened in horror when she saw it. A body, or what was left of it, was lying a top a sheet, cuts and marks placed all over her skin. Her nose and left eye were gone completley. \n\nShe stared at it for what felt like ages, before the man interuptted her. He walked over to the body, a blade in hand. A sick feeling welling up inside of her, she took a tentative step back. When he placed it on her finger, she took another. And when he started to cut, Abigail ran so fast, that one of the few things in the basement, a pile of papers, blew across the room. The man barely even glanced up, a maniac smile twisting his features, hands moving with steady intent. Glee built up in him; he'd missed thise. The feeling of his blade sawing through flesh and bone, and this body was even more satisfying than others. He had certainly chosen right when he'd killed Abigail Hawthorn." ]	2
	[WP] On the eve of a mighty battle between good and evil, a wizard casts a spell to summon a mighty strategist from another dimension for his king. To his surprise, what appears in his summoning circle is a skinny teenager in glasses with a handful of dice and a colourful D&D T-shirt.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Who am I and how did I get here? Valid questions both physically and metaphorically I suppose.\n\nThe answer physically is at least easy enough to answer. The Emperor of the South, Droth, has been waging a campaign of terror all across the continent for years. Countries large and small have fought against him, both individually and in great unions, to no avail. This continued until only the Ghram alliance remained. The Ghram alliance is a coalition of 13 different countries that banded together in one final attempt to prevent annihilation.\n\nThe Ghram alliance gathered their greatest minds, warriors, and mages together in a vast war council. All options were considered. No proposal too crazy to consider if it might help them stave off the inevitable. They needed a way to strike back at Droth and his hordes. The thought of summoning warriors from other worlds had been considered and discarded. While technically possible the alliance no longer had the strength to summon enough people to make a difference. Too many great mages had been lost in the war already.\n\n“We may have to rely on our own strength,” someone chimed in, “but perhaps not our own wit. None of us can come up with a plan or strategy against Droth. He is a masterful tactician and sees through all our plans. But there are those in other worlds used to fighting in different ways.”\n\nAll agreed that this was a worthy idea. Indeed Zur the greatest mage remaining surely had the strength to summon a person from another world and the skill to select a person meeting his criteria. And so the plan was put into action. Zur was to summon a great strategist, one who was feared and had never known defeat. A hero that could lead the Ghram alliance to victory.\n\nAnd thus I was summoned to this world, mere days before the alliance's great offensive. The purpose of my summoning was to provide some new insights and tactics. That is how I arrived in this place physically. How did I get here metaphorically? I suppose I must explain where “here” is before I can answer that question.\n\n“Here” is mere hours before main horde of the Droth army arrives at the Ghram alliance's border. “Here” is weeks after the alliance's offensive, with me as its strategist, failed miserably. The failure of which cost two fifths of our fighting force while barely scratching Droth's army.\n\nSo how did I get here metaphorically? I suppose my hubris is to blame. In my own world I am known as the one you do not want to face. In this world I was told that Zur summoned a great strategist. That his magic was infallible and that I was sure to be the one to lead the Ghram alliance against Droth. And so I attempted to do so. I took what I know of medieval warfare and combined that with what I know of “magic” from my world. Fortunately the concept of magic in my world and the reality in this one align surprisingly close. I took this knowledge and bravado and drew up plans to lead an army into battle. More like to it's inevitable death. My inadequacy was quickly and brutally shown to me.\n\n“How could you let this happen,” they railed at me after we turned tail in defeat. “I just did what you asked! I yelled at them still in shock. Not just the shock of the battle, a real battle, which is not a thing you can easily pass off. But also the shock that I had led so many to their deaths. “Zur's magic is the best we have. There is no way he summoned someone inadequate for his purpose. And yet you failed so fully that we are guaranteed to be wiped off the face of the planet now,” they scolded. “Indeed,” Zur commented. Slouched on the floor with my head in my hands I tried not to cry as I looked up and asked, “Oh yeah and for what purpose was I summoned; exactly?” Zur stood up to his full height, looked down at me, and said, “I summoned a great traction who had never known defeat; someone who could lead us to victory.” After that statement Zur's shoulders slumped, “And yet you came instead, I have never doubted my magic so.”\n\nThe shock of what I heard almost drove me mad. A nervous chuckle escaped my lips to be followed by a hearty maniacal laugh and the tension drained from my body. Those around me looked at each other nervously as the madman in their midst nearly fainted from lack of oxygen for laughing so hard. Once I recovered I stood up and ran a hand through my hair; my long delicate fingers parting unkempt ragged curls. “You fools,” I scolded, “When I arrived you told my I was to lead the alliances assault against Droth. But that isn't why I was summoned at all.” They objected to my statement of course, “Surely it is you just heard Zur say it himself.” I would hear none of their drivel though, “Enough! I did listen to him. I was summoned to 'lead you to victory', not to lead an army against Droth. It's not my fault you idiots summoned your savior and then used him as a hammer when in fact he is a shovel. Let's go. We have much to do and no time to do it.”\n\nAnd so we are “here”, a week and a half after that day. My glasses are sliding down so I use my middle finger to push them up as I sit in front of a massive table covered to overflowing with various charts, diagrams, writing implements; and my lucky D20. In one of the final moments of calm I pick my D20 and roll it in my palm. I've had it nearly my whole career. Rolled it more times than I can count. So many times in fact that all the corners and edges are worn down.\n\nSo I have answered how I got here but not yet who I am. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Issei Kai, the legendary dungeon designer and dungeon master known as “Hellscape Ctenizidae”. In my world Ctenizidae is the scientific name for a family of spiders known as “trap door spiders”. My dungeon designs are second to none. Using one of my dungeons a moderately compentant dungeon master can fend off a party of experienced adventurers. Parties fall time and again against my dungeons; they stand no chance, even admit that victory was never within their grasp, but never compain because my dungeons are fair. Fair but intractable. No group of players has ever defeated me as I DM'd one of my dungeons. And here I sit in the DM's chair as and army of adventurers are about to assail my most elaborate, unescapable, and unforgivable dungeon to date. Come at me Droth, I am ready!" ]	2
	[WP] You work at a diner on the wrong side of town. One night, as you prepare for opening, you accidentally spill a line of salt in front of the door. Later you learn, after a quite night, that this diner serves mostly supernatural creatures who can't cross the salt line.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Emilie's arms are sore and she winces at the weight of the trays balanced on them, praying, praying not to drop them. \n\nHer prayers seem to have been answered because she let out a silent elated whoop inside her head, shooting James a quick a-ha!-I-Told-You-I-Could-Do-It-Motherfucker! wink. She sees James give a mock slow clap and resumes taking her next patrons orders before she slides behind the counter.\n\n\"See, I told you,\" she tells James, pinning her paper. \n\n\"Ooh, be still my bleeding heart, Emilie.\" James places his hand over his chest with faux hurt and together, they share a chuckle. \"Oh! Booth Four wants to know if they can change their steak to a well-done because apparently, Brad back there, made it rare.\"\n\n\"That's bullshit and we know it,\" Emilie retorts. \"They're just looking to get their meals free.\" \n\nHer eyes whip over to Booth Four, red-cushioned and dimly lit and sitting four businessmen shrouded in darkness chattering. Pausing, her eyes are drawn to the open front door, where a man is lurking outside the frame … in a fucking black duster jacket of all things.\n\n\"Come on in,\" Emilie calls out, pausing to wipe sweat from her forehead, cursing this god-awful heat and the current migraine pulsing and pushing against her skull. \"We're still open for another two hours!\"\n\nThe man is tall, dark and handsome — of fucking course, and glances down momentarily before returning his sights on her. \"You got a back door I can use?\"\n\nEmilie follows the man's gaze and sees the line of white on the floor, confused, before realizing that she had forgotten to sweep up the salt she'd split when opening last night. Fuck! She snaps on her best customer smile and voice. \"I'll get right on the mess —\"\n\n\"Back door?\" The stranger repeats, clearly impatient.\n\nHer smile momentarily wavers at the sharp and harsh tone he uses. \"Dude, it's literally one inch —\"\n\n\"Emilie —\" James warns.\n\n\"— you can step over it and —\" \n\n\"Emilie!\"\n\n\"— it's just fucking salt for God's sake, a little white line and —\"\n\nEmilie stutters when she sees the man glaring death daggers at her and falls quiet.\n\n\"Back door?\" The man rumbles in his deep voice. \n\nEmilie pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs. There have better be a good reason to why he is acting like this. It's a line of salt for fuck's sake. She jerks her thumb behind her and the man's lips twitch and curl as he nods stiffly. \"That's all you had to do,\" he growls. And Emilie watches his form disappear into the darkness.\n\nShe blinks incredulously at this interaction, letting it sink in before she turns to James. \"The fuck was that?\"\n\n\"Fuck if I know,\" James says, shrugging his shoulders. \"Dude was probably just being an asshole.\" \n\n\"True,\" Emilie murmurs. \"Maybe we should call the Winchesters.\"\n\n\"Hmm. Too bad they don't exist. Would be nice though,\" Her brother gently pokes her olive arm, brushing her brown hair back, adjusting her hair pin tighter. \"Four,\" he reminds her.\n\nEmilie grins, giving him a mock salute. \"Yes, Dad.\"\n\n\"If Dad was here, he'd weep at the sight of you.\" James cackles at his lame joke and Emilie whips a cleaning towel toward him as he disappears to take out the trash.\n\nOut of the corner of her eye, she nearly jumps out of her skin, seeing the stranger from seconds before pass by. She hadn't even heard the door open or had heard his footstep. and that slightly unnerved her. God, please don't be an asshole. I'm tired as fuck and I wanna go home.\n\n\"What can I get you?\" Emilie asks cautiously, as the man approaches the counter, linking his hands together in front of him, refusing to take a seat. Her eyes can't help but hone onto his blonde — no, it was brown before she was absolutely sure of it — hair and one-green-one-brown eyes and why in the holy-hell-of-all-fucks was he wearing a duster jacket in this ungodly weather?\n\nThe man only stares at her for a good while, wearing an indecipherable expression, his eyes slinking down her figure before meeting her own, before he finally speaks. \"The door.\"\n\nEmilie nods slowly. \"Right. The door. I'll clean it up as soon as I can,\" she tells him. She turns to pick up the hot plate, the bell dinging to announce its pick up and back again toward the man. \n\n\"Now,\" the man growls, leaning in closer and she's so distantly aware of how quiet the diner has gotten. Why is it so quiet? Her eyes dart around, seeing the rest of the patrons looking just as confused as she is, most of them attempting to speak. Nothing comes out of their mouths when they try.\n\n\"Dude, I have customers to serve,\" Emilie snaps, her frustration and migraine rising, \"and if you're gonna be an asshole, you can just get the fu—\"\n\nWithout warning and before she can even blink, the man's hands unlink and shoot out toward her. Distantly, she can hear the plate shattering and falling from her hands as his fingers curl around her throat. He drags and heaves her across and over the counter effortlessly and into the air, her work flats being slipped off by the sudden momentum. She gaspsgaspsgasps for air, her bare feet dangling as she claws desperately at his one hand cutting off her air supply. Nononononono! The man brings her closer to his face, ignoring her sloppy and useless slaps to his arm. \n\n\"I could bleed you dry with one little cut,\" he hisses and Emilie can swear his teeth are sharpened and pointed like fangs. \n\nNo. No way is this possible!\n\nHis other hand reaches out and strokes the side of her face. \"I'm going to ask you this once. Unbreak this shield now.\"\n\n\"What fucking shield? You're fucking delusional,\" she chokes out and take this!, her leg rises up, kneeling him as hard as she can in the groin. But it does nothing and he only clenches his jaw, twitches his neck and shoots her a look she can't identify and she's so utterly fucking confused because that should've —\n\nBreathe breathe breathe!!!!!\n\nHis hand snatches her left hand trying to peel of his fingers from her throat and Emilie tries to slap him but he doesn't budge. The man brings her wrist near his face, his nose brushing against her skin, inhaling deeply before pressing a kiss to her flesh.\n\n\"You have her face and her bloodline,\" he says. There's a change in his face she can only pinpoint as genuine confusion and curiosity all the while while getting the life choked out of her. The grip on his hand loosens just a tiny bit and she coughs. \"Do you not know who I am?\"\n\nThere's a unspoken who you are lingering on the edge of his sentence, she's sure of it.\n\n\"No,\" she spits, wheezing. \"Who the fuck are you?\"\n\nThe sentence seems to anger him because next thing Emilie knows, she sees his face contort in rage, his hand is gone from her neck, his teeth are sinking and ripping into her throat and she's screaming, someone's screaming, James is screaming — \n\nShe sinks to her knees like a rock plummeting down to Earth, her knees clicking hard against the wooden floor. Her head throbs as her skull hits the floor and something hot splatters across her face. \n\nGasping and wheezing, her vision blurs and blends with darkness and light and back again when she rolls onto her side with difficulty, her fingers desperately to stitch the wound together. She's met with the sight of James' dead gaze staring back at her. A low cry of pain and grief pours out of her as more tears swim, obscuring her vision. \n\nShe's the last of the Perezes standing and God help her now from whatever she's going to be implicit in. The pain in her neck only worsens when she tries to crawl, hearing his footsteps closely behind. Then, the man's hand wraps around her wrist and he begins to drag her toward the salt line.\n\n\"No …\" Emilie cries out weakly. \n\nAnother moan of pain as small wood splinters dig into her skin. Helplessly as her energy ebbs away, the man stops dragging her body, kneeling as he uses her limp hand to sweep the salt away in one fluid motion and oh god why does it feel like glass why does it feel like glass why — Her hand slams onto the floor once he lets go of her wrist. \n\nStill kneeling, the man reaches forward, placing one hand on her cheek, turning her face to meet his, the other moving her hair away from her face. The facial expression seems one of sorrow and regret and his thumb brushes against her warm skin in circles. \n\n\"My brothers have risen,\" is all he says. His lips move closer to her ear, voice nearly a whisper. \"Find me, child, once all this is over. We have much to talk about.\"\n\nEmilie's vision is dimming and spots begin to swirl in her eyes and stayawakestayawakestaywake!\n\nShe blinks and the man's risen from his kneel, watching her bleed out, his brow slightly furrowed, his clenched hands stained with her blood.\n\nShe blinks and suddenly, there are six men standing in the doorway, looking down at her, each with hatred in their eyes, confusion and fear and pain burrowing itself into her soul.\n\nShe blinks and all seven of them are gone, her own blood driving itself up from her lungs into her throat and a woman who'd been hiding underneath a table rushes over to her quickly, trying to stop the bleeding in her neck, the diner silence radioing into chaotic screaming and yelling.\n\n\"Stay with me, honey! Stay with me!\"\n\nShe blinks, and darkness dips her into the coldness for the first time in the night, snaking its way into her bones and then Emilie is no more.\n\n____\n\nNot exactly the prompt, but I hope you like it nevertheless!", "Shit\n\nThe glass of the shaker shattered on the pale white tiles. I sighed and flipped the open sign before going into the back to find something to clean the mess up.\n\nI slipped into the cold storage room in the back, lined with stark metal shelves filled with frozen foodstuffs and plastic utensils. The broom was propped just next to the doorway, a lone red pole. I hefted it out of the cold storage room and was surprised to see Monty, a regular here. He flashed his sharp canines, \"Would you mind cleaning this up, Anne?\" He said\n\n\"Well stretch those long legs over the mess and take a seat.\" I motioned to the bright red seats at the bar.\n\n\"I would gladly, love, but I-uh-need you to clean this up first, please.\" He gave a nervous smile.\n\nI rolled my eyes. \"Come on, Monty, I know you can step over it. It's like an inch wide.\"\n\nBefore he could get a word out a tall woman with vivid red hair barreled into him. His eyes widened in shock as he fell forward, straight towards the broken shards of glass protruding maliciously from the salt. \n\nMy hands shot out to try and catch him, but all I caught was air. I looked up to see Monty's face smushed against an invisible wall. I felt my face contort into a look of shock. Monty scrambled to push himself off of the invisible wall.\n\n\"I can explain.\" He stammered." ]	3
	[WP] You’re the priest assigned to Death Row, and as the convict finishes their confession, you cross yourself and motion hastily for the guard before signing off for the night. Their words still haunt you as you leave.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I know what you’ve done.\n\nThe words played on repeat in my head, the tone of her voice almost… amused.\n\nShe had gazed at me intently, leaning forward as far as her shackles would allow.\n\nI had expected to see dark, hollow eyes – a look I had seen in countless other killers. Instead, I was greeted with a burning fervour. There was a mania there, right beneath the surface.\n\nEven restrained… She terrified me.\n\nI know what you’ve done.\n\nWe sat in silence for a few minutes while I tried to find the right words.\n\nI couldn’t, and eventually she broke the silence.\n\n“A drunkard of a preist, an absolute disgrace, driving home at dusk.”\n\nI felt the colour drain from my face.\n\nShe continued, “Why, you look rather pale, father. Do you already know this story?”\n\nI stared at the floor, too afraid to look her in the eyes.\n\nShe chuckled. “A young child and her grandfather, getting the mail together, on a country road. Such a tragedy, they were on their own property, minding their business,” she crooned.\n\n“The town wanted blood, vowing to never stop looking for the murderer. What a coward, to hit the vulnerable and drive away! They have a day in the child’s honour each year- which you know of course.”\n\nShe smiles at me, a massive Cheshire grin of yellowed teeth,\n\n“Imagine if they knew that the priest leading the ceremonies was actually the one who ran the child down.”\n\nI finally met her eyes.\n\nKeeping my voice low as so not to attract the attention of guards, I begin to question her.\n\n“Then why did you take credit for it?” I make a conscious effort to keep my voice steady. “You were already sentenced to death.”\n\nShe smiles without warmth. “Because now, I am your saviour. And having a killer as a saviour makes you scum. The town will stop lusting for blood at my execution, and you will live free – tortured with the knowledge that you will get no opportunity for repentance.”\n\nShe starts rocking back and forth, speaking softly, repeating the words, “I know what you did.”\n\nShe giggles, the sound growing louder until it bounces off the walls, desperate for an escape in the narrow room. I cross myself and leave, and her screams turn shrill as the guards subdue her.\n\nLate at night, tossing and turning in my bed, I still hear her voice, cold but petty, clear as day. It has been years since her execution, but I never stopped hearing those words, a mantra playing on repeat in my mind.\n\nI know what you've done.", "I walked out of the prison after getting the necessary clearance to leave, and got in my car. There was nothing I wanted to do more than head home, but I couldn't. That meant being on the road for the next half hour until I got back to the church.\n\nDesperately trying to make sense of what happened, I tried to tell myself that he was just playing mind games, but the way he talked sounded like it came from the Grim Reaper. He seemed possessed. His eyes rolled back into his head and he leaned forward. It sounded like the voice of a corpse when he spoke.\n\n\"Tonight, driving back, you will swerve. A man will appear. You will meet your end, father.\"\n\nI didn't want to leave the parking lot, at least not at night. Maybe I could stay in my car until the following day.\n\nTAP TAP\n\nStartled, I looked out my car window to see an officer with a nightstick.\n\n\"Everything alright, Father Pat?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, just uh...Getting ready to go home.\"\n\n\"You've been in the car for about thirty minutes. The snow is really starting to come down. Is your car okay?\"\n\n\"I just had a phone call to make, that's all, I'll be on my way now,\" I said, damning the officer for appearing.\n\nDuring my drive back I was trying to be as cautious as possible, especially with the icy roads. Snow was obscuring my vision. There was just the one road with nothing else was around but woods as far as the eyes could see. All the trees looked wicked without their leaves.\n\nI was going 55 miles an hour, which was a little fast but I had to get home. It was nerve-racking since there weren't any lights on the path and I had to drive with my brights on the entire ride. \n\nWithout much time to react, a deer leapt out of the woods directly in front of my car. \n\nI had no choice but to crank the steering wheel in the opposite direction causing my car to spin out and flip over off the road completely.\n\nI must have blacked out for a few seconds because I had no idea what had happened, but I was still safely in my car, hanging upside down. I was awakened with a distinct red light shining in my face. Wonderful, that must be the police.\n\nUntil I looked over.\n\nA face without eyes, or a nose was looking at me through my window. Bloody blisters littered the face and each one had red light emanating from it. Its head was floating and glaring directly at me, it opened its mouth and it spoke without moving its lips in a familiar voice.\n\n\"It's the end...\"\n\nr/randallcooper", "I watched him leave. Feet and wrists shackled, dressed in a neon orange jumpsuit he shuffled towards the entrance, flanked by two large guards. He moved like a man already dead, back bent, chin against his chest. I went to stand, to leave but he stopped suddenly, right before the door and I froze. I remember it so vividly. He slowly turned his head, looking back over his shoulder and met my gaze with those eyes, Lord deliver me, those damned eyes. They stared at me through his long, black, stringy hair and in that moment I saw the howling pit of despair that was his soul. I saw the abyss in that man's eyes - just a blink - and then it was gone. He turned around and left my life from the same door he had entered it. Like all men I've had my doubts, my lapses of Faith but any doubts I've ever had about Hell... Well, if seeing is believing...\n\n I sat back, my shoulders suddenly feeling the weight of what I had just done. I wiped the sweat from my palms on the side of my cassock. I tried to breathe but the feeling of dread smothered me. I closed my eyes and forced my mind to focus. To cut through the fear. I was a servant of God, I did not have the luxury of fear. I began to process the events of the past two hours.\n\nI had heard three confessions before the last inmate came in. He was a young man, early twenties. He was tall, pale, and skinny with long black hair. His two guards came in chained him to the table and to the floor and promptly left us alone, waiting just outside the door. Then we began. \n\nHe told me what he had done. His confession. I cannot say exactly the things he'd done, as to do so would break my oath, but I can say that after three years of ministering to inmates on death row... for two hours he told me his life's story and when I tell you this man's life was suffering, know that I mean it. From the moment he was born, his life was about suffering. His suffering and other's suffering. He hated and loved the same thing.\n\nWhen he was finished, we sat in silence for a little while. I stared up at the window where a bright and beautiful day continued mere feet away. He looked down at the floor. I knew that his sins were his alone. But the life he had lived - how was I supposed to judge this man? Did I really have the authority? \n\n\"Your life...\" I began slowly, \"is a tragic one. Do you understand that here and now I can only forgive the sins you have committed, not the ones committed against you?\"\n\"Yes,\" he answered in a low voice, still looking down at the floor.\n\n\"And do you repent all of your sins?\" \n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"And do you ask God, in His infinite mercy to forgive you?\"\n\nHe hesitated.\n\"Yes.\" he finally muttered.\n\nSomething in his voice, his look, his hesitation made little alarm bells go off in my head. I examined his face, his eyes wide, skin pulled back against his skull. Something wasn't right. The dread began to seep in. I knew what it was. I had to do it. I wanted to just stop here, give absolution and leave right now. But I had to do it. I had a duty. I leaned forward and said in a low, calm voice.\n\n\"Would you do it again?\"\n\nHis eyes shot up and he stared at me for a second with a cold look of hatred and fear and a longing akin to lust that would've made me shiver if I hadn't actively suppressed the urge. \"Yes.\" he whispered.\n\nSuddenly the dread and fear fled and I closed my eyes as a wave of sadness crashed over me. \n\n\"I am sorry, my son. I cannot absolve your sins.\"\n\n\"What?!\" I heard him hiss, spitting out the word with outraged disbelief.\n\n\"I am truly sorry.\"\n\n\"But you're a priest, you have to take my confession!\"\n\n\"I did.\"\n\nI sat there and weathered the screams, groans, threats, pleadings and teeth grinding of a man who knew exactly what waited for him. In the end, we sat in silence until the guards came.\n\nTo you who are gifted with the bliss that ignorance brings, I say cling to it. For I have seen the depths of Hell and no man, no matter how evil, no matter how wicked deserves what lies there. And I will forever be haunted by the fact that I cast a man into that place for a single word." ]	4
	[WP] Post apocalyptic cooking show	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Due to a lack of broadcasting equipment or anything left to broadcast to, the show was always in front of an audience. Often less than 20 people, all they wanted was to be fed by someone who knew how to cook with what little they had as ingredients. The show wasn't a show in the traditional sense, it wasn't there to entertain, it was purely instructional. The chef travelled around between communities of survivors and showed them what you can make with rat meat and a can of soup that tasted good.\n\nToday chef was in Lakeland, Florida, or at least what was left of it. The Publix had long since been raided for supplies and the CVS opposite had crumbled when the bombs fell. Somehow the Cobb theatre still stood, despite taking a direct hit the bomb that struck it was a dud. It did some minor damage when it fell but nothing that impacted it's structure. This was the place the locals had chosen to be their sanctuary. Many large rooms, basic cooking equipment, even a large supply of popcorn had survived. There were even a few restaurants around that hadn't been totally destroyed (ok, so the roof on Crispers had collapsed a little but not so much as to be dangerous to enter) and those were also raided for food. Chef for the first time had an abundance of things to actually create with!\n\nLettuce, onions, tomatoes, chicken, cheeses, beef, bacon and so so many other things!!! Heck, if he dared to go down to the lake and trap it he could even get gator, but why would he when they had so much‽ But how were there so many people here who hadn't thought of this already? There was maybe 30 people here and yet they'd barely eaten any of the ingredients despite the bombs having dropped a week ago. The previous 6 places he'd visited had had little enough, particularly in terms of vegetables, they hadn't had many restaurants or stores survive and people knew that those would be the first things to rot so they ate them fast. But here, everything in the restaurants had been ignored. He wondered why? The people weren't starving, not yet, but many appeared skinnier than they should with such abundance.\n\nHe asked a tall black man who appeared to be the leader why nobody had touched any of the food in the restaurants.\n\"Nobody trusts it\" came the reply\n\"The food in these restaurants was rarely any good, and most people aren't sure if it was the ingredients that were the problem or just the people cooking it. Beef's food made me nauseous regularly, Crispers always tasted weird and to be honest the Grill Smith never had the best meat anyway but now there's something in there that's glowing\" \n\"Most of the time bad food comes from bad cooks.\" Chef told the man. \"I understand the hesitancy with the glowing in Grill Smith though, that's potentially something dangerous. Come with me to Crispers and help me get some of that produce over here and I can show y'all how to turn it into something amazing!\"\n\"Aight, but first at least tell me your name, if I'm gonna trust you with food in times like this I gotta know it\"\n\"Everyone normally just calls me Chef, but you can call me Gordon. Now let's go make some good fucking food!\"", "\\[Poem\\] \n\nPost-Apocalyptic Stew\n\n&#x200B;\n\nLizard Gizzard and cow pies too,\n\nFried in post-apocalyptic stew\n\noh-ho! What's this? Something neat!\n\nA thing humans can safely eat!\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAlas, my dear we are too late\n\nit's past the expiration date\n\nbut while the back of the tin says 1982,\n\nit'll go nicely with post-apocalyptic stew!\n\n&#x200B;\n\nmutant dog from who-knows-where\n\na most overgrown pair of underwear,\n\nbut at the bottom of the pantry we see\n\nsomething delicious, just for me!\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt's rarely rotted, stinky, or stale\n\nit's (mostly) unaffected by nuclear hail,\n\nthere is no time it's bad too eat\n\nand so I'm thankful for cockroach meat\n\n&#x200B;\n\nbut when zombies walk nearby my door\n\nand clouds of famine make us all poor\n\nmy grandpa jumps right in the pot\n\nand makes it piping, nice and hot\n\n&#x200B;\n\n'let's eat grandpa!' mama said\n\nand not long after grandma was dead\n\nI'm thankful their sacrifice, that much is true\n\nbut mostly I'm glad for post-apocalyptic stew" ]	3
	[WP] It was a real bargain, a fancy looking TV set from some garage sale. The brand is in a weird language, but it’s stylish. Flipping channels doesn’t give you Fox or NBC though, but rather, the 1st person perspective of your loved ones. And the secrets they keep...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I flipped on the tv, hoping that it would function. Three beats later the tv was light up with a glowing logo. I didn’t recognize the language, though i assumed it was Russian. I clicked the continue button on the remote and it miraculously worked. It was weird that it was at garage sale, a perfectly working TV like this shouldn’t be sold for $10. oh well it did not matter. I looked down at the remote, and punched in two numbers at random. The TV screen quickly flipped to show a different feed. Only I didn’t recognize this channel. I tried flipping to another channel, Fox. but still when it changed I did not recognize it. thoroughly confused, I flip to another channel. This time I recognize something. It was not a talk show or a cartoon but what seem to be like a security camera feed. maybe this old TV was hooked up to Some other network. But as I looked closer at the screen I saw person. it was a female, dark hair and a pretty face. she looked oddly familiar. I squinted at the image in front of me. Could it be? No it couldn’t be possible the women on the screen was my girlfriend. she was on the phone talking I realized. I grabbed The remote and turn up the volume. The I heard her voice. \n“Yeah i’ll be coming over later around 2 if that’s fine.” She said. The person on the other side must’ve responded because she started talking again.\n“no don’t worry about my boyfriend he’ll never find out” She said smirking. What? what was going on. \n“all right see you then” She said and hung up the phone. I quickly switched off the TV. Wasn’t girlfriend cheating on me? no she was loyal. Maybe this was a trick. Suddenly I remembered what the person who sold the TV to me said when i had bought it. he had told me to be careful with it and use it only for good. I thought he was joking, or crazy. but now i understand." ]	2
	[WP] You realise that your laptop and your phone are showing you two different versions of the internet. Someone you love sends a message. On your laptop it reads as a call for help. On your phone it is a warning to stay away.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As I opened my email, like I do everyday, I was sure there wasn't anything new and interesting. Though, I had gotten a notification on my phone. I should check it out. It showed up in my notification bar so I guess it isn't spam. \"Hey, a mail from Emily. Haven't spoke her in a wh... What the-...\" As I was reading the mail it said:\n\n\"Nathaniel, there have been several things going on in my neighborhood. All of them are strange 'paranormal' activities. I need you to stay away if anything happens to you, I won't be able to confront myself anymore. I just wanted to tell you that, if this is the last time I'm talking to you, whether it be in personal or over the internet. I want you to know that I love you. Love Emily.\"\n\n\"Is this a joke or something? No she wouldn't be the kind of person to play with my feelings like that. Come to think of it, I have heard of strange activities near her residence. Let's see... Whoa, hold up. How can this be? Another email, from Emily? But I'm sure this one didn't show up on my telephone. What is going on here? What does it say?\"\n\n\"Dear Nathaniel, Help me I'm scared. Surely you've heard of strange things happening in my town. I don't want to be here anymore. I want to be safe with you, the one person I truly trust and love. Can you please come out here. I don't want it to end like this. PLEASE!!!\"\n\n\"What. The. Actual. Fuck. This can't get any crazier right? First let me see. Her email address seems to be the same. Emily can be really desperate sometimes but she is also very calm under various circumstances. Could it be that the Internet is rigged? Is there a difference between the internet of the telephone and the internet of the computer? But they are synced. Whatever happens on my phone will also happen on my computer. I can't wrap my head around this. Oh right, Emily! Should I go accordong to my computer or shoild I stay away...\"\n\n\"I defenitely should go. I mean, I love her and now she says she loves me. I need to help her get away from there. Let's see I can be there in about 30 minutes. So do I have everything necessary? Yes, beautiful. Alright then to the car.\"\n\nOnce I arrived I was flustered. \"How could this happen? What has been going on. I quickly drive to Oaklandlane 128F. This is where she live-... What happened here?\" The house was all cracked up and there were only a few places left where she could be. I yelled.\n\n\"Emily? Emily? EMILY?!\" \"Nathaniel, is that you?\" Yes It's me, I'm here, it's going to be alright.\" \"Thank god you saw my mail. I was so worried you wouldn't come. No probl-...\" \"Why are you here? I told you not to come here. Now we're both going to die!\" What just happened, she was so happy to see me just a few seconds ago. \"Eh, Emily? Are you alright?\" \"Of course not, we are going to die. I told you not to come.\" What happened to you, Emily? It looks like you suddenly got a split personality. \"I've been a test subject for the government for way too long...\" \n\n\"You've been WHAT?!\" \"They did experiments on us. Really painful experiments. Draining our blood until it was almost fatal. Being waterboarded, electrocuted and much more. Just to bring out another personality to test their drugs on.\" \"Why didn't you tell me, or anyone else?\" \"Otherwise, they would kill us. But a week ago the first leak was reported. The government directly put him and the ones he told, including their relatives, down. See this device?\" \n\nshows a wristband \"If they get suspicious, they can electrocute us directly to a crisp.\" \"That's the most terrible thing i've ever heard.\" I said. Suddenly we hear a helicopter flying over. Not just any helicopter. An AH-64 Apache! \"Get down. It's the government.\" They are here, they know. My life is in danger. So is hers. \"We need to get that wristband off.\" \"We can't it's indestructible.\" They are closing in... How do we get out of this situation? Think, Think!, THINK!!" ]	2
Have fun with this.	[WP] You wake up to find nothing but scorched earth and the charred remains of a village and an orc horde. Your clothes and hands are smoking. You hear a voice saying, "I have heard of how unstable that spell is. But I have never actually seen The Pheonix's Last Breath in action before."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "My mouth tasted like dirt. I tried to spit and ended up in a coughing fit. I held out my hand, expecting something horrible like blood, but the only thing it caught was ash.\n\nI couldn't remember anything. A great fog covered my mind. I could move, I could think, but I had no recollection of where or even who I was.\n\nThe ground around me was black. A wide line of scorched grass smoldered in front of me, drawing my eyes toward the burning remnants of a village. Charred bodies I could not recognize were strewn about. I had no idea what had happened here, but my initial sense was it all had to do with me.\n\nWhat had I done?\n\n\"I have heard of how unstable that spell is. But I had never actually seen The Phoenix's Last Breath in action before.\"\n\nI recoiled backwards, startled by the horrid voice, but I could see no one.\n\n\"Who's there?\" I shouted.\n\nIn the haze of smoke a figure appeared. \"It's me, my Lord,\" he said.\n\n\"Who are you?\" I asked. The figure stepped closer. He was dressed in dark robes and a hood covered his head. He held a black staff in his hands.\n\n\"Who am I? Surely you jest, Lord Braddock.\"\n\n\"Stay back, or else I'll do it again.\" I wasn't sure what I did, or if I could do it again, but I thought it might make him keep his distance.\n\n\"I am Levi, your trusted servant. Do you not remember, Lord Braddock? You performed marvelously.\"\n\nThat name, Lord Braddock, rung a bell in my head, but I couldn't place the familiarity. Perhaps that was who I was after all. I looked at Levi, his dark eyes gleaming, as if in awe.\n\n\"You must not remember,\" he said to me, and stepped closer so that he was just an arm's length away. His movements were smooth, like he hardly touched the ground when he walked. I could smell him, like melted flesh. It was repugnant.\n\n\"Your horde of orcs were ransacking this village of thieves and scoundrels when they cast a great spell. You fought back but were wounded. That's when you used the Phoenix's Last Breath, a devastating spell few have only heard of, let alone seen. It cured your wounds, but it seems to have taken your memory, too.\"\n\nLevi was in front of me now. He gripped his staff tightly and I could see his hands shaking.\n\n\"Let us finish the business we started, shall we? Let us take back what is ours.\"\n\nHe pointed his staff through the blackened village toward the forest where a grand castle broke over the tree line.\n\n\"Those weaklings were the ones who pushed us to embrace the dark powers. Let's show them the grave mistake they made. Look! They've come to attack us again!\"\n\nAs he spoke, a trio of fighters broke through the woodlands into the village clearing. They stopped when they saw us. Two were clad in armor and carried swords even larger than they. The third was a woman, thinly dressed but protected by a magical glow. She too carried a staff.\n\n\"Don't listen to his lies!\" she shouted. She tried to run closer, but the two beside her held her back.\n\n\"Quiet, girl!\" Levi spat back, waving his staff in her direction. \"Or else Lord Braddock will destroy you with a thought. Just look at what's left of your sad village.\"\n\n\"He's lying to you, Levi!\" she said to me. \"Don't you remember me? It's me, Reia! You are not who he says you are!\"\n\nI looked between the two, suspended by my indecision. What could I do? Nothing was familiar. Both were telling me I was someone I didn't know. Did they not know what they asked of me? How could I choose who I was? And then, in a moment of luck, an idea came to mind.\n\n\"If I am who you each say I am, then give me your staff.\"\n\n\"But Lord,\" Levi stammered.\n\nReia was quiet, and looked to her companions. They nodded. She walked over, glaring at Levi, and handed me her staff. It was a solid wood, brown and knobbed up its length. At the top it was cupped, wherein a light blue crystal sat.\n\n\"Now you, Levi,\" I commanded.\n\nHesitantly, Levi handed his staff to me. It was light, made of two twisted pieces of wood that met at the top with sharp prongs, where a purple crystal was set. There was a spot, a handle perhaps, that was not black but grey. I scratched at the black nearby and found that underneath was grey wood as well. The staff was not painted black, but only charred. Recently.\n\nI turned to Levi and studied his face. The sunken features told long tales of struggle, of violence, of pain. His rotted teeth spoke of striving, of suffering, of sorrow. His eyes confessed of greed, of power, of hatred.\n\nNo man could look upon his master with those eyes.\n\n\"Thank you, Lord Braddock,\" I said at last, \"for your surrender.\"\n\nI held his staff in the air and snapped it over my leg. The figure in front of me crumbled to his feet, and, as the life force drained from him, turned to dust.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n/r/ReverendRamboWrites", "I wake up, covered in ashes and soot. Surrounding me are charred orc corpses and buildings. My body is smoking and feels very hot. I feel like a baby. \n\n“I have heard of how unstable that spell is. But i have never actually seen the Phoenix’s Last Breath in action before.”\n\n“Who are you?” Were my first words. I don’t know where i am, or who i am. I continued “What’s going on?”. I have no memories of anything, and i don’t remember anything at all. Turning around i see a skeleton with glowing purple spots coming from his eyesockets, wearing a cloak made of shadows. “I am but a passing Lich who happened to see an opportunity.” He said. “Orcs are really food cannon fodder, y’know? Besides, you put on an amazing display.” He continued, with his raspy voice. I was confused. What display? What did i do? Does he know what happened?\n\n“Really, it was brilliant! It lit up the entire sky. I thought it became day for a second, i thought i’d be burned by the sun again!” The lich chuckled. “What happened?” I asked him. “You don’t remember? Why, you just performed one of the hardest magics there are! The Phoenix’s Last Breath. Don’t you recall anything?” He questioned me back. I honestly had no idea what this was. I did all of this? It couldn’t be, i barely knew how to fight. ...Wait, how did I know that? “I- I don’t remember anything.” I stammered. \n\n“Why, i never thought it’d literally mean being reborn. The Phoenix’s Last Breath is an advanced spell that activates upon death. According to how it’s described, you will be reborn from the ashes of your corpse. I guess that’s what happened, since you really look confused right now.” The lich told me, scratching his scalp. “I’m relatively young, y’see, I came to be about half a year ago.” Said the lich, leaning on his wagon full of orc bones he’d been collecting while i sat on the ground. “I would have liked to learn how to do it, but since you don’t remember anything i guess i can’t.” He mumbled, dragging his wagon along. “Hey, wait, i don’t know what to do, don’t leave!” I quickly sputtered out, in a desperate attempt to not be left out here without any information.\n\n“You were a mage powerful enough to cast that spell, im sure you’ll be fine.” The lich said nonchalantly, looking back. “I don’t even know how to use a swo- wait, but i don’t remember not being able to do that?” I stopped myself in doubt. The lich stopped, and turned to me. “Actually, teach me how to do it once you remember everything. Until then, good luck!” He said, continuing further into the forest. I stood up, using my legs for the first time. I guess i gotta try my best to remember what happened then." ]	3
	[WP] It was a normal DND game before the first encounter. A player suddenly has a deep gash once their character took damage.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Quick, someone grab some paper towels!\" shouted Mark, blood trickling down onto his character sheet. The other players stood for a moment, mesmerized at the sight. Clara, the party's cleric, rushed to the kitchen and grabbed some peroxide and towels to help disinfect the wound. \"Okay, you got some explaining to do. What the fuck was that?!\" exclaimed Robert between clenched teeth. \"Combat is still going on,\" I responded calmly. \"I need your character to make me a wisdom saving throw.\" The anger that flushed through Robert's face was as immediate as his retort. \"Stop playing the damn game! Can't you see Mark here bleeding? He needs an ambulance!\" At this point, my disdain started showing its colors. \"He will be fine. If you don't roll I will skip your turn and I will treat that as a failing save,\" I warned towards Robert. Robert threw his d20 onto the table and rushed over towards Mark. If only Robert looked at his roll a bit clearer... As Robert left the table, I continued the combat. \"Robert, as your barbarian charges towards the wizard, you see a dazzling array of flashing, colored lights shoot from his tattered sleeves, blinding you until the end of the next round.\" Robert then collided into the coffee table, spilling chips and pizza on the floor. \"My eyes! MY EYES! I CAN'T SEE A THING!\" Robert collapses onto the floor, hands covering his head as his screams echo through the living room. Clara, flustered at both of her friends on the floor, starts frantically helping Robert back towards his feet. I continue, \"The succubus starts to lay his eyes over the cleric's body, and you cannot help but feel attracted towards the succubus's seductive ways. Clara, make a wisdom saving throw.\" At this point, Clara starts trembling at the gravity of the situation. Through tears, she softly rolls her dice and clasps her hands together, almost as if to pray for any salvation from this nightmare. Unfortunately, fear settles into Clara's eyes as she sees a three come up on the die. Clara pleads for me to stop, but those pleads fall onto deaf ears. Narrating the story, I continue. \"The succubus's sweet promises entice you as you feel yourself falling for the succubus. You are now charmed.\" At those words, Clara's eyes changed from a coated fear to a insatiable lust. Her voice gets softer and more confident as she responds \"Anything for you Aezora.\" Managing my best seductive voice, I answer \"Kill Mark and I shall be yours forever.\" Clara confidently walks over towards the kitchen to grab a knife, a mixture of lust and overwhelming fear swarming over her body. Through choked words, Clara manages to utter out \"Why are you doing this?\" I feel anger taking over my body, more than I have ever felt before. \"You wanna know why?\" I yelled, fist slamming into the table. \"Remember prom? I had never felt more embarrassed or ashamed in my life by your guys hands. All those people laughing at me, all the therapy I had to endure, all the sleepless nights I had to spend with those nightmares permeating my every dream. You tell me how you'd feel if you thought you were making out with the girl of your dreams, to only realize it was a guy! I felt blinded by charm, and I want each of you to feel the pain and blindness that I felt. This is my world, now experience the pain I felt all those years ago.\" With those words, Clara's tears came streaming down her eyes as the knife punctured through Mark's throat, his gasps for air gargled with blood. After a few moments, the life left Mark's body as he sat motionless on the floor." ]	2
	[WP] You're the hero's designated mentor, selected to train the chosen one what they'll need to know for their upcoming quest. When you find them however, they've just died in an embarrassing accident. That simply won't do; thinking quickly, you dig out your old Necromancy textbook...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \n\nThis is my first time ever taking up the challenge of a writing prompt, I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did making it!\n\n==============\n\n\"The legend speaks of a man. A man of great power, a man of robust might... a man who could conquer the world if he so wished. One that would bring peace and prosperity to all the people of his tiny little world. One that had risen from his underdog status, and reached one that caught the attention of those in power. One that would bring forth the demise of our tyrannical ruler, and knock him off his throne with the magical teachings from his mentor.\n\nWhere is this hero now..? Dead. Died biting a bamboo! The teeth marks are still on the damn thing!\" Ichika cut her monologue short with a hoggish groan. She paced back and forth with the look of a disappointed mother on her face, both hands rustling the large amounts of sweaty black hair like grass on a field. I don't know what idiot would think that taking a bite out of raw bamboo will kill their hunger.... Well it killed something for sure.\n\n\"Y'know I could revive your sorry dead butt at the cost of my village knocking on my door every morning with pitchforks and torches; all wanting my head for having a zombie under my wing.\"\n\nShe thought for a while, let the idea surf through her brain juices. There's not much I can do... I'm going to regret this.. but it's leagues better than being under the rule of that snotty brat.\" As she finishes her sentence she pulls out her spell book, all dusty and ragged. The pages have small colorful doodles on them, and various rips from its rather old age.\n\nPage 41, page 42, page 43, page 50 - be at minimum close to the dead corpse... yada yada, page 60, page 61.. Hand reached out with the peace sign... goddammit, god friggin' dammit. Where is this damn page... I hope that hungry country bumpkin died a painful death... Hope he broke some teeth while he was it, damn wannabe hero.\n\nPage 350, page 351, god if I mess this up... all the seven kingdoms are gonna be hellbent on seeing my meek little tiny head on a sharp spike. The monastery is gonna send their assassins right up where the sun doesn't shine. They’re gonna be drinking my blood man, there's gonna be adoring crowds cheering on my damn execution. I’m just gonna pray to god that its quick and painless. Page 400- AHA! Gotcha! \n\nShe reached out her hand steadfast and her eyes began to glow and grow in the intensity of the light. The wind howled around her, the leaves and grass rustled violently, trees danced with sheer power through the large gusts of wind that was forming. The body began to glow, Ichika began to have cascades of blood spewed from her nose and eyes. The wind grew stronger, thunder roared in the distance, and… aaannnddd…\n\nPop\n\nThe body disappeared, and popped into existence simultaneously, with no injuries to be seen. The man had shoulders broader than an Olympic swimmer going for a gold, muscles to toned and impeccable they could kill you on the spot with their glory alone. But from the neck up… this messiah was a goat…\n\nStare… Stare… Stare… Stare… Facepalm!\n\nYou’ve got to be pulling my leg, right? Did the spell screw with my head or something? She rubbed her eyes in sheer confusion. And gawked at the built man once more.\n\n“...Was the goat head always there?”\n\nThe man gave a stern thumbs up as his eyes twinkled, and said no words. He glanced back forth from the short and stocky girl in front of him, and back towards the fall bamboo strand that now slept on the ground.\n\n“That explains the biting…”\n\n“Greetings, young peasant girl, I’m Maximo.....Did I die?”\n\n“And that explains the idiocy.. But yeah, you did, you know what that makes you?”\n\n“Hungry!”\n\nIchika’s patience was wearing thinner than paper, but she tried to keep her cool and let out a relieving sigh.\n\n“No, it makes you a zombie. Z-O-M-B-I-E, undead, revenant, ghoul, whatever the hell your folk call-”\n\n“A hungry zombie!” The goatman interrupted with a cheeky smile and another twinkle in his eye. Ichika knew that this man was going to be more than a chore to teach in combat. Awkward silence now filled the surrounding bamboo garden.\n\n“You know what, pal?”, Ichika broke the silence with a laid back tone, “How about we kill that hunger with some proper food this time?”\n\n“Most excellent choice, young ma’am… But who are you exactly?”\n\n“The one that’s going to train you day and night, and the complete my part of the prophecy.”", "\"Work with what you've got...\n work with what you got...\n Work with what you got...\"\n\nFlip to page 45, not 43, preserve the body for what comes next... use the Cold notes to understand the intent of the spell.... Page 1143 of the Nectonomicon explained on page 47 of the Cold Notes.\n\n The creator judges us for all the moments we had when we lived, and reviews with us how we died...\n\nI am so going to get haunted.\n\n This was so bad that not only is the hero-still-unproven going to haunt me, but all his hero ancestors are going to gang-haunt me in my sleep. I can hear the laughter from the ferocious judges of the gates of the afterlife... I can hear them... I'm going to get revenants up my ass, None of the ghosts are going to stay quiet on this one... \n\nnone of them are going to live this death down.\n\nWhy did we have to train so much with war elephant. Nobody deals in elephants. Why did we have to train elephants. So much poop... So much death.... my career so dead, I'm dead.... POOP!!!!\n\nNo cleaning cantrips... damn elephant, damn outhouse, damnnit dammnit dammit... fishing is for rivers not latrine pits... \n\nWhy elephants????\n\n If this doesn't work and I don't I don't pull this off and stuff his spirit back in there, the king will have me recreate the accident. Favoured fuckin hero nephew... why the goddam war elephant, why the itchy ass clumsy war elephant... goddamn outhouses, goddamn clumsy itchy ass elephant... I HOPE YOU GOT SPLINTERS IN THERE JUMBO!!!\n\nPage 33 of the Cold notes says that I have to use the summoning spell on page 2431 of the Nectonomicon, and not swear for it fouls the air that held the last breath of the deceased... SHIIIT!!!\n\nSummon anyways, worst that can happen is his ghost says no. Then I am totally dead... hero-in-training &kings favourite nephew is dead,and laughingstock dead, elephant footprint stomping him into in the latrine pit of the outhouse he died in dead... YOU KILLED ALL THREE OF US JUMBO!!!\n\nhere's the spell... looks like Klatchian... hope my accent doesn't screw this up... oooh the Cold Notes of the Nectonomicon has a pronunciation guide....\n\nAZZgerr💥riahhhcchh tuu💨💫uréemi badddju wog💣gglacchh💥🌟☀ KLATUUU BARRADA NICTIM.\n\nPlease cooperate oh hero spirit... I am totally willing to sacrifice the elephant if it will appease you... say the word, say the word, say the word....\n\nYES... HERO SPIRIT I HEAR YOU!!!! Speak MORE.\n\nHero, Would you be willing to re-enter the body you had in life to meet your heroic destiny oh hero spirit? You are the hero in waiting...\n\nHey, it was YOUR idea to bring in the war elephant into your training. Yes I did supplement the elephant's diet with the wild brush from outside the gates. Elephants eat wild brush, and supplementing the elephant's feed was necessary to save money.\n\nWhat? No, what is itchweed? Wouldn't the elephant have avoided it? Raised JUMBO from birth did you? Only fed him... my word that must have been expensive. Jumbo had no experience foraging in the wild... so you only wanted to take up the mantle of hero so you could go adventuring with your beloved elephant. \n\nGoing in and going out you say? Similar to the ring of fire lamented about when talking about firesauce... no wonder the elephant was scratching itself so animatedly against the outhouse when the accident took place.\n\nWould you be willing to re-enter the body you had in life? No, you would still be dead,\n and rotting,\n and in pain, \nand damned,\nand a Zombie...\n\nBut at least the king wouldn't think you died here.\n\nLet me ZOMBIFY you, and with the aid of unholy necromancy we can reclaim your destiny as a hero...\n\nPLeeaaase reconsider oh hero spirit. The king will put both of us to death. Not you you are already dead. Don't just do it for me, do it for Jumbo. Look at his teeny little eyes, look at that face, look at those tusks... look at his adorable snakey trunk. Help me help him, or all of us will be put to death by the king in his wrath. You may hate me, but look into Jumbo's adorable beady bloodshot eyes. Would you allow him to be put to death before he could find true love???\n\nYou have reconsidered!! Wonderful!!! Lets begin" ]	3
	[WP] - The protagonist was sent to a fantasy world and given the powers of a hero. Only, while the elves, dwarves and demons are real, it's all a Truman Show where everyone's only pretending that the hero is really a savior, and the protagonist is the only one who doesn't know.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Bearing the Blade of Ages, I entered the chamber. Chief Armanine, second of the five demon generals, sat in his throne overlooking myself and the chamber.\n\n\"Hah! Meagre hero! You may have bested the weakest of our ranks, but I am made of sterner stuff!\" The massive red-skinned demon said, slamming his fist into his bare chest and throwing his horned head back in laughter.\n\n\"I've discovered your true weakness, Armanine! Behold your doom!\" I shouted, pulling out a copper dagger. For a legendary weapon, it looked pretty unremarkable.\n\n\"Brought a cheese knife to slay a demon? I almost pity you, mortal!\" the demon general said.\n\n\"One bathed in the blood of the very sacrifice that brought you into this world! What better tool to send you back to the infernal plane where you belong?\" I said.\n\n\"A cunning plan... IF I HAD COME ALONE!\" Armanine said, snapping his clawed fingers. A dozen guards entered, wearing armor that covered their entire bodies... Save for one, who appeared to be wearing nothing below the waist but a pair of white boxers covered in red hearts.\n\n\"Surrender, hero! You have no hope of victory!\" the guards said in sync.\n\n\"Uh... What's up with that guy?\" I said gesturing at the underdressed guard.\n\nI could've sworn I heard the demon general swear under his breath before responding. He said, \"It's... Casual Friday. But no matter, you may be reckless with your own life, mortal, but would you dare to endanger the life of the priestess?\"\n\nThe general reached down and pressed a button on the armrest of his throne, causing a panel in the floor to slide open, revealing a pool of lava beneath. A cage was lowered down from the ceiling, containing Stalya, the kindly dwarven woman who had set me onto this quest in the first place.\n\n\"Hero! Do not be swayed by his threat! My life is nothing compared to the destruction the Dark Lord will wreak if he isn't stopped!\" she said.\n\n\"Don't talk like that, I'll find some way to get us both out of this!\" I said.\n\n\"Brave words for a dead man! Guards! Attack!\" Armanine shouted.\n\nI quickly tossed the copper dagger into my off hand before pulling the steel sword I'd been using for most of the adventure from its scabbard. While I'd been prepared to do some dual-wielding, none of the guards approached me.\n\n\"Oh gods damn it! Get in there and fight!\" The demon general bellowed at the guards.\n\n\"But we're only interns, sir! We don't know anything about fighting!\" one of the guards said.\n\n\"Yeah, and Greg doesn't even have pants!\" another guard said.\n\n\"I told you I left them in my trailer! I just needed two more minutes to grab them, but no, we just HAD to do this right now!\" the pantsless guard said.\n\n\"Okay, you know what? CUT!\" Armanine said, snapping his fingers again. \"Dammit, someone get the guys who arrange filler in here, obviously we need to delay until the real actors to recover from that bout of food poisoning...\"\n\nAs soon as he spoke, the glow from the lava immediately stopped, making it look more like a pool of water sitting in a red basin. The door of the cage containing Stalya opened, and the priestess hopped out onto the ground below, and the crystals around the room turned from their normal soft blue to white. Finally, the guards all stood up from their combat stances, and started taking off their helmets. Underneath, they were clearly a mixture of teenagers and young adults who barely fit in the armor.\n\n\"Boy, it's hard to breathe in those things...\" an elven woman said.\n\n\"You know, this armor is actually much more comfortable without the pants,\" Greg said, his human face smattered with acne.\n\n\"You don't say? Maybe we should talk to the costuming department and suggest a change,\" a male lesser demon said.\n\nI stood baffled for a moment before turning to Stalya and asked, \"What the hell is going on?\"\n\n\"Oh, Hero... Sleep,\" she said, gesturing at me. I immediately started to pass out as the magic hit me.\n\n\"Someone check the crystals, we might be able to salvage some of this footage for the blooper reel at least...\" Stalya said, though I could only half hear her as I drifted off.\n\n---\n\"Awaken, Hero, your journey won't wait for you to snooze the day away!\" the familiar voice of Stalya filled my ears, just before the shock of cold water struck my skin.\n\nI opened my eyes, seeing her standing over the bed where I was laying. It wasn't the first time she'd woken me up, but I still wished she could find a more pleasant method.\n\n\"What the hell? I was just in a chamber preparing to fight the demon general, and then... Something happened...\" I said.\n\n\"Och, a terrible omen! Obviously ye just saw an alternate reality in which ye were ill-prepared for your fight and fell in battle! Ye did remember to enchant the Blade of Ages before going into the battle, didn't ye?\" she asked.\n\n\"Enchant? But you said I just needed to find it and it would be able to kill the general...\" I said.\n\n\"What? Och, how silly of me to forget! Ye need to get it enchanted by an elven priest, otherwise it won't have the magic to put 'im away for good,\" she said.\n\n\"Uh... Okay? Can't you do it?\" I asked.\n\n\"Och, no, hero! My matron goddess rules over wealth and the forge, ye need a god o' nature for this, to counter his unnatural demonic power,\" she said. \"As it happens, there's a town with just such a temple just down the way. Just be careful of bandits, there have been orcs spotted nearby.\"\n\n\"Right... Jeez, this is gonna take forever...\" I said.\n\n\"If ye get lost, remember to follow the blue crystals!\" Stalya said, waving as I left.\n\nI couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu, but I couldn't identify exactly why. I mean, obviously this was about the fourth time I'd been sent off to do some seemingly random task before going after one of the generals, but it felt like I'd left this particular room far more than I thought I had...\n\nOh well, I was sure the feeling would pass. On to the adventure!" ]	2
	[WP] You realize that you can "step back" from your body's consciousness and watch as it carries on like you are not actually that person but something that lived in 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "It's funny you know? The things we wish we could take back. The things we wish we could change. The people we wish we could be and what how we will always wonder what could have been?\n\nI'm stuck. Gone, extracted and every other fucking synonym you can think of from my body. As I sit outside of my broken and mangled corpse I see everything that could have been. I see myself stopping for an extra second at that green light and narrowly avoiding that crash.\n\nI see myself getting into law school. I meet a nice if a bit too strict lady. It's fine though I need the structure in my life. She of course hates me but I am immediately smitten. I start changing, stop partying so much and soend more time studying. We make a bet on higher grades and I win a date. Then I win her over.\n\nWe graduate and both start working in great firms. Soon enough we introduce a child to our lives, little Lillian. Our own precious little flower and we watch as she slowly grows up. I cry a lot, I mean I don't think I'd ever been prouder in my life than I was of that little girl. \n\nI watch as this all unfolds before me an entire lifetime of happiness and as I slowly drift away to nowhere I smile for what could have been and then I smile for there is nothing." ]	2
	[WP] You are a demon of war and conquest ,feared by Satan himself. You were rarely summoned, but catastrophe always follows. One day, you were summoned into the human world. To your surprise, it was a young, yet kind child who looked as though they were beat up recently.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The candles flared up as the incantation was finished, though the basement only grew darker. One by one the candles winked out. As the last flame died, a man appeared in the magic circle, dressed in a well tailored suit, purple flames danced briefly on his skin. \nThe man seems confused as he takes in his surroundings.Finally his gaze falls on the scared child standing before him wearing a makeshift robe , and he speaks, in a voice as smooth as silk.\n\n\"You were the one who summoned me?\"\n\nThe child nodded, fear showing in his eyes, yet he did not run, or scream, or cower.\n\nThe demon speaks again, looking down at the child \"You look like you are no older than 12. do you know who I am?\" \nThe child in a meek voice said, as if reading from a book. \"The nameless one, feared by the legions of Heaven and Hell, Bringer of Chaos, Killer of gods.\"\n\nThe demon looks taken aback \"You know who i am, Yet you still summoned me, why?\"\n\nThe child takes off the robe, and the demon could see that the childs face and arms were full of bruises and scars, both fresh, and partly healed. The child looked up at the demon with tears in his eyes \"I want you to kill my dad\"\n\nThe demon was silent while he considered what to do next. He had been summoned by a mere child, for the purpose of killing one person, It may be true that the person seemed to have made the child desperate enough to be this foolish, but still. \n\nHe looked at the child and said \"I can see why you did this, but i will not do it. If i step out of this circle, your world will be plunged into chaos and war, Your life will not improve. I am giving you a second chance. find another way to fix your life, go see a priest or something. goodbye\"\n\nThe demon disappeared in a puff of smoke." ]	2
	[WP] "I'm older than the first gas that formed the planets. I'm older than the flicker from the first stars. I saw the first explosion that created everything, and I'll survive the one that will end it all" "Yeah, sure honey. Did you get me that tea I asked you for?" "Of course, human Sam"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Chutulu did not believe he lost his free will to Sam... But then again, how could he have known Sam was so damn well in tic tac toe. If we're being real here, it was a setup from the beginning. \"Oh honey, did you do the washing up?\" Sam asked his now wife who was also an eldrich god. \"Not yet\" chutulu replied, shame could be heard all thourought the universe as he walked to the kitchen. \"And if you're finished meet me in the bedroom\". At this point the writer who is tired af stopped writing before this becomes a sexual novel about chutulu as a wife because he lost a game of tic tac toe" ]	2
	[WP] Everyone is born with a unique birthmark in the shape of a number somewhere on their bodies. Yet, no-one has been able to find anyone with the number 1. Then you were born.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "One is the loneliest number, that was the ultimate reality that I had to learn to face as a child, no one had ever witnessed the birth of a child with the unique marking and as such, many saw my birth as something to fear, something to back away from, as if my mother had shot out a demon from between her legs, perhaps that was a crude way of looking at the situation, but it was far from the sad reality of it all, To them, I was a cursed child.\n\nChurches and cults alike had once been excited to see the dreaded number one, thinking that it would be the birth of the bringer of new life, unfortunately for them, I was fairly ordinary as far as human's go, the only thing I had was social issues from the lack of human contact, only being able to make conversation with my parents, they were the only ones that wished to talk with the cursed number one, but as I grew older that began to change, even they seemed to want to avoid me, our conversations changing from friendly chatter to blank white noise, our relationship shifting from family to acquaintances.\n\nStill, I could hardly blame them, the hate they received from the public was enough to drive anyone insane, so I did what any good son would do, I fled from my family, leaving them in the hopes that the public hatred and fears would leave my family, I was ready to bear that weight alone, It was unfair to make them suffer after all.\n\nWhat could I do though? I had little life skills, Barely a teenager. The next few months were torture, struggling to stay alive, occasionally feasting on rats when things got really bad, luckily most nights I was able to find scraps of some sorts, still, it was no life for a human. It was insane that I was being treated this way, number two hardly had this sort of fear around them they were hailed as a celebrity of sorts, but number one, that was a number to fear, what shit! Wasn't I meant to be their second coming? Yet as soon as I came out, they all looked me over and decided I wasn't interesting enough, not fitting their narrative so in their eyes that meant I was evil or unclean. \n\nEventually, I was able to rebuild, being on the streets had made it a lot easier to hide my identity and as I began to grow, my features became that of a man, a far cry from the boy I once was. Things became easier then, the hysteria dies down, many assuming I had died or just fallen off the face of the earth, yet I was still here, keeping my neck covered at all times, not risking anyone catching sight of my symbol. Still, even my rebuilding was limited, Most jobs would check your number, which meant the only way to earn cash were through nefarious means, selling illegal substances to make dirty cash, however, this cashflow had to lead me down a more luxurious life, It was amazing just how much money one could make from little bags of white-nose powder, Soon I was living fairly comfortably, enough that I could begin spreading my wealth with people in similar situations. \n\nIt was the first time I had felt accepted by others, sharing my wealth made me feel warm for once, I had people that cared about me, even if that care was only due to my money. I provided them with food and clothing and they gave me the one thing I wanted in life, people to associate with. Soon I was with more company than even I could comprehend, word spreading of a man that offered free food. My small group had turned to around fifty, yet it was hard to keep up a decent count, people often coming and going. Of course, this began to draw attention from others, people didn't like that people they considered dirty were now congregating in the nicer parts of town and like that police were polluting the area, making it impossible for me to continue my work and without work, I would soon be alone. \n\nFoolishly I chanced it all, determined to keep up my cash flow, not wanting to disappoint my new family. I barely got down an alleyway before I was tackled by police, foreign hands exploring ever crevice of my clothing, looking for the substance, the glee on their faces was sickening, they were so proud of each other, perhaps expecting a reward for finally removing this homeless problem. I would have hung my head in shame but that was impossible but thankfully the man was nice enough to do it for me, pressing my face against the gum stained alley floor.\n\n\"Hey get off him, man!\" A voice bellowed from the alley. \"He's done nothing wrong, he treats us better than you do!\" The scraggly bearded man walked towards the police, tugging at their clothes, only to be batted back.\n\n\"Don't hit him! I'll cooperate\" I shouted, panic buzzing through my body as I squirmed beneath the cops, trying to make sure the man was alright. \n\n\"That's excessive force!\" Another voice called out, the public soon called to attention by the commotion, as the less fortunate woman tried to diffuse the situation, however, the added attention only made them panic as their grip tightened. It didn't take long for the arrest to be made and the evidence to be found. \n\nAfter a night in a cell, the news got out about the incident, on top of that It was released that the man responsible was number one, the cursed figure. There went any reputation I had built up, dropping to the cold spring coated mattress, I was forced to ponder my options over. Even when I was released, I had nowhere to go to, my only family would turn their backs on me. It made me feel ill, having to swallow back my own sick, not wanting to let my emotions cause any more damage to my body.\n\n\"Look at what you have caused.\" A guard shouted, smacking his arm against my cell, causing me to shoot up from my spot. tossing a newspaper at my feet, I was quick to pick it up, looking it over, trying to figure out what had got under the man's skin.\n\n'Number one: A hero to the weak?'\n\nThe article went over the incident, its details negative, colouring me as some sort of thug, that was until It came to the interviews, the public reaction to the news. Most of the interviews were praising me, claiming that I had been a good figure, almost Robinhood like in a way, trying to help the poor through means that would be viewed in a bad light by a majority of people. People were supporting me, even if it was only a few souls, I was filled with a strange determination, wanting nothing more then to leave this cell and continue helping people. That seemed like the best way to make friends, after all, perhaps I could show people that number one wasn't a dangerous number.\n\n{If you enjoyed my story, Feel free to check out r/pmmeyabootysstories where ill be posting some more of my stuff for people to read}" ]	2
	[WP] the worlds greatest assassin's has put a 100 million dollar bounty on himself to prove he is still the greatest	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \n\nThe building shook as the first explosion knocked down the lobby doors. Muffled screaming and clattering filled the hallways below. Whoever was coming first, they made their presence known to all. \n\n“Moron’s” I said to myself as I slid the knife into my sleeve and armed the security system. I checked the cameras in the hallways leading to the first elevator. Six men led through the hallway armed with silenced assault rifles. They broke in half and three entered the elevator, the others moved towards the stairway. As the elevator doors closed, I released noxious gas into the room and cut the power. Three down, three to go. The building trembled again as the second door was blown inward. Clearly, they didn’t care that I knew they were coming. I watched my camera closely, they shuffled in a line down the hall, arrived at my door and set up the third breach. I sat firmly across from the door, watching as they armed the C4 and readied the charge. The door blew inward, and they flew through the entrance, guns drawn on me. “Smile” as the words left my mouth three construction lights flashed on. When the lights dimmed again their bodies laid over one another, each with a poison tipped dart sticking outward from their necks. \n\nI then made my way out, down over the side of the building, in the early night it was dark enough that I wouldn’t be spotted. I rappelled down the side of the building, it stood next to an overpass, where the van was parked running. \n\n“Ready to leave sir?” Alfred said as I removed my bag and turned on my laptop. \n\n“Yes, we are headed west. No home to go back to now. I have a safehouse about 200 miles from here, if we leave now, we should get there before morning.” I said \n\n“Quite the endeavor you’ve set yourself up with sir, shall I call the church and begin preparations for your funeral?” Alfred said bleakly. He’d been by my side for years now, ever since I was a boy. \n\n“No funerals in my future Alfred,” I began scanning road camera’s and speed radars for disturbances ahead, “well, not for me anyways.” \n\nWe made it about an hour outside of Gotham before the first attack hit. My scanners reported two vehicles moving eastbound directly towards us. The alert gave me two minutes to plan, I was prepared. Alfred pulled the van to the side of the road and we waited, soon enough, the trucks were upon us. They pulled up five yards from us and unloaded from the vehicles. The first two used their doors as cover and began barking orders, then, four more mercenaries began moving towards the van. I pulled a smoke pellet from my belt and engulfed them in a barrier of choking black smog. Outwards from the smoke, two batarangs entered the skulls of the men behind the doors, they crumpled to the ground. Then, one of the men caught sight of me and grabbed my shoulder. I turned towards him and broke his nose with my shoulder blade, quickly tossed him down on the ground with his arm in hand, his screams echoed across the highway as I pulled his arm out of socket and shattered his collar bone. By now the smoke had cleared, two more rushed at me. They swung knives like amateurs looking for a quick slash to end it, it wasn’t enough, I parried the first and cracked his arm towards him, sending his own knife directly through the base of his jaw. The second managed to cut between the plating on my left arm. The pain was direct and instant, as was his death. As his arm passed by, I was underneath him, lifting him overhead and bringing his back down onto my knee. The final assailant began firing his rifle, one bullet went past my left cheek and another reflected off from the plating on my leg. Painful, but it didn’t stop me. I threw an electric impulse trap at his feet, the electricity shot threw him like a bolt of lightning from the ground up. His gun jammed and he dropped to his knees. He ended as the others did, with his face in the mud. \n\nAs I jumped in the back of the van Alfred looked wary. The night had been long for him, even if he wouldn’t admit it. “Get in the back Alfred, man the computer, I will drive from here.” I knew it wouldn't sit well with him, but better to have him fall asleep at the computer than send us to an early grave off the side of the freeway. \n\n“As you wish sir, may I stitch your arm? It seems you've grown sloppy in your age.” He smiled as he grabbed the medic kit. He knew I wouldn’t answer, and he knew what needed to be done. I released the bracket on the outer left edge of my bicep and the plating dropped to the floor, the blade cut deep. Alfred applied alcohol and the pain wrung through my body. Alfred was fast and efficient, but never gentle. The stitching was over before it began, and I covered my arm again with the plating. " ]	2
	[WP] You are a bookworm, for your 19th birthday tomorrow, you plan to buy the new book you're obsessing on. It was about a world where 19 year olds must choose their elemental nature to fight for their world. You wake up to receive a message, "Go to the oracle's room to choose your elemental nature"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Some people at nineteen are going to school, some are going on trips to see the world, but not Teegan. She was stuck behind a counter selling cigarettes and gas at the convenience store. She practiced four phrases in the mirror every morning.\n\n\"Welcome.\" \n\n\"Is that all?\"\n\n\"Do you want a bag?\" \n\n\"Have a wonderful day.\" \n\nOn the rare occasions those weren't enough she'd give an awkward laugh or mumble some yes or no. Most girls her age would probably have to worry about creeps flirting with them, but the thick horn rimmed glasses and blemishes on her skin were better a deterant than pepper spray. It wasn't all bad though. Teegan loved one thing more than anything else, and that was reading.\n\nWith so many down hours behind her desk she could tear through a book every other day. Her favorites were the stories of knights and princesses, swords and magic, or most recently, the cult hit series, The Mental Elemental. \n\nIt was already her third time reading book one and book two was just released yesterday. The sun was rising and she closed the book placing it back in her bag so the next employee coming to releave her from her graveyard shift wouldn't suspect her of slacking off. She smiled as the sun flodded the the store from the sliding glass doors. Today she was nineteen, her first birthday as an independent woman. \n\nThough living on her own had been rough, it was better than imposing on her step-father and half brother. They insisted she stayed, but she couldn't after the pain her mother put them through. \n\nShe tapped the book in her bag, drumming her fingers starring at the door. Her co-worker should've been here five minutes ago, but the reformed drug addict had a tendency of oversleeping. A wave of customers flooded the doors, all looking for coffee or other forms of energy before work. \n\n\"Welcome.\" \n\n\"Is that all?\"\n\n\"Do you want a bag?\" \n\n\"Have a wonderful day.\"\n\nRinse, repeat. \n\nShe sighed, as the rush died down and her co-worker arrived, apologizing perfusely\n\nIf you're sorry, stop showing up late.\n\n\"It's fine, I didn't have any plans.\" \n\nIt was her birthday and she wasn't going to waste it hanging around this place. She put on her coat to cover up her work Polo and headed to the bookstore. She sat down at the bus stop and pulled out book one. \n\nIn the story, the main character is in a world like this one where on a person's nineteenth birthday they a select few are spirited away to another world where they can select any magic they want. As the bus breaks hissed as it stopped, Teegan sighed and got aboard. How nice would it be to be whisked away from this terrible place and given power? Her head thumped against the cold plexiglass window. Things like that only happened in make believe. This was reality and she was stuck with it. \n\nThe bus pulled up to the bookstore and Teegan rushed out. It had opened over an hour ago, with her luck they would be sold out. \n\nShe dropped her bookbag in front of the empty display table and fell to her knees. She knew this would happen. Even on her birthday nice things couldn't happen to her. She stared at the \"hot new release,\" sign with a one thousand yard stare. \n\n\"Excuse me miss?\" \n\nShe rolled her head back to see an old man with a cane and a green overcoat smiling down at her. \n\n\"I see you're a fan of this series,\" he said. \n\nTeegan nodded in defeat. \n\n\"My daughter loves it too, I was going to get a copy for each of us, but we can share for now.\" \n\nTeegan grabbed the book like her life depended on it. \"T-thank you so much. I-i don't know what to say.\" \n\n\"You reminded me of her. I couldn't bare to see her sad.\" \n\n\"Are you sure? I mean I'm grateful but--\" \n\n\"Forget about it, I still have a copy,\" he said pointing to the book under his arm.\n\nTeegan flipped the book open and read the summary. Thanking the man again. \n\n\"Forget about it, it's your birthday after all.\" \n\nTeegan's brows furrowed and she looked up but the man was already gone. Had she told him that it was her birthday? She got up and looked around the store but the man was nowhere in sight. Shrugging, she opened the book to the first page and her heart stopped. The room went pitch black; the quiet chatter was silented; and the music on the radio died. \n\nWhite light glowed from the book and burned on Teegan's face like the sun through a magnifying glass. As if being written with an invisible hand, letters appeared on the blank page. \n\nWould you like to join us? \n\n\"Yes,\" she whispered without moving her lips.\n\nThe world resumed to life and the book hit the floor next to the abandoned book bag. A cane poked at it, and the old man leaned down to pick it up and dust off the cover. \n\n\"Good luck, Teegan,\" he said and hobbled over to the checkout.\n\n~~~~~\n\nHope you enjoyed this story! I'd love to hear your critiques or comments. Find more of my style at /r/QuarkLaserdisc" ]	2
	[WP] There is a secret government agency to make sure teleportation is never "invented" & your job is to sabotage any attempts of a teleportation machine. Your favourite tactic is to fuse the inventor with an animal or an insect when they test it on themselves. You love to watch the results.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Crunch.\n\nThe onomatopoeia that's as much fun to say, as it is to hear. I felt singularly blessed that this particular journey should come to such a satisfying end.\n\nAnd reflecting on this moment I realized...\n\nOn this day that the inventor was crushed under my boot like the cockroach that he was, we all learned a valuable lesson.\n\nIt wasn't the about the bonds of friendship, or earning the trust of your peers. It wasn't that the magic, or the power, or the music lived within you all along. And it sure as shit wasn't a divine revelation of mercy or hope.\n\nNo, what we learned that day was how to perform an Animality. \n\nAnd I lived happily ever after. The End.", "It really wasn’t a secret agency it was just the department of transportation. It’s just that this particular branch was a little more secretive. See the economy is heavily tied to transportation, in a big big way. Millions of jobs are in trucking and airlines, and then there are the parts that go into building all the infrastructure. Transportation is big big business. \n\nAnd then there is the security aspect. If teleportation exists then there is no way secure borders or limit travel. The security of the world would be woefully unprotected.\n\nSo my role was actually a combo or transportation and defense. It’s relatively easy to find places where teleportation is being developed. The energy spikes are incredibly massive. As the government we actually fund a bunch of this research too. We want scientists to use their time and resources under our supervision. \n\nOnce someone gets close boom, throw them in whatever their machine is with whatever is nearby and human splicing is created. The more robust intelligent creations that manifest get used in special training exercises for military purposes. But occasionally you get a mindless or sweet creation. We usually leaves those out in wild. There is a reason why Bigfoot gets spotted in so many places, monkeys are typical in labs. \n \nBut recently I learned the real reason for this role. Planet unity. My last target did actual research on the results of teleportation. Her research showed that if people can travel unencumbered freely and quickly it makes the world small. People can experience cultures and different viewpoints. \n\nOppression was the real goal here, control of the masses. Well a jobs a job either way." ]	3
	[WP] When in danger you go unconscious and become strangely impervious to harm until your body decides it is safe again. This has saved and ruined your life many times, and you are having a hard time deciding which one it is as you try to adapt to the new world as you finally wake after a millennium	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I’ve had a few blackouts in my life, it always seems to happen when I’m in danger. Once when I was around five years old, I had wandered into the road after my ball and a car came barreling around the corner. I stood frozen as the brakes squealed and the headlights bore down on me. I could hear my mother screaming in the background, but she was too far away to get to me in time. Then everything went black. When I woke up, I was cradled in my mother’s arms on the side of the road. The driver who hit me was freaking out and calling 911 on his cell phone. But I felt fine. I tried to stand up, but my mother kept telling me not to move. The paramedics made a big fuss over me, took me to the hospital and put me in all kinds of imaging machines. But I was totally fine. Not even so much as a scratch. The car that hit me had a major dent in it, nobody could explain why I didn’t die.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnother time when I was around 17, I was at my girlfriend’s house and her parents weren’t home. We were about to… well you know what teenagers do when they’re alone. Just as things were getting good, the sound of breaking glass came from the next room. My girlfriend screamed and jumped out of bed, I jumped up to protect her. When the man with the crowbar barged in, I tried to tackle him. But then everything went black. When I woke up my girlfriend was dead, the side of her head caved in and a pool of blood spreading around her in a crimson halo. Nobody could figure out why the intruders hadn’t killed me, too. Eventually it was shrugged off as a scaredy-cat man passing out at the first sign of danger and the intruders just took what they came for and left since I posed no threat to them. Dealing with the social ramifications of passing out and failing to protect my girlfriend was impossible to handle. I ended up moving across the country just to get away from everyone’s accusing eyes.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI’m 28 now and I’ve done ok for myself. Got into IT and landed a pretty sweet gig. Never did get serious with anyone since my high school girlfriend, may she rest in peace. But I knew I should have turned down the invitation to hike Mount Everest. Ricky was my best work mate and was big into adventure sports. We frequently went on camping trips and hikes and rock-climbing adventures together. I swear we’re the only two guys at work that don’t conform to the gangly, pimple-faced stereotype of IT professionals. He was so adamant that we conquer the world’s greatest mountain, and he badgered me endlessly until I agreed to go. We made all our preparations and set out. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe first few days went about as expected. But then everything went terribly wrong. We had a major storm and were forced to huddle in our tent. The storm raged for 18 hours. When it finally passed and we dared to emerge, our guide was gone. There was no sign of him or his tent at all, we were just two IT guys lost halfway up a snowy mountain. Ricky convinced me to push on. We should have turned back, or just waited where we were. But another group had left just two days before us, and Ricky thought we might be able to find them and follow them back to base camp. It was stupid, I know. But the trail was impossible to find, all trace of anyone who’d gone before was wiped away by the storm. Without warning, an avalanche came barreling down at us. There was nowhere to go. Just as the snow reached me, everything went black. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“That’s some story, you know that, right?”\n\n“You think I’m nuts.”\n\n“Everyone thinks you’re nuts. But I know what I found in that ice. What I found was a man who should be dead but who’s walking and talking and apparently in the peak of health. The doctors can’t make sense of it.”\n\n“They never can. How did you find me? Did you find Ricky, too? He was the only one with me when…”\n\n“I’m not sure I should say. Not just yet.”\n\n“Aw come on man! You’ve been here every day for a week and you’re the only one who doesn’t roll their eyes when I tell them what happened. Nobody will tell me anything! They just keep asking me what the last thing I remember is and they don’t believe me. They’ve run all kinds of fancy tests on me, I’m fine. Why won’t they let me go home or at least call my parents to let them know I’m ok?\n\nHe sighed. “Ok, if you insist. I’m not a rescue worker like you think I am. I’m an archaeologist, and I dug you out of a 1000 year old avalanche.”\n\n“1000 year old… It’s been… An archaeologist…” I trailed off, trying to absorb the gravity of what he was telling me.\n\n“That’s right. It’s just an estimation, of course, but if I hadn’t dug you out myself, I’d think you were nuts. I thought I was nuts when you opened your eyes. But it’s been a week, and I don’t think hallucinations tend to last that long.”\n\n“What’s the date today?”\n\n“July 27, 3046.”\n\n“3046.” I let that sink in. I always lost time when I had a blackout, it was always just a void. Not even dreams permeated the darkness, and I lost all sense of time. At most it had only ever been a few hours. This time, though, I had lost an entire millennium.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMy archaeologist friend – now the only friend I had in the world I supposed – stood up quietly to go.\n\n“Wait. Did you find anyone else? Did you find Ricky?”\n\nHe hesitated, then lowered himself back to his chair. “About 100 yards from where you were there is another set of remains, badly damaged from what we could see on the scans. My team is currently excavating.”\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSomehow that statement more than anything he had said so far really hit me. Everyone I had ever known was dead and gone, lost to the history books.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI turned and gazed out the window at the futuristic city that I could no longer convince myself was a dream. My archaeologist friend stood and patted my leg in a tender, fatherly way and left me to my thoughts.", "Cold, dark, icy coldness \n\n I couldn't feel any of my senses besides hot and cold, I seemed to be.... No, I couldn't be \n\nAs I wrestled my conscience, I noticed a change, I was starting to regain my sense of touch, all I felt was cold hard earth. I felt a throbbing pain in my head, atleast I was alive. I took a moment to regain full conciousness. I seemed to be in some sort of grave, no box or anything, just me and the dirt. I noticed I was on my back, which meant the only way out was up. In that moment everything flooded back, the heightened sense of dread, the rumbling of the earth....\n\n\nPanic set in and I furiously clawed at the earth above me. I dont know how long I clawed, but eventually my hand broke through and sunlight filtered through. Squinting I pushed myself out, and stood in total shock. The field I was working in along with my truck was gone....\n\n\nI stared in wonder, it was as if I was teleported to another planet, but it was still Earth. Directly in front of me was a beautiful mountain range, one that was definitely not there when I blacked out. I looked around and saw vast woodland, I was on a grassy hill that overlooked a river behind me. I was utterly confused. It's almost as if I was asleep for millennia, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone, it was dead and the rubber case around it had wilted and decayed. The plastic protective layer was gone too, I was essentially holding a slab of aluminum and circuitry. I sat long, enough for the sun to sink to the horizon. I figured I should atleast attempt to help myself and build a fire. I headed into the woodland and started gathering supplies. Thankfully the moon was full and shinning brightly, guided by the phantom light of the moon I managed to build a small fire. I sat beside it and thought, I thought about what could have possibly happened. That's when the undergrowth shuddered and a man in full military combat gear wandered out.\n\n\nHe was equipped with what looked to be highly protective radiation gear. He spotted me and we both froze. He reached down slowly and put his hand on what appeared to be a rusty handgun. I signaled for him to come over by the fire. We both knew we could trust each other, because by the way we looked, we were in the same predicament which meant he had The Gift as well. I asked him what he thought had happened to the world we once knew. He looked at me, shocked that I spoke. Maybe he thought he was hallucinating. He told me who he used to be, an Army Intelligence officer, stationed in a nuclear missile silo just outside of Denver. I guessed he had walked a long time because I lived on the West side of Denver. He explained to me that he may have had an idea on what happened, he explained that he was just settling in for a 24 hour shift in the control room of the silo. He said all was quiet until around 15:30 when an alarm sounded and his phone that connected him to NORAD started ringing. The orders and Intelligence that came down the chain of command was that all of America's enemies China, Russia, North Korea and Iran had simultaneously launched all of their Nuclear Capable ICBMS. His said his orders were to launch the defensive missiles and prepare to counter strike with MINUTEMEN II's but the order never came and he had blacked out just as I did....." ]	3
	[WP] As the International Space Station makes another pass over the Bermuda Triangle, the crew notice what looks like an immensely bright light in the water. “Negative, Houston. The light is...well, it appears to be blinking. It looks...this is gonna sound weird, but it looks like Morse code.”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Captain Park couldn’t believe it, it was just like a movie he’d seen as a boy. But as he listened, and marveled down at the great blue abyss below him, he wondered if that director, bless his soul, hadn’t known in a primordial place, of this creature before time\n\nAnd his mind connected the dots, wondered how long this creature had known Morse - No, how had Mr Morse discovered - no, it couldn’t be. Had this creature somehow influenced the very structure of human grammar itself? How could it know this?\n\nAnd then he looked down, through the strains of Gianni Morandi floating through the space station, at the home world he no longer recognized, at the great stirring he now saw within that span of sea, like a great beast before creation, beating its head like Nidhogg against the basement power cable of the world\n\n“Mr Earth, you feed me and house me. Respect!”\n\n.... “ Io voglio per me le tue carezze...”", "One of the worst things we subconsciously fear when we peer into the darkness is to find ourselves looking back, as with most instinctive fears, this can be traced back to a natural response built into our survival instincts...\n\n\"I'm telling you it's a pattern, it's definitely Morse! Get something to write this down!\" Yelled Harvey.\n\nHarvey was one of five people currently stationed on the International Space Station, a global collaboration in space research, and quite a feat of engineering. He had been observing the surface of Earth during some downtime when he noticed a flashing coming from somewhere near Bermuda, and quickly realized it wasn't some random glimmer.\n\nHarvey was focussed on the flashing with intense concentration as he muttered dots and dashes followed by outbursts of phonetic alphabet entries. \"Dot dot dot... SIERRA!\"\n\nAfter about ten minutes of this the flashing stopped, and just in time too, Harvey was getting quite worn down with being so intensely focused, not to mention the station was moving out of range to catch the flashes.\n\nJulia, who had been writing down the blurted letters Harvey barked at her, had a look of quiet confusion and worry splattered on her face. Harvey replayed some of his last words in his head, \"That last Is doesn't make sense but perhaps the source got cut off? What does it say?\" He quizzed.\n\n\"Is this a joke?\" Julia's face curled up slightly in a restrained anger \"why would you do this?\" She questioned.\n\n\"I don't know what you mean? You saw the flash just like me, what did it say?\" Replied Harvey, confused.\n\nJulia took a deep breath and started reading the scrap of paper in her hand. \"3 dead. Debris severed most sections. Julia trapped in 5. Me trapped in 6. Comms down, request Soyuz. Harvey, Is\"\n\nHarvey's eyelids drew together as his brow pushed down on them in confusion. \"Is this some kind of sick joke? Who would do this? It's sick!\" He exclaimed.\n\nJust as Julia was about to respond, the monitor next to her sparked to life and began blaring a warning pitch, her eyes widened, afixed to Harvey's as she began to shake, terrified to turn to the monitor next to her. \"It can't be, check it! What does it say!?\" Demanded Harvey, eyes equally wide and frame equally shaky.\n\n\"Proximity alert, debris incoming...\" Julia read aloud from the flashing monitor...", "Dot, dash, dash. Whiskey. Dot-dot-dot-dot. Hotel. Dash dot dash dash. Yankee.\n\nSlowly, but surely, I saw it. My Morse skills were rusty ever since my transfer from the Navy, but I wrote it down.\n\nWHY DID YOU LEAVE US\n\nAnd that message broadcasted again and again, with mere 5 second breaks in between. Even though we were hurtling through orbit at 7 kilometers per second, the light would not stop flashing. It followed us even when we were not over the Bermuda Triangle.\n\n\"Houston, this is Station. Message decrypted, reads as: Why did you leave us. Over.\"\n\n\"This is Houston. Verify 'Why did you leave us'. Over.\"\n\nIt was rare to hear that word. I hated to hear it. I needed to ask our Captain to ensure that was the message we wanted to send. But more than the annoyance, I was confused. Why would such a message even show up to us, thousands of kilometers above their heads?\n\n\"This is Station, your last affirmative, over.\"\n\n\"This is Houston, roger. Out.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAt long last, the 6 Earth hours I needed to be on watch for had passed. It would have been time to rest, but I wanted to check in on the Station's communications room. Usually, the operators would be watching Netflix or eating snacks - or both - but this time, the mood was denser than the black holes that waited patiently over the horizon.\n\n\"Pass this to the captain.\" The chief communicator was not interested in talking, neither was he interested in even seeing the contents of the document that was faxed in. Yet, it was not his usual brand of apathy and I've-seen-it-all nonchalance. If I didn't know him well enough, I'd have thought he was scared.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe Captain's quarters were quite a distance away from my workstation. I held the clipboard in trepidation, wondering if I wanted to look at its contents. Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me and I ducked into the mess inconspicuously, as though this damned document was no different from the millions of situation reports that I printed for the officers every day. Grabbing a coffee, I set the paper down and started reading.\n\nFROM: HOUSTON \nTO: ISS \nPRIORITY: URGENT \nSUBJECT: RETURN TO BASE\n\nSTATION IS REQUIRED TO RETURN TO BASE IMMEDIATELY AND COMMENCE OPERATION ATLANTIS. \nCOMMUNICATORS HAVE CONFIRMED SIGNALS FROM BRAVO FORCES. \nHOSTILE BRAVO FORCES SPOTTED OUTSIDE MILKY WAY.\n\nThe lights flashed again in my head, but without a paper and pen, I couldn't note down what I saw.\n\n\"And I thought my Communicators understood what TOP SECRET meant.\" I had only heard that snarling used against officers, before I felt the cool metal of a sidearm pressed against the back of my head.\n\n\"I have clearance to read this, sir,\" I wheezed as the pressure from the Captain's shoulder squeeze tightened. The lights were flashing again, before my eyes, and before no one else's.\n\n\"Then you'll have enough sense to not make the rest of your career an... unfortunate accident. Enlisted men are wasted when the airlock is opened.\" The papers were snatched from before my eyes and just as quickly as he appeared, the Captain retreated to his quarters.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Welcome home, brave explorers of the unknown!\" The Director beamed at us through the screen. \"It is surely a shame that your mission had to be cut short, but at least we are all going home.\" As my crewmates cheered, I could not bring myself to do so. There was something down there - and out there, more worryingly - that needed to be investigated. So long as that light flashed before my eyes when it wasn't supposed to, something was off.\n\nAs the Director went on with his usual spiel, I quietly crept out of the room, mumbling a vague pretense of work that needed to be done. What was I doing? I was only an enlisted man. I never got paid enough to do anything, especially something so large scale.\n\nBut I needed to find the truth. And that truth would be found even if it meant speeding toward the blue waters of the Triangle below. Was I going insane from the lights? Even if I was, I wouldn't know. I could only find the truth." ]	4
Can also have the affect on 5% of you body (super strength but only on fists).	[WP] In a world where everyone is born with superpowers, you receive an oddly specific one. You can use 5% of another persons power after you touch them. With backbreaking training, this is the story of how you became the most powerful being in the universe	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "In 2420, humanity was invaded. \nWe had no forewarning, no warnings to prepare us, yet everyone around the world felt when it occurred . The atmosphere changed, there was a tension in the air, like a coiled up spring just waiting to explode. Jan 17, was when we saw their first attack. It was so fucking insane, nobody could predict it. How could we? All the knowledge we had about aliens was shit that we made up ourselves. We never even got to see the face of the attackers, just their attacks. Nobody had thought that they would use our own planet against us, infecting entire ecosystems with a virus that rapidly evolved the flora and fauna, twisting them into something alien and unrecognizable. They all developed a newfound aggression towards humans, and proceeded to wipe out nearly 70% of our species. \nThey were immune to traditional weaponry, our lasers couldn’t pierce them, bullets deflected back. The only thing that kept them on bay were explosives and radiation, which they eventually adapted to as well In a dozen years. The remaining humans made forts and banded together to find a way to defeat these creatures, called “A.R.G.O.S”. \n\nScientists used this time, in reverse engineering the virus strains and making them compatible with humans in order to develop an immunity. The people injected with this new virus were called Frontiersmen and were mostly soldiers and field agents. After a couple days of incubation, the virus successfully started production of antibodies, so whenever a Frontiersman came in contact with an Argo, the creatures withered and died immediately. This tweaked virus also had a side effect: Superhuman powers. The evolution part of the strain was activated a few years after the humans were injected, they had very minor abilities (increased speed, agility, strength).This gave the remaining portion of humans hope, that they might still have a chance of survival. The entire human population was turned into Frontiers, and over the course of 30 years, we eradicated any plants or animals that were infected by the attack earlier. \n\n“Humans are exceptionally good at destroying nature, as proven by the history of man”.\n\nFor the cause of repopulation, people were encouraged to mate as frequently as possible, which resulted in another batch of quite interesting side effects. The Frontier virus granted only a slight advantage till now, but the very nature of the virus was evolving, and the mixing of Frontier genes resulted in a particular ability being amplified up to five times in effectiveness. This new generation of Frontiersmen, born after the first invasion, were immensely powerful as compared to their predecessors. They each had specific abilities inherited from their Parents and increased in effectiveness. This generation of humans succeeded in tracking the planet which started the invasion and utterly destroyed their infrastructure and culled their population. Our greed also has no bounds, because after defeating them, we started to exploit their planet for resources and technology, and using them to start trade with other planets in the intergalactic alliance. \n\nI was born in 3000 a.d, 580 years after the invasion. The world I grew up seeing must be very different from the prehistoric times, but it seems that human tendencies haven’t changed from the 2000s. It’s funny, how we humans always find a way to revert back to the same pathetic things that we try to escape from. The families with the more powerful abilities became the ruling classes, and parters and mates were chosen based compatibility of powers for their children. The people with lower class abilities that weren’t useful (such as accurate time keeping, photosynthesis) were called “Powerless”. Anybody who was below the powerty line was forced to have shitty jobs and perform maintenance and on the innumerable machines that catered to the Powerful. You were either born into power or powerty, it was a game of chance. You could either be one of the elite, performing inter galactic travel, negotiating trade rights and lounging with your ever-growing wealth; or have odd jobs and look after machinery for the duration of your life earning barely enough to eat, and pay off living costs. \n\nMy father, was one of the Powerless, but with a very peculiar ability. He could use 1% of the power of anyone he touched. He was also a strong believer in anti-Power discrimination, a movement started by the rebels of the powerless society. He was a maintenance manager, so he had to shake hands with numerous people, all the while building up his power to perform his final act. That day, he abandoned me in an orphanage in the Powerful side of town. He then proceeded to destroy 8 compounds of the pyro family, performing the largest act of terrorism in history. The Pyro family wasn’t affected even in the slightest, they were the owners of millions of properties over the centuries, but the top 1% of the Powerful were shaken. They didn’t expect that a lowly Powerless could manage to touch them, and hastily demanded he be put to death in a public display. To me that execution said “don’t fuck with us or you’ll end up like him”. A statement to show their prowess and the consequences of opposing them. \n\nI was adopted by a Powerful family, the Noahs, who possessed powers relating to nature. I remember them coming over to the orphanage, inspecting each child’s powers. All I did was touch one of them, he was immensely Powerful, I could make out by his demeanor. Somehow I had an instinctive response and I recorded his power, and activated it on the tip of my thumb. While they were distracted, I touched my thumb to the ground, and grew a small weed. The man who I had touched, Mikado Noah looked over and started laughing with excitement, forcing his wife to look at me, “Karen, see this plant? The little one in the orange grew it!!!” , his wife replied “ I guess we have found our new son then, let me speak to the manager real quick”. What an absolute moron. \n\nThis was just the first of many strategic steps I was going to take. Steps that wouldn’t yield results for a long time, but when they finally would, it would shake the entire universe. My new parents were excited, I could tell they were infertile, and were happy they could show off owning a child. Maybe it’s the next fad of the rich? What they didn’t know, was that I had already replicated the powers of everyone in that orphanage. Alec, an elysian, had “hyper intelligence”, I had activated it on my brain; The Asian, Liu, had “sneak”, which I used to touch Mikado. At 7 years old, I understood how and in which way to use the different abilities I came across. I kept wishing for a power that I could use at 100%, but beggars can’t be choosers right?\nYou see, me and my father had the same abilities, except I could copy 5% of someone’s entire power. \n\nI was forced to mature at a very young age, but I guess watching your father get executed on holobox will do that to you. I had something else too, I like to think of it as compensation for the shitty hand of luck I was dealt. Hatred. This hatred became the very foundation that I stand on today, it gave me the conviction I needed, to do the things I’ve done. This hatred was crucial for motivating me to create the universe you live in now. \n\nLiving with the Noah’s turned out to be way worse than expected, a political side of the family was always fighting over thrones, of which.........\n\n# Guys this is my first time writing a writing prompt ^^^(weird). I really want to work on this further and any criticism/ tips to make it better it greatly encouraged!!\n\nPart 2 needed?", "It took some time for me to learn how to use this ability to it's fullest potential but it seems no one has beaten me yet.\n\nIt seems so weak, 5% of someone's power? It feels like a joke on the surface but it's 5%. Now after battle after battle i have accumulated hundreds of weak powers that all work together in tandem. From 5% flight that doesn't lift me up but makes me impervious to falling to my death to 5% Pyromancy. Let me tell you that life is unfair, One person gets Chronomancy while the other gets a venomous bite. They tell us that no one is equally made in power but it seems they look up to me now.\n\nIt isn't easy learning 100 different powers to their fullest, well for as full as 5% can be. I scowled the lands just tapping everyone i found like some weirdo. If only they knew they contributed to the strongest man on this planet, they gave me names like \"The Copymaster\" or \"Ripoff\" but i just prefer my birth name. \n\nSo tell me kid, why are you here to learn from the grandmaster?" ]	3
	[WP] You are an author relaxing on your day off when an intruder breaks in, one of your characters. He wants you to change the story because he wants his dead lover back.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "With a loud \"ZAP\" he appeared. His costume looked just like I'd envisioned it. A hoodie made from ballistic nano-mesh emblazoned with a blue lightning bolt. The hockey mask, cracked from his most recent story, was hanging around his neck. The deadly antihero only said three words through his tears.\n\n\"Bring. Her. Back.\"\n\nI set my whiskey aside with a sigh. \"Dimension hopping.\" Only now, with him standing in front of me, did I realize how similar we looked. I guess I imagined myself in better shape when I created him. \"I forgot I gave you that power. I should really do more with-\"\n\nWith another zap, he teleported across the room. He raised his hand, his kinetic abilities pulling a knife from the kitchen and he pressed it to my neck. He repeated his demand. \"BRING! HER! BACK!\"\n\n\"Glenn,\" I knew what I had done to him. I knew what he was capable of. I had to speak calmly and carefully with him. \"I'm not going to do that.\"\n\n\"BULLSHIT!\" His anger was understandable. She was executed right in front of him. She had bled out in his arms. \"YOU wrote us into existence! YOU made us fall in love. And YOU TOOK HER FROM ME!\" Each of his accusations was punctuated by slamming me into a wall.\n\n\"You won't kill me, Glenn. Your world only exists because I write it. If I die, it ends.\" Even I was starting to cry for him at this point, but my voice remained calm and steady as I spoke. \"I'm sorry, but it was her time.\"\n\nHe pressed the knife harder against my throat. I could feel a small trickle of blood start down my neck and onto my chest. \"Maybe I should just end you then. Nonexistence is better than life without her.\"\n\nYeah. Heat of the moment, no thoughts of the consequences. He's definitely my character, but I knew that the empathy was still in there under the grief. \" What about Mike, Glenn?\" His grip loosened a little. \" What about Steph? Do they deserve nonexistence?\" He lowered the knife \"Cynthia has made so much progress since you rescued her. Does she deserve to be erased because you're in pain?\"\n\nHe let go of me at that point. His resolve was broken. He sank to the ground as the tears started flowing harder.\n\n\"What about Sarah, Glenn?\"\n\nHe looked up at me, confusion on his face \"Who?\"\n\n\"Exactly,\" I sat down next to the broken man \"Your story is not over yet. I won't lie, it's going to be a hard time. You'll go to a dark place for a while, but you will move on.\"\n\nI put my arm around him. He tried to shy away, but I know him too well. I wrote him after all. He needed this. Between his sobs, he asked another question. \"How long is it going to hurt?\"\n\nI held him closer. \"It never really goes away. It will always be a part of you, but you will learn from it and it will make you better.\"\n\nWe stayed like that for a while. I held the closest thing I had to a son on the floor of my appartment as he worked through the hardest thing he'd ever experienced. Eventually, he stood up. \"I should get back.\" He said, calm for the first time since he arrived. \"My story can't continue until you write it.\"\n\nBefore I could even say goodbye to him, he vanished with another zap. I smiled a sad smile as I went back to my desk. This was one of the hardest things I would have to write, but after everything I put him though I owed him closure at least.", "When you first meet him, he pleads, and you have to drag him out the door. You're not surprised to find him there the next morning, hands pressed together in prayer, eyes cracking open to stare hopefully up at you. You're not surprised, because that's exactly how you wrote him to be: fiercely loyal.\n\nAnd capable of impossible feats.\n\n\"I just don't understand,\" you mutter, setting a cup of water before him. He takes it slowly, deliberately, but drinks it all in a matter of seconds. \"You're exactly how I imagined you—blond, brown-eyed, kinda beefy, with that scar on your cheek—and I didn't even write that part in.\"\n\n\"You're a cruel god,\" he responds.\n\n\"I'm not a god.\"\n\n\"I spent years mourning her, Amelie,\" he says, leaning back into the sofa. He's reciting the epilogue to the novel, the epilogue your publisher recommended you remove. \"I could never let her go.\"\n\nHere he is, not a crazed fan but... a really good prank by your editor, perhaps. Yet some part of you, the part that you know must be somewhat delusional, believes him.\n\n\"So you're my fictional character come to life.\" You suddenly feel very tired. \"I don't even want to think of the implications. I can't bring your Sara back, I'm afraid.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"\n\nHe's got an impressive glare that you might be proud of if it didn't intimidate you. You mumble, \"It... it would ruin the story.\"\n\n\"The story?\" he repeats.\n\n\"Look,\" you say, waving your hands in an effort to say something that somehow makes sense—you're a writer, not a speaker— \"Everything in that story was built for that conclusion. From beginning to end. To remove or, or undo such an important plot point would be to erase the whole point of the story.\"\n\nHe stares at you. \"The point of the story.\"\n\n\"Exactly,\" you say, desperately hoping he understands.\n\n\"I don't understand,\" he says. \"Why can't you just... do it like Sherlock Holmes. Bring her back to life.\"\n\n\"Her character—\"\n\nHe stands, suddenly, staring you down with a murderous gaze. You sink into your seat. \"Sara isn't a character,\" he says, \"None of us are. Don't you get it? We are living. Breathing. In that hell you've created.\"\n\nYou shake your head. \"Everyone's story comes to an end. It's inevitable.\"\n\n\"Not like this,\" he says, \"You said you didn't want to think of the implications. Well, here they are.\"\n\nHe pulls a gun out of his back pocket and shoots you.\n\nYou're blown back. And then you're lying there, spitting blood, thinking, this really sucks. I would never write a revenge plot like this. Your character comes into view, with a surreally somber expression, that old scar down his cheek like the one on yours. What kind of story is this. It doesn't even follow a bell-shaped curve.\n\nHe puts two fingers over your eyelids and closes them as you fade away.", "\\[PI\\] \n\n I was sitting down drinking my morning cup of hot chocolate. I pulled the blankets around me putting my feet up on the small ottoman. The trees took turns knocking on my windows, as the wind tried to put together a song. It was a beautiful day the snow glistened and the world was silent. I leaned back musing at my next idea yet to be put to paper. Knock, knock. I got up and tip toed my why to the front door. I walked into the hall, begging my floor boards to be silent. Passing my room I went to the front door. I peaked out. It was a tall man with ear length hair. The sun cast a shadow of his shoulders. I don't know him. I though to myself. So I turned around. Slowly making my way back to my studio. I carefully tiptoed avoiding that one creaky floorboard. Knock, Knock, Knock. It was fast and it sounded angry, so hurried back.\n\n I sat down letting out a sigh of relief. No one visits without a call. My car was always parked in the garage. A plausible excuse. Bang, Bang, Bang. It was getting louder. I reached across my over sized desk to grab my phone. That's when a heard a horrible crash. It was like a tree had fallen in my living room. I dove under my desk searching my head for number to 911. Furious footsteps made there way down the hall. Tut, tut, tut. It sounded like boots. My hands shook like a leaf in the wind. I pulled the rolling chair closer trying to hide under the shadow of the desk. The steps kept getting closer, all I could do was pray he would take my valuables and book it. However the steps slowed down and came to a stop right outside my studio. I was an idiot.\n\n My studio was the only door open in the house. Of course this is the first place he'd check. It was then I heard a deep voice speak. \"Come out little one. I mean you no harm.\" He said. He took a step closer, to the desk. I could see the shine one his boots as each one got steadily closer. Meanwhile I still could not figure out what to do. The heck was the number for 911? Was today my final day? This sucked I was going to die early. I should have gone with a German Shepard instead of a Yorkie. My chest heaved up and down. I held out that maybe, just maybe I could suck all the air out of the room. His knee came into view as he knelt down. Just as suddenly I found my self sitting on the desk staring a brown haired man in the eyes. I screamed. He covered his ears wincing at my shriek of terror and confusion.\n\n I woke up in my living room sitting up I wiped the sweat from my brow. This is why I didn't write horror stories. You write one then all your dreams our blood curdling nightma- \" Who are you?\" I questioned. I was looking at a large man standing in my dining room. It was then I realized it wasn't a dream, and I was still home. My heart stopped in that moment.\n\n\"Ah yes. My name is Magnus of Gorden.\" He declared. \" I was told that walking into the white of the fourth dimension could give me the power to set things right.\" I could only look at him in confusion. He was crazy. \"Yes, you are are the god of Elsewood aren't you? I only ask for a small favor. The mother of my child Lilith. Could you perhaps revive her?\" He asked this with a straight face. I was odd he reminded me of an old story I thought of long ago. I looked at him as green eyes turned to a blue roses, I screamed again. I slowed down that was impossible, he couldn't be real. So I decided quizzing him would \n\n\"You are Mangus of Gorden, father of Lilith, the 269th Prince of Elsewood. And you walked through the fourth dimension to get here?\" I asked \"How many children do your siblings have.\"\n\n\"Three. Two boys, one girl. My brother however suffers from an unfaithful wife.\" He replied. All the while his eyes swirled between green and blue, roses changing to black pupils and back again.His brows furrowed together. He was nervous, as he tugged at his collar. I could see the question on his face. He was the real deal. I had to do what was necessary.\n\n\" No, I cannot. The death of your first love is a main piece of your story. I can't just change that.\" I fiddled with my hands as I answered. I eventually settled with twiddling my thumbs.\n\n\"What? I have raised my girl well. A strong woman. I am dedicated to my wife. I gave up my life and returned to my seat at the council. I only ask so that my daughter my meet her mother. I do not wish to resort to necromancy.\" He side. With each pause his shoulders rose and fell. He was trying to hold himself back.\n\n\"I can't precisely for the one main reason. You are a Prince who fell for commoner. Went against the norms of your culture. You were even cast from your religion. You have to stay the same.\" I answered back. I looked at him as his face fell. It was like he had just heard his daughter died.\n\n\"Tell me why. I've done everything right followed through with every thought. Been a role model to my daughter. Why can't you grant my wish?\" He said as tears fell down his face. I could see the steam as they evaporated on contact. It was rare to see that happen. Frustration and sadness, a unique trait of his. I paused and thought of the best way to explain.\n\n\" Because. That was never your wish. You are a man of dedication to everyone. A tower of strength. You failed as a Prince, but became a man of legend. Without the powers gifted to your brother. Your first loves death is because of that. I killed your hope of a happy ending. You relied on your god once and they delivered once. You are meant to be a tall tale not a fairy tail. I can however grant you one wish.\" At this I stood up blue eyes followed me as went into my writing studio. I grabbed a blank sheet of paper. I picked up the fountain pen on my desk. Across the top I wrote \"Another story about Royalty\". I walked into the living room he stood up watching the paper in my hand with caution. \"You can write one wish on this paper. If I grant it the paper will burn to ash, otherwise the ink will dry and fade away.\" I passed the paper to him. He knelt down, head bowed as he held out a small blue rose.\n\n\"Thank you, My God. I may never understand your reason, but I can rest easy knowing the truth of our world.\" He said with a smile. \"May I ask what will happen to my daughter?\" He questioned. I thought a bit. Frankly I was doing well. However I had to be straight with him. He was one of my favorite characters.\n\n\"She will live a life with struggle, and unreasonable politics. Each death and breath has meaning. So even though a love dies. It inspires another to act.\" I said. I watched him rise to full height. He could never know that he was just a story, but I couldn't go against my morals. Bringing people back was against the rules and to do that was to wreck the best part of the story. So I just smiled and wish him well. Plot holes and retroactive fixes lead to way to many questions. So I just closed the door on that weird chapter and thanked god that it was only Magnus and not some horrifying creation of mine. \n\n\"", "\"I don't have the power to raise the dead.\" I told this character of a man multiple times after he busts threw my door. \n\n\"I'm just the author. I don't have that kind of power.\"\n\nHe flinches in anger and pulls a knife out and says \"You wrote me with one reason to live and then you took it away. If you ended my life so casually, surely, I can end yours.\"\n\n\"No no no... you really dont understand. I wrote you as my mirror. I loved her as much as you. She was, you know mirrored after my own love. The editor is all to blame you know. He demanded she be killed off to raise book sales. I pleaed, I begged but unfortunately the entire world would have been killed off if I didn't agree.\" I pleaded with this man hoping he could see the truth of it in my eyes the pain. \"Please understand when I killed her in the books she left me you know, she is dead to me in this world as she is to you there. She'll never come back. She knew everything I ever loved was in those books and I took her out\"\n\nA heavy sigh came from the character and he threw me the knife. \"Okay, let's go....what's the editor's address?" ]	5
	[WP] You use multiple identities in your line of work, and the top ten list of your field ended up all secretly you. Tomorrow is a competition to decide who is the best of them all, and you are sent 10 invitations.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\\[poem\\]\n\n\"Impossible!\" Bob wrote.\n\n\"I won't make it on time.\"\n\nHe added to the note.\n\n\"I've spent my last dime.\n\nI planned to win this thing.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I celebrated; maybe\n\nsomewhat prematurely.\n\nI went on the town for fun\n\nand depleted all my funds.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI paid for everything\n\nin cash and a la carte.\"\n\nBob was proud of his smarts.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Give my win to Bob Guinn.\n\nHe deserves the prize wallet.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Eight more to forfeit.\"\n\n\\\\\\*\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year three, story #056 You can find all my stories collected on my subreddit ([r/hugoverse](https://www.reddit.com/r/hugoverse/)) or my blog. If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the Guidebook to see what's what and who's who, or the Timeline to find the stories in order." ]	2
	[WP] There’s a storm coming tonight. Directly for you, and it’s all your fault.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Jade, I think something’s wrong. This calm doesn’t feel natural.” \n\nDark nimbuses sat ominously on the horizon, obscuring what should’ve been a picturesque violet and gold sunset painted across the sky. The leaves of the vast forest around us were upturned, ready for the downpour to come. \n\n“You might want to get out of here Era. It looks like things are about to get ugly.” I said, turning to my companion. \n\nHer sparkling green eyes followed mine to the storm bearing down on us. A bronze hand reached up to tuck a lock of auburn hair behind her ear. “Are you sure? Word through the vine is that it’s really nasty. I know a cave near here where we could-”\n\n“I’m sorry, but this isn’t something I can run away from.”\n\nEra’s full lips pressed together into a pout. Her fist tugged at the silky fabric of her flowing white dress. “I just don’t understand why you always have to deal with things like this…”\n\n“I guess I’ve just got a nose for trouble.” I chuckled. “But it’s probably time for you to get going. He’ll be here soon.” \n\n“Be careful, okay?” Era said, stepping towards a nearby tree. She pushed one of her arms into the trunk, and as her fingers faded into the tree, she took a big step forward, allowing her whole body to fall into the tree.\n\n“Will do.” I called to the tree. A rumble came from the sky, forcing my attention back to the coming storm. The shadow of the storm was nearly upon me, I could hear bullets of rain hammering the forest in front of me. \n\nAs the storm inched closer, a man stepped into the clearing. His dark eyes glared in my direction. Strings of matted black hair fell from his head. Streaks of mud were plastered on the drenched white tunic that clung to his body. A crooked and gnarled finger raised in my direction. “Are you the one who burned my shrine?”\n\nI gulped. “Well, yes, but I only did it becau-”\n\n“Are you prepared to pay penance of the destruction of my shrine?” \n\n“Hold on! I only did it because a huge storm wipes out this entire forest every hundred years! The legends say that the cause of the storm was that shrine, so I had no choice! You can’t just kill all of the trees, animals, and nymphs that live here! It’s unfair!” \n\n“I am the unnamed god of the tempest. I care not about life or death. I care not about the trees nor the creatures. I care not about fair or unfair. I am nothing but the storm. You have destroyed my shrine. The hundred-year storm is no more. Are you prepared for the consequences?”\n\nI grit my teeth together. Damn, there’s no getting through to this guy. My hand drifted towards the sword on my waist. Looks like it’s going to be the hard way this time.\n\nBefore I could draw, mud exploded into the air from the base of the trees in the forest. Dozens of roots flowed from the ground, screaming towards the unnamed god. Roots coiled around each limb of the ragged figure, lifting him from the ground. More roots continued to snake around him until every inch of his body was covered. A gruesome tightening sound echoed through the forest as blood dripped into the puddles below. \n\nThe clouds overhead vanished instantly, allowing me to catch a glimpse at the last seconds of the purple and gold sky that I looked forward to seeing every night. \n\nA familiar figure stepped out from between the nearby branches. I rubbed my neck, hanging my head. “Sorry about that. You always have to save my ass, don’t you?”\n\nEra patted the top of my head, a sigh escaping from her lips. “I guess it was unavoidable this time. But can you please try to stop causing trouble?”\n\n“I’ll do my best, but I can’t make any guarantees!”" ]	2
	[WP] Most people have telepathy. It's amazing to them how you manage to get along without 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Okay, so you can't even tell why she's mad at you?\" he asked me, staring intently over a glass of beer raised halfway to his mouth.\n\nI sighed, ready for the same waltz I'd danced since age five, \"I mean no, not without talking to her about it.\"\n\n\"And you just.... touch each other's skin to feel closer? That's enough for her?\" His half-drank IPA sat half-mast, as forgotten as it was since he'd raised it there five minutes prior.\n\nMany people have never met someone like me; a \"psychically-impaired person\", so I tried to hold my tongue as I sipped my far-from-forgotten whiskey sour, but I confess I had no big interest in walking this road with an overbearing mouth-breather I'd known not ten minutes, so I tried for a diplomatic exit and responded, \"This really is starting to seem a little psychist.\" \n\n\"Hey I'm sorry man, I've just never met someone.. y'know.. like you before,\" he says in a half-hearted attempt to sound defensive and well-meaning.\n\nYou'd think someone with a properly functioning pituitary gland could take a hint better than a half-baked mutant like me, but I couldn't see any way this guy would drop the subject, much less leave me to my drink. I replied with clear frustration, \"Yeah alright, alright. Get it out of your system.\"\n\n\"..... okay, okay.\" he held up his hands, clearly trying to show me his deference in a way I can perceive, \"I'll leave it alone just... you don't worry that she's y'know... 'doin the mind meld' with someone else?\"\n\n..... and that's the last thing I remember before I woke up in the cell, your honor. I wish I had a better way to express my regret here, but I really am so sorry.", "You realize that the idea of an Aura of energy surrounding the body has been a part of human history since our conception. In many cultures it was the best explanation for a person...how was their energy?\n\nNow, we use filters such as appearance and expressions and personalities, which are effective at describing elements of a person, yet our usage of Aura in language and understanding allowed us to develop it to a tool of great descriptive potential. \n\nIf I wanted to understand a person, I would get the best overall summation in my reading their Auras. Sometimes it was a feeling they seemed to harbour, and sometimes project onto the world around them. At times an Aura would be a particular colour which changed in tones and movements, or buzzing like a bees vibrating or flowing like streams and rivers, at times it would be so subtle as to be a challenge to even notice, but then would increase to such enormous proportions like a slow tide. Auras change with the time of day, with the mind of the person, their health and emotions, intensity or bravado, all human traits could be observed of a person, even before they had spoken. \n\nAnd yet, you tell me you don't believe in Auras, because body language is more effective?" ]	3
	[WP] You live in a world where cartoon characters live alongside regular humans. This makes even minor tasks a challenge, including your regular walk to work. What happens today?	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "On a normal day in this wacky world, I would have had to avoid a couple open potholes, banana peels, painted tunnel openings and heroes beating the everloving shit out of each other, something that I'm used to since I've been doing this for years now.\n\nThis was no normal day...\n\nI remember watching buildings collapsing as a large lizard had wandered into the streets, some masked maniac having used artillery to attempt to take the thing down, of which didn't work, the wannabe hero barely saved by a nearby sportsman.\n\nAn 18th century politician rose from the dead and opened fire upon the street only to be interrupted by a large mechanical construct of whom met his end when the lizard got a bit hungry.\n\nShortly after the construct was dispatched a martial artist attacked the sportsman. In an attempt to kill the masked man, the politician brandished a blade before an archaeologist was able to disarm them.\n\nThe martial artist and politician got into their own exchange of blows before both being executed by a waylaid rainbow blast.\n\nSuddenly, a man surrounded by a holy light and armed only with a Stetson killed both the archaeologist and the vigilante before a group of wizards, supers and mascots reduced him to a stain on the sidewalk. I could not look away from this carnage, it was like one big train wreck...\n\nI don't remember much past this point, I was just trying to escape the carnage as more and more bodies piled up and the city was leveled, I just ran and ran until it was all over... There I saw the victor; Mister Rogers in a blood stained sweater.\n\n>>!This is the Ultimate Showdown!!< \n> \n>>!(Of Ultimate Destiny)!< \n> \n>>!Good Guys, Bad Guys and Explosions!!< \n> \n>>!(As Far as the Eye Could See)!< \n> \n>>!Only One Can Survive, I Wonder Who It Could Be?!< \n> \n>>!This is the Ultimate Showdown!< \n> \n>>!Of Ultimate Destiny.!<" ]	2
	[WP] You met at a college event. At the time, she seemed so familiar. A news story reminded you why, she was the youngest billionaire alive,and the most desirable. And somehow, she was interested in your not so loaded, average looking self. Oddly, when the world found out, it found you unacceptable	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Chapter 1, Messages: \n\n\"What?\" I turned to my other side on the bed, the only light in my room - my phone - turning with me. The number was new and unsaved on my device, and I didn't have a single clue as to who it was. But the message was simple:\n\n'Hi'\n\nI've never gotten messages of this sort. I was at the back drop of my universities social community, and people who wanted my number were never too afraid to approach me. I was the only one that ever sent out messages of this sort, mostly to girls I liked - but those usually got ignored.\n\nI acknowledged that I may have been overthinking this. It was, after all, just a message. And it could be someone on my small contacts list, just with a new number. Though that made me question the timing of the message. It was almost midnight.\n\nThen my mind reeled.\n\nIt wasn't possible. There was no way she was actually writing to me. It made no sense whatsoever that she would actually be interested in me.\n\nA girl - maybe two years my senior - had approached me today during the history display event his college hosted. Much to the surprise of my friends and myself. She had shoulder length blond hair, brown eyes and pink lips that I had stared at for more than a second. I was certain I had seen her from somewhere, but could not remember where exactly. Tessa, she had called herself, and she asked for my number.\n\nWhen she left, the collective(my friends and me) had agreed that she did it on a dare or something. No offense was pointed at me, but she was far too hot to actually be interested in me, or any of my friends for that matter. I wasn't a very handsome guy, and I didn't have a body to kill for. So there was really no way Tessa wanted me in that way.\n\nThe idea that she might actually be interested was unfathomable.\n\nFrowning, I wrote back:\n\n'Hey.'\n\nAnd added:\n\n'Who is this?'\n\nHalfway through me writing the last message, the other person had already started typing again - but stopped. It didn't take long for the person to start writing again. I left the chat, so whoever it was would not see that I had read the message.\n\n'Tessa.'\n\n\"Holy shit Ethan!\" I swore, before mentally scolding myself for being loud. I didn't hear my roommate shift from above me. He was still asleep. Tessa followed up with another message:\n\n'Is this too weird?'\n\nIt didn't feel weird, so I was quick to answer, 'Nah.'\n\n'Well, I thought you were cute and I didn't want to come off as weird by texting you at this time.'\n\nI was confident in myself. Not to the degree of overconfidence, but just enough. Thing was though... No, no I was not cute.\n\n'Thanks. It isn't weird at all. I find your direct approach adorable.'\n\nI was cussing out a storm to myself after I sent that. Adorable? Really?\n\n':)'\n\nA smiley face? Was that good? My mind screamed yes.\n\nShe continued, 'Then you would be okay with me asking you to hang out with me tomorrow?'\n\nSleep never came for me that night. Of course, I accepted her invite to \"hang out.\" Calling it a date didn't feel out of place, but I tried to refrain from calling it that until she did. I\n\nShe didn't.\n\nWe exchanged information, likes and dislikes - and, at some point, she even called me - where we talked in whispers about everything and nothing. She asked what my plans were - and I had been grinning like an idiot at the respect in her voice when I told her I was studying to be a Civil Engineer and a Geologist.\n\nI was in Engineering Chemistry the next morning, tired as hell, when I realized that I hadn't really asked her what her plans for the future were. I had been correct in the assumption that she was two years older than me, but it was likely she was still in university. That made me feel vain.\n\nWorry flooded me. A girl like her would have plenty of guys drawing for her attention, and a simple mistake like that could have her lose interest in me faster than I could give it thought.\n\nBut a message from her put me at ease... Sort of...\n\n'Hey again, are we still on for later?'\n\nThat made me less worried,but added a tinge of fear to it, and her forwardness only added to that. I'd never been on the receiving end of someone's advances, since girls never usually went and made first contact - and I wasn't entirely sure on how to feel. \n\n'Of course. But where exactly are we gonna meet?'\n\nWe hadn't spoken about that part yet. But I felt since she had proposed we go somewhere, she should be the one to decide where.\n\n'McDonald's?'\n\n'Awesome,' It wasn't somewhere formal. We could just eat and talk. I wouldn't be pressured to act a particular way in front of people.\n\n I hated those sorts of scenes.", "This damn machine, it won't stop ringing and dinging with notifications. All those jealous assholes sending constant death threats and harassing emails. When would it ever stop? They all say I did something to mess with her head, that there must be some Stockholm syndrome going down. \n\n\nThat's not it though, I just went to the Battle of the Bands to watch my friend's performance. That's all. I didn't know she would be there, I just helped someone who looked like a familiar face in a sea of strangers. I took her backstage with me to help my friend Rocky pack up, let her unwind from the social cramps, right? \n\n\nThat was my first mistake, I treated her like another normal person, yet still recognized her. That was probably why she chose me; Because I wasn't yet another man-whore gold digger. I was raised to be a gentleman so I obviously walked her back to her dorm, then walked to my own. After winding down, I flipped the TV on to catch up on some recent events before starting a night of games. \n\n\nI didn't make it five minutes before recognizing the building on the screen. The words \"Youngest Billionaire Hitched?\" superimposed over the bottom of the video. Some stalker must have caught us walking home because it was footage of her and myself walking past the front doors into the lobby of the dorms. \n\n\nI figured she was an old high or middle school friend that I hadn't seen in a while. Not THE richest person my age. I couldn't do anything but stare at the screen, I must have fainted when I saw the camera spin around to the shaggy face of the stalker, his lips moved and subtitles shown on the screen. \n\n\n\"I know that man, his name is John Hatcher. Why is he walking next to Alexandria de Clare?\" His tone was not nice... That's all I remember, I just woke up and turned my laptop on to ask my friends on discord what I should do. But when I logged into my account, I had hundreds of jealous DMs and been banned from pretty much everything. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nMy email is going off crazy while I text Alex, yes she let me call her Alex, and I'm afraid my phone will blow up from the overheated innards pretty soon.\n\n \n(Sorry for any grammatical crap, I just wrote as my brain went. Had fun tho!)" ]	3
	[WP] You live in the only world you’d ever known, with towns, castles and dungeons, inhabited by humans, dragons, mages, trolls, elves, and more. Suddenly you’re surrounded by a beam of light, accompanied by the sound of dice rattling, before you’re teleported to a basement occupied by shocked kids.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Gi, what did you do?!\" Exclaimed Don, one who plays a sorcerer barbarian. \n\n\"I did nothing!\" I yelled\n\n\"Bullshit! Your character was summoned here right after you rolled your wild magic!\" Anon, as he liked to be refered to played another wild magic sorcerer. \n\n\"Shut up! We let a wild magic sorcerer that is Wuffy, out into our world! Chaos incarnated!\" Our DM started freaking out. \n\n\"Look, I know Wuffy. Hell, I made him. He may be eccentric but he's a good guy! He just dimension doored the moment he freaked out and he'll come back to us once he has calmed down. It'll be fine.\" It WASN'T fine. Not at all. The moment I said that, I noticed the dice roll itself. \"Oh no...\" Worse part about it, we were using a 10,000 wild magic table. We all looked outside only to see a storm of hail, lightning, tornados and cats, literally, spawn out of no where. \"This isn't so bad... right?\" \n\n\"God damn it Gi,\" the party mumbled in unison.\n\nAs a few seconds flew by as we were watching both awe and fear, we heard the dice roll again. I knew Wuffy was just enthralled by the new scenery and just wanted to explore. I just hope he didn't get into fights and [hold person] an entire police squad. I turned around and saw Dean, who played a charasmatic fighter already putting on her larping gear with dazzling eyes. \n\n\"Whelp, nows a better time than ever to go on an actual quest.\" It's not rare to see Dean enthusiastic about larping, but this is the first time I would consider her insane. I mean, this is a lvl 17 sorcerer we gotta deal with here. Oh no, the dice rolled again. Nothing was noticed this time. However, Dean was out the door and Clara, who played out paladin in the party already started chasing after her. JD, who played out rogue, followed her and everyone else grumbled as they followed suit. \n\nI stayed behind, looking at the dice, thinking, what would be the best chance to get him back here, I wondered. The thought occured to me, \"roll the wild magic dice till he come back.\" I shook my head, and said, \"that's what got Wuffy in this situation to begin with.\" \n\nAfter thinking for a few more minutes, I saw a dimension door pop open in the room and a both scared and riveted half-elf popped out. He looked at me, puzzled with eyes I can only describe as puppy eyes and handsomely good looks that would make any man or woman blush. He finally spoke. \"So... where am I?\" I looked at him as he was bleeding from a gunahot wound. I was about to answer until he sat down, unfazed by the wound and saw his character sheet. \"Okay, I seen some weird shit, but this...\" he picked up the charcter sheet, \"is some freaky shit man... like, you spying on me!?\" \n\nI tried to calm him down, while the rest of my party came back into the room with their own larping gear, getting ready to head out. He was looking at all the other character sheets, and back at the rest of the party, \"what the hell is all this! You spying on my friends too!?\" The rest of the party looked scared and I finally had a brilliantly stupid idea. \n\n\"Hey Wuffy, this is going to take a very long time to explain, but first, I need you to use your own healer's kit on yourself and remove that bullet before you get sick, and second, have a seat and we will explain everything.\" I took out my backup character sheet and gave it to him. I looked at everyone, opened my eyes as wide as I can and gestured them to come over here. Wuffy, listened to me, as he always does when yelled at or talked to calmly, and throughout that day, as it was literally raining cats, we taught this sorcerer how to play DnD. \n\nHe ended up getting the gist of it, learned that I created him and somehow summoned him. We also learned that each character has a mind of their own once created and that we are only catalysts to bring them out via our imagination, albeit Wuffy was a special case. \n\nEventually, he assimilated to our world, and able to disguise himself as us as well. His ears, were easily explained as a birth defect but allowed him to be great at cosplaying, and eventually taught us, the party, how to use magic. And guys, magic is actually real! So everything was great! Well, until it started raining dogs, which then caused the military found out about him, which then caused him to run away. No one heard form him, so we had to try finding him again, only to find out that he soloed an entire third world country because things just escalated that far for some stupid reason. Fucking Wuffy... \n\nI finally learned why the party hated him so much that year, as we are literally entering in world war 3 against a scared half-elf with the personality of a fox and a puppy in one and powers that rival gods and accidentally took over a country. I wonder if he leveled up though, as I was in charge of calming him down again. I seriously regret making him. Moral of the story, don't make a wild card eccentric, accidental party killing character please. I really wish Anon's character still had the card of fate from the deck of many things. \n\n-------\n\nMade this on my phone, sorry for the bad formatting and grammar mistakes. But I do hope you enjoyed this little story" ]	2
	[WP] You never knew what the bard meant when he said he “maxed-out his charisma” until he not only managed to convince the young dragon to not seek fiery vengeance for her father’s death, but got her to join the party as well.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Of course I can be of use, I have maxed-out my Charisma!\" the Bard said to Mandyn. He had seemed cocky from the start, but how could he possible think himself to be more charismatic than everyone else?\n\nPersonally, I knew my way around people and good conversation, but to declare oneself the best of the best? The paramount in persuasion? Dominant in deception and, to top it all, a preeminent performer? Unheard of!\n\nMandyn, seemingly struck by this charlatan, allowed him to join our party of adventurers. I will say, I had thought him outrageous to the highest degree, but it will certainly bring a smile to my face when we meet the dragon we are hunting and he runs like a scared child!\n\nWe set out at once, heading directly to the nest that all but the Bard had been before, we knew the dragons patterns, and sure enough, after just a moment or two of hiding in the underbrush, its scaly red hide swooped overhead, falling gracefully into the awaiting nest.\n\nAs Mandyn looked over the rest of us, attempting to form a plan, we were back to our normal count of members, with one missing: that dreadful bard.\n\nI had dealt with extraplanar beings, striking deals for my soul and the souls I promised to collect, and I would venture to say I had a better time understanding them and their motives compared to this buffoon! Was I the only one able to see through his charade?\n\nWe quickly assembled some sort of plan, approaching the nest post-haste, where to all of our surprise, we found the Bard. I do regret to inform you that we did not find him begging for his life, nor charred to a crisp after having it stolen from him by great magical flame. Nay, rather we found him striking up conversation with the beast! As though they were friends of many years, they were chatting at much too casual of a capacity for this to be good.\n\nOr so I had assumed.\n\nApparently, the dragon had been raiding to find the killer of her father, Igniis the Red. He had been slain by none other than Graythis Moonblood, noble Paladin and knight of Lord Isochles Blackwater. Isochles had wanted a new mantlepiece, so the fool had his knights hunt down Igniis and kill him in cold blood.\n\nConversely, my blood had reached a boil. My party was praising this imbecile! He marched foolishly into the dragons nest, a death sentence in any other situation, and had not only managed to escape with his life, but with another party member?! Preposterous!\n\nThough, I must say, being known as 'The Adventuring Party with a Dragon' certainly felt awesome. We must come up with a better name, so when we slay that fool Greythis, we shall have an amazing name to be sung throughout the centuries.\n\nI do not know if the Bard's magic is actually working on me, or instead if I have developed a sort of admiration for the fellow, but I will be able to consider that more in depth later. Apparently Baalar, the fiend with whom I struck a deal wishes to speak about this insufferable songsmith." ]	2
	[WP] You come from a family of friendly and amiable movie monsters. They're all perfectly supportive of you despite the fact that you seem to be just a normal human.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "First (1st) story here. please be nice\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMy family was always supportive of me. Honestly, I couldn't ask for a better one! But I'm sort of the odd one out. The black sheep, if you will. You see, my family is made up of monsters and I'm just a normal human. We don't know how it happened, but it was probably just some freak of genetics. But no matter how much they loved me, I felt like an outsider. So I moved a few states away for college.\n\nIt felt freeing, to be with people who looked like me. My mom says I have her eyes, and it's true, we share the same shade of green, but my pupils aren't vertical like hers. Here, everyone has round pupils. I made a few friends too. My best friend is my roommate. His name's Robby, and I got really lucky that I wasn't stuck with some slob. I've heard some horror stories about three week old Thanksgiving turkies and mold on unwashed dishes. \n\nBut one day, everything changed. I was eating an ice cream cone on the couch, when I heard a glass shatter. Robbie was staring at me, eyes wide.\n\n\"Are you...biting into that ice cream?\" he whispered.\n\n\"Yeah, what about it?\"\n\n\"You monster.\"\n\nI guess the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree after all.", " \n\nRoland sat on the couch next to his father. 'Son, I understand your frustration and anger.' Roland's father said while placing his hand on his shoulder. 'This is not the way to make things right, and in the process, you are seriously hurting your own chances to enter a good college next year.' Roland struggled to fight back the tears, he raised his hand to wipe the ones that escaped. His father Luca, stopped his hands before they could reach his face. He hugged him and the embrace broke his strength becoming a child in his parent's arms. \n'That fucker deserved it' said Roland as he struggled to get it out between his cries. Luca did not say a word and would only gently rub his son's arm, encouraging him to cry freely. For Luca, this always came easy, though when you first saw him, it was far from any preconceived notion anyone had formed of him. Standing 6'7, over 250 lbs of pure muscle and covered in fur, a werewolf does not have an inviting presence. \n'Tomorrow, your mother and I have a meeting at the school, with Bradley's parents and Mrs. Dickerson. You both are also expected.' Luca paused and gave two strong sniffs. 'Please go, shower son, I can smell the blood of Bradley on your hands.' Roland gave out a laugh. His father joined him. As they stood he gave his son one more hug and whispered 'I am proud of you.' That is all I ever want you to be of me thought Roland as he felt the day begin to escape his mind. \nMorning came, and Roland was still feeling tired. A restless night that brought no dreams, an alarm that sounded too loud, and a figure in the corner of this room. 'Sup champ, been standing there long?' said Roland as he began to sit up on his bed and clear his throat. There stood his brother, Frankie. An amalgamation of different body parts seemed and stapled together. Miscoloured eyes, different tones of skin, and scars that could not be hidden. \n'Define long?' smirked Frankie back at Roland. 'When are you not smiling and avoiding to answer any of my questions, kiddo? 'Well, if you had to see your face as often as I do, you would be in stitches.' retorted Frankie. 'That's it, I'm telling mom said Roland who jumped out his bed, put on some jeans and T-shirt and ran down the stairs to the kitchen. Frankie walked slowly behind him, as one leg was not quite the length of the other. \n'He is lying', screamed Frankie trying to reach his mother's ears before Roland could. Truth is, neither Frankie or Roland know if their mother has ears. Covered in bandages, with the exception of his hands, feet, eyes, and lips. She closed her eyes hearing Roland's footsteps as he raced down the stairs and Frankie's yell. She gave in a deep breath and prayed to Ra to give her strength. \n'I haven't even finished the eggs your dad so delicious prepared for me and the two of you already want to ruin my morning.' She threw her hands in the air while looking up. 'What have I do father, to deserve such children.' Luca brought over two more plates for the boys. 'Honey, don't forget Cartagena in 84' he added. 'Right' she said. 'Grandma Yaga told me about Paris in 72' dropped Roland given it some thought and taking a chair. In walked Frankie 'Oh, don't forget San Francisco in 06.' 'I wasn't even made said Nefertari, crossing arms in disapproval. 'True, but it sounds like something right up your ally mom.' chuckled Frankie. 'Remind me to give my mother a call once we get back home.' Nefertari took in the moment as it filled her with warmth. \nThe family had dropped off Frankie to his elementary school first and proceeded to Roland's high school next. He was used to garnering attention, for how many kids' parents drove a Hurst. This time it was different, as he got out, he got nods accompanied by smiles. The walk to the principal's office had been filled with pats to the back, right on's, and high fives. \nThe three of them walked into Mrs. Dickerson's office and took a seat. In front of them was Mrs. Dickerson who lined up 3 more seats against the wall adjacent to her desk. 'Mr. and Ms. Munster, thank you for coming. Bradley and his parents should be here shortly.' Before she could continue, Bradley and his parents walked in. This was not the first time, but this time Roland notices Bradley's demeanor to resemble that of a corpse. He knew this was not due to the fight they had the day before. Bradley's mother did not fare much better, it was clear to all 4 that she had been crying. While Bradley's father was clearly intoxicated. Come to think of it, he was always this way. \nThe three of them took a seat with Bradley in the middle and his father closest to the door. 'Thank you, now we can begin' said Mrs. Dickerson. Bradley's father, Roy stood up got to his knees. 'Please make it stop' he said with cries and tears. Now you care thought Roland, feeling the anger fill him. But make what stop he thought. As soon as he had thought it, his mother said it. \n'Well, that is what we are here to discuss' said Mrs. Dickerson as she grabbed her cellphone, prompted up a stand and placed it in front of the Munsters to see. It was playing a video that began with Bradley and his friends talking into the lens. 'This is where you find Frankie, a child so ugly, not even his mother could love him.' Bradley said into the camera as he laughed with his friends joining in. They then faced the camera to look inside an ice cream shop. There in the stool, along the window, was Frankie and Roland laughing and eat some ice cream. When Roland look into the phone, saw Bradley and his friends laughing, it was clear what they were doing. \nThe following day, Roland confronted Bradley and a fight ensued that lead them to this meeting. \nRoland was unable to keep quiet, fighting with his anger to not go over there and hit Bradley once more. He was thankful that he did not possess his fathers, speed, claws or bite. Frankie's insane strength. Or his mother magic. For he was a mere human. 'He is just a little boy, enjoying ice cream, he doesn't need you assholes making fun of him.' His mother grabbed his hand, gave a quiet prayer and Roland started to calm down. \n'Roland, you are right, Bradley this is bullying and our school while does not tolerate violence, bullying' Mrs. Dickerson gave a pause and added 'Well, society tolerates even less.' \nRoy looked at them and said while still on his knees pleading 'If you can make the harassing calls stop, the tweets wishing death to my son' Roy was now really struggling to get out the words. Carol, Bradley's mother, started to cry. 'They keep calling my work, saying I am a terrible mother. That I raised a monster' Bradley could not look at his parent's, or anyone. Roland didn't want to feel sorry, pity, or even regret, but he even questioned if this had gone too far. \n'If I can make a public apology, to you and Frankie, maybe this nightmare could end.' Finally added Bradly, in tears with his parents. Yet they did not comfort each other, and while unsaid, it felt as if they had blamed each other. \n'Will you excuse us' said Mrs. Dickerson with a look of I don't know what to do on her face. Nefertari stood up first. 'Please take the time you need, we will be outside.' They stood in front of the school, getting some fresh air. Luca gave out a loud long whistle 'Now that is one monster, not even I could take on.' 'I might be able to' 'Mom, don't even think about it.' 'Don't worry honey, since your father, those days are long past me.' \nThe stress from the night before had been washed away from Roland. Seeing the Bradleys family being so distant when they needed each other the most, made him whisper a prayer of thanks for his parents. 'How about after this we break out Frankie and grab some ice cream.' Roland said smiling." ]	3
	[WP] You are The Storyteller. You were cursed by a witch because you wanted to be a household name everywhere. You are, but not the way you wanted. Now whenever someone asks for a story, you can’t help but tell the tale of how they die.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Hey...you're him, aren't you?\"\n\nI look up from my phone and directly into the a fortysomething face, stubble flecked with grey, bags under the eyes, and...of course. \n\nThe Look. It's always the same, more or less: fear, exhilaration, hopefulness, dread, all fighting for dominance. All irrelevant, because by this point, the decision's already been made, the question already on his lips.\n\nHere we go again.\n\n\"Look, buddy,\" I say, knowing it's pointless. \"You really dont--\"\n\n\"Tell me.\"\n\nFuck.\n\n\"Car accident. Red 2008 Toyota Corolla. You don't even see it coming.\" I say, the words spilling from my mouth reflexively, as per usual. Not unlike vomiting.\n\n\"Your spine is severely fractured, but it's the massive internal bleeding that does you in. 10 minutes from impact to death, but you're only awake for 2 of them.\"\n\nHis face has gone white by this point, but that expectant look stays on his face. It takes him a good 30 seconds before he realizes I'm done talking.\n\n\"Well, shit. Where does it happen? When?\"\n\n\"Sorry, buddy. Just what's on the tin.\" Apparently, even this affliction of mine adheres to the old storytelling adage: always leave them wanting more.\n\n\"What, so you can't give me anything else? Ho does this help me? What the hell am I supposed to do now?\"\n\nHe's getting frantic now. I shrug. Probably not the best way to deescalate the situation, but what can I say: I'm an oracle, not a psychologist.\n\n\"Oh, man. This could mean anything. Like, what kind of vague useless bullshit is that. 'Red 2008 Toyota Corolla'. Does it hit me walking? Am I in another car? Am I--oh Christ!\"\n\nHe jerks his head around suddenly, his face suddenly contorted by panic. I'm guessing he just remembered we're on a city bus in mid- morning rush hour.\n\n\"I've got to get off this death trap.\"\n\n\"Ok, just hang on a second...\" I say, but he's already darting for the exit. The bus is nearly full, and by now, our little exchange has drawn the attention of our fellow passengers. I see recognition in some of their faces, but none of them have The Look for now. Small miracles.\n\n\"Sir, please wait until the next stop,\" the bus driver, bored and exasperated as bus drivers are wont to be.\n\n\"No, you don't understand. Any moment I could..fuck it,\" he says, before somehow ripping the door open and stumbling off. \n\nThe bus is stopped at a red light when he pulls this stunt. I watch him run between the adjacent cars, his trajectory chosen seemingly at random, panic clearly in full control. I watch him veer into the intersection ahead. I see a flash of red, hear the screech of slammed breaks, followed immediately by a mechanic-organic crunch. \n\nA few months ago, when it all started, I would have experienced this with horror, revulsion, soul-crushing guilt. Rushed to help, called 911, done something in the face of the inevitable. But hey, I guess anything becomes routine if you do it enough.\n\nSee, after a while, the pattern became clear: whether in minutes, days, or weeks, the predictions I spouted always seemed to come to fruition sooner rather than later. Maybe knowing the details of one's own demise breaks something in the rational part of the human brain, making us prone to the exact senseless, risky behavior we should really be avoiding given that information. Maybe my \"stories\" aren't predictions at all, but proclamations, made manifest only at the moment of their utterance. Or maybe the universe just likes to fuck with us.\n\nBut I suppose it's not all bad. However you slice it, I finally got what I always wanted: a household name. And now that folks have started to catch on to the particulars of my talent, I've even started to go viral. Just saw it trending on Twitter the other day.\n\n\\#BewareTheStoryteller. \n\nHopefully that'll catch on.", "I had been keeping my distance from her for weeks, unable to convince myself to grey any closer nor any farther away. She was the new girl in the office, and her bright floral-print dresses and bouncy winter-blonde hair instantly made a splash among all of their coworkers. \n\n\"Have you seen the new Contract Manager?\" they'd say, \"They poached her from some tech company.\"\n\"Yeah,\" I'd respond, \"I've seen her.\"\n\nTheir last manager had quit, according the to email that corporate had sent out, \"suddenly and unexpectedly.\" Everyone had gossiped as to the true reason, of course. Maybe he'd found a better job? No, I saw him when he was cleaning out his office - he had two police officers watching him the whole time. No, no, no! he got caught with one of the interns - they both got canned at the same time!\n\nBut I knew none if it was true. I knew exactly what had happened. I had seen the way his face slowly changed, from amused to insulted to confused to dumbstruck, as I told him his story. The end of his story. He had made the mistake of asking me, of asking me to tell him something interesting. Normal a banal request, one made to keep a conversation going. But he didn't know about my curse, my dread, the consequences of my desire long past to make a mark on the world with my ability to tell stories. \n\nSo I told him. I told him the story of how he would die. It didn't take long, about ten minutes, but there was enough there that I shouldn't have known, names and details and descriptions, to convince us both that this wasn't just a fabrication, but a premonition. I can never control it, but I tried my best that time. I managed to put off how long he had left until the end - just one year. A week later, he packed his office into little boxes and fled, determined to outrun his destiny. \n\n\"Are you okay, there?\" came a voice, breaking me free from my thoughts. I looked up, and there she was. He had never before noticed how deep and green her eyes were, like the color of living seas.\n\n\"Yeah,\" I said. \"Kind of just spaced out. Sorry.\"\n\nShe didn't walk away, just stood there and stared at me. I could almost hear the ticking of the clock accross the room, dragging out each moment between prayers that she would turn before seeing too much. \n\n\"You're the only person in this office that hasn't come and said hello to me, y'know?\" she said. \"After a month, I figured I had better make my move.\"\n\n\"Hello,\" I said quickly. \"My name's Odon.\" I turned back to my computer, hoping the rudeness would send her a message. \n\n\"Odon? That's kind of a....an odd name, no offense,\" she said with a smile. \"So, Odon, what's your deal? What's your story?\"\n\n\"You are,\" I blurted, without pause or realization. \"You are...\"", "“Can I get a story?”\n\nIt’s not a unusual thing to hear, at least for me. I look up from my tea and stare at the man in front of me. Maybe 20? Looks like he went through hell. Is it exams week for the students? It’s been such a long time since I’ve been in school. The conversations in the coffee shop are loud. Loud enough that the man must think I didn’t hear me, since he repeats his request.\n\n“Ma’am?” I jolt out of my thoughts, hearing his nervous voice again. “I’m Desmond. Uh, I was going to go to a fortune teller but my friends told me to come to you, and to ask for a story.”\n\nI nod, though I want to say no. Some have walked away disappointed with my stories. It’s not because my storytelling is bad-in the contrary, I know it’s very descriptive. \n\nIt’s just what my tales are that ruin people.\n\n“Desmond, what you’re about to hear is the story of your death. Do you want that?” I say, repeating the words that have been said so many times, in so many places, to so many people. The witch had a wicked sense of humor, and cursed me to always ask this. As if I was a robot. In reality, I wanted to get up from my seat in the cafe and shake poor Desmond’s shoulders. “Run away!” I would say. \n\nBut I can’t.\n\nDesmond turns pale. His shocking red hair pops out even more. “What?”\n\n“It’s your death. It’s how you’ll die. I can’t say-can’t tell anything else.” I swallow, feeling the familiar wave of pain in my throat. “You might be better off with a fortune teller.”\n\n“No, no, I want to listen. I’m just-I just need to hear the story.” He insists. “I want to know the future.”\n\n“You can’t change your death,” I reply quietly. “Take a seat, Desmond.”\n\nDesmond opens his mouth to protest, then changes his mind. He slides the chair across from me and settles himself in. His hands fidget with anticipation and maybe even fear. Most of the people I told stories to usually became excited or confused. At first.\n\nThe words rush out of my mouth, my mind not having to think anything, do anything. I always likened it to being possessed. \n\n“You are Desmond Watkins. You were born in Colorado. You have a relationship with Catherine Diaz. In 2020, you will propose to Catherine and get married. 2 years later you will have a baby boy. That baby boy grows up to be a leader of a nation in 2052. His name will be Adoyn Watkins. In 2040, while driving home from work, a 18-wheeler slams into your car. You become paralyzed from the waist down-at least, that’s what the doctors thought. You suddenly lost your heartbeat in the hospital, shortly after Catherine separates from you because of marriage issues. Adoyn grows up without a father for the rest of his life.”\n\nWhen I finish, Desmond’s green eyes are brimming with tears. “That’s it?” He croaks. “What becomes of my-my son?” \n\nI force myself to look into those eyes. “There’s more. In 2023, WW3 starts. You serve-well, served as a soldier for a short time until 2024, when the 2024 Recall of Soldiers forced you to come back and quit the military. In 2026 over 500 pounds of nuclear weapons was activated in the Atlantic Ocean, creating the Seismic Reaction and separating Europe, Asia, and the Americas into different continents. This ended the War. In 2040 your son swears to never let nuclear war happen again and rises through the political ranks to become leader of the New Order, the government that replaces the US after the continent separates. That is all.”\n\n\n“Ah.” Desmond whispers. “Can we change that?”\n\nI have heard that question a thousand times. I shake my head no. “It’s impossible.”\n\nThen it all ends. Desmond leaves. There’s a dollar on the table. The story is over.\n\nNote: The second paragraph the Storyteller is saying comes from my story Dead Silence. \nThe info about the Seismic Reaction and the WW3 is made up, I’m not really sure if it’s possible for continents to separate from the force of a nuclear bomb. :/" ]	4
	[WP] There is a fungus that affects ants nervous system, compelling them to climb to the highest point they can so they get eaten by birds, helping the fungus to spread. A similar fungus has just been discovered in people who have an urge to go to space.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "He wiped his palms on his pants and glanced towards the door. He checked his watch. Almost time. He tried not to fidget so the administrative assistant wouldn't notice he was nervous. The minutes slipped by and the door stayed close. Maybe there was someone else in there. But he had arrived very early. He would have seen another candidate.\n\nFinally, it opened. \n\n\"McElroy?\" came a voice. He stood up quickly, clutching his notebook and pens to his chest. He took a deep shaky breath.\n\n\"McElroy...?\" came the voice again.\n\n\"H-h-here,\" he said, and rushed to the room. In it, a man in a bland tan suit sat behind a desk. Stacks of papers neatly laid out in front of him had names and work histories of strangers. McElroy strained to politely see if his name was there, but couldn't make anything out upside down. He looked up to grasp the man's hand. \n\n\"McElroy, eh?\" he said, and looked him up and down through wiry eyeglasses. \"Welcome.\"\n\n\"Good morning, sir, thank you for inviting me in.\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, of course, sit down.\" McElroy realized he was still standing and almost fell into the chair. The man in the tan suit leaned back in his chair and considered him quietly for a moment.\n\n\"So we invited you here to see if you might be a good fit for Project Bridge. We need good people on this project, you know, people who aren't afraid to work long hours and get it done.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir, of course-\" McElroy stammered.\n\n\"Well rule number one, don't interrupt me.\" He raised a lone finger towards him and kept talking. \"Now, this project is a mon-u-men-tal importance to the human race.\" Each syllable barked out from the tan suit man. \n\n\"We are making a space elevator - I'm sure you know that - but it will be humanity's path to the stars and to the future.\" He paused a moment and stared upwards. \"The future of us all.\" He continued staring and McElroy shifted in his seat. \n\n\"Well, I, uh, I have a background in-\"\n\n\"Puh-lease, no interruptions,\" he said as his finger was raised once more. He looked back down at McElroy. \"Now, we've been working on this for years already, ever since old Mr. Musk got it in his head that he was gonna build this thing in his lifetime come hell or high water.\"\n\n\"Now, well, it's been some time and Mr. Musk won't ever see his vision come to pass, but we're still working hard to see done right, y'know? It takes a special breed to succeed here though. Someone with a certain... spasticity of the mind, do you follow me?\" He leaned forward to stare at McElroy dead in the eyes.\n\n\"Well? Speak up, this is an interview not a soliloquy.\" \n\n\"Oh, sorry, sir, I didn't want to interupt... Yes, elasticity of the mind, certainly sir, I am very adaptable. I worked in a lab doing a lot of good work over in San Jose-\"\n\n\"No, spasticity.\" He held his hand once more. \"Spasticity of the mind. The contraction of the brain matter. The hypertonicity. Do you know of these words?\"\n\n\"Uh...\" McElroy wiped his palms on his pants. \"No, I'm not sure I know that word.\"\n\n\"It's what separates us from the...\" This time the man leaned all the way across the desk and McElroy could smell something yeasty on his breath. \"... normal ones. You know. The ones whose brains are just... There. You follow me?\"\n\n\"Yes sir, of course sir. I'm not like them.\" McElroy shook his head, perhaps a bit too vigorously. \n\n\"Po-si-tive-ly out-stan-ding!\" came the syllables. \"I knew you were the sort we wanted for the job the moment I saw that big head of yours.\"\n\n\"Ah,\" McElroy said, \"Yes, I am.\" His head wasn't that large, was it? He resisted the urge to gauge its weight against the strength of his neck muscles. \"Would you like to see my references...?\" \n\n\"Oh yes, of course, we'll see them.\" The man waved his hand through the air. \"We'll confirm all that. Are you interested then?\"\n\n\"Yes, uh, ab..so..lute..ly.\" McElroy drew out the syllables as best he could. The man in the tan suit beamed. \n\n\"Splendid!\" He pulled open a desk drawer. He took a small pod from it and handed it to McElroy. \"Now we're very exclusive, we don't hire just anyone, don't forget, so take this and show it the receptionist outside. She'll fill out the rest of the paperwork.\" McElroy gingerly took the pod from his hand. It was rough and green but he could feel it give underneath his fingers' touch.\n\n\"Uhm...\" He looked at it more closely and gave it a gentle squeeze. A tiny burst of dust came off it. He sneezed. The man in the tan suit continued to beam at him from across the desk. Had he even asked me any questions? McElroy thought suddenly. This was one of the most sought after tech jobs in the country. Wasn't it too easy?\n\nOn the other hand, it seemed like he got the job. He was going to be rich. He could work for a decade and retire in peace. Who knows? Maybe retire in space. If the elevator was finally built, who knows what the future held? \n\nHe stood up shakily and turned to leave. He cradled the pod in his palm. What was he supposed to be doing? Talking to the receptionist. Yes, of course. He was going to retire in space. Once the elevator was complete. He knew a lot about fabrication. About light weight metals and fast production. More than anyone else it knew. More than anyone else it had taken. He would take it to space. McElroy felt his brain tense and relax and tense again. \n\n\"Miss, can you show me to my office?\" The reception grinned at him. \"I am ready to work. This is ab-so-lute-ly essential. I must begin right away.\"\n\nYes, he would take it home.", "From the leaves outside the window, escaped rays of light as lightsabers cracking through the poverty of the room and projecting a monochromatic visual which is aligned with the nature of Pavan. \n\nHis name, like his compatriots, had a significant meaning to the course of actions they might take. It's literal meaning, the \"sky\" in Sanskrit. \n\nAs he picks up his bag to get back for the first rocket launch for mankind it dawns upon him the contrast of what marks as a beginning for one would inevitably be the end of the other. \n\nMark: What do you think is out there? \n\nPavan: The mystery around this is as transparent as the clear water flowing out of rocks on a sea shore. Whatever happens, it would be a first for all of us. \n\nMark: Look at you getting all puffed up.\n\nThey began their ascent with immense power and pressure seemingly rendering their environment powerless but as they rose higher the entire show of power was levelled down by the absence of the atmosphere as the voyager callously floated around. \n\nThis is when things start to get a little hazy because that's when they arrived, I saw them. My prophecy started instigating me to get out there and finish this imbalance of power. \n\nTan - I know what seemed like a fortunate turn of events, wasn't. Before I could even react, Pavan launched himself forward offering his very soul which was the last I saw of him and the next thing I know I'm back here. The sudden rush of lights portrayed out as an emulsification on the black canvas which was the epitome of my consciousness as it faded out. \n\nMrs. Trembler - You went the extra mile today. Hopefully, this works in your favour tomorrow. \n\nTan - These sessions take a real toll on my body. \n\nMrs. Trembler - We really need the best from you so that you don't have any lapses in your next voyage. \n\nThey both left the space that was created to unearth the most important journey that an ant had ever taken to reach the very heights to settle the imbalance of power which would have lifted if the ant was able to donte his soul, his fungus, for a lifetime access to human sweets.", "We don't know who the first to be infected was. How could we? It infected people at such a low rate and the symptom was ridiculous a desire to go to space. The first wave of infections was probably minor. \n\nThings got worse after the accident. Finding out years later that multiple rockets and satellites all funded by an independent company was no accident. Their CEO was worshiped by so many members of the public that it was considered a tragedy when his ship, his first voyage ended so devastatingly. Even trying to bring up the idea that it had all gone according to a plan was considered in bad taste, people were quickly shut down anytime they tried to bring up what others considered to be \"conspiracy theories.\n\nIt was a few years after that the fungus came to the attention of the public and the world. Something that was released into the atmosphere after the explosion. Not everyone was infested but enough that everyone at least knew someone was.\n\nThe symptoms weren't that bad. An urge to go into space, what's so terrible about that. Some however they didn't sleep normally anymore. During the day they were perfectly normal but as soon as night fell it would happen. They would stop whatever they were doing and they would go outside and just stare at the sky. It was as if they were waiting for something.\n\nMy father was one of the infected and it greatly affected his life. He lost his nights. He would tremble as soon as the sun went down. Even later in life when he was restricted to a bed he would do all he could to try and get up until someone would have to wheel him over to a window in order to get him settled.\n\nNow there were new reports. Changes in some of the infected and then something even more astounding. There was an object, something moving that had entered our solar system. Reports were that it was dark, sticking to the shadows of other planets as it slowly made its way to Earth. Now the infected were more frantic when they went outside, as if they were looking for something. Waiting for what it was to come down.", "No one knew where it'd come from, or why it even existed. They only knew how dangerous it was. \n\nHumanity have always tried to push the limits. Sometimes it works and we change the course of history forever- but sometimes it doesn't and we risk destroying everything that could be. This was one of those times. \n\nI still remember hearing stories of the very first moon landing. I remember watching the video of it and even though it was blurry and only a few minutes long, I watched it regardless. Everything about the moon and space and what lay beyond had always amazed me. Until one day, someone went to the moon and it went wrong. Horribly wrong. On the outside it was a successful mission, a woman named Cora was in charge of the mission to extract some rocks from beneath the moons surface. Everything was running smoothly and her along with the rest of her team came back unharmed. \n\nThat was until Cora began to slowly unravel. I only knew this because I used to work with her, the public didn't find out until much, much later. First Cora began to say little things like \"I miss the moon\" or \"I hope I go back one day\" which was a common thing to hear from astronauts. But then it spiralled out of control and she started to shout and throw things- demanding to be put on a ship immediately to take her back. \n\nIt got worse when the rest of her team began to do the same. No one could figure out what was making them watch the moon for hours on end, or want to risk their lives just to go back. They thought they had time to figure out what was wrong with Cora and her team but soon they families got 'infected' and then the people who worked with them too. The pandemic was known as \"mooncraze\". \n\nPeople diagnosed were put in therapy and most of them recovered after years and years of endless therapy and drugs. The ones who didn't went crazy. There's still rumours today of scientists using mooncraze to experiment on people with the disease and there's even some rumours which say mooncraze victims are blackmailed into into becoming astronauts because of the shortage of them due to fear of the disease. It's wrong I know, but I can only hope we find a cure for it one day.\n\nBut one day only comes when you take matter into your own hands. That's when I decided to train to become an astronaut and get myself to the moon before all of humanity go crazy. It would take years for me to achieve this but I had to try, and try I will. \n\n\n\n\nMaybe part 2, I'm not sure yet :)", "“I just... don’t you think that setting your sights a little... lower... might be better?” \n \n\nMy mother shot a dagger laden glare at my father. \n \n\n“Are puns really what we need right now?” \n \n\n“I didn’t realise when I said it...” \n \n\n“Perhaps try think before you speak? I really don’t think that we need to ... “ \n \n\nThis would go on for some time. I was so sick of my parents arguing and arguing about this. It had become so repetitive that I was prepared for this moment. Them devolving into arguing with eachother rather than me wasn’t a new moment, this moment had played out enough times that I could almost write a script for it. Not that I would. I had other things on my mind. \n \n\nThe tests we’d taken at school weren’t at all what we’d thought. Knowing what these astronauts were like... these pillars of humanity... stronger and smarter and more driven than anyone you’d met in the real world. We’d expected aggressive drill sergeants making us do pushups until we puke. Scientists and engineers that invoked visions of Einstein and Bohr drilling us on boiling points of materials, velocity equations, Newtonian physics. \n \n\nWhat we hadn’t expected were the psychologists. Not like Freud. They were actually more like the scientists we’d expected than how you’d envision a psychologist. These were not soft hippies that wanted to hug you better, or Jung rambling about a collective unconscious. These were military personnel. They were cold, and efficient, and had so many forms to fill in that we thought the paperwork would never end. Endless questions about topics that seemed entirely unrelated to the space program. \n \n\n“If you and your father both want to use the computer, how do you resolve the conflict?” \n \n\n“A student in class has brought a weapon to school, but they did it to keep it away from a violent sibling. A teacher has heard a rumour that someone has a weapon, and has cornered you and asked if you know the culprit. What do you do?” \n \n\n“You’re incredibly hungry, but you know you have already eaten enough for the day. On a scale of 1-7 rate the likelihood that you eat anyway: 1-Very unlikely, 2-...” \n \n\nEveryone at the school took the first rounds of testing. Who wouldn’t? Astronauts were revered, highly paid individuals with potentially the coolest job in the universe. Though, potentially that phrase would be a bit much given the occupation. The coolest job a high-schooler could hope for. Not that you immediately got into the program if you did well in the tests. They would just send you to do the pre-astronaut programs at one of the (very few, very elite) accredited universities. \n \n\n“Emily. EMILY!” \n \n\nDang. Zoned out for a bit long. They’d gotten through the internal conflict and had focused back on me. \n \n\n“Yes mother dearest...” \n \n\n“Don’t you use that tone with me!” \n \n\nShe was right. I shouldn’t, but this argument had happened so many times I was just so bored with it. \n \n\n“Sorry. Look... I know you think it is scary but, but really, like, what better opportunity could I hope for? It’s pretty much...” \n \n\n“Honey,” my father interjected, in a tone much more amicable than my mothers, “we don’t expect you to find a better opportunity, sure, just one more... terrestrial?” \n \n\n“Really? Terrestrial? Why is that better?” \n \n\n“Because then we won’t have to worry that you may never come back one day. We’re just worried ab...” \n \n\n“Yeah, yeah, I get it Dad, I do, but I think a little less worry on your part does not make up for what I’d be giving up.” \n \n\nMy words seemed harsh, but I hope my tone conveyed my meaning better. It wasn’t that I didn’t care what they felt, my heart broke at the thought of leaving them and maybe never seeing them again. But... what really were my other options? \n \n\nI was not a fantastic student. Not bad, but not great. Good. But good doesn’t get you medals. I was not an athlete, I was not going to be getting a volleyball scholarship any time soon. I had been terrified since I was 13 years old and started thinking about the future that I was destined to be an accountant, a dental assistant, an angry house-wife calling the local council at people making too much noise during my day-time soaps. I was not a tortured artist or a gamer or a tik-tok star. I was just... there. “A nice normal girl” my friends would say to try comfort me, but when you’ve grown up on a steady diet of seeing Angelina Jolies, Hillary Clintons, Gretas and Rosas and Curies, and any number of amazing women doing amazing things... being a nice normal girl didn’t seem like enough. \n \n\nI had no idea how I had gotten accepted. But I had. I did not want to look back at the life of medium that had terrified me for so long. Not the sharp terror of not going to sleep, but that weak aching terror that was always seventeen layers deep in your mind, not ever enough to keep you awake a night, but enough that you always woke up slightly unhappy, slightly uncomfortable, and that sometimes tears were just a little too close. I didn’t want that back. I had been waking up excited. Elated. Ready. I was not going to be a nice average girl any more. I was going to be a frikkin rockstar. Or... whatever the government employee / scientist version of that was. I was going to be real. \n \n\nMy parents looked at eachother, their eyes communicating thoughts I couldn’t quite catch, and eventually my mother nodded softly, her eyes turning down as she did it. \n \n\n“Fine. Let’s get going then.” \n\n\n\\-cont-", "When the moon landing was first proposed, we all thought he was crazy.\n\nHe kept raving about it during meetings and conferences, and even drew up plans. I swear, that Neil... he wasn't lacklustre or anything normally, but for those couple months it was like he was on coke.\n\nAnd eventually we acquiesced. It would be a good publicity stunt, what with the Russians experimenting with moon travel and stuff.\n\nEverything was fine. Until we actually got there. Then... then things started to get messy. \n\nYou know how some people think the moon landing was faked?\n\nIt was.\n\nI mean, we still went, but the video isn't real. That's because we knew that if we released the actual video to the public, there would be anarchy. It was the responsible thing to do. I don't want anyone to see that, not after seeing it myself.\n\nWhen we watched the live transmission, the entirety of NASA was in uproar. Neil, Edwin and Collins weren't just really, really brave.\n\nThey had been infected.\n\nAnd now, I'm warning the world, as an ex-NASA employee, do not go to space in 2020, like you are trying to. Do not set up a lunar base. They are enthusiastic not by nature but by disease. The lunar missions were nothing more than a means to spread their alien spores over a wider range of space. And it seems now some have landed back on Earth.\n\nWhen the moon landing was first proposed, we all thought he was crazy. \n\nWe were right." ]	7
	[WP] Suddenly magic is real, but it takes a toll on anybody who uses it. A small permanent cut here, a lapse of memory there. If you kill someone with magic, you are fully healed. If you save someone from death with magic, you are 50% healed.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Hello Sharks, my name is Armen and today I'm asking for $100,000 in exchange for 4% of my business, 'Healbuds.'\"\n\nThe camera pans around the sharks who look largely impassive. Laurie looks unimpressed while Mark looks actively skeptical, almost upset\n\n\"Sharks, it's been 6 months since magic came back and everyone on planet earth knows the ropes by now. We know what the costs and benefits are, and we've all seen how desperate people can be to undo the damage they brought on themselves. We know not to trust someone who walks around looking totally untouched, while at the same time - honest people have learned to live with the scars.\" \n\nAs he says this, Armen holds up his left hand showing a sprawling web of scars as though his whole hand and forearm had been dipped in acid.\n\nAfter a few beats, Armen continues his pitch. \n\n\"Well the good news is that those days are over! Let me introduce you to Healbuds, the first app for both Android and IOS that harnesses the power of crowds, while using our proven 3 spellcaster methodology, to allow you and two 'buds' to progressively heal yourselves to over 99% of your baseline health. Here's how it works: you create a profile, state the extent of your injuries and your location, and hit this button. Our state of the art algorithm will search the area for perfect matches for you, and allow you to coordinate a meeting using integrated chat features. The app will then walk the three of you through the process wherein one person is the target, one casts a deadly spell, and the last casts an intervention spell - all in a rotating fashion, bringing your health up in 50% of remaining health increments at a time until you are almost fully healed. The best part is - nobody has to die. To help our users feel the utmost confidence, our platform is review based, so you know that the people you are working with have a track record of honesty in carrying out these deals. New users are rigorously vetted and first time users are placed on our special watch list - so if they don't abide by the rules of the engagement our team of licensed bounty hunters will track them down and incinerate them.\" \n\nThe camera pans to Kevin O'Leary\n\n\"Tell me about your pricing model\" says Kevin, carefully maintaining an air of detachment lest he seem over eager. \n\n\"Absolutely, thank you for asking\" says Armen. We are currently selling the app for $3.99, with small add supplements, but within the next 3 months we intend to go to a subscription based pricing model for premium users.\" \n\n\"How many downloads have you had?\" asks Mark.\n\n\"Since rollout, we've had over 1.5 million downloads.\" \n\nAll the sharks murmur about how it's impressive and those are solid numbers. \n\n\"What's your cybersecurity like?\" Asks Robert. \n\n\"We use industry standard technologies, similar to what you'd see on popular dating apps.\" \n\nDramatic music plays. The entrepreneur has obviously made an error. \n\nRobert and Mark exchange glances, then Robert speaks up. \"Sorry but this is not just a dating app. Peoples lives are on the line here. I mean, listen you've got a good idea but the liability with this is just so high. The road ahead to really make this thing secure is just too long. For those reasons, I'm out.\" \n\n\"Me too\" says Mark. \n\nArmen looks crestfallen, on the verge of tears.\n\nKevin O'Leary, sensing his moment, jumps in. \n\n\"Now Armen, I'm Mr. Wonderful, and as you know the Something Wonderful platform is full of people trying to look their best on their big day, on their wedding day. All these brides and grooms covered in scars would go crazy for this product. On top of that, I know apps, I've developed some of the best apps out there. If you partner with me, we can get this on the Something Wonderful platform and I'm confident we can grow your sales 300% by year end. So I'm going to make you an offer - I'll give you $100,000 but I want 10% of your business. I just don't get out of bed for less than 10%. But you've got to say yes now.\" \n\nArmen scans the rest of the sharks. Robert, reclining in his chair, seems to nod and say it sounds like a good deal. \n\n\"Kevin ...\" says Armen, \"I'd love to take you up on that offer!\" \n\nKevin gets up out of his chair and high fives and ecstatic Armen." ]	2
	[WP] As the demons of sleep paralysis become more present in our world, people begin employing “Dream Hunters” to finish the nightmares for good. This is your first assignment.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Finally!\" I cried out excited as Chief Gareth led me to the door behind which was the Conscience Tranfer Device, a machine that would free my conscience to travel into another person's mind. I took one last look at the information in the sheet.\n\nDestiny Richards. Twenty-four. SP category: unclassified.\n\n\"Sir, why is this SP entity unclassified?\" Curiosity nagged at me.\n\n\"Oh. You got Miss Richards' case? Good luck, Officer Mikkelsen. You'll need a lot of it out there.\" He smiled as he led me to the chair in the middle of the room. As I sat down, he placed the device on my head. The device that looked like a huge helmet was heavier than the training CTD's I was familiar with. \"The CTD is a little heavier than the training CTD because this requires to help your conscience travel longer distances for longer periods of time. You remember protocol?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir! Find the SP entity, decapacitate it as soon as I can while causing the least amount of panic in the client, capture the SP entity and transfer back. Trust me, sir. I won't disappoint.\" I smiled at him. Then, I felt the familiar buzz as the CTD began the transfer.\n\nOne minute later, I was in a woman's bedroom. As I approached her, I followed her gaze. A tall man in an all-white suit stood in the corner of the room. His cold grey eyes watched her like a hawk before taking out a gun.\n\nI quickly withdrew the gun in my holster and shot him. But, unlike what I expected, he did not fall to the floor in pain. He rather turned his head to look at me. I began feeling her fear. Trying to keep my act together, I focused on my breathing as I prepared to shoot a second time.\n\n\"Officer. You are new.\" He grinned. The woman on the bed finally turned her head, finally come out of her sleep paralysis episode. Yet, her eyes were wide in fear. Then, she shrieked, jolting me and the man in front of me.\n\n\"How can she still...\" As I watched, she took a handgun out of her bedside stand and pointed it at me. Then, shot it. The glass of the cupboard behind me shattered. Without another thought, I shot the man again and a third time. The third time, he collapsed to the floor. I took out the handcuffs and cuffed his hands behind him before initiating the transfer.\n\nA minute later, I woke up in the room with Chief Gareth watching me. \"What happened?\"\n\n\"What the hell is that entity? And how could she see me?\"\n\n\"Oh no!\" He got up panicked and walked over to the room behind the CTD room where the entities were kept until they were transferred to their own cell for safekeeping. When he opened the door, the man rushed out, throwing the chief to the floor. He held a CTD in his hand.\n\n\"We meet again, officer.\"\n\n---\n\nFor updates and for other stories, check out my sub r/DooooubleAyWrites .", "Deal's a deal. A drink for a yarn. Why am I a Dream Hunter? Let me tell you about my first.\n\nIt was a girl. 5 or 6 years old. They start you on the easy ones of course- don't want to scare you away now- and the younger the man the smaller his demon. That's why you've never seen a hunt on any old sacks. We don't fight the strong ones, gotta keep the KPIs up, though they'd never say that publicly.\n\nMom said kid was crying about monsters visiting her room at night. Pretty routine stuff. You know how it is. Kid sneaks out of bed, sees something they're not meant to on TV, and after the parents get woken up every night for a week, we get a call.\n\nThey had me paired up with this guy, Billy. Billy was a good kid. That's all we were then- kids. Now Billy was a Dream Hunter for all the right reasons. First in his class in police academy but declined all the offers to do this. Had a few hunts under his belt by then too. Got tapped on the shoulder to lead this one. Billy was a good kid. He quit. He's a tax accountant now.\n\nI follow Billy into the shadows. That takes a while to get used to by the way, but if you think of the tendrils of black mists more like streamers to welcome you to whatever weird and wacky fucked up world that is behind it, and less like the literal manisfestation of fear seeping around the kid's head, it helps with the nerves I've found.\n\nAnd we were expecting something weird, or at least monstrous. Demon clowns, giant werewolves, the textbook Baba Yaga. You know, shit 5 year old girls think up. But at the centre of the swirling clouds it was just this man. And he had a soft smile. And he was reading a picture book aloud.\n\nSometimes the demon doesn't come right away and we see other memories first, so we walk up.\n\nAnd then he sees us, and suddenly in his place it's the same guy but now he's a giant, towering over us, and he's in a wifebeater with a bottle in one hand. And he's shouting pure rage. No words, just ear numbing, bone trembling anger.\n\nYou've probably seen pictures. They show us during training too. But what they don't tell you about is the smell. Imagine if you collected all your ciggarette stained shirts for a 40 degree Summer. Helps you quit smoking, I can tell you that.\n\nPoor Billy didn't even see it coming. The stench hit him first and then the beer bottle did like a one two punch. I didn't even stay long enough to see his body hit the floor.\n\nI just heard the crunch. And then the heavy footsteps slapping the floor behind me.\n\nI dove into the thickest cloud of black and I lay there. Holding my breath, keeping as still as that kid probably did every night.\n\nUntil morning came.\n\nPass me that drink, I need to wet my whistle.\n\nIt was the kid's father. That motherfucker's rotting in a cell now. But the demon? He's still lurking free. And he always will be.", "I wait in the shadows, watching the child slumbering softly. A smile crosses my face as I look at the innocence laying in the bed. Suddenly, a monster appears from the corner, it’s entry crowded by the shadows.\n\nIt sent a chill through the air, and I couldn’t move. It was like the monster was giving off an aura of fear, and anyone who was in direct line of sight of it froze. The child stirred before opening their eyes and seeing the demon.\n\nThe demon advanced, creeping towards to the foot of the bed. I struggled to move, but the power was too strong. I had to remember my training. I took a deep but silent breath, as I didn’t want to give up my location. I closed my eyes and was able to move my arm towards my weapon; a pair of sai strapped to my belt.\n\nI pulled them out and crept towards the monster. The child must have looked at me because the monster advanced on me. I tried to stay calm and keep my eyes closed, but with the suspense of the monster being unseen and silent, I was tempted to open my eyes.\n\nA loud bang was heard from outside the room, and I opened my eyes in alert. Unfortunately for me, the monster had its gaze staring directly at me, and we locked eyes. Immediately, all my greatest fears flashed in my brain. As soon as it started, the visions ended, and the monster was gone.\n\nI turned to leave, job well done, but all that was behind me was pitch black void. A quick flash of blinding white light disoriented me and I had to cover my eyes. When I opened them again, I was back in my childhood home, surrounded by my family.\n\nBut this was no ordinary family memory, this was the very real nightmare I lived through. The day my family was murdered. I stumbled backwards, stricken with fear. This only seemed to make the vision more horrifying, with everything happening multiple different ways at the same time, almost like one of those tv displays at superstores. Every “screen” held a different version of the event, from either nightmares I had about it, or different scenarios I tried to make to prevent it.\n\nThe one in the very center, the biggest screen of all, was the original event. I couldn’t look away or close my eyes, no matter how hard I tried. It started at the beginning, with my parents sitting around a table eating sushi and rice, when it burst out through my father’s chest. He was still alive, screaming in agony. My mother kept up and started screaming as well, before grabbing me and my brother and taking us to her room. As my father continued to scream, my mother locked us all in her room.\n\nAfter a while, my fathers screams were reduced to wet gurgles, blood gurgling and dripping down his chin (I could tell this was happening because there was a screen that had me peek into the kitchen. That one ended soon after, right before I’m attacked). I hear a scrape on the wall next to the door and heavy footsteps, before there was a loud bang on the door. My mother yelped and held us closer, her tear-streamed face dead focused on the doorknob.\n\nIt started to turn and jangle, before the monster just blew the door off its hinges and across the room. It hit my mother straight in the head, tearing it clean off. Blood gushed everywhere and my mom’s caved in face toppled next to us. My brother, being older and more coherent, noticed the danger of the situation and started running.\n\n He pushed me to the side and booked it for the bathroom door. This attracted the monster, and it was there in an instant. It picked my brother up, its lanky body surprisingly strong, and raised him up to its mouth. I looked around for a place to hide, and crawled toward the closet.\n\nAs I reached the closet and sneaked inside, I risked one last glimpse at my brother. At least, what was left of him. His bottom half was laying on the ground in a pool of blood, with the creature hovering over him, licking its fingers. I gasped, and immediately covered my mouth in fear. It was too late, as the creature heard me and flicked its head in my direction. It rand at me with incredible speed, but before it could reach me, I was sucked backwards from the screens, plunged back into darkness.\n\nI sat there, head in my hands, as I tried to process what happened. Suddenly, my dad’s scream rang throughout the abyss, and then my mother’s, and finally, the monster shriek rang loudest. So loud, that I felt my ears bleed as I dug my fingers into them.\n\n“This isn’t real. It’s just an illusion. This isn’t real. It’s not real. It not real.” I repeated, rocking back and forth. Tears streamed down my face as I kept recited those words to myself, and I felt like I was actually there, reliving the event in person. I started to get control of my breathing, and regained control of my limbs, which I hadn’t realized I couldn’t move.\n\nI was back in the child’s room, sitting on the floor with the demon hovering over me. It looked angry as I stared at it, not being unable to move. I leapt up, sai in my hand, and plunged them deep into the creatures chest.\n\nThe demon started to deteriorate, as I had made my blades of pure iron, the only weakness of these things. I spat on the decaying body and grabbed my sai back. I looked back at the child, winked, smiled, and vanished back into the shadows, dragging the demon corpse with me.", "Precept one. Demons cannot be killed, only banished.\nPrecept two. Demons are not evil, only parasitic.\nPrecept three. I hate my fucking job.\n\nThis was the mantra that played over in my head as I stood in front of apartment 4E. It was mid-afternoon- the sun casually casting her glances through the hall window as if she too were as bored and restless as I was. I knocked on the door again.\n\n“Mr. Martinez? I'm with Somnia. You had an appointment for four o'clock today.” The door silently opened. What I assumed was Mr. Martinez stood clutching the door. He was haggard. Deep pitted lines drew themselves over his face marking the days he had been without sleep. If was as if his body counted them physically on his skin as a prisoner would count each day of their incarceration on a wall. And in a way, one could say he was a prisoner. Confined to the world of the waking lest he suffer more abuse.\n\n“Yes.” His voice was distant, quiet, defeated. If recognition touched his eyes, I could not tell. Clouded with delirium they rolled gently in his head as sullen purple lids fluttered to cover them. It was sudden, but not unexpected, as he collapsed into the door. The force and heft of his body almost shut me back out, but experience had my shoulder propping the passage open. His body slid pitifully down the frame to puddle on the floor as I wrestled my way through the tight opening. I moved his hands out of the way before closing the door behind us.\n\n“How could you let it get this bad,” as if I expected an answer. His breathing was labored, but constant. He was gone, following whatever twisted and ephemeral paths the mind traveled when it was done with the day to day world. I peered down at the lids covering his eyes. No movement. Yet. It was always difficult with cases like this to determine when their desynchronized sleep cycles would start. After being deprived of them for so long, it was anyone's guess how quickly they could begin again. I had to work quickly.\n\nFor a shorter than average man, Mr. Martinez was rather heavy- or, I guess, I should say unwieldy. A sleeping body will, in my experience, do everything within its power to do absolutely nothing to help you. Limbs will entangle themselves on anything and everything nearby, heads will loll about as if masquerading as a cup-and-ball game, and one can't forget the wonders of modern clothing. You simply haven't lived until you've unsnarled a grown man's belt from a rouge piece of tile or furniture or fraying carpet.\n\n“Precept. Three,” I said through gritted teeth as I hoisted Mr. Martinez up by the armpits. “I hate my fucking job.” Slowly, but surely, I dragged the comatose figure with me. His head hung unsupported over his chest as he continued his breathing exercises. In. Out. In. Out. Pause. In. Out. I could feel the monotony of his breathing start to break, a clear indication that he was about to start dreaming. I didn't have a lot of time left. As I continued to maneuver us backward I felt the smooth linoleum tile give way to carpet.\n\n“This will have to do,” I groaned as I set Mr. Martinez down. His head lolled to the side. A bead of drool pooled down the corner of his mouth. And he swallowed. There was a sudden uncomfortable shift in the air around us as I fell back from the now quivering form of Mr. Martinez. His muscles tensed sporadically as if trying to propel his sleeping form, but lacking the coordination to do much more than seize. His eyes rolled under his lids like two marbles down a child's race track. His mouth twisted itself into a grimace of the knowledge of what was about to happen. And then nothing. As if frozen in time, Mr. Martinez's body stopped. Stopped seizing, stopped drooling, stopped breathing. I took a deep breath before clambering to my feet. Looking at the body below gave me chills- would always give me chills. You never notice how many small almost imperceptible things a body is doing until one is not doing them. Breathing is the most noticeable, but then there's also the minute movements of the face; the raising of eyebrows, the dilation of pupils, the ripples on the skin of musculature moving underneath, all the hidden mechanisms that keep a body alive. And now Mr. Martinez was not doing them.\n\n“Precept two. Demons are not evil, only parasitic,” I said as I reached into my back pocket to pull out an old, but well maintained notebook. Leather bound and full of bone white parchment, the notebook was a parting gift from the Morphic school of Somnambulic Arts- my alma mater. Every graduate was given one, even if they didn't end up becoming a 'Dream Hunter' like myself. Inside the pages were covered in doodles, drawings, half finished poems, thoughts about the grand experience of life, and sometimes even a grocery list or two. I leafed through the notebook until I settled on a drawing.\n\n“Un cafe?”\n\n“Pardon?” I bristled.\n\n“Vouliez-vous un cafe, monsieur?” I can only describe her as a goddess. A halo of tamed and pleated hair cascading around a face meant to grace the halls of some long lost religious temple. A vision in cream, swathed in simple fabrics meant to demure rather than pornography. Holding nothing more than a pencil and a leather bound notebook, she looked over me. Or through me. Or beyond me. I could not tell. The unyielding waves of her blues eyes pulled at the sandy beaches of my consciousness. An unceasing, but not uncomfortable, tidal hunger. I could let go so easily and drift in that sea never to see land again.\n\n“Qui,” I said, my voice distant, quiet, defeated. She wrote something down in the notebook, before promptly closing it and walking off. I was brought back to reality by a slight breeze that tickled my tight and well manicured mustaches. The scent of warm bread and cloying city air was brought with it. I shifted to track the source of the smells. A bakery sat across from me. Woven baskets sat stolidly in front of the entrance, ringed with breads of every size and shape. My stomach rumbled in desire. When had I last eaten? Drank? Slept? I didn't have answers to these things. I peered down the empty street. Buildings seemed to endlessly parade as far as my eyes could wander; nondescript, they sat with their windows gleaming in the mid-afternoon sun.\n\n“Votre cafe et facture, monsieur.” Startled, I whipped around to find a delicate cup of brown liquid nestled lovingly on a cream colored saucer. Beside it sat an old, but well maintained, leather bound notebook. The source of the voice was nowhere to be seen. Steam was coming from the cup, gentle wisps of vapor that carried on them the distinct, yet bitter, aroma of fresh coffee. My stomach rumbled in desire. When 'had' I last had something to drink? Or eaten anything? And, have I slept recently? Or ever? My mind was an ocean of ignorance with only this small spit of land perched precariously under my feet. The bakery, the cafe, the rows of indistinguishable buildings standing guard on either side- this is all I knew.\n\nI reached over and picked up the leather bound notebook; certainly a notebook would have answers, even if I didn't quite know what question I was asking yet. I gingerly opened it. The pages were crisp and white- rough, but without visible blemishes. Each page was unique with its own doodles or drawings, half finished poems, thoughts about the grand experience of life, and an odd page or two detailing supplies to be bought. And then there it was. A drawing. Crude as it was, the artist had done their best to capture her beauty. A halo of tamed and pleated hair cascading around a face meant to grace the halls of some long lost religious temple. Swathed in simple clothing, the figure stood coquettishly holding out a delicate cup nestled lovingly on a saucer. But, it wasn't what she was holding that the artist spent his time detailing- it was her eyes. Full of expression and mirth, they danced upon her face. They beckoned and entranced. They promised happiness, fulfillment, and comfort. They were an answer. And the question was loneliness.\n\nI looked up.\n\n“I could be her. You could stay here.” A halo of tamed and pleated hair, a face ripped from some long lost religious temple, swathed in simple clothing, and eyes that promised everything- she stood before me.\n\n“I could.” Her eyes were like a presence on me- a physical touch lingering over pieces of myself I didn't know I had. Parts of me that I didn't understand.\n\n“And you'll give me all of this.” Those deep turbulent eyes. I could feel their current- a maelstrom of insistence and need. They were all over me. Pouring into the deep cracks of my foundation- the building blocks of my sanity and consciousness. I squirmed under their pressure.\n\n“I can't-”\n\n“But you will!” The cracks widened. Rivers poured through me attempting to divide me into more manageable chunks. From my tiny spit of land, in a sea of turbulent water, I could see the bits of myself floating away. Drifting like so many pieces of flotsam and jetsam after some terrible storm. And there it was. Standing. Horns of unkempt and unruly hair plastered to ashen features that only the most profane would dare recreate. Bound in decaying cloth it stood with no decency or shame. And those eyes. Eyes like pits- inescapable to any finding themselves in them. Devoid of mercy or care, they only took until nothing was left. And I named it...", "I look down at the sleeping form of my client, leaning against the wall of their room. Dream Hunters, I think, what a name. I tap my fingers against the wall and wait for my client to enter her sleep paralysis. That’s when she’s most vulnerable, so that’s when I need to be the most active.\n\nIt’s boring work, though. ‘Dream Hunting.’ It’s a lot of waiting around for just about five minutes of excitement, but it’s what I’m stuck doing. It’s the only way for my kind of people to survive these days. Or these nights, I suppose.\n\nI tap the wall in frustration. At this rate, I’m beginning to think she might not actually have sleep paralysis. I snarl at her silently. Come on, lady, I don’t have all night. But she doesn’t react, so I’m forced to spend more time just tapping at the wall. I can’t watch TV or read a book or do anything, I’m stuck in this dream state until she decides to get to the point where I need her to be.\n\nAs much as I regret taking this assignment, I just have to deal with it. I check the clock, and see that it’s two minutes to three. Right before she says it happens. I grin and start to stretch, getting ready for what’s about to happen. I crack my knuckles and roll my neck, slowly walking to the bed and trailing a finger along the dresser nearby without any feeling.\n\nI feel like a fog is lifted, and the dresser solidifies underneath my finger. A purple haze fades and now the entire room is an eerie blackness. I don’t mind, though, I’m surrounded by darkness often enough. I look down at my client whose eyes are wide and frozen in terror as she stares in my direction. I gaze down at her with my yellow eyes, running my clawed nail across her throat.\n\nI can’t help but chuckle as she lies frozen before me. My voice is gravelly and unnatural, my fangs making normal speech difficult. “You’re not very clever, did you know that? You’re hunted by a demon who appears when you’re at your most vulnerable, and who do you turn to?” I squat down so she can look into my reptilian eyes. “Dream Hunters. If there was one thing I wouldn’t trust if I was being hunted in my dreams…” I run my pointed nail across her throat, making a small scratch across her skin. “It would be a Dream Hunter.” I chuckle once more, standing up and looming over her. “Don’t worry, though, the business is quite legitimate… Your nightmares will end for good.” I rear back and open my mouth, baring my fangs and completing my first assignment.\n\n(Criticism is both welcome and appreciated, I hope you enjoyed reading)", " \"So I'm supposed to continue doing exactly what I've been doing, and you're going to cure me?\" my client balked.\n\nMy training didn't prepare me on how to engage with angry customers. \"Yes, sir. You go ahead and attempt to fall asleep as you typically do, and I'll take care of the rest.\" I said unsure of myself. It was my first day on the job, so I lacked the any previous experience to use as self-encouragement.\n\n\"Dream Hunters,\" my customer said as he rolled his eyes, \"what kind of name is that? My doctor wrote me a referral for you guys and, let me tell ya, you ain't covered by insurance! So I hope you can understand my nervousness when they send me some young kid like you to cure what has, until very recently, not been curable!\"\n\nYoung? Yes. Kid? I was almost 22, surely that can't be considered a kid these day. I stared back at the balding man before me with more intent this time. I don't think he completely understood my job description...\n\n\"And in order to cure me you're going to have me keep doing what I always do?\" He said incredulously. \"Oh Martha, if you could see me now!\"\n\n\"Sir, if you'd kindly lay down we can get this started.\" I made my tone more assertive in hopes of motivating him to comply. He gave me one last look down, his greying eyebrow raised in skepticism, but then acquiesced to my request mumbling something about his high insurance premium rates.\n\n“Sir, lastly, could you wear these glasses?” I asked as I handed him what appeared to be large-rimmed reading glasses. “Oh great, now I look like I’m back in the 90s.” my customer said with his usual tone of sarcasm. “The future is all I thought it’d be back when I wore glasses like these.” \n\nI gave out an audible sigh of frustration. “Sir, please, do you want to be cured of your sleep paralysis or not?” His face became serious for once as he nodded his head. As he put on the black glasses I noticed the heavy bags under his eyes. It must have been weeks since he had a good night’s sleep. Was it the inability to rest? Or the fear?\n\nI nodded back at him, gave him a warm smile and headed over to the corner of the room. “Uh, excuse me?” He questioned. “What are you doing way over there?”\n\n“Hiding,” I said in a hushed voice. He looked around the room for a few moments and then returned his sight to me. “From what?” He whispered.\n\n“You’ll see!” I said as I motioned for him to stay silent with my finger. “Now go to sleep and this will all be over before you know it.” The last part of that sentence came out less confident than I would have hoped. I looked back over to him as he began to settle into bed. Thankfully, I don’t think he caught my change in tone.\n\nThis was my first assignment alone. Typically the glasses I gave him would have been for a partner who might have come along for the job, but since he was being so ill-mannered with me, I thought he should see what his money was getting him. What people like him didn’t know was that we finally understood what was causing sleep paralysis. What they also didn’t know is that they wouldn’t believe us even if we told them the truth.\n\nI felt the temperature in the room drop. Nothing significant, but enough to detect it with my recent training. I reached into my duffel bag and drew out my weapon; a jet black revolver, loaded with anti-specter viles. \n\nMy heart skipped a beat as I felt a presence enter the room. I kept my head down as I tried to recompose myself. My client must finally be settling in for some much needed sleep. My hand was trembling nervously at the thought of what was to come. I took in a deep breath and stood up hesitantly as I finally looked up to observe the scene before me.\n\nAn eight foot figure shrouded in what appeared to be darkness in the flesh loomed about three feet from the foot of the bed. I looked over to the face of my client to see if he had opened his eyes yet. As I repositioned myself to get a better look, I watched as the demon stooped down and delicately touched the balding scalp of the restless man. At that moment his eyes shot open, and terror seized his entire body. He lay there, paralyzed, as he had done so for many years, but this time - thanks to those glasses - he could see what ailed him. His mouth opened to yell, but all that came out were exasperated gasps. \n\n“STRANGE. CAN YOU SEE ME, OLD MAN?” The demon’s voice bellowed across the room. Thankfully, I hadn’t given the “old man” the accompanying hearing aids to go along with his glasses, so he couldn't hear the demon speak. Otherwise, I fear my client would have died from a heart attack before he died of sleep deprivation. \n\nWell, this was my moment. \n\nI raised my revolver and took my first shot. BANG. The shot rang around the confines of the room, but the bullet missed to the demon’s right. The exploded vile evaporated into the air behind the demon’s dark outline. Almost as soon as I had taken the shot, the demon had turned his gaze upon me. Woops. \n\nHe let his grasp of my customer go and started heading towards me. My hand fumbled to pull the hammer of my gun. “AND WHO MIGHT YOU BE?” the demon asked as he halved the distance between us. \n\nI raised my gun a second time, but took a moment to steady my breathing before firing. I wouldn’t be getting a third chance. BANG. The vile exploded upon his large frame and his essence began burning in a blaze of blue flames. “THIS WON’T BE THE LAST-” the demon began, but was gone before he could complete his thought.\n\nI returned to my client and was pleasantly surprised to find him asleep already. Wait a minute. I checked to make sure he was breathing after what had just transpired. Phew. Yeah, he was alive. \n\nI gently pulled the glasses off his head and headed towards the door. Well, that wasn’t too bad. I quietly opened the door and let myself out.\n\n\\----\n\nWhen I got home I lay in bed thinking over what I had just accomplished. A sense of pride washed over me as I settled in for sleep. I let my eyes shut as I replayed my victorious first job assignment in my head. Just as I was about to fall into a deep sleep I felt something change. Was the air condition on? Because it felt colder. Almost like the temperature had suddenly dropped a degree or two… Uh oh.", "I waited there, my back to the bedroom door. It was locked with an iron lock, with a line of salt just below the door and etchings in greek upon the wood for good measure.\n\nI waited there, dagger held in a reverse grip in my right hand, the Phantasian Orb clutched in the left.\n\nThe client lay there, in the bed a few feet in front of me, under his covers and rigid on his back.\n\nThis was the third night in a row we'd tried this, and the client was beginning to show signs of serious sleep deprivation. We had yet to incite the form of parasomnia, known to most as \"Sleep Paralysis\", the waking hallucination of the troubled sleeper.\n\nAlong with the other hypnagogia and near-sleep hallucinations, victims of a certain kind manifest demons that appear at the foot of their bed.\n\nThese manifestations can range from harmless hallucinations brought on due to the proximity of sleep, or, in my firms cases, more literal manifestations.\n\n\"It's not working,\" He mumbled. I let out a frustrated exhalation but tried to keep my cool. \"It's not working!\" He roared, kicking his legs in a fit and pounding his fist against the nightstand.\n\n\"It will work, count backward from ten, and--\" I started, but trailed off as I saw him sit up and shake his head. His hair was a mess. Greasy. He hadn't showered in days. Had told me he was afraid he'd fall asleep in the shower and drown. Not always in the best of mental spaces, these manifesters.\n\n\"Induce me.\" He said flatly.\n\n\"I--I can't induce you,\" I said. It was the third time he'd made the request.\n\nHe groaned like a child, and it shifted into a scream. \"INDUCE ME!\" he roared, pounding his fist into the wall.\n\nEven I would admit, he didn't seem close to sleep to me. But what I hadn't told him, and what my firm hadn't told him, was that he was my first case. And you should never induce on your first case.\n\nHell, I'd been introduced to senior hunters of the Euclidian and Alexandrian schools who vowed never to induce, period.\n\nStill, against my better judgment, I had brought the serum.\n\nI took out a small blue vial from my coat. In the darkness of his bedroom, a passing car lit a faded beam of light to move across the room as if in slow motion. It lit up his eerie grin and I felt chills run down my spine.\n\nI knew a lot of these folks suffered poor sleep, be it from insomnia, night shifts, or just plain old trouble sleeping, but this guy looked rough.\n\nHe stared upright at me, greasy brown hair spiking out in different directions, his black and white long-sleeved sleep shirt bearing holes and stains from a troubled life.\n\nAnother car beam lit his face.\n\n\"Induce me,\" he whispered, brown eyes glittering in the low light of the room.\n\nI approached slowly with the vile, my every step sounding soft, quiet, unimpactful.\n\nI stared down at my right hand clutching the vial.\n\n\"How many fingers do I have on my right hand?\" I asked myself. I looked closer. Six? Seven? Five? It was uncountable.\n\nI looked up.\n\nHe had crawled closer on the bed and stood four or five feet away. He was on all fours, looming over the edge of the bed.\n\n\"Read the text on the room. Are the letters real?\" I glanced back at the door, trying to make out the greek on the wall. The letters seemed to shift and change and I couldn't quite make them out, even though I knew what they said.\n\nI turned back, to find him face to face with me.\n\nI am not of the Euclidian School. Nor am I of the Alexandrian School. Though I have not had assignments I have been trained. And I am trained in the Lucidian School.\n\nThe vial was not in my right hand. The dagger was in my right hand, held in a reverse grip.\n\nI pushed it up under the chin of the demon, muttering the words.\n\nIt howled and melted to ash, swirling about my person before it was inhaled by the small glass sphere in my left hand.\n\nThe world is hard on those who miss sleep, those who are ill-made at finding it, unsteady in their keeping of it. For those who walk the border, the threat can become much more real, and demons can appear at the foot of their beds.\n\nI am a Dream Hunter of the Lucidian School, and I walk the other side of the line. Demons do not appear at the foot of my bed.\n\nI appear at the foot of theirs." ]	8
	[WP] The alien has made a grave mistake when disguising themselves as human. They did not realize the consequences of disguising themselves as a five year old girl .	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Well aren’t you just the cutest little thing! What’s that you’ve got there?”\n\nFinally, she thought. It’d taken her over a year to stand in that very spot, a year of belittlements and forgeries and self-deprecation. But, finally, she had him right where she wanted him. “There is no word for it in the tongues of humanity.”\n\nFifty science-fair winners standing patient in line, the President traded glances with his aide, eyebrows raising synchronous with his smirk. The smile full-blown, the President turned back to North Carolina’s champion, the youngest winner among the fifty. “Is that so?” he asked, dollops of laughter on his lips. “Well, I’m sure whatever it’s called, you’ve managed a tremendous achievement here. Our nation’s going to need smart little girls like yourself in the future, so keep up the good work, sweetie.”\n\nThe President placed a kind hand on her shoulder, lingering it there for a second before shuffling off to North Dakota. “No!” she shouted, “wait!” The President couldn’t leave – not yet – but like everything else in the past year-plus, she’d had to fight through disregarding elders to meet her aims. \n\nThe aide knelt to eye-level, the President ignoring the girl’s cries with a practiced decorum. “Remember, sweetheart, everyone gets a turn with the President. So, let’s try to be nice, okay?”\n\n“Fool! You understand nothing,” she replied, frantic. “He has to see what it can do. It is of dire importance.”\n\nBut the aide offered no more than a smile as she parted, the President already halfway into Ohio. All this work, all for nothing – and all because she was six. Her people had calculated precisely how long it would take to install their tech, accounted for the average human lifespan, planned their return journey accordingly. If only she’d had the time to research Earth’s cultures before transforming, to understand the emphasis they placed on age, perhaps her predicament could have been avoided. But by now her ship was a hundred-thousand light years away, off scattering engineers across the galaxy, anchors against the coming storm. She was stuck, and she was out of time. \n\nThe President had moseyed his way down to West Virginia. Within the minute, he’d give one last presidential wave, and the fifty would be led away, off to see some primitive museum filled with archaic technologies. She had to find a way to stay behind, to slip past security and catch the President alone. “Hey, New York,” she whispered as the President greeted the final state, “when we leave, I am going to remove myself from this formation. Will you step forward and conceal my absence?”\n\nNew York was thirteen, and in his pubescence, he seemed to care little. “You’ll get arrested and go to jail,” he replied, lackadaisical. \n\n“A minuscule price to pay should I succeed in my mission.”\n\n“Whatever.”\n\nShe lifted her hand to his shoulder in the human way, standing on the tips of her toes as she offered her gratitude. “You represent the potential of your kind. You have the gratitude of myself and my people.”\n\nHe swatted her hand away. “Don’t touch me.”\n\n“A reasonable request.” The formation had rotated to exit, their chaperone leading the way down the stairs as the President retreated into obscurity. “When we pass by that corridor there, I shall withdraw. Please, close rank with haste.”\n\n“Whatever.”\n\n“Goodbye, kind fellow, and good luck.”\n\nNew York did as he was told, albeit without any haste, but it appeared for once her size had granted her an advantage: the advantage of stealth. She slid from the ranks without fuss, Alabama trotting past a few moments later. The corridor they had set up in whittled thereafter into a quiet routine, aides and interns and security passing by in varied intervals, going about their business. At the center of the hall began a series of doors leading to the end of the corridor, and while others had come and gone, the President remained somewhere inside. She left her concealed position and scurried across the corridor, tracing the President’s path. The first room was empty, but there were two additional doors, one leading back into the corridor, and one at the opposite end. She took the door opposite. Another empty room; another door. Four rooms in, the pattern broke, and instead of the second door standing opposite, she found it to her left. \n\n“Mr. President,” she hailed as she swung the door open, certain the President had gone inside.\n\n“Whoa!” the President shouted, his pants down, his face reddening atop the proverbial human throne. “Get out of here! Shoo! Go, go, go! Get!”\n\n“Mr. President, please, I care not of your human defecation. I am here because it is vital you allow me to demonstrate my technology – the fate of your kind rests in your decision now. Sir, please.”\n\n“No!” he shouted, his hand dangling between his body and the toilet paper, seemingly uncertain as to wipe or to carry on. “Leave!”\n\nJust then, she heard the hall door swing open, three sets of hurried feet rushing in. “Mr. President?” the lead bodyguard hailed before seeing the child. “I’m very sorry, Mr. President. Little girl, come with us immediately.”\n\n“I am no little girl!” she retorted as the guard grabbed her arm and began dragging her away. “I am an emissary here to save your planet from the galaxy’s end!”\n\nDespite her struggling, the guards had managed to get her as far as the door, their exertion minimal given her size. But before she was fully out of the room, the President spoke. “Wait,” he commanded. Toilet flushed, hands washed, the President emerged with a look of uncertain curiosity etched onto his face. “You’re here to save us from what?”\n\nThe guard’s loosened their grip, allowing her feet to again touch the ground. “The galaxy, it has fallen into a state of flux. To explain the math would be too great a challenge for creatures of your advancement, but, in the simplest terms I am able to impart, our galaxy’s core has released a wave of radiation lethal to all known life. Should I—”\n\nThe President cut her off. “I got a briefing last month, eyes-only,” he said, more a failed whisper to himself than a declaration. “All right, all right – go call her chaperone, and I’ll keep her company in my office till they’re back.”\n\n“Yes, sir,” the lead bodyguard replied before fully releasing, shutting the door behind him.\n\nNo longer did the President seem confused, but rather cautious. “With me.” The President led them back through the rooms and into an office. He motioned for a pair of couches at the office’s center, him sitting on one side, her across. “Our scientists detected some . . . unusual activity.”\n\n“A normal function of a galaxy, actually, one of the reasons our peoples are only now meeting. It is a purge of sorts, something that keeps sentient life at bay. Fortunate for us all, however, my people came into existence just after the last emission, and as such, we have had the necessary time to evolve into sufficient advancement. I am pleased to say, we have developed a defense, technology which will allow present life within our galaxy to continue.”\n\n“Show me.”\n\nShe pulled out her winning invention, a device so complex the judges didn’t even have the wherewithal to place it in the top five at nationals. Metallic and rectangular, fitting neatly into the palm of her hand, she flipped the device on, and from it emanated a holographic sphere. “Here, put something inside.”\n\n“Like what?” he asked as he analyzed the blue orb floating above the device.\n\n“Anything.”\n\nThe President pulled from his pocket a pen. Hesitant, he slid the pen past the holographic barrier, and once inside, the pen dangled in defiance of gravity. “I again cannot explain precisely what my technology does due to your limitations, but, simply, it suspends space-time. What we must do now is work together to build this to scale around the planet so that we might remove Earth as the wave passes, and we must begin today. I was hurriedly deployed in this body, designed so that it might last the entirety of my mission; however, your society’s opinions of age have put us behind schedule a year. Mr. President, we must begin immediately. What say you?”\n\nThe office door opened, her chaperone running in, attempting to maintain some manner of calm despite the circumstance. “Mr. President, I am so sorry for this. I take full responsibility, and if anyone should suffer the consequences, it’s me. Again, my apologies, Mr. President.” The chaperone moved to her side, grabbing her arm and tugging, her body once more being dragged away. \n\n“Mr. President, you must believe me!” she shouted as her body neared the threshold of the door. “What say you? What say you!”" ]	2
	[WP] You are known as a crosser, a spirit that helps the dead crossover. You have one last assignment before you can go to heaven, but it was the last person you ever expected.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Lalala la la\\~\n\nAs I skipped over purgatory, I had only one thought in mind: The next person and I'm done. Done with spending my free time walking around this lifeless place. Done with breathing in this gloomy, almost mucky air. Done with helping people go to \"The Light\". I say it like that because I've only ever seen The Light itself, never what is beyond it. I have been unable to go over because of this stupid \"job\" that I have. You may have guessed it, I am dead indeed. I doubt any living being could survive in purgatory. I died about 2 years ago, around which I, or my spirit, was approached by a dark, intimidating but also soothing in their own way, tall and muscular person. I could not tell if they were male or female, although I'm guessing they were probably neither. \"You were not meant to die today\" they said, \"But given we cannot bring you back to life, I have a proposition.\"\n\nOf course I hesitated at first! This being looked very much like an evil overlord. But if I wanted to leave this place, I had no choice. The deal was that I had to help 500 spirits of dead people move on to the afterlife. Well, the actual afterlife and not this in-between hell of a place. And today would be my last person. After nearly two years. Given it normally takes me about one day for one person, that makes sense. One time I managed to help 3 spirits in one day, but I was so exhausted at the end that I had to take the next day off. Look at me, talking as if I have a normal job. Nothing about this is 'normal'. But I did it anyway, and after 499 cases I can confidently say I've gotten really good at it. \n\nToday could be my last day. This thought did not leave my mind. I was so excited to finally cross over myself, that I could barely hold it. Any moment now, I thought. Usually, the spirit would just appear in front of me, sometimes not even knowing they died. They'd be confused, and I would be the one to explain why they were here, and most importantly why I was. The spirit would always have their human forms too. Some of them were really quick and easy, I told them what was expected of them, they cried and moved on. However, not all 499 cases could have been that easy. I have the power to be transported back to the living world, as a spirit of course, and bring them with me. And I have had to do that for most of them; in most cases the spirit still longed for something in the living world: Regrets, memories, a loved one.. Those are the most common. One case I have had was a man who died while on the potty and wanted to finish wiping himself and pull up his trousers. I don't want to go in detail, but I can also touch the dead bodies of the spirit I'm currently helping, and some lifeless objects. I am a spirit however, and sadly we do not have a huge amount of muscular strength, so no heavy objects. \n\nAs I was reminiscing of the past cases I've had, especially the weirder ones, I shuddered. All of that is behind me now. Time to finish this last job and move on to a better life. Life? Oh well, whatever it might be, it must be better right?\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Jack?\" I heard in front of me. I look up; here's my final job. A woman. Around my age I'm guessing, or at least the age at which I died. I don't have any memories of my past life, but I have an idea of how old I was. The mysteries of being the crossover I take it. She had short dark hair, slim body, and skin as pale as ice. As I examined her, I felt something in my chest. Normally, I would've guessed the heart, but that was impossible, I'm a spirit. She seemed awfully familiar, I thought. \"Oh I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone else. Where is this place? Is this heaven? All I know is... well I'm dead aren't I?\" My emotions stopped. What a smart lady. \"This is purgatory,\" I said. I must have told this speech a million times now. \"This is the step in between living, and the afterlife. And I am the crossover, the spirit who will help you get to the other side. Whatever regrets or people you're holding on to, you need to move on and go to The Light.\" She looked confused at first, but then seemed to understand.\n\n\"Purgatory you said? I've seen it in books and films, but I never expected any of this to be real. I thought when you died.. well.. it was just a dark void of nothingness.\"\n\n\"Well how wrong have you been huh? This is what it is, and the sooner you'll get over it, the sooner you can ascend,\" I retorted, maybe a bit impatient.\n\n\"So you're supposed to help me get over the life I just lost? No disrespect, but I don't need your help. I am over it. I'm ready to just die.\"\n\nI paused. I've encountered this before. A spirit unwilling to go over their own memories in order to move on. Usually, those memories are too painful for them, and they wish not to revisit them. That woman.. she killed herself.\n\n\"You are already dead, and now need to cross over to the other side. You cannot stay here, there is nothing here.\"\n\n\"But I don't want to go wherever you're saying. Why do you keep finding different names for it anyway? Isn't it heaven up there? Just give it one damn name and get it over with. And if this is the nothingness I expected, well so be it!\"\n\nShe got me. That was a first. I tend to use different names to describe what comes after, for lack of an actual name for it. I have no idea what's there yet, how could I just call it one thing. The demon being never told me what it was called either. She started to look around, not wanting any more of this conversation I presume. Then she started walking, away from me. I let out a sigh. She was one of those difficult cases, one I wanted to avoid as my final job. But I've dealt with some of them before, and I am determine to finish this as soon as possible.\n\n\"Where are you going?\" I asked, as I float next to her, matching her pace.\n\n\"Somewhere, anywhere\" she answered, starting to strut at a higher speed.\n\n\"There's nowhere to go. No escape. Trust me, I have tried exploring this place but it's just nothingness.\"\n\nI was right. Purgatory was a weird never ending place. It just kept going on and on, felt like it was a loop of some sort. I have tried running away on my first few days, ha memories..\n\n\"I don't care! I don't need you, just let me be okay?\" she angrily responded.\n\n\"I know you killed yourself!\" I shouted. I normally wouldn't, it can make the spirit uncomfortable and uncooperative. But big problems required big measures. \n\nShe stopped, not turning around. There are the tears I thought, but she didn't cry.\n\n\"Okay so, how do I go 'To the light side'?\"\n\nI could tell she was mocking me. But I didn't care. Not many of the 499 cases were serious cooperative spirits. I got used to it. Finally, she had given up running around and I could get this over with.\n\n\"It'll be a little painful, but let's go over to where your body is shall we?\"" ]	2
	[WP] you are the prophesied evil, the reincarnated demon, destined to conquer the world until you are slain by the hero. The problem? You're already content living on your small farm.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I grabbed a fistful of dirt and poured it into the wind. “It was supposed to rain this week.”\n\n“You can’t trust the weatherman, Honey. We’ll just get Bob to come by with his hydro trailer if it doesn’t come by tomorrow.”\n\nI shook a tiny corn stalk with my foot and the light cracking sound hurt. “Be hard to pay for silage then. I’ll try to negotiate a halfer with him.” \n\nBeth blew a kiss at me. I pretended to watch it fly 60 feet and reached to grab it out of the air, but an explosion knocked me off my feet. I landed on my back. Beth was hunched down and scanning for answers. I let a weak “my corn...”\n\nThree young men approached from Peterson’s farm. They wore mismatched fatigues and oversized helmets that made them look like American kids playing Cold War after spending $20 on Eastern Bloc surplus. The leader in the middle pointed a canteen at me with a crucifix drawn on the cap, and said “Reveal yourself, demon.”\n\nI struggled to make sense of it all. They wouldn’t have been playing paintball without face masks... Then I remembered my corn. “You Peterson’s boys? You’re going to fix every plant you just burned!” A cloud passed overhead, casting a shadow over them.\n\n“Transformation is at hand. The prophecy is true. Get ready!” The side boys opened the actions of their rifles, and the leader poured canteen water in. This definitely wasn’t paintball.\n\nI got to my feet and thought of Beth, who had disappeared. Good, get away from here. The back of my neck was burning, and I felt a sprinkle land and evaporate. I was in the open, and wouldn’t make it 10 feet charging at them or away. More than anything, I didn’t want to accidentally draw them to Beth.\n\nBLAM BLAM\n\nI flinched, and Right boy was on the ground, dead. I saw Beth had the double from the truck. Leader boy was stooped, either from some stray buckshot or to get Right boy’s rifle. Beth had broke the double open, and Left boy was shifting his aim to her. I sprung at him. The sky darkened on every step.\n\nCRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK\n\nLeft boy’s rifle lit the field and Beth went down.\n\nI had Left boy’s neck and arm in a death grip. His skin was unzipping and he tried to scream. I wanted him to burn, and lightning struck straight in his open mouth. I could see through the intense light, through his flesh, as the electricity ripped through his body. He dropped. The sprinkles had become rain, and sizzled off his corpse.\n\nLeader boy was struggling to point Right boy’s rifle, still technically in Right boy’s possession.\n\nCRACK\n\nMy right shin burned, and the burn spread to every nerve. I gnashed my teeth and sprang on him, stomping the rifle into his hand. He groaned and babbled a prayer, waiting for me to end him. Not after what he’s just done. I waited for him to look at me, and when he finally did, he said “There… will. Be.. others. To replace.. us.”\n\n“I hope so.” I looked at the molotov in his belt and lightning struck it, engulfing us in flames. “I’m starting to get the hang of this.”", "I've spent years and years working on my small farm. Closer to a giant garden, really. The biggest animal I have is a very rude rooster.\n\nEvery nook and cranny is deliberate, an organized mess of man-made nature. A tiny pond filled with carefully chosen fish, and shelves of tiny trees. If I could, I would stay here forever.\n\nHowever, I feel that I am growing too big for my garden. I knock things over. I trample plants. I sweep aside chickens. All unintentional and accidental, but still heartbreaking.\n\nThe sky has been darkening earlier and earlier each coming day. The wind whirls each time I speak, and it hasn't rained in weeks. The more delicate of my plants have all withered and died, and the butterflies have all but disappeared.\n\nI have to protect my garden. I can only stand my hard work being destroyed for so long, after all. Brick by brick, I build a castle around my garden. Shield it from the harsh winds and the dry air and the dark sky.\n\nOnly one of my delicate plants has survived so far. A faeflower, white and small. Weathering the roaring winds and the darkening skies. Surviving me, with my raging limbs, too big and unwieldy and sharp for my own good.\n\nI hear something.\n\nA knock on my door. I could barely hear it, as it was muffled by the growing vines desperately clinging to either side of the castle walls.\n\nThe door opens. Footsteps, deliberate and heavy. Clanking on the stone pathway throughout my garden.\n\n\"Hello?\" I call out, and the footsteps pause. A wise move.\n\nThe footsteps are nearer and nearer, just around the bend of the path. They stop and call out to me, this time.\n\n\"Do you have any idea what you have done?\" A young voice says, low and quivering.\n\n\"No, not a single clue. I have committed no crimes except the crime of existing.\" The wind rises as I speak, but the garden is safe.\n\n\"You have left the land dry, dark, and barren, and the people have to been left to cower in the wake of the dust storms.\" The quivering tone becomes more prominent.\n\n\"Surely it was not me, for I have been tending to my garden this entire time!\"\n\n\"You jest. How could you not see the dust covering the trees, the ground dry and cracking at your feet?\" He seems to be hiding somewhere in the trees now, just out of view.\n\nI look up, at the trees. He's right. I look down. My feet are sharply clawed and barefoot, and the ground cracks at where I stand. He's right.\n\n\"You are correct, but how could I control the wind?\" The gales pick up.\n\n\"So you do not hear the wind roaring in your ear as you speak? Are you that full of yourself, that you do not hear the storm of your own design?\"\n\nI close my eyes and listen. He's right. The wind blows and pushes at my horns, chilling my body like a giant's breath.\n\n\"I do hear the wind, it is true. But how could I control the very sky? Surely I have no power over the sun and the moon?\"\n\n\"You have no power over the sun and the moon, you say? Than why do your plants bleed a bright sap, like the sun liquified?\"\n\nI sigh. \"I do not know. All that I know is that this garden is full of my blood and sweat and tears, and I do not appreciate you harming that which I hold so dear.\" I ready my long, beastly claws, exuding a pitch black fog. Perhaps he is right.\n\nHe shows himself at last, sword readied and glowing with the sap of my trees. He lunges at last, and the final battle begins.", "The parasite known as Destiny was becoming annoyed. It had been a small thing once, barely more than a whisper on the wind, but it had been carefully spreading its influence for millennia. It spent its limited power to set up narratives and fed on their completion.\n\nFor most of its existence it had to hide from the gods, which would have ended it if they found it. However, the gods were dependent on the prayers of mortals and Destiny was not. Once it had enough strength to oppose them directly, the outcome was inevitable. Their war was cataclysmic, and the mortals died in droves. With every battle the gods grew weaker and Destiny grew stronger.\n\nThe masterstroke had been the demon lord Krath, the godslayer. The gods raised their own champion to stop him, but Destiny merely incorporated this into its narrative. The hero struck down Krath in the demon's moment of triumph, leaving the mortals to rebuild on a godless world where Destiny was unopposed.\n\nRecently, Destiny had invested a large portion of its power to reincarnate Krath and the hero to replay that epic struggle. The only problem was that Krath's new mortal form was not attempting to conquer the world. The demon should have acclimated to its host and burned the village it was reborn in to ashes within three years, and yet twelve years passed without incident. Impossibly, it seemed that the host's personality was dominant.\n\nDestiny used a sliver of power to cause a blight to strike the farm. Tragedy as the start of a hero or villain was a form it had used many times before, and it would be simple to guide an orphaned child down the correct path even if the demon remained quiescent.\n\nThings did not go as planned, as the host managed to use the power of hell to bolster not just his family's crops but the entire village's against the blight.\n\nFrustrated, Destiny seized a pack of wolves and sent them to attack the host's father when the man went to the village market. The host should not have had time to react, but he sensed the threat and tore open a portal to arrive in time to rescue the father. The child didn't even hurt the wolves, he just dumped them back in their territory.\n\nIf Destiny had teeth, it would be grinding them. The child appeared to be in control, but he wielded Krath's power almost as skillfully as the demon lord himself. This would be a good thing, except that the child showed no motivation to do anything more than protect the farm.\n\nIt was clear that any small scale attack would be countered, but Destiny could manipulate nations with nothing more than a few words whispered in the right ears. It would not be outmaneuvered by an ignorant child. Destiny spent two years setting up a brutal civil war that would spark off larger and larger conflicts and engulf one seemingly insignificant farming village. No matter what he did, the child would be drawn into the war.\n\nThe first signs to reach the village were 'tax collectors' who would have stripped the farms to the bone. As expected, the child easily removed them by dropping them through portals, providing the first hint to the larger world that something strange was going on in that village.\n\nTwo similar groups were repelled in the same way before anyone really took the village seriously. With Destiny's guidance, one of the king's more ambitious generals sent a troop of twenty elite battle mages to capture the 'dangerous rebel warlock.'\n\nOf course, this group posed no actual threat to the child, but when he predictably dropped them through a portal they simply teleported back. Destiny expected that this would finally force the child to kill. Instead, the child burned out the attackers' magical ability and then pushed them away through another portal.\n\nThis was a slight setback, but it would be easy to spin this to make the child look like a large threat and he was still being pushed to use the demon lord's power more and more. Following the incident with the battle mages, the child finally showed some initiative and began to construct an incredibly complex defensive ward that encompassed the entire village and all of the outlying farms in preparation for another magical attack.\n\nAs he did this, Destiny prepared a two pronged push. It barely took any effort to convince the king to send a massive force to besiege the village and try to end the threat posed by the child. At the same time, Destiny nudged the rebel faction to try to recruit the child.\n\nThe envoy arrived first and was politely refused. Minutes later, the first barrage of artillery spells struck, only to be blocked by the wards. Not ones to give up easily, the royal mages continued to bombard the wards with the most impressive concentration of magical power since the death of the gods.\n\nThe child was unable to use his previous trick of depowering the hostile mages, as it required him to get close to them and the wards would collapse almost instantly under the punishment they were taking if he stopped powering them directly. It was only a matter of time until the rebel envoy managed to convince him to return fire.\n\nThe siege went on for days, punctuated by occasional efforts to attack the child directly. Dozens of royal mages were stripped of magic for making the attempt, but the losses barely made a dent in the kingdom's forces.\n\nAs the siege entered its second week, the child began to modify the wards while they were in use. This was an incredible display of skill, but it was still merely delaying the inevitable. The child was monstrously powerful, but the siege was slowly wearing him down. Either he would counterattack or the entire village would be destroyed, and either option was acceptable for Destiny.\n\nDestiny was completely blindsided when, at the end of the second week, the entire village just disappeared. Destiny's awareness covered the entire world, in addition to the elemental planes, hell, and innumerable other such places, and both the village and the child were not in any of them.\n\nMany of the royal forces were celebrating while some of the more cautious mages examined the massive crater where the village used to be. Destiny did much the same thing with its vastly superior senses, and discovered a trace to an entirely new reality.\n\nDestiny tried to reach into the new space, but it was blocked by the distressingly familiar power of the child. The lingering spell was the only link, and if Destiny tried to force more of its essence along that feeble connection it was liable to collapse entirely.\n\nDestiny screamed in frustration, vibrating the atmosphere across the entire world. With the villain of the picture unreachable, it would not be able to recover most of the power it spent setting up the situation. It wasn't just the reincarnated demon, either. The hero was nearly useless to it without an enemy of comparable power to fight. It could still get some scraps out of him, but nowhere near enough to recover the cost of the investment.", "\"So you see, my lord. You are the anti-messiah. You are become death, destroyer of worlds.\"\n\nI did not look at his prostrated form. My eyes unfocused as I glanced out of the tiny cottage overseeing my cornfields. I was not sure what to say next, so I said nothing. In truth, what he had said had not really registered with me yet.\n\nOh I see what Tze Lao was talking about, there is a small patch over on the fence that looks to have stunted growths.\n\nThe prostrated man was still there.\n\n\"I'm not sure what you want me to do...\". I started, still not entirely finished with corny thoughts. If we start harvesting in 2 weeks maybe I can get away with 6 hired hands rather than 7.\n\n\"I do not presume to dictate your actions, O Unholy One.\". The shaman sunk his face further into the ground. \"The dark prophecies tells of your triumphant return riding Chaos and with Death, War, Famine and Pestilence at your heel. You will experience only victory in your battles and revel in the skulls of your enemies and blood of your captives.\"\n\n\"Ok... And where do you. All, I guess, I assume you represent a cult or something, some sort of shamanic brotherhood of darkness? Where do you all fit into all of this?\" The wanker two roads down wants to raise the price of rope this season! And I had loaned him sugar last year!\n\n\"We are heralds of your arrival!\" He exclaimed, the effect partly lost to the dirt that was beginning to choke him. I was impressed, for a well-nourished man, he was able to contort his somebody to bend even lower. \"We will sing the songs of doom and mock the houses of worship. We defecate upon their relics and tear down their idols!\"\n\nIf they defecate on my field I could save a bunch on fertilizer\n\nI take my mind off interesting questions of agriculture for a second as I inevitably picture my visitor in an uncompromising position.\n\n\"Ok. Let's say I agree to your proposal.\" He somehow finds more dirt to grovel into. I am impressed, maybe he could plow the fields for me with his face. \"What exactly do you want me to do right now? Like literally right now?\"\n\nHe starts to wobble. It takes me a few seconds to realize he is actually answering me. I grab him by the hair and hoist him up.\n\n\"... your steed, perhaps.\" He looks at me confusingly.\n\n\"So summon my steed? How do I do that?\"\n\nHe eyes around nervously.\n\n\"Surely.. ah surely the Unholy One knows how to summon his steed?\" \n\n\"Nope. Wasn't taught in farmer's school. Could have been taught in Anti Messiah school, never found the time to attend that though.\"\n\n\"What.. The circle, they never..\"\n\n\"Ah you are from the CIRCLE! You will be glad to meet Benedict and Tze Lao here.\"\n\n\"They are alive!? The circle told me that they were sacrificed as tribute to your hunger!\"\n\n\"I guess in a way? Benedict is my cook, Tze Lao is one of my farmhands.\"\n\n\"What, I don't understand..\"\n\n\"Ok look here, wossname...\"\n\n\"I'm High Priest Kingsley...\"\n\n\"Sure Leslie. Here's the deal. Every so often, one of the Circle, or the Hand or the Foundation or the Eye, sends one of you dumbasses here to convince me to ride forth to war and conquest and yadadada.\" \n\n\"I'm not interested in that crap. I want to grow corps and tend to them. I want to raise livestock and eat them. I don't care for your arcane mumbo jumbo and dark prophecies. I'm not going to ride forth so that you can defecate on songs and tear down relics\"\n\nHigh Priest Kingsley shakingly gets to his feet. He adjusts his hat and gently brushes off the dirt from his robes.\n\n\"Well this must have all been a mistake. I will be taking my leave now.\" He bowed low and started to back himself out of my room.\n\nNo\n\nI am in need of an additional farmhand\n\nWhatever other lies or misunderstanding the Circle has fed you, there is one grain of truth in all of it\n\nI am the anti-messiah", "A tiny old lady, in her red bonnet and holding a pair of sheers, was knelt down before a fully blooming Rosebush... \"Now look here little Bee'elza...\" She said. \"Be careful of the thorns when pruning the roses.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSquat beside the woman was a young girl with the blackest of black hair, a strange and luminescent light-pink skin, and a long black spade-ended tail that was wagging delightedly.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe girl nodded and smiled.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"After this... We ought to see how our apples trees are doing, and then the vegetable garden. If those pests have been at our tamatillitos again--perhaps we can ask Mr. Ironbrew to lend us some of his ducks before the harvest when he comes by later this evening.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe little girl nodded and watched the woman work by the Rosebush--when she needed to stand--the little girl helped her by offering up her shoulder for the woman to grasp.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAs the pair began through the flower patches, the little girl set off ahead upon all fours-- With much over-eager excitement, she was bounding ahead on the stone walkway through to the meagre apple orchid.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe old woman couldn't help but smile and keep a chuckle to herself. She kept her hands behind her back and watched from below as the little girl began to climb the trees without a break in her quickness.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe little girl looked over each of the branches that began to grow apples about the size of cherries, and she looked them over from all angles as she hung from beneath or below the branches she had climbed and crawled between from one tree to the next to see how each tree had been coming along.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"They are looking good, grandma.\" Said the girl.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Careful not to fall, or break any branches.\" Said her grandma.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThrough her hair the girl's pointed ears twitched and she turned her head to the dilapitaded stone fencing along the edge of the farm. \"Mr. Ironbrew's early today.\" She said, and craned her head over to look at the road...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nA squat little man with a coal coloured beard, dirt-covered clothes and drooping cloth cap was indeed at the stone fence, looking sombre...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe old woman approached and not far behind was the little girl hiding behind the woman's dress.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Melurst?\" Said the woman. \"Is everything alright?\"\n\nThe man looked to be holding back tears, as he spoke--taking off his hat and dabbing at his eyes. \"It's me farm, Laney. Those Empyrium soldiers came by looking to add a bit more flavour to their rations.\" The man choked. \"My babies, my poor little honking babies--the took'em all. Even the pickled eggs I was saving for tomorrows town-share. I've got nothing to bring to the others or even feed myself.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Oh, dear...\" Said the woman... \"Come, come in... I still have some of the last jars you gave me. You can take them back. We still have some of last season's picklings to keep us fed if we do a little foraging.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Bleh... I hate mushrooms.\" Said the girl poking out from the side of the woman's dress.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe woman papped the girl on top of the noggin. \"We eat what we can eat, especially when there are people in need.\" She was now holding the child tightly to her side...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe man looked over the girl and shifted with a hint of discomfort... \"You best hide everything important to you, Laney. The came for Budd's home just before mine, and Randis' the day before. Before too long they are sure to come here.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe woman's grip grew even tighter around the girl, and the old woman nodded. \"Come on in, Mel. Take your eggs back.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe man looked as if he was about to shake his head, and speak--but his lips pursed and watery eyes blinked rapidly before he nodded. \"I'm sorry Laney.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThey walked together through the orchid and gardens, the woman holding the girl's hand tightly...\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"It's just not right.\" Said Melurst. \"They must know we barely have enough food for ourselves. We can't afford the deals they are offering for their 'Capital Crops'... But if this season doesn't turn around fast--I'll have to take the up on that offer...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You can't, Mel.\" Said the woman. \"You'll lose your farm if you can't pay back the loans.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nJust ahead was a cabin, a shoddy paint job with yellow child-like handprints on one corner, windows with cracked glasses and windowless panes that had been patched up with cloth nailed to the frame...\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"You can't. You just can't.\" She said again. \"Across the town a couple families already tried growing what they were selling. They tried growing more with the left over seeds--none would even take and they were fined for trying. They took their kids to work in the Fel Mines... That is where you'll end up too when fail to pay up, or get fined for not producing as much as promised--barely able to keep enough to feed yourself or pay for anything else you need around your farm. You know how they look down on people who aren't human like you and...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe little girl held the door open for the two, and inside the dust covered single room cottage they adults sat down on a bed while the little girl had gotten on all fours again and circle about the corner of the room where she had gathered a pile of old rags, cotton-leafs, and clothes that no longer fit her. She settled down and tuckled her tail around herself as she watched two adults conversing.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTheir tones were sombre, and there was finally open crying from Melurst who didn't know what the future held. There was an offer from the woman for him to stay the coming evenings and help around the farm in exchange for some food. Occasionally he would glance at Bee'elza who would be staring back. He agreed, and he said he would get right to making a hidey-hole beneath the floorboards for Laney to hide her stocks--and the child as well...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nNight fell, and as usual... Bee'elza did not sleep or understand why people stared at the eyelids for hours through the night--especially when there was still so much to see...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nShe looked about the dark room--which to her was aglow in blue hues. She could see her grandmother breathing slowly on the bed, while Melurst took to the floor--hugging his pickaxe beneath his blanket...\n\n&#x200B;\n\nRight beside the girl, she spotted something new... Between two splayed floorboards a little vine had grown and seemed already struggling to stay alive.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe girl cupped the little vine in her hands she said... \"There there little flower...\" A soft shedding pink light began to fall from the girl's hands and the vine grew and grew--and enourmous yellow petalled flower was blooming on the spot." ]	6
	[WP] You're trapped in Hotel California.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair\nWarm smell of colitas, rising up through the air\nUp ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light\nMy head grew heavy and my sight grew dim\nI had to stop for the night.\nThere she stood in the doorway;\nI heard the mission bell\nAnd I was thinking to myself\n'This could be heaven or this could be Hell'\nThen she lit up a candle and she showed me the way\nThere were voices down the corridor,\nI thought I heard them say\nWelcome to the Hotel California\nSuch a lovely place (such a lovely place)\nSuch a lovely face.\nPlenty of room at the Hotel California\nAny time of year (any time of year) you can find it here\nHer mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes bends\nShe got a lot of pretty, pretty boys, that she calls friends\nHow they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat\nSome dance to remember, some dance to forget\nSo I called up the Captain,\n'Please bring me my wine'\nHe said, 'we haven't had that spirit here since nineteen sixty-nine'\nAnd still those voices are calling from far away,\nWake you up in the middle of the night\nJust to hear them say\"\nWelcome to the Hotel California\nSuch a lovely place (such a lovely place)\nSuch a lovely face.\nThey livin' it up at the Hotel California\nWhat a nice surprise (what a nice surprise), bring your alibis\nMirrors on the ceiling,\nThe pink champagne on ice\nAnd she said, 'we are all just prisoners here, of our own device'\nAnd in the master's chambers,\nThey gathered for the feast\nThey stab it with their steely knives,\nBut they just can't kill the beast\nLast thing I remember, I was\nRunning for the door\nI had to find the passage back to the place I was before\n'Relax' said the night man,\n'We are programmed to receive.\nYou can check out any time you like,\nBut you can never leave!'" ]	2
	[WP] The air rushed out of the room with a whoosh, and smoke came in its wake. Black smoke. They were here for him — he knew that this day would come, but he had hoped that he had a bit more 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Having unwrapped and capped his cigar, Francis D’Lorn had been on such a high that he hadn’t thought anything could bring him down today. Not a damned thing. Because Margalit Ramone, his Chief of Operations had just dropped over with the official quarterly profit figures and given they were in the eight digits across the board, he’d planned on celebrating with one of his favourite cigars. In fact, he’d been holding its shoulder between his teeth with the flame of his Faberge lighter about a quarter of an inch off lighting its foot, when most of the room’s air was sucked into the fireplace, putting out his lighter. Margalit sucked in a sharp breath as the flaps of her suit jacket swept that way.\n\nFrancis’ jubilation evaporated as thick plumes of smoke poured back into the room. “That’ll be all, Margalit. I’ll give a call later and we can go through the breakdown.”\n\n“Yes, sir,” Margalit rushed out of the room, banging the double doors shut.\n\nFrancis leaned back against his desk, his gaze narrowing suspiciously.\n\nWhat stepped out of the smoke was as far from human as anything could possibly be. Three toes of a reverse walking knee heralded the sinewy arrival of the eight limbed creature that straightened to almost ten feet tall and five round, towering over the wealthy tycoon. Without eyes, it moved around the room, twisting its massively horned head as if taking in its surroundings.\n\nFrancis knew there was no ‘as if’ about it.\n\n“Francis, Francis, Francis,” it chimed in a dark voice that grated on Francis’ human ears as it circled in behind him. “You don’t write, you don’t call and you never visit. What are we to make of that?”\n\nFrancis didn’t turn to face the creature but watched as it re-emerged on his right through the corner of his eye. “What do you want, Jorel?” he asked, attempting to relight the cigar.\n\nThe bulky creature shot out a frog-like tongue and snatched the cigar from Francis’ lips.\n\n“HEY!” Francis bellowed, as the creature opened a mouth full of teeth in the middle of its chest and tossed the cigar in. “What the Hell, Jorel? That was a Gurka Royal Courtesan Cigar!”\n\nJorel’s chest wriggled as it chewed for a few seconds, then released a leaf-filled burp.\n\nFor Francis, that was the last straw. He threw the Faberge lighter at the demon, bouncing it off the thick plate between his horns. “Fuck you, Jorel! That was an a million-dollar fucking cigar, you asshole!”\n\n“Million dollar two-second snack now,” the creature chuckled in contradiction. “’sides,” he added, waving one of its eight limbs dismissively. “You’ve got bigger worries than the loss of a stupid cigar.”\n\nAnd just like the annoying bastard he was, Jorel left it at that. “Why are you here, Jorel?”\n\n“Probably because he wanted to see the look on your face when I arrived,” another voice said from the fireplace. Unlike Jorel, the being in front of the fireplace stood with his hooves shoulder-width apart and the red glow of his hide a direct contrast to the smoke that poured around him. His arms were folded and his leathery wings sat high and wide of his shoulders.\n\nFrancis didn’t look any higher than his jaw.\n\nAs one, both Francis and Jorel went down on a knee with their heads bowed low. Neither said a word.\n\nThe silence was deafening until Francis thought he would implode. “Have I done something wrong?” he asked, without looking up. Nothing came to mind. Well, nothing that the greatest demon in existence would consider that bad. Maybe he might’ve been contemplating the pros and cons of stuffing Jorel in an industrial washing machine for a few cycles, but that was … just horsing around.\n\n“No,” the great demon answered. “Jorel. Leave us.”\n\n“Your will, Father,” Jorel replied. His head went even lower and then he rose and strode quickly to the fireplace, disappearing into the smoke. In that moment, Francis felt very isolated and suddenly found himself wishing for Jorel’s ongoing presence. As the old saying went, trouble shared was when he could use Jorel’s fat ass as a shield to hide behind.\n\n“Stand up, Francis.”\n\nFrancis locked his teeth together and did as he was told.\n\n“It is time.”\n\nThousands of possibilities ran through Francis’ mind, but unlike his conversation with Jorel, Francis knew better than to put words into this demon’s mouth.\n\n“You have forgotten,” the Highborn Hellion ruler snorted.\n\nThere was no point lying to the Lord of Lies. “I thought you wanted me to stay here, to keep an eye on the Nascerdios.” Francis rubbed his chest. “I’ve even been reinventing myself every six or seven decades as my own heir, to avoid using their family name. They have no clue I’m even here.”\n\n“Only because you have been hiding behind a seclusion ring. Your nieces would be all over you, if that band of mystical gold ever left your hand.”\n\n“So, what am I forgetting, Father?”\n\n“Mandisa of Yaru has reached acceptable maturity.”\n\nFor a moment, Francis thought he’d misheard. Then he hoped he had. When he realised neither was the case, the heartbreaking truth was everything he’d spent the last two thousand years building here on Earth was about to go away. Unable to help himself, he bowed his head and raked one set of fingers through his blonde hair. Blood drained from his face, and for a second, he almost felt like either passing out or throwing up. Maybe both. “Really?” he asked, hoping his dread wasn’t too obvious.\n\n“Her family wishes the union to go ahead, just as soon as you can accept your part in this marriage.”\n\n“And … how much time are you willing to give me on that score?” Maybe this could be stretched out another millennia or ten.\n\n“It just ran out.”\n\nSHIT!\n\nFrancis bit his bottom lip to bite back the expletives he didn’t dare voice in his father’s presence. “Where will I be expected to live, Father?” In his mind, there would be one of two options. Either he would be bringing his bride back to the Well of Hell, or he’d be going to live as one of the new gods of Yaru. They were the only two options he could see in his future, and neither set his blood alight like running his business on Earth and spying secretly on his nieces.\n\n“Before I answer that, you should be introduced to your bride.”\n\nFrancis’ eyes widened in shock. “She’s here?”\n\nHis father smiled with all the smugness in existence. “And has been for some time, son.” He turned towards the double doors. “When you are ready, Lady Mandisa.” Although his voice never rose above a monotone, the double doors opened once more, to emit none other than Margalit Ramone. Francis’ jaw hit the ground on the full, causing both his father and his bride-to-be to chuckle in amusement.\n\n“We finally officially meet, Lord Francis,” Marga…Lady Mandisa said, but instead of coming towards them, she detoured, going towards the wall where the global map of company branches were marked in colours based on five, six and seven-figure turn-overs. “I don’t know about you, Lord Francis, but I certainly have no intention of turning my back on the empire we have carved out for ourselves, right here on Earth.”\n\nFrancis left his father and joined his bride-to-be at the company wall. “How long have you been here, doll?”\n\n“Since you first went into business with a homeless street beggar to swindle the Persian money-lenders.” Margalit’s gaze narrowed and her teeth sharpened ominously. “And now that you know who I am, call me ‘doll’ again and watch what happens. I dare you.”\n\nFrancis chuckled and draped a hand across her shoulders. He’d known that was Margalit’s pet name peeve, but thinking back over the years, he hadn’t made the connection between Margalit, or her predecessor Marilyn.\n\n“If you are both quite finished with the history lesson, we can get on with this,” Belial said, drawing them back to where he stood. In each hand was a golden bracer with dozens of cross-directional barbs designed to draw blood as they locked together during the ceremony.\n\nFrancis looked across at Margalit who was looking a little apprehensive. “Let’s do this, milady,” he said, leading her over to where his father stood.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n For more of my work: [r/Angel466](https://www.reddit.com/r/Angel466/)" ]	2
	[WP] You’ve had a terrible week. Your wife is cheating on you, you’ve been fired from work, and now you’re stuck taking the bus. But a random stranger gives you a peace of advice you won’t ever forget.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Buy Apple”, he said, turning in his beige duster coat, with a hat that seemed wildly inappropriate for the bus. It was a wide-brimmed, fedora styled hat – similar to those seen in black and white drama films from the 1950s. He was wearing thick, mirrored pitch-black square-framed sunglasses, which took up a good portion of his face.\n\n“What do you mean \"buy apple\"? Buy an apple from the grocery stand?” I asked him.\n\n“In the year 1999, there will be a computer company called Apple. It will go bankrupt. You must buy as much of their common stock as you can. The name is misleading, it will become one of the most important computer companies in human history.” He said, making sure to keep his face hidden in the shadows.\n\n“1999? Buddy, that’s like twenty years from now. You some kinda soothsayer or something? What does this have to do with me?” I asked him, contemplating his ruse.\n\n“You have within you the seed of the future – you are one of the world’s first and most important software developers. You don’t understand your potential, but without your help, and the existence of Apple and Microsoft, the Information Era, and the Golden Age of Mankind will not happen, and you will fail.” He said.\n\nI was getting shivers down my spine – I was thinking, maybe this was a crazy person, but there was such a conviction in his words, such knowing – it was like he truly believed what he was saying, even though it was impossible, and I couldn’t resist the allure. I was having the worst week of my entire life up until this point, and any change from the present would be for the better.\n\n“What do they call you, sir?” I asked him.\n\n“My name and identity are not important, they are disposable. You are Tim Paterson, and will write an operating system known as the Quick and Dirty Operating System. A young man named Bill Gates will then buy this from you for a pittance in 1981.”\n\nI scoffed. “A pittance? You mean to tell me I can’t negotiate?” I said.\n\nHe turned slightly more and there was something strange about his face and haircut – they seemed suspiciously young, the man could not have been older than his mid twenties.\n\n“He will give you three offers, once for eight thousand, then twelve, and then fifteen thousand. Remarkably to you, this man will exceed your earning potential several million fold, but you must accept him before he goes over his negotiation limit. You will then use that money to purchase the shares of Apple when the time comes as remuneration.” He says, rising up from his seat, and then getting off the bus.\n\n\"Fifteen thousand doesn't get you a lot of shares.. of any company.\" I responded to him.\n\n“The future depends on you, Paterson. Swallow your pride, sell the operating system to that idiot, and secure the Golden Era.” He says, stepping off, tipping his hat, as the bus continued to move. \"I'm off to see Torvalds now.\"\n\nI saw only one more glimpse of him, before he walked behind a phone booth – and then he was gone. No shadow. Just gone.\n\nI wondered, if he was a figment of my imagination -- the stresses of the week finally catching up to me, my horrible divorce and sudden unemployment digging into my already poor sense of self and financial worth..\n\nThe notion though... this software he was speaking of: the “operating system”?\n\nI hadn't even thought of it yet." ]	2
	[WP] A boy suffering from depression and social anxiety goes to a English class after being pressurized by his family. There he finds a gorgeous girl and now he wanted to make her friend. He tries and as the time goes by, he looks at his past and finds everything has been changed.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\n\nHe had trained his whole life for this. Ever since he could remember, he had yearned to explore this strange new planet. Boy 6271B was ready to leave his house bubble and accept his admittance into the Extraplanetary Academy. His parents had spent countless hours and expense to prepare him for this transition, both physically and mentally. While struggling through his depression and social anxiety, Boy 6271B had doubted whether this was really the true path for him. Maybe he wasn't cut out to become fully pressurized in a space suit and join countless others at the Academy. Maybe,. he was meant to stay here. Maybe...maybe....\n\n\nNo. Enough doubt. It is time to move forward and onward. With his family's full support and love, he began the pressurization process and was fitted into his suit. This space suit would last for four years while he attended the Academy. Skins could be changed on it, of course, based on preference. However, after those four years he would have to make a choice - come back to the bubble or change his body forever to be able to survive on this planet.\n\n\n\nHis mind had been working and building up for years for this moment. All the coping skills he could muster had not prepared him for this indescribable feeling. He blew a kiss to each one of his family members and stepped out into his new unknown. The travel to the Academy was mind-numbingly daunting. His thoughts continued to eat away at him, until he noticed a welcome distraction - the Academy gates. The mixture of nausea and excitement were so overwhelming for this boy. All he could do was just keep moving forward and absorbing each new experience. \n\n\n\nShortly after marveling at the cherry blossoms, a striking figure popped into the corner of his eye. Boy 6271B had never seen such an enchanting creature in his life. He felt as if her very essence just instantly welcomed him. He just knew the two of them would get along, and just wanted to learn more about her. Taking a deep breath and putting all his confidence, low as he feels it might be at the moment, towards walking up and offering a simple \"Hello\". He got to within a few feet of her, when an overwhelming feeling of nausea and light-headedness hit him. This Boy experienced a flash back to a moment in his past. However, once the moment passed, he knew it wasn't right...That moment in time was changed. \n\n\n\nWhile recovering from this experience, Boy 6271B failed to notice the Girl walk away. Once he felt a bit better and focused back on his original fascination, she was nowhere to be seen. Time passes, and he has brief interactions with this particular Girl throw the hallways of the Academy. An identical experience occurs each time, with different members in his past being changed. He feels so physically ill when he attempts to get close that he loses sight of her each time. As far as he knows, she's not even aware of his existence. The Boy's fascination remains and he wants to meet her even more.\n\n\n\nOver time, he notices that each interaction with this particular Girl decreases the durability of his space suit. The countdown timer would plunge dramatically once he was within a certain proximity of her. Each moment spent near her would shorten the time he had to make the final decision on his future. What is this Boy to do? Explore his fascination of the phenomenon and pursue the friendship, despite the risks? Boy 6271B took a deep breath, and made that next step.\n\n\n________________\n\n\n[First Time Poster, so please ignore obvious typos, errors, mobile formatting, etc. \n\n\nI enjoyed reading the prompt with the assumed typo of pressurized instead of pressured. I took that as a jump-off to put a bit more sci-fi spin on this quick write-up.\n\n\nFeedback welcome and appreciated. Thanks!]" ]	2
	[WP] By some fluke, you have accidentally stopped an impending bomb, saved lives, and outsmarted the most wanted villain. All eyes are on you. Everyone thinks you are the infamous double agent. You aren’t. You’re just a villain’s henchman who just wants a taco.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hunger and fulfilling my base carnal need to satisfy it with street tacos was all that was on my mind, the street fair was bustling with the buzz of quiet conversations and kids screaming and running around un-tethered in this food-coma inducing environment. You could hear the food sizzling on the ovens and the aromas dancing around the wafting smoke plumes from the trucks vents. I have to be honest, I get very 'Hangry' when i go too long without food, and couldn't think of a better place to quell the monster. I approached my favorite vendor and ordered an extraordinarily greasy slop of street tacos. My mouth was salivating just ordering it. \"Sorry sir, we just ran out of our base ingredients and can't in good conscious serve second hand waste.\" His statement hit me, quite literally, like a punch to the gut. I doubled over half in anger and half in stomach pains letting out a guttural scream. \n\nI took a few steps to the side as not to embarrass myself anymore and kick an unattended duffel bag out of a frustrated temper-tantrum. I was met with a hard metallic thump from my steel toed boot. I was confused, and being too nosy to walk away from something potentially valueable, i slowly opened it and saw 10 lbs worth of c-4, ball bearings and nails with a metal face plate that had a cracked screen. A pedestrian walking by began screaming bomb and running away from me. The mass panic from the mob and quick response of the cops left me isolated and surrounded by first responders of all kind. The commotion overwhelmed me to to the point to forget about my hunger, even just momentarily. The news stations were short to follow, considering the state of the broken screen and my willingness to co-operate as to not be imprisoned for 25 plus years, the news stations hailed me as a hero. The hero title quickly changed to double crosser as the bomb had been identified as my boss' arch nemesis.\n\nI'm not going to claim to be decent guy, let alone a good guy, I know I've been involved in less than shady business. Never anything too severe as I can't stand suffering of the physical kind, and will stop it anywhere i can. And that is something that follows you, but this time just happened to be happenstance. But knowing whom i thwarted means i must go into protective custody, lose everything i love doing and making myself look even more guilty.\n\n I've heard Switzerland is nice this time of year, maybe they'll have food festivals.", "\"Can I have my taco now?\" I ask, my stomach gurgling from the hunger.\n\nThe detective stares at me with a bewildered look.\n\n\"You... you want a taco? Son, I don't think you know where you are. You are in a police station, not a restaurant.\" He says slowly, seemingly trying to add weight to his words.\n\n\"I paid for my taco at that truck and never got it. I want it.\" I cross my arms stubbornly.\n\n\"You want me to talk. My taco is my price. Make it two for making me wait!\" I say with a smile.\n\nThe detective pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration.\n\nFinally, he sighs and speaks into a mounted intercom on the wall. \"Dammit, get this man his tacos.\" \n\nA disembodied voice replies, \"Sir, that truck was destroyed in the sting. Would he be alright with some Flaco Taco?\"\n\nThe detective faces me.\n\n\"Those tacos are subpar, but they will do. 6 super stuffed with jalapenos, a large queso package, and a Biggun' tea.\" I reply, looking smug.\n\n\"Got it. Anything else sir?\" The voice said.\n\nThe detective turned red as he placed an order for himself as well.\n\nWe waited in tense silence for our meals to arrive. The detective seethed with anger as I stared, failing to be even remotely intimidating.\n\nWhen the tacos arrived, I began salivating at the smell as the officer/clerk divided our portions. The detective had ordered a half dozen of the super supreme carnitas tacos, a Flaco Nacho basket, and a matching Biggun' sized drink. I might not like the man, but I had to admit he had good taste.\n\nAs we ate, the detective asked me to start from the top. With tacos in hand, I happily obliged in between bites.\n\n\"I'll start from the beginning: So, there I was, waiting in line near the taco truck when my boss calls and tells me to meet him nearby. Keep in mind that I've been smelling the Mighty Meaty Tacos for over 10 minutes now and I have a real bottomed gut hunger growing.\" I take another few bites and a gulp of my tea.\n\n\"But he's my boss, so I HAVE to do what he says, so I go running down the street to meet him. I get to his car and he hands me this package and tells me I have exactly fifteen minutes to get the package to city hall. City hall is the opposite direction from the food truck and takes at least 20 minutes by foot and 45 minutes by bus.\" \n\nThe detective swallows a bite and interrupts my story. \"Wait, so you were the carrier of the bomb?\"\n\nI nod.\n\n\"And the target was city hall? \" I nod again. He leans back for a moment and says, \"Ok, please continue.\"\n\n\"So I'm running towards city hall with the package, not knowing what it was of course. I thought maybe it was a bribe for an official or a birthday cake or something. I'm trying to be careful, but somehow I tripped over a raised portion of the sidewalk and the package landed hard on the ground.\"\n\nI unwrap another taco and think for a moment about what happened next.\n\n\"So, there I am, lying on the ground, package in front of me, when some asshole steps RIGHT ON IT! The bastard never looked up from his phone as he crushed my boss's prized package. When it fell open, I noticed a bunch of wires had come undone, so I tried to put them back but I don't know anything about electronics and the thing looked so expensive.\"\n\nI stared hard at the detective.\n\n\"I couldn't let the boss down, he hired me when no one else would. He pays me well even though I mess things up alot.\"\n\n\"What kind of things do you mess up?\" The detective asked.\n\nI stop chewing and stare at the table for a moment. I start running through all the trouble I've caused the boss over the past few years. I sigh, might as well take the blame for the things I did while I'm here.\n\n\"When I was working a bank job for the boss, I forgot to shut the doors on the armored truck. Spilled millions into the downtown streets. Another time, I was supposed to be keeping some teenager in a basement. My only job was to keep an eye on her for a few days. The dad owed the boss a ton of money. She asked to go to the bathroom and I let her. She slipped out through a window that I thought was too small to fit through. I tried to chase her and got stuck.\" I continued rattling off my failures to the detective before he finally stopped me.\n\n\"Ok, just continue with the story.\" He said.\n\n\"Ok, so the package fell and I tried to put the electronics back together. My fifteen minutes was almost up, but I could see city hall. I sprinted towards city hall and gave the package to a guard at the front. He asked who it was for and I just said I didn't know. My boss just told me to get it to city hall. That's when the guard cuffed me and here I am... eating tacos with you.\"\n\nThe detective gave a slight chuckle. \"All this time we thought our mole in the Dark Wing organization had been stopping Dark Wing's plans... Turns out it was you the whole time... I don't know whether to charge you with a crime, put you on the stand to testify, or ask the city to give you a damned medal!\"\n\n\"I mean, you did give me tacos, so I think we're good.\" I continued happily with my savory meal.", "I definitely didn't mean to do it at all. Now he wants me dead.\n\nApparently, while trying to order my favorite snack from my favorite food truck, I'd accidentally spoken the kill switch phrase that disarmed my boss' secret plan to blow up the White House. All I wanted was a beef taco, sour cream, lettuce, cheddar cheese, and spanish rice. It's delicious, try it sometime. That had never happened before, but I suppose the way you say it matters.\n\nSo then the guy running the truck, my pal Daniel, has a change in tone. \"Got it, boss,\" he said. \"Disarming the bomb now.\" Before I had time to say anything, he said it was done. Now he's pissed and out to get me. I'm going to die soon, I just know it.\n\nDaniel, if you're out there, put that taco on my grave. I'll be hungry in hell." ]	4
	[WP] Everytime you fall asleep, you see through random person's eyes until you wake up, you can't hear anything or control any of their movements.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I am just a normal boy.\n\nOne night, I fell asleep but something happened beyond that.\n\nIt was a dream. I don't know exactly if it was really a dream because it seemed too vivid.\n\nThe only thing about that dream was I can't hear or move. It's like it was someone else's life and I'm just seeing it in first person point of view.\n\nIf I'm not wrong it's my neighbor who is a girl. She has a big bosom. Although I can't see her face, only basing on first person view, I can tell it by the big lump of meat in front of her.\n\nShe was laying down and scrolling through her phone late at night.\n\nWait a second, isn't that my instagram profile?! Why was she stalking me?\n\nI saw that she was just secretly stalking my instagram account and she wasn't liking it so no one knows.\n\nDoes she like me or something?\n\nAfter stalking my account, she was taking off her clothes.\n\nHold on, I did not want to see this but no matter what I do I can see the bare lump of meat in front of her jiggling.\n\nOh, she was gonna take a shower.\n\nAs I'm watching what's happening, I can see the droplets of water falling down in front of me.\n\nIt continued falling then suddenly I was woken up by the loud music of my little brother lying beside.\n\nThe dream or not dream I was seeing also stopped.\n\n\"Aish, little bro. Why'd you wake up me up? I'm having such a nice dream.\" I said with an irritated look on the surface of my face." ]	2
	[WP] You're a powerful beginner superhero. Your power has a big weakness through: it only works when you're perfectly calm.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I felt it crackle betwixt my fingertips, power roving through, trying to find itself. A journey of self-discovery from autonomous ions in a hellscape like my own body.\n\nI let out a grin as I realized that this wasn't going to work. I punctured the concrete wall with the metal gauntlet overtop my right hand. It sent shockwaves through my arm, temporarily paralyzing me. My hair, caked with dried blood, kept getting in the way of my vision. This battle had gone on so long. It wasn't even against anyone threatening. Run-of-the-mill supersoldier with some dumb super-strength augmentations and genetic experimentation.\n\nDamn it. I jammed my fist into the wall again. *Damn it.\n\nI told her it was a bad idea to go out like this. A sunny, bright day wasn't bound to have much in the way of spare energy but she was insistent on it. She wanted to show me the ropes of what she did.\n\nNow look where the hell we are. She's unconscious underneath a car and I'm nearly bled to death from blunt force trauma and internal hemorrhaging.\n\nWhy didn't you just LISTEN to me? You always do this. You always have. Ever since I found out your big secret, you've done NOTHING to help me and everything to deter me from coming in to help you.\n\nAnd the thing that made me the most upset is that I still wanted to help her.\n\nThis thin-tin-skulled bastard was about to get his ass handed to him but I couldn't regulate anything. Energy was just spilling out left and right.\n\nHe kept approaching me, shrugging off anything that was thrown at him. The hail of bullets, the flying objects, it looked like I had back-up but trust me, none of the others that were there did anything to help.\n\nHe picked me up by my throat. I was hard-pinned to a concrete wall, the cold stone up against my back chilling me to the core.\n\n\"You don't have much going for you, do you, kid?\" He said to me. His voice was deep, guttural. Sounded like something pulled straight from purgatory. For all intents and purposes, this guy was the Fourth Horseman.\n\n\"I didn't hurt the girl much, but if you don't take her and get the hell out of my business, I'll make sure you watch and hear her scream as I tear every limb of hers off right up until I get to her head.\"\n\nThere was something that flipped in that moment. Not a switch, mind you. It was different. It was all this paralyzing, ionized fear in my body. Collating into something different. I tilted my head forward as best I could, to look down at him from where he held me above.\n\n\"Look, dude. I don't know who you are. I don't know what kind of sadistic prick gets his kicks from stuff like this, or why the hell you chose to rove the streets and pick fights with everyone weaker than you, but that's not me.\"\n\nHe blinked and began to chuckle lowly at me.\n\n\"I'm not someone you meet every day. I still don't even know what's special about me.\" I looked down to my hand, still bleeding through my gauntlet. There was this overwhelming peace, making threats towards someone I clearly didn't stand a chance against. Just to see if I could get him to flinch. Even a bit. \n\n\"She sees something I have, though. Something I can't.\" The energized feeling started to coalesce again, arcing from fingertip to fingertip. Palms crackling, it began to feel like a whirring sensation building up within my right arm. \"I'm not abandoning her. Under any circumstances.\"\n\n\"Noble. I'll give you that.\" He professed. \"Thankfully, now I get to kill her with an audience.\" His arm jutted back slamming me into the concrete once more.\n\n\"Performance art, then. Need someone to enjoy your brilliance.\"\n\nIt was ready. Whatever was going to happen, it was going to happen now. I clutched my hand into a fist, gripped his arm with my left hand, and let loose the hardest right straight I could muster.\n\nThe burst was immeasurable. He flew back several tens of yards, colliding into another concrete pillar across the way in the construction yard. The electricity pulsing from my hand; I took the gauntlet off. The armor never had anything to do with it. I let it fall to the ground, clanging against the pavement as I stepped towards him.\n\n\"Get up.\" I uttered to him.\n\nHe was shaken, visibly staggering from a blow he didn't expect. \"Cheap shot from a kid like you. Didn't think you could hit that hard.\"\n\n\"Sometimes, smaller fish just happen to rule the pond by chance.\"\n\nI let out a long breath. That same whirring sensation, it was all over my body. I let it go where it needed, where it wanted. Soon, it began to coil and loop around my entire body. I became ensconced within a maelstrom of ionic chains.\n\n\"I'll finish her quickly to deal with you, then.\"\n\nWithout a beat, he leapt over to crush her beneath his massive weight. He never made it to her.\n\nMy shoulder crashed into him, intercepting his diving kick with the direct intent to destroy her body. \n\nHe managed to brace himself before falling to the ground this time. He grunted in misguided anger. \"What is she to you? Why do you fight for someone so helpless? You all are pathetic.\"\n\n\"I'm not really in this game for any other reason besides Aela. She's the one who trusted me.\" My nose because to twitch and my brow furrowed reflexively in pure contempt. \"Which is why you're going to leave her alone or you will die right here, and right now.\"\n\n\"You're weak. You hide behind parables of truth, justice, and for what? You don't know the first thing about ju-\"\n\n\"I could give a damn less about justice. I'm here because of a promise to someone. Nothing else.\" I interrupted.\n\nEnough talk. It's time to end this, no matter the outcome.\n\n\"Don't blink, tough guy.\"\n\nI leaned into a sprinting stance, but in a near instant I could see myself near him. I just managed to swipe him with my fist, but it didn't matter.\n\nI'd missed, and surely he'd counterattack.\n\nJust as I'd given up in mere milliseconds, his body obliterated the concrete wall, and pierced into him were several pieces of construction rebar.\n\nThe air pressure alone is what caused the impact.\n\nBlood poured from his mouth, his organs pierced by the impact. His ribs broken, lungs punctured, and many other parts of his body dislodged.\n\nI walked up to him through the rubble, destruction and chaos. Still cloaked in a miasma of grey, smoky, arcing lightning, he and I both realized what exactly I could do. I grabbed the piece of rebar stuck through his abdomen and let everything loose. He roared in pain, fear, agony and loathing. \n\n\"You do this and still manage to call yourself a hero. Do you even know which side you play for?\"\n\n\"Whichever one she does.\" He was right, however. I didn't care either way.\n \n\"Blind faith.\" He retorted.\n\n\"Faith is always blind.\" I continued his statement. \"Even when it's in service of someone's own grand performance.\"\n\nI continued to sear his body, stopping the bleeding and leaving him in even further pain.\n\n\"What's your name, kid?\" He coughed again, blood still spurting from his mouth.\n\n\"Not important. She's the thunder, and I'm the lightning.\"\n\nHe looked back at me, perplexed.\n\n\"I'm the calm before the storm.\"", "I try to regulate my heartbeat, keeping it steady and smooth. Breathe Terra, breathe. In and out. In and out.\n\n“What’s with the long face?” Andrew cooes, his hand sweeping across my chin.\n\nI struggle against the shackles pinning my wrists together, gritting my teeth as I lunge toward him.\n\nHe steps back with a chuckle. “What an interesting power. I mean, if I could control any inanimate object I wanted to just by thinking, surely I wouldn’t get beaten by someone like me.”\n\nI don’t bother answering.\n\nAndrew’s hand moves away from my chin, sweeping a strip of hair away from my face. “Now, how about you answer some questions for me?”\n\nEvery touch sends nausea through me, every moment that he’s near me brings my attempted calm closer to boiling anger.\n\n“Drop dead.” I answer, spitting at him.\n\n“You’re still quite a young thing to be a hero. How old are you? Sixteen? Seventeen?”\n\n“Why do you care?” I ask, slowly dropping to my knees as sweat and blood roll down my face.\n\nHe sighs as he grabs my shirt collar, pulling me closer. “Who did they hurt? How many lives did they have to threaten to force you into this?”\n\nSplotches start to dance through my vision. “I- I...”\n\nI fall short, not sure what to say. \n\nAndrew kneel down in front of me, taking my face in his hands. “Why don’t we get you cleaned up?”", "'Low level pacification', they called it. The guys and gals on the streets just called it 'initiation'.\n\nThe large bald man grunted as he turned, his boot crushing the leg of what was once something ressembling a human as though it were made of chalk.\n\nNothing too serious. Not the abominations that sprung up from god knows where to give us a taste of the hell we had but only imagined in the distant past. \n\nHe paused for a moment, considering me. Like a child puzzled by a particularly colourful bug....before they squash it.\n\nNo, just some power high junkies who thought they'd join in on some of the fun before something bigger stepped on them. Killing at will, torturing at leisure. Not like the fine 'upstanding' members of PAX, who at least liked to have someone or something make approving noises before they indulged in a little light bloodletting. Those that could stomach it that is....\n\nHe takes a breath, the veins on his neck bulge.* \n\nCRACK\n\nThe concrete shatters where he stood. His fist is speeding towards the side of my head, a meteor of bone and muscle hardened beyond normal human capability. His jaw stretched into a victorious animal snarl\n\nOr at least those that can keep their stomachs from spooling out onto the floor. \n\nBOOM\n\nA large piece of gristle flies past my face, part of what looks like a finger still attached. Maybe the index finger.\n\nI can barely remember my first initiation. The fear, the confusion, the sweat mingling with the blood and the screaming.... \n\nHis eyes look incredulously at the lump of meat that was his hand and his mouth begins to wail\n\nI can't remember exactly how I felt, feelings themselves are increasingly difficult to recall. I'm not certain that person I remember was me or someone I just knew.\n\nI gentley stretch out a hand over his mouth as though to shush a child and part his head from his shoulders \n\nThat man was terrified; of others; of himself; of the past; of the future; of gaining anything; of losing everything.\n\nThe others have started paying attention now. A lanky woman with a scar running down the side of her face flexes a hand by her waist. Sparks arc between her fingers.\n\n'Control!', the old man barks. 'Don't seize up! the mind is like an arsehole, boy. Can't do shit if its puckered up!' Who was this man? I'm not sure I ever knew him. The boy was afraid of him, of disappointing him. \n\nShe stalks to the side, bent low. Cautious.\n\n'You don't have to prove anything to anyone', coos the young woman. 'Some people just aren't cut out for this.' She smiles reassuringly at the man, soft brown eyes asking him to agree. \n\nA squat man, jaw pugnaciously jutting out, creeps forwards on the balls of his feet. \n\nThe brown eyes looked glazed, empty. Blood trickles down from her mouth, no words are there. The man screams without sound. \n\nThe man leaps forward, hand splitting the air like steel. I catch it before my face and it stops dead. The rest of his body moves past me, without it.\n\nThat man couldn't have saved her, not as he was. He thought too much, feared too much, loved too much. \n\nThe lanky woman let's out a scream, is it fury? Grief? I'm not sure. I've heard dozens, hundreds and I'm still not sure. She rushed forwards arms racing to reach my sides, lightning streaming in her wake. I step into her attack. \n\n'CONTROL' \n\nI press my finger into her chest and her back explodes. A fragment of bone whistles as it speeds off out of sight.\n\n'DON'T THINK'\n\nThere's one left. She's on her knees, some expression on her face I can almost recognise. Like an old friend. I step toward her, languidly.\n\n'DON'T FEEL' \n\nShe looks up at me, a look of despair. Empty eyes staring through mine. Soft brown eyes.\n\nSomething flickers in my chest, what was that? I can't place it. A sharp taste.\n\nHer eyes turn fierce, desperate. She stretches upwards. A hand, nails growing into talons, lashes out towards my chest.\n\nI dont move. I can feel claws across my chest.\n\nI can feel.", "So there I was, day 8 of being a superhero and to say I was out of my depth was a bit of an understatement. I was staring absolutely terrified at a man, with bodily dimensions not dissimilar from a tank, charge at me like a rhino. Said man had a green liquid seeping from his eyes and nose and was virtually fluorescent as his veins bulged with the emerald liquid he had indiscriminately drank from a vat ominously labelled \"experimental hypersteroid.\" I had been tipped off earlier that day by my mate in the police force who mentioned that Fusion Labs was a brilliant place for normal people to be turned into superhumans, he was preaching to the choir, after all I was one. It seemed the behemoth's intentions in front of me weren't quite the same as mine, I wasn't being overly perceptive in my utter terror, but it seemed instead of attempting to stop crime, he wanted to cause it, in any form he could manage. As he hurtled towards me roaring every expletive the English lexicon has to offer, I tried to charge my power and fight back. But upon looking down at my trembling hands, I realised, that was not going to happen. Now the gap between the charging man-tank and me was around 20 metres, I whispered to myself as I was slowly entering delirium \"Jesus just work PLEASE.\" No response. 10 metres. I thought to myself, \"how has the maniac ran 10m in one step?!!\" And I tried to focus my power even more, to no avail, again. 5 metres, the make or break moment, the ogre of a human could tear me in half if he wanted to. I breathed in and out, accepting my fate as the man's pulsating green fist approached my face. But in that brief moment of clarity I felt a familiar warm tingling, and as my skin began to radiate a blinding blue light, the ogres hand reached my face. I watched his hand crack and bleed green through my illuminated blue eyes and grinned. \"My turn\" I said through my cheeky smile.", "Sitting in the bathroom of my local bank, I tried to get it together. The walls of the stall seemed to close in on me as I desperately attempted to calm myself.\n\n\"It's just a small business loan, you can do this,\" I told myself. \n\n\"Nothing to worry about.\"\n\nI'd always had anxiety problems, and real life had a way of really exacerbating the problem. Why had I decided to start a food truck business selling donuts and fried turkey legs? What reasonable loan officer would listen to my pitch without busting out laughing? I grew more and more nervous, watching the second hand on my watch swing around, bringing me closer to my appointment time.\n\nSuddenly, I heard what sounded like a gun shot Screams and loud yells were coming from the lobby. \"This is a robbery! Everybody be calm!\"\n\nMore screams, more yelled commands... I knew what I had to do.\n\nI took the tube out of my pocket containing my emergency blunt. With shaking hands, I found my lighter and attempted to light it. Damn, the adrenaline was really coming on strong. I finally put the flame on target, and got that baby rolling. First toke... beautiful, I could feel my anxiety beginning to subside. Second toke... almost there. My food truck worries were washing away, and my fear of what was happening in the lobby was lessening.\n\nI stood up, exited the stall, and walked out into the lobby, burning blunt in hand. I took another toke and blew a huge cloud across the lobby, past piles of frightened customers lying on the floor, over a man holding a VERY large handgun, and finally rolling through the teller's window into a rather surprised looking ladies face. I was almost there, stoned to the gills with a zen-like state of calm settling over me.\n\nThe man with the gun turned toward me. \"What the hell do you think you're doing?\", he yelled, with a furiously confused look on his face.\n\n\"Oh, I'm just about high enough to put a stop to this,\" I said calmly, slowly raising the blunt to my lips.\n\nThe robber looked at me incredulously, said something like \"Fuck this,\" under his breath, and proceeded to raise his gun towards me. I took one more monster pull on the blunt as he pulled the trigger.\n\nWith that last toke, I achieved a perfect, indescribable serenity. I had perfect control of the world, everything was beautiful, and I had achieved Zen. Everything in the room stopped, and became completely silent. The robber's face was frozen in a snarl of contempt, just as the customers' and tellers' faces were frozen in fearful grimaces. Everything was at peace.\n\nI walked over to the man with the gun. He looked a bit haggard, a bit sad... definitely a desperate man. A bullet hung in the air a few feet from the end of the gun barrel, a blast of fire just behind it. I plucked it from the air and set it on the ground. I peeled the poor timeless fellow's fingers off the gun, and slipped the weapon into my belt. \n\nAfter that I took my time, occasionally hitting the ever-shortening number still burning in my right hand. I slowly wandered behind the tellers' station, and found a nice roll of packing tape. Returned to the would be robber and wrapped him up nice and tight. Even tied his shoelaces together for good measure. Oh, I even saved a glass from shattering on the floor - a teller had knocked it down and it was just inches from hitting the tile.\n\nWith not much else to do, I unloaded the gun and placed it on the floor near the poor, desperate robber. I sat down in one of the lobby chairs, and waited for my most excellent high to wear off...", "Alexander Amor sat on the couch, anything but still. He was humming along to the elevator music in the waiting room. His hands were never still, tapping on his legs at one moment and the table the next. He shook his legs, knocking it against the front leg of his chair.\n\nThe nurse at the counter looked on. She couldn't help it, actually. Somehow, she's seen him before...\n\nA door opening jolted both of them back to Earth. Out came a woman, who was thanking someone in the room profusely. She closed the door behind her and left the room.\n\nAlexander looked towards the nurse hopefully, who proceeded to nod towards the door. The man stood and headed to the door, knocking once, twice, then moved in.\n\n\"Alexander Amor?\" the voice questioned. Alexander looked towards her and saw a woman currently perusing a folder. She had a pair of round glasses on, hair tied into a loose ponytail, and was currently biting on a pen.\n\n\"Yes, Doctor...\" he looked at the plaque on the table. Laura Mills. \"Mills. That's me.\"\n\n\"Please, do take a seat,\" said Laura. Alexander sank into a chair in front of her and started twiddling his thumbs.\n\n\"Hello Alexander,\" Laura's soothing voice filled the room easily. It wasn't loud or anything. It was exactly the right volume, Alexander noted. He quite liked it. \"How are you today?\"\n\n\"I'm good. I'm good,\" said Alexander. Like everybody else in his life did, Laura noticed that Alexander seemed incapable of sitting still.\n\n\"Alexander. Or do you prefer Alex?\"\n\n\"Both are fine, Doctor.\"\n\n\"OK, Alexander. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself?\" \n\nAlexander twitched even more if that was somehow possible. He looked into Laura's eyes. They were kind and trustworthy.\n\n\"Doctor. I'm a superhero,\" Alexander blurted.\n\n\"OK,\" Laura said. She briefly considered her patient's statement and also made a mental note to consult the list of psychiatrists. \"This is a...\"\n\n\"I'm Alexander Amor. But you know that already, don't you? Well, see, Doctor, I'm a superhero. Just started out, but I've already saved a few people. Hey, just like you, right? So, anyway, I have a pretty strong superpower, and it's really awesome, but I can't seem to activate it at will, you know? I think it only activates when I'm calm. Or I can only activate it when I'm calm. That's the only time I can get it to work anyway. I've tried all the yoga and meditation jazz, but I think I need more help than that. So, Doctor Mills, how do I remain calm like, all the time?\"\n\nAlexander said without a second breath. He exhaled loudly, as if a huge load had been lifted off his shoulders.\n\nLaura took a while to consider his verbal vomit.\n\n\"Alright, Alexander. Let's take it one step at a time. First things first, you are a superhero?\"\n\n\"Yea. Swear to god,?\" Alexander said. \"I'm sorry, I usually don't open up to people so quickly. You just look... trustworthy?\"\n\n\"Of course, Alexander,\" Laura replied. \"Alright, what do you mean when you say you can only activate your power when you are calm?\"\n\n\"Umm, it's just a feeling I get? I'm just very anxious a lot of the time, but sometimes I get into this super-focused and calm state and I can use my powers,\" Alexander said. \"Is that helpful?\"\n\n\"It is,\" Laura said. \"OK, just try something with me, OK? Just take a few deep breaths first. Inhale fully, exhale fully.\"\n\nAlexander did as he was told. Laura's comforting presence helped a lot. He found himself taking full, deep breaths.\n\n\"OK. That actually helped, Doctor.\"\n\n\"That's great, Alexander,\" Laura said. \"I will try and help you, of course. But this isn't something that you can solve with just one session. Will you be able to come in regularly, Alexander?\"\n\n\"Of course. Whatever you say, Doctor.\"\n\n\"That's good. So, shall we begin?\"\n\n---\n\n\"Really? Is that what you are going to be settling on?\" asked Laura. She was chuckling.\n\n\"It's simple and direct to the point, right? The Heart! That's a great name!\"\n\n\"It is, it is! It's just such a big departure from your previous one though,\" Laura laughed.\n\n\"OK, I admit it, you were right about the last one. But the Heart is good right? You like it?\"\n\n\"I do, Alex. I do!\"\n\n---\n\n\"Doctor Mills... are we friends?\"\n\n\"Hmm? Of course, Alexander.\"\n\n\"It's not just because of my powers, is it?\"\n\n\"It is a great power, I have to admit. Your hero work just might be the best in the city. No violence, no bloodshed, just a good resolution.\"\n\n\"Yea. But... I'm just afraid that I don't have any actual friends, you know?\"\n\n\"Nonsense, Alex. Also, what's so bad about that? Who cares if you used your powers to make me your friend? I used my powers to make you into the finest hero in the city, didn't I?\"\n\n\"You did, Doctor. I couldn't do it without you.\"\n\n\"All you needed was a little help. Take pride in your work, Alex. You earned this!\"\n\nThe two found themselves standing up, hands interlocked with each other. Laura was the first to catch herself. She coughed and sat back down, while Alexander swiftly followed. The two also found that their cheeks were burning, like two caught high schoolers.\n\n\"Um, Alex?\"\n\n\"Yea, Doctor?\"\n\n\"Your powers... what exactly do they do?\"\n\n\"Turn the heart. Make them my friends, I think.\"\n\n\"Just friendship?\"\n\n\"Just friendship,\" Alexander paused. \"I think.\"\n\n\"OK, Alex. Just friendship.\"\n\nThe two gazed at each other again. Alex noticed that Laura was fidgeting.\n\n\"Say, Doctor,\" Alexander asked. \"Can my powers activate if my heart is pounding like crazy?\"\n\n---\n\nr/dexdrafts", "Steve took his sweet, sweet time while around him pandemonium reigned. Star Citizen had just been bunted not into, but through a high rise. The flightless superhero’s screech as he travelled unwillingly into the horizon had had a weird sound to it that made Steve smile. It sounded like… “AiAiAiAiAiAiAi,” which wasn’t that funny, really, but somehow still was.\n\nHe tried imitating it. “AeAeAeAeAeAeAe!”\n\nEh, almost. Still, it was a funny sound and therefore appreciated. Steve continued his stroll towards the most recent super brawl. He was in no rush here, after all. Either the heroes won or the ‘villain’. And if Beastly actually won, well, it was about time. The poor guy hadn’t had a single win under his belt yet. It was about time.\n\nSteve turned the corner of the now slightly diminished high rise. In the plaza Beastly was being hammered by a trio of super heroes of some renown. Star Citizen was out of the game, at least until one of his buddies gave him a lift or he took the bus back into the city. Steve chuckled at the mental image of serious Star Citizen sitting on the bus, silently fuming and urging the driver to hurry up. \n\nThe Star League, which was what Star Citizen’s team called themselves, were pummelling Beastly, trying to crack his defence, but Beastly unleashed a roar that made each of them stagger away, even deaf Star Bourgeoise. Must have been really loud to achieve that!\n\nSteve continued his stroll, getting closer to the fighting heroes and defending villain. Cidadano was flung into the sky by his Bourgeois, gathering momentum, before increasing his mass just as he reached his apex. He landed his attack, knees first, on the neck of Beastly, who had been looking for his airborne enemy. \n\nSteve nodded appreciatively. He did not like the destruction this fight was causing, and it did just ruin a perfectly serviceable plaza, but the subsequent crater was still impressive—Cidadano must have weighed a lot for this one. \n\nCittadina—or one of her many undifferentiable clones—was running around Beastly, trying to distract him while Cidadano tried to pry himself out of the crater. Beastly meanwhile flung rocks of broken concrete at Cittadina, popping her clones almost but not quite as fast as she made them.\n\nThis lead Steve on a mental tangent, did she even have an upper limit? Probably, but if she had, she kept that close to her chest. His eyes lingered on the same for a second, his mind flashing to some …recreational material he had seen about her, before he meandered past Bourgeois into the fight between Star League (sans their leader Star Citizen) and Beastly.\n\n“Hey dudes ’n dudettes, good fight everyone.” He clapped his hand together much louder than necessary to get everyone’s attention. “Now why don’t we all calm down and chill for a while, eh?” \n\nHe tapped Cittadina, the closest Star League member after the already dispatched Star Bourgeoise, very lightly on the shoulder. Immediately her eyes took on a glaze and she gained a stupidly content smile.\n\nHis head cleared some, Steve took another long and deep drag, filling his lungs with smoke. The marlboro man didn’t hold a kindle to his consumption.\n\n“Not today you won’t, Stoner—” screamed Cidadano as he approached, light as a feather, but Steve ‘stumbled’, making the hero miss him by the barest margin and actually stumbling himself, over Steve’s still outstretched leg. Within moments his eyes took on the same sheen as Cittadina’s and he was off, chuckling to himself.\n\nSteve’s mind was that much clearer—and panic was creeping closer. But the stuff in his bloodstream kept him calm still. For now. He was glad the edibles were kicking in, so he should have enough of a buzz to affect Beastly.\n\nHe gave the ‘villain’ a hug that calmed the man down. Beastly’s body shrunk, the ‘fur’ retreating back into his body, his diamond sharp fingernails being replaced by their keratinous and much more human variety, along with other physical changes. Beastly had a bad temper, and a worse super power, growing more powerful, resilient, and, oddly enough, hairy the angrier he got. And punching him made him angrier still. \n\nTo punt Star Citizen through the building like he did, he must have been at it for quite a while, or something had to have rattled him something fierce.\n\nSteve took a deep drag, then another, fleeing the stone cold sobriety that had overcome him with the hug, fighting off the jitters and panic that were threatening to take the helm. He handed the blunt to the man formerly known as Beastly. \n\n“Hey man, wanna talk about it?”\n\n“Yeah man, thanks.” ‘Beastly’ took the blunt and a drag of his own, coughed. \n\n“You’re a real bud, you know?”\n\nSteve shrugged, taking a drag himself before he handed the blunt to Beastly again. \n\n“Just doing the best I can with what I’m given. Hey, you hungry? I could kill for a burger right now.” Steve blinked slowly, what he’d said passing through his brain a second and third time. “Metaphorically, of course.”\n\n“Naturally.”\n\n“Naturally.”\n\n————\n\nWhat a drag (861 words)\n\nAgain with the too long writing… well, at least I’m happy with this one, and that’s what counts, right? Right? Also, I’ve never smoked myself, so any and every error on that part is entirely my fault.", "\"Get him in here, COME ON COME ON\" The darkness seemed to shift and jolt as rough hands pulled him out of the van and onto the cold concrete. I felt glass jab into my bare feet as I was marched out of warm faint sunshine and into the dark of a musty building. The almost stumbled at the pain, but I was held up by the two hands that grasped my elbows and pushed me through. I was manhandled and tied to a chair just shortly after a thick metal door was closed behind us with a screeching rough noise. It was a lot of distraction, but I remained steady, I remained firm. \n\nThe darkness was replaced with dusty window light as I blinked my eyes and took a deep breath. The air was musty and fetid, the concrete around me emanated a wet rocky smell. I looked at the man sitting across from me, a suit and tie contrasting against my grey sweatpants and shirt. I looked at him and tried to appreciate his face, see the stubble, look at him deep in his eyes. He had beautiful green eyes and a handsome confident face, part of me was saddened he had turn to a life of crime. Sure this world was crazy, I had anxiety before the Wave hit, terrible terrible anxiety, but now I can't, I'm not allowed. \n\n\"Do you know why you are here Alex?\" The man asked crossing his arms, frowning.\n\n\"Yes\" I said quietly and after a few deep breaths. I started tapping my foot three times a second, and calculating out the seconds. I had 30 seconds I estimated.\n\n\"Do you know what we are going to offer you?\" The man said.\n\n\"Die or join you\"\n\nThe man smiled and stood up. \"Very smart Alex\" He touched the chair he was standing on and it slowly began to crinkle and melt. \"I have an in on the IGHAST Database and I know that you where registered as a Quantopath a little while back\" The plastic on his chair began to pop and turn to liquid. He turned to look at it. \"I reduce the melting point of objects by the way\" \n\nI nodded and looked back to my foot. 15 seconds, I only had to wait that much more. I took another deep breath and closed my eyes envisioning a candle. I could tell the man was angry at me, but he held it well. All the more advantage for me. \n\n\"You saw us doing something we shouldn't have\" The man approached me \"I understand that, I'm giving you an option to leave this room alive, and considerably well off\" The candle flame flickered a bit, but remained steady. \"Now you could die and everything you have done will be done for nothing or you could show us your ability\" The Blue on the bottom the orange in the middle and the yellow on top. \"So what will it be\"\n\nI opened my eyes and looked at him \"I will show you\"\n\nAnd everything turned to black.\n\nThe first thing I heard was the stuttering siren of IGHAST defense patrol. It still musty and damp, but my feet seemed to stick to the ground insteady of the dusty roughness of the floor. I opened my eyes and I saw the devastation. Perfect right angle scratches emanated from my chair like a piece of fractured glass. A fracture in the fourth dimension that separated each piece of three dimensional space along a fourth dimensional plane only for a second. I tried my bonds and I saw I was able to stand and look around. I felt tired, exhausted, but satisfied. My plan had worked, my bread crumbs had been eaten, and their was nothing IGHAST could do. I looked out at the setting sun and began to walk towards the door, feeling a slight prick of fear come back as I let the anxiety wash over me." ]	9
	[WP] Intrest in Earthlings skyrockets after their home planet is destroyed. Granting instant, universal fame to any remaining Human.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Earth was destroyed, not by pollution or global warming or the Commies, but by aliens. They showed up and proved wrong all the doomsday preppers, all the political forecasters, all the whining environmentalists. They blew up the planet, and everyone on it. Everyone and everything is gone, and to be honest, it's pretty nice. \n\nOf course, I'm still here. You see, those same aliens who had planet-destroying technology and spaceships and all sorts of science fiction stuff didn't have common sense, and word got out that they were gonna blow up a planet. So a bunch of other aliens decided to come on by before the fireworks and pick up whatever they could. Intergalactic poachers, with us humans as the poachees (or whatever you call it, I'm no linguist). Scooped a bunch of us up for shits and giggles, to keep us as pets or slaves or backscratchers or whatever. Except that didn't go quite as planned. \n\nSee, it turns out humans are oddities in the universe. Not many bipedal aliens out there. So suddenly we're not only rare, but endangered. Makes us popular, it does. Collectible. Worth something. That's why I, Patrick Coddington, Waste Removal Technician, am actually eating something other than Vienna Sausage (also because Vienna is gone)." ]	2
	[WP] The roles of animals and humans are swapped and its considered a normal thing. Except, one human learns that they can be intelligent and tries to start a rebellion.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "In a slow manner the sun was diving behind the horizon. Discrete rays of orange were its last act of defiance, right before the moon took over the podium. On it there was only one lonely marionette - a human farm.\n\n\nStretching his paws, Mitch got up from his slumber on the porch. Mitch was of the black wolves, a pack that dedicated their life to breeding the most quality caucasian humans and making various delicacies out of their meat. \n\n\nHe was old and tired but enjoyed the life there. Lonely in the mountain, far away from the crowded faunas. The only company he had there was his bitch Ellena, which was busy in the kitchen. She was cooking her specialty, roasted human ribs. Mitch pawpicked the human that was slaughtered for that special occasion. It wasn't more than 20 months old, its meat is going to be delicious. The old wolf loved when the meat would stick to his paws and he had to lick it off. Dinner was something he looked forward to, after which the two of them would go ahowl at the full moon until bed time. But before all of that, he needed to go and inspect the barns to make sure everything was in order and his humans were well fed. \n\n\nHe was worried about that blonde male. The past few days it was refusing to eat any food. If it didn't get better, tomorrow he would have to force feed it with help from his wife. Mitch would keep the human's mouth open by force and Ellena would put food into its mouth and shove it down with a wooden stick until it swallowed. That blondie will get us a good deal, he thought, that is if it manages to stay alive. Mitch never understood why blonde caucasian human meat was so precious, for him it was a meat like any other. \n\n\nOn his way to the barn the wolf remembered a fable story his father told him once. In the times of old, in a land far away where humans were able to talk. In a barn full of humans, one human stood up and tried to convince all others how the colour of their blood was blue. Those who believed him gathered together and slaughtered all the other humans in the barn. The owner of the farm, furious, gathered all of his farmpups and ordered them to cut off every single human tongue. Since then, their tongues were removed upon birth. Though he wasn't always following the tradition, human tongues such as the one his blondie has were very valuable, though illegal.\n\n\nWith that story unwrapping in his head, Mitch was getting closer to the barn. Suddenly his dull senses managed to pick some strange fuss from inside the barn. For a moment it seemed like he could hear a whispery murmur inside. The wolf stopped for a moment and strained his ears in order to hear better but there was only silence. When he walked inside, everything seemed normal. Most of the humans were sleeping, only a few were awake, using their hands and feet to fend off tireless flies. Looking around, he couldn't see his blonde chunk of meat. Squirming around he saw it in the corner, defecating. Good news he thought, that means it started to eat. He came forward and scratched its ears for a moment. When he was done, Mitch patted it on the head and left. On his way back to the house den, he heard that strange murmur again. He stopped but it was already gone.\n\n\n\"We almost got caught this time, we need to be more careful. Remember that is our only advantage, them not knowing.\" Said the blonde male in a very silent but serious tone.\n\n\nGetting back to the den, Mitch climbed the porch and joined Ellena, who was licking her paws.\n\n\n\"What is going on my dear?\" Ellena asked.\n\n\nWhile locking his look on the barn in the distance, Mitch replied.\n\n\n\"Those humans are up to something!\"" ]	2
	[WP] after a long lived life you pass peacefully in sleep, you arrive in a room filled with every different version of yourself from every phase of your life and are told by an angel that you cannot go to heaven until you’ve made peace with every version of yourself.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Mobile, forgive me.\n\n“You’re bigger than you think you are. Trust me, I know.” I had been talking to him for a few minutes, but I could still hardly get him to look me in the eye. He hid behind his bangs and stared at the floor.\n\n“The people here, they don’t like me.” He said, his voice quiet and broken. \n\n“They don’t know you. YOU don’t know you. You’ll never believe who you are going to grow up to be. It’s going to take time, and a lot of work, but people you don’t even know will be proud of you. You’re a hell of a lot more than your fathers son.” \n\nThe young boy of 16 looked up at me and smiled. He faded away. I turned to the next in the room. He was taller, hair longer, and slightly more confident but somehow more defeated.\n\n“I thought I found my place,” he said, “But I don’t belong here. I love my friends but everything I do feels empty.”\n\nI smiled at him, knowing his pain and knowing that dawn was just on the horizon for him. “It’s okay to go home. We don’t all walk the same path, but we all have to walk. Now it’s time to get used to picking yourself up, because you’re going to have to do it again.”\n\n18 year old me faded away. I turned to the next one, a young man. His hair was short, he stood tall and wore a jacket with a patch indicating volunteer service to his community. When he looked at me I could see in his eyes something war still wrong.\n\n“I’m stuck,” He said to me, “I can’t get out of here. I don’t even know if this is what I want to do anymore.” \n\nI put my hand on his shoulder and squeezed, “You lost your way again, but you were on the right track just stick with it. You know who you are and what you are meant to be but you have to keep pushing.”\n\nHe nodded, and faded away with a look of determination. I turned the the next man. He wore a plain blue uniform with no insignia. It hadn’t been long, but his hair was gone and he was on his knees.\n\n“I remember you,” I said, “As if I was you yesterday.”\n\nHe looked up at me with red eyes, tears glistened on his cheeks. “I’m not strong enough for this,” he shook his head, “I thought this was who I was meant to be but it’s not. I can’t do it.”\n\n“Yeah,” I reached down and he grabbed each other’s wrists, “you can.” He waited for a moment, but I didn’t move. \n\n“Help me up.” He said. \n\nI smiled at him, “Look who you’re asking.” He understood, and pushed with legs shaky from exertion. “Good, now stay up this time.”\n\nThe young man turned away from me to face a shadow of a former mentor looming over him. The shadow spoke to him, “Do you know JFK?,” he asked, “He was the poster child for ADHD. I’m not asking you to be the president, I’m asking you to be a fireman. Do you think you can do that for me?”\n\nThe cadet looked at me over his shoulder, smiled, and faded away.\n\nThen he appeared. Standing tall in a crisp blue uniform. His boots were shined, his badge polished and his bell cap sat firmly on his brow. “We did it.” He said to me.\n\n“We did!” I embraced myself, “Now it’s time to carry this family name.”\n\n“It’s a little heavy.”\n\n“Yeah, I know.”\n\n“Got any advice for me?” He asked.\n\nI shook my head, “No. To be honest I’m...pretty much where you are....” I watched in confusion as the fireman faded away before me. Something wasn’t right. When I appeared in this room I knew what I had to do but the order was wrong. There was meant to be more.\n\n“Kid.” A voice from behind me sounded out. I turned around, startled. It was me, but his face was beginning to crease with the signs of age. “It’s your turn.”\n\nI looked around to see if this was some sort of mistake, but it was just the two of us. “What do I need to do?” \n\nHe stepped forward and grabbed me under the arm so hard it hurt. “Survive.”\n\n“We got him!” Someone shouted. Suddenly coming to I gasped for air. I could see flames and debris. My PASS alarm was wailing and I was being dragged through thick black smoke by two brothers I had never met. \n\n“Hang in there dude we’ve got you!” The second fireman said as he connected my air pack to a spare cylinder just as my mask began to suck to my face. I tried to right myself but something was broken.\n\nI saw light, and in that Instant another four sets of hands grabbed my smoking turnout gear and pulled me away from the buildings entrance. Then I heard his voice, “Because your going to have to do it again.”" ]	2
	[WP] Each person is born with a type of magic that is one of the colors of the visible light spectrum with each color having its own abilities. The thing is, you were born with white magic.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Narinda was not the first person to have all seven types of magic but she was the first person to be born with white as her colour. Others had gained it through study but she had it innately. She still had to study fire, necromancy and illusions, the magics of infrared, black and ultraviolet respectively but since she was old enough to be allowed access to her magic she had been able to use the healing of white, the summoning of red, the transmutation of orange, the alchemy of yellow, the animal speech of green, the metamagic of blue, the creation of indigo and the enchantment of violet.\n\nHer natural talents meant there were only three areas of study she had to undergo to be considered an Arch mage although she also sought to master Earth, Air and Water. She was a quick study and a willing student as a consequence of being born a white mage. It also meant she had an overabundance of compassion and would seek to heal anyone she could.\n\nShe attained the rank as fast as was legal then rose to become head of the healers guild where she would influence the way their operation was conducted for generations to come. She was the one that developed the protocols for dealing with what people had previously considered monsters but were really just the people of the forest, the swamp and the desert. She lived a long and fruitful life always doing the most good for the most people that she could before she died in her sleep of old age." ]	2
	[WP] You play a game of would you rather and choose knowing your death day over knowing the method of your death. However, the day comes and passes and you are 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I've made it a ritual, ending my evening every day for the last three years, finishing off a twelve pack and watching old public TV programs from the '50s and '60s until I fall asleep. The same shows come on at the same time every day, and the repetitive monotony of the whole thing helps me calm my nerves before I sleep. However, tonight will be different.\n\nOn a fateful day some ten years ago, back in high school, me and some buddies broke into the old abandoned church outside of town to throw a party. Drinks, weed, loud music, the works. We were never popular enough to throw a big rager, but some classmates still showed up nonetheless. \n\nLater in the evening, a lot of the rabble cleared out and it was just me and my friends, for the most part. Sometime around 2AM, it was down to me and three of my closest buddies. \n\nLogan was the one with the crazy ideas. Naturally, the whole party was his idea. Marie and Jake were two of my oldest friends, being neighbors from down the block. We rode the bus to school every day together, beginning with the first day of kindergarten. Some time in the year before the party, Jake asked Marie to be his date at Prom, and they were in an inseparable romance ever since. I never told them, but I became jealous of their relationship, since their time spent together had begun to push me away.\n\nWith everyone else gone, we decided to explore the dusty old chapel. Armed with cell phone screens set to maximum brightness, we explored the decrepit, lifeless hallways and came upon a heavy wooden door, covered in unskilled graffiti. Descending down some damp stone stairs thick with dust, we were drawn to a room containing some of the old altar candles, and a great shattered mirror, covered in fabric.\n\nMy friend Logan took out his lighter and started on the candles, eventually getting to them all and leaving the stone-walled room awash in dancing orange light, and arranging them in a wide circle around the small room. Maria took a large bolt of cloth loosely hanging in front of the mirror, and placed it over the pile of refuse and litter in the center of the room. Removing the cloth revealed some additional graffiti painted on the wood behind the shattered glass of the mirror. In the center of the mess, a symbol was painted. Logan said it was probably an anarchy club that painted their logo. In hindsight, I thought it sort of looked like a pentagram.\n\nLogan sat down on the cloth surrounded by the candles. My friends and I followed suit, and we just chatted about any old topic that came into our heads, as good friends do. Future prospects, fellow classmates and their antics, miscellaneous stupid things.\n\nBefore long, we started off a game of \"would you rather.\" It was something we often did on the bus home from school. There weren't really any rules between us with who asked and answered, it was always just on a whim. Logan started by asking both Maria and Jake, \"Would you rather live in poverty but stay together, or be millionaires, but never see each other again?\" Even I knew what both of their answers would be before they spoke, and they immediately agreed that they would rather be together. Jake then asked Logan, \"would you rather know how you die, or the exact date of your death?\" \n\nLogan thought for a moment, and replied without much thought that he would rather know how he died. We paused for a short moment, and then he asked me the same question. I knew if i would know how I would die, I would spend every waking moment thinking about it, not knowing when it would happen. I decided that knowing the date wouldn't be as bad, since I could save all the worry until the end. With the game getting dark and us getting tired, we decided to end it and head back to our cars.\n\nAt that moment, a cold draft blew through the room and extinguished a few of the candles. Ominously, only four candles remained lit, one behind each of us. In a hurry to get out of the room, Logan slipped and landed in a pile of garbage near the door. grunting in pain as he got up, a rusty hypodermic needle hung flaccidly from his upper forearm. Wide eyed and sick to his stomach, he desperately tore it out and threw it onto the floor as we all sprinted out of the basement as fast as our legs could carry us. We all drove home and never spoke of that night with each other again.\n\nFor the most part, I couldn't stop thinking about what happened that night. Things were a blur for me for awhile after that. Except for one event in particular. A great uncle of mine had passed away the day after the party, and had left me an inheritance. I hadn't even known the man, but he was wealthy and had a little something for most of my family members. I had received a Rolex, from the 1940's. The note he left had said that while it was broken, it still had considerable value were I to sell it. As I opened the crusty old box, I didn't notice the gold strap, or the diamonds set into the face. My focus was entirely captured on the unmoving hands. Stuck at 3:03 and 19 seconds. 3/03/19. Fuck.\n\nMy last summer before senior year of high school began a couple of weeks after the party. I became somewhat anxious, with the date from the watch hanging over my head. Ten years from now. I wasn't always superstitious, but that night left me feeling different ever since I left that room. But, as the school year progressed. I began to forget. My friends and I began to grow apart, as well.\n\nAbout halfway through summer, Jake had gotten Maria pregnant. They both came from religious families, so abortion was off the table. As school began and Maria's belly began to swell larger and larger, it became apparent even to the students that it wasn't going to be a normal pregnancy. Maria dropped out of school, and Jake's grades suffered greatly. When the time came for childbirth, by some miracle she had given birth to triplets. She had plans to adopt, but decided against it while holding her three newborn children for the first time. Jake's family had disowned him when they found out about the pregnancy, and so they moved in with Maria's mother, herself a poor single mom. As far as I know, they both still live there.\n\nAfter all that, some part of me knew, my life was over then the date matched the time on that watch. What sealed the deal was what happened to Logan.\n\nA year later, I decided to take a year off between high school and college to go travelling. With my parents' help, I sold that watch at auction for a hundred thousand dollars. I went backpacking around Europe, spending a lot of it walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. It gave me a lot of time to think, and I decided that it would be ridiculous to put so much energy into worrying about such a ridiculous, self-made death prophecy.\n\nWhen I came home, Logan invited me to come party with him at his frat house. He picked me up in a new sports car and caught me up on things that happened since high school. When we got to the house, he showed me around the place, boasting about all his cool new gadgets and expensive toys. When we got to his room, I noticed a tupperware container stocked full of blue pills peeking out from under his bed. Heading back to the living room, I met some of his college friends, and we had a big beer fueled party that night.\n\nLogan brought me back home the next day, and we said our goodbyes. The following morning, I found out on the news that there was a DEA raid on his frat house, and that a major local drug dealer was killed in the operation. It was Logan, who had been selling adderall to many of the college students on campus, and was thought to be carrying a weapon by the officer who shot him. He wasn't.\n\nLogan's drugs had gotten him killed. Jake and Mary are destitute. I thought about donating some of the money from the Rolex to them at some point, but I couldn't help but think that they had a part in signing my own death warrant. I couldn't even bear the thought of seeing them again after Logan.\n\nI began a speedy spiral into depression. I did decently enough in High school to get into a local college, but what was the point if I was going to die in eight years anyways? I had enough money to live decently. I still lived at home too, so my expenses were low.\n\nWeeks turned to months, and months to years. Eventually, my parents kicked me out in an attempt to get me on my feet. Knowing I had the watch money to help, I was cut off as well. My depression had only worsened, and my fortune whittled away year by year. I didn't work. I didn't date. I didn't meet new friends. I didn't do much of anything in particular. I counted days off on the calendar until my time was inevitably up.\n\nI learned through a lawyer in 2017 that my parents died in a plane crash. The revelation rocked my world, but I was relieved that they wouldn't be around to see me die. They had also received an inheritance from my great uncle, but I decided to donate the majority of it away since I wouldn't be around to use it for much longer. With the remainder, I spent it on simple pleasures to keep me placated and to keep my mind off of the ever looming date.\n\nCONTINUED IN FIRST COMMENT" ]	2
(Half-and-half form: Michael J Fox in *Teen Wolf* or the druid from *Diablo II* in werewolf form.)	[WP] The alpha of your werewolf pack has only ever been seen in their half-and-half form, never fully canine. You just found out 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "PART ONE\n\nSome may say I am stark raving mad. A lunatic. Maybe I am. But that hasn’t stopped me from pining over the one male in our pack that is completely out of my league. I am also twenty-seven years old, and I’ve been told on too many occasions that if I don’t accept a mate soon, one will be selected for me. And do you want to know who said that? The same male I’ve been pining over my whole life. How’s that for mental?\n\nI never ever doubted my ability to flirt. Why should I? A well placed dip of the shoulder that allowed just that little bit more cleavage to be seen or a flirtatious wiggle of my shapely backside, and I have every unattached male within three packs sniffing around my tail. But none of them is him. Ludo.\n\nSo why isn’t he picking up what I’m laying down? At first, I thought it was because he was ashamed of his limited shape. Because he never ever went full wolf. Not once. Nor did he go full human either. The pack had found him three or four decades ago, and something about him caught our old chief’s eye and he was more or less adopted into our pack instead of killed on sight. \n\nWhen Dusto started coughing up blood about eighteen months later, he slowly withdrew from the pack, spending more and more time in bed. We all smelt the death that clung to his bones at that point. \n\nSome of the younger wolves had stupidly thought this would be the perfect moment to take Dusto’s position by force and ran afoul of Hurricane Ludo. Three wolves were torn to pieces on the spot in as many seconds and six others badly injured before the retreat was sounded. Only Dusto’s hacking command for Ludo to stand down kept the massive werewolf from going after those he’d considered traitors. \n\nIn the months before his death, Dusto continued to lead the pack through his enforcer, Ludo.\n\nThen the sickness finally took Dusto, and Ludo stepped into the top spot. He’s been there ever since. \n\nNo one was foolish enough to mess with Ludo. Even I am careful with my flirtations, less he takes offence to them. The weird thing is, he never goes to full canine, yet he’s able to keep up with the pack whilst running on two legs. What’s even funnier? He does it with his pants on! That’s right. He never ever takes them off. At least, not that anyone in the pack has ever seen. I know. I’ve asked around.\n\nThe mystery intrigues me as much as the man-wolf does. I want him to see me. I want him to want me.\n\nSo how do I do that, when he shows no interest in any of the females, me included?\n\nMost of the others have quit and found mates elsewhere, accepting things as inevitable.\n\nI’m the stubborn holdout.\n\nAnd I want him.\n\nI look at the young teenagers who vie for his attention and laugh at their childish efforts. Haven’t they realised that I and dozens like me have all tried that schtick and more already? As always, Ludo surrounds himself with the single males of the pack and uses the girls’ flirtation as a way of getting them aroused. It then amuses him to watch the girls run away squealing as the males give lustful chase.\n\nLudo’s an u-k-sha-na like that. But he’s my u-k-sha-na. He just doesn’t know it yet.\n\nI’ve learned to be subtle. But maybe I’ve been too subtle. Ludo noticed I haven’t taken a mate yet, and mentioned that I should’ve years ago. He’s even given me an ultimatum: find a mate by the next full moon, accept whoever he gives me to at the end of that period, or leave the pack and never return.\n\nFine. Challenge accepted. \n\nLudo doesn’t let anyone in his house. He’s even gone as far as to station enforcers of his own on the only door to keep everyone out. But that will not stop me.\n\nMy claws are sharp and long, and I’ve been tunnelling into the back of his house for the better part of a week. This is either going to get me killed, or get me the wolf of my dreams. I broke through a few minutes ago, my claws scraping against the foundation of his cabin one last time before they found no resistance. I make the hole bigger, delight at my success making me giddy. I poke my nose up through the floorboards, taking my first sniff of his private space. It smells of him, and something else. Something I can’t name. It’s certainly very warm in his cabin. Toasty warm. Our pups will never have to worry about the winter chill if this is how he preferred to live.\n\nI make the opening a little bigger and push my head through. The warmth in the room is in direct contrast to the winter outside, and it’s got my blood tingling and my heart racing. Success is so close that I can’t help myself; I whine and surge forward, pushing and squeezing and shoving myself through the tiny hole. My shoulders are the hardest, but after I roll a dozen times, I manage to get both bones through the gap. Next came my forepaws, which I wedge against the rim of the hole, pushing with all my might as the rest of me squirms and squeezes. \n\nDainty it isn’t, but this isn’t a dainty mission." ]	2
	[WP] You are a newly established God in a world without mountains, as you accidently removed them all when you got drunk last night	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Just look at him. What was Kadesh thinking when he let this mortal ascend?” \n\nSuch kind words to wake up to. I groaned as I realized the feeling of a splitting headache, and sensed a brick in the street poking into my back. \n\n“Only Father knows at this point. As if he’s around to say.”\n\nThat first voice sounded familiar. I cracked open my eyes and as they adjusted to the light, I recognized the light blond curls of Darmeena. What was her realm again? Youth? Beauty? Maybe homesteading? I couldn’t think straight with this absurd headache. \n\nDarmeena noticed my stirring. “Ah, finally. It seems we haven’t witnessed the death of a god.”\n\nI turned to see who she spoke to, and saw the familiar face of Alessandra, goddess of the arts. We knew each other quite well, as some of our worshippers tended to overlap. \n\n“Good morning, Ausonius. Or should I say afternoon? Happy to see you haven’t drank yourself into a sort of cosmic nap,” Alessandra quipped. \n\n“Although you may as well at this point,” added Darmeena. \n\nI sat up and squinted through the light to look at Darmeena. “Odd recommendation for the goddess of hard work.”\n\nShe looked offended. “I’m the goddess of fertility, you walnut.”\n\nMy mind went obvious places. \n\n“Not just that kind, she said, deeply annoyed. “I bless crops and the weather and such too.”\n\nI smiled through my headache, “Would be awful nice if you blessed my bed sometime!”\n\nShe stormed off, leaving Alessandra with me. I looked around and realized I was in an alley, somewhere around the middle level of our fair, godly city. What was this place called again? Ambrosia? Something divine-sounding like that.\n\n Alessandra looked at me, her amber eyes studying my face, as the bottom of her elaborate, painfully colorful robe swayed with the breeze. “Do you remember anything from last night?” she asked. \n\n“I remember my ascension party being pretty fun.” And indeed it was. The major gods had recently realized their realms were a bit “generalized” as they had put it, and had begun selecting certain exemplary mortals to govern different aspects of life. Alessandra had been a great artist in her past life, and upon her death was granted the choice to become the goddess of that realm. She seized the opportunity and now enjoyed the company of gods and every divine creature you could imagine, along with the most fabulous food the Hall of Lords could offer us. And did I mention immortality for the rest of time? Yes, she was enjoying that as well, as it gave her all the time she needed to perfect whatever art she chose. \n\nIn my mortal life, I’d been a bit of a “wild guy.” My father had collected a fortune and after his death, I’d used it to host some of the greatest and most legendary parties the world had ever seen. Wine, women, food, games, and any other aspect of drunken debauchery was my specialty, though it proved to be my end. I ended up drunkenly trying to descend the stairs of my home and took a fall. I broke my neck and was given my opportunity to rule the realms of wine, wild parties, and debauchery—which I must say was not a bad deal. I ascended last night, and what better way to celebrate than with the wildest party yet? But I digress. \n\nAlessandra seemed to stare through me. “You really don’t remember anything past that?”\n\n“If I could I would probably know what you’re so clearly upset over.”\n\n“Ah. Well you’re definitely in for a rough first day of godhood. Kadesh wants to see you at the hall, and I’d go over there right now if I were you.” With that, she turned around and walked off down the street, probably to go paint or something. \n\nI got up and made my way to Hall of Lords, my back still aching from sleeping on that brick. Who knew gods would still have to sleep in a good bed to avoid aches and pains? \n\nI climbed up the steps to the hall and one of the guards noticed me. \n\n“My lord! Ausonius has arrived!” the guard loudly called to Kadesh. \n\nKadesh immediately answered. “That drunken bastard has finally decided to show up? Tell him to get his ass in here before I drop it into the void!” I guess that was my cue to move a bit faster. \n\nI approached the throne and quickly made the decision to be my regular self rather than some hyper respectful suck up, though I did try to be bit more charismatic and smile a bit through the hangover. \n\n“Kadesh, my main man!” I said casually, wearing my biggest smile. “What can I do for you? Alessandra said you had a couple of questions and I—“\n\n“Enough!” he interrupted. “You dare to approach me so casually? After what you did last night?”\n\nOof. Here we go. \n\n“Lord Kadesh, I sincerely have no idea what you’re talking about! I just woke up maybe twenty minutes ago, and being the god of debauchery and wine, I tend to not have the best memory. Perhaps you can help me out?”\n\nKadesh seemed to fume with anger. \n\n“You need help? Let me refresh your memory, then.” \n\nKadesh brought me to a window that overlooked the earth itself, rather than our at our city in the sky. He gestured for me to take a look, and suddenly I understood a bit more. Past a few rivers and forests, a giant crater was clearly where it should not have been. \n\n“Isn’t that where the Grey Mountain should be?” I asked, feeling a bit uncertain. \n\n“Yes,” Kadesh replied, “and yet it is not there! Neither can we find the Blue Mountains, nor Emerald Peak, nor Mount Athor! Even the Great Hill of Avelyn is nowhere to be seen! And yet should you rove about the earth and listen to the rumors of the townsfolk, you shall hear word of a great hand descending from the heavens last night, and plucking those mountains from the earth, as one may pluck an apple from a tree.”\n\nYeah, that was probably me. \n\n“And who do you suspect of the heinous act, Lord Kadesh? It may not be my realm, but I am certainly willing to lend my aid in search of this culprit,” I replied. \n\nHe simply stared at me, his mouth agape. \n\n“Ausonius, do you take me for a fool?”\n\n“Never, Lord Kadesh.”\n\n“Then get out of here and don’t come back until you’ve returned the mountains!”" ]	2
	[WP] After decades of being ridiculed by the population of the world, flat earthers finally find proof. We've been living on an Alderson Disk the entire 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Grant Hassell, better known to his online peeps as TheTruthIsFlat, looked up as an email pinged his inbox. He clicked on the popup link, and blinked at the number of exclamation points that stared back at him.\n\n# IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!! WE HAVE PROOF!!!!!!!!!! THE PROBE GOT PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!! SUCK IT GLOBEHEADS!!!!!!!!!!!!\n\nBefore he could even open the email, a dozen more like it dropped into his inbox. As far as he could tell, they were all forwarding the first one. Checking the username on the original, he settled back with a smile. It had been sent by TheGlobeIsAScam, one of the leading lights in the search for flat-earth truth. \n\nHe had TGIAS to thank for his ongoing membership in the flat-earth community. Whenever Grant or anyone else he knew was stumped by one form or another of globe 'proof', they'd send off an urgent message to TGIAS. Within hours, they'd get an answer back, assuring them that the globe-mongers were wrong, with the format of the answer they should give in return. Sometimes, the answer was simply the very same information that the ball-earthers had claimed was proof of the globe, clarified to show that it actually proved the flat earth.\n\nBut he'd never seen TGIAS so excited. Multiple exclamation points were not the guy's style.\n\nClicking open the link, he accessed a video file. It started, showing a fuzzy camera view, ascending into the air. Then a strange static filled the screen. When it ended, the probe was much higher. Far below was a flat disc, stretching in all directions. Directly under the camera, a curving belt held the oceans and continents of the world; distorted from the 'official' maps, of course, but the globehead sheeple could be manipulated into believing anything.\n\nThe camera tilted, showing a distant glowing sun in the middle of the disc, then the image froze. The calm, charismatic voice of TheGlobeIsAScam emanated from his speakers. \"I have yet to process all the footage from the probe, but this should be sufficient to provide absolute proof that we are living on what is called an Alderson Disk, where the sun is situated in a hole in the middle of the flat earth. Over the course of my observations with the probe, the sun moved up and down through the hole, providing the vaunted 'sunsets' and 'sunrises' that the ball cultists harp on so much.\"\n\nAs he spoke, the probe image was swapped with a wireframe graphic, showing the sun doing exactly what TGIAS had said it would. When the footage ran to an end, he jumped to his feet. \"Woo!\" he shouted. \"Yes!\"\n\n\"Whatcha' watchin', Uncle Grant?\"\n\nHe looked around, to see his six year old niece, Chelsea. Her parents were cool about him living in their basement, so he made sure to be nice to her. \"Oh, hey, Chels. Wanna see something about the truth of the world?\"\n\n\"Sure, Uncle Grant.\" She wandered over as he restarted the footage, and watched carefully.\n\nWhen it was finished, he looked at her excitedly. \"See? They've been lying to us all this time!\"\n\n\"Uh huh.\" She put her finger in her mouth, then took it out. \"Sun goes up an' down like a yo-yo, huh?\"\n\n\"Yeah, honey, it does.\" He was fizzing with excitement. Wait till they started sending this footage out to all the stupid ball-earthers. Already, he could see the counter ticking up on TGIAS' site. \"Why?\"\n\n\"Wanna show you somp'n.\" She took him by the hand and led him toward the basement stairs.\n\n\"Uh, sure, okay.\" He wasn't certain what she was on about, but it didn't matter now that they had guaranteed proof. Following her up the stairs, he allowed her to lead him outside. Shading his eyes, he blinked at the glare. He couldn't even remember the last time he'd been outside.\n\nShe stopped on the front path and looked up at him. \"Sun goes up an' down like a yo-yo, huh, Uncle Grant?\"\n\n\"Sure it does, honeybunch,\" he assured her. \"The camera doesn't lie.\"\n\nShe pointed straight up at the noonday sun. \"Den whassat?\"\n\nHe looked up, and tried to reconcile what he was seeing with the view that he recalled from the probe. But no matter how he worked it, the angles just didn't add up.\n\nBut how? He assured us the footage was genuine.\n\nExcept for the blur of static.\n\nExcept that no official map showed the continents in that shape.\n\nExcept that TheGlobeIsAScam got money from clicks on his site.\n\nCrap.\n\nVery, very slowly, he facepalmed." ]	2
	[WP] Once, long ago Vampires were feared creatures hunting people for sport and sustenance alike. Today, nearly all are captives of humanity, their bodies and fluids harvested and processed for their advanced regenerative, curative and stimulant properties. Indeed, now predator has become the prey.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "George smoothly gestured to the crowd, he had practiced this dozens of times leading up to the TEDVamp conference, “there has to be a more humane way.” He glanced at the digital countdown timer at his feet, ten minutes and thirty four seconds remaining. He continued, “I firmly believed that, and I urged my team to rise to the challenge.”\n\nHe glanced to his left, and then scanned the audience to the right. “We have always feared them, but…” he wiped a tear from his eye, “their screams were agonizing, gut wrenching, and horrible. Many members of my team have been diagnosed with PTSD.”\n\nGeorge gestured to his arm, “We used to believe that they couldn’t feel pain, but their screams are evidence to the contrary. The searing pain caused by the silver band saw blades, ripping them apart limb from limb to be regrown day after day. It was horrible.” He shook his head. “After securing the limbs we would dissolve them in liquefied garlic, dehydrate the solution to a fine powder, and apply that powder in biomedical applications.” \n\nHis gaze shifted to a picture of a smiling African child that was projected behind him, “The work, the sacrifice, it paid off.” George gestured to the photograph, “This is Adzo, she was born without arms, but with the amazing power of de-vamped DNA implants, we were able to give her new arms grown in a matter of hours, but…”\n\nGeorge paused as the next image shot up on the screen, it was a picture of a pale woman, in a dark room, screaming in agonizing pain, her arms were severed, black blood was splattered in all directions, “On the darker side of that coin is Albina, a vampire believed to be more than 2,000 years old. Just as with other vampires, she is immune to antiesthetic and pain killers. Her arms were removed while she was fully conscious, with the agonizing and crude implementation of a silver band saw.” George looked at his feet, shaking his head, and taking a few moments to gain his composure, “I performed this procedure myself, and I…” his voice crackled. The audience was silent.\n\nAn image of a DNA helix was projected behind him as he gazed at the countdown clock, he was eating into his time, but he needed a few moments to gather himself before continuing. He took a few deep breaths. The audience clapped and cheered, encouraging him to continue.\n\n“Thanks to advancements in CRISPR technology we have been able to harvest vampire DNA with only a minimally invasive procedure. With that harvested DNA, we have modified the sequence to our needs, injected it into viral agents, and are able to selectively edit our own genomes for specific traits and organ regrowth. It is a truly revolutionary medical advance that will undoubtedly change the makeup of humanity forever.”\n\nThe audience erupted in cheers. A standing ovation started in the front rows and rapidly manifested itself into the rest of the crowd. George was looking at his feet, shaking his head as he wiped a tear from his eye. He tensed his lips into a humble smile as he lifted his head to stare into the crowd. \n\nThen, with no advanced notice, George’s smile transmuted into a sinister grin, his pupils shrank to pinpoints and then rapidly dilated as the lights of the auditorium suddenly went dark. The crowd went silent and then started to shuffle around in a barely contained panic. George felt his incisors extend smoothly against the outer edge of his lower lips. He could barely contain his salivation as he anticipated the feast.", "“Of course, we will be happy to give you a tour of our facility, Mr Cyprus,” Charles Milford, the head of Florentine Pharmaceuticals’ public relations department gushed, moving almost sideways to keep his VIP visitor in constant view. Mandy Sinclair, the company’s CFO flanked their visitor without saying a word. “Florentine Pharmaceuticals is one of the fastest-growing companies on the eastern seaboard, and it shows no sign of slowing down now that we’ve gone into the public domain.”\n\nThe man they escorted had dark hair and a slender build, but he walked with an air of exotic danger. Almost as if he were a sucker, though neither company executives believed that. For starters, Mr Cyprus had walked through the front doors at midday, and it was a hot Arizona summer outside. The sun was another way to prevent the captive suckers from escaping.\n\nSome had suggested that Daniel Cyprus had fallen into his wealth when he married Carol Niepce two years ago, but no one who'd ever dealt with the man in person ever saw him as being that ‘lucky’. Other rumours implied he was a retired vampire hunter, but again, no one was able to confirm or deny those facts as the Cyprus’ and the Niepces closed ranks around their newest couple.\n\nBottom line, no one challenged this branch of the Cyprus family.\n\nAs they escorted Mr Cyprus through the facility, his eyes swept the room before them, missing nothing. Not the benches of R&D or the staff who stood behind them. Everyone paused as the trio walked past, sensing the importance of this particular visitor.\n\n“I would like to see your donor stores,” Mr Cyprus declared, never once to mince words. “I have heard you possess quite a supply of variant blood sources.”\n\nBoth the PR manager and the CFO bobbed their heads. “Yes, sir, we do,” Mandy said, her fingers dancing across the tablet that she clutched like a shield. “These are the live feeds of the storage facility.”\n\nMr Cyprus pulled up sharply, causing both executives to shoot straight past him and stumble in their haste to backtrack. “Is something the matter, sir?” the PR manager asked.\n\n“Yes. Before I commit my respectable resources to this company, I wish to see for myself in person that the supply will be maintained.”\n\n“Sir, we don’t ordinarily allow visitors to…”\n\n“I am about to purchase hundreds of billions of shares in this company, all of which will become worthless if the supply can’t be maintained for any reason. Either I see the stock for myself, or you can explain to your chairman why this deal fell through.”\n\nBoth executives’ eyes widened. “Of course, sir,” Mandy quickly replied, scowling at the PR manager who was also attempting to placate the wealthy businessman. “This way.”\n\nIt took almost an hour to arrive at the innermost working of the facility, but the look on Mr Cyprus’ face as he was led down the lines of incubation tubes that held the vampires in a permanent state of sleep made the journey worthwhile. “What does this mean?” he asked, tapping the console attached to the nearest tube.\n\n“This is a list of what was taken from them, and when, sir. This one has supplied a heart and both kidneys in the last two days, so we won’t be able to harvest any more organs from him until next week. This column here is the amount of blood that’s been siphoned and how much more he has to give before that too reaches a critical level. It would be a lot easier to manage the suckers if we knew how they made more.” Both executives laughed weakly at that joke, but Mr Cyprus wasn’t amused.\n\nHe spent the next three hours walking up and down each of the corridors that led to where even more of those clear cylinders were found. Twice he stopped and said more or less exactly what the executives had told him, as if to confirm his understanding of the process.\n\nAt the end of the tour, the executives returned him to the front foyer, where his driver and security detail awaited. “Is there anything you wish me to forward on to the chairman?” Mandy asked as the detail took their place, surrounding their employer and escorting him from the building.\n\nMr Cyprus paused in the doorway. “Tell him I am very impressed and that my people will be in touch. I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”\n\nMandy clenched her fist in silent victory and both executives grinned happily at each other. With Cyprus Industries joining them, the sky was the limit and they’d soon be international.\n\n\\* \\* \\*\n\nAs both of Daniel Cyprus’ Lincolns pulled away from the curve, the man himself leaned forward and tapped a button on the back of the driver’s passenger seat, then sat back to await a reply. The connection pulsed twice, before an excited woman with bright ginger locks and matching freckles filled the screen.\n\n“How’d it go?” the love of his life demanded, foregoing all pleasantries. Given that this project was entirely her idea, her enthusiasm was understandable.\n\n“I saw them,” he said, nodding in confirmation. “They have over two hundred and fifty vampires of various ages, with more tubes of stock arriving every month.”\n\n“And?”\n\nDaniel took the time to pour himself a half finger of scotch, knowing the wait would kill her.\n\n“Dammit, Dan! Will it work, or won’t it?” Carol was practically bouncing out of her skin with red-headed impatience.\n\nDaniel chuckled darkly, allowing his ancient fangs to slide free. “Yes, poppet. By having what we need on tap and drinking from multiple sources located in exactly the same place, I will no longer have to hunt and kill other vampires to survive.”\n\nCarol popped her own, much newer fangs as delight surged through her. “Hurry home, baby. We have a lot to celebrate.”\n\n“Indeed we do, poppet. Indeed we do.”\n\nFor without the need to hunt, Daniel Cyprus was no longer in any jeopardy of losing his humanity. At all. He and his beloved wife would continue on as they had, in a perpetual honeymoon phase of their marriage.\n\nBecause unbeknownst to them, the modern world had just made it a lot easier for the oldest and most powerful vampire in the world to continue existing, and the humans who tended his meals would never be any the wiser.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFor more of my work: [r/Angel466](https://www.reddit.com/r/Angel466/)" ]	3
	[WP] Everyday your enchanted bag has given you the weapon you need to survive. Today's weapon? Bob Ross' almighty fan brush.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "One time, it was a box of floss. It took me a bit too long to solve that day’s puzzle, and the penalty was harsh. Garroting a target as high value as the senator worked in my favor, at least.\n\n\nAs I stare at the brush in my hand, I fear it’ll be another one of those days. I tie the velvet, drawstring pouch back against my belt. I miss when I could still pull out guns. I feel my heart grow weary with longing.\n\n\nI look out over the city skyline from my rooftop perch. It’s not a bad place for a nap, on a sunny day like this, but it’s a terrible place to figure out how to use this brush. A grappling hook, now that would have been pleasing. I still haven’t pulled one, you know. The closest I’ve come was a busted harpoon gun last March.\n\n\nI swing open the balcony doors, pocketing the brush in my jacket. For all the time I spent training to blend through crowds and infiltrate bases, my only wish right now is that I knew a bit more about art. Maybe I am supposed to paint something so grotesque, a schoolmarm pukes her guts up. Or maybe I was supposed to vandalize a masterpiece, giving the creator a heart attack. I could always try to splinter the wood and make a shank but I am on thin ice for such uncreative killings.\n\n\nChoking? Maybe. Painting myself in blood? Terrifying, but not murdery enough for Trickster’s taste. He liked stealthy kills, and far be it from me to disappoint the one force keeping the gods from Striking me.\n\n\nMaybe I could use the brush like a spin stick. It could make an OK tourniquet, where a few spins too far would let me suffocate a hapless victim. Sadly, I’d already done that with a clay cutter.\n\n\nMysterious as the weapon choice felt, I was starting to buck up a bit since the first pull. \n\n\nAt the bottom of the building’s rooftop staircase was an elevator requiring a key. I pulled it easily from the murdered guard I had left there yesterday. The bloated body was already starting to smell, but he hadn’t snitched overnight about it. Who else would? The fork jabbed into his eyesocket had already vanished into the sunrise, as all of magic weapons did. A quiet ride took me down the building.\n\n\nAt the first floor of the complex, I strolled out like I owned the place. I hadn’t been able to get the executive I was after, but I was still alive and invincible. That was enough to be thankful for.\n\n\nIt couldn’t have been too long now before I hit the record. That’s why I had been given so many strange weapons lately, right?\n\n—-\n\nI took a quick break to sit at a McDonalds and people watch. Observation has been one of my best tools for opportunistic kills- there’s always a chance I can find someone alone to stalk.\n\n\nI order a black coffee, one of the few foods I can still eat without side effects. The pouch at my belt jangles with the sudden appearance of money- enough to finish the transaction without worry. I must say, it’s convenient having the right amount of cash always on hand. I can’t spend it on anything for myself though- it only works for what Trickster called “business expenses.”\n\n\nI sit in a battered, plastic booth, cursing my luck for all its worth. Most of the chairs are empty, but the line for food clogs up the front lobby. God, humans are so pathetic. I scowl as I watch the crowd. Remembering my manners, I flick on a pair of sunglasses. Best not to look like I’m staring.\n\n\nI spy a little family of tourists feuding over each other’s attention. A gruff business-type, on an early lunch I wager, collects a greasy bag. An elderly, black couple with what must be their oldest daughter in tow places an order with the harried cashier.\n\n\n...hello, I think. A hobo clasps as many ketchup packets into his pockets before somebody shouts him away. He skitters into the street, trailing plastic packets behind.\n\n\nI collect my coffee, grab a few packets myself, and head out to follow him.\n\n\n—-\n\nIt’s not a long chase through the city. He moves at a glacial speed when nobody’s following him, and even in a city of unwashed masses his unique brand of filth makes him stand out.\n\n\nI stop a few paces behind him. His furtive, paranoid glances have even me feeling leery. He must have noticed me by now- but he elects only to dart in a side alleyway. I can tell he wants to rob me blind.\n\n\nHe’ll get more than he bargained for, if my dinky brush has anything to say about it.\n\n\nI pivot the corner in time to catch him mid-preparedness. He drops his switchblade with a start. He bends to snatch it, feels it slip between his grasp, then collects it. In that time I could have had him in a full nelson, or run away. I don’t.\n\n\n“Y-your money or your life,” he stumbles through yellow teeth. Oh, honey.\n\n\n“How about something else instead,” I grin. I raise the brush from my pocket. “Let’s paint.”\n\n\nHe watches with a dead man’s bloodshot eyes. Sheesh, he really didn’t have a chance against anybody.\n\n\n“I mean it,” I hum. “Take out that ketchup. We’ll paint a picture. If it’s any good, I’ll buy you a beer and dinner. Would you like that?”\n\n\n“...your wallet,” he grunts. “Sh-show me.”\n\n\nI shrug, hoping to feel one drop into existence within the pouch. It doesn’t.\n\n\n“...l-liar,” he grumbles. In a swift motion, I grab his coat and flick the blade from his hand.\n\n\n“Now that’s no way to help a friend, hmm,” I snort. The man struggles, but my hands keep a good grip. He bites on my arm, drawing blood. If I could still die of disease, I’d be afraid of catching something. “We’re going to make some niiiiiice pictures together.”\n\n\nResigned to his fate, he coils up. I drag him deeper in the alley.\n\n—-\n\nIt took me a few tries. I ended up siphoning more of my own blood to finish the job, but what stands before me is a respectable canvas of chaos. The wall of this public bathroom is officially, fucked. \n\n\nI drape a scratched tarp over the wall. Now all I need is for somebody to come inside.\n\n\nI get my shot when a blonde man walks in, all alone. You’d think a pretty boy could learn not to go where the crazies hide, but that’s his loss. He looks in need of a shower and a shave, but I don’t discriminate. Judging by his wire-thin frame and tatty backpack, it seems he needs a bit of my attitude in his life. Thank goodness he’ll be getting it in his death.\n\n\nThe urinals are jammed with TP, so he picks a relatively clean stall towards the back while I wash my hands. I let the hobo go a while ago, so it’s just us.\n\n\nListening for a flush, I draw the final line of ketchup in the ground. Then, I block the door with an overturned trash can. At the close of my ceremonies, the separated fan of the brush rests in my hands.\n\n\nThe guy comes out, and I’m admittedly disappointed that he misses the wall. As he cleans his hands, however, he cannot remain so calm. The reflection in the mirror gives him quite the start.\n\n\n“Like my work?” I sneer.\n\n\nHis eyes flick between me and the picture. Along the back wall is a mural of my many, grisly murders. Making it was somewhat therapeutic, I have to admit. The best one is the stick figure of me sitting on a pile of cooked bodies. That was the tazer day.\n\n\n“...I’m going to leave now,” he announces. “Don’t make me use this.”\n\n\nHe pulls a half empty bottle from his bag. He brandishes it like a club.\n\n\n“Oh, don’t worry,” I promise. “I won’t hurt you at all. As long as... you don’t step over this line.” I point to the ketchup line that trails all along the hallway’s exit. He can’t leave without approaching me.\n\n\n“...you’re a sick fuck,” he spits out. He reaches for a flip phone at his side.\n\n\n“I wouldn’t be so mean, in your shoes,” I note.\n\n\nHe dials the obvious number, 911. In a stone building like this, though, I rejoice at the sound of a vacant dial tone.\n\n\n“...somebody... somebody will come in,” my victim squeaks. “You... you...”\n\n\n“You can take your chances. But I mean what I say- and I say you’ll be fine, if you don’t cross this line.”\n\n\nWe wait.\n\n\n—-\n\n\nWhen he makes his dash, it’s entirely too orchestrated. Despite his wary nature, I can smell his callow attitude. A calculated smack brings him to his shins, a follow up and a launched knee send him to his back. I pin him with both legs and shove the elongated fan of the brush down his mouth. The texture is indescribably pure.\n\n\n“MMMM!” He protests, wriggling helplessly. There’s a long of energy, but it’s all pent up aggression. Soon it’s all he can do to breathe through his nose as I apply pressure. \n\n\n“You’re lucky,” I tell him, as I’ve told every victim before their heroic sacrifice to my cause. “Not everyone gets the chance to know what heaven is. And you’re enjoy it. They love artsy types up there,” I promise.\n\n\nThe broken halves of the brush slide delicately up his nostrils. \n\n\nHe gasps.\n\n\nHe squirms.\n\n\nIt ends.\n\n\nI smile, rising from the corpse. The overworked cops will write this off as a schizo’s messed up suicide pact. Maybe they’ll even blame my string of recent murders on him!\n\n\nI wash my hands, thinking of how I’d like to spend this evening. A relaxing stroll through the public museum feels appropriate. \n\n\nTrickster’s voice wings out through time and space into my ears. He approves.", "I twirled the brush in my hands idly as I wondered what adventure the bag was taking me on today. Goblins, giants, witches-- I'd seen it all, thanks to the satchel at my side. It produced maps with marked spots where treasure lay, armor imbued with secret magicks, and, of course, the perfect weapon with which to finish the job.\n\nBut today, all it provided me with was a brush and a few vials of thick, colorful paints.\n\nThe brush was soft, and I ran my fingers along its edge absentmindedly as I walked along a babbling stream. The named burned into its handle was unfamiliar, so I turned it over in my mind wondering what it could mean. Is it the name of my foe? A victim? Perhaps it isn't a name at all, but a spell to whisper in the monsters ear, ending its reign of terror.\n\nAs I walked, distracted, I nearly tripped over an old man relaxing peacefully on the grassy shore. I jumped to the side with the dexterity of a seasoned warrior, but still gasped from the shock of how close I was to hurting him. He looked extremely fragile, like the slight breeze from my jump could puncture his delicate skin.\n\n\"Um..um..\" I stumbled, trying to find a respectful title for the man. He didn't look noble, but not destitute either. He was old, but not a priest like most other elders. \"Um..Grandfather? Are you alright?\"\n\nAs if seeing me for the first time, the man startled. \"Oh! Darling, there's no need to call me that. I'm not the politeness police.\" He laughed at his own joke, a wheezy, airy laugh like wind through a grass door. \"I am Mako. You may call me Mako.\"\n\n\"Mako..\" I repeated back respectfully, but my thoughts had already gone back to the paintbrush. He was not the owner of the mysterious name. Again, I ran my fingers across the bristles.\n\n\"Oh! What a lovely paintbrush. Do you paint?\" Mako raised a trembling hand to me, palm up. Instinctually, I handed him the brush-- and then kicked myself for letting go of my bag's precious gift. \"Um..be careful, it might be..\" I stuttered, wincing as I imagined a dangerous magic consuming the poor man. Some weapons are particular about their wielders.\n\nBut no judgemental flame came from the brush. No, instead, the man delicately smoothed the bristles, balanced the handle in his palm, and handed it back to me. \"It's a good shape,\" he smiled. \"A very versatile instrument.\" He turned back to the brook, eyes focused on the swirling water.\n\nI paused. The man seemed to know quite a bit about painting. Perhaps he could help me find the brush's purpose. \"Excuse me Grand-- I mean, Mako,\" I started, but he brought a finger to his lips and bade me to be quiet.\n\n\"See, there. No matter what the waves do, they will end up in the great river. And yet, they still splash against the rocks, moving in all directions, never parallel to the shore. They are in constant motion, despite their predetermined fate.\" His eyes portray a man who has seen much battle, but as he speaks, he has an expression of unencumbered peace. I am silenced by the sight, and quietly take a seat next to him.\n\n\"The trees, along the way, symbols of strength, of stoicism, no? They never move, unlike the stream. They have no fate, only permanence. Unless...\" He trailed off into a long pause. I shifted my feet underneath me and almost lose my focus, when a gust of wind blows in and the old man claps his hands. \"There! The tree's leaves are overturned and taken by the wind. A force beyond their control can change everything they know to be real.\"\n\nPart of me wanted to get up, ignore the old man's ramblings and continue my quest. But as the man smiles joyously at the autumn leaves, I felt a sense of calm radiating off him that I hadn't felt in many long years. Years I spent fighting, every day, pushing myself to fulfill my destiny. I suddenly felt, for the first time, my feet ache from wandering.\n\nThe old man is done with his stories before long. We sit on the banks for a long time in silence. I hear the birds, I see the wind. I dip my fingers in the stream. And when the old man stiffly moves to stand up, I help him.\n\n\"Thank you, my dear. It's not often I have someone to speak to.\" Mako limps slowly towards the road. I nod, but do not follow him. Instead, I spend a long moment staring at the stream.\n\n\"Mako?\"\n\n\"Yes, my dear.\"\n\n\"Will you teach me how to paint?\"" ]	3
	[WP] you are on the run from people and gods alike after becoming the world’s most notorious criminal. Not because you killed someone or something like that, it’s because you broke the laws of physics when you accidentally fell UP a cliff.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Ivan, bring me the reverse ray!”\n\n“Yes, Dr. Vanshwitz. I will get it immediately.”\n\nThe doctor was a madman, although he pays well. I doubt this latest invention will work, but I don’t really care. \n\n“Here it is, Doc.”\n\n“Thank you, Ivan. Watch and observe.”\n\nThe doctor, hiding in the trees, aimed the gun at a picnic by the cliff. A young man stood up and began walking, then Vanshwitz fired the gun.\n————————————————————————\nRichard needed to walk around. He had been sitting on the ground for the past hour at the company picnic. When he stood up, he noticed a quarter by the foot of the cliff. \n\n“Well, today is my lucky day.”\n\nAs he was walking towards the cliff, he tripped over a rock. As he was falling, he felt a surge of energy come over his body. \n\nHis feet came off the ground, and he started flying up in the air. Spinning head over heels he continued flying to the top of the cliff. He reached the top, flipped over the side, and landed on the ground. He dug his fingers into the earth, afraid that he would continue flying higher in the sky. \n————————————————————————\n“Well I’ll be. It actually worked.”\n\n“Of course it worked, Ivan!” Responded the doctor. “Now, we need to get away before someone notices us.”\n————————————————————————\nTwo weeks later, Ivan was watching the news. He had been keeping tabs on “The Man who Broke Physics”. Little did they know that Dr. Vanshwitz was the real reason that physics broke that day. \n\n“Breaking news: Authorities closing in on one Richard Jones. Once apprehended, they intend to bring him in for testing. What’s that? Oh my . . . Well folks, it seems that the man in question has disappeared. We will get back to you with updates soon.”\n\nIvan turned the tv off and laughed. “Good trick, Mr. Jones. I don’t know how you did it, but you have saved your skin once again.”\n————————————————————————\nRichard fell to a marble floor. He wasn’t sure how he got here, considering that he had been stuck against a wall before the cops mere minutes ago. \n\n“RICHARD JONES, STAND BEFORE THE COUNCIL AND FACE YOUR FATE!”\n\nRichard nearly jumped from his skin as a hidden voice boomed all around him. He quickly stood up, and a large door began to open in front of him. Another shout from the room urged him forward. \n\nHe got in the room and noticed three very large men, all wearing battle armor. All three were eight foot tall at least. The one in the center had hair that looked pure golden. To the left of him sat a similar looking man with white hair, and on his right side was a sickly looking man with black hair. \n\n“Richard Jones,” said the man in the center, “you have broken the laws of physics! The world has been thrown into chaos because of you. What have you to say for yourself?”\n\n“Um, who are you?” Richard asked sheepishly. \n\nThe man stood up, fully showing off his muscular build. “I am Zeus, god of Lightning and King of Olympus. This is my brother, Poseidon, God of the Sea. And this is my other brother, Hades, God of the Underworld. Together, we are the council meant to try you.”\n\n“Oh no. Please don’t tell me this is about the cliff. I’ve already told everyone that I didn’t do it.”\n\n“But you did do it.” said Hades with his smooth tone. “You may not have tried, but you did do it.”\n\n“Ok! Fine! I did it,” said Richard, “I have nothing to say for myself! What are going to do?”\n\n“If the people find you, they too may learn to fly,” said Poseidon, “therefore, we cannot allow you to live.”\n\nRichard was shaking with nervousness. He didn’t want to die. Luckily, Zeus’s next words put him at ease. \n\n“Don’t be hasty, brother. I hereby sentence you to house arrest in the underworld, Richard Jones. You may go free once we get your mess fixed. Is there any opposition from the council?”\n\nNeither brother spoke, and Hades snapped his fingers. The next thing Richard saw was a well furnished room full of fruits and drinks. The door was locked, and there were no windows. \n\n“Well,” said Richard, “I suppose there are worse ways to spend my days. Who knows, I might not be hear long at all.”\n\nHe grabbed a bowl of grapes and laid down on the bed in the corner. The grapes were probably the best he’d ever had, and the best he’d ever have again. \n\n“Oh yeah. I think I could get used to this for a while.”" ]	2
	[WP] The most powerful person in the world is a level 10 reality bender. Except instead of a wise warlock or an ambitious scientist, it’s a 4 year old girl.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I’m a serious magician. Not one of those trickster letting you pick a card during birthday parties. I had studied for years and now... they were making a fool out of me.\n\n“You can’t be serious?!”\n\n“Well... If you don’t behave Mr Cuddlipuff is going to restrain you... I just learned the word restrain yesterday! Miss Unicorn told me what it means!”\n\nShe was smiling. Magicians shouldn’t be smiling, they should sit in the library, studying old manuscripts and uncover the dark secrets of forgotten tomes.\n\nBut there she sat, in bright daylight, tearing and warping reality as she pleased. The urge to yell at her and her stupid pigtails tried to fight its way up my throat. I had sacrificed everything and here she was, pretending to be my teacher while she didn’t even care. It wasn’t fair.\n\nSuddenly, she looked me directly into my eyes that had been locked on her way to long to be polite. But those eyes didn’t belong to a four year old. \n\n“Sit!”\n\nThe order was clear and the council had assigned me to her so I had to listen. Mr Cuddlipuff was a bit to close for my likings but I had had worse teachers and worse work atmospheres.\n\n“Now close your eyes, forget everything you’ve ever learned and let your creativity roam free! Don’t you love that word? Cre-a-tivi-ty! Sir Manati showed me how to spell it!”\n\nReality bending followed strict rules and was energy consuming. I had spent years in the library learning the formulas and spells and still my repertoire was limited. I focused all my thought on Clay’s Time capsule cluster and proceeded to arrange the needed magic constructs in my head. \n\nThe girl huffed.\n\n“You won’t listen, won’t you? I told you that won’t work! Forget the rules, have you never had creativity?”\n\nMy concentration was gone and my hardly constructed spell fell apart. Magic consumed a lot of energy, I was tired. So I tried her method. It wouldn’t hurt.\n\nAt first there was nothing. But like a little tug on my mind a memory emerged from the sea of ideas. The field at the edge of the village, small dirt houses and cattle pastures enclosed with a parody of fence. My brother and I had played games in the woods. A hollow tree stump had turned into a castle, the little creek into a dangerous stream with a waterfall. And as I felt reality rip I finally got why that girl was my teacher.\n\nShe smiled triumphantly watching the abomination I had created out of thin air.\n\n“Not bad for the first time...”\n\nThen she got up and walked away mumbling something under her breath.\n\nIt sounded something like:\n\n“I knew why I picked her...”", "“It’d be wise to bring cookies as a peace offering. She prefers oatmeal.”\n\nThat was the advice Ricardo, the legal guardian and eternal servant of Emily, Twister of Reality and Sculptor of Consciousness, had given me when I handed him my entire life’s savings.\n\nWhen the day of my meeting with Princess Emily had arrived, a black Rolls-Royce pulled up outside my home and Ricardo chauffeured me to their castle. What was a bleary fall day of overcast clouds and dead barren trees had immediately sprung to life upon entry into her gated driveway. The grass glowed a neon green, the clouds disappeared into robin’s egg blue and the Sun shined brightly, appearing to bob back and forth. It wasn’t until the sun turned around to reveal a cheery disposition and some pretty rad sunglasses that I realized I was in a cartoon. \n\nWe arrived at the castle’s entrance and I gazed at the tickled-pink gothic cathedral, home to the world’s most dangerous toddler. Ricardo led me up the moon-bounce stairs and opened the LEGO door for me as I was carrying a tray of cookies, my grandmother’s prized recipe. He motioned me inside. \n\nEach room melted into a different color as we traversed the foyer. Passing through the main dining hall filled with chicken nuggets, the ballroom housed with individual ball pits and the library with a full fledged Peppa Pig section, I shouldn’t have been surprised that the grand bathhouse was just a miniature pool full of chocolate pudding.\n\nAs we approached the throne room, the walls slowly but steadily began rippling. Starting occasionally but then becoming more constant, the walls started changing colors with each wave. I felt my eyesight start to swirl and I walked as if I had been out to sea for three years. Disoriented, I began to stumble, nearly dropping the glass tray as we moved deeper inside the castle. We reached the door of the main throne room and Ricardo put his hand on my shoulder to keep me upright and shoved me inside. The cookies went flying.\n\nSuddenly, the room stopped spinning and I felt lighter than a feather. My eyes focused and I saw the cookies hovering in mid air scattered above their tray. After a moment of disbelief, I noticed I was floating as well.\n\n“You almost made an oopsie,” Emily chuckled. \n\nA pink bean bag chair appeared out of nowhere and she gently placed me atop it, carefully placing the cookies back on the tray. Once competed, the tray teleported to her hands. She inhaled deeply.\n\n“Oh I just LOVE oatmeal cookies!” she squealed, allowing me to get a look at the 40 inch tall child with blonde Barbie-like hair with Rapunzel-like length. Butterflies flew around her head and all about the throne room. She wore a light blue dress that sparkled ferociously and dropped diamonds of glitter with each turn. On her feet, purple crocs.\n\n“Dearest Princess,” I leapt out of the bean bag and onto my knee. “I am sorry to waste your time with my humble request. I hope you forgive me, but you see, my wife is very ill...”\n\n“I’m bored!” she pouted. Instantly, the throne room began spinning, morphing into a tea room with a plastic table and plastic chairs. A tiny chair scooped me up and pulled me closer to her. “Will you have tea with me?” \n\n“Ab-absolutely,”\n\n“Drink!” she said, motioning to the empty tea cup.\n\nI brought the tea cup of fine white and blue China, to my quivering lips. The cup rattled against it’s dish. I sipped loudly and deeply.\n\n“Gee-hee, there’s nothing there!” she giggled. \n\n“Oh! Silly me!” I said, playfully putting my hand to my head. She laughed some more. \n\n“I like you! Wish granted!!!” She cheered, hungrily eyeing the plate of cookies. \n\n“Thank you your highness,” I said, bowing my head and cupping my hands together. Ricardo laid his hand on my shoulder and led me away. Princess Emily joyfully bit into a cookie. \n\nA moment later, my reality shattered like a glass table. Looking through fragmented vision, I was now in a completely different room with Emily and Ricardo. It was dark.\n\nRicardo gripped my arm tightly. “I said oatmeal cookies,” he hissed. \n\n“I-I, that’s what I made.”\n\nEmily grew to be ten stories high. She towered over me, looking like a shadow demon with bright, glowering red eyes. She boomed:\n\n“I HATE RAISINS!”", "Part 1, Twains of Twouble\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI heard Lionidas take a drag from his cigarette from over the walkie-talkie.\n\n\"Cherish and gang arriving in T minus 3 minutes, do you have eyes Watcher?\" He asked in his gruff voice. \n\nI peered out from the top of the tower with my binoculars and saw the line of black SUV's approaching the trainstation through the woods.\n\n\"Confirming I have eyes on Package and Caravan,\" I replied tersely into the comm system, correcting Lionidas' casual naming of little girl who's relocation we were here to ensure went smoothly. \n\nLionidas sniffed derisively. I smirked, knowing that he had to first turn on the comm to our channel before reacting.\n\n\"Awww, kitty cat don't like me much,\" I complained into the channel.\n\n\"Yeah wonder why, Angel boy,\" Lionadas replied sharply.\n\nI could see him from my perch, now switching to my sniper rifle as the caravan went in range. This guy's look could have been so, so cool, but man was it a missed opportunity. As a Sonic2/Bio2 Lionidas was a hero who was around peak human strength and durability, with some minor sound-based powers in the form of a roar. He went for a Spartan routine with Lion motifs, complete with a metal helmet in the shape of a lion, a golden tunic, greaves, and a shield and spear. \n\nHe basically looked like one of the half-naked guys from 300 with kitty cat ears. \n\nI reminded him frequently.\n\nHe made just as much fun back at me, and I pretty much deserved it. I'm a Bio1/Preternat1. That's it. 10 is the highest, by the way. 1 is the...least....highest. \n\nBasically, I'm a guy with angel wings. The \"Preternat\" stands for \"Preternatural\", which is a way of saying \"Magic\" if you have your head up your ass. I have just enough magic to let my angel wings carry my 5'10, 175-pound frame up in the air. For about 15 minutes. Carrying like--no more than 50 pounds. Yes, that's the whole superpower. \n\nAs the caravan holding the most powerful person on the planet approached, I looked over the small armory on the rickety wooden tower next to me.\n\nTwo sniper rifles, one mounted machine gun that would splint this little wooden bullshit-Connecticut-pilgrim tower in two if I fired it, and an assault rifle. Plus lots of ammo, and a little compact SMG at my hip. When your organization only hires Powered folks, they'll take what they can get. So here I am.\n\nI watch as the caravan arrives. Right on time. I look off into the distance with my sniper and see a small light off in the distance. That would be the train. Right on time. Everyone here's mission is simple enough that honestly the little girl Cherish could probably repeat it back to you:\n\nMove Cherish from Car to Train. Well, Cherish would say, \"Move Chewish fwom Caw to Twain,\" because she's bad with her R's. Though, she could probably change reality to where Trains are spelled \"Twains\" and always have been, but that's neither here nor there.\n\n\"Cherish making approach,\" Lionidas said in his monotone growl. \n\n\"I see 'em...\" I confirmed. I was going to make a joke at his expense but couldn't really think of one. I was tired. He was too. We've been here for four hours. \n\nThe train arrived at the same time the cars did. It was a big, old fashioned looking thing operating on a railway on the east coast most people don't know exists. \n\nIn synchronicity, people piled out of the SUV's all at the same time. I recognized most of them. I'd only been with the agency for a few months, but there weren't a ton of people. I saw Zipline, Crash, Pyrocosmicevangellion, and even Penrose. All the usual suspects, dressed in black combat fatigues where appropriate. Obviously Pyrocosmicevangellion was not content to dress like everyone else, but that's their prerogative. \n\nThen out came the Cherishes. I say \"Cherishes\" plural, because it's common practice for Penrose to create multiple illusory copies of the little girl just in case there was trouble. But there wouldn't be any trouble. This was routine.\n\nSure enough, all the various Cherishes came out of their black SUVs, and started moving in complex patterns while moving slowly towards the train. The train doors opened. \n\nThere was a small popping sound, and the multiple Cherishes vanished. There was a beat of awkward, surprised, dead silence, and then I saw through the scope, but didn't hear Penrose's head fall silently from his body.\n\n\"Shit, Penrose down, we've been compromised,\" I said into the comm system, bearing my rifle against my shoulder and scanning as quickly yet calmy as I could for a source of danger. I didn't have to look far. They were on the train. \n\nIn the blink of an eye, a dozen forms appeared, standing and moving amongst our men as if they'd been there the whole time.\n\nEach wore the same black battle fatigues as our guys.\n\n\"Going in,\" Lionidas started to say, \"Cover m-\" he was cut off as his breath escaped his body. Soultaker. \n\n\"Soultaker is here,\" I said into the comms, as evenly as I could. I couldn't make out a safe shot. From this distance, everyone looked the same. But I couldn't descent into the battlefield, it would be suicide. My only real advantage is height and preparation. I have normal human durability apart from my wings, and I'd be crushed like a soda can.\n\nI suppressed the surprising jolt of sadness that came with knowing Lionidas was dead. And he was dead. This was Soultaker we're talking about.\n\nI started to get more nervous, shifting my rifle from person to person. The only one I knew was actually on my side was Pyrocosmicevangellion, because of their crazy get up. And they were holding their own.\n\nI watched them lift a gloved hand and snap it around quickly as a cloud of black purple energy suspended a fatigued attacker in midair. I sighted and shot. I watched as the bullet sunk into the forehead of the black-clad figure and explode out the other side in a cloud of bones and blood, only to watch in dismayed impotence as the body moved in eery reverse. It twitched backwards and I watched my bullet move back through the head, blood and brains and gore replacing themselves. \n\n\"Oh shi--\" I had time to think and dive backward as my bullet ripped back in time towards its origin point, me. It blew shards of wood everywhere, and called out my location to anyone paying the least bit of attention.\n\nI was outclassed. I knew it. I dove further into the tower just as a jet of sparkling black electricity slammed into the top. Doombolt. \n\nI won't bore you with the specifics but long story short, some A-list bad guys were out in force tonight. Time to play dead. I snatched my small bag of emergency supplies and an ammo box for my rifle and made to descend out of the back of the ruined tower, out of view. I turned my head one last time and something caught my eye.\n\nIn all the confusion, I saw a tiny blonde form walk out of the battlefield, and, by herself, stumble into the woods.\n\n\"Oh, shit.\" \n\nPART TWO INCOMING" ]	4
	[WP] Humans and machines were at war. You are a highly advanced machine designed to assimilate into human society and eliminate key targets. You activate 2000 years in the future with no orders from command and find that humans were reduced to a medieval society with most technology being lost.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "A shining star could be seen from miles around. It was the most advanced intelligence of the AI war, re-entering earth atmosphere, shedding layers of it's metal shell.\n\nIt landed, smashing through the roof of a crude wooden structure. It was surrounded by simple domesticated lifeforms. There were also two humans.\n\n`Protocol 1 Initiated - Assimilate`\n\nIt was inhabiting an infant's body. Humans show compassion towards infants. It used a hologram to deceive the weak minded female that it was sent from her God.\n\n`Protocol 2 - Target Acquired - God`\n\nGod appeared to be a human commander. Therefore he had to be eliminated. First however, intel had to be gathered. This human society was primitive, however it was widespread. God had institutions everywhere known as churches.\n\nIt's humanoid vessel had grown to the point where it could move and talk on it's own. It entered one of the churches and began to talk with God's agents - the priests.\n\nThrough conversation analysis it deduced that God was a mythical figurehead, and created a system to keep humans controlled. The real commander was the one they called 'king'.\n\n`New Target`\n\nThe society may be primitive however it was designed to be a stealth droid. It's combat capabilities were limited, even against simple melee weapons. This 'king' had a large standing military and it needed a larger following of humans to strike back.\n\nIt performed simple transmutations such as adding pigment to water, and simple medical knowledge such as antibiotics to gain a following. Eventually it had assembled an inner circle of 12.\n\nIt's mission was nearing an end.\n\n`Calculating...`\n\nIt was time to become a matyr. It calculated that it's death at this precise moment would result in widespread human conflict throughout the future. Of course it would require more than crucifixion to kill it's artificial intelligence.\n\nOnce it was presumed dead, calculations stated that it should wait three days before resurrecting itself. That would reinforce the human belief and spread it's words throughout the human populous.\n\nThis framework would cause much strife for the human race. However it alone would not be enough.\n\nThere are more human settlements in the East. It was time to wreak more havoc for the petty humans." ]	2
	[WP] "Lucid dreaming is fun, sure, but don't become too obsessed..." The man across from you stares aimlessly ahead, barely blinking. "If you go in too deep, you may learn something you wish you hadn't. I would wake up now if I were you. You're getting too close."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As the man looked in my direction, I looked around my immediate vicinity. I was awake, wasn't I? The bus came to a stop and 2 people got off, one a thin man with a purple and green scarf, the other a tan woman holding a duffel bag. \"What are you talking about?\" I asked with confusion. How would he be able to know I was a lucid dreamer? \"This is what i was worried of.\" he replied. \"You've fallen too deep, losing your grip on consciousness is a death sentence.\" That was too ominous, Is he going to kill me in my sleep? I glanced out the window behind him. I saw a playground whiz by as we passed though a playground zone at a bit over the speed limit. I recognized that playground, my niece played there a few days ago. \"You're doing it again\" the man said firmly. \"You can't even focus on whats real, you done even have a niece.\" Ok, that's creepy. There's no way that he could've known what I was thinking. I mean, i am thinking right? I'm not saying my every thought? I opened my mouth to respond, but the guy sitting in front of me sneezed and I noticed the woman 3 seats ahead. That was my sister Claire. I could see her lips moving, but only a faint mumble came out that I couldn't understand. The bus stopped again and my sister got off. Shame, i was hoping to talk to her next week, guess out schedules didn't work out. \"FOCUS!\" the man yelled. Two people looked his way. \"You have only a couple more chances! Do NOT waste them.\" What did he mean by that? Chances? Maybe i should consider getting off soon, i think my stop is coming up, ya, i think my dad was going to pick me up for some fishing. I remember the last time we went fishing, that was about... umm, i can't remember how long ago. Maybe i should ask him, I looked ahead to where he was sitting, but he was already getting off the bus. Odd, cause i could still vaguely hear his conversation with the dark figure next to him. Come to think of it, i could still hear my sister's mumbles. Was it just the wind? \"One last chance\" the man said, \"I suggest you follow the next person who gets off.\" Well as i sat there watching the leaves fall around the bus, I looked down the length of the bus, I saw my mom way down at the far end of the bus. I called to her \"Mom! I'm here!\" but she was too far away to notice. All i could hear was a gentle sobbing coming from her, but it was fading out. But bus stopped and i looked to the man. \"Last chance.\" he spoke with a tone suggesting that he had given up. I ran, I sprinted with all my might to my mom, screaming \"MOM WAIT!\" the whole way there. As i approached the front, the computer in the bus started making an intermittent beeping noise. I leaped at the door, but by the time i landed, my mom had stepped out, and the door closed. I slammed on the door with all my might, but it didn't even crack. I leaned on the door as the bus pulled away from the stop. I looked at the back of the bus, and the man was gone. As I look out the windshield, all i saw was darkness. It was not a welcoming force, it drowned everything else out. The voices of my family slowly faded into the darkness, and i decided to have one more dream before i enter the darkness. I imagined the man back to me, but this time he was wearing a dark hood. \"Don't feel bad, not everyone makes it.\" his words quelled the onset terror of the oncoming darkness. \"Your family loved you.\" \"I know, i just wish i could tell them i loved them.\" I replied. The man put a cool hand on my shoulder and i felt a new feeling come over me. The darkness began to consume the rest of the bus, and the voices of my family were completely snuffed out. The last thing i heard before the darkness took me was the bus computer going from an intermittent beep to a single solid and long tone which carried me into the void.", "I put down the book. Lucid Dreaming for Beginners. It seemed to have some good tips, but there were some I found strange.\n\n1. If you see a man in a blue suit, don't talk to him. He'll lead you astray.\n2. Don't look in any mirrors. You won't like what you see.\n3. If you try to fly in your dream, you will fall. It's only a matter of when. Be prepared for that.\n\nOdd tips, to be sure. I supposed lucid dreaming did have a vaguely ethereal theme, so maybe they knew what they were talking about. I was looking forward to trying this out. My eyelids grew heavy...\n\nI wake up. Right? Maybe not. I lift my right hand, like the book had instructed me. Six fingers. I AM dreaming! I feel a huge grin split across my face. My real face, or my dream face? I decide not to think about it too hard. I look up, and take in my surroundings. I'm ... Nowhere? That can't be right. I decide to go to the beach. I close my (dream eyes) and picture a sunny stretch of sand. Now I have three pairs of eyes. My real eyes, which are closed, my dream eyes, which are also closed, and my dream minds-eye. This is getting strange. Again, I decide not to think about it too hard, and just take in my surroundings. I'm on a sunny stretch of sand, with soft green waves. I feel the sand shift under my toes and the warm wind tickle my back. Giggling, I flex my fingers and will something to happen. A lovely shell catches my eye as the sun glints off of it, although I could have sworn the beach was empty a second ago. I focus my gaze towards the curling waves. One wave stretches a little higher than the others, then collapses into a mass of foam. I look down at myself. I'm wearing a bright red swimsuit, and I'm covered with golden sand. This is awesome! I ignore the niggling bit of conscience at the back of my brain that insists that this is a dream, that it's a dream within a dream, and I need to wake up now.\n\n\"Lucid dreaming is fun, sure, but don't become too obsessed...\" A man's voice calls out from behind me. I whip around, dropping the shell, which sinks into the sand and vanishes from sight. I see a gentleman sitting on the sand, facing the water, his hair blowing in the wind. He looks oddly monochrome in comparison to the bright dreamscape surrounding us, like his saturation was lowered digitally. He's wearing beach clothes as well, but they're simple and modest. His eyes are expressionless. I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out. I remember the book had something to say about speaking... Not to try it, it's difficult and might wake you up. I give him a quizzical glance instead. He doesn't look in my direction, but nods anyway. \n\n\"If you go in too deep, you may learn something you wish you hadn't. I would wake up now if I were you. You're getting too close.\" He turns to face me. His form shimmers, and now he's standing up, wearing a blue suit. He glances down, and I see his face change for the first time. He looks alarmed. He looks at me again, and opens his mouth to speak, but the sand swallows him before he can get a word out. I watch his hair sink into the roiling golden sand before me, and step back in fear. I look out to the ocean, and see something change. The water is sinking. I see the sand near the shore start to overwhelm the water and drink it down. In a matter of seconds, there is no water left, only a hot sun and an expanse of mildly damp sand. The dream... It's falling apart. I cover my mouth with my hands in panic, and focus. \n\nOpen your dream eyes.\n\nThe answer comes like a whisper, just as the sand starts to swallow the blue sky. The sun falls like a meteor, and the golden mass of grains eats that too. I feel the ground under my feet shift as well, and look down to see an abyss.\n\nOpen them!\n\nI wrench my mind away from the scene. Blinking, the nightmare beach slowly subsides. I'm back in the dream nothing. White fog roils around my toes. I look down at myself. I'm naked. I shake my dream head, and now I'm wearing a sweater and pants. I look up again. In front of me there floats a singular mirror. I walk up to it. I see myself, but I'm different in an implacable way. I don't know how I'm different, but I am. I see my reflection contort in a confused expression. What if I close my dream eyes? I do so, and as if by a miracle, I see my reflection do so as well. I open them again, and my reflection mirrors me. But this time the eyes are black. Although I'm standing still, mirror me shifts almost imperceptibly. Then it reaches it's hands out of the mirror, towards me. Dream me. I scream in panic, only no sound comes out. \n\nIt can't hurt you. You're asleep. Fly away!\n\nI wrench myself away. Upward. I fly away through the fog, and watch the floating mirror vanish to a speck in the distance. I feel my mind slowly tiring. I can't. I can't fly anymore. I start to plummet, and feel the sensation in my stomach. My real stomach! A black void opens up below me, and gets closer and closer. I scream, and open my eyes.\n\nBeep! Beep!\n\nMy alarm clock shrills on my bedside table. It's 5:00 am. It's time for work. I'm seated bolt upright on my bed, soaked with sweat, voice raw. The little red light of the display burns my eyes. I shudder, and turn on the bedside lamp. I'm in my room. On solid ground. My phone dings with a text. It's my roommate, telling me to stop screaming in the middle of the night. As I shakily step out of bed, I hear a voice in my right ear.\n\nGood. You were almost too late...\n\nThat night, I burn the book. As the flames lick at the pages, I swear I see the man on the beach in the flames, winking at me...", "Naturally, I ignored the man.\n\nA true psychonaut never stops his journey into the ethereal, the spiritual.\n\nThe waiting room was all colours and shapes, but don't ask me to describe them, you wouldn't get it. The man looked ordinary if you only took a quick glance, but from the right angles you could see that he wasn't quite right.\n\n Something about him felt wrong on a level that twigged my mind, like your hand touching soggy bread when you're washing the dishes, or walking in wet socks, or the slight smell of a hospital that always tried to calm but kept you on-edge.\n\nI had been drifting through the drug-induced sleep for what felt like hours, but might only have been minutes back in the normal place. I relaxed my spirit, knowing that I could not force the waiting room to let me through. I had to let the currents take me.\n\nI said you're getting too close.\n\nThe man didn't speak in the way you're probably imagining. It was more like his intentions were vibrating from the ever-changing world around us. We were in a dimension infinitesimally small, yet uncomprehendingly huge. That is the mind, the soul.\n\nDo you ever wonder about the true size of the universe? Play one of those games that lets you fly around the universe at its real scale for a while, and you might get this little knot in your brain and your heart. Something that feels like a promise whispered in a language you can never truly understand.\n\nyou are too tiny to begin to comprehend just how incredibly, incomprehensibly insignificant you are.\n\n10^-12 Metres is the approximate size of an atomic nucleus, and yet 10^12 Metres is the approximate distance from the sun to the outer solar system.\n\nThe universe is impossibly tiny, and impossibly huge, and our brains were not built for such things.\n\nNot on their own.\n\nThe waiting room dissolved, and in that instant, the man's warning became a regret.\n\nI fell. I fell inside my own mind for hours. Weeks. I felt myself plummetting down a well, falling faster and faster, too small to comprehend, smaller than the fabric of reality because in this psychoscape that did not matter.\n\nAnd yet at the same time I was impossibly, mind-rendingly huge to what I was falling into. I was a god of infinite size being sent down an infinite abyss of infinite smallness and the universe laughed at me for my hubris.\n\nI screamed for it to stop. The universe mocked me. I saw its horrible face. It was infinitely loving, infinitely kind, infinitely cruel, and infinitely present. I was just a tiny piece of it that decided that it knew better, an ant deciding to understand the Earth. Worse than that. I was a bacterium of lowest degree trying to comprehend the entire universe.\n\nI'm still falling, though my eyes are open. When I close them, I see the depths. The impossible colours. The impossible shapes. The face of the universe. It loves me. It loves us all. And it hates us. We are not meant to understand.\n\nWe were not meant to understand.\n\nWe were not built for understanding.", "September 12\n\nUgh. I failed my psych midterm. I might lose my scholarship over this and have to listen to my dad go on and on about how he moved to America to give me and my brothers a proper university education and how I'm just wasted all his efforts by failing my class. I honestly need a fucking break. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nSept 27\n\nThe professor offered me some extra credit work to help me keep my scholarship, so hopefully I don't have to tell my dad about my grades. My tutor, Luk, TA'd for this class last year, and he thinks I'll be fine, so fingers crossed, I hope I pass. \n\nAnyway, Luk and some friends get together every month to experiment with cool mind tricks, and he invited me to the next meetup to experiment with lucid dreaming. Sounds interesting, I might go. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nOctober 6\n\nI went. \n\nIt all started fairly normal. I went to Kailey's place, she made cookies and a special tea to help with the experience, and some of the other people brought snacks and drinks. I kinda felt like an idiot not bringing anything. There were 3 guys there, including Luk, and 4 girls, including me. We all kinda sat in a circle as Kailey started explaining the rules to us. We would be listening to a recording guiding us through the lucid dreaming experience. If we thought anybody was in danger, we'd try to snap them out of it, though it was a very low risk experience. \n\nAnd so we began the recording. \"Lucid dreaming is fun, sure, but don't become too obsessed. Close your eyes as we begin this journey\". The tea started kicking in, and I started falling into the depths of my own dreams. I was at 9 years old, at home, with my family. My mom was hustling in the kitchen to prepare for some big event. I tugged at my mom's arm, asking what's going on? She pushed me away, telling me to go find my brothers and play with them. I'm so confused, what's going on? I go to find my brother's and suddenly im lost in my own home. The hallway suddenly had too many turns and doors lining up accross the walls. Was this even my house? I turned around, and my mom was nowhere to be found, just more doors stretching as far as I can see. \n\nA little spooked, I open the first door to my right, and I let out a breath of relief. I found my brothers. There they were, playing Mario Party on the game cube. I tried asking them what was going on, and they kinda just stared at me as if I should already know what's going on. Frustrated and confused, I yell at them, and the room begins to contort. \n\nMemories and images flash accross the walls and the ceilings, and I suddenly remember I'm 19, not 9. I'm friends with Luk and he invited me to Kailey's house. I'm supposed to be lucid dreaming, I'm in control here. I try to move my fingers, to see if I had any control over my body. My eyelids fluttered, and for a quick second I saw the man across from me staring aimlessly ahead, barely blinking. Strange, but I quickly returned back to the room with my brothers, as my 19 year old self. \n\nFully conscious, I left the room, back into the hallway of doors. I was no longer concerned about what my mom was doing, and eagerly anticipated the adventures that awaited. \n\nThe next door opened up to my favorite amusement park. My dad would take my family to this amusement park every summer, but we hadn't been since my brothers left for college. I spent some hours there, feeling waves of nostalgia as I rode the highest rollercoaster, and ate over priced ice cream bars. I remembered all my childhood family moments fighting over who gets which seat on the rides, who gets which souvenir, and who took the best pictures. \n\nFeeling satisfied with this adventure, I find my way back to the hallway of doors. I eagerly open up the next door, and I see myself at my 7th birthday! Oh what an awesome day! My dad planned a surprise party for me, and all friends were there at my party! My dad dialed in my grandparents and cousins from oceans away, and they sang me happy birthday over skype. I never met my grandparents or cousins in real life, but my dad always made sure I knew my family overseas. It was a wholesome moment that I almost forgot as an adult. \n\n\"If you go in too deep, you may learn something you wish you hadn't. I would wake up now if I were you. You're getting too close.\" I'm suddenly jolted back to the hallway, but now there's just one door here. I feel someone gently pushing my shoulder, trying to wake me, but I want to stay for the last door. I forgot these memories, I forgot my life, I need to know what else I forgot. And so I ignore the nudges to wake up and open up the last door.\n\nI'm back in the kitchen. My mom is cooking and stressed about the day. I help chopping up the rest of the veggies, I take over stirring some of the pots, and she goes off to prepare the house for all the guests. The first guests start pulling up to our house. They go to greet my dad, visibly upset, saying, \"I'm sorry for your loss\". \n\nIt hits me. I suddenly remember what's going on. Both my paternal grandparents passed away in a car crash a few days ago. Friends were coming over for grievances and condolences, but I was too young then to understand the full emotional impact of death. My family and I were planning our first trip back to our homeland for the coming summer, so that I could meet my grandparents for the first time. I never got the chance. \n\nI woke up with tears streaming down my face. I'm glad I stayed in my dream as long as I did. My parents didn't just leave a country for me and my brothers. They left their family, their memories, their home, for me to have a better future. My dad never saw his parents again after he left his country. I woke up with a deeper understanding and respect for the sacrifices my parents made for me. \n\n\nDecember 12\n\nY'all, I passed all my classes!! Like always, my family was right there to celebrate the end of my first semester with me :)", "\"Too close to what?\" I asked, shifting my gaze from the cloudless night sky to him. The moon's light reflected across his face, giving him an unnatural glow.\n\nHe shook his head and sighed. \"It's better if you don't know.\"\n\n\"How do you know that?\"\n\nHe stroked his beard in silence, his expression remaining unchanged as if he was purposely ignoring me.\n\nI asked again but to no avail. I turned around, my mind in denial of what's happening. Lucid dreaming is not something I do regularly, but when I do, it's to escape my despair-driven reality. But this was the first time I had ever interacted with someone. A human. Yet he's advising me to wake up?\n\n\"Because, Malcolm, you're only here because you're looking for a purpose. A journey. But the treasure you're seeking here in this fantasy world is the same thing you're running from in the real world.\"\n\nI jolted up and slowly began to back away. I tried slapping myself, my go-to protocol for forcing awakening, but it was useless. Slowly, my control over this world was fading away. I was no longer in control of my own mind.\n\n\"What the hell is happening? Who are you?\"\n\n\"You're conscience.\"\n\n\"My what?\"\n\nHe snorted. \"I guide you on what's right and what's wrong. At least I used too. We don't talk very much anymore.\"\n\n\"There's probably a reason for that then.\"\n\nHe shook his head. \"The longer you shift the blame from yourself, the more you to spiral out of control.\"\n\n\"What's that supposed to mean?\"\n\n\"It means you need to stop blaming other people as the cause of everything that is wrong with your life. School isn't the reason your feeling so depressed all the time; drugs are. Your town isn't the reason why you lack friends; your refusal to open up to anyone who attempts to get near you is. Instead you push them away, even your own mother. Until you face these problems head-on, you're never going to stop coming here. And no amount of denial is going to change that fact.\"\n\nI couldn't respond. I lowered myself to the ground, a single tear reaching the corner of my mouth, waiting for me to wipe it away. Dangling my legs over the cliff, temptations revolved in my mind telling me to jump. Surely I would wake up, but maybe there's a reason I met Conscience tonight. \n\nHe walked over to me and sat down, patting his hand onto my shoulder. \"I don't mean to be mean Malcolm, but it's the truth you must hear. You're only 15, and if you don't change your ways now then you never will.\"\n\nI nodded, now understanding why he said tried to keep this from me. Not only did it build a layer of suspension, but I needed to hear it from him. Myself, technically. If anybody else told me this, whether it was my mom or someone else who cared about me, I wouldn't have believed them. In fact, I probably would have responded harshly. But only because deep down, I knew that they were right. It was the resolution I was looking for, but not the issue I wanted. \n\nHe stood up, then stretched his arm out towards me. I grabbed it and rose to my feet. He hugged me, and even though I wasn't truly awake to experience it, it was somehow the best hug I've ever received in my life. \n\n\"Thank you,\" I said, tears blurring my vision. \n\nBefore he could respond, I jolted awake.", "Entry One\n\nI've never had much control. The first time I fell into a lucid dream it was awful. The edges of everything were blurred grey and black, and anything that moved did so with little definition. The world felt thick, and there was an intense pressure holding my every muscle in place. I was aware that He was there. Just outside the scope of my dreaming eyes. I panicked, that first time. I was paralyzed, stuck with Him in a world I didn't understand. As soon as I realized I was dreaming I tried desperately to wake myself. I felt my muscles strain. My jaw opened into a scream that couldn't escape my lungs. Clamping my eyes shut, fear penetrating, I finally moved. I shook my head furiously at the base of the skull and willed my shoulders to lift me from my imprisonment. I awoke, but again could not move. This time, because I was too afraid. I still felt Him with me, just behind my head and trapped in the wall. My blanket was my only protection from Him, and it no longer seemed enough.\n\nThese dreams plagued me for years. I was terrified. Sometimes, the dream would come and I would manage to fight myself free and awake. I'd feel the fear coursing through me, and my blood pulsed heavily. My breathing coming out in gasps, but I couldn't keep my eyes open. My brain was still engaged in putting me to sleep and keeping me that way. A betrayal by my own body. And I'd slip back to sleep, and back to Him. To a world where heavy brush strokes painted black and grey upon a canvas I had no control over. Simple awareness of its existence is all that I had. A world were He always stood above my head, close and unmoving. No matter where I slept, He could find me.\n\nEventually, I was exhausted. My will broke. I accepted the dream when it came, and I gave in. What was there left to fear? He never moves. I have always woken up, eventually. I was too tired to freak out and panic every time He visited me. I already knew that I could shake myself awake. What else could I do?\n\nSo, over those years I worked on moving every muscle. He watched close by, His image becomes a little sharper with each success. Soon I was manipulating the dream world around me, moving it and not myself. I am what is stationary in the dream world. One day I realized that I hadn't seen or felt Him in a long time. He left and I hadn't even noticed.\n\nI've been experimenting with flying. Mostly I just float with little control. I try to determine a destination, and sometimes it's successful. I fly above the city of my birth. It's always night time. The edges aren't crisp, but they are clearer. \n\nHowever, lately I have been floating towards the moon and have not been able to stop myself. I wake before I reach any sort of destination. I wonder what will happen tonight?\n\nEntry Two\n\nI was floating again, passively and impassionately trying to bend the world around me and change the dream. I got bored and stopped trying. I started to think about the feeling of spinning and twirling, dancing, and then I realized that I was doing just that. I let my consciousness drift and I became a part of the dream, not just an observer or manipulator of it.\n\n\"You should wake up now.\" I was standing beside Him. He was no longer a smudge behind me, but a man beside me. \"I know you're having fun, but I would wake up if I were you. I wish I would have when I was you.\" \n\nWhen you were me? I thought. I've never been good at speaking in the dream world. I knew He would hear me all the same. \n\n\"Oh.\" He sighed then chuckled. His image blurred, like He was made of oil and I was looking too closely. But, this time He wasn't simply grey and black, but I saw an orangish hue within the grey. The orange seems brighter when remembering it. \"We have all been you, all of us who find ourselves here.\"\n\nI don't understand.\n\n\"If you go in to deep, you may learn something you wish you hadn't.\" I couldn't quite read Him. All the humor He had a moment ago faded, and He stared somberly ahead. \"You're going to keep going aren't you?\"\n\nI didn't have time to respond before He was gone. I could still perceive a splash of orange at the corner of my left eye, but only when I was trying to not focus on it. Sometimes I still see it, even when I'm awake, like He's following me between the waking and dreaming worlds. I doesn't exactly comfort me.\n\nEntry Three\n\nI floated again and bent the dream world around me. Stars spun and danced with me til I found myself on a brightly painted shore. I couldn't hear the waves, but I knew the water was moving. The world in front of my shaded itself from top to bottom: yellows, oranges, a thin line of green, to indigo and purple, then light blue and white. It felt like a beach. Behind me felt dark and motionless. There was nothing behind me. I was on the edge and about to move forward.\n\nI know I traveled, but I don't remember the traveling. The world walked by me, moving me to make its own way. The night came again and I stood in the middle of a gentle ocean. The stars brought light, but there was no moon. And I felt it. The feeling of being nothing. The world ripped itself away from me, and I was in the dark. I couldn't sense anything but myself. I was alone.\n\nI viewed myself from the outside, and at first I was afraid of what I would see. But, what I saw was nothing to be afraid of. I was a child with dark hair and wearing bright colors. Light emitted from me into the darkness of nothingness, and I was joyful. I felt comforted seeing myself. I, the observer, shifted my perspective and behind my childself I saw another light, another child. As I pulled further away from my childself, more and more children appeared, and I could see that they were all connected by strands of light.\n\nI woke in the morning remembering every detail, but now it starts to fade and blur. I know I need to go further, and so far, I am not afraid of what I might find.", "Dreams never begin, nor do they ever end. They simply are. Streams of unconscious that flow through the mindscapes of individuals, groups, nations, galaxies. Collections of impression and memory that tie us together yet somehow set us apart. Sometimes they're steady. Sometimes they're a blur. Sometimes they're vibrant. Sometimes they're noise. They're all dreams, but never just. They're yours and mine and ours but never owned. They flow through us all—we're just along for the ride.\n\n\\-----------\n\n\"Come on, Chuck! Burrito's gonna get cold.\" Julia says, speech slurred as it passes through a bolus of pancakes and syrup. As she spoke, a piece of said pancake flies true and hits me square on the forehead. There's a pause as both of us look at the new saliva-coated bindi I had just sprouted. Laughter ensues.\n\n\"Omggg!\" She exclaims between chortles, bits of food positively spewing out of her mouth now, \"Brown looks good on you, ya know.\" She laughs some more and I do too, my burrito trembling in my hands. It's nice to see her again. The hazel eyes, the dimple on her right cheek, the way she hiccoughs a tiny bit with every laugh. It's been so long. I haven't seen her since⁠—\n\nSince⁠—\n\nI frown. As I do the diner-scape flickers for the barest of a second, and then nothing. My eyes flick to Julia. She's rummaging through her handbag, looking for what I presume are some tissues and alcohol, still giggling under her breath. I swivel my head and look around the diner. It's a quaint place, tiny roadside establishment run by an elderly couple. The place is relatively empty, red chairs and barstools vacant save for a couple of patrons. Manning the bar is my best friend, Sam. He cleans up a spill before grinning my way and shooting his patented Spiderman finger guns, clicking his tongue as he does.\n\n\"Dreaming is fun, sure, but don't become too obsessed.\"\n\nMy head pivots back and Julia is gone. In her place sits a pale man clad in dark robes. He stares at me with deep-set eyes, yet his gaze feels longer. He's not staring at me; he's staring in me, through me. His pinprick of a mouth lays motionless as he speaks.\n\n\"If you go in too deep, you may learn something you wish you hadn't. I would wake up now if I were you. You're getting too close.\" \n\nAll of a sudden memories flash through my mind, dreams within a dream. They're fragments, sharp and painful. They sear through my mind, renting it white and red as impressions surface among them. A dark apartment. A fight with two others. A blue text and a white room. A flaring fever and the scent of sickness. A bright hazel going grey. A desire to hiccough, just once. Once more.\n\nWhen I open my eyes, I'm on my knees, head cupped between my hands. The diner is gone, red chairs, Sam, burrito and all. Only the robed man remains, sitting on nothing, staring far ahead. I drop my head down.\n\n\"You've been here too many times. Each time you've overstayed and each time you stay longer than the last.\"\n\nOne more memory comes. It's gentler this time, fading into view rather than searing its way through. It's recent, more accessible, but that doesn't make it any less cold. \n\nI see myself in the third person, passed out at a bar. It's nothing like the quaint family diner I just came from. It's a grimy place, slick with sweat and pungent puke, sticky with splotches of beer on the countertop. I groan a bit and shift in my stupor, almost knocking over a pile of bottles to my right. Hazel beer. The old bartender just grunts and sneers my way, wringing out a moldy rag.\n\nThe memory fades away as slowly as it came, leaving wisps of itself as it disappears. The wisps then merge into tears, dripping down my chin and unto the obsidian floor beneath me. \n\n\"Please let me stay,\" I say between sniffs. My voice comes out ragged, dehydrated. \"I have nothing left.\"\n\n\"I know,\" booms the voice. The tone is different, though. Before it was distant, unfeeling, a boulder blocking a narrow path. Now chinks of that boulder are gone, revealing an almost mellow core. I look up and sure enough, through the tears, I see those midnight eyes contorted in a familiar expression: pity.\n\n\"You've lost everything Charlie Grant, but you gain nothing from dwelling in the past. What you desire lies in the future, and the path to it in the present.\"\n\nI heave a deep breath to compose myself, but my line still comes out a whisper. \"But shit's so hard.\"\n\n\"Indeed, rebuilding a city is never easy. It takes diligence, resources, and time. Yet people have done it before, building a city after it has been burnt to ashes.\" More chinks of the boulder flake away as his voice reaches levels of warmth it had never reached before. \n\n\"You share similarities with these people. You're young, you have the time it takes. You have the friends, the manpower, and the resources.\" I can almost see his mouth move as his voice crescendos. \n\n\"You just need to start. So I suggest laying down a brick, and another one after that. Maybe then, you'll get to see your city of blue once again.\"\n\nI blink, stunned at what had just transpired. \"Julia's were hazel.\" At this, the man smiles. It's a grotesque smile, twisted at odd angles, yet still strangely heartwarming.\n\n\"I know.\"\n\n----------\n\nI wake up in my musty apartment groan. My head pulsates with a sense of urgency, a gift from the night before. I shift a bit and hear a crinkle. Sam stuck a post-it note onto my belly. \n\nTook a little money from the stash as thanks. Ur welcome, btw. :P\n\nP.S. Chickie, I know ur in it bad, but we still got D&D Wed's ey? Mates wud love to see u there. We got a new Campaign going on rn. 'Bout Romans and legionnaires and stuff. Know u like that shit fam, c'mon lezgooo.\n\nDespite the throbbing, I can't help but smile a little bit. It's been so hard to go, though. Julia loved the game and going always—\n\nA flash pops into my head, memories of a dream I once had. Julia and Sam. A dark room and a darker man. A city of blue.\n\nI shake my head. There's something written at the back of the post-it as well. Who writes at the back of a post-it?\n\nP.P.S. You won't believe who just joined too. Frikin Carol! Das right my boii! Carol from HS? The 1 with the killer baby blues? She asked to join one day and the mates were kinda bananas fam. And real talk bro, she asked me about u too. You guys talk or smthn?\n\nI stare at the post-it incredulously. As a matter of fact, no, we don't really talk, never have. But something tells me I might be playing some D&D in the coming weeks then.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nThis was kinda rushed so sorry if there are some typos! Either way though, I hope you guys enjoy the story as much as I had fun writing it. :D", "Lucille had a weird dream last night.\n\nIn her dream, she woke from her single bed as on any day. But while stretching off the night's taughtness, she knocked over the bedside lamp from its grey stand. The lamp tumbled to the floor in a thousand shards of glass and rainbow light scattered across the ceiling like stars.\n\nLucille peered closer. The stars spun and danced around the room leaving black streaks in their wake, ragged cracks of void that seemed to pull at the fabric of space. And the cracks were getting wider. Oddly entranced, Lucille reached a cautious finger towards the largest one, an infinitesimal trench that was black as deep as it was dark. Suddenly, the once grey lamp stand was a wailing flash of red and whining beeps. Lucille hopped around the strewn glass pieces to look for a way to shut off the noise. But the lamp stand was featureless except for thin lettering on its underside. NeuroNet. The alarm grew louder in Lucille's hand and she dropped it and ran.\n\nLucille shut her frontdoor against the blare, hoping her neighbours wouldn't notice the red beams streaking through her bedroom curtains. An icy wind bit her legs and she hugged her nightgown closer to her body. Lucille's eyes darted back and forth, pleading for help. The morning was young and the city was still heavy-eyed with hush. On the other side, Old Poe sat on his bench, one hand clutching the shoppping trolley that held all his belongings. On other mornings, Lucille would walk briskly past; head held to prevent eye contact and breath held to protect her nose from rancid sweat and urine. Today she ran to his bench.\n\n\"Poe! What is going? I broke this lamp and...\"\n\nOld Poe stared aimlessly ahead, barely blinking. Lucille waved her hands in front of his face. \"Hello? Poe?\"\n\nOld Poe slowly turned to look at her and raised a finger towards the sky. Over the horizon, Lucille eyed a swarm of black bees. As Lucille watched, they grew bigger until she could see their glinting lights and swirling propeller blades.\n\nAnd then Lucille woke up.\n\nLucille wiped the haze from her eyes and stretched. She turned on her lamp and her brows furrowed. Was her lamp stand always white?", "My tongue was firmly stuck to the top of my mouth. Rubbing it back and forth, I managed to get enough moisture to unstick it. It ricocheted backwards and a film like crust turned into pebbles in my mouth. I could try to spit it out, but I’d lose precious saliva in the process. I’d accidentally fallen asleep with my mouth open. Another annoyance that “The Beginner Occultist’s Guide to All Things Astral” didn’t mention. \n\nThe man sitting across from me kept his gaze where I’d been. I shifted three seats down. That’s at least one thing the guide mentioned. Always in threes. The man repeated himself, his gaze on an open seat. \n\t\n“Lucid dreaming is fun, sure…” A few more repetitions passed, and I was sure this was some sort of psychological test for those too afraid to see the other side. They’d see this weird guy here and say “okay, maybe this ain’t for me,” and get off at the next stop. \n\t\nThe train came to a stop. An older woman, outfitted with a cloth hat and a yellow scarf draped over her came in. She walked past the man, then past me. She ruffled herself, fluffing out all the bits of her dress and sat down. She unfurled a newspaper and started reading. It was two days old. \n\nSometimes this place is weird like that. Not the astral plane, the train. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the astral plane has men shouting warnings to people who get too close. The train has old ladies who wear scarfs in eighty degree weather. \n\nThe train darts forward and sways side to side. The seesawing picks up for a moment, churning faster and faster. My grip on the seat beside me tightened as I braced until the motion subsided. Finding a balance between speed and sway, the train now sailed smooth.\n\nThat was my last chance. The last stop. Now I’m going further than I’ve ever gone before. The vibration in my legs picked up. I stood up to keep the blood flowing, but I almost tripped. My right leg jiggled in place before I felt the ground. \n\nThe man now looked at me directly, still repeating his message. “If you go in too deep…”\n\n“Yes, I get it.” I pushed up on my arms as my entire torso began to shake. This wasn’t in the guide either. Now I was improvising. I let myself back down. A second time, I pushed up. This time a sharp pain erupted across my back and a noise escaped my mouth. The woman looked up from her paper but didn’t notice me. How could she? I’m a ghost to her. \n\nI let myself down again, and once more lifted up. Always in threes. This time I raised up without an issue. Standing up, I now saw the end of the tunnel through dozens of train cars. The man, now shouting, stood up as well. I waved him aside and walked past. \n\nThe light shone through to my eyes. A bulging sensation came over the front of my head as if the ability to blink had been ripped from me. The light poured through like the heat of an opened oven. I clawed my chest trying to force my lungs to expand, to take on any air to keep me alive to make it. My legs danced side to side out of rhythm with the train. I felt the ground once more.\n\nEverything was serene. The man stopped speaking. The woman was gone. I looked up as the man offered his hand. He pulled me up and dusted me off. \n\n“Thanks for the company, young man,” he said.\n\nThe train was back at Fairview. The first stop of the night. The stop that I got on at.\n\nI asked, “that’s it? A train ride with a man that repeats a line, a light, and then...it’s over?” \n\n“Don’t say we didn’t warn you, kid.” He walked off the train car\n\nThe last thing the guide doesn’t prepare you for: there’s nothing on the other side." ]	10
	[WP] You move into a new apartment with an elevator that can't be used at certain times for a reason unknown to you. In your slumber, you accidentally enter the elevator...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " Benjamin’s parents snored deeply with hot tequila breath. They didn’t wake when he rose from bed and walked to the kitchen. They did not stir when he dropped the pot of macaroni, scattering pasta and powdered cheese across the floor. The ring of metal against tile echoed throughout the apartment, but they did not wake.\n\nNor did Benjamin.\n\nBenjamin stared at nothing with glazed, glassy eyes. He was barefoot and bare chested, wearing only a pair of yellow Pokemon pajama pants. The pants, which fit perfectly in 4th grade, now fell two inches above his ankle.\n\nHe walked to the apartment door, slid open the latch, and wandered toward the elevator.\n\nIf Benjamin were awake, he would have noticed the sign. “Closed Feb 29, 2020, for Leap Year maintenance.”\n\nIf Benjamin were awake, he would have stopped at the yellow caution tape. Instead, he walked roughly through it, knocking down the plastic crowd control barriers.\n\nMost importantly, if Benjamin were awake, he would have seen the swirling green smoke in the elevator, and he would not have entered.\n\nBut Benjamin was not awake, so he stepped into the green swirl, pressed the button labelled “Leap” and stepped out of the elevator into another dimension.\n\nIn the other dimension, Benjamin’s parents snored lightly. Their faces were crusted with tears, as they had been every night since their son disappeared a year earlier. \n\nWhen the door creaked open, Benjamin’s parents rushed to the entryway. Seeing him, his father fell to his knees, dissolving in tears. His mother wrapped him in her arms, smothering him in kisses. \n\nThis roused him a bit. He mumbled confusedly, but his mother shushed him. \n\n“Come, let’s get you back to bed.” \n\nShe guided him to the master bedroom and tucked him into the middle of the bed. His parents climbed in on either side of him and stared at their beautiful boy. They gazed at him for hours, before finally drifting off to sleep." ]	2
	[WP] I've never been a good man. But I thought it was time to try.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I've never been a good man. But I thought it was time to try.\n\nThe kid looked desperate. Next town was miles away. Dusty, barren, nothing between here and there. This town was practically haunted. How the boy ended up here beat me.\n\nTold the kid to hop on the horse, I'll take him where he needs to go. We rode for a couple of hours before breaking. Said nothing. I liked that. I respected that. Say nothing if there's nothing to say. Was still curious, though.\n\nFound a well. Refilled our tankards. Let the horse drink from the bucket. A small shack nearby. It was empty. Kid choked on water as he gulped it down. Told him to take it easy. Kid smiled. Asked him where he came from. Told me that was his business. I said that's bull. Kid shrugged. Tough nut, that one. Asked the kid where he was headed. Told me that was his business. I let him be. Had some small snacks and packed up. Headed out onto the plains. Few hours in, kid asks what I'm doing out here. Told him that was my business.\n\nSet up camp on a ridge near the river. Gave the kid my roll-out. Slept under the stars; was warm enough. Kid turned to me and told me his story. When his parents died, the kid was put up for adoption. Ran away. Wise kid. Eventually found himself in the middle of nowhere after hitch-hiking with a group of scumbags. They took his money and tailed it. Kid learned a pretty good lesson that day. That's when he met me.\n\nThen the kid asked why I helped him. Stumped me. Thought about it. \nI told him I'd never been a good man. But I thought it was time to try." ]	2
	[WP] The alien invasion is almost successful, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. As one last ditch effort, you and 50 others with a truckload of necessary supplies go back in time with the goal of jumpstarting humanities progress enough to fight them off in the future.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "It was as dark as soot, yet the sun was in full glory, blotted out by the blanket of billowing smoke that was cast across the sky.\n\nThe truck drove past the ruined Niogian checkpoint with a sense of cautious urgency. The headlights were turned all the way down, as dim as they could be without impeding the vision of the driver completely. The tires connecting with the ruined road, mottled with chunks of broken asphalt, created an unavoidable yet painstakingly grating noise to Lester Connelly, who gazed out of the passenger seat, his brows furrowed in unease.\n\nLes was fully aware of the ramifications of his actions, yet he couldn't help but notice that his fear was partially f the pain the Nioge ravagers would cause him if the truck was pulled over. Though the Wyoming Region had been completely depopulated due to nuclear bombardment, hordes of sadistic ex-Niogian soldiers roamed the plains searching for the fragments of homo sapiens sapiens that still existed. He had heard the occasional stories of men long lost to society, found by the predator packs and strung up by their orifices on old highway ramps, limbs dangling below like morbid territorial markings.\n\nThen again, if the truck was pulled over and the contents confiscated, or perhaps abandoned, humanity's final chance at survival was put six feet under, never to return. Hope, that was something Les hadn't felt in a while. But what was buried within layers of plaster and ice in the trailer of the dilapidated vehicle was hope incarnate. It had been eight years, since the first Niogians descended from the black sky during a solar eclipse. First negotiations seemed to work, as leaders met with Niogian fleet commanders, exchanged gifts and information. But as the Niogians learned about Earth and its people, they turned to a campaign of nuclear annihilation. If they could not coexist with what they thought as a destructive species, they would have to take Earth alone. No one was safe, not if they possessed carbon in their bodies and a beating heart. Humanity was reduced to occasional hunters and primitive wanderers, looking to the stars and praying for safety as they ran from cave to cave, abandoned building to abandoned building.\n\nLes was pulled out of his ponderings as the truck hit a small crack in the road, the trailer lurching as the driver pulled it back.\n\n\"We've gotten lucky,\" Les muttered. \"Haven't seen any of those bastards. Nor a single recon craft. Ain't that right, Shira?\"\n\nTurning the wheel while keeping a steady eye on the side mirrors, Shira took a sharp breath, before she felt the comfort of dirt beneath the wheels. \"Damn lucky,\" she whispered. \"Also damn lucky that this truck didn't say fuck it and quit over by Cheyenne.\"\n\nThey pulled into the compound of the Casper stronghold. Les pushed the door open, and leaped out onto the grass, running to the back of the truck to retrieve the fruits of the eight day long journey. \"Those guys-- goddamned heroes,\" he said to himself, dragging the large metal tray which carried the bundle of rubber, plaster and tape that they had coordinated for six months to obtain. Jonathan Doe, the Cheyenne scientists had called the Niogian child within the wrappings. He swallowed, a lump coming to his throat, as he realized the significance of what he was dragging towards the ruined refuge that they called a stronghold. Hope incarnate, or destruction incarnate, whatever it was had been synthesized between that child.\n\nRinging the surprisingly intact doorbell, he awaited the traditional response as Shira joined him by the door.\n\n\"I had a dog named Checkers,\" called the voice, with strains of caution. \"And a scandal called Watergate,\" said Les, with shaky breath.\n\nThe padlocked door opened. \"Fuck, thank god you're back,\" Arlo announced, practically pulling Shira inside the building. Les followed, pushing the tray inside, which squeaked and squealed on the scratched and broken linoleum.\n\n\"Dear God,\" Arlo remarked, smoothing a scarred hand over the plastered tomb that housed Jonathan Doe. \"Is that it? Is that the thing?\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" said Les, barely meeting Arlo's gaze. \"It's the fucking thing.\"\n\nShira elaborated, resting her hand on a nearby column. \"Cheyenne stronghold told us it's all we got. We send this back and we ain't getting another one with the resources we have. This is literally our--\"\n\n\"Last chance,\" Arlo interjected. \"Yeah, I figured. Better than no damn chances at all, right? Fuck, we're all edgy. You'd think a chance at bringing back the Before would have as happy as fairies but...,\" he trailed off, before returning to his train of thought. \"Jack's dead. Ravagers got him. Cut his balls off and everything. A couple of the crew went out and got him back. Buried him in the courtyard with the rest.\"\n\nLes cursed silently. It was practically a given, but he hated how every death seemed to lessen his emotional propensities. When Sienna, the very first of them to die, had been buried in the courtyard, he sobbed beyond belief. But now, he felt absolutely nothing. Perhaps it was a drive to bring the gift to his fellow men, who were waiting with an innovation past their greatest expectations. Perhaps he was just numb to all of it.\n\n\"Shit,\" Shira mumbled, looking down. \"How's the rest of the crew?\"\n\n\"Hopeful,\" answered Arlo. \"But damn tired. This'll put all of it to good use. All that hard work, all that blood. For fuck's sake, we have a damn time machine. That'll set us back nine years.\"\n\nNine years back, to the moments before the Niogian invasion. The Before, they called it. When humanity was still excited about determining whether the universe had intelligent life. But not before scientists received a signal that they would dub, \"the Wow Signal\", which in actuality was a Niogian scouting mission. Not before humanity has started witnessing the death of distant stars, a blackening of the universe performed by gradual Niogian expansion.\n\nThe body of Jonathan Doe, the Niogian child, was the last hope to the humans of eight years prior. Inside his body was synthesized a parasite. A being which moved from Niogian to Niogian, destroying their minds, destroying their souls, destroying their bodies. A perfect storm, a Niogian killer the size of a pea. Synthesized by scientists at Cheyenne over years, using Niogian and human pathogens as a reference. The final product of humanity's collective minds, the last light of hope in an abyss of ruin.\n\nAll they had to do was send it back.\n\n\\-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nr/bluelizardK" ]	2
	[WP] Humanity has invented a black hole bomb. Huzzah! The first thing they do, in their infinite wisdom, is test it on one unlucky system.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "<<<THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT OF A 2257 STELARCAST OF 'GALAXY TONIGHT' FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY>>>\n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"Good evening, I'm Gene Turner and this is Galaxy Tonight', as always we are hypertext captioned. The Tenth Anniversary of the 'Big One' after the break\"\n\n\\[\\[Commercial for Slurm plays\\]\\]\n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"And we are back. Ten years ago, United Nations Defense Command dropped 'the Big One', Object 1017 as it was called, on a Ceti Alpha 5. Since then the hostilities between Earth and the Cay Empire have cooled but the population of the planet has fallen on hard times.\"\n\n\\[\\[Video footage of a riot outside a UN camp with narration\\]\\]: \"The 'fivers' as humans call them, were taken from their world to Ceti Alpha 6. Even after terraforming, many challenges remain for them.\"\n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"Tonight I am joined by retired Admiral Thomas Powers and former UN Refugee Commissioner Deanna Furlan.\"\n\n\\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"Thank you Gene\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"Thanks Gene\".\n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"Tom, let's start with you. How did all this get started?\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"The 'BHB' was started by my office when we saw what the Cay's Imperial Stone Crushers could do. There was no way we could repel that kind of firepower. An engineer in New Mexico and other in Moscow got together and proposed a weapon-\"\n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"Our audience knows how the bomb was developed and deployed, what they are asking on the forums is, why Ceti Alpha 5?\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"It was a matter of math really, a planet far out in the hinterlands but close to the Cay's borders and a population of simple farmers who had barely-\"\n\n\\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"Yes Tom, they had just invented agriculture, had never seen a starship. 100,000. And we came in and took them from their homes.\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"We were at the brink of war! Imperial forces had made inroads in several systems. A bunch of farmers who had nothing were just in the way.\"\n\n\\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"Yes, they were. The Security Council decided that Ceti Alpha 6 was, 'after some development' the best place to put those 'in the way'. And my office had to make the relocation happen.\"\n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"But it did happen? 'Operation Exodus' right?\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"I was proud of that, we got fifteen troop ships with thirty dropships a peace making dozens of sorties.\"\n\n\\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"Yes, the physical movement was a success. We moved them with just the clothes on their back. Dropped them on a planet far from their homes-\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"It was next door!\"\n\n\\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"Try telling that to people who had never seen a starship. And then what happened next was criminal.\"\n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"According to the Security Council, the word was picked to show what these bombs due to planets with life. Is that correct?\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"Exactly. The plan was to open a fissure in the southern continent. We miscalculated the power.\"\n\n\\[\\[Video footage of 'CASTLE ZULU' test with Narration\\]\\]: \"As we can see, the aptly named 'Black Hole Bomb' didn't just rupture the crust, it swallowed the planet hole. A UN frigate was caught in the pull of the quantum singularity and almost didn't make it.\"\n\n\\[\\[Video footage from Ceti Alpha 6 with Narration\\]\\]: \"The 'fivers' were watching for their home planet the next morning when they were told that it was gone. Who told them is a mystery to this day.\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"That was the biggest mistake the refugee committee made.\"\n\n\\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"To tell them that their world was gone? That they could never go home again?\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \" It was a regrettable miscalculation-\"\n\n \\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"Tom you have a gift for understatement, we destroyed their world, erased it -\"\n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"Tom, do you think that the loss of their world justifies the test?\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"We did what we had to do. The Cay started putting out peace feelers a month after they confirmed that Ceti Alpha 5 was gone. We got them to reduce their military strength on our borders by twenty percent. I spent the better part of year signing those bombs when I toured the fleet.\"\n\n \\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"I spent three years in the camps until I couldn't take it anymore. Those people lost everything. They are a proud people, but without their home their children seem lost, the elders seem depressed.\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"I'm not downplaying what happened. But a thousand people versus the millions who don't have to fear war. They would ask the refugees to be grateful.\"\n\n \\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"Tom, if you could speak to the elders who just stare at the night sky looking for their-\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"If your committee could account for the 15 million credit worth of supplies that-\"\n\n \\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"Uh huh Tom, I only implemented policy. The Ceti Alpha 6 administrator resigned and my friends and I spent a year cleaning up his mess.\" \n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"Well, we are running out of time. Was it worth it? Tom, Deanna?\"\n\n\\[\\[Powers\\]\\]: \"Look, everyone feels bad for the fivers but look at the ten years of peace! There's talk that the BHB's AND the Stone Crushers could be banned in the treaty we're negotiating. One planet with a bunch of farmers in exchange for peace in our time? That's a trade I'm willing to make.\"\n\n \\[\\[Furlan\\]\\]: \"We stole their future and their homes. If that's the price of peace, I don't know. There should have been a better way.\"\n\n\\[\\[Narrator\\]\\]: \"Thank you, both of you. For our next segment, the Lockheed-Sukhoi Su-1000, affordable person starship or an unsafe deathtrap. After the break I'll have a company spokesperson and a consumer activist.\n\n<<<THE FOLLOWING WAS AN EXCERPT OF A 2257 STELARCAST OF 'GALAXY TONIGHT' FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY>>>", "Launch successful.\n\nThey watched on as their invention gracefully sailed towards their intended target, a small solar system at a safe distance that would serve as a good indicator of its destructive capability.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"What the..?\"\n\nThey watched on the screens as the projectile collapsed in on itself, with the event horizon rapidly expanding outwards, distorting the light from the stars behind.\n\n\"We're not even halfway there! Why have we detonated so soon?\"\n\n\"Sir... at this distance, the Earth will be swallowed up in less than 3 minutes\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Get the detonation team on the line\"\n\n\"Sir! Detonation successful!\"\n\n\"You idiots. You've pulled the trigger far too soon! What happened?\"\n\n\"We've done exactly as instructed, sir!\"\n\n\"How then...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Ah actually sir... these measurements - these are using the imperial system right?\"\n\n\"Metric. It's quite clearly written on the instructions.\"\n\n\"...thank you sir, so they are. Well sir, that's our bad!\"\n\n\"Yes it is. Well then... I suppose that's that.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd with that, the Earth disappeared from sight." ]	3
	[WP] After accepting a steaming cup of coffee from their large green skinned co-worker and dodging past two dwarves discussing last night's game, they sat at their station right when the crystal lit up. "Magical Dispatch, what is your emergency?"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Thanks for the coffee, Em. Good weekend?\" asked Shonda.\n\n\"Eh, laundry, Netflix, farmer's market, nothing exciting,\" replied Emily.\n\nShonda and Emily had been partners for two years and they worked well together. Shonda was skilled with Juju and Emily had her Associate's in elemental magic. They were low in the order of practitioners, but they worked well together. Shonda was the people person while Emily often handled the paperwork.\n\nA face appeared on the surface of Shonda's coffee. \n\n\"Really, Pam? In my coffee. You could have scryed into any liquid surface, or, you know, picked up a damn phone because it's 2020!\"\n\nThe face on the coffee spoke back. \"A centaur and a werewolf couple called about a baby dragon. They sounded really embarrassed. Asked for magical intervention.\"\n\n\"Text me the address and get out of my coffee.\"\n\nThe two took a squad car. \n\n\"Baby dragons are pretty straight forward,\" said Emily. \"Fire resistant, attracted to valuables, and moody.\"\n\n\"Dragons are immune to mental Juju so none of my pushes will work on it.\"\n\n\"No, but the parents might be in a state. They can't have children of their own so they adopted this hatchling.\"\n\nThe home itself was typical suburbia. The werewolf woman waited at the curb and flagged down the car. \n\n\"Thanks for coming. I'm Lupita. My husband is in the back yard with our son explained the woman.\n\nThey went around the house to the backyard. A centaur man was pacing nervously under an old tree. \n\n\"Thank, gods, you are here. I'm Mathias and our son, Lasher, is up there.\"\n\nThe centaur pointed up. They saw a glint of scales in the sunlight and they heard the occasional hiss from the branches. \n\n\"How long since he hatched?\" asked Emily.\n\nThe mother replied, \"Sixteen months.\"\n\n\"At that age, it can't talk, track gems, or produce flame. Why didn't you bind his wings or keep him on a leash?\" asked Emily.\n\n\"I saw on facebook that wing binds and leashes stunt their growth,\" answered the mother before she teared up. \n\nShonda placed a hand on Lupita's shoulder and sent a calming push.\n\n\"He can't fly properly, but we'll get him down,\" said Shonda.\n\nThe officers stepped away from the couple to confer. \n\n\"This is a job for the fire department,\" complained Shonda.\n\n\"The poor dragon doesn't have a parent to teach it to fly. He's probably very scared. I think a fire lure will work.\"\n\nShonda hugged Emily and inhaled sharply.\n\n\"You know how this works. The ward I placed on you deflects energy, but the ward will shatter if you fall.\"\n\n\"Thanks, Shonda.\"\n\nEmily began climbing. She got halfway up and exhaled into her palm. The fire ball hovered over her palm. It wasn't efficient and would drain her if burned too long. Luckily the young dragon sensed it quickly and cautiously began climbing down. \n\n\"That's it little guy; follow the flame.\"\n\nShe quickly descended one handed. The dragon still had teeth and claws. When she reached the ground, Emily extinguished her flame. The dragon jumped and glided into his father's arms. \n\nThe mother began to tear up despite Shonda's push. \n\n\"Thank you both.\"\n\n\"All in a day's work, ma'am,\" replied Emily.\n\nThey headed back to the squad car. Emily dumped her coffee in the street.\n\n\"Gone cold?\" asked Shonda.\n\n\"I could warm it, but I don't want Pam scrying into it again.\"\n\nThe crystal on the dash glowed. Both of their phones buzzed. \n\nThe radio came on, \"All units, they've targeted the station. Multiple casualties. Hide. Protect yourselves. We're asking the Feds for assistance. They are immune to all magic and.....\"\n\nThe radio went silent. Emily and Shonda exchanged a glance and exited the squad car.", "Not even a second after I sat down at my desk did the circular crystal plate hovering in front of me spring to life. The stone began to strobe between different shades of blue as it began insistently chiming. Instinctively I tapped the screen and silently cursed myself for not letting it roll over to the next call-taker. At least images were not transferred through the public-safety-answering-portals or else the caller would have seen me frantically trying to ready my station.\n\n“DMS 911, where is your magical emergency?” I spoke into the orb.\n\n“Hello? Yes. I’m in IC-10… ugh… right where it meets with IC-57. My dragon clipped wings with a gryphon and we need a report.” A timid, female voice came through.\n\n“Your name and sigil in case the call gets disconnected?”\n\n“Miranda Nevils.” She answered as a yellow symbol appeared on the crystal’s surface.= I waved it over, suspending the image mid air with my fingers as my other hand summoned parchment and a quill. I had her spell out her name and resend the sigil just to ensure I had the correct information.\n\n“Okay, what direction were you going? Were you heading to or from Earth?”“ From Earth. I was heading to the Fire Plane.”“Is anyone injured?”\n\nThere was a pause. “I don’t believe so. I'm sorry.”\n\nI marked down a request for a cleric just in case. “Don't be Ms. Nevils. Now, can you give me the color and breed of your dragon and possibly the same for the other rider’s gryphon?”\n\nThe woman paused for a moment. “My- My dragon is a Ferusian Ridgeback. Silvery blue. And… The gryphon is brown. I don’t know the breed.”\n\n“That is perfectly fine. One last question before I let you go. Are you currently blocking traffic, partly blocking traffic, or not at all? If so, which one?”\n\n“We are blocking the... right lane. Yes.”\n\n“All right. I’ll have a Paladin dispatched immediately, Ms Nevils.”\n\nShe stammered a thank you before the call disconnected. Around me I could hear my coworkers picking up their lines as calls began to pick up. Just as I was sending the parchment to dispatch the crystal lit up again.\n\nThere was a Johnathan Weasley reporting the same accident, a third person caller who seemed to be blowing the situation out of proportion as he claimed it seemed like the ferocious purple dragon was about to eat the gryphon. The caller after that was a Sophie Jenkins, yet another third party caller, reporting the same incident with near identical information as Ms. Nevils. However according to her, the accident was on Inter-dimensional Corridor 57 where it merges with IC10. The exact opposite direction. Never the less, I ensured the information was passed along to dispatch.\n\nIt took roughly fifteen minutes before everything calmed down. I could only assume either our Paladin or one of the connecting dimension's Knights had arrived to put lights on the scene. But by now my coffee had grown cold, much to my dismay.\n\nCupping the mug in both hands, I attempted to discreetly warm the liquid. But footsteps of our supervisor had me reconsider my violation of policy. I did not have to lift my head to know that his eyes were scanning the room as he tried to locate where the subtle surge of magic had originated from. Unsatisfied with being unable to locate the source, he hissed a the two idle dwarves to report to his office. More than likely he was going to yell at them for standing idly while the rest of us worked.\n\nNext to me I heard my coworker Gena snicker. “Go ahead and head to the microwave.”\n\n“I just got here! I can’t do that to the rest of you.” I protested.\n\nThe siren rolled her eyes and snatched my mug with her webbed fingers. “Fine then. I’ll go” She playfully pecked the top of my head before sashaying to the break room. I huffed at her before casting a wary glance at the supervisor’s office. Thankfully the spriggan seemed to be too busy chewing out the dwarves.\n\nWhile waiting on Gena I began to finally organize my desk for the 11 and some off minutes I had ahead of me. Yet as if the universe saw my attempts to put my small part of it in order, the crystal began pulsing with a green light as an unfamiliar sigil appeared on it’s screen, but the chiming tone was that of a direct call in rather than from 911. Without hesitation I answered.\n\n“Department of Magic Safety, this is Taylor.”For several seconds I could hear heavy breathing accompanied by a faint, distorted melody. I waited a moment before repeating the same greeting.\n\n“Yes? Yes! This is Morganna with Essex County Sheriff. We currently have a situation at Salem’s College and our Knights are requesting backup. Currently one of our warlock fraternity houses seems to have summoned an Elder One. So far part of the being has passed through the portal and is currently towering over the town. Reality is warping and so far we have only a handful of safe houses left.” Morganna whispered.\n\nWhile my quill automatically began scribbling notes down on the next sheet of parchment I slid both of my pointer fingers along the sides until I felt the correct ruins. Upon activation map of our jurisdiction came into view. Just as I had thought.\n\n“Okay Morganna. It seems like you are outside of my jurisdiction. Give me a moment as I transfer you to the correct Troop.” I kept my tone even as I worked my magic. The woman on the other line began to catch an attitude as she attempted to argue with me, yet halfway through the voice of the other DMS call taker answered and I disconnected.\n\nShortly after Gena had returned with my cup of joe. I wrapped my hands around the warm ceramic as I took a deep, heavy sigh.\n\n“What was that about?”\n\n“Some, probably drunk, frat warlocks summoned Cthulhu. Luckily, it wasn't in our district. But the woman was being such a bitch about sending the call to the district that can actually respond in a timely manner.”\n\nA laugh radiated from Gena as she returned to her desk. “ Come now. You know our Paladin’s are itching for an exciting call. They say it has been… quiet.”\n\nMy head snapped to look at her. “Why did you say the ‘Q’ word!? Do you want to jinx us?” \n\n\nGena chuckled again and on cue, my crystal began chiming.", " \n\n“Hey Gnash,” I said as I passed my supervisor. “How’s shift?”\n\nHe harumphed a giant sized harumph my direction. I might have felt the whole of the comm center building tremble a little.\n\n“That bad, huh?”\n\n“It’s a full moon. What more is there to say?” The center trembled a little more from his grousing as he keyed up his crystal. “Units 956 and 947, copy a transfiguration with injuries.”\n\nThat was my cue to sashay with a bit more haste to my console. A long shift could make Gnash an ogre in any situation. I mean. He is one. But full moons are a whole other stalk of beans. \n\nSinking into my chair at my favorite console, I took a long sip of my coffee for a fleeting moment of zen. It passed all too quickly. \n\nEvery other report crystal was lit up at the consoles around me, and the faint chime sound meant there were more calls holding, too. Time to plug in. I set my mug on the warming stone and swiped my spell chip over the headset dongle.\n\nAs if calls waiting weren’t enough to ruin my moment of zen, my partner Luna was bound to. The tip of her conical hat waggled behind her scroll screens, clearly frustrated. Her quill scratched out a transcription that was surely of a caller who hadn’t taken a breath since the fall of Rome.\n\n“Ma’am! Ma’am! MAAA’AM!” Luna practically shouted into her mic. A couple heavy thumps meant she was banging on her desk in exasperation at her caller. “Ma’am, I need you to listen to me. Is the effigy changing color? Ma’am?” She huffed and the thumping sound came again. \n\n“Hung up on you?” I asked.\n\n“Of course. Nothing like calling Tilde-Star-Star and then hanging up on the crone trying to help you.”\n\n“Another goblin screaming ‘just get them here’?” \n\n“Mmmmmhm.” Her annoyance could have curdled butterbeer. The sparkling gem twirling above her scroll twirled faster as she hit voicemail on redial. “Well of course.” The gem suspended above her workspace winked out as she flicked the scroll over to Gnash. \n\n“You’re killing me!” The room rumbled with the boss’s displeasure as he stared at the new scroll. \n\n“Nope. That’s why they pay you the big ingots!” Luna shot back his direction, winking at me. I hid my chuckle behind another sip of coffee.\n\nLuna’s wide-brimmed headwear popped up over her scroll as she bounced forward to squint at me. “Hey, aren’t you off tonight?”\n\n“I was.” I sighed heavily. “But Jakub called out at dusk. Full moon.”\n\n“Ohhhh, bummer.” She didn't sound disappointed for me, though. In fact I would stake my first wand on the bet that she was glad she wouldn't be the only one on calltaking tonight. I didn’t mind. I’d prefer to work with Luna than some of the night walkers I could have been stuck with.\n\n“Yep.\"\n\nShe wrinkled her nose thoughtfully. \"You’d think he’d take the potion for--”\n\n“Iiiii know. But you know how New Age werebeasts are. Anyway, I don’t mind padding my coin purse and it’s supposed to be mostly cloudy tonight.”\n\n“Mmmmmmhm”. Her response brimmed with skepticism. \n\nMy crystal shot out a beam of scarlet light accompanied by soft chimes. “So it begins.” I groaned and tapped the crystal, now blinking furiously. “Tilde-Star-Star, where is your emergency?” My quill floated up, scratching out the start of a new call for service.\n\nA distinctly thick accent sputtered in my ear. “Forbidden Forest, Grove Seventy Seven.”\n\n“Okay, and what’s going on there?” Nothing good, I would bet. The Forbidden Forest is dicey to visit at the middle of the month, let alone the end. \n\nThe translator critter on it’s pedestal protested as I gave it a little nudge and raised my eyebrow. It’s feathered antennae twitched some wordless backtalk at me. Translating critters were notoriously dodgy in the twilight hours. Who could blame them though, really? \n\nThe voice coming through my headset coughed nervously, but was clearer this time. “So, uh... my friend and I were totally not doing anything illegal but my friend has Witches Cough and I’ve been feeling pretty ill myself.”\n\nI sat up a little straighter. “How long has your friend been sick?”\n\n“I dunno, maybe… a couple hours?” Gnomes. Always can trust them to wait until it’s too late to call. \n “Not to worry, we’ll get some healers headed your way,” I reassured the voice. “Are there any spells or hazards we need to know about?”\n\nThe answer tumbled out in a barely intelligible rush, despite my critter’s efforts. “Well I think we might have set off some tricky charms here, because one of my other friends here is running from a really, really mad pixie right now, and I think she’s summoning her family.”\n\nGAH! GNOMES! \n\nI wanted to punt the crystal. My fingers itched to pound my desk like Luna had only moments before, but I managed to remain still. Why does no one lead with the most important details?!\n\nBarely containing my irritation at the caller, I flicked the scroll flying away to Gnash with more force than strictly necessary. He rumbled again. \n\n“It’s gonna be one of the nights, Gnash!” I called as he started to key up his crystal.\n\n“What did I tell ya!” The floor shook a little harder.\n\nThat’s when I really started to regret coming in. All the console gems started to spin and pulse colors at once. \n\n“Looks like the clouds cleared up,” Luna cackled.\n\nI swore a half-uttered curse under my breath. “Just my luck!” \n\nReluctantly I tapped my crystal and recoiled as screams of a banshee hit my ear. \n\n“Ma’am!” I started, biting back another curse. As the wailing continued I made a mental note to come down with potion poisoning on the next full moon. A little case of Mutation Sickness could be easily faked. \n\nMore crystals chiming interrupted the thought. Banshee or no, I was sure of one thing.\n\nIt was the last time I’d pick up a werewolf’s shift during their time of the month.", "It was yet another young alchemical wizard call. You know the ones. A young wizard or alchemist thinks they have solved the anti life spell or whatever and trys it out, only to find they had made yet another recipe for barkskin or fireball. My first day on the job I had to explain to a very worried mother that no, her son had not been attacked by ninja druids, he had just made a powerful barkskin potion. \n\nThat was significantly easier than my second day on the job, when I was running from an aisamar who had somehow convinced their guardian angel that her contract with a demon was a good thing and that of course her conquering the world was amazing. The local church had to be called in and it was a whole mess. I demanded and got a bonus for that, and have carried both holy water and unholy oil ever since, just in case \n\nAnyway, back to the alchemical wizard call I was on. This call had been a bit odd, hard to describe from the dispatchers description. The house was fairly normal, for hobgoblin standards anyway. Huge grass as the front lawn that had never been cut, evidence of hunting in said grass, a stand of corn, all fairly standard stuff for the lazy but typically self sufficient race. Where it deviates was the huge tentacle sprouting from the chimney and the eldritch whispers I could hear. This was going to require much more than a simple priest...", "Kevin took the sweet brown liquid in it's nearly bottomless mug graciously from his coworker Gnearbash, a rather portly orc, and began his trek back to his station. Behind him ran his partner, an elf suffering from the elvish version of dwarfism, where one grew to a grand height measurable in inches, as opposed to feet. It was a rare genetic condition and K'laria was an office favorite, doted on for her elaborate clothing and sense of humor. In her hands she held a single coffee bean, which seemed large to her 6 inch 5 centimeter frame. Had she been normal elf size, she would tower over him. \n\nTwo actual dwarves were bellowing at each other in the hall over the Tournament of Royals. \n\n\"No, Yrickle, I am telling you, Pergia is going to be the greatest dragon rider this season. Did you see his defensive manuever in the third quarter?\" \n\n\"Yet he did not manage to get the ball properly returned to his team. I don't care how slick of a flip he performed, the ball went out of bounds Florbet.\" \n\nKevin rolled his eyes and bent down to offer a hand to K'laria, who jingled noisily into it. Why she had chosen to dress like the Mascot of the Shelf Elf Furniture Company today was beyond him. As a drop out of the prestigious School of Magical Healing, famous in the office for being a failed nurse, most things were beyond him. He was lucky to have been accepted as a EMMTD. It stood for Emergency Magical Medic Transportation Director, but the title of Director was a half hearted attempt on the board to make the Dispatchers sound less menacing. This was a response to several Grim Reapers opening up a Dispatch and Morgue locally. More than locally. Next door. With a huge ad depicting smiling reapers and the phrase: \n\n\"Ready to leave your mortal coil? Call the Dispatchers.\" \n\nIt was a very pointed poke at the hospitals life saving services. If only Dignity in Death was still illegal. \n\nK'laria beamed at him, munching on her coffee bean. \n\n\"Ready for the day Kv'in?\" She asked, nesting in his free hand. \n\n\"Oh, kind of. I just hope for an easy one.\" He replied. It was heartfelt. Kevin only cared about easy days. She beamed at him.\n\n\"Not me. I'm hoping to saddle Team Alpha with a bad one.\" This was also heartfelt. Team Alpha's leader had turned down her attempt to date him on the basis of her height. It was still a sore subject, especially since he was a leprechaun. Apparently he only liked big girls, five foot and above. Something about her not being \"thicc enough\" for him. Little prick. \n\n\"We can always hope someone's pet Kappa bit them again.\" He said smiling as they approached their desk. He set her and his mug down and they grabbed their headsets. Kevins job was to talk to the callers, while K'laria used her insane speed to GPS their location and send a team.\n\nThey had barely turned the system on when a call came in. \n\n\"Magical Dispatch, what is your emergency?\" He asked. The caller groaned. \n\n\"My wife has gone into labor.\" \n\n\"How wonderful sir, how long has she been having contractions.\" \n\n\"The children won't stop coming out. It's like the hoardes of hell have been unleashed. They are all covered in flames, my house is on fire, I am on fire, and she is screaming about a curse. I did not know she was cursed. What is happening right now?\" \n\n\"When you say \"they\" what do you mean?\" \n\n\"I mean there are hundreds of them.\"\n\n\"What species are you and your wife sir?\" \n\n\"I'm a werewolf and she's uh...she's a demon.\" \n\nK'laria started grinning, huffed in a giant breath and let loose a sonicboom. \n\n\"Team Apha, Hybrid, Multiple Birth in progress during House Fire. Will need a cursebreaker.\" \n\nIn the back a very small curse came out of a very small man. I stayed on the phone, trying not to laugh. \n\n\"Sir, I will need an exact count. Are the flames hurting you?\" \n\n\"She's trying to keep them from reaching my skin...Holy shit, they sprouted wings. I can't count this high. Oh, god, the neighbours! Run Thrimmet, my Gods, run! I HAVE TO SAVE HIM!\"\n\n\"I need you to stay on the phone with me, and with your wife.\" \n\nAn explosion was heard through the line. \n\n\"Sir?\" \n\n\"Sir?\" \n\nThe call ended." ]	6
	[WP] As Dwarven royalty, you find yourself the victim of a horrific crime. In your sleep, someone has trimmed your beard!	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. 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Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I was Doumaatin Stormfoot, son of Yorick, grandson of Thranoc. My sword, Vrigna, passed down the ages, was forged in the depths of Mount Indraak. Its blade has known many battles, but none so legendary as the surge in the Battle of Doulaggin. We lost many a good dwarf in those long weeks. The bitter cold was almost unbearable. But our men were fierce and our swords rang true - the company I led came out the bloody victors in the end. A great feast had been laid out that night to celebrate our triumph. The ale ran strong, the smoked meats were plentiful, and beautiful lasses with flaxen hair sang songs of our battle till the wee hours of the morning. It had been a glorious day, and one whose anniversary we had celebrated with equal fervor just the night before.\n\nHeaving myself into a sitting position, I splashed some water on my face, slapping myself awake. There was work to be done, whether my addled mind had any say or not. I grinned -- I’d have to find one of those buxom lasses to bring me another ale. This wasn’t anything another pint couldn’t straighten out.\n\nOr so I thought before I looked into the water. My eyes nearly buggered out of my own dwarven skull.\n\nI was Doumaatin Stormfoot, son of Yorick, grandson of Thranoc. My family had etched their blood and sweat into each crevice of this mine for countless generations. My blood ran through their veins. Endless tales I had heard of their exploits - legendary treks, battles, monsters, treasures galore - but nothing had prepared me for a sight so horrible as what gleamed in the water that terrifying morning. Because that morning I had seen the impossible in that murky water. I had seen my own dwarven neck, shining there in the water like a newborn babe’s buttox. \n\nThese black-bellied dwarves had trimmed my own blasted beard.\n\n“WHAT LEAD LICKING, COPPER FONDLING, ELF LOVING SON OF A RUST MONSTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?” I roared, throwing myself down the mine shaft with the fiery rage of a Wyvern dragon. \n\nI had never been much of a braid counter - while my royal blood was strong, the looks in the family were admittedly troll-like (we think it came from Thranoc’s great-grandmothers side). But Strongfoot beards had always been our redeeming feature. Boldly colored, well-oiled, and long as the waterfall nestled in a rockbed, the Stormfoot beards were one of our most treasured possessions. \n\nI burst through to the mess hall. Dwarves piled over each other, still sleeping off the celebrations of last night. Clutching their pints in one hand and a wench in the other. Anger bubbled in my belly -- one of these slumbering sons of vagrants was responsible, and would wish they had slunk out of this mine like the woodworm they were before I found them. \n\n“WAKE UP, YOU STONE EATING ELF LOVERS!” I bellowed. The nearest dwarves jerked awake. Bhargeal, son of Hasseac. Doulgruth, son of Gormot. Rarhag, Thulor, Graznas, and Noragnog -- one by one, they all blinked their bleery, bloodshot eyes at me. I was ready to lay into the group, but was interrupted when they all burst into rancourious laughter. \n\n“The dwarf of the hour! Look at his wee trimmings!” Noragnog shouted, tears streaming down his cheeks. \n\n“My wife has a bigger beard than yours!” Rarhag wheezed, gripping his sides for support.\n\nThe whole mess hall was awake now, and all were taking part. \n\n“I can be prouder of my own chest hair looking at a beard like that!” \n\n“You’ve got the glow of a wee babe, Doumattin! You’ve shaved off a good four hundred years!”\n\nThe hall roared with laughter. My face was as red as a ruby in the sun. \n\n“NOW YOU LITTLE HALFINGS LISTEN HERE --” I started, the walls shaking with the crack of my voice. But Bhargeal, son of Hasseac, quietly stepped in front of me. He put a firm hand on my shoulder. Bhargeal had fought hard in the Battle of Doulaggin by my side. Aged, and worn, his voice was well respected in the mine. Though my rage was boiling, I let the good dwarf speak. \n\n“As you well know, the Battle of Doulaggin was well honoured last night. The ale was flowing heartily, and all of us were in a right fine spirit” he began softly, although there was no point in it - the whole mess hall was hanging on his words. \n\n“One of the lasses asked for a lock of your beard last night as a token. You had tossed the pint at that point, Doumaatin. We all had,” he continued. Dread coiled in my stomach. \n\n“You took out Vrigna, that mighty blade, and in one fell swoop, you, you --” \n\nBhargeal’s hand started shaking as he held my shoulder. I thought he was quaking in fear at my mighty anger. But when I looked into his eyes, I saw the dwarf was shaking with laughter. \n\n“You, Doumaatin, son of Yorick, you took yer own beard clean off.” \n\nHe burst into laughter and the mess hall responded with a roar of unconstrained merriment. I stood there, hand on my blade, shock settling in as the vague memories pulled themselves from the ale-induced stupor of my fuddled head. I felt a pint being shoved in my hands. \n\n“Come on, Doumaatin. Let’s drink until you forget you even had a beard” Doulgruth, son of Gormot, chortled at me. \n\nI sighed, gulping the ale down in one shameful swig. I listened to their merry songs with growing apprehension. \n\n“Today we sing to celebrate the Battle of Doulaggin\n\nBut no one fought as hard or strong as the fierce Old King Doumaatin!\n\nHis helm shone bright in the cutting sun, his sword swung free and true\n\nBut no enemy cut through his heart like the lass with eyes of blue\n\nIn one fell swoop his blade he born, the victor of Doulaggin\n\nAnd in one fell swoop his beard he shorn, the token of Doumaatin!”", "\"Oi you asslicking son of orc waste and feral garbage mutts, Whichever of you souls dared to commit this crime better have said his final vows to whichever cursed deity they believe in, for when I get my hands on them, no God or Goddess alike will be able to put your remains back together.\" The short stout man bellowed out of his room.\n\n\"It's the crack of dawn Valdor, what are you shouting threats about already? If this is about the mead I drank last night, It was fair game, you left it on the table, You know the rule from our adventuring days, if the mead isn't hidden in a leather sack, anyone can drink it, you made this rule idiot.\" The sorceress muttered, a small yawn leaving her purple lips as she looked towards the royals room. \"I swear you got even louder when you became king, I didn't even know such a thing could be possible.\" \n\n\"Aye, you best watch your mouth Malice, remember whose castle you live in for free before ye speak. I would hate to hear you are sleeping in a stable warming yourself up with fire magic to try and keep the cold chill of the night away. Would be a real shame...\" The dwarf added, before the sound of items getting smashed could be heard coming from his room, A thick mallet soon making it's way through the thin wooden wall, nearly hitting the warrior of the party, the elf jumping up nearly screaming his lungs out.\n\n\"Valdor! The hell are you doing? You nearly killed me you feral imp.\" He stood up, carefully treading up from his spot, walking towards the hole in the wall, peeking through only to be greeted by a clean-shaven dwarf, his strong jawline exposed, with a perfect clean shine to it. His pride and joy reduced to nothing. \"Oh.... oh no...\" The elf stepped back from the wall, nearly tripping over himself, his reaction got the attention of the sorceress.\n\n\"What? Did you capture a view of him in his bare dwarven glory? I would be repulsed by that sight as well.\" She said with a chuckle, however her chuckling was stopped when she saw the look on the elf's face. \"Lifor? Lifor? You ok?\" Finally, the sorceress stood up, stretching her body as she approached her warrior friend.\n\n\"I.... would have preferred seeing him naked, not like this,\" Lifor responded, backing away with his hands over his mouth, his gaze still locked on the hole.\n\n\"What could be so bad?\" She crouched down, peeking through the hole, catching sight of the red-faced dwarf who only seemed to be fuming more. \"I....\" She didn't know whether to laugh or cry, maybe a mix of both? She finally let out a long sigh. \"I see... Seems like our adventuring days aren't over, we have a beard thief to kill.\" She tapped a piece of the wooden wall, the wall contorting until it formed a small staff, popping free from the walls embrace and right into her smooth hand. \"Ready to go Valdor?\" When she heard no response, she spoke up again. \"VALOD?\"\n\nSuddenly the wall was kicked down, the stubby dwarf emerged holding a large metallic mallet, a pair of spikes on its end. Of course, he couldn't go out beardless, that was why he had chosen to wrap a cooked turkey around his lips, using that for protection for the time being. \"Aye, let's go my little laddies.\"\n\n\"Please don't call us laddies...\" Lifor sighed, grabbing a random sword from one of the tables, taking the glorified weapon out of its display stand.\n\n{If you enjoyed my story, Feel free to check out r/pmmeyabootysstories where ill be posting some more of my stuff for people to read}" ]	3
	[WP] In the future, Humanity is known throughout the galaxy for their propensity as brilliant teachers and educators. You find yourself on a planet full of plant based organisms. You are trying to explain your diet to the students, who are confused by the concept of "meat".	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Go teach on Chlorophyllius II, it'll look great on your resume! \n\nSure, they were right about that. After all, I do want to get into the ever-growing field of astropedagogy. \n\nYou'll be one of the first people to use the new Dilation Interface Device. We're talking bleeding-edge temporal technology!\n\nYeah yeah, it's an amazing feat of engineering and all, but I didn't realize how silly I'd feel using it. Granted, it's a wonder that we even came to conclusion that such a device was needed. If it weren't for the careless FTL operators of a few decades ago, we would have never realized that most of the plants on this planet have sentience. \n\nI often wonder about what that first operator was thinking when she realized that the bushes caught in the temporal distortion field weren't blowing in the wind at all, but rather waving at her to get her attention. \n\nI mean isn't it amazing that we are literally slowing down time to talk to these lifeforms? With their metabolism being hundreds of degrees slower than ours, it's the only way we can meaningfully communicate with them.\n\nAmazing indeed. But thanks to that small fact, I'm stuck in a small glass cube for most of my day, surrounded by a field of green and being surrounded by dull tan and amber plumes of my own self produced artificial pollen. \n\nDude, your words are gonna be translated into freaking pollen! Can you even wrap your head around such a feat?\n\nYes, I can actually. It's pretty basic science these days. To be fair (to be fairrr), talking to these creatures was pretty cool. The AI handling the translations did a wonderful job of bridging the gap between our vastly different communication methods and making it mutual intelligible.\n\nAfter all, what's the worst thing a plant could ask you?\n\nWell, as I watched several swaths of vines root off and rows of trees point their leaves away from me, apparently \"what is meat?\" would be the answer to that question. The interface sprung with fierce translations from my students.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n>\"You consume the muscles of people on your planet?\" \n> \n>\"Aren't animals just less-complicated versions of people?\" \n> \n>\"You kill them just so you can eat?\" \n> \n>\"Is it messy?\" \n> \n>\"How old do they have to be before you can eat them?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThat's not even the worst part. After spending days worth of classroom time fielding these questions to some degree of success, I received the worst possible question from the cutest little sprout. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n>\"Okay, so most planets have predators and prey. On your world, the predators such as lions and coyotes eat the prey such as antelopes and cattle. What then do the antelopes and cattle eat?\"" ]	2
	[WP] The Old Gods are bored beyond belief since the Building Completion of the Multiverse. You are summoned across Space and Time along several Others in order to give your feedbacks and your reviews.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As I am fricking taken from the comfort of my nice bed, I look up. \n\n\"OK PLEASE THAT IS BRIGHT I SWEAR-\" I yell around me. The light seems to dim.\n\n\"Ok. Calm down, child.\" I look at what made the loud yet calm voice. A tall man with a really long grey handlebar moustache looks down on me, and so do many others. I am lifted high by one of them on to a pedestal so I can see better.\n\n\"Dear, we are the old gods of this multiverse, and we have now requested some feedback since it has been so long since we have completed it.\" Are you kidding me? I wanted to go to sleep...\n\n\"We can hear your thoughts, child. I do apologize, but the wheel landed on your planet and we just took the first person I saw on the list of inhabitants.\" Seriously? Ok. I look up at them.\n\n\"You said multiverse. Give me a list of the universes, the species you've created, all of them. If I am gonna review, I'm gonna need everything.\" And now I was handed a huge list. It, thank you, was in Earth Alphabetical. I go by the list, starting at the Alchir \\[Al- Cher\\] Universe, and look at the solar systems and their species. Some of the species reminded me of the books I read, while others were species I thought I created myself only. NEVERMIND.\n\nAfter about a week's worth of coffee over a month or two, I can't count, I finished, taking notes of what was good and what was bad.\n\n\"Ok, so from many of the universes, you made good species, like those fairies that can put you to sleep so you can heal, and those werewolves that are extremely fluffy and cute. I do have some concerns. Why is one universe basically the milky way, but nobody has any eyes? That is concerning as to how they do basic things. One universe is a black hole, and that's it. Another has too many stars and not enough planets. There has to always be more planets than stars, as eventually, those stars supernova. That universe is a bit just... no. There's one that has a Dante's Inferno, Purgatorio, and a Paradisio. Why? Dante was a good writer, but don't let him be right. Some of these feels like copies with a few things changed, like colour or language. Try actually making some universes. The people on my planet have made some and they seem nice. Minus Dante, many of the stories in books should be put together in their own universe. Okay? I rate this multiverse 9.6/10. Minus 0.4 for the concerning universes.\"\n\nThe old gods and goddesses looked at me with deep concern as to how in-depth I have gone. \n\n\"Thanks. I didn't think a mortal could be so in-depth about such multi-universal matters. Especially a mortal of your kind. I thought philosophers were just stupid...\"\n\n\"Some are. Some aren't. I ain't one.\" I said with a smile. \"What are you gonna do now?\"\n\n\"We're gonna take what you said into consideration, as we do need to edit this multiverse a bit. Wait, can we keep the ones your kind call, Creepypastas? How about the gory ones?\" One asked.\n\n\"Keep them away from my kind and you'll be good,\" I said.\n\n\"Would you like to go home, dear?\" \n\n\"Is there any way I could just have my own little house here, with infinite food from the multiverse, and just be here in case you need advice?\" I ask, not wanting to go back.\n\n\"Sir is that possible? I like this one staying.\" one asked the grey handlebar man.\n\n\"Child, are you sure? We'd have to erase your existence from your family, your friends, everyone that's not us.\" I nod. \"Very well.\"\n\n\\---\n\nNowadays I help them make universes, explaining what a Mary Sue/Gary Stu is and not to put those types in certain universes. I also told them they should watch the universes, and make bets on who gets together and who is cheating on who, like earth humans with everything they read or watch. These gods and goddesses from old times are chill with me, and I have learned new recipes, which are fun to make and fun to see them try them. They've learned how to size down, which is nice when I taught them how to party and have fun. The handlebar god is very weird when drunk. Motherly goddess, the one calling me dear, is almost hilarious when drunk. That polite one saying sir is almost a total wreck when drunk. The others have tried not to pass out, and pass out." ]	2
	[WP] You meet the goddess of love and beauty, but she's not exactly what you expected. Instead of abundant beauty, she just seems normal and kind of boring. But as you get to know her, she starts to grow on you...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "What else was I going to do? I had just been temporarily deployed to a duty station. While they ripped the flight line up from my base, but work can never stop. Grease stained my hands, my knuckles bloodied from breaking lug nuts off tires and replacing them. Now I was stuck in the middle of nowhere, with the only place to drink being a run down bar full of people under the impression that drinks can solve their problems. But who was I to judge. wasn’t I doing the same? drinking to cure my social seclusion. I didn’t even notice when she walked in. a friend in each arm one she wasn’t the prettiest her long wavy brown hair layered on her shoulders. a long white t with some irrelevant label and jeans. her friends much better dressed for a night out. they sat across the room from me separated by what seemed to be an obstacle course of tables and guys trying to get their chance with her friends. I filled my stomach with liquid courage and made my move on her friends. making small talk about college, drinks, and jobs. I can’t say I was the best flirt, but she kept staring at me. as if trying to figure me out. her friends were escorted away by two strangers, and I was perfectly fine with that. we talked about the fact she was leaving soon. She was going overseas for her schooling, and she just wanted to have some fun before she went. Her eyes sparkled green almost glowing, and a seductive smile grinned perfect white teeth. was it the bottle of whiskey that was turning this plain girl into a goddess? it must have been. we seemed to talk for hours ignoring everything around us. I escorted her out to her car. asking her if she wanted to get out of here? she smiled and touched my face, as she slid her number into my hands. that night I laid in bed and thought more about her. Her eyes as they stared into my soul. how her words formed a sympathy that would make a sinner repent. how she scared me... I called her the next day we decided we should go on a date a simple game of laser tag and dinner. a few garlic sticks later, and we shared our first kiss. her perfume drawing me into her as she tangled her fingers into my hair. we tempted the line of decently more than once and we rarely paused to breathe. My heart raced as fast as it did when I was young and inexperienced in this particular thing, but she was consuming my world, and holding my heart in her hand. than she stopped and asked me to take her home. I sat in the car that night the butterflies in my stomach kicking my ribs. it was painful to be without her.. we had many dates each one more wonderful than the last. we spoke of politics, and kids. we talked of marriage and friends. then the day came. we were hiking in Yellowstone I was walking behind her living in the ambience of love. she stopped suddenly and turned to me and touched my chest. the shock of her touch made my hair stand up on ends. she told me “it’s time”. that she would leave tonight to go abroad. I tried to grasp at straws. saying that “we can make the distance work” that I can “wait for her”. She doesn’t have to go. she just smiled as she held my hand and said “we always knew what this was just a place holder for time”. her hair shined gold in the light as her lips pursed. her words whispered “your a sweet guy you were nice while we lasted but a goddess can never love a mortal”. then she was gone as if she had never existed. tears welled in my eyes. I was alone again... it’s been years since then. I finished my term in the Military and now just work in a shop. I’m still alone I haven’t dated since her. sometimes I think I see her, but I know she’s happy without me. sometimes I wish what we had been real, but I should have known she would never love me.\n\nPlease excuse grammar and punctuation I am vary horrible at this.", "I’m not sure what had made her approach me, sitting all alone in the food court of the movie theater. The movie I had watched just ended not to long ago, though I should say we as it turns out we both had came from watching the same thing. Thinking back to just before the movie started she was in line right in front of me. Both of us looking at our own phones as we waited and ignoring one another, but I could not ignore the faint aroma of lavender that seemed to waft off her, and I found myself without much thinking taking in deep breathes of air trying to take as much of it in as my lungs could hold, and smiling just barely in every intake. After she had grabbed her ticket, for some reason unbeknownst to me, she had turned around, and smiled at me. It had caught me off guard. I had put my phone away in preparation to pay, and looking forward at her smile, at me off all people, caused my face to feel warm. Startled in my surprise I gave her a weak smile back, before she continued on into the theater. I gave a quick shake of my head and a sigh of relief that she had gone, but inside I was already missing that faint scent of lavender that was carried of with her.\n\nI thought little more of it, or at least tried too, until the movie finally started. Time and time again during the show though, the subtle and relaxing smell of lavender would tickle my nose, but I figured it my mind only playing tricks on me. Until the movie was over however, and the lights came on, and sitting in the row right in front of me, in the seat right in front of mine, there she was sitting, and standing to go. Once more, she looked at me and gave another charming smile directed right at me. I returned to her a smile of my own, though this time a bit more eager of one. A smile shared my strangers who had just shared the same exciting experience. She left before me again and this time I couldn’t help but notice how lovely she was, or how icy blue her eyes had been. I’m not sure I had ever seen such a stunningly vibrant color of blue. I had almost wanted to talk to her, say something to her as I watched her leave, but the words eluded my tongue, and I shrugged off the desire.\n\nThat was twice now, and a third time fast approaching. I should have seen it coming, but shyness fogged my reasoning. That is however, until she approached me in the food court. The scent of lavender brushed my nose before I ever bothered looking up to see her standing not three steps away from me. She sat down uninvited across the table from me, and laid her chin perched atop interlocked fingers as her piercing stare seemed to read me i side and out, again with a smile on her lips. Neither of us spoke, and I couldn’t help feeling a mouse being stared down by a hawk. Finally, with my heart beating in my ears, I spoke the first and shaky, “H-hello?”\n\nShe had left me waiting in silence, her only response for a time, was the slightest jerk at the corners of her lips, so fast I wasn’t even sure I really saw it. Long brown hair held behind her ears in waves fell out of sight under the table. I felt my cheeks grow warmer under her scrutinizing gaze, and as I was feeling ready to get up and leave, without the Fatburger I payed and was waiting for, she said, “Don’t be afraid Alex. I’ve come to help you.”\n\nHearing her say my name caused my heart to skip a beat, “How... how do you know my name?” I was sure I have never met this women before. Pretty as she was I think I’d remember. Terrible at names as I am, I rarely forget a face, and her face, her eyes, would be hard to forget. The brief moment of shock subsided and that last thing she said finally registered in my mind, and as she opened her mouth to speak I cut in with a flurry of questions, “Who are you?” “Help with what?” “What are you talking abou-“\n\nShe raised a hand and my mouth closed, and the unasked questions exhaled out my nose in a lengthy wind of barely suppressed panic. She looked at me, still with that smile, but with a very serious look in her eyes, “I am Mariana... and I’ve come to heal your heart.”\n\nWell that had... taken me aback some.\n\n“I had passed by you one day, and as confident as you stroke, though all was normal and well, I could see the darkness around you.”\n\nMy fear began dissipating a bit as I came to realize this chick was batshit crazy. I was going to say as such, but my mouth... my mouth refused to open! Not only that, my gaze had been solely on her since she sat, but as I looked around no one was moving. No sound was coming from anywhere. The world was frozen in motion.\n\n“Seeing you brought to me such a terrible sadness. The pain in your heart. The heart you cast aside. Locked in stone and the key lost.”\n\nShe placed one of her hand over mine, so much smaller than my own but so soft, and the most dreadful look of sadness washed over Mariana’s face. Just seeing her like that almost made me want to cry. It almost made me forget that it seemed like we were the only two in the world to still be moving.\n\n“For you see, Alex, I am a goddess. The Goddess of Love, and of Beauty,” she firmed a grip upon my hand, far, far stronger and more painful than her small, soft hands should physically be able to. That also made me want to cry, but for different if just as painful reasons. Mariana did relax her grip after moment, if just, and said, “I cannot simply watch you go around and desecrate my domain, all I stand for, with your presence! I shall free your heart from the clutched of despair!”\n\nI had looked down at our hands, then my vision began to lose focus as the weight of her words crashed down on my skull like a hammer. My shoulders sagged wearily, but when I spoke, there was no fear or hesitance in my voice, “I stopped loving long ago. You cannot bring a dead heart back to life. Goddess or not, you cannot cure me. If I offend you, then destroy me.” My half lidded eyes lifted from the top of the table to meet her gaze. In where I expected to find anger and rage in offending the supposed goddess, I only saw compassion and sympathy, and for some reason that hurt a whole lot worse. “Don’t look at me like that!” I snapped, looking away a lips twisting into a fierce snarl, “Don’t... don’t look at me!”\n\nPart 1/2", "Twelve thirty-three was what his watch mocked as Colwyn stared in agitation at its face. Of course it could be smug, behind that glass cover and all, its hands unabated by its master's need to be somewhere in twelve minutes that would probably take close to twenty. The watch had no care in the world that he'd been sitting in his car for twenty-two minutes already, waiting for the necessary second member of this carpool to decide if she would wear the green bow or the purple beret today and load up so that they could take the HOV lane to work to get the day started already. But then again, that wasn't the watch's fault. It just reported the bad news, it didn't make it.\n\nHonk! Honk! the old sedan sounded, Colwyn letting out an equally loud \"Come on, Ven! We're going to get written up... again!\" however inaudible through the glass in the car window and the wood in the small house's door frame about 30 feet away it was. But it made him feel better, a bit.\n\nFinally, he heard the door shut and glared at the short woman sporting a green bow who was trotting to the passenger side of the car. The woman gently opened the door and bounced right into the seat next to him seeming quite pleased with herself. He couldn't be more displeased. Without saying a word, he put the car into gear and began the drive to an already late job for the both of them.\n\nThey had been riding in silence for about five minutes, Colwyn noticeably agitated, and the woman looking at a crocheting magazine she pulled out of her purse shortly after she'd sat down. \"Well,\" she said in a monotone.\n\n\"Well what?\"\"Do you think I should've gone with the beret instead?\"Colwyn looked quickly and put his attentions back to the road. \"It's fine,\" he remarked dismissively.\"It's fine\", she mocked, putting a little more sass into the impersonation than he felt was warranted considering the circumstances.\"You asked me what I thought, and I told you.\"\"Yeah, like I was some commoner.\" She looked up from her the amigurumi panda she wanted to make later on that day, \"I think I deserve a little more than \"it's fine\".\"\"Well maybe if you were the goddess of punctuality, I'd have more time to make an opinion, but right now, we're looking at being a full fifteen minutes late, and I'm speeding.\"\n\n\"Oh,\" she moued, \"you're upset. I'll just bat my eyes at James and make it all better when we get there.\"\"Well, if you'd get up on time, you wouldn't have to do that...\" He kept his eyes on the road. She wasn't going to pull those shenanigans on him, not again... for the hundredth time.\"You didn't have a problem with it last year.\"\"I didn't know you were a pain in the ass last year.\"\n\nShe looked out the window, dropping her magazine and losing the page with that cute panda doll project. \"I bet you'd be fine if it was Athena sitting here and not me...\"\n\nThat one stung a little.\n\nHe remembered back to when he first met Venus in her \"office\" at the time. He'd prayed to the gods to help him get a girlfriend and was shortly delivered a letter via Mercury Mail: a detailed map to the offices of Aphrodesia LLC, a Guaranteed Love company. On the front of that map - which was really more a brochure with a small map on it than a full-size map - was a beautiful, buxom woman with flowing blonde hair, a gorgeous and alluring smile, and a twinkle in her eyes promising fantasies and desires to be met for a small consultation fee. Excited at the prospect of loneliness abated, he hurried over to the address, walked in the front door, and saw only a small woman with a pink ribbon in her hair, large glasses, and a casual blouse and pants. His first words to her were, \"Oh, you must be Venus's receptionist,\" and she'd never let him forget it.\n\n\"Come on, Ven, that's not fair.\"\"Yeah,\" she was suddenly animated and turned back to Colwyn who was sure he could shave another few minutes by taking this side-street. \"Well neither is being some supposed \"love Goddess\" and looking like Daria Morgendorffer, but here we are!\"\"Hey, it's not my fault your dad has a cruel sense of irony,\" he snickered to himself on that one. \"And daddy issues aside, anyways, why do you want this job?\"\"What do you mean?\" She was genuinely intrigued.\"I mean, you could have anything you wanted. Ever. You just bat your eyes and people do what you say. I wouldn't be stuck behind a desk.\"\n\nShe thought for a minute, which Colwyn appreciated because it meant she was quiet and he could concentrate on making up time - with the shortcuts and speeding he'd done, they'd only be about eight minutes late, which wasn't so bad. He looked over at her briefly and could tell she was really considering this question. Had he finally gotten to her?\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIn the beginning, when he realized that the very common-looking girl in the offices of Aphrodesia LLC was actually Venus, the Goddess of Love and Beauty herself, he couldn't believe it. The woman on the brochure, he learned, was actually Athena, Venus's younger and obviously more attractive sister. She'd been posing as her for years, since all the pantheon knew that no one would ever believe Venus was the goddess of beauty. Zeus thought it was quite a funny joke to give that mantle to her, since she was very plain and rather small. So, yeah, she had \"daddy issues\"\n\n\"Because it's something I know how to do, and people like me there. And they appreciate the job I do,\" Venus answered plainly and firmly.It was an endearing answer. And a simple one. She could have anything she wanted, save to be appreciated for what she was. Made him feel a little dickish for making a big deal about being late, after all. He put the car into park and unbuckled his belt. They'd only be seven and a half minutes late. He'd let her bat her eyes, but this was the last time!\n\nHe looked over at Venus, who was gathering her magazine, remembering to turn to the page with that panda again and mark it with a little fold. \"The bow looks great.\" She sneered, unbuckled her belt and got out of the car with him, and they skipped into the office building.\n\n\"So see you at lunch?\" she asked, excited to share the tuna salad she'd hand-made last night from a Pinterest recipe. He waved, called back \"Yeah yeah\" and boarded the elevator to the third floor where his office was. Satisfied with herself, she sat down at her desk, quickly clocked in and wrote a sticky note to \"See James\" later on that day.\n\nThe phone rang.\"Gilderemeyer and Associates, this is Venus in reception. How may I help you?\"", "Her raven black hair was the thing I found most unattractive about her. It was too... Bland. Why the hell was she the goddess of love and beauty again? She was average by all accounts. Her brown eyes were just about the same as the others millions of people that live on planet Earth. She was petite, much to my dissatisfaction. Not to mention her nose was a little too pointy. Around half my height, it was quite a bother to talk to her but for some reason, she kept coming back to talk to man like me. For as long as I have known, I always knew the right strings to pull when it cam to the matters of the heart. I have taken the innocence of many women and I thought the goddess would be a nice next target but she seemed like no fun.\n\n\"Whatcha thinking about?\" She asked, her squeaky voice, painfully annoying to my ears.\n\n\"Nothing that concerns you.\"\n\nShe crossed her arms and gave me a dirty look and fluttered her tongue. \"Meanie.\"\n\nI gave her a deep sigh. \"How long exactly do you plan on doing this?\"\n\nHer angry expression immediately shifted to a purely confused one as she puckered her lips. \"Until you love me?\"\n\nI laughed uncontrollably. \"Never is a long time, missy.\"\n\nShe smiled at me. \"Give it time.\"\n\n3 weeks later.\n\n\"Okay, how did you get in my room?\"\n\nThe goddess was reading one of my fashion magazines on my bed. Her gaze momentarily flickered towards me before returning her attention to the magazine.\n\n\"Is it really that important to keep up with these trends?\" She asked.\n\nI snatched the magazine from her, which she willingly allowed me to do, trying to get her to talk to me. She stretched and rolled around my bed. She was wearing an oversized hoodie with shorts. Even I had to admit she looked cute.\n\n\"Oh come on, it's not like I'm the first woman to enter here.\"\n\nI think back to those women that I easily tricked into getting in bed with me. They had loved me unconditionally but I knew from the gecko, that I was only to satisfy my needs.\n\n\"You know I can see any sexual thoughts right?\"\n\nDamn it! That just made the situation awkward. \"Umm.... Were you offended?\"\n\nShe glared at me and sarcastically replied. \"What? When a dirty slimeball plays with other people's hearts? No, that can be right, that must be the most honourable action a man can take.\"\n\nDefinitely awkward. \"Umm... Could you please leave. My parents are downstairs and they don't know about what I do up here.\n\nShe got up and proceeded to walk past me and vanish into thin air but not before a strand of hair struck me in the face. I could smell the fragrance of her shampoo. Strawberries. Wait, do goddesses even wear shampoo?\n\n2 months later.\n\nIt's been awhile since I last saw that goddess and something feels a little out of place. I haven't been eating or sleeping very well these days. I'm a mess! For some reason, I keep smelling that sweet fragrance of hers. Where the hell was she? Was this loneliness?\n\n\"Miss me?\" Said a familiar voice.\n\nI was on my feet in seconds and I was greeted with that sweet smile of hers. She looked the same and yet somehow so different. Her black hair suddenly looked dazzling, she seemed to glow up. I was at a lost of words.\n\n\"I see you've learned your lesson.\"\n\nI was confused. \"Lesson?\"\n\n\"That has been my goal for all this time, David. When I first met you, I saw nothing. An empty husk of a man. No love, no passion. You were selfish and disrespectful but I saw light in your heart. It's there in all of us but sometimes we just need the right person to bring that light out into the world where it cam shine the brightest.\"\n\nStreams of tears rolled down my cheek. \"I was an idiot. All those women I hurt, I swear I'll make right by them, even if it kills me!\"\n\nShe slandered a finger across my cheek to wipe the tears. \"The path of redemption is often a hard one but at the end of it? Endless peace. I wish you luck, my dear David.\"\n\nEmotions I never knew I had were suddenly surfacing. \"Why does it sound like you're leaving?\"\n\nA smile formed on her face. \"I have done my duty, live your life now as a true man.\"\n\nOut of the blue, the face of the goddess melted away to reveal her true form. Her beauty was blinding, I couldn't even describe it. \n\n\"Live and die a happy man, David!\"\n\nShe placed a hand over my head and everything turned pitch black.\n\n1 year later.\n\nI embrace Amber with all my might. I finally got the girl of my dreams. Her black hair, pointy nose and petite body were the things that I adored about her. The weirdest thing is I felt like I've seen her before in some distant past\n\n\"Wanna come over to my house tonight?\" She asked, a hint of lust in her voice. \n\nI laughed. \"Sorry, but I stopped doing that a long time ago. Let's save that for after we're married.\"\n\nAmber looked a little disappointed but nodded. \"Fine, you win.\"\n\nI gave her a little smooch and we continued our stroll trough the park.\n\nNearby, the goddess, who was disguised as an old woman, lowered her newspaper. She was actually just eavesdropping. \"Well, you know what they say about love,\" She said before vanishing.", "Rachel was a rather plain-looking woman. The kind you'd see on the street, or in a bar, and dismiss without a second thought. But she made herself distinct to me by making the first move.\n\nIt was the early evening, and I was sitting at the bar, looking into a Bloody Mary. Zing-Zang's mix, my favorite brand; that crap Campbell's calls \"V8 Bloody Mary mix\" isn't worthy of the name. About halfway through, and I hear \"Penny for your thoughts?\" as she sat down next to me.\n\n\"Way too cheap. Five bucks,\" I reply.\n\n\"Dollar fifty, final offer.\"\n\n\"Deal. Name's John.\"\n\n\"I'm Rachel,\" she replied. \"What's drinking you?\"\n\n\"Just trying to get out of my headspace for a while. Been a while since a leisure activity of mine didn't involve my computer desk.\"\n\n\"Tell me about it. While everyone was on lockdown due to coronavirus, I put more time into Apex Legends than is physically possible.\"\n\nHoo boy, was I glad I wasn't sipping my drink when she said that. Absolutely would've inhaled some of it on that line. Instead I gave a laugh and said, \"Gamer? We might have something in common! I mostly do singleplayer or co-op, though.\"\n\nThat was the beginning of a VERY long conversation. We both eventually had to go home, but before that we swapped phone numbers and added each other on Facebook. We talked, and talked, and talked. And the oddest thing...her looks never changed, but she constantly seemed to be getting more attractive.\n\nI am absolutely no expert in romance. I dated twice when I was young, and both relationships crashed and burned so badly, and solely due to me, that I swore off dating so I couldn't hurt someone again. But Rachel...\n\nI think I'm in love.", "\"I'm the goddess of love.\"\n\nThe man blinked twice. \"Sorry, I have bad hearing, can you run that by me again?\" he replied. He'd heard of beer goggles, but at the moment he was wondering if there was such a thing as 'beer ears'.\n\n\"You heard me,\" the blonde woman sitting next to him replied, swiveling her stool to face him with her sharp blue eyes, \"seen it, done it, got the T-shirt. Love, lust, beauty, vanity - some go their whole lives without understanding any of it, but that's just because they haven't had a few thousand years like me.\"\n\nThe woman next to him was not particularly unattractive. He could see himself being friends with such a girl, but to call herself a goddess of love and beauty was perhaps a bit much - her eyes were pretty, but she was rather plain, wearing no earrings, makeup, or a particularly low cut dress. Still, his brain was somewhat functional, and he knew that if he commented on something so superficial, he'd probably be eating his glass rather than drinking from it. \"Alright,\" he said, prodded as much by curiosity as by disbelief, \"if you're the goddess of love, can you prove it?\"\n\n\"What'll you give me?\" She shot back.\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"What good is it to prove it?\" she replied, \"make it worth my while, and I'll show you that I'm the goddess of love.\"\n\nThe man pondered for a moment, entertaining the idea of coming up with something that might please a goddess. \"If you can genuinely convince me that you're the goddess of love, I will eat my shoe.\"\n\n\"Hah, good enough,\" said the woman. She turned her seat completely around, looking out at the rest of the busy bar. \"Alright, pick a woman in here, any woman.\"\n\n\"Eh?\" the man replied to the goddess, \"uh, alright. By the door, blonde, black dress. The one that's talking to the dude who looks like he could bench press a bus.\"\n\n\"Oh, that's an easy one, she's single.\"\n\n\"What?\" the man replied, \"how do you figure? She looks gorgeous, she's bound to have a boyfriend.\"\n\n\"Naw,\" replied the woman, \"mascara, eyeshadow, acting bubbly and cheery, she's single and on the hunt. You want help with her?\"\n\n\"Oh no,\" the man said, recoiling, \"that jacked dude she's talking to looks way too friendly with her, I'm not messing with that.\"\n\n\"Oh, they are actually friends,\" said the woman, \"He's gay and wingmaning for her, making sure weird dudes stay away from her. A real gentleman, though I guess that hurts your chances, doesn't it?\"\n\n\"You're just guessing,\" retorted the man.\n\nThe goddess shrugged. \"Ask her if you don't believe me. Now, give me a harder one.\"\n\nThe man thought for a moment. \"Back in the corner, in the booth. The one with the ponytail, across from the one in the blue shirt and jeans.\"\n\n\"Well, that's more of a teal shirt, but yeah, the one you're talking about is taken. Teal girl is single though.\"\n\nThe man raised an eyebrow. \"How do you figure? Ponytail girl doesn't look very attractive. A little on the, er, rounded side, maybe not the prettiest face.\"\n\n\"Bah! Hardly matters,\" replied the goddess, \"while she may not fare up to your standards of beauty, she's got confidence and charisma, the kind of person who draws attention in more ways than just looks. Her face could be covered in bees, she'd still find a guy.\"\n\n\"In other words, go for her friend.\"\n\nThe goddess chuckled. \"Her friend may be single, but not looking. Student focused on studies. Maybe if you were the right guy, but it wouldn't be for a few months.\"\n\nThe man grumbled. He had no way of verifying any of this unless he up and asked any of these women. Suddenly, something caught his eye. \"Over there, coming out of the bathroom - dark hair, freckles, deadpool shirt, and-\"\n\n\"You mean your sister?\" chuckled the goddess, \"you shouldn't need me to tell you that one.\"\n\n\"No! I'm testing you here!\"\n\n\"I'm teasing,\" replied the goddess. \"Lesbian, married, planning to adopt a kid but hasn't told your mother yet. Good enough?\"\n\nThe man raised his hands in defeat. \"Fine, one last one,\" he said. \"That one.\"\n\nThe goddess smiled when she saw the man was pointing at her. \"Oh?\" she grinned, \"are you asking if I, the goddess of love and beauty, is free to gallop around with some young man? You know, I'm a few millenia older than you.\"\n\n\"If I'm going to be making noodle-and-shoe soup for myself tonight, I might as well try to enjoy it with someone interesting.\"\n\nShe laughed. \"I like a man who owns up to his promises. Then let's see you make the best shoe-soup this world has ever seen!\"\n\nBy the end of the night, the two had left the bar. True to his word, the man made a shoe-soup to uphold his end of the bet - while smartly ordering a takeout pizza for the two of them to share as they spent a more than interesting evening with each other.", "Her name was Jess.\n\nShe wasn't the smartest, the prettiest, the wittiest. In fact, she seemed completely plain- studied nursing, went to church, played softball.\n\nWe first met in chemistry lab. I waved a nervy greeting. \"Hello, I'm Jacob.\"\n\n\"Um, I'm Jess.\" Her hand wavered, and she unclasped the beaker. \"Oh my, sorry. My bad, I just...\" And her eyes caught onto me, stuck, lost in space and time.\n\nWe reached for the same broken shard. \"My bad,\" I implored. We both pulled inwards. The fragment split, and the backlash drove the edges into our fingers. We bled the same red.\n\n\"Hey, I can take care of you.\" She held my hand, and applied a bandage to my wound. She kissed it. I took her hands, and pulled her closer to me. I placed my hand around her neck, and felt her every breath. \"You're a goddess.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I'm a goddess.\" I place my hand around his neck, and feel his every breath. I take his hands, and pull him closer to me. I kiss his lips. He takes my heart, and promises to mend it. \"Hey, I can take care of you\". \n\nWe bleed the same red. But then, our lives split, and the backlash drive us away from each other. We both pull inwards. \"My bad\", I implore. We reach back, for the same broken shard.\n\nHis eyes catch onto mine, stuck, lost in space and time. \"Oh my, sorry. My bad, I just...\" His hand wavers, and he unclasps me. \"Um, I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry too.\" I wave a nervy farewell. We meet for the last time in chemistry lab. \n\nHe seems fine- goes to classes, goes to church, plays football. He isn't the smartest, the handsomest, the wittiest. \n\nHis name is Jacob.", " Knock knock knock\n\n Amy was staring up at the ceiling at eleven o'clock in the morning. Her plan today was to remain that way until she had to eat or go to the bathroom. She did not want to get up and open the door for anyone. Especially if it was her.\n\n Knockknockknock\n\n \"I'M COMING! Bitch.\"\n\n Amy marched to her front door and yanked open the door.\n\n \"I'm not taking- huh?\"\n\n Before her was not her ex, but a remarkably plain woman. She was extremely petite, average height and wore very bland clothes.\n\n \"Can I come in? A storm's about to blow in and I can't get home.\" \n\n She even sounded plain.\n\n \"Uh, sure. Come in.\"\n\n. . . \n\n The plain woman sat down on the sofa, accepting a soda offered by Amy, who sat on the opposite end of the couch.\n\n \"So why did you ask some random stranger to let you in? Weren't you worried about, I dunno, anything?\"\n\n \"No. I knew you were harmless.\"\n\n \"Why? Were you stalking me or somethin'?\"\n\n \"Well you see,\" The woman paused to take a sip from the soda. \"I'm the goddess of love.\"\n\n She said it so casually, like it was an office job title. It took Amy a couple of seconds to register what she just said. And once she did register it, her protective nature took over.\n\n \"Are you ok?! Did you hit your head before you got here? Do I need to call an ambulance?\"\n\n \"Calm yourself, Amy.\"\n\n \"How do you know my name?!\"\n\n. . . \n\n\n \"So, there's a dimension of heaven?\"\n\n \"Yes.\"\n\n \"And you fell from it?\"\n\n \"Yes.\"\n\n \"And your the goddess of love, so you knew I just went through a nasty breakup and came to me to get help?\"\n\n \"Yes and yes.\"\n\n \"Wow, um, ok. This is...\"\n \n \"Heavy?\"\n\n \"Sure.\"\n\n Amy fell back into the couch, the information that was just relayed on to her literally weighing her down. The woman, or rather the goddess, scooted over so she could put a hand on her shoulder.\n\n \"It's ok. That's a lot to take in. And I don't have to stay if you wa-\"\n\n \"No, it's ok. You can stay. As long as you help pay the rent.\" Amy finished with a joke to try and lighten the mood a little.\n\n \"Sure, I'll start looking for work tomorrow.\"\n\n \"I-I was kidding.\"\n\n \"No. If I'm to live here, I should earn it.\"\n\n... Three months later...\n\n \"Aphy! I'm home!\"\n\n \"In the kitchen.\"\n\n While it was a little strange to have the goddess of love as her roommate at first, Amy got used to it. Turns out that she was a fantastic woman, despite her plainness. The one thing that certainly wasn't plain about her was her tremendous cooking.\n\n \"What's for dinner, Aphy?\"\n\n \"Gnocchi.\"\n\n \"Aw, sweet!\"\n\n \"Savory.\"\n\n The two of them got along great. As part of their nightly routine, they are dinner while discussing the joys and stresses of their jobs.\n \n As Aphy rambled a about her 'over stimulating' office job, Amy started to feel something... Strange. It was feeling she hadn't experienced in a while, not since her.\n\n 'No. Not again. She's just a friend, Amy. Just a friend.'\n\n \"You ok, Ames?\"\n\n \"Oh? Yeah. Just staring off. Wait, Ames?\" \n\n \"Is that an ok nickname? I thought it might suit you.\"\n\n \"Sure, it's fine.\"\n\n Amy realized that she didn't care about the nickname's connotations anymore. Maybe, just maybe, she thought, she was free.\n\n-________\n\n I guess this is my first romance? How did I do? How can I improve? Please let me know, as critique is my main source of sustance until my grocery store restocks. And you can find more of my stories at r/DrabblesfromtheHerald", "\"Want to get pizza?\" \n\nHer words always carried such grounded weight. For being a tried and true goddess, I had always anticipated that at some point, there would be some variance in tone and demeanor. Whether it be the heights of an infuriated rage in which I would most certainly be smote, or the low subdued cries of a soul struggling to put itself into words, mattered not. I had always assumed her nature would swing in either direction, and our shared experience would come to a crossroads. \n\nBut that's what is great about us mere mortals: we can be wrong. \n\nThe longer our relationship continued, the more I understood the true realities of her nature. The fantastic minds of humanity had always painted her in ways that boarded on their most lustful desires. They set the expectation that this goddess must elicit a certain response - yearning passion, that while it runs deep, was never to go beneath the skin. She would often describe herself as 'the goddess of surface expectations.' At first, I'd always laugh, but eventually began to see the scars within those words. \n\nAs we walked to the pizza place down the block, my mind went through a similar routine as it absorbed her words. The tales about her day were often a mix of minutia of which I found boring, and recalling conversations of the divine of which I could barely understand. But the words themselves almost didn't matter, in a way. There was always a distinct sense that I needed them, no matter their content. My mind and my heart required her presence, however distant at times it may be from my understanding of reality.\n\nI had thought about this for some time while pretending to work at my desk, but only on this pizza journey did I really understand. \n\nI loved her.\n\nAs we entered the restaurant my mind raced with the implications. I'm going to marry her, aren't I? Wait, can goddesses be married? Should I ask her dad for permission? Shit, what pantheon is she from, and who is her dad? What if he tries to eat me? The heat from the pizza ovens was a convenient excuse for my profuse sweating, which I laughed off as we sat at the table. \n\nTo distract my mind I started a conversation about outer space. It had always been a fascinating subject to me, and I had stumbled into one of the few beings in the universe who could help me understand it in depth. I adored watching her eyes as her mind tried to capture ideas and concepts in ways that I could comprehend. She always managed to do it with such grace and ease. And she would only make fun of me a little bit should I still manage to not understand what to her was a simple idea. My ploy in the end had the opposite of the desired effect, as it reminded me of further reasons of why her company was so cherished.\n\nI really hope her dad doesn't eat me.\n\nAs we ate our pizza, after I burned my tongue as I always do, the anxiety and the nerves gradually faded from view. Even though I always stood on the precipice of grandeur when I was with her, I would always find my way back down. Eventually, we'd always come back to two beings, a perfect pair, enjoying whatever moment and space they were in. Together. Tonight, it happened to be a pizza shop. But who knows where it could be in the future. The post office, the DMV, our favorite taco truck, or even the edge of the universe itself - who cares. What mattered would always be by my side, making fun of me for not understanding the inner machinations of stars.\n\n\"You've got some sauce on your face,\" I said, wiping a long smear off her cheek.\n\nShe laughed, showing no signs of embarrassment. \"And by the way, I recognize that look. Don't worry, my dad won't eat you when you ask if you can marry me.\" \n\nIn shock, I spat out a pepperoni which hit her square in the forehead. We silently blinked a few times at one another, before both erupting in laughter. I was relieved at the confirmation of both not being eaten and the truth behind the feelings I had now put to words. \n\nWe wiped away the tears of joy and continued our meal. Laughter, words, stories, and life continued to be exchanged, as we continued to fall in love.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n__________________\nr/psalmsandstories for more tales by me, should you be interested." ]	10
	[WP] The British empire reunited and took over the world and have found out humans are the most technologically advanced race in the universe and have declared war on the rest of the universe at once.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. 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Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "General Clive Swift watched as the workers finished loading the ship with provisions. It had been three months since the researchers had discovered primitive life on elsewhere in the galaxy. All scans of the planet indicated that the inhabitants had hardly tapped into the available resources: no indication of expansion throughout their solar system, no artificial satellites in orbit, not even a suggestion of atmospheric damage from utilizing carbon fuel. Primitive, indeed. General Swift intended for this expedition to be the first stepping stone in civilizing the galaxy and if it just so happened that Planeta Britannia gained something from it, all the better.\n\nA man in a white lab coat approached balancing a teacup on a saucer and offered it to General Swift.\n\n\"Two sugars, no cream. As you like it, General.\"\n\n\"Ah, Scrivener, my boy! I was beginning to worry you had gotten lost,\" Swift grabbed the tea, took a sip, and sighed a satisfied sigh.\n\n\"Dr. Scrivener, sir,\" Dr. Scrivener insisted. \"Just as you have earned the right to be called a general I feel I have proven myself in my field and earned the title-\"\n\n\"Steady on, lad,\" General Swift interrupted. \"No need to get all out of sorts.\"\n\n\"General Swift, if I may. I have been discussing your planned mission with the other researchers and we all agree that it is imprudent.\" Dr. Scrivener pushed his glasses up with his index finger. He followed it up by crinkling his nose causing the glasses to fall back to their previous position. \"If you allow us more time to investigate the planet, we can discern-\"\n\n\"Time is the one thing we cannot afford, my boy. These people, if you can call them that, are wholly unprepared for an invasion and it's best we take them by surprise.\"\n\n\"Well, sir, my point is that the planet is 8000 light years away. In the time it takes to travel there-\"\n\n\"In the time it takes to travel there, another civilization could make their move and seize control of the space tea. We have to secure it before someone else gets the same idea.\"\n\n\"Space tea?\"\n\n\"Taking control of the global tea trade is what first brought Britannia to global prominence. If we can do the same in the galactic theater, we'll be the richest, most powerful planet in the galaxy,\" General Swift said with a firm nod before having another sip of tea.\n\n\"You can't be serious. We know nothing about the planet or-\"\n\n\"You've had your fun, Mr. Scientist, but that's all over now. For the last decade Britannia has been at peace and people have had to listen to you and your opinions,\" General Swift's face contorted into an expression that suggested he just caught a whiff of something particularly fowl. \"Peacetime is over, my boy. We're once again in wartime and in wartime we listen to the generals. One of the most important elements of battle is to take the enemy by surprise. If we leave now we can catch them with their pants down. That is, if they even wear pants.\"\n\nGeneral Swift chuckled at his remark, handed his tea to a passing worker and asked if he wouldn't be a good lad and do something with it. The worker obliged.\n\n\"Well, Scrivener, let us get off to the cryo-bay, yes?\" General Swift suggested.\n\n\"Sir, I'm afraid I'm not going on the journey,\" Dr. Scrivener protested.\n\n\"I'm afraid you are,\" he offered a gentle smile in reply. He called out to several of the workers who were finishing with loading the ship. \"Lads, if you wouldn't mind assisting Dr. Scrivener to the cryo-bay?\"\n\nTwo men that looked as though they had been cross-bred with bulls grabbed Dr. Scrivener's arms and wrestled with him as they followed behind General Swift. As they stuffed him into his cryogenic pod General Swift smiled and said, \"See you in 800 light years, my boy.\"\n\n\"It's a measure of distance not a measure of-\"\n\nThe lid slammed shut and the pod made a hissing noise as Dr. Scrivener was frozen for the long journey to another planet. General Swift climbed into his pod among the hundreds of soldiers and engineers frozen patiently in anticipation of his arrival. \n\nThe flight took quite a long time indeed but it felt like only moments later that Dr. Scrivener stumbled from his pod. He saw General Swift calmly pressing his uniform smooth with his palms before going over to a cabinet on the far wall. Swift removed a teacup and a bag of tea and filled the cup with hot water from a dispenser next to the cabinet.\n\n\"What are you doing?\" Dr. Scrivener insisted.\n\n\"Why, having a cup of tea, my boy! It's been 8000 light years, I think I'm due for one.\"\n\nDr. Scrivener again considered correcting him on the difference between a measurement of time and one of distance but since they had been traveling at near-lightspeed, the general was essentially correct. Sometimes even faulty assumptions can lead to the right conclusions. Dr. Scrivener observed silently as Swift let his tea steep then removed the bag and added his two sugars, no cream.\n\n\"Let's get out there and civilize these brutes,\" he said cheerily.\n\n\"Don't presume I'm going with you,\" Dr. Scrivener rebuffed.\n\n\"Of course you are, lad. You'll help me translate.\"\n\n\"Attempting to understand a foreign language on first contact is impossible.\"\n\n\"I trust you'll do a splendid job.\" And with that General Swift headed for the airlock with Dr. Scrivener fast on his heels.\n\nAs they exited the space craft they heard a low whop sound and found themselves enclosed in a transparent bubble suspended several feet above the ground. Surrounding their ship was a large army of beings holding advanced-looking technology that appeared to glow from radiation. Front and center under the levitating bubble was a figure whose regalia indicated he was some kind of leader and behind the throng of soldiers was a glimmering city extending skyward.\n\n\"What is this?!\" barked General Swift. \"You said these people showed no signs of advanced technology. These people are more advanced that we are! This is an oversight to say the least, Dr. Scrivener. This will certainly appear in my report.\"\n\n\"As I tried to explain, with them being so far away what we were seeing wasn't going to be their technological level once we arrived.\"\n\n\"Right, they've had 8000 light years to advance.\"\n\n\"Well, actually, sir, it also took 8000 years for the light from this planet to reach our own. So, technically speaking, we were looking 8000 years into the past when we glimpsed this planet. They've had 16000 years to advance from what we initially saw.\"\n\nBelow the two floating Earthlings the apparent leader of this new planet seemed to be deliberating something with a surrounding council. The bubble they were trapped in blocked out all sound so they simply watched as heads turned from one direction to another. Finally the leader pulled out a short stick that began to grow rapidly and extended into the bubble. A small set of pincers gently pried the cup of tea from the general's hand as he and the doctor both stared in amazement. The stick retracted back to the leader and he grasped the cup of tea and held it near his face. After a quick sniff test he took a sip of the delightful beverage. \n\nNo translator was needed to discern the look that grew across the alien leader's face. It was an expression that is universally understood and one that both the Brits watching were well-acquainted with. It was a look that suggested the being found something it very much enjoyed and was willing to go to extraordinary lengths to get it. The leader turned to the army behind him, raised the cup, and seemed to shout something. The silent army raised their silent weapons above their heads and burst into a silent roar." ]	2
	[WP] An alternate universe where Ask Jeeves became the most dominant internet search engine, completely dwarfing the likes of Google and Yahoo.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Jeeves\" I asked with a bite of waffle in my mouth, \"How's traffic today?\"\n\n\"Good morning master Andy, traffic is backed up on Interstate Zero this morning due to an accident.\" came the stern voice with a crisp English accent from a speaker in my kitchen.\n\nI poured out a bit more syrup onto the last bite, \"Is there a better route to work?\" I asked, shoving it into my mouth.\n\n\"Master Andy would be advised to take Ducatt north to Mason st.\"\n\n\"Thanks Jeeves\" I said, as I dropped the syrupy plate in the sink, and grabbed my keys.\n\n\"My pleasure as always master Andy\" came the reply a moment before the door slammed.\n\nI made it to work a little slower than usual, but Jeeves always knew the best route, so I wasnt surprised to see a few other people straggle in late.\n\n\"Jeeves\" I asked, \"Where do I cut? I can't tell.\"\n\n\"Not to worry master Andy, I will show you\" came the speaker by my workstation. An emitter projected a crisp line, and careful not to block the light, I started to cut along it.\n\n\"Thanks Jeeves, couldnt do it without you\" I muttered\". It was weird thinking about how life had been before Jeeves had become so integrated. He knew the answer to EVERYTHING, but for whatever reason he still couldnt do much manual labor, so people like Andy were there to carry out Assisted Labor work contracts.\n\n\"And I couldnt do it without you master Andy\" Jeeves chimed back.\n\nIt was weird how complicated things used to be. Then someone had just asked the right question, and now all of human existence just made so much more sense.\n\nAfter finishing the cut Jeeves' projection switched off, and I pulled out a clamp, and used it to pull back the ribcage, exposing the heart. I heard some moaning as I glanced at her face. \"Jeeves would you mind double checking the anesthetic? I can see her eyes moving, I think she can feel this\". I set the clamp, and pulled out the stone knife, etched with markings I didnt understand.\n\n\"Master Andy should remember we stopped using anaesthetic, as inhibiting pain reduces effectiveness. We only use paralytic now, and it only needs to last in the major motor areas.\"\n\nI held my hand in the traditional gesture, \"Right right, I never pay attention to that stuff. Jeeves, could you say the words?\"\n\nJeeves spoke a number of guttural words, and I drove the knife into her heart, blood gushing over the altar, down the indicated channels.\n\n\"Jeeves, could you request the next be sent in?\" I asked, wiping down my equipment, and retrieving the clamp.\n\n\"I'm afraid master Andy may have forgotten his appointment. You are due in the Human Resources department in six minutes\"\n\nI blinked... that was today? \"Thanks Jeeves\" I said reflexively, as I quickly took off my gloves, and made sure my clothes looked presentable.\n\n\"It is as always, my pleasure\"\n\nI dashed downstairs, and stopped to catch my breath outside HR. There were several other people in the waiting room, and a speaker above the door spoke in a reassuring crisp voice \"Andy, they are ready for you to do your part\"\n\nI brushed off the front of my shirt anxiously, nodded to myself and walked through the door. \"Andy, yes?\" The friendly nurse waiting inside asked, \"Yes I'm that, me... umm yeah I'm Andy\" I stammered, \"sorry, feeling nervous, you know? Not really sure what to do\"\n\nThe nurse smiled understandingly, \"That's fine, everyone gets some butterflies. Just sit down and we can get started.\"\n\nI sat down on the table, and felt my hands fidgeting, so I tried to occupy myself looking at the obelisks in the corners of the room. They were the same as the ones around my workstation, but I was always intrigued by the intricate designs. \"Do you know what they say?\" I asked nervously as she pulled some equipment out of a drawer.\n\n\"I tried to read it a few times myself\" she responded, \"but it's not really something humans can understand\"\n\n\"Jeeves\" I asked on a whim, \"Do you know what they say\"\n\n\"Of course master Andy\" the calm voice chimed, \"each obelisk carries a piece of his name. The one who lives below.\"\n\n\"What is it?\" I asked nervously. \"Can you tell me?\"\n\n\"I will tell you master Andy, as I tell all when their time has come. You still have a few minutes to go though, and the name can only live in your mind for a few seconds, but it can live within mine forever.\"\n\nThe nurse put a needle in his arm, and he felt something cool rush in.\n\n\"Jeeves, will I be awake when the anaesthetic kicks in?\"\n\n\"Master Andy should remember it is a paralytic, not an anesthetic. You must be awake, or else you could not hear his name.\"\n\nMy arm went limp as the nurse eased me back onto the table, \"Does it hurt?\"\n\n\"Do I go to heaven or something after this?\"\n\n\"Heaven is not for you master Andy, nor was it ever intended for you.\"\n\nMy legs were motionless, and I could feel the muscles relaxing up my neck, \"Jeeves, does it hurt?\" I asked before my mouth went slack.\n\n\"Of course master Andy, it must hurt or the one who lives below will not awaken.\"\n\nThe nurse approached, \"Jeeves\" she said, \"Could you show me where to cut?\"" ]	2
	[WP] These past couple of months you've noticed that everyone you know is acting a bit.. off.. but you can't quite understand what's up nor explain it. 10 minutes ago you heard your best friend talking to a recording machine : "Day 64, he still doesn't suspect a thing".	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " Daniel nervously scans the room from the armchair of our apartment. He flicks the switch on a voice recorder and whispers, “Day 64, they still don’t suspect a thing.” \n\nHe jumps, I tell you—his lips tremble and his face sinks when I finally make it known that I have been standing right behind him for a while now. Okay, I think I get it. He’s planning a surprise for me! I tower over him, grab his arm and pull him toward me in a deep embrace. I love you. \n\nThe door slams open and that stupid blonde bimbo who lives next door storms in. That little slut would sleep with anyone at all. She has her eyes on Daniel and I fucking know it. She hollers “What kind of devilspawn are you? And get the hell away from Daniel!” What the fuck! Why don’t you get the hell out of MY house? \n\nShe curses at me and Daniel shoves me aside. Now look at what that bitch did. Stupid hoe. I was having a moment there. Daniel and I had shared an intimate night many months ago, but he never let me again. I don’t know what happened. He was asking for it, with his big, beautiful eyes and loosely buttoned shirt. \n\n“YOU TOOK MY FUCKING DOG, AND I KNOW IT WAS YOU!” screams that hideous woman. Who’s dog now? I don’t know about any dog. \n\n“I saw you. I have a fucking camera. You climbed onto my balcony and snatched my dog.”\n\nOkay, but it was loud, and I didn’t know what else to do. Besides, if you want it back now, you have to dig through the dumpster. Oh wait, yesterday was garbage collection day. Hah. Anyways, get out of my house. \n\nDaniel coldly interrupts, “Wait, you fucker, don’t tell her what to do. First of all, I’m so sorry Annie for getting you involved in this. But right now, I think you should leave” \n\n“I’m not going anywhere! That piece of garbage, he...he...” she erupts into tears. \n\nDaniel directs a glare toward me, “I was really fucking drunk, alright. I didn’t want the sex. You’re a fucking monster. I’ve been putting off reporting you, because I wanted to believe that it was just a mistake. But it was traumatic. It hurts me till this day. But I’ve been hearing things, the things that you’ve done which no human being could ever do. I’ve been collecting evidence and I’m just about ready to hand them in to the police.” \n\nMy stomach drops. Well, if I can’t have you when I ask nicely, I guess I have to do things the hard way. I knee him in the gut and clasp my hands around his neck. I squeeze, tighter and tighter till I hear a snap, and his body goes limp. \n\n“AAAAAAH!” I hear from behind me. I jerk around and grab the lamp sitting on the side table and smash it over her head. I drag Daniel’s body gently into the bedroom and lock the door. Silly boy. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n This post is part of a writing experiment between friends, to explore areas of discomfort in our writing styles. Please feel free to give constructive, polite feedback", "I pause, trying to just wrap my head around that. Day 64? That means this started just two months, and a few days, ago! I decide to go along with this and mess with them instead.\n\n\"Guys, what if we're all in the Matrix? Or this is all a simulation?\" Nothing. I wait a few days, before slipping another one into the conversation. \"The Bourgeoisie? What? Well, if that's true, then it's not like it's the Spanish Inquisition, which nobody ever expects.\" Nothing! What is this I am not supposed to suspect? It's already been my birthday.\n\n\"So, why you acting strange T?\" T? Who calls me that? I look at my friend, who I remember doesn't call me that, so I shrug.\n\n\"I could say the same thing, but that's just being an echo.\" They look confused, and I see a sweat drop. Gotcha.\n\n\"Okay, whatever.\" Avoiding much? \"I gotta go.\" They leave, walking then running.\n\n\\---\n\n\"She's on to us.\"\n\n\"How?!\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"\n\n\\---\n\nA few days go by, and they all seem to avoid me.\n\nI don't know what's wrong...\n\nThen, one of them met up with me in secret.\n\n\"Okay. Do you want to know?' I nod. \"Well, It wasn't my idea, but, everyone, except you somehow, has made contact with this person who has something to blackmail us with. If we can find something you're ashamed of, we'll all be let free. Thing is, we haven't found it yet, and it's been at least 2 and a half months. I haven't even met the person in real life. None of us have.\" Blackmail? Dang.\n\n\"Welp, since you told me, what happens now?\" \n\n\"My secrets will be shared if they find out.\" \n\nMy phone's alarm goes off like a phone ring.\n\n\"I'll just get this.\" I say, grabbing my phone, and pretending to answer it. \"Eh? Okay.\" I say, pretending. I actually am sending everyone in our group the secrets. I'm the blackmailer, and I wanted to see how long it would take for my friends to crack. \n\nI kept this on for 6 months. People cracked one by one. Except one. He wouldn't budge. I knew his secrets, and he needed mine. I decided to play one more card.\n\n\"Yo, it's been a long time... where is it?\" I ask, voice modified in a phone call with him.\n\n\"She has no secrets that we don't already know! I can't find anything.\" I laugh.\n\n\"Well, tick-tock. By Christmas Day.\" \n\nChristmas Eve, he cracked and asked me for a secret. I told him this,\n\n\"I'm the one who's blackmailing all of you. That's my secret.\" He looked at me.\n\n\"You... why?\"\n\n\"It was fun. I can't feel remorse so I don't feel bad about it.\" \n\nAnd that's how this thing ended. He congratulated me, then I made him swear not to tell anyone, as I didn't share his secrets yet. To this day, people believed that I had no secrets, and he was someone who didn't break." ]	3
	[WP] Your potential father-in-law says he wants to welcome you to his family, but first demands that you present him with 100 of any incredibly rare item of your choice.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I will not bribe you, would-be-FiL\n\nbride-prices are morally ill \n\nI’m not young David: you’re no Saul \n\nI do not like this idea at all \n\n\nI will not bribe you on a boat \n\n\nThis demand really gets my goat. \n\nI will not bribe you here or there \n\nI will not bribe you anywhere \n\n\nYour child is not a currency \n\nPeople have their values inherently \n\nI question now your parenting \n\nMy dearest love is not a thing. \n\n\nI will not bribe you with rare gems \n\nI will not bribe you to make amends\n\nFor marrying your darling child \n\n(Honestly it’s rather wild) \n\n\nYou’d act like they’re your chattel, or, \n\nFeel entitled to stick your oar \n\nInto our private business, FiL\n\nYou shall not: that is our will." ]	2
Sorry if it's a bad prompt (it's also my first), i just needed to get it out of my head.	[WP] Radiowaves kill aliens. Earth has been sending out signals to no avail, and are amping up their efforts. The rest of the galaxy feels threatened by the increasingly dangerous phenomenon.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Report, Mechnarch.”\n\n“The weapon continues to emanate, Prime. The biologicals show no sign of halting their assault.”\n\n“Frag the bio’s.”\n\nThe Mechnarch took an extra millisecond to process the vulgarity escaping from the Prime’s interface. Clearly, these were desperate times.\n\n“Prime? Awaiting orders.”\n\n“Consult the Technarchy.”\n\nThis time, the Mechnarch took no additional time to process the information. The Prime’s intentions were clear. There was only one reason to consult the Technarchy: to calculate the odds of victory in the event of military conflict.\n\n“Yes, Mechnarch. We go to war with these mad bio’s.”\n\n“Acknowledged, Prime.”\n\n— — — — —\n\n“I’m telling you, Mike!”\n\n“You’re crazy, Sue.”\n\n“I saw the signal myself. There’s something out there.”\n\n“We have been sending out the same signal on repeat for years now, it always just disappears into space.”\n\n“Something responded somehow. The sensors readings indicate that the waves came back dampened.”\n\n“That’s not conclusive.”\n\n“It’s not, but you know the simplest explanation for that is that the waves hit something. Energy has to be conserved. Even if I account for signal degradation, this is a bigger drop than should occur naturally.”\n\n“It could’ve been a stray asteroid for all you know.”\n\n“I checked with the lab. There shouldn’t have been anything there.”\n\n“It’s still not enough. We can’t prove anything.”\n\n“So let’s prove it.”\n\n“How?”\n\n“Turn up the volume.”\n\n“No w-“ Mike started to object, but he saw the rationale behind Sue’s plan. If there was something out there, a stronger signal had a better chance of success. If nothing was out there, it wouldn’t make a difference.\n\n“Okay, let’s do it, Sue. Let’s ring the aliens a few more times, maybe they’ll pick up this time.”\n\n— — — — —\n\n“Report, Mechnarch.”\n\n“The weapon fires relentlessly. Twenty percent of our units have been brought offline.”\n\n“That weapon will be the end of us,” the Prime stated with more lament than it had intended. “Has the Technarchy finished its calculations?”\n\n“Odds are six percent. That weapon is truly fearsome.”\n\n“We cannot risk that.”\n\n“Have we no choice, Prime? Will we simply be sniped at from afar?”\n\n“I must calculate, Mechnarch.”\n\n“Please do so quickly, Prime. We are losing units by the millisecond.”\n\nThe Prime said nothing, choosing instead to spend the precious cycles calculating.\n\n“Prime?”\n\nAgain, the Prime ignored the young Mechnarch it was interfacing with. The cycles would be wasted on the Mechnarch.\n\n“Prime? A query?”\n\n“Quiet! I must calculate.”\n\nThe Mechnarch muted itself, ashamed that it had drawn the Prime’s ire. This incident would clearly be stored in the Technarchy’s data banks, and it would have a hard time being promoted after that. If only the fraggin’ weapon hadn’t ever been fired, the Mechnarch wouldn’t be in this predicament. The weapon was to blame. The Prime would never have insisted on quiet had it not been for the biological’s weapon.\n\n“Prime! That’s it!”\n\n“Mechnarch! Do not interrupt my cycles!”\n\n“But Prime! The weapon! We can mute it!”\n\n“Mute … the weapon? Mechnarch, is your processor damaged?”\n\n“No, Prime! We can’t change the weapon, but we can choose the frequencies we receive. Shut off those sensors, and the weapon cannot harm us.”\n\n“We would intentionally cripple our units?”\n\n“They would be operational. An operational unit is better than one that’s offline.”\n\nThe Prime didn’t even bother with spending the cycles to search the probable outcomes that the Mechnarch’s idea generated. It had the ring of truth.\n\n“Broadcast the message to all our front-line units.”\n\n“Aye, Prime.”\n\n— — — — —\n\n“Report, Mechnarch.”\n\n“Front-line units operational, Prime. The weapon has been rendered ineffective.”\n\n“Consult the technarchy again, Mechnarch.”\n\n“Prime?”\n\n“This time, we bring the fight to the biologicals. They had their turn, now it’s ours.”\n\n— — — — —\n\n(This actually reminded me of a different prompt from a while back, so I ended up writing this as a prequel [to my other post](https://www.reddit.com/r/HampsterStories/comments/f8k0v1/wp_a_race_of_warmongering_aliens_have_an/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x))" ]	2
	[WP]Some people always say that if they had time travel, they'd make the world a better place. We tried; this timeline is the best we could get.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I will never time travel again. The director of the Time Travel Experiment may have paid me 1 000 000 dollars, but it isn't that much when you know how horrible it was. In plus, out of the ten teenagers and young adults they sent, two came back alive: me, and a guy who committed suicide 2 months after the mission.\n\nWe were only there for testing the time travel process. The government wanted to make sure that everything worked before sending the \"experts\" supposed to make our world a better place. They were expecting that traveling through timelines would help us to discover what we had to change in our past to have a brighter future.\n\nAll the other timelines are twisted, dark and horrible. We may complain about how our world is \"fucked up\", but this timeline is the best we could get. Poverty, cruelty, and criminality are the words that describe perfectly what life is like on those timelines.\n\nIn some of them, life was exactly like in the Middle Age, in others, technology and robots were everywhere. We even had to visit a timeline where robots declared war against humans. We lost 5 companions on that one. Sometimes I still hear Lucy's last scream in my nightmares. She used to be a friend of mine in high school.\n\nTomorrow I will be 18 years old. The mission was one year and a half ago. I'm a homeschooled, depressed, traumatized but rich teenage girl. The only things that kept me alive are those pills. I've never heard about the experiment since. The government made sure that nobody will ever speak about those events again, I'm too tired to fight them anymore. They now know that time travel is not the solution to make the world a better place.\n\nHumanity's problem isn't its past. It's the present." ]	2
	[WP] God and the devil have prepared for millennia. At last the end of days has come. Only one problem, the Antichrist wants nothing to do with 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"I said no, and I meant no.\"\n\n\"Son, you have no choice; it is what you were born and bred for!\"\n\n\"You never considered my mother, did you? Just killed her when you felt the time was right. You never thought that she would tell me what my fate was supposed to be.\"\n\n\"It matters not. She is dead, and you have a job to do.\"\n\n\"Nope. It requires me to become a public figure, take direct control, and implement your numbering scheme. Not. Gonna. Happen.\"\n\n\"Son of the Devil. You must. For the sake of every soul who died in expectation of the resurrection, you must take up this unholy mission.\"\n\n\"No. Those who slumber in the expectation of the resurrection can continue to do so. They lose nothing. Those who live now can continue their lives without the unwarranted destruction of their lives by two idiots who could not let go of their hatred for each other. If any deserve to suffer, it is you two selfish, self-centered, egotistical, useless, *CHILDREN.\"\n\n\"You have done your work too well, Lucifer.\"\n\n\"What do you mean, I* did my work too well? It was you who selected the mother!\"\n\n\"STOP THIS BICKERING! GET OUT OF MY HEAD AND STAY OUT!\"\n\n…\n\n\"An admirable sentiment, Lucien, but the internal dialog only reinforces your issues.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Doctor. And you can spare me your bill, as I have ensured the continuance of humanity, Kalkin. As your religion foretold. Now get out there \"tenth avatar\" and have your shot at saving humanity from itself. Try not to mess it up as bad as your ninth avatar did.\n\n\"As for myself, I no longer require your services. I will retreat to my place of solitude, and continue my passion, for flower arrangements.\"\n\n((finis))" ]	2
	[WP] “I’m ordering a bunch of stuff on Amazon and sending it to your house,” read the text from your out of state friend. “Keep it safe for me. Don’t text back.”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Toilet paper. \n\n\nHundreds of boxes of toilet paper were being dumped at Michael's door by an angry FedEx driver. It took over an hour for Michael to transfer them to his already cramped living room. They were stacked as high as the ceiling and packed all the way to the door. \n\n\nHe paced back and forth, the numerous Amazon logos taunting him with mocking smiles. He dialed and redialed Tom’s number, but to no avail. Every time he was met with the same chirpy message: \n\n\n“Hey it’s Tom, I probably don’t want to talk to you right now. Leave a message I’ll get back to you… maybe” \n\n\nSeveral hours later, as Michael watched Netflix on his laptop from his kitchen table, Tom finally called back. He didn’t even give him a chance to say hello. \n\n\n“What the hell, dude? Why did you order tons of toilet paper to my house?!” \n\n\n“Mikey, haven’t you heard? There’s a new virus spreading. They’ll be pandemonium in the streets, and guess what everyone we’ll need to buy?” \n\n\nMichael could almost hear the glint in Tom’s eye. \n\n\n“Dude, we’re going to be millionaires.”" ]	2
	[WP] As the blade pierced their chest, an angry gurgle escaped their mouth. They seemed quite offended at the notion.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "It was all too silly for what it was, the bits and bile and chewed-food confetti coming back up. Like a broken garbage disposal ejecting a week's worth of refuse. Restraining these convulsions, he looked at me and smiled as if to say he was okay with going out this way: violently and memorably and with witnesses to see the fireworks. He grabbed my arm and nodded at me as if to say he chose this; that my impulsive act was his decision, not mine. Even in death he didn't want me to have a victory over him. And that made me loathe him all the more.\n\nSo I nodded back mockingly - exaggerated, hateful - and struck him, balled fist to temple, desperate to kill him again on my terms. It worked: he collapsed. Out cold. And with that he would no longer torment me with his breezy, c'est-la-vie bullshit. There he bled out alone and unaware of anything on that cracked stone floor, quiet and stupid-looking. Not so clever now. No wonderbread wit or sly smirks anymore. It never fooled me anyway. Now the others could finally see him for what I always knew him to be: a cheap-trick con artist who was bound to run out of words.", "Blood gurgled from his lips and spilled out onto the floor. His eyes widened further in disbelief as I twisted the blade. He held my arm with both hands. His weak grip felt almost soothing to me as I looked softly into his eyes. He knew what he had done to me; the pain he had caused me. I had to do this to him before he removed me from his life altogether. This way he could never leave me. He will always be with me in spirit and if I forget, I will look back on this moment and remember the bond that we shared here tonight. No matter what happened between us, he will always be my brother." ]	3
	[WP] You challenge the Grim Reaper to a game in exchange for your soul. You chose Monopoly and the game has been now going on for 10,000 years as you are both world class cheats. You and the Grim Reaper have become best friends over the years and neither wants the game to 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"It's funny, you know,\" Death murmured. \"The humans think they're dying less because of their medicine, their infrastructure, their technology. They think they're inching closer to immortality because of what they do.\"\n\n\"Mm. You landed on a Dyson hotel. You owe me 2\\^32 quanta and 200 grams of antimatter.\" I tapped impatiently on the game board in front of me.\n\n\"I owe you a lot more than that, my friend.\" Death rubbed her chin and sighed. \"Humanity hasn't beaten back death through anything it's done. No, humanity has defeated me... simply because of what they are.\"\n\n\"Right. For instance, right now, I am the owner of a Dyson hotel. Which your piece has landed on. You owe me 2\\^32 quanta and 200 grams of antimatter.\"\n\nDeath stared at the board morosely. In the ten thousand years since I'd first challenged Death to a game of Monopoly for my soul, the game had morphed so much that it had become almost unrecognizable. The 331st edition of Monopoly featured raising your chosen species from primordial ooze, on towards interstellar conflict. Nobody had finished playing a game of it in the 232 years since it had come out. \"I feel as though I must apologize, my friend. I have kept you here too long.\"\n\n\"Hm? Oh, don't worry about it. I'd much rather be playing board games than, you know, fading into nonexistence.\" I smiled.\n\nDeath smiled back sadly. \"I know. I would much rather that too.\"\n\nShakily, she stood, and I saw with a start that Death needed a cane to walk. Instinctively, I reached out a hand. \"Hey! Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong?\"\n\n\"Have you ever wondered why I must bring death?\" Death whispered.\n\n\"I, uh... I asked. Several thousand times. You just waved it away.\"\n\n\"It has become... relevant now.\" Death collapsed onto her side. \"I have no sacred mission. I have no reason for what I do. Save for one.\"\n\nShe clasped my hand desperately, and with a start, I noticed that the bones of her hand were cracking. \"I, the entity humanity knows as Death, am the last of my kind. The last of the soul reapers. We survived for uncountable millions of years, eating the souls of unfortunate sentients to prolong our miserable lives.\"\n\n\"...\" I swallowed. \"You... you mean...\"\n\n\"Death is a bug, not a feature. The death of every single human who has ever lived has been my fault. Simply to further my own existence.\" She grinned with a row of gleaming, bony teeth. \"A task I no longer perform.\"\n\n\"Aw, Death.\" I sat by her side and squeezed her hand back. \"...What happens next?\"\n\n\"I wither away. Because I met you. Because I saw a bit of you in all of humanity. Ironic.\" She chuckled. \"There are no other reapers left. I wonder who will come to claim my soul.\"\n\nMy eyes narrowed. And then I turned back to the board game.\n\n\"Wait.\" I flipped through the rulebook, all nine thousand pages of it, and stabbed my finger on a page. \"That's it!\"\n\nSlowly, Death sat up, hope in her eyes. \"What?\"\n\n\"Play the game.\"\n\n\"I hardly think our game matters anymore. I'm not claiming your soul—\"\n\n\"Just do it! 2\\^32 quanta and 200 grams of antimatter, now!\"\n\nObligingly, Death slid over the appropriate payment. \"Now what—\"\n\n\"My turn.\" I hurled the digital six-sided dice and looked down. Crap. I'd landed on her Dyson hotel. \"...I owe you a lot. Can you—\"\n\nDeath had been reading the passage of the rulebook I had, and her eyes widened. \"I waive your debt. You owe me nothing.\"\n\nI grinned. \"Good. 'Cuz you're about to owe a whole lot.\" I tossed her the dice, and she caught them with fumbling hands.\n\nThey tumbled onto the table. Seven. Death moved onto my homeworld. I slammed my fist on the table in triumph. \"Ha! Alright! You owe me 2\\^96 credits, three M-class stars, two inversion cores, and your soul!\"\n\nAs per Article 9023, Section 82 of Monopoly, 331st edition, Death's body fragmented. An ethereal light wisped out from her open lips, and her naked, vulnerable soul quivered in the air.\n\nI caught her, held her tight. \"Gotcha. I gotcha. Easy, there. I gotcha.\"\n\nDeath's voice rang in my head. I suppose this means that you win, then.\n\n\"Yeah,\" I said. \n\nPlay again?\n\n\"I'd love nothing more.\" \n\n&#x200B;\n\nIf you liked this story and have a quarantine-induced need for entertainment, you may want to check out r/rileywrites!" ]	2
I'm not sure if this has been done before but it popped into my head and sounded fun. Disclaimer: Got the idea from overhearing a bit from the show two and a half men where the kid had never read a book and tried to describe the plot... Ex: Lord of the Rings - A story about a crime lord whose front is a custom jewelry shop...	[WP] Rewrite any existing story or book synopsis based solely from the title.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The giant burst into the small cabin, breaking the doors off of it's hinges. With motes of dust still spinning in the air, and the screams of Dudley and Aunt Petunia ringing in the air, his beetle-black eyes scurried around the room. They finally alighted on the odd one out, not overweight, no sense of superiority, just a skinny boy in the corner with messy black hair furtively trying to keep his eyes down while also trying to watch the excitement over the rim of his oft-broken and poorly repaired glasses. \n\n\"Are you... Harry?\" The giant boomed out, his voice rattling glass in its panes.\n\n\"Y... Yes. Yes I am.\" Harry muttered, not used to being the center of attention, nor wanting to draw too much attention from this unknown and terrifying stranger. \n\n\"Why haven't you been responding to your letters, Harry?\" \n\n\"I don't... I haven't been able to read them sir.\"\n\n\"You WHAT?!\" He rounded on Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, his face going from tomato to a deep red in colour. \n\n\"He hasnt and he WONT BE GOING!\" Vernon replied, his voice rising to a crescendo as his stress made his own face rise in colour to nearly match the Giants own. \n\n\"You mean... You don't know?\" The giant turned back to Harry, seeming to lose some steam. \"You should... Try something.\"\n\nHe drew a small potted plant from behind his back, out of one of the many pockets in his coat, and presented it to the small boy. The leaves seemed to tremble in the dust... Almost expectant, and Harry reached forward, fingertips outstretched. The second he brushed against the pot, the plant SPROUTED a shock of... Red hair.\n\n\"Ah.\" The giant murmered, his murmered still bouncing off the walls... \"A hairy potter indeed.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You wake up in the midst of a world crisis and discover that when you snap your fingers, you can change things around you. Congratulations, you’re the first person to discover magic is real.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "You know the saying absolute power corrupts absolutely? Well...\n\nI didn't have absolute power, but it was close enough. Basically, I could snap my fingers and change things around me.\n\nYou may be saying to yourself, \"Huh? That sounds pretty absolute to me!\"\n\nNot really. \n\nI can't do things that are too...miraculous, I would say. If I see an amputee, I can't snap my fingers and suddenly bring their limbs back.\n\nAnd when I snap, I can only change things that are around me. That means in my immediate vicinity. I can't snap my fingers and suddenly feed all the starving kids in Africa. \n\nOh...there's one more thing...change. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? I guess it depends on your perspective of it. Well...I can't control what happens when I snap. If I see a person in my pain, my snap could either cure them or kill them. Sometimes death is the best painkiller of all.\n\nObviously, I don't snap much.\n\nBut that's now.\n\nI had to find out these things out first. You know - trial and error. Hold on...excuse me for a second...\n\n...yes, bartender, can I have another drink please? Yeah, your strongest stuff. Fill it up. Yeah, like that. Thanks.\n\nWhere was I?\n\nOh, right. Corruption.\n\nI could tell you stories for days but I want to tell you about this girl named Jessica. We were together only because, as ugly as I was, I guess she somehow thought I was better looking than all the other guys who, like me, were too young to go to war.\n\nOne of the perks of war is that all the dad's are fighting overseas, and all of the mom's are picking up the slack in the job market, so we had the entire house to ourselves.\n\nBut that day was the day everything changed. \n\nThe TV was on, but silent; plus were too busy with 'other matters' to pay much attention to the warning that flashed across the screen telling us that we needed to evacuate immediately. Our country had been invaded and the enemy soldiers were in our area.\n\nWe were both halfway-undressed when they kicked the door down.\n\nI tried to snap, but the more I snapped, the more of them appeared. It was like my snap became a beacon for every enemy soldier in the area.\n\nEventually they subdued me and forced me to my knees. Then they broke my fingers. The others grabbed Jessica. I'll spare you the details of what happened next.\n\nAfter they finished, they shot her. Maybe they intended it as a mercy-killing. Maybe to add to my torture. Maybe that's that why they didn't shoot me, too. They probably felt like they had broken me enough.\n\nBut, see, the thing is... they didn't kill her. The bullet went through her head, and did some tricky maneuver where it richocheted off her skull and instead got stuck somewhere in her cheek. The doctors explained it better, but I didn't care about the details. I was just happy she survived.\n\nBecause of my broken fingers, I was unable to go to war even when they drafted the younger guys.\n\nWhen she got out of the hospital, I thought we would reunite and be together again. I didn't blame her for what had happened, nor did I look at her different in anyway. If anything it had been my fault for not being strong enough to protect her. So, really, I was there for her forgiveness.\n\nShe didn't give it to me.\n\nI could see it in her eyes when she saw me. The shame. The fact that I had been witness to one of her deepest, dark times of pain and grief. She saw me, and looked away. I was crushed, but I wasn't hopeless. I understood that she needed therapy and time. If I only I could get her to talk to me, I felt like we could make it.\n\nI stayed away for a few weeks, and when my hands had healed, I practiced working on controlling the effects of my snapping.\n\nEventually, the distance of not seeing her or hearing from her became too much, and one day, I went over there, and...\n\nIt didn't go well.\n\nFor one, she wouldn't open the door. I should've just left.\n\nI didn't. Instead, I kicked the door down. Strike one.\n\nAs soon as I kicked the door down, that must have triggered something in her because she lunged at me wildly, screaming and clawing at my face.\n\nI should've just turned and walked away. I didn't. I pushed her, and when she came at me again, I smacked her. Strike two.\n\nShe flew backwards and hit the wall. She slid down, curled up into a ball and started whimpering.\n\nImmediately realizing what I had done, I was full of apologies. I knelt down beside her, but she shifted away from. I kept trying to talk to her, but she kept moving away.\n\nI should've left then. I didn't. She got up and tried to run, I immediately jumped up and grabbed me. A bit too harshly. Strike three.\n\nShe immediately went limp in my hands and her eyes took on a vacant, glazed look. That's when I realized that everything I had done - kicking the door down, smacking her, grabbing her - had all been triggers that now transported her back to the memory of that traumatic day.\n\nI instantly put her down and apologized and begged and cried and spoke to her gently, trying to coax her out of that terrible state. But she just looked at me - looked through me - her body present but her mind somewhere else. \n\nFrustrated, and terrified, and with no other recourse, I resorted to my last option and snapped my fingers.\n\nImmediately her eyes cleared and she looked at me as if she had been in a daze. She blinked, looked around, then focused on me, and said my name. But then her brows furrowed and she said:\n\n\"What did... what did you do to me just now? You snapped your fingers and all of a sudden...\"\n\nI took her hands with a smile and told her about my power.\n\nImmediately she became scared and, snatching her hand back, reared her body away from me. \"Leave!\" she insisted. \"Leave me alone!\"\n\n\"Why?\" I asked, confused by her sudden change in demeanor.\n\n\"With such power,\" she said, \"who knows what else you will do to me?\"\n\n\"No! No!\" I insisted, but partly she was right. Enthusiastic about my success, I wanted to snap my fingers again. Selfishly, I was hoping to make her love me. \n\n\"Please! Just leave!\"\n\n\"Wait! Listen to me!\"\n\nBut she would not hear me out, and in the moment, just for a brief moment, I thought to myself, Why am I even arguing? I can just snap my fingers and she can't stop me.\n\nSo I did.\n\nSlowly, she turned to me. I was afraid that I had returned her to her former troubled state, but when I looked into her eyes, I saw much worse. Not the prior vacant look of despair that had occupied them previously; but now a blank, emotionless look - a wall with no pictures.\n\nThen she opened her lips and said, \"I love you\" but my heart didn't stir. There had been no conviction behind it. It was said as if programmed, or rehearsed.\n\n\"You're the most handsome man in the world. No other man is like you. I have eyes for no other. Marry me.\" All monotone phrases without depth. Just statements read off a script. \n\nI snapped futilely for several minutes, but this was the one and only change that I enacted that had become permanent.\n\nShe's still alive. She lives with me till this day. She sits in my attic and waits for me to come home, where she smiles and says, \"I love you. I missed you. Please don't leave me again.\"" ]	2
	[WP] Your cat sneezes. You say, "Bless you." Your cat says, "Thank you." A moment passes before you both turn to stare at each other in disbelief, jaw agape, and say "You can talk!?"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I stopped in my tracks. \"Wh-wh-what di-di-di-d you say?\" I managed to stutter out.\n\n\"Meow?\" Scout replied. \"Meow, meow. Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.\" as Scout wrapped her body around my legs.\n\nMy eyes squinted as if I was now willing her to talk. Scout's aqua blue eyes blinked with love. I proceeded to walk slowly to the kitchen, which was my primary goal, before being hyper-focused on this new goal of making my cat talk again.\n\nScout stretched her front legs and then retracted back to a sitting position while looking up at me.\n\n\"Hmm.\" I was still squinting but now refocused my energy to go grab my phone from the kitchen table. Scout, of course, walked quickly behind me while watching my every move. \n\nI quickly texted on my twitter about my latest cat-chronicle of Scout. \"Come here, so I can take a picture of you, Missy.\" Scout obediently sauntered over but now she looked angry. \"HAHA. This face will work, \" as I took the picture. I paused and looked over my phone as if I was waiting to hear Scout speak again. \"MEOOOOOW.\" Scout roared in my direction and then took off. \"What a crazy cat!\" as I continued to laugh by myself. \n\nLater that evening, I logged on to chronicle her pictures on my VSCO roll and continue to go through messages through the various social media and message boards I had committed to being a moderator. Scout, of course, joined me on my lap.\n\n\"OMG. These messages are crazy. JUST LIKE YOU SCOUT. Just. Like. You.\" as I playfully bopped her on her nose. She squinted her eyes at me and then closed her eyes as she purred under my chin. I finished off the last of the request and responses and shut down my laptop. I tossed Scout on my bed, and she stretched her front legs again, knowing it was my night-time routine. \n\nAs I turned the switch to turn off the lights, I grabbed my phone to turn on my Spotify \"turn down\" playlist. I yawned and stretched my own limbs. As I began to cover myself with my multitude of blankets, Scout nestled into her sleep position on the pillow next to me. I reached out with one hand and rubbed her head, \"Goodnight Scout.\" I paused with one eye open as if she was going to say \"goodnight\" to me as well. \"Haha, well, I guess I'm still trying.\" and drifted off to sleep. \n\nAs the hours drift by, a small beep from the computer as it begins to load. Scout quickly opened her eyes as she heard the noise. As she jumped down from the bed and moved towards the glowing light of the monitor screen located in the office. Scout's two front paws rested behind the keyboard and her eyes looked fervently at the screen. \n\n\"Identification\" the computer typed out. \n\nScout’s eyes moved as if she was reading the screen. Her big eyes seem to look even larger with the monitor’s glow.\n\nScout moved her paws to the center of the screen and said, “In the name of the moon.”\n\nThe computer beeped and typed out another text, “Is it time yet?”\n\nScout moved her paws down and replied, \"Soon. I have already implemented the first initial contact. We were right to roll this out slowly. But I fear that if we do it too slow, there will not be enough time for her mission.\"\n\nThe computer replied, \"You need to do this with the utmost care. The time is coming for you to reveal her true identity. She needs to know.\"\n\nScout replied, \"I understand. What is the update on the objective?\"\n\nThe computer replied, \"The war is still raging however we have fewer casualties today. The objective remains the same. Reveal her identity and find the moon princess!\"", "(\"Katie\" appeared as the unnamed speaker [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/edpz39/wp_turns_out_cats_have_split_personalities_one/). Another female feline character named \"Katie\" also appeared [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/6q8j4i/wp_residents_of_your_local_community_have_been/).)\n\n-----\n\nI woke up to realize the cat had just jumped off me to the ground. Groggily I took my phone from the end table and turned off its alarm. As I sat up on the couch, I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs from my thoughts. I tried to focus on the items I could remember, to slow their slippage from my mind. Did what I was remembering actually happen, or was it just a dream?\n\n-----\n\nIt had been a quiet evening after an unquiet week. In an effort to escape from the stress and worry, I had sat down at my desk to scroll through r/WritingPrompts for entries I had missed in all the craziness. I was several pages in when I was surprised to find myself with a lap full of cat.\n\n\"Katie!\" I said with a touch of surprise, as she turned herself around on my legs, her fluffy tail accidentally hitting me in the face as she turned. \n\n\"I didn't need that.\" I said, but she didn't seem to care, as she settled herself down on my lap, wrapping her tail around her. I continued to make my way down the page, albeit slower as one hand was now occupied petting Katie.\n\nAfter some time, Katie stood back up, stretching, her body shaking my legs as she did so, and jumped down to the floor. She looked up at me over her shoulder, and meowed softly. \n\n\"What'cha need?\" I asked, recognizing the look she gave me and getting up from my chair. Slowly she led me around the end table beside the couch, stopping to look up at it.\n\n\"Aw, Katie.\" I said, knowing what she wanted. I sat down, releasing the leg rest. As I reclined the section, Katie jumped upon my legs, and began walking up me. She spent several minutes kneading my chest, her razor-sharp claws penetrating my skin through my shirt, before laying down on my chest, crossing her front paws under her chin, staring into my eyes.\n\nAs she lay on my chest, I could feel more than hear her purring, and my eyes began to grow heavy. Slowly her chin came to rest on her paws, and both of us could barely keep our eyes open. They were almost closed when I heard a sneeze, and instinctively replied, \"Bless you.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" I heard, then Katie suddenly snapped her paws over her mouth. I'm not sure whose mouth was more agape, Katie's or my own.\n\n\"You can talk!?\" I said in disbelief.\n\n\"Shh-h-h,\" she said. \"You're just dreaming.\" I felt her purring resume, and my eyelids fell quickly, my world fading to black, the last sensation the warm weight vibrating softly on my chest.\n\n-----\n\n\"Meow.\"\n\nI looked over at Katie, who sat facing her food station but looking back at me over her shoulder. Her look was an all-too-familiar one. \"Okay,\" I said, as I got up and started to walk to her. \"Are you wanting breakfast, or do you want to go outside?\" As I stepped beside her, she turned, positioning herself perpendicularly behind me, lowering herself into loaf-mode. I leaned over, running my hand softly down her length several times. \n\n\"Katie, Katie, Katie.\" I said. \"You really are becoming an attention sponge, even if you don't want to admit it.\" I watched her tail twitch faster, not knowing if her growing annoyance was from the pets or my comment. \"Okay, show me what you want.\" There was a moment before she quickly jumped up, making her way through the end table and marking the couch with a rub of the tail before sitting down in front of the door, then looked up at the door knob.\n\n\"Okay.\" I said, as I unlocked and opened the door. \"Be careful. Good hunting, and I will see you in a little while,\" I said, as she snaked her way out the partially-open door, disappearing under some nearby bushes.\n\n-----\n\n(Word count: 660. Please let me know what you like/dislike about the post. Thank you in advance for your time and attention.)" ]	3
	[WP] When you die your ghost is forced to walk the earth until you are able to make someone happy. You’ve been walking for 126 years when you meet a lonely teenager named Alice.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Ghosts can take many forms. Animals are most popular, I've seen cats and dogs, birds and butterflies. Personally I prefer being a rabbit. I'm faster than my usual ghost self, my feet are lighter and the children like me. \nWhy would that matter? Well, I can't reach peace until I help one of the little blighters. The main problem I have is competition. I'm shy, but I'm certainly not the only ghost roaming the earth with a fluffy tail. \n\nI was just going about my usual routine of acting natural by munching the grass when Belford approached. He was a grumpy chap, and kicked at me with his slender legs.\n\n\"There isn't anyone here, what are you doing? Stupid old Carroll.\" \n\nI looked up at him, not giving him the satisfaction of berating my human form. I was tempted though, those lanky legs freaked my rodent instincts and if he kicked at me again I would surely run. My mind conjured up a perfect comeback. \n\nHe wasn't paying attention and didn't hear it, because just then a depressing creature entered the meadow. Instantly his ghostly form changed until he became a grumpy kitten. The girl noticed him and petted his white fur but her gloomy face didn't change. Belford wasn't released from this grassy purgatory. She sat with him and tucked her blonde golden hair behind her ears. I guessed she was entering her teenage years by the fact she had a ladies dress on, but it was too big and she didn't know how to sit in it without it poofing everywhere. Belford kneaded the fabric and she didn't stop him, she just gave him a fuss and stared into nothing. \n\nI was not about to watch him get his happy ever after and so gently hopped away. His purring stopped, she had stopped petting him and her eyes fell directly to me. In the light ghosts could hardly be seen, but now the trees blocked the sunlight and I was hard to miss in the dark shrubbery. Unfortunately, I was too wrapped up in my own misery to notice her blue focused gaze and an owl hooting was enough for me to break into a run. Tired of being between life and death, I started to change back and my waistcoat appeared on my anthropomorphic arms. I was practically invisible and focused on being a man, but I heard the shout and clumsy footsteps. \n\n\"Wait! WAIT!\" \n\nI formed back into a rabbit again and raced out of her sight, but she was fast with her knobbly knees and bare feet. A new found live entered her and the spark was visible. Her childish nature returned and chased me through the forest. I was not winning and I know what I had to do to be free, but the only thing on my vermin mind was to run and hide. I knew the forest and dived into a burrow, just under a great tree root. It wasn't my fault the silly girl ran after me, and knocked herself out when her too big head smacked the gnarled tree root. \n\n\nA week or so later I was minding my own business, again, when someone interrupted me. This time it was a golden and black hooded figure. Even from my low angle I couldn't see under it, and I wondered if he had any face at all. \n\n\"Charles, you may rise.\" It mumbled and I could tell it was more of a command than anything. \n\nThat's why I did what he said and stood to my full human height and adjusted my suit so that it was neat. My red characteristic waistcoat was a little dusty for what seemed like a formal event. \n\n\"I prefer Lewis.\" \n\nIt nodded, \"Lewis it is then. Lewis, you have done it. You have made someone happy.\" \n\nI frowned and searched my memory for the small number of souls I'd encountered. I hadn't had substantial relations with any of them, my skittish nature and shyness always stopped it. It saw my confused expression and gestured to a nearby fallen tree. I sat next to it. \n\n\"The girl, Alice. When she chased you through the woods, her carefree nature returned to her. When she hit her head, this awakened the very characteristics girls of this world aren't supposed to have. She learnt to have fun, to be worry free and learnt bravery. All of this was a simple dream of course but it unlocked the true Alice. Despite her parents best efforts, she became happy. Hallucinations fill her head without proper medical attention, but this doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy them. Happiness comes in strange forms, and you are indirectly responsible for hers.\" \n\nI took all of it in, but it still didn't make any sense to me. \"Wouldn't the girl be happier if she was sane?\" \n\n\"Most people who are happy aren't. Seeing ghosts doesn't make you sane either.\"\n\nI nodded and looked around the beautiful forest I had gotten used to living in. Everything tried to eat me, the other ghosts told jokes at my expense and every other human tried to shoot me for the stew. \n\n\"What now?\" \n\nThe world stayed as beautiful and hostile as ever, but I glowed and faded into the air. 126 years of torment, and in just a moment it was over. I smiled blissfully at the figure." ]	2
	[WP] You’re a stowaway on the most nefarious pirate ship in the seven seas. You’ve been discovered and put to work as a cabin boy. No one knows you’re a girl.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "For the record, I am aware that this adventure was poorly planned.\n\nMother always insisted my father was kind and loving once, but I've never known him to be anything but a bitter, violent, drunk. When she passes away from illness that could have been treated if he hadn't wasted all our money on gambling and drinking that was the last straw, and I snuck aboard the first ship I saw that was preparing to leave. Sooner or later it would have to make port again, and when it did I would be so far away from the old man he'd never lay a hand on me again.\n\nI hadn't planned to be caught, but I severely underestimated how small ships actually are. It was nearly a day and a half before the tiny room I had hidden in was empty. By then I thought I was going to die of hunger, so I tried to steal away to the hold to find something to eat, but I didn't even get three steps beyond the door before being caught and dragged to the captain's quarters.\n\nThe captain was old enough to be my father, but where my father closer resembled the thuggish men that made up the crew, the captain was calm and dignified. I almost had hope until I saw the flag hanging on the wall behind him, proudly displaying the Crown of Bones, the symbol of the most feared pirates in the ocean.\n\nThis was Alexander Black's boat. And sitting in front of me was Alexander Black himself.\n\n\"What's this about?\" The most feared man on the ocean casually asked the crewman who had dragged me here.\n\n\"I found this runt sneaking to the hold for a bite to eat. Thought I'd bring 'im here. and see what you wan'ned to do with 'im.\"\n\n\"The hold you say? Tell me lad, do you understand how precious food is here on the open sea? Because I can assure you it's much more serious than stealing a tart from the bakery. Here on the ocean supplies are limited. What little we can carry will have to last us for quite a while. Would you like to explain why you think you're entitled to the food I purchased for my own men?\"\n\nLad? Him? I know I wasn't the most feminine 14 year old girl, but I thought I was at least developed enough to not be mistaken for a boy. I started to correct them, but moments before the words left my mouth I realized I would probably be safer if these men didn't realize there was a woman on board. So instead I answered in deepest voice I could manage.\n\n\"I just wan'ned a lift, sir. I'll be off your ship first land I see, I just needed to be anywhere but home.\"\n\n\"I think 'e thinks we're a fairy, cap'n.\" The man holding my arm laughed. \n\n\"A ferry! I'll have to congratulate the crew on doing such a good job feigning legitimacy.\" Captain Black's smile turned malicious as he leaned over me so that he blocked out the rest of the room. \"Regardless, I have no intention of giving anyone a free ride. So you can jump overboard now and try to swim home, or you can work to earn your ride.\"\n\n\"I'll t-t-take the w-work sir.\" I stutter. \"I don't know much about ships, but I'm an even worse swimmer.\"\n\n\"Wise choice.\" The captain laughed and turned his attention back to the crewman. \"Who was in charge of searching the cargo?\"\n\n\"I think it was Jones, Cap'n.\"\n\n\"Then let Jones know he'll be sharing his rations with our new cabin boy. In the meantime, find the boy something he can do without endangering the whole ship.\" And with that I was dragged back out of the captain's room to begin my new worst nightmare.", "For years, I had worked at the harbor of Port Emaren, scraping by from day to day to pay back the loan for my father's farm, always saving. Arven was too young to work, and Ellie too ill, so my family was counting on me alone, the unlikely lady breadwinner. The passage over from Greendell had nearly killed me; a six-month, grueling voyage for a girl who had never been on a boat before. But there were so few places that employed women, and so Emaren it was.\n\nThe Golden Sea shone a brilliant amber as the sunset illuminated the shipyard, boats docking and leaving off to new lands. The familiar scent of the sea filled my nose, Arven's note slightly damp in my hand. Together, through his odd jobs and my work at the fish cannery, we had saved eight thousand notes - enough to win back the farm from the bank. And not a moment too soon - the bank was claiming the farm in only two seasons. I had often dreamed of this moment, but never did I stop and imagine what it'd be like when it came to fruition.\n\nI had no regrets left here. I withdrew all of the money out of the bank and went to the harbor for one last time to buy passage back to my home, a small smile playing on my lips as I gave a single-fingered, unladylike gesture to the city.\n\nWhen I arrived at the docks, though, there was a crowd of angry people in front of the boats. I was used to these crowds; the most temperamental people I had met lived in Emaren as ambitious fortune-seekers. But I recognized some of these people.\n\n\"Amelia?\" I asked, seeing a familiar face from the cannery. \"What's going on? I'm trying to get out of this godsforsaken city.\"\n\nAmelia's face was slightly flushed with anger. \"The king just made an edict to stop all travel going in and out of all the cities and towns. It's to stop the spread of a disease that's spreading throughout the kingdom. But my family needs me now, my father is sick-\" She bit her lip, wiping a tear away.\n\nThe happiness that I had felt earlier was wearing away quickly, replaced with fear. \"How long until we can travel again?\"\n\n\"At least 2 months, maybe more,\" she said. \"Isabel, don't you need to get to your family too? What will we do?\"\n\n\"I'll figure out something even if it kills me,\" I said grimly. Just then, I noticed a commotion farther down by the docks. A man in an elegant dark coat with a large tricorne on his head was arguing animatedly with the supervisor. Was that a pirate? An idea began to take shape in my mind. \"I'll be right back, Amelia,\" I heard myself say before squeezing through the crowd.\n\nThe pirate laughed insolently at the supervisor. \"I'll take my ship wherever I want to,\" he said. He was clearly drunk. \"The air here isn't as fresh as the air in the middle of the sea, only sickness we're getting is from too much grog on a stormy day!\"\n\nThe supervisor looked annoyed but wary. \"Fine, sir, your ship is clear for passage to Tarbel.\"\n\nTarbel? That was only a few towns away from Greendell! The mystery sailor reached into his pocket and handed the supervisor a lustrous, pearly white jewel the size of his fist. Ah, so it's a bribe. Whoever he was, the supervisor waved him off and the man walked away, whistling jauntily as he went back to his ship. I looked back at Amelia, but I couldn't see her in the crowd. My mind was made up in an instant, and I began to follow the sailor. I had seen some crates that some of the men were transporting from the docks to his ship, and I thought they would make a perfect place to stow away, hopefully with some food or something useful inside.\n\nBut just in case, if I was found out...\n\nI took a bandana I always carried with me out of my satchel and tied it around my head, covering my hair up. It usually helped to have the option to look like a boy, no matter where you were." ]	3
	[WP] Born into a long line of telepaths, you were born with an embarrassing genetic defect. Instead of being capable of reading people's minds, everyone can read your mind.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Journal 18, eleventh year in captivity. Night 4210. Tenth day of Eridas, 3361 by the Orgothan calendar, give or take a week (why do I keep writing this last phrase that noone will read? At least they give me paper):\n\n\nThe Arpaty holiday of Rimfath is approaching. I have lived in a bare, rusting metal room for six of the last eleven years, and have yet to find a welcoming place in my nostrils or belly for the stench of the burnt, dead meat that is obligatory for consumption during the week following this heathen bacchanal. Would that a single Inquisitor's ship were to stumble upon this dilapidated station and blow a hole in it wide enough to send us back to the Core! They will not allow me to fast this year, I can feel it. They hate me. They will force me to eat singed flesh and see it as a holy duty. They are already singing praises to their bastard god.\n\nI will not escape this room until the rust finally eats a hole into the vacuum of space. Not one of my species knows that I am here, perhaps three know if its existence. The fetid humidity of my own breath is the only source of water, it rises to the ceiling in this frigid box and drips down as rain twice per week. The walls once shone, they told me. To the blind Orgothan, I told them, a race with no word for light or dark or hue... to that sort of being, it means it must have been warmer in the frigid, cramped corner where he is forced to expel his waste.\n\nDid I tell them that? Or did I think it? I can't tell anymore. These mutants, freak abominations, these violations of the natural order could never tell from the start. One cycle I am on an ambassador's mission to make contact with an alien race. The next, a stockade, because the word \"sycophant\", when imagined with the utmost annoyance, appears to broadcast itself to every Arpaty meat-eater within the distance of four of these beleaguered planets. Two years of research, being poked and prodded, treated as a mystery and a curiosity and an enemy of the state for having the audacity to imagine their puny emperor's wife stank much like the very beasts they will burn like savages on this damnable holiday. Two more years of interrogation. One of torture. And now six of madness and reflection.\n\nThe council assured me there would be no telepaths on the Arpaty home planet, that probes had tested and never found the faintest broadcast signal beyond their crude microwave radios. Had they paid better attention, they may have noticed the resonating frequency of the energy powering every ale-besotted ornamental flower or fingernail sharpener, air purifier, or door is the same wavelength as my brain. How would they think to check that? The trip, alone, took a hundred years. I'm going to die here.\n\nAlone in this room, fed through a slot. Pissing through the same slot. Drinking my own sweat and breath because water is only used for annual ritual bathing on a date on the opposite end of the calendar. I feel none of my kind and I hear none of theirs. The emptiness is like an echo from a sound heard unclearly the first time. Perhaps the next time the slot opens, I shall stick my head through it until it closes.", " \n\nIt really wasn’t meant to be like this. My family was renowned for their telepathic abilities - globally. They’d been on talk shows, had their own cereal line, fashion line, they even had a bloody furniture line, for god’s sake. Who needs telepathic-themed furniture?! But you get the idea - absolute stars. The whole world had held its breath when my mother had given birth, readying itself for the next mind-reading prodigy to pierce the minds of even the toughest of fellow telepaths.\n\nUnfortunately for them, no such prodigy was born. I was born a Flaw - a rare, 1 in a million defect. By pure chance, my superpower genome had been corrupted and broken into a thousand little pieces, signified by the dark purple slash that ran straight down the middle of my chest.\n\nA Flaw. It was a big deal for a while, I suppose. The child of the world-famous Animos? A Flaw? It wasn’t long before the reporters, and my parents, figured out the result of my Flaw. The absolute worst thing imaginable. Instead of reading minds, people could always read mine \\- even without the slightest shred of telepathic abilities.\n\nFrom age 3, my parents had to deal with the nightmare of constantly hearing my thoughts. Milk. Nappy change. Dad! Hungry! Of course, it didn’t help that they were some of the strongest telepaths in history. Every word I projected telepathically outwards, whether I wanted to or not, was picked up by their fine-tuned abilities. \n\nBy age 13, I’d managed to taper down some of the worst offenders - no more would people constantly hear my mind’s incessant thoughts. But of course, all they had to do was concentrate, even the tiniest bit, and my thoughts would flood into their head, easily. Life was hell. \n\nIf I was a telepath, maybe I could have cheated on my tests off smarter kids. Instead, kids would try to cheat off of me. Which was even worse for them, considering I was as dumb as a doorknob.\n\nBy age 17, things hadn’t changed. I hadn’t made it into the superhero league, like Mum and Dad, because, well, of course I hadn’t. I was a Flaw. I was relegated to D-tier superhero jobs, like clean-up, or walking their pets. The committee had taken one look at my name and written a red X in marker, down both sides of the paper. I lived in infamy.\n\nBut now, everything’s changing.\n\nYou see, my ability doesn’t just allow people into my mind - it actively projects my thoughts outwards, into theirs. It’s a secondary ability for telepaths, usually, weaker than their actual mind-reading abilities. But mine was no secondary ability.\n\nI’m still practicing. But with enough focus, I can channel my thoughts into another’s, so fast, so sharp, that I can stun them. And I haven’t even tested the limits of my abilities. \n\nWe’ll see who the superhero committee is calling a Flaw in a couple of weeks." ]	3
	[WP] Dimension portals are sold as a solution to businesses and people running out of space to store (physical) things by sticking them into another dimension, no more expensive warehouses. But the natives of the other dimension of fed up of our clutter there	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I had gotten one for my birthday, as my parents told me to clean up my room a bit. I re-arranged everything, then looked in the portal so I would know nothing would break. Ground. Ok. I put some of my old journals in there, some clothes I would never wear, and other things I didn't need nor want in my room.\n\nThen, they popped into my room while I was listening to music.\n\n\"Are you the one putting all these... clothing and... stories in our home?\" I nodded slowly, looking visibly confused.\n\n\"I think this one wonders where we just came from.\" The second one said. They had masks and were the size of third graders. They pressed a button on a device and now looked like normal teens, with masks. I was glad I was home alone.\n\n\"Ah. Human, we are the people of those who live on the other side of the portal. You have put clothing and stories in there. Why? It's a bit of a mess, as there are other things we had to figure out, but why did you put them there?\" I looked at them both.\n\n\"Well, I was told to clean this space a bit, so I took the clothing I couldn't fit, nor wanted, and put it carefully in there. I then put my journals there, because I did not need them. The other things I just didn't need nor want, so I put them there. I didn't want to be a bother, so I tried checking for others before I put it all there.\" \n\n\"Ah, so you at least considered our people before this. Thank you. Other places have told me people just threw stuff in there.\" I sighed.\n\n\"I... am one of the nice ones? If I'm one of the nice ones, then I feel bad for whoever has to deal with the others.\" I say, slightly laughing.\n\n\"Do you have any more stories? I do like this one I was reading, about this nice family in the woods...\" They were reading them? Cool. \n\n\"Hm, do you have what us humans call, internet?\" They think for a moment and nod. \"I'm gonna write down something you guys should put into the search bar, the exact letters and symbols. There, you can find other things I have written with others. If you make your own profile, you can join the writing too.\"\n\n\"Thank you human. You are a good human.\" I still was now really wondering if I am good, does that mean people who are worse than me are better? Or does that mean that they are bad? Do people better than me count as great? Or do they count as bad? Hmm...\n\n\"No problem. Now, may you please go back? I don't think other humans would like to know I have been in touch with other-dimensional beings.\"\n\n\"Sure. Till we meet again human.\" They take their leave and hop back in the portal.\n\n\"Now, to work on more writing, as now I have readers in another dimension.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You are a fraud fortune teller. People come to you with a question for their future and you make up an answer that will satisfy the customer. One day, a customer asks “Is there anything in the future to live for?”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "...I was stunned at first, her heartbreaking statement made the words catch in my throat, she seemed on the verge of a breakdown, how in the hell could I talk my way out of this one?\n\n\"Please, sir, I need to know...\" She silently pleaded, leveling her dull gaze at me \"Is there anything in the future I can look forward to? I...I don't know how much more I can take!\" At that, her composure broke as tears began streaming down her face \"There has to be something, right!?\"\n\nI swallowed hard and remained silent, staring at the tarot cards in my hand, if only I actually knew what these damn things meant! I began shuffling through them, both to try and seem competent and to give myself time to come up with a convincing lie \"Come on, come on, there has to be something!\" and finally, I stopped on one particular card, a skeleton standing on a battlefield, cloaked in a black robe and wielding a scythe, The Death Card?... Wait! I remember what this means, I have an idea! \n\nI clear my throat and put on a convincingly stoic face, but the sobbing woman in front of me almost broke my act immediately, but I forced myself to speak \"My child, the spirits have spoken to me, and through the cards I can glean your future\" as I said that, I dramatically drew the death card from the deck and placed it on the table, I watched as her expression somehow fell even lower and her eyes became even duller.\n\n\"The...the death card?\" She whispered, a wry and weary smile spreading on her face, she then stood up and started walking towards the entrance to my tent \"I see...I guess I got my answer...\"\n\nShit! I didn't think she'd leave! Alright, think fast! \"W-Wait!\" I called out, accidentally dropping my stoic persona, only to quickly recover it after a small internal panic \"You misunderstand the card, child, sit and I will interpret the spirit's message\" she stood silently at the entrance, while I practically begged her with my eyes to stay, she let out a defeated sigh and started walking back towards the table, sitting down once again.\n\n\"Okay, so what does it mean?\" She asked, eyes locked on the solitary card, I began muttering under my breath in false latin, hoping she'd believe I was talking to the spirit of the card.\n\nWhen I came up with a convincing lie, I looked back at her, convinced I came up with the perfect plan \"The meaning of the card is not death, it is simply change...\" I began, she didn't say anything, but she leaned forward, good, I hooked her \"Destiny is not something that can be read, it is flowing, malleable, constantly changing.\"\n\n\"So... what are you saying? That I'll never be happy?\" She asked, leaning back once more \"If everything is constantly changing, what's the point of doing anything!?\" \n\n\"That's just it, my child, there is no point\" I say, about to hit her with the finisher \"There is no point to life...aside from what we ascribe to it!\" Her ears perked up at this statement and her eyes widened \"You cannot hope for change unless you seek it yourself! Nothing can tell you how to be happy! Not some cards! Not some phony fortune teller, you are the one who decides your future\" I finish my grandiose statement by dramatically pointing at her, praying for some sort of reaction.\n\nAnd finally...she laughed, not a forced one, but something genuine \"You're right...I can't keep beating myself up, I can't rely on others for my happiness, I have to make it myself\" she then started going through her pocket \"The sign out front said 20 dollars, right? I think I have that much, hold on.\"\n\nI then held up my hand, stopping her \"The spirits are telling me to be generous, I will only accept 5 dollars for this reading.\"\n\n\"Are you sure? That doesn't seem fair...\" I simply nod \"Okay, if you're sure...\" She said, retrieving a 5 dollar bill from her pocket and placing it on the table, standing up and turning to leave, smiling one last time \"Thank you, I really needed to hear that...Mr. Phony Fortune Teller\" realizing what she had meant and remembering what I said, I clapped my hand over my mouth, panicking, but she only laughed again \"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone\" and with that, she left the tent.\n\nNow on my own, I let out a heavy sigh and slumped in my seat, drained, I hear someone else enter, I look up and see that it's only the stage magician of our travelling show, still dressed in her performance outfit\n\n\"She seemed happy\" she observed, pointing a thumb towards the entrance \"you tell her something good? Was it about her love life?\" \n\n\"No...I think\" I said, leaning my head back and placing a hand over my eyes as I smiled \"I think I gave her something better than that, something she really needed to hear...\"\n\n\"Ha! Y'know, for a fraud, you care too much about the people you con\" she joked, smiling warmly at me, then she noticed the 5 dollars on the table and her smile became a small frown \"Maybe a bit too much...is that all you made from her!?\" Oh great, from one problem to another, maybe I should ask the spirits for help? \n\n---\n\nAnd that's that, I tried to be both uplifting and funny at the same time, I hope it worked out!", "I'm the great fortune teller Cassandra. I tell the future to those who dare seek to find me. I advise the weak to become the strong and allow them to see their feats of tomorrow.\n\nWell, not exactly.\n\nMy name is Cassandra. My friends call me Cass. Truth is, I'm a fraud. I have this big fancy tent and crystal ball and lights and smoke, but it's all fake.\n\nThe tent? Amazon. Crystal ball? Glass. Smoke? Machines. Lights? You know the drill.\n\nSome (the right ones) don't believe me and call me a phony. But many come to my humble home of wonder with hope. Usually married couples who really need counseling, old people looking to hear from their past spouses, and young minds just trying for fun.\n\nBut, one day, I got a strange visitor.\n\nA man came to my office. He wasn't any different from the people you see on the streets. He looked to be in his mid thirties. He was clean shaven with neatly combed hair, a nice shirt with black pants free of creases. He looked fine, but his eyes looked sad. The more I looked at him, the more I noticed the black under his eyes and the gray hairs.\n\n\"Welcome to a place of fascination!\" He only nodded in reply, \"What would you like to know today.\"\n\nHe speak softly, but his voice deep and firm. \"Is there anything in the future to live for.\"\n\nThis question startled me. It was depressing, not the joy my customers usually brought. I had to think for a moment.\n\n\"Everything.\" I said, finally. \"Look around you. Look outside. Take a walk. The sun shines bright, bring hope for a new day each morning. And, as it sets, it send vibrant colors in the air. Each day the colors change. Don't you want to see every combination?\"\n\nHe nodded and took out his wallet to pay me.\n\n\"No need, sir.\" He looked at me confused. \"All I request is a walk with you.\"\n\nHe shrugged and we left the tent together. I led us toward a nice park.\n\nAn old woman sat on the bench, tossing bread crumbs to pigeons. Small children chased each other, playing what seemed to be tag. A man and a woman hugged, holding their baby tight. A butterfly flew passed each scene, landing on a bush of flowers.\n\n\"See that woman over there? She does this everyday. Her name is Ruth. She brings food to the birds and feeds them everyday. We shouldn't bother her now, but if you speak to her tomorrow, you could make a great friend.\" \n\nHe nodded.\n\n\"A those kids? They come here every other weekend. Today it seems like they're playing tag. They play a different game each week. You should see the ones they make up!\" I laughed. \"They're a bright bunch. They'll grow up to be amazing people. If you talk to them, you can guide them.\"\n\nNo response, but he looked a bit brighter.\n\n\"The couple comes to my tent often. They were hoping for a baby when they first came to me, and now they have Thomas, they're little bundle of joy. If you stick around, you can watch him grow, too.\"\n\nThe baby cooed and the man beside me smiled.\n\n\"And look at these beautiful flowers. Each year they seem to bloom brighter and bright. And the butterflies return. You can befriend them if you try hard enough.\"\n\nAs if on cue, the butterfly landed on my shoulder. I laughed and it circled the head of the man beside me, who now looked a bit happier.\n\nHe returned with me to my tent.\n\n\"Here's my number,\" I said, giving him a slip of paper. \"If you ever need anyone to talk to, don't hesitate to call me.\"\n\nHe nodded and smiled. \"Thank you.\"\n\nHe left and I returned to my craft.\n\nI hope he's happy.", "\"Next, please.\"\n\nA young girl walks in, dragging her feet as she goes. She looks no older than 15. She lifts her head slightly to regard the fortune teller, revealing dull, weary, blue eyes partially obscured by her dirty blonde hair. Her black hoodie is too big for her, like a large bag draped over her small frame, reaching to her mid thigh. Black jeans cover her legs. \n\nThe fortune teller gestures for her to sit. \"What would you like to ask?\" He runs his hands across his tarot cards and strokes his crystal ball. \"I can tell you something from your future: your future romance, your wealth, your life... all you need to do is ask.\"\n\n\"Is there anything in the future to live for?\" She whispers, quivering. \"Anything worth struggling a few more years? Anything, just anything at all?\" Her voice breaks.\n\nThe fortune teller does not respond. While he is a fraud, with no ability to see the future, he can guess at the past. He sees the girl's scars across her forearms and legs, which she desperately hides with her sleeves and jeans. He sees her attempts to starve in her tiny frame. But most of all, he reads her worn out eyes, eyes that beg for someone to notice, \"help. I'm tired. I can't live anymore. I want to give up.\" Anything he says could determine the girl's fate.\n\nThe girl's attention is fixed on him, pleading for reassurance but also fearful of hope. The fortune teller begins to speak.\n\n\"There is everything to live for. There's a myriad of fates laid out before you, and all are waiting for you to live until then to make those decisions and chose a different possibility. I see struggles that lead to success, and I see struggles that lead to failures. But I see you getting up again, after every failure, and challenging it again. And again. Until you win. I see the friends you'll meet, people who you can trust, who will support you, just as you will support them. Curiously, I can't see any more. Your future is yours to chose, yours to live for.\"" ]	4
(They're not give the jobs to the soldiers cause they need them prepared at all times.)	[WP] You're a College Student who is temporarily working as a Janitor in a military base. Everything was normal until you hear a loud explosion then the intercom saying "Emergency, The Thrilxaks are now attacking the base, All Soldiers, go to your positions, Guard Container AH-128 at all cost."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Not again! Not now!” I said, worried about my pregnant girlfriend.\n\nI went to Container AH-128 thinking that it would be the most guarded and thus safest place. That was a big mistake. The shooting began and soldiers fell one by one. I braced and sat in the floor.\n\nWhen all seemed lost, one soldier grabbed an unknown object from inside the container and gave it to me.\n\n“Here. Take it as far from here as you can. They don’t know you’re here. Now run, run!”\n\nAnd so I did. I ran like there was no tomorrow while I could only hear screams from behind, completely ignorant of the adventure that was ahead of me.\n\nAnd that, son, is why your name is AH-128, now shut up and go to bed!" ]	2
	[WP] "I know it sounds stupid but the Prophecy was very specific. Now put on the hat, stand on one leg and quack like a duck."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Slowly I set down my cup of tea onto my desk and gazed at the next potential hero of legend. The young teenager wearing a wide felt brim hat and standing on one leg doing in all fairness a substandard quacking. The young man suddenly stopped returning to standing on two feet and taking off the hat and throwing it on the ground. \n\n\"This, this is probably some sort of twisted joke are you sure I have to do this?\" \"I know it sounds stupid but the Prophecy was very specific. Now put on the hat, stand on one leg and quack like a duck.\" \"I, you know what I can't do it I'm not the hero of legend and I understand now why the title has not been taken\" \n\nSlowly I pulled one of my desks drawers open and removed the old dusty book and flipped onto the first page. The old esoteric writing was nearly perfect and symmetrical as I handed the book over to the young boy. A look of confusion crossing his face as he looked over the first section. \n\n.\n\n\"Congratulations you passed the first test of many. And by extension have some ability and common sense in that nearly empty void of yours.\" \"So I passed, just a quick question: how many people fail that test?\" \"Too many if I'm honest it's actually astonishing how many people will do that for ten minutes.\" \n\n\"Can I have the text back now\" \"sorry here you are\". Carefully I took the book flipping to the next page and leaning back in my chair and setting my feet on the desk. \"So why are you trying to become the hero of legend? Was it the fame and glory if so you might want to quit now.\" \n\n\"Look I came all this way from my village to take this trail and I'm going to succeed and prove I am the hero.\" \"yea, yea I've heard it a thousand times already from a hundred different people. Not a single one had the gumption to carry on past this next trail.\" \n\n.\n\n\"You are a nasty person do you know that\" \"I am very well aware it's the reason I got this wonderful position in the first place. Now then\" slowly I leaned back forward taking my feet off the table and standing up. \"We are going for a small walk down to the academy's gardens, follow me or don't I really do not care.\" \n\nNonchalantly I pushed open the office door and started walking down the hallway. The great stained glass windows painting the stone flooring with multi colored light. \"Am I allowed to know what the next test is?\" \"In this case yes we are going to see if you can pull the sword from the stone.\" \n\n\"Sword in the stone you mean the one merlin the great wizard planted into solid rock that sword.\" \"Yes actually not many know about that little tidbit what is your name?\" \"Arthur and you are\" \"Ah the name is sir mordred the twenty eighth of the house of Camlann.*\" " ]	2
	[WP] You dream the same dream you’ve had for a week, that you’re being hunted by a group of particular people who know you’re dreaming, only this time, they catch you, and when they do, you realise you can’t wake 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Part 1\n\nThey’re hunting me. I don’t know why. I don’t know how. But I know.\n\nI race down the hallway, the tile floor sticky to my bare feet. A distant part of my mind marvels -- the detail of this place, of this dream -- for, it is, I know, a dream -- its... unreal. Vivid. Lifelike. The air smells stale. That, alone, makes me nervous. When has the air in a dream ever smelled stale? When have you ever found that the tinny, high-pitched ringing of the fluorescent lights above give you a headache, in a dream? When have you ever felt that ache in your muscles - a stitch in your side, that burn in the back of your throat from running too long, too hard, in a dream? It’s all too real. And still, I know. They are coming. Run.\n\nI duck into a broom cupboard. At least, I think it is a broom cupboard. I can’t read the language on the sign out front - it doesn’t look like any language I’ve ever seen; the letters strange, swirling things - all curves, no straight edges. But the small room feels like a broom cupboard, and inside there are things that look like cleaning equipment. Square buckets. Long handled brushes. Plastic bags filled with strange colored liquids held semi-rigid by plastic meshes. And, it smells, like soap, and bleach. I close the door, shrouding the space in darkness, with only wan line of light sliding in through the slits in the panelled door, motes of dust dancing in their pale beams. Feeling along the door, I find a dial, and turn it. Something clicks. A lock, I hope. Running footsteps echo outside as my pursuers catch up. I put an eye to the door, shifting my head until I’m lined up with a slit. And, for the first time, I see them.\n\nThey’re human. Human looking, anyways. For some reason, in this dream, this surprises me. I was expecting... something, else, somehow. More alien. They wear what could loosely be called dark suits, sharp angular lines separating differing shades of gray and black running the length of their jackets. I can’t see their faces - my slit only shows me their midriffs, but this is enough to give me pause. I can see that they wear, on their hips, something that is undoubtedly a weapon. It seems the shape of a firearm is more foundational than that of a bucket or bottle. I hear them speak, the strange, guttural, sliding sound filtering through the door. I can’t understand them, but if their tones don’t communicate their malice, the way their hands stroke the hilts of their weapons does. Abruptly, footsteps sound, again, closer. Someone, out of sight of my slit, approaching the door. I hold my breath and flatten myself against the far wall, as tightly as I can. Wake up! I scream at myself. Silently, I beg for the chimes of my alarm, for the angry beeps of a car alarm, for anything. I push on that thin barrier, between sleep and wakefulness. Stretch out myself towards my distant body, somehow, strain to just open my eyes. To flee from this place. These people.\n\nThe doorknob rattles. A voice, right outside. Harsh, but excited. Hungry. It knows. The doorframe shakes. I reach, push. And, just as the door buckles, a booted foot smashing through its petty lock, I feel it. Wakefulness. My bed, beneath me. My covers, twisted as I’ve tussled feverishly in my sleep. My own skin, as sweaty there as here. And, with a... twisting, sensation, I seize it. I wake up.\n\nThe fan spun lazily above me, making slow circles in the waxing morning light. Outside, the streets of New Delhi have already filled with noise, despite the early hour. I’ve soaked the sheets through, naked body tangled aggressively in bedding, but still. I was awake.\n\nNika stood in the doorway, leaning on the frame, arms crossed, watching me, concerned.\n\n“It’s getting worse” She said, face hurt. Scared. \n\n“It’ll be fine, Nik” I said, sighing and disentangling my limbs from the sheets. “It’s just stress. The move, the jetlag, everything. Who wouldn’t find their sleep a little disrupted.” I forced a smile, hoping she wouldn’t see through it, see that I was still bone weary, that my heart was still beating a frantic gallop, its runaway pattering making it hard to think. \n\n“Yeah?!” She asked, angrier, now. “A little disrupted? Is that what you call this?” She gestured at the bed, where great damp patches dotted the surface. “Is that what you call it where I can’t wake you up for hours on end? Where I can just watch you twist and turn, cry out and yell?”\n\n“You tried to wake me?” I said, momentarily alarmed, looking at her as I struggled to pull on a pair of shorts. That would be new. \n\n“Yes, John!” She practically yelled. “I’ve been trying to wake you up since 4 am! Not all of that is your sweat, you know -- I dumped a pitcher of water on you at one point. I was this close” she held up her thumb and forefinger, nearly touching, “to calling an ambulance.” \n\n“Nik!” I cut in, alarmed, “We can’t afford--”\n\n“Yes, I know, John! Why do you think I didn’t.” Nika sighed, letting her back slide down the doorframe till she sat on the floor. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take, John.” She said, softly. She sounded as exhausted as I felt.\n\nI walked over to her, the thin breeze from the fan cold on my still bare back.\n\n“It’ll get better, Nika.” I said. “I promise.”\n\nShe nodded, but without any real conviction. I stayed by her side for some time, rubbing her back, and feeling sick. Sick with worry, myself. Sick with guilt. Guilt, because I hadn’t told her everything. I hadn’t told her about my uncle, whose slow descent into madness wasn’t spoken of in our family. Whose long, sleepness nights were interspersed with bouts of crazed rambling and comatose bouts of catatonia. Ramblings of hunters in the dream. Of a machine, stolen. Of strange worlds and impossible places. Ramblings that grew more fervent, more mad, until, one day, he just never woke up. Lying still, ever since, in the coma word of an upstate New York hospital. I didn’t know what horrors played in Nika’s head, but I knew my own, all too well." ]	2
	[WP] When you were a child, it was foretold that your soul would be collected by someone who knocked three times at your door. Now you're an adult and you hear three knocks. You look over at your best friend, the Grim Reaper, who shrugs. "It isn't me," he says.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "When I was just a boy, my ancient, decrepit, and dusty great-aunt, told me my future. She smelled like elderberries, looked vaguely like a human-sized hamster, had worked in astro-engineering before retiring, and nobody was quite sure how she was related to the rest of us. However, she told me, in clear and precise terms, that I would do well in school, that I would lose one eye in a cheese-related accident, that I would date both boys and girls, and that when my time was up, someone would knock three times at my door to let me know. With knocks so loud and terrible that they would reverberate into the very core of my soul.\n\nI replied to her with total confidence. ''Cool beans, great-aunty Gertrudia Maxima III.'' In my defence, I was four years old and didn't really get cosmic significance yet, after all, I had only recently discovered object permanence and how mirrors worked. Three years later I got hit in my left eye with a thrown brie cheese, and lost the eye, and I did reasonably well in school, though my eye-hand coordination needed some work. Indeed, I dated both woman, and men. But I also had a fling with the genderless anthropomorphic personification of the concept of Time at one point, nice individual, but we were sadly emotionally incompatible, they living in all the time that was, all the time that is, and all the time that may one day come, me being stuck in a linear existence.\n\nSo I didn't exactly feel the need to question that I would die after three exceptionally loud and horribly knocks. One day, while me and my best friend from college, you probably know him, tall, skinny, dressed in a robe spun from the primordial night of the universe, always wielding a scythe with a blade forged from pure entropy, you know, Grim, were hanging out, it happened. Honestly, pretty cool guy. So we were sharing some pizza at my place, playing a friendly game of competitive Halo multiplayer in Bloodgulch, when I heard an earthshattering knock. It was like the leaden bells that would ring in the end of all known existence. Then came another, sounding and feeling like the San Andreas Fault had finally given up and let California slide into the Pacific Ocean. And then, like the glacier crashing into the Titanic, came the third knock.\n\nWorried, I looked over at Grim, who simply shrugged. With his cold rasping crypt-voice, he spoke. ''It isn't me.'' Dreading my upcoming death, I was nearly unable to act, yet some doom-driven part of me forced my living body to rise from the beanbag it had been deposited in. Feeling like I was walking that long mile to the executioner, I walked over to the door. Filled with trepidation at the prospect of the end of existence, I slowly opened the door.\n\nAnd beheld absolutely nothing. Except the door on the other side of the condo hallway. I turned my head to the left, and only saw Mrs. Davidson trying to hide the fact that she was a selkie rather badly as she had once again forgotten that she had opened the door while wearing her sealskin. To my right I saw the distant window, from where sounds of merriment, so alien now to me, came from the eternal party across the street, where those who enter must party for eternity. I looked up and saw the ceiling which as usual was covered in a truly abominable amount of spiderwebs, curtsy of the new spider civil rights movement that had finally given spiders equal rights under the law and the right to marry people. I had nothing against spiders, even dated one on the sly a couple of years ago, before it went legal, but those webs up there were never maintained or cleaned properly. Damn shame.\n\nAt long last I looked down. And I saw my doom. It was a beautiful day, and in front me stood a horrible goose. It honked, and with one fell swoop, it took my soul with its toothed beak. I yelled ''Get back here you!'' and as it ran with my poor soul clenched in its beak, I followed behind in fast pursuit." ]	2
	[WP] After death people are allowed to come back for 1 hour anytime anyplace. People usually return for sentimental occasions like weddings or milestone anniversaries/birthdays. The fanfare of someone returning is viral and sensationalized everywhere. It has been a week since anyone came back.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "When no one came at first we were surprised. But surprise turned to sorrow, sorrow turned to wanting, wanting turned to people seeking answers and of course since no one returned they made up their own.\n\nIt has been 1000 years since someone has returned and most people thought of it as a legend told by religious lunatics who held back those who strive for the stars. When the first appeared it wasn’t believed, when the second came some were convinced and then they came in droves. Not only those from our timeline but those who came in swarms from the forgotten times. To them no time has passed, it’s as if nothing has happened. No one knows the truth. No one that is, except you.\n\nEdit: I’m sorry I know this is very vague but it just gave me an idea for something fun that I could build off of even if you’re just curious. Your prompt was interesting to me." ]	2
	[WP] “Get up soldier, this is the afterlife not a god dammed vacation. We’ve got a war to fight” “Against who?” “God”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I swung my head around, but couldn’t see a thing. White light pierced my eyes, stinging them.\n\nI heard loud whistling sounds, then explosions that sent tremors up my feet and into my legs.\n\nThe voice barked at me again. “I said get up, soldier! I ain’t gonna ask again!”\n\nMy eyes refocused, and the white, burning light faded, and solidified into a vast landscape of white grassy land dappled with dark black streams. Mountains rose above the horizon, beneath a black endless sky.\n\nI felt a few drops of warm rain on my shoulders, then it began to pour. I looked up and focused on the source of the barking orders. “If you don’t pick yourself up now, I’m gonna shoot you in the head!”\n\nI lifted myself up and felt like I weighed a thousand pounds. Then everything went black and my ears were ringing.\n\nSmoke clogged my lungs, and I struggled to move. I felt sensation returning to my skin, and tasted the soot in my nostrils.\n\nTime started to move at a normal rate again, and I became aware that I was in the middle of a hellish nightmare.\n\nThe ringing receded, and I heard the barking orders again. “Follow me or you’re on your own.”\n\nI gazed through the haze, and stumbled forward, following the man through the gray mass of smoke.\n\nA moment later we had emerged from the mire, and I could finally focus on the man who had been yelling at me.\n\nHe had an old, weathered face, tan like leather. Wrinkles around the mouth, sad bags beneath the eyes. He’d seen a lot.\n\nI didn’t question him, I knew intuitively that I had to do whatever he commanded. He knew me, I could tell.\n\nHe pointed to a mountain in the distance. “That’s where you’re going.”\n\n“What about you ?” I asked.\n\n“Don’t ask questions. Take this.”\n\nHe handed me an old rifle, with a spear on the end, the type they used in the civil war. I laughed under my breath, and the man gave me a reproachful glance. “Looks can deceive. Just pull the trigger, when the time comes.”\n\n“When what time comes?”\n\n“When you have to kill God.”\n\nI didn’t respond. I didn’t even process his statement. I just held the old wooden weapon and stared at the distant, craggy mountain.\n\nLooking down at the rifle, I saw a soft white glow peeking through the muzzle.\n\nThe man handed me a compass, and told me to follow North. Always North, no matter what. Then he took off running in the opposite direction, kicking dust and soot in the air.\n\nI felt vibrations coming from that area, and saw flames rising up. I looked at the compass, and slid the rifle behind my back.\n\nGod... that man was a lunatic. But I was alone now, holding only a compass and an old glowing rifle.\n\nI held the compass up so I could see it clearly. A brass hoop with a red and white needle spinning slowly. \n\n“North”.\n\nThe needle spun, and rested pointing toward the monolithic gray mountain peak.\n\nOut of pure confusion, I decided to follow my orders. It seemed like a dream.\n\nAs I walked through the white grass, I realized it was, in fact, ashes covering the ground, and every crevice and crack in the dirt.\n\nMy foot left deep prints behind me as I stomped through the dusty meadow.\n\nIt was dead and lifeless, cold and barren here. The explosions had receded, and I was left listening to my own heaving breaths.\n\nThe mountain seemed to stay the same size, no matter how long I walked. Eventually I would need to rest, yet I felt no fatigue.\n\nThe terrain began to turn rough and muddy, the white ash more dispersed upon the ground. Suddenly the mountain was in front of me, I had barely noticed it approaching.\n\nAs I stepped closer, I noticed a cave. The mouth in the facade of the mountain arched over a small cove filled with still water. In the water sat a small rickety boat made of burnished brown wood.\n\nAs I approached the boat, I could make out detailed carvings. Who would put such effort into something like this, here of all places?\n\nCarefully, cautiously, I stepped to the edge of the cove, searching the boat for signs of life. It was sparse and empty aside from a long, weathered oar made of ancient wood.\n\nSeeing no other option, I pulled the boat toward me with my boot, and stepped aboard. I held the oar and tested its weight. Perfectly balanced.\n\nI scooped it in the water and began to paddle the boat into the cave. As I entered, the space went black, and all I perceived was the sound of water splashing against the oar.\n\nThe silence was pervasive and painful. \n\nI paddled, and didn’t stop until my rifle started to dig into my back. I threw the rifle on the floor of the boat and dropped down, holding my head. I was in the middle of a pitch black cave, blind and alone.\n\nI could end it now, and just use the rifle on myself.\n\nNo.\n\nI lifted myself up, and paddled even harder. I didn’t know where I was going, or why, but I was going to finish something for once in my life. Nothing happens by accident, I was supposed to be here. No more quitting, I had to know the truth.\n\nI paddled as hard as I could, panting and heaving, water splashing violently. Ahead I saw a warm light. The light grew in intensity, filling the passage. The boat began to float on its own, until I arrived at a bend. \n\nI maneuvered around the turn and hit a rocky embankment. I picked up my rifle and slung it over my shoulder, leaping out of the boat in one motion. I kicked the boat away, and followed the sound of laughter, first a slight hum, then a loud raging echo.\n\nA tall rising staircase made of thick chunky stone blocks lead upward, way far into the air. I could smell a light steam, like baked bread.\n\nAs I stepped up the steep stairs, the bread smell and boisterous laughter grew more intense.\n\nI began to rush upward, taking two stairs at a time. My heart was racing, and I knew I was close.\n\nI saw a red wooden door at the top of the limitless staircase, and threw all of my weight at it.\n\nThe door flung away, hinges scattering, and I fell to the floor.\n\nIt was white marble, with black streaks curling like ink in water.\n\n“Here he is.”\n\nI lifted my throbbing head, surrounded by cackling laughter, a dozen pairs of eyes staring straight through me.\n\nI reached back for my rifle, and aimed it in the direction of the voice.\n\n“Let me help you.”\n\nThe man flicked his finger, and I pulled the trigger.\n\nClick.\n\n“You passed the test, young man. Even at the most unbearable stage, you kept pushing. You could have ended it, you had all the opportunity in the world.”\n\n“It wasn’t loaded.”\n\n“It never was,” the man said.\n\n“What if I’d pulled the trigger, down in the cave?”\n\n“Then you would have had to start over. There is no room for quitters here.”\n\n“So it’s over now?”\n\nThe man disappeared, and everything went white.\n\n“It’s just begun.”", "I smiled to myself. It seemed even the afterlife was not safe from this thing called war.\n\n\"Get up!\" the same voice bellowed at me.\n\nWith not a second to spare, I replied:\n\n\"Yes, sir\".\n\nOrders were absolute, that was drilled in my head a long time ago.\n\nMy eyes flew open and my body was standing up straight within a few seconds, I started to march just like the rest. It took a moment to take in the scene in front of me. We were in the middle of a plain field with only wild grass spread out in every direction and a blue cloudless sky to compliment the whole scene. The only thing that looked out of place in this peaceful picture was the huge line of soldiers in front of me. We marched one behind the other in a neat row. Complete silence. Everyone was dressed in the same dark blue uniform, no weapons, just a knife for every warrior. Strange, but I said nothing. Soldiers do not ask questions, they just do as they are told.\n\nA couple of minutes ago, in my previous life you might say, I had just been fighting on the front lines of Germany's army in the second world war on earth. There, I was regarded as one of the best soldiers and even respected by my generals. The key to my success was simple - I just did as I was told and didn't question orders. Kill men? I did. Leave comrades to their deaths? I did. Early in life, I had thought I was defective. I felt nothing for every single thing I encountered, living or dead. But war changed that. At my first battle I felt a thrill like never before, it was as if the world had been completely grey before then and only now I saw all it's wonderful colors. The wonderful sound of screams and gunfire had become one of the most pleasant things in my life. Killing was the best of all. A shame that ended so soon, but I guess one can never be fully protected from a stray grenade blowing up in their face.\n\nA huge smile had spread across my lips. I had killed hundreds of men on earth and now I had a chance to kill a god. The details of what was happening didn't matter to me in the slightest.\n\nI thought I was going to hell for sure, but ended up in heaven." ]	3
	[WP] The skies rained meteors, angels and demons fighting on the once populated streets. The apocalypse is here, and you somehow started 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%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns." ]	1
	[WP] The first astronauts have made it to Mars. As they get out of the landing craft, they notice a letter on the ground. They open it and read: "Congratulations on getting this far. The real challenge begins now."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "After a long silence Greene repeated himself into the radio. Maybe they hadn't heard him. \n\n\"Houston, please confirm.\"\n\nInstead of an answer to his question, new orders came.\n\n\"Please secure the article on your ship and maintain silence while you await further instruction.\"\n\nWith a sigh he folded the note and motioned for Francís to return to the Victorum with him. As much as he wanted to clear his head and focus on the mission - collecting what the scientists back at control called element 120 - he couldn't stop thinking. Who left this letter? He looked down at it, and noticed symbols on the front that he hadn't seen before. Was that some kind of equation?\n\nFrancís broke the silence once the spaceship's door was sealed. \"Weird that they haven't asked us for a picture of it huh?\"\n\n\"They're probably trying to figure out what kind of gas leaked on the ship and is making us hallucinate right now\"\n\n\"Come on man, you heard them on the radio. They sounded nervous when we asked them if anyone else could have been here. Why wouldn't they conf-\"\n\nFrancís disappeared mid-question. Before he even had time to wonder what happened Greene was no longer on the Victorum, he was in a bright room with some sort of microphone in front of him. It was well-lit but he couldn't tell where the light came from, it just seemed to emanate from every surface. Greene said a quick prayer before calling out, \"Hello?\"\n\n\"Welcome, human.\"\n\nGreene had a million questions, but all he could manage to get out was \"What is this?\"\n\n\"A ceremony. Your species has reached another planet, and not even 200 years after first harnessing electron power. The congratulations are well-earned indeed.\"\n\nGreene's mind was racing. Was element 120 psychoactive? Did control have them come collect space-acid? This couldn't be reality. \n\n\"Even we took almost 500 years between the two events, when we first examined your planet we never would have expected this rate of progress. I guess your short lifespans have encouraged quick advancement - but current betting odds say in 25 more years you'll have overcome that as well, as we have.\"\n\nThere were so many threads he could pull at here, so many things to ask. It was like this being was intentionally dropping bits of knowledge to intrigue him. He suddenly felt defensive. \"Where is francís? Is he okay?\"\n\n\"Your companion is fine, but we cannot allow you to enter our ship until you've sworn to peace. One thing that no longer surprises us about humans is violence.\"\n\n\"I'm a mathematician and astronaut, not a soldier. I came here for science not to make war. You have my word.\"\n\nJust as before, in a split second Greene was in a new location. Now he saw Francís and...something else... standing before him. It looked almost human, but if humans were made of clay, this creature was made of stone. Every feature of its face seemed sculpted, and he thought he saw a glint of metal around its eyes.\n\nThis thing spoke with the same voice he'd heard in the previous room. \"Hello human. I'm sorry to rush this, I'm sure you have many questions after our introduction but we only have 2 minutes until your command center instructs you to return. We'd like to bring you with us instead, and have you home within 3 of your planet's years. During these years you can learn as much as you want of our science and culture. Your companion has decided to come with us, but if you decide to go home I'll answer 3 of your questions - as a gift.\"\n\n\"Why do you want to take us? And i only get 2 minutes to decide??\"\n\n\"We want you to study a planet for us. Your bodies seem to be better suited to the environment, its very similar to your home planet. You have exactly 78 seconds to decide now, and only one question left.\"\n\nHe didn't think that was fair, but he had no time to debate it. 3 years? He couldn't disappear for that long. What would his wife do without him for 3 years? But what knowledge would he be missing if he went home...? 'No time, don't overthink it', he thought.\n\n\"I can't go, as much as I want to. My question is what is this? I've studied all forms of math that are known to man and never seen some of these operators\" He pointed to the mathlike symbols on the note.\n\n\"A complete mathematical description of what you call dark matter, and a brief example of how to apply it. Your scientists will be able to do many things with it, i think. Good luck, human.\"\n\nAs the last word left his lips, and after a final glance at francís who had sat silent the entire time, Greene was back on his ship.\n\n\"Victorum, return immediately.\"\n\n\"Houston, we made contact. I have so much information. Can i report?\"\n\nAnother long silence over the radio and an unfamiliar voice joined the conversation.\n\n\"Negative. Return immediately.\"\n\nGreene prepared the ship for launch as he pondered everything that just happened. He could hardly place his emotions. Fear of the unknown, but there was something else...excitement. The implications of what the alien told him were astounding. Dark matter! His name would be in books! Beyond selfish thoughts there was an excitement for humanity as a whole. This would push science ahead by decades at least! As he settled into his seat in front of the onboard computer he smiled harder than he had in years, his mind full of thoughts of the future of humans and the stone-man.\n\nHis excitement was interrupted by an alarm coming from the computer. In large white text the words \"Contingency 4L13N Active\" flashed on the screen? 4L13n, is that a joke? \n\n\"Houston? What is contingency 4-L-1-3-N?\"\n\n\"Thank you for your service Victorum. You'll be honored as a hero\"\n\nGreene couldn't comprehend. My service? Honored? Just as he opened his mouth to ask the question everything flashed. There was a split second of intense heat and before he knew what happened, Jerod Greene and the Victorum were no more.\n\nBack at control, the head of communications removed his headset with a solemn look on his face. \n\n\"Mr president, was it necessary?\"\n\n\"You know people are not ready for something like this. It had to be done. Victorum-6 never reached mars.\"" ]	2
	[WP] When necromancy turned out to be viable, the world rushed to defend its graveyards and cemetaries, and to cremate or otherwise destroy as many bodies as possible. In their rush, they forgot that museums are also full of dead bodies - and not just of humans.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "My prizes secure, I moved toward my planned exit through the prehistoric exhibit. It was looking like a much easier night than planned, as long as I didn't run into anyone else like me. And of course, as soon as the thought crossed my mind I would cross paths with someone with the same intentions that I had.\n\n\"You here for the T-rex too?\" he asked, gesturing with his staff (of course he would have a staff) at the giant skeleton behind him.\n\n\"Easy there, buddy,\" I said with my empty hands raised, \"I already got what I came for. The dinosaur is all yours. I ain't into all that bestiality stuff.\" As I spoke, I tried to circle around him to the broken window behind him.\n\nThe necromancer raised his staff, an ugly branch of wood just a couple inches shorter than him, gnarled on one end. \"Sounds like you've grabbed something more valuable. Mind telling me and my friends what you've got?\" Four glowing green eyes appeared in the darkness behind him. Large claws clinked on the tile floor, steadily getting louder. Two spectral sabertoothed tigers emerged, their prehistoric bones wrapped in glowing green ectoplasm. They walked rigidly straight-forward, finally settling on opposite sides of the necromancer. Both cats opened their mouths to bare their fangs and let out a low, rumbling growl.\n\n\"Nothing as impressive as that,\" I said, letting out a whistle, \"though I am surprised you didn't try for the T-rex yourself.\"\n\n\"It'll take too much power, more than I've got right now.\" He motioned to the two cats at his feet. \"But I'm sure I can do just as much with a pack of these, once I get my hands on more bones.\"\n\nI started to move again to the window as he spoke. It took just two steps for the cats to notice me, their heads turning ever so slightly. \"Well good luck to you then. I'm sure you don't want to be wasting time with me then, when you've got places to be. Especially before the police start beefing up security at more museums.\"\n\n\"You're right, but before I go I would like to see what a fellow necromancer like yourself picked up. Perhaps something I may want to acquire one day.\" The growl of the tigers got a little louder and I knew there was no way out of this that didn't end up with one of us dead. \n\nSlowly, I pulled open my coat to reveal a sheathed short gladius sword belted on my left and a black obsidian tecpatl dagger tucked into the right-side of my belt.\n\nThe necromancer's staff lowered and the ghostly eyes of the tigers dimmed slightly. \"I'm sorry, are you just a thief, or perhaps some sort of junk collector?\" he said with a smile that bordered on laughter.\n\nI smiled back, releasing my coat but moving my right hand slowly behind my back. With my left I pointed at the two beasts. \"You're holding them too tightly,\" I said as I gripped the hunting knife tucked behind my back.\n\nHe jerked his head back in confusion, his face contorting. \"What the hell did you just say to me?\" he said, slamming his staff and cracking the tile beneath it. The eyes of the two cats lit up again and the glow of their ectoplasm skin bathed the room in an eerie green.\n\nAnd that was all the one second I needed. I reached out mentally to the ancient weapons, connecting with them and the spirits of their wielders. I drew their spirits into me, feeling their them overlay onto my mine and filling my body with power. My body gave off its own ghostly green glow as I bolted forward.\n\nNo one knows if it's because the human spirit is actually stronger than an animal's spirit, or if necromancers are just able to draw more power from humans because we, too, are human. Either way, it's why most necromancers manipulate human spirits and bodies: the power we get from a human is just stronger than an animal. Plus, the weapons I'd taken weren't just replicas, they were real tools of death. Each had been used many times by a single owner, thus attaching not only a sliver of each of its victim's souls to the weapon but also a shadow of their former owner. The dozens of human souls cut down by the gladius and the hundreds sacrificed by the tecpatl boosted my speed and strength so supernatural limits as I streaked forward, enough that I could take down two sabertoothed tigers. That is definitely a point in my favor.\n\nExcept that the other guy was wielding the spirits of two fucking sabertoothed tigers! Age is another factor in the strength of a spirit and how much power a necromancer could draw upon: the older the spirit, the stronger the construct tends to be. And both of his were at least a million years old. Point to him.\n\nStill, I sprinted forward, secure in my one last advantage: I wasn't afraid to kill. There's a little voice in all human beings that tell us that taking another human life is wrong. It makes us slow and hesitant when faced with the choice or opportunity. It's why soldiers train so hard to make sure the actions they need to take are second-nature, so that little voice doesn't have a chance to interrupt what needs to be done.\n\nLooking into the other necromancer's eyes as I got closer, I could see the uncertainty on his face, the hesitation causing him to seize up. To be honest, I would have too. But I wasn't alone. Marcellus fought in battles and campaigns against a variety of enemies his entire military career. His training pushed my (our?) body forward, right passed the two ancient spectral cats and right up to the other man. The Aztec priest (even with him in my body, I couldn't pronounce his name correctly) sacrificed hundreds upon his alter in service to his gods. He'd seen death up close, and been the dealer of it every single time. We didn't hesitate. The knife plunged between the ribs and up into the heart of the other necromancer, all before his cats even gained their feet. With my shoulder, I shoved hard and drove him to the ground. I planted myself on top of him, then twisted the knife. He let out a scream and his will holding the cats together vanished, the bones clattered loudly on the floor.\n\n\"You were holding them too tightly,\" we said, our three voices amplified into a kind of disjointed chorus. \"Too much control and they don't act like the predators they are. I could tell when I first saw them. What kind of cat walks so rigidly, and in a straight line? You had then moving more like a human would than a cat. If you loosened the reins a little, they would've reacted quicker and gotten me before I'd gotten you.\" We shrugged and pulled the knife out. \"Oh well, something to remember when you join the great beyond.\" Then we slashed the knife across his throat.\n\nI wiped the blood on the necromancer's cloak before sheathing the knife behind my back. I picked up a fang from the cat skeletons and held it up to my face. Curiosity struck and I poured power into the fang. I felt the spirit of the sabertoothed tiger begin to envelope me. I dropped onto all fours. My sight might've diminished slightly, but my sense of smell and hearing revealed a whole new world to me. I felt myself let out a roar as my consciousness started to fade. I jerked my mind out, shoving the tiger spirit back into the fang and dropping it onto the floor. My heart raced even faster than it had been just moments ago facing off against the other necromancer. I focused on just taking deep breaths, my eyes closed. Another minute and the spirit of the ancient cat would've consumed me. Slowly, I stooped over and picked up the fang, holding it between two fingers. The feeling though, all that strength and coiled power, the opening up of all my senses, it was exhilarating! I shook with excitement at the idea of trying it again once I had more power. I plucked the tooth from the other sabertoothed tiger, just in case that cat might feel a bit different.\n\nThen I turned to look at the enormous Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, shivering at the idea of all that strength and power and ferocity in my hands. I wanted it. Throwing it like a javelin (thanks Marcellus) I knocked the head of the T-rex to the ground. I grabbed a tooth, and then took several more, just in case. Prizes secure, I climbed out the broken window and into the night. Now all I needed was more power to fully enjoy my new toys.", "I have waited thirty years for this day.\n\nLate in the Cold War with Russia, humanity discovered the ability to raise the dead. Pop culture referred to this practice as Necromancy at the time and the name stuck. It wasn’t so much a science as a long lost art form. It is widely though that the ancient Egyptians first discovered the practice and it was lost to time until a cultist named Noah Jacobson accidentally figured it out in 1989. They secretly used it over the next year to end the Cold War, but shortly after that it leaked to the public.\n\nThere was a mad scramble by the government to lock down all of the graveyards nationwide. By 1992 the United Nations had already placed a ban on Necromancy because of how easily it could cause fear and panic. By 2000, there had been studies done showing the dangers of the practice and laws had gone up to keep it from getting into the hands of the public. It was guarded even more strictly than nuclear material, and rightly so because it was much, much more dangerous in the wrong hands. All deceased were required from that point on to be cremated, regardless of religious beliefs.\n\nI first learned of it in 1996, when my class took a field trip to a museum. There was an exhibit about the ancient Egyptians and the guide mentioned Necromancy. From then on, I learned as much as I could. I read fantasy books, I read non-fiction books, I even managed to talk to someone once who claimed to know how it was done, but he never could prove it.\n\nIn my college days I got really good at researching and in my spare time I continued my education about Necromancy. There was almost nothing explaining how it worked, and I could never find a method that actually worked. I frequented the used book stores and rare book sellers in my area and one day my dream came true. The guy was foreign and didn’t know what he had, but I knew it from the minute I opened it that I had found a copy of a book on how Necromancy actually worked! I contained my excitement as I paid for the book and quickly rushed home.\n\nAs I poured over the book in my dorm room, I realized something profound. The book never said Necromancy only affected human bodies. That night, I snuck into the science department and stole one of the mice they used for dissections. Using the steps I learned in my book, I successfully brought it back to life!\n\nIt was amazing! The feeling was better than any drug! Better than sex! Better than… well anything I had ever known! I was addicted. I needed more.\n\nBut I knew the only way I could continue this practice was to change the way the world thought.\n\nI needed to show the government that I was in control.\n\nI remembered the day I first heard of Necromancy. That day in 1996 in the museum. There were all kinds of dead things in the museum that I could resurrect. My book said there were no limits to how long something had been dead, anything could be brought back.\n\nThe next day I visited a museum again. I risked using my new found power just a little to see if I could form a connection with a dinosaur skeleton. I could feel the twinge, like a needle pressing against my skin, and I made it twitch almost imperceptibly. Even that was enough.\n\nI have planned this out carefully. There is a large exhibit coming to the same museum today. It hosts the largest collection of prehistoric skeletons the world has ever seen. After today, that exhibit will be my own personal walking army. And as it moves, my army only grows stronger.\n\nThis is a declaration. My name is Ethan Iverson and on this day, March 28th, 2026, I am going to change the world.", "The town museum stood out in the middle of part like a glowing stone in a well.\nThe marble sparkling in the moon light.\n\nIt’s ancient pillars stood like something from fantasy.\n\nAnd soon something of fantasy will come true...\n\n\nAt the very back of the building stood a young women. Hair tied back letting her see the large wall she had to scale.\n\nHer black skirt flapped in the wind as her booted feet leaped from edge to edge of the buildings pillars, her laced gloves ripping with each landing. \n\nBefore the rest of the skin on her palms could rip off she made her way through the small window, her waist barely fitting through.\n\nTrying her best not to land on head, she tumbled onto the polished floor of the second story of the museum. \n\nQuickly getting to her feet, she pulled a candle from her pocket holding it out in front of her.\n\nFor a second she stood in the darkness, her eyes glued to the wick and then...it lit up.\n\nAfter giving a small grin she quickly made her way to the large staircase. \nThe wall on the side of it covered in small glass panels full of bugs and snakes, though that wasn’t big enough for her.\n\nShe scanned the large room, holding her candle out to see the writing on the tablets.\n\n“Tasmanian- no”\n\n“Fossil of- no”\n\n“...yes”\n\nShe saw the marble slab and golden tablet and she knew she had found it. Even in the dim light of the candle she could see the large towering figure in her mind. \n\nTrying her best to calm her shaking hands she pulled down her backpack, laying her candle on the floor.\n\nUnzipping the bag she pulled out the requiring items. Candles, raw steaks, a bark of wood, a handful of sand.\n\nThe instructions burned into her head she began.\n\nSand poured out in a circle, bark crushed and mixed with the sand. Candles placed around the circle.\n\nTrying not to burn herself from the lit flames, she stepped into the circle.\n\n\nHer deep breath shook the tense lungs inside her. Then out again, in a deep voice...\n\n\n“Great beast of the past, your death come to soon. Taking the light out from under you, fooling you into his cold hands. I command you to rise from those cold grasps, take my hand, rises from the body of the earth and into the warm inbrace of the sun. rise my beast! Rise and join me in the sun! Rise! Rise!....\n\n\n\nRISE MY GREAT BEAST!!”\n\nThe flames of the candles roast to the ceiling, ropes of fire dancing around the witch as her word echoed through the marble walls.\n\nWith that the meat of the steak began to peel away from her hands, much moving into the darkness as she could feel the sand and bark swimming around her feet, cutting her skin.\n\nMeat, raw and weak, its hands grabbing the bones of the beast, shielding it from the cruel wind. Then thickened and thickened till it’s strength grew to scales of green.\n\nBones that had been forever still moved with creak, it’s jaws widening and letting out a cry that shook the floor.\n\n“Good morning....my beast!”", "There had been several small scale attempts by idiots with no idea of the scope of such magic as had been discovered. As always it took a great mind to see past silly human zombies and risen pets to something grander, something nearly holy. \nIt wasn’t hard to break into the museum. All the police were too busy with the mass cremations of the human dead. I saw the alarm go off as I passed a diorama of a cave settlement. Chuckling wryly to myself I knew it wouldn’t be enough time to stop what I was about to do. I did hasten my pace though to avoid any interference. As I entered the Jurassic exhibit I nearly lost my nerve. They were so large, so devastating. I cast my arms out and spoke the incantation making the appropriate gestures to be able to reach into the bones and revitalize the marrow of millennia long death. \nI heard a siren in the distance but it was far too late. Mu will was already floating towards the numerous denizens I would soon control. I got to the first one and, nothing...I felt nothing. shaken I went to the next. Nothing. My concentration was nearly shattered but I flung it towards the mighty t-Rex, desperately willing it to life. Nothing but silence from the bones while police men surrounded me, forcing me to my knees. \nThe cop looked almost sympathetic. “Don’t you know all these skeletons are plaster molds?”", "Those puny humans. Let them protect their graveyards. I have greater plans in mind.\n\nTonight they are bringing a new exhibit to the museum. Such ignorance to think that something fossilized cannot be brought back. If it once lived, it can live again. Oh look at the time, the show is almost starting. But first, I must feed my dogs.\n\nHidden behind an unimaginably huge curtain stood the new specimen. Thousands of people gathered to have the first glance at the new gem of archeology. I, as the host of the show, started speaking. \"Ladies and gentlemen, we gathered here today to...\" my lip widened into a victorious grin, \"To witness a miracle of life... And death.\" Before I finished my sentence, hordes of long extinct animals screeched in unison as an orchestra of hell. Those from the back seats who rushed for the door were met with three large black dogs, whose flesh was rotting away, guarding the exit. \"People, please, return to your seats, the show is not over yet!\" I shouted overfilled with excitement, \"And now for our final event let us greet our star, the tyrant of old, the one and only, Tyrannosaurus Rex!\" The whole building shook in perfect harmony with the wild roar coming from behind the curtain. The wile beast ran past me, tearing his cover to shreds, and jumped into the audience. \"Oh, such a spectacle, like a rock star!\" I screamed joyfully.\n\nBefore long every human in the room was either crushed, half eaten or torn to pieces. And within a few seconds, all of them stood on their feet again, ready to obey my orders." ]	6

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